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Sheep Wool Waste Availability for Potential Sustainable Re-Use and Valorization: A GIS-Based Model

Author

Listed:
  • Giusi Midolo

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, n. 100, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Simona M. C. Porto

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, n. 100, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Giovanni Cascone

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, n. 100, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Francesca Valenti

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin, n. 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Worldwide, 1.3 to 2.1 billion tons of agricultural waste are generated yearly, including livestock wastes (i.e., sheep wool), which create several critical environmental issues if not properly treated. In order to reduce the environmental issues related to the management and disposal, their use as natural fibers for green building components has notably developed over the last years. Indeed, sheep wool, which is a natural animal fiber that comes from shearing sheep fleece, is considered to be a problem of increasing concern due to its complex and difficult disposal management. Recently, several researchers have demonstrated that “low-quality wool” (i.e., not appropriate for textile uses) is suitable for the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings. Indeed, thanks to its thermo-hygrometric and acoustic characteristics, it can be used as a reinforcing fiber for composite materials. In this study, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based model to locate and quantify both the yearly amount of livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool, and the territorial distribution of sheep farms through their Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, was developed and applied within the selected study area (i.e., the Sicily region). The aim was to identify the territorial areas highly characterized by this kind of waste and therefore most suitable for localizing new shared sheep wool collection centers to sustainably manage the reuse of this waste as a potential green building component.

Suggested Citation

  • Giusi Midolo & Simona M. C. Porto & Giovanni Cascone & Francesca Valenti, 2024. "Sheep Wool Waste Availability for Potential Sustainable Re-Use and Valorization: A GIS-Based Model," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:6:p:872-:d:1405895
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Corscadden, K.W. & Biggs, J.N. & Stiles, D.K., 2014. "Sheep's wool insulation: A sustainable alternative use for a renewable resource?," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 9-15.
    2. Alan, Hale & Köker, Ali Rıza, 2023. "Analyzing and mapping agricultural waste recycling research: An integrative review for conceptual framework and future directions," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    3. Valenti, Francesca & Selvaggi, Roberta & Pecorino, Biagio & Porto, Simona MC., 2023. "Bioeconomy for sustainable development of biomethane sector: Potential and challenges for agro-industrial by-products," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    4. Monica C. M. Parlato & Francesca Valenti & Giusi Midolo & Simona M. C. Porto, 2022. "Livestock Wastes Sustainable Use and Management: Assessment of Raw Sheep Wool Reuse and Valorization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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