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Quantifying the Urban Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus: The Case of the Detroit Metropolitan Area

CSS Publication Number
CSS19-04
Full Publication Date
January 15, 2019
Abstract

The efficient provision of food, energy, and water (FEW) resources to cities is challenging around the world. Because of the complex interdependence of urban FEW systems, changing components of one system may lead to ripple effects on other systems. However, the inputs, intersectoral flows, stocks, and outputs of these FEW resources from the perspective of an integrated urban FEW system have not been synthetically characterized. Therefore, a standardized and specific accounting method to describe this system is needed to sustainably manage these FEW resources. Using the Detroit Metropolitan Area (DMA) as a case, this study developed such an accounting method by using material and energy flow analysis to quantify this urban FEW nexus. Our results help identify key processes for improving FEW resource efficiencies of the DMA. These include: 1) optimizing the dietary habits of households to improve phosphorus use efficiency; 2) improving effluent-disposal standards for nitrogen removal to reduce nitrogen emission levels; 3) promoting adequate fertilization, and 4) enhancing the maintenance of wastewater collection pipelines. With respect to water use, better efficiency of thermoelectric power plants can help reduce water withdrawals. The method used in this study lays the ground for future urban FEW analyses and modeling.

Co-Author(s)
Lixiao Zhang
Xilin Zhang
Zhifeng Yang
Research Areas
Energy
Energy Systems
Food & Agriculture
Food Systems and Consumer Products
Urban Systems and Built Environment
Water Resources
Publication Type
Journal Article
Digital Object Identifier
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06240
Full Citation
Liang, Sai, Shen Qu, Qiaoting Zhao, Xilin Zhang, Glen Daigger, Joshua Newell, Shelie A. Miller, Jeremiah X. Johnson, Nancy G. Love, Lixiao Zhang, Zhifeng Yang, and Ming Xu. (2019) “Quantifying the Urban Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus: The Case of the Detroit Metropolitan Area.” Environmental Science and Technology 53(2):779-788.