Andrea Liliana Moreno-Ríos

Technosols are artificial soils produced from organic and inorganic solid waste to improve soil fertility and functionality. This study evaluated the potential of Technosols produced from household waste from the Altos de Guadalupe residential complex in Colombia to fertilize green areas and promote the growth of Duranta erecta. A physical characterization of waste from 46 houses was performed to estimate per capita production (PPC) and waste composition. Technosols were produced in 20, 50, and 200 L bioreactors using recyclable organic and inorganic waste arranged in 10 layers and composted for three months. A field trial was established with two treatments, soil without Technosols (T1) and soil with Technosols (T2), with three replicates and ten plants per plot (60 plants total). Soil fertility parameters and plant growth variables were evaluated over 300 days. The PPC reached 0.56 kg·capita⁻¹·day⁻¹, and 56.4% of the residues were suitable for Technosol production. Technosol exhibited a pH of approximately 7.1, an organic matter content of 11.1%, and phosphorus and potassium concentrations of 50.3 mg·kg⁻¹ and 2573 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively. Technosol increased soil organic matter by 5.4 percentage points and improved nutrient availability. After 300 days, plant height and root dry matter in T2 were 30% and 41% higher, respectively, than in T1 (p < 0.05). These results show that the use of Technosols on a residential scale can improve urban soil fertility and plant productivity, contributing to the principles of the circular economy and Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 12.

This study investigates organizational actions that foster sustainable development, focusing on two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Conducted in collaboration with a vocational training center and an industrial company in southern Brazil, this research aims to identify successful practices, key factors contributing to failure, and stakeholders’ awareness of sustainability. Adopting a qualitative and exploratory approach, the study collected data through case studies, action research, interviews, direct observation, and focus groups. Data were analyzed through content analysis across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The findings reveal that SDG 12 is linked to economic and environmental aspects, while SDG 4 is associated with social impacts. The study contributes to understanding the gap between sustainability standards and actual implementation, offering practical guidelines to strengthen organizational alignment with the 2030 Agenda.

This study examines organizational actions that promote sustainable development, with a focus on two specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Conducted in collaboration with a vocational training center and an industrial company in southern Brazil, this research aims to identify successful practices, key factors contributing to failure, and stakeholder awareness related to sustainability. Adopting a qualitative and exploratory approach, the study collected data through case studies, action research, interviews, direct observation, and focus groups. Data were analyzed through content analysis across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The findings reveal that SDG 12 is linked to economic and environmental aspects, while SDG 4 is associated with social impacts. The study contributes to understanding the gap between sustainability standards and actual implementation, offering insights to improve organizational alignment with the 2030 Agenda.

Agricultural industrial waste has demonstrated potential as a soil acidity corrector and fertilizer, in addition to reducing environmental impacts caused by inadequate waste disposal. Ornamental rock waste is a sustainable alternative as it contains essential elements for plant growth. (1) Background: this study aims to evaluate using marble waste in SENA and the Gallo Crudo Quarry in Colombia as an acidity mitigator in soils cultivated with maize (Zea mays) in a greenhouse. (2) Method: four treatments were applied: T0: without marble dust—MD; three doses of MD (T1: 1.1 Mg of MD ha⁻¹; T2: 2.2 Mg of MD ha⁻¹; and T3: 3.3 Mg of MD ha⁻¹). After 70 days, soil fertility analyses were carried out. (3) Results: The results show that the chemical properties of the soil improved with all treatments, mainly with T2, influencing the calcium (Ca), carbon (C), sulfur (S), and magnesium (Mg) contents. MD’s pH and Al + H values were higher than conventional treatments. The T2 treatment reduced soil acidity from 0.2 cmol + kg⁻¹ to 0.0 cmol + kg⁻¹ and increased pH to 7.91 compared to the control (5.4). The maize plants in the T2 treatment developed better, indicating that the dose of 2.2 Mg of MD ha⁻¹ can replace commercial limestone. (4) Conclusions: This agroecological technique is an innovative alternative in Colombia, replicable in areas with ornamental rock reserves, benefiting the agricultural economy and contributing to target the Sustainable Development Goals, which promote sustainability, responsible management of natural resources, and a reduction in environmental impacts.

This study explored the potential of coral rock, specifically coquina derived from oyster shells, as a bioadsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater generated by the textile industry. The investigation included an examination of particle size fractions (300 µm and less than 300 µm) and thermal treatment; the investigation involved drying at 120 °C and calcination at temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 800 °C. The material was subjected to a comprehensive analysis through various characterization techniques. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the removal capacity and adsorption kinetics of the bioadsorbent utilizing brilliant green dye. The experiments involved varying dye concentrations (25, 50, and 75 mg L⁻¹), pH levels (2 to 12), and different doses of biosorbent material (0.2 to 0.6 g L⁻¹), with constant agitation. Various kinetic models were applied to fit the experimental data, with the pseudo-second-order model demonstrating the best fit. The findings reveal that coquina rock, characterized by a temperature of 120 °C and a particle size of greater than 300 µm, exhibits remarkable effectiveness. It achieved a removal efficiency of 90% within 15 to 20 min at pH 7.8. This study concludes that coquina rock not only stands out as demonstrating remarkable efficacy in dye removal but also underscores a sustainable approach, leveraging readily available and environmentally friendly materials for wastewater treatment.

Colombian port terminals in the Caribbean are being called upon to increase the sustainability of their operations to better fit with the environmental dynamics of their locations. Within this context, the Palermo Sociedad Portuaria (PSP) has taken a proactive stance in identifying the factors contributing to its CO₂ emissions. This study evaluated the CO₂ emissions of the PSP in 2019 and 2020 and, through the implementation of sustainable practices (rock dust spreading, composting and reducing the burning of fossil fuels), examined the mitigation of the port’s carbon footprint (CF) in the year 2022. Based on collaborative management results and efforts, a set of viable mitigation strategies adapted to port operations was formulated. Viability was assessed through monitoring of the practical implementations encompassing initiatives such as fuel reduction, waste composting and the application of rock dust. The introduction of the CARE system in the operational equipment led to a reduction in fuel consumption over five periods—amounting to an overall emission decrease of 1629 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (ton CO₂ eq). Meanwhile, the strategic composting of waste generated by port activities (including organic waste, hand towels, coffee grounds and landscaping waste) resulted in the potential reduction of 2 metric tons of CO₂ annually. The application of rock dust (10 kg m⁻²) in the available green spaces within the operational areas contributed to a decrease of 0.00080543 ton CO₂ eq over 45 days. The implementation of these three key measures over the course of a year has the potential to prevent the release of 37 ton CO₂ eq, signifying a 2% decrease in overall CF when compared to the base year of 2020. This investigation was rooted in the current operational reality of the port terminal and its correlated activities. The strategies deployed underscore the feasibility of low-cost solutions that can be emulated across port terminals in pursuit of the holistic aspirations encapsulated in the concepts of a “green port” and a “smart port”.