| Autor: |
Fernández-Ríos A; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain., Laso J; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain., Amo-Setién FJ; Department of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain., Abajas-Bustillo R; Department of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain., Ortego-Mate C; Department of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain., Fullana-I-Palmer P; UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF, Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain., Bala A; UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF, Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain., Batlle-Bayer L; UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF, Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain., Balcells M; Department of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering, University of Lleida (UdL), Pla de la Massa 8, 08700 Igualada, Spain., Puig R; Department of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering, University of Lleida (UdL), Pla de la Massa 8, 08700 Igualada, Spain., Aldaco R; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain., Margallo M; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain. |
| Abstrakt: |
The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus has become a key concept to promote the cross-sectoral coordination toward sustainable development. In particular, understanding the interdependences of these pillars, as well as addressing a life cycle perspective, is essential when evaluating food production systems. This study explores the environmental impacts and nutritional quality of potato chips, addressing life cycle thinking and a WEF nexus approach. For this purpose, the combined application of life cycle assessment (LCA) and the Nutrient-Rich Food 9.3 (NRF9.3) index was considered to identify the main environmental hotspots and advanced opportunities. The results indicated a major contribution of the cultivation stage on water use, whereas the processing accounted for most of the impacts in energy-related indicators and eutrophication potentials. Improvement opportunities reside in the joint application of drip irrigation, allowing to achieve important water savings, as well as the use of natural gas or pellets instead of diesel, which constitute cleaner energy sources. On the other hand, a poor nutritional density of potato chips became evident from the quantification of the NRF9.3, which can be significantly improved if potatoes undergo a roasted process instead of frying. |
