Balancing industry and nature: Discovering the connections between industrial symbiosis and food webs

Abstract

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between industrial symbiosis and ecological food webs, providing a novel perspective on sustainable industrial practices. It emphasizes the concept of industrial ecology, exploring how the cyclic utilization of resources in natural ecosystems can be mirrored in industrial settings to enhance environmental and economic sustainability. The paper comprehensively examines existing research on the topic, highlighting the limited but growing body of research that applies food web analysis to industrial network configuration and optimization. It draws parallels between the dynamics of natural ecosystems and industrial systems, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these relationships can lead to more effective and sustainable industrial practices. Key findings include the identification of mutualistic relationships within industrial networks, the application of ecological network analysis to understand resource flows, and the exploration of how industrial symbiosis can be enhanced by mimicking natural food webs. The study also addresses the challenges of integrating these concepts into existing industrial frameworks. By combining insights from biology, ecology, and industrial engineering, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on circular economy and industrial ecology. It underscores the importance of considering ecological dynamics in industrial design and policy-making, advocating for a systemic approach that aligns with the intrinsic harmony of the natural world.