Nano- sensing and catalysis technologies for managing food-water-energy (FEW) resources in farming

As the world population grows and new environmental, sustainability, and security challenges emerge, it becomes critical to consider and propose solutions for problems at the nexus of Food, Water, and Energy (FEW). These three are key resources critical for the human health and welfare. Managing effectively the FEW resources in the context of farming, while focusing on lactation cattle, is the theme of this work. The solutions presented here are based on nano-sensing and catalysis. Novel gas sensing technologies are described that can monitor the health of the livestock, monitor the feed conversion efficiency in their feed, and help reduce the water footprint related to the production of animal products (such as milk). Water quality control and water clean-up technologies along with energy harvesting tools based on nanofibrous mats are also presented; these help reduce the carbon footprint of the farming processes. Implementing these integrated systems in any agricultural facility will promote the sustainable production of meat and meat products.