Asian Science and Technology Innovation Journal

Biodiversity credits and offsets: A review of effectiveness, challenges, and future directions

Ichangdaw Boruah — 2025-06-27

This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of biodiversity credits and offsets as emerging mechanisms for mitigating biodiversity loss and strengthening conservation initiatives. Unlike carbon credits, biodiversity credits function as market-based instruments that provide measurable, traceable, and verifiable incentives for the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems. Despite their potential, the implementation of biodiversity credit systems is impeded by challenges such as inconsistent assessment methodologies, insufficient governance structures, and inadequate regulatory oversight. The review underscores the need for standardized biodiversity metrics, integration with international environmental frameworks, and the establishment of ecological safeguards to ensure the delivery of genuine conservation outcomes. A comparative analysis with carbon credit systems highlights the critical importance of embedding biodiversity considerations within broader climate strategies. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of biodiversity credit markets through transparent valuation mechanisms, participatory governance models, and inclusive engagement of local and Indigenous communities. In advocating for the up scaling of biodiversity credit systems, the review affirms their potential role in addressing the global biodiversity crisis and advancing the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Phytochemical analysis and insecticidal potential of Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson stem extract using Madagascar hissing cockroach

Gelster Paquibo — 2025-06-27

The undesirable effects of repeated use of synthetic insecticides had led to the conceptualization of this study which aimed to evaluate the potential of Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook f. & Thomson (Panyawan) stem extract as insecticidal agent using Madagascar hissing cockroach as model. Thirty-six (36) female and thirty-six (36) male cockroaches were used in the study. Ethanol was used as extracting solvent, and the extract was concentrated following standard procedure. The crude extract was subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. From the fresh extract, four concentrations (5%, 25%, 45%, and 65%) were prepared for the insecticidal assay. Results showed that T. crispa extract contains flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenolics and tannins. In addition, the concentrations of T. crispa extract used had caused 100% mortality after 21 hr and 24 min of observation for females and 17 hr and 36 min for males. The plant extract showed significant insecticidal potential at 0.05 level of significance. All the concentrations used showed insecticidal activity; however, the effect of the plant extract is concentration dependent. The knockdown time of the cockroaches significantly decreased as the concentration of the extract is increased. From the results, it can be inferred that T. crispa stem extract has an insecticidal effect against Madagascar hissing cockroach.

Economic feasibility of biogas production from food and leaf waste

Apichaya Sawasdee — 2025-06-29

This research was focused on the economic feasibility of biogas production from food and leaf waste in the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand, Bangkrui, Nonthaburi. The research methodology was divided into 1) laboratory scale research was conducted using a 10-liter reactor, filled with 5% of total solid material. The ratio of food waste to leaf waste to microorganisms was 1:1:1. Calcium carbonate was added to the reactor to maintain the pH in the system. Then, pH, methane production, and biogas component data were collected, and 2) economic feasibility analysis consisted of cost, internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and payback period (PBP). The highest percentage of methane production was 70.19%. The cumulative methane production was 34,417.81 ml. The economic feasibility analysis yielded a net present value of $ 26,527.67, an internal rate of return of 142.24%, a benefit-cost ratio of 20.49, and a payback period of 6 months and 8 days, respectively. Ultimately, this study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12.4, which focuses on reducing waste through reuse and recycling, and Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure everyone has access to affordable and sustainable energy.

Risk assessment of microplastics in plant: A review

Rashmi Chetia — 2025-06-26

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental and health concern due to its widespread presence across various ecosystems. This comprehensive review delves into the risks posed by microplastics (MPs) in plant systems, examining their sources, distribution, and potential impacts on plant health and food security. As microplastics degrade from larger plastic waste, they infiltrate terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments, with both primary and secondary sources contributing to their pervasive nature. MPs, typically less than 5mm in size, accumulate in agricultural soils through wastewater, atmospheric deposition, and industrial activities, posing a significant threat to plants and soil health. The presence of MPs in soil can disrupt root development, soil aeration, and microbial communities, potentially leading to reduced agricultural productivity and food safety concerns. Moreover, plants absorb MPs from contaminated soils, which may subsequently enter the food chain, impacting human health. Current risk assessment frameworks, such as those developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aim to evaluate microplastic risks in food and ecosystems. However, significant uncertainties remain regarding toxicity thresholds and exposure routes. Despite the growing body of research, there are still gaps in understanding the full extent of the impacts of microplastics. Therefore, further interdisciplinary studies are necessary. Addressing these gaps and developing robust regulatory frameworks is essential to mitigate the risks posed by microplastic pollution, ensuring environmental sustainability, and safeguarding public health.

Solar Integration for Enhanced Sago Flour Production

Prasert Nonthakarn — 2025-06-26

Sago flour production has gained enormous popularity in the modern era due to its favorable economic prospects. Many farmers have integrated sago production as a primary occupation or supplemental source of income due to this trend. This is a thriving sector that generates significant profits for both individual farmers and cooperative endeavors. Farmers have traditionally dried sago flour by sun-drying it, which removes moisture by using solar heat. This method, however, is difficult to implement during times of low sunshine and rainy seasons, as it disrupts the drying process and results in reduced or stopped output, which negatively affects overall yields. It is successful in using electrical energy produced by solar cells to provide additional heat in the Sago flour drying method. A steady temperature is maintained during the 2.9-hour drying cycle, guaranteeing exact control over both the quantity and quality of the result. Because each cycle can be completed in a shorter amount of time than the previous one, this greatly increases the overall production capacity.