Công bố quốc tế lĩnh vực môi trường số 18-2022

  • Cập nhật: Thứ ba, 10/5/2022 | 8:46:03 AM

QLMT - Chuyên trang Quản lý môi trường trân trọng giới thiệu tới quý độc giả Công bố quốc tế lĩnh vực môi trường số 18-2022 với những nội dung chính như sau:

Về quản lý môi trường

- Mối liên hệ năng động giữa phát triển tài chính, năng lượng tái tạo và phát thải carbon: Vai trò điều hòa của toàn cầu hóa và chất lượng thể chế ở các quốc gia BRI.

- Quản trị hiệu quả các nền kinh tế tuần hoàn: So sánh quốc tế.

- Đồng thiết kế các chiến lược chuyển đổi kỹ thuật số và phát triển bền vững - Nghiên cứu chuyển hóa xã hội và sinh thái công nghiệp có thể đóng góp gì.

- Thu thập và phân tích dữ liệu kiểm kê phát thải khí nhà kính cho các thành phố carbon thấp.

- Chiến lược định giá cho các sản phẩm đi kèm theo sở thích xanh của người tiêu dùng.

- Quản lý môi trường: Một phân loại ngành.

- Tổng quan về các khía cạnh kinh tế và môi trường liên quan của cacbon hoạt tính dựa trên chất thải nhằm mục đích xử lý nước hấp phụ.

- Mô hình kinh doanh bền vững của những ngôi nhà không năng lượng giá cả phải chăng: Nâng tầm tiềm năng.

Về môi trường đô thị

- Điều tra chi phí môi trường của việc sử dụng chất hấp phụ gốc graphene và quá trình oxy hóa điện xung để loại bỏ các chất ô nhiễm mới nổi từ nước thải đô thị.

- Ứng dụng của nguồn cacbon bên ngoài trong quá trình khử nitơ dị dưỡng của nước thải sinh hoạt.

- Theo dõi các chất ô nhiễm trong mạng lưới nước thải thành phố làm ảnh hưởng đến hoạt động của nhà máy xử lý nước thải.

- Điều tra chi phí môi trường của việc sử dụng chất hấp phụ gốc graphene và quá trình oxy hóa điện xung để loại bỏ các chất ô nhiễm mới nổi từ nước thải đô thị.

- Xử lý cơ học sơ bộ chất thải sinh học đô thị được thu thập từ nguồn trước khi thu hồi năng lượng bằng phương pháp phân hủy kỵ khí.

- Phân tích so sánh chi phí môi trường, lợi nhuận kinh tế và tác động xã hội của các chương trình quản lý chất thải rắn cấp quốc gia thành phố ở Thái Lan.

- Định lượng tác động của thay đổi lớp phủ đất đến ngập lụt đô thị quy mô lưu vực bằng cách phân loại ảnh hàng không.

- Liên kết đô thị hóa và chất lượng không khí với nhau: Đánh giá và quan điểm về phát triển đô thị bền vững trong tương lai.

- Đường sắt cao tốc có cải thiện hiệu quả phát thải carbon đô thị ở Trung Quốc?

Về môi trường khu công nghiệp

- Phân tích mạng lưới sinh thái về chuyển hóa chất thải công nghiệp dựa trên mô hình đầu vào - đầu ra cho Giang Tô, Trung Quốc.

- Phát thải dựa trên đơn vị và tác động môi trường của các hạt vật chất ngưng tụ công nghiệp ở Trung Quốc vào năm 2020.

- Quản lý chất hữu cơ tiềm năng cho các hướng dẫn về nước thải công nghiệp bằng cách sử dụng các công cụ xác định đặc tính chất hữu cơ hòa tan tiên tiến.

- Tăng chi phí môi trường có thúc đẩy tăng trưởng xanh công nghiệp không? Một thử nghiệm gần như tự nhiên dựa trên chính sách tăng phí thoát nước tiêu chuẩn.

- Phân bố không gian địa lý và đánh giá rủi ro sức khỏe của nước ngầm bị ô nhiễm trong các khu vực công nghiệp: quan điểm bền vững về môi trường.

- Xanh hóa lĩnh vực công nghiệp Trung Quốc: Khả năng đáp ứng của các bên liên quan đối với giám sát môi trường phi chính phủ.

- Synchrotron X-ray hỗ trợ phân hủy nước thải công nghiệp bằng quá trình oxy hóa tiên tiến.

- Khử nước bằng điện của bùn công nghiệp thép: Hiệu suất và thông số kỹ thuật kim loại.

- Mức độ đô thị hóa, điều chỉnh cơ cấu công nghiệp và ảnh hưởng không gian của ô nhiễm khói mù đô thị: Bằng chứng từ sự tích tụ đô thị ở Đồng bằng sông Dương Tử của Trung Quốc.

- Thu hồi kim loại quý từ nước thải công nghiệp theo hướng phục hồi tài nguyên và bền vững môi trường: Đánh giá quan trọng.

Công bố quốc tế lĩnh vực môi trường số 18-2022

Dưới đây là tên và phần tóm tắt của các nghiên cứu bằng tiếng Anh:

QUẢN LÝ MÔI TRƯỜNG

1. The dynamic nexus among financial development, renewable energy and carbon emissions: Moderating roles of globalization and institutional quality across BRI countries

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 343, 1 April 2022, 130995

Abstract

Belt and Road (BRI) countries are trying to realize the potential of financial resources and renewable energy in order to mitigate the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, prevailing structural issues have been found to stymie the environmental outcome. This issue calls for a policy reorientation in the BRI countries, and therein lies the role of the present study. This study examines how the environmental impacts of financial development and renewable energy respond to exogenous moderation. Using a second-generation methodological approach on the data of the 64 BRI countries over 2003–2019, findings reveal that globalization enhances the negative environmental externality exerted by financial development, while institutional quality suppresses it. Both globalization and institutional quality augment the positive environmental externalities exerted by renewable energy and human capital. Using dynamic elasticity measures, the evolutionary impacts of the moderators are also captured. An SDG-oriented policy framework is recommended based on the study outcomes.
2. Effective governance of circular economies: An international comparison
Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 343, 1 April 2022, 130874
Abstract
This paper focuses on a comparative study of the governance of Circular Economy (CE) in sixteen different countries. The analysis rests on a theoretical framework of insights gained in transition management literature and public administration, particularly network governance. It is assumed that two forms of governance are needed to cope with the complex circular economy transition process: public and network governance. The hypothesis was that in order to implement CE effectively, strong leadership of government, active involvement of stakeholders and receptivity to network governance are crucial. Based on the analysis described in this paper, two models have been designed that refine the original hypothesis: a model on the effectiveness of CE governance and a model that presents four main avenues for developing CE in different socio-cultural and political contexts. It is recommended to continue exploring this area of research, which is underexamined in the literature.

3. Three-stage circular efficiency evaluation of agricultural food production, food consumption, and food waste recycling in EU countries

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 343, 1 April 2022, 130870

Abstract

This study adopts the Modified Dynamic Three-stage Circular Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Model to explore food production, consumption, and waste recycling in 27 European countries from 2008 to 2016 and use food waste recycling as the circular link to the production stage as the circular economy. According to the empirical results, Germany and Malta have the best overall efficiency. In the three stages, the primary governance stage is the food waste recycle stage, and the second one is the food production stage. According to the Pearson's correlation coefficient test, the agriculture output, food waste, food waste recycling, CO2, and Methane are all highly correlated with extremely significant. The study is closer to the phenomena presented in the real world and the empirical results could be used to illustrate the corresponding strategies for national food security.

4. Co-design of digital transformation and sustainable development strategies - What socio-metabolic and industrial ecology research can contribute

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 343, 1 April 2022, 130997

Abstract

Sustainable development and digital transformation profoundly re-shape industrial societies but have been studied largely independently. In light of pressing global environmental and social challenges, both transformations need to be well aligned with each other to achieve multiple objectives such as listed under the UN Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). Quantitative research on interlinkages, energy and material implications, and co-dependencies between the different digital transformation (DT) and sustainable development (SD) strategies is emerging and has so far focused on estimating the overall potential and on life cycle assessment (LCA).

To frame the problem systematically, we developed a hierarchy of system levels for studying society's material and energy use, including the four levels: product/process, process cluster, life cycle/material cycle, and economy-wide. We mapped major DT strategies and the SDGs to the hierarchy and found a wide gap in system coverage: While most DT strategies focus on the product, process and process cluster levels, the SDGs predominantly target the economy-wide level.

Socio-metabolic and industrial ecology research is needed to inform decision makers on how the two transformations can be aligned to reach overarching societal goals, such as the SDGs, expanding on and moving beyond LCA. Future research needs to assess combinations of multiple DT and SD strategies. It needs to study how DT can help decouple human wellbeing from negative environmental and social impacts. Research needs to focus on the strategies’ deployment potential, infrastructure needs, impacts on material cycles, and potential to transform both service demand and industrial production.

5. Greenhouse gas emissions inventory data acquisition and analytics for low carbon cities

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 343, 1 April 2022, 130711

Abstract

This paper studied greenhouse gas inventory data acquisition and analytics for municipalities in Thailand. A complete and transparent GHG inventory of eight municipalities was developed to document the current situation, and to help decision-makers to clarify their priorities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories guidelines was used to investigate and calculate the greenhouse gas emissions and assess data accuracy. The results indicated that the data source, data format, and data collection of each municipality are relatively similar. Moreover, the activity data needed to be obtained from several authorities. The results showed that Nonthaburi Municipality had the highest greenhouse gas emissions at 2,286,838 tCO2e/yr and Buriram Municipality, the lowest at 239,795 tCO2e/yr. On a per-capita basis, Lamphun Municipality was the highest with 10.1 tCO2e/capita and Buriram Municipality the lowest with 3.8 tCO2e/capita. The results suggest that the municipalities should continually develop a GHG database by creating a routine procedure. An information management system should be produced in the shape of big data which can lead to state policies, plans, and actions for city development to ensure the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This in turn will lead to a low carbon city.

6. Pricing strategies for bundled products considering consumers’ green preference

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 130962

Abstract

Considering consumers' preference for green consumption, firms provide independent main products alone to reduce the waste induced by repeated purchases of complementary products. This paper divides consumers into four types according to their greenness and previous purchase experiences, and theoretically investigates the advantages and disadvantages of the uniform pricing strategy and the differentiated pricing strategy for the main product and the bundled product. We find that: (i) the uniform pricing strategy ensures a stable pricing decision since the optimal price is irrelevant to consumers' preference for green consumption. In contrast, under the differentiated pricing strategy, the optimal prices of the bundled product and the main product decrease and increase with consumers' preference for green consumption, respectively. Under asymmetric information, the firm will misprice the products and accordingly suffer from a profit loss if it adopts the differentiated pricing strategy. (ii) When consumers’ preference for green consumption is intermediate, the uniform pricing strategy dominates the differentiated pricing strategy for the firm, while for consumers and society, the differentiated pricing strategy is better. However, the information asymmetry may hurt consumer surplus and social welfare under the differentiated pricing strategy. Therefore, consumers have incentives to actively disclose their preference for green consumption to avoid damage. Then, a win-win-win (i.e., the firm, consumers, and society) situation will occur.

7. Environmental management: An industry classification

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 130853

Abstract

In this paper, we seek to inform managers, regulators, and investors of the setting in which a firm's environmental management activity is costly and when it is profitable. To identify this setting, we classify firms according to their environmental management activities and the subsequent impact on firm operating performance. This classification has allowed us to explore four potential economic drivers of environmental management, namely competitive positioning, risk management, compliance, and pressure to overinvest. Our results show that consumer-oriented firms that are visible to the public observe a positive relation between environmental commitment and operating performance. They use environmental management as a strategy to appeal to consumers, but also feel the pressure to overinvest. Firms that are in heavily polluting, capital intensive, less visible industries, observe a negative relation between environmental impact management and operating performance. Their environmental management follows primarily from risk management and compliance motivations. When the cost of an environmental activity is high, firms are less likely to self-engage and so regulatory intervention is more likely to be warranted.

8. The recycled water use policy in China: Evidence from 114 cities

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 131038

Abstract

The recycled water has been promoted throughout China to deal with municipal water pollution and water supply problems for a long time, however, its applications are not as expected by policy designers, suffering afflictions of unrealized targets, spare capacity, and low utilization ratio. Limited understanding of the influencing factors in recycled water utilization and their underlying mechanism makes managers difficult to figure out the crux of these problems so as to apply the remedies. In this study, the recycled water utilization status and the influencing factors in 114 cities of China are analyzed by adopting methods of Conditional Inference Tree, Random Forest, and Partial Dependence analysis. Results show that these cities can be divided into three groups by GDP and wastewater discharge, with decreased recycled water consumption in order. For the first group with high wastewater discharge, recycled water is promoted better from stringent recycled water utilization ratio target and large industrial demand, while remains in short supply from less production capacity; the production capacity expansion is necessary. In the second group with low pollution and high economic development, recycled water consumption is driven by the target, while is limited by less demand, inadequate production capacity and pipeline; the facility construction, pipeline network improvement, and diversified recycled water use are required. In the third group with low pollution and low economic development, recycled water consumption in one-third cities gears up by price advantage, while suffers under-supply from less investment and production capacity. Initiating more recycled water projects and increasing required investment should be prioritized in these cities. In the other two-thirds cities, the consumption is depressed by improper pricing policy, while remains under-demand from competitive disadvantage in municipal and environmental sectors. The demand-stimulating in industrial sector and pricing policy adjustment are the priority.

9. Green innovation and enterprise green total factor productivity at a micro level: A perspective of technical distance

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 131070

Abstract

As the microsubjects of transformation and upgrading, enterprises are conducting green innovation to help simultaneously improve economic and environmental quality. However, whether green innovation can promote green total factor productivity (GTFP) remains unclear, especially at a micro level. This study addresses this research gap from an empirical perspective, focusing on Chinese A-share listed enterprises and using economic and environmental statistical data at the province and city levels from 2004 to 2019. Results show that green innovation improves GTFP. The impact of green innovation on GTFP is heterogeneous, depending on patent types and characteristics of enterprises. Additionally, technical gap influence the impacts of green innovation on enterprise GTFP. It has a threshold effect in heavy-pollution enterprises. Green innovation inhibits enterprise GTFP when the technical gap is less than 132.7233. When the technical gap is more than 142.4535, green innovation promotes the enterprise GTFP. Our research provides microscopic evidence on green transformation for enterprises with heterogeneous characteristics and green innovation.

10. A technical framework for integrating carbon emission peaking factors into the industrial green transformation planning of a city cluster in China

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 131091

Abstract

Under the dual policy targets of carbon emission peaking (CEP) and industrial green transformation (IGT) in China, where a top-down policy implementation is usually adopted, a more integrative planning mode needs to be constructed for greening industrial development. This paper proposes a technical framework to tackle the weakness faced when integrating IGT-associated issues with CEP factors during the development of IGT options, with an application in the Hohhot–Baotou–Ordos–Yulin (HBOY) city cluster. A CEP-IGT model was built to portray the effects of seven selected indicators on industrial carbon emissions, and help develop six options by defining the transformation strengths of HBOY's energy-intensive industrial system. Particularly, the CEP times and volumes were employed as the criteria for evaluating the IGT options. We found that the regional CEP goal will not be accomplished by even 2035 under the business-as-usual scenario. To halt the emission growth trend will rely much on the structural factors of energy mix and industrial output, which were also determinants of the IGT performance. Option 3, representing a moderate level transformation, was the preferred IGT plan, reaching a peak volume of 255.27 MtCO2eq·a−1 in 2026. The preferred plan will result in the replacement of at least 14% of the coal used in thermal power by renewable energy, and an increase in industrial coal-use efficiency by 32.02%. Policy measures need to be implemented to cap the total industrial coal consumption to no more than 2494 Mt and sustain an industrial growth by developing lower-energy or carbon-intensive industries. By 2030, the intensity and volume of industrial carbon emissions will reach 1.89 tCO2eq·10,000 CNY−1 and 224.85 MtCO2eq·a−1, respectively. This CEP-IGT progress will benefit the goal of being carbon neutral. As such, we concluded that this new framework will aid the IGT planning process, not only improving our understanding of the relationships between carbon emission control and industrial updating levels, but also presenting an integrative path for China's city clusters to promote green, low-carbon industrial development.

11. Pollution halo or pollution haven? A CGE appraisal for Iran

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 131092

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the environmental effects of FDI considering the pollution haven and halo hypotheses. The originality of this article lies in the fact that FDI modeling was done using environmental CGE models, including the modeling of scale, composition, and technique effects of FDI. We execute four scenarios that allow us to consider the impacts of FDI inflow. The results of the first and second scenarios (50% and 100% shock to FDI, respectively) revealed that CO2 emissions increased; however, the increase was more intense in the second scenario. A comparison of these two scenarios indicated that higher FDI leads to higher pollution. In addition, the scale and composition effects were positive, and the technique effect was negative in both scenarios. Nonetheless, the pollution haven hypothesis was confirmed. The third and fourth scenarios (100% shock to FDI with 2.5% and 5% energy efficiency improvement) showed that CO2 emissions increased at a slower rate compared with the first and second scenarios. Moreover, the scale and composition effects were positive, while the technique effect was negative. The comparison of the third and fourth scenarios revealed that higher energy efficiency growth led to decreased CO2 emissions; also, the technique effect became more negative, the scale effect became more positive, and the composition effect decreased. Overall, provided that FDI was accompanied by improvement of energy efficiency, carbon intensity decreased in a way that might lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions. We found that if energy efficiency improvement reached more than 10%, pollution resulting from FDI became negative, and the technique and composition effects nullified the scale effect. Therefore, the pollution halo hypothesis was confirmed. Based on these results, it is recommended that policymakers seek energy-efficient investment with high technology levels to improve the environmental quality and lower the use of polluting energy inputs such as gas.

12. Overview of relevant economic and environmental aspects of waste-based activated carbons aimed at adsorptive water treatments

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 130984

Abstract

The production of waste-based activated carbon (AC) for application in adsorptive water treatment is a hot research topic. The use of residues as AC precursors is generally presented as a promissory option because they are free of charge and allow for the minimization of non-renewable resources depletion. Despite waste-based AC being usually labelled as low-cost and environmental-friendly adsorbents, few studies involve cost estimations and even less assess the environmental impacts associated to their production and application. In the last few years, there has been a growing awareness about the search for greener processes, resulting in the increase of publications on the cost estimation and the life cycle assessment (LCA) of waste-based AC. Still, to the best of the authors' knowledge, a review focusing on the distinct approaches and conclusions carried out by different authors does not exist. Therefore, the aim of this work is to present an overview on relevant aspects of the economic and environmental costs of waste-based AC for application in water treatment. Overall, published studies show that the price of the precursors, the energy required for production (which can be optimized at industrial scale) and the properties of the produced material largely influence the AC final cost. As for LCA studies, they generally evidence that producing AC from wastes is an interesting management route that may present important energy and resource savings when compared to the production of AC from fossil resources. Moreover, literature points out that attention must be paid to regeneration of waste-based AC to sustainably post-pone their end-of-life. This review stresses the necessity of assessing the economic and environmental costs of waste-based AC in order to avoid vague and unsupported conclusions on their sustainability.

13. How normative appeals influence pro-environmental behavior: The role of individualism and collectivismAbstract

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 131086

Abstract

The relationship between social norms and pro-environmental consumer behavior is well established, but what moderates this norm-sustainability relationship is much less clear. Previous studies reported inconclusive results regarding the effects of culture. This paper aims to shed light on the reported discrepancies by conducting an in-depth investigation on the effect of two central cultural dimensions, individualism, and collectivism, both on a macro (national culture) and a micro (individual self-construal) level. Specifically, the normative influence on pro-environmental behavioral intentions is analyzed for two different countries, the US and China, and insights are provided into the importance of descriptive and injunctive normative appeals in relation to the activated self-construal level. The quantitative results confirm that injunctive and descriptive normative appeals are stronger motivators of pro-environmental behavioral intentions in collectivistic (e.g., China) than in individualistic (e.g., the US) cultures. To clarify the discrepancies in previous research on norm-sustainability, how the effect of injunctive and descriptive normative appeals changes depending on the activated selfconstrual level in different cultures is demonstrated. The findings from this study are important from a theoretical perspective in that they improve the understanding of the effects of social norms on pro-environmental behavior. From a managerial perspective, it is demonstrated how individualism and collectivism on the one hand, and selfconstrual on the other hand, separately and in combination, can strengthen the effect of normative appeals on pro-environmental behavioral intentions. In conclusion, the study also identifies some promising new research avenues.

14. Quantifying trade-related carbon emission in China's provinces: Insight from sectoral production technology heterogeneity

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 131141

Abstract

Regional trade not only promotes economic growth but also induces inter-regional transfer of carbon emissions. To realistically evaluate the effect of regional trade on carbon emissions, this study investigates the impact of carbon intensity heterogeneity in bilateral trade sectors on regional carbon emissions based on the emission responsibility allotment principle, establishing a credit and penalty mechanism. The key points for improvement in carbon efficiency are identified from regional and sectoral perspectives to promote carbon emission reduction through bilateral trade adjustment. The results demonstrate superior trade performance in developed regions than that in less developed regions, as the former has reduced emissions (44 Mt) and emissions by the latter have increased (54 Mt). From the perspective of emission reduction, Jiangsu should increase trade with Hubei and reduce trade with Guangdong. At the sectoral level, Jilin should increase trade in the scientific research sector (9 Mt), while Jiangsu should increase trade in the construction sector (8 Mt). Moreover, the key point of sectoral carbon efficiency improvement in each region are identified using sensitivity analysis. By analyzing the impact of bilateral trade on regional carbon emission from the heterogeneity of carbon intensity in China's inter-provincial trade sector, this study provides support for strategic policymaking and collaborative regional emissions reduction to promote the advancement of China's carbon neutralization goals.

15. Sustainable business model of affordable zero energy houses: Upscaling potentials

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 130956

Abstract

In 2018, the average number of occupants per dwelling is steadily decreasing, creating a demand for small, affordable housing. According to European Union energy targets, new small homes should be energy efficient. However, data clearly shows that energy efficient homes are mostly unaffordable and there is an urgent need to design and build small affordable zero energy homes. However, a sustainable business model for small affordable zero energy homes has not yet been developed in European countries. The Housing 4.0 Energy project explores the development of affordable zero energy homes in three countries: the Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland. This study explores the business models and potential for scaling up the five schemes (Ireland operates three schemes in different counties). The results of this study may be useful to practitioners, policy makers, and small families facing the problem of affordable zero energy homes. The Dutch scheme targets a market of self-builders of low-middle income households. In the Flemish scheme, non-profit social rental agencies provide the houses for low-income groups. In Ireland, local authorities provide social housing for applicants on waiting lists. The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is used to analyse the business models for affordable zero energy homes in these countries. Data is collected mainly through interviews and focus group meetings with experts. The results show that all schemes create environmental, social and economic sustainability values for low/low-middle income households by providing energy efficient, comfortable and affordable homes. Several barriers to the upscaling of these homes were identified, such as cultural barriers in design, building materials, as well as legal and technical barriers. The technical barriers can be addressed in a relatively short time, but overcoming cultural and behavioural barriers might be more difficult. Engaging government, market participants, and providers can accelerate the development of these schemes. Examples of different schemes and the courses developed during the project can be used to disseminate the results of the business models of these schemes. Finally, the business models of the schemes can be modified and adopted for the development of affordable zero energy homes in other countries.

16. Driving forces and mitigating strategies of CO2 emissions in China: A decomposition analysis based on 38 industrial sub-sectors

Energy, Volume 245, 15 April 2022, 123262

Abstract

Due to the substantial industry heterogeneity in China, CO2 emissions and the major forces driving these emissions may vary in different sub-sectors. However, this topic has rarely been discussed at the industrial sub-sector level. To fill this gap, using an generalized Divisia index model (GDIM) incorporating investment factors, and considering 38 industrial sub-sectors, this study investigated the trajectories of China's industrial CO2 emissions and their driving forces, both at the overall industrial sector and its sub-sector levels. The results showed, (1) during 2000–2017, 97.2% of the increases in China's total industrial CO2 emissions was attributable to four sub-sectors. (2) Investment scale was the largest driver of increases in CO2 emissions, followed by output scale and energy consumption. (3) Carbon intensity of investment, energy intensity, and investment efficiency were main drivers of reductions in CO2 emissions, but their effects remained limited. (4) The roles of different drivers varied across sub-sectors, resulting in great heterogeneity in emission trajectories between different sub-sectors. The findings indicate the necessity of designing emission-reduction strategies at the sub-sector level, and more efforts should focus on the electricity, heat, metallurgy, mining, and chemical industries.

MÔI TRƯỜNG ĐÔ THỊ

1. Investigating the environmental costs of utilizing graphene-based adsorbents and pulsed power oxidation for the removal of emerging contaminants from urban wastewater

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 817, 15 April 2022, 152985

Abstract

Emerging contaminants continue to pose a threat to environmental quality that warrant mitigation. Novel technologies are being investigated that offer promise in their removal, yet it is important that the environmental costs of these treatments do not overshadow their benefits. With sustainability a key priority in global infrastructure development, insights into the environmental impact of new technologies is necessitated. In the present work, the environmental burden of three novel GBM (graphene-based material) filters (porous graphene, graphene oxide-based foam and hybrid combination) are quantified and compared at a flow rate of 1 m3/d by way of life cycle impact assessment with an alternative solution, an AOP-PPT (advanced oxidation process by pulsed power treatment). Initial results demonstrated negligible differences in overall environmental impact between the three GBM filter formats (7.7–7.9 pt), while significant asymmetry was observed with the AOP-PPT that incurred a total impact score of 67.9 pt. This disparity was attributed to the high energy demand of the AOP-PPT that was a key predictor of environmental cost in an India context due to the high proportion of non-renewable energy sourced. The GBM filters were also considered at a range of breakthrough times and contrasted against the AOP-PPT. Results showed that differences between GBM filters were negligible at all breakthrough periods and that multiple breakthroughs a day would be required before the AOP-PPT became environmentally favourable. Finally, due to the AOP-PPT affording inclusive disinfection, the environmental burden of a GBM filter was compared under different scenarios of incorporated disinfection. The total impact of the AOP-PPT achieving full disinfection was found to be 242.5 pt compared to only 26.8 pt for the GBM filter coupled with UV254 (ultraviolet 254 nm) treatment and 13.9 pt when incorporating chlorination/de-chlorination. These findings should support sustainable development goals when combating prevailing emerging contaminants in municipal wastewater.

2. Application of external carbon source in heterotrophic denitrification of domestic sewage: A review

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 817, 15 April 2022, 153061

Abstract

The carbon source is essential as an electron donor in the heterotrophic denitrification process. When there is a lack of organic carbon sources in the system, an external carbon source is needed to improve denitrification efficiency. This review compiles the effects of liquid, solid and gaseous carbon sources on denitrification. Sodium acetate has better denitrification efficiency and is usually the first choice for external carbon sources. Fermentation by-products have been demonstrated to have the same denitrification efficiency as sodium acetate. Compared with cellulose-rich materials, biodegradable polymers have better and more stable denitrification performance in solid-phase nitrification, but their price is higher than the former. Methane as a gaseous carbon source is studied mainly by aerobic methane oxidation coupled with denitrification, which is feasible using methane as a carbon source. Liquid carbon sources are better controlled and utilized than solid carbon sources and gaseous carbon sources. In addition, high carbon to nitrogen ratio and hydraulic retention time can promote denitrification, while high dissolved oxygen (DO>2.0 mg L−1) will inhibit the denitrification process. At the same time, high temperature is conducive to the decomposition of carbon sources by microorganisms. This review also considers the advantages and disadvantages of different carbon sources and cost analysis to provide a reference for looking for more economical and effective external carbon sources in the future.

3. Interactions of anthropogenic and terrestrial sources drive the varying trends in molecular chemodiversity profiles of DOM in urban storm runoff, compared to land use patterns

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 817, 15 April 2022, 152990

Abstract

Variations in land use drive the heterogeneous nature of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in storm runoff. However, in the context of the currently complicated multifactor interactions of urban land use, contamination occurrence, and environmental management, it is unclear how the molecular chemodiversity of storm runoff DOM responds to land use patterns or potential anthropogenic sources. Using Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, this study evaluated the molecular chemodiversity profiles of DOM in urban storm runoff from different land use and underlying surface pavement combinations. The chemodiversity of suburban forest runoff-associated DOM was characterized by high lignin and tannin abundance, predominance of CHO molecules, less heteroatoms, high molecular mass, and highly unsaturated and aromatic compounds. Urban storm runoff-associated DOM was predominantly characterized by abundant lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, low-mass molecules, abundant S- and P-bearing heteroatoms, and high saturation. The low conformity of unique molecular features co-occurring across urban land-uses suggests a relatively incohesive pool in the urban storm runoff-associated DOM, i.e., high chemodiversity. The reconstructed source-derived patterns significantly drive the directional trends in DOM of urban storm runoff, oppositely shifting toward high saturation vs. high unsaturation and aromatization features. This demonstrates that unveiling the interactions of anthropogenic and terrestrial sources in order to understand the underlying mechanism is critical for our ability to track and predict the current and future turnover in DOM chemodiversity in storm runoff in the context of the global trend of upgrading urban environment management, following recognition of their probable links with urban land-uses. Underlying surface pavement can hardly superimpose a directional effect to alter the discrepancies in the dominant molecules of each urban land use further. These findings reveal the importance of understanding DOM characteristics at a molecular level and potentially enable targeted control of ecological risks in receiving ecosystems induced by urban storm runoff.

4. Supporting urban ecosystem services across terrestrial, marine and freshwater realms

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 817, 15 April 2022, 152689

Abstract

The terrestrial, freshwater and marine realms all provide essential ecosystem services in urban environments. However, the services provided by each realm are often considered independently, which ignores the synergies between them and risks underestimating the benefits derived collectively. Greater research collaboration across these realms, and an integrated approach to management decisions can help to support urban developments and restoration projects in maintaining or enhancing ecosystem services. The aim of this paper is to highlight the synergies and trade-offs among ecosystem services provided by each realm and to offer suggestions on how to improve current practice. We use case studies to illustrate the flow of services across realms. In our call to better integrate research and management across realms, we present a framework that provides a 6-step process for conducting collaborative research and management with an Australian perspective. Our framework considers unifying language, sharing, and understanding of desired outcomes, conducting cost-benefit analyses to minimise trade-offs, using multiple modes of communication for stakeholders, and applying research outcomes to inform regulation. It can be applied to improve collaboration among researchers, managers and planners from all realms, leading to strategic allocation of resources, increased protection of urban natural resources and improved environmental regulation with broad public support.

5. Tracking pollutants in a municipal sewage network impairing the operation of a wastewater treatment plant

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 817, 15 April 2022, 152518

Abstract

This work provides a screening of organic contaminants and characterization of the dissolved organic matter in the sewer network until the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), identifying the network areas with a higher degree of contamination and their impact on the WWTP performance, particularly in the activated sludge reactor. Three monitoring campaigns were carried out at six selected locations of the sewage system (PVZ-1, PVZ-2, PS-F, PS-VC, CP-VC, and PS-T), influent (WWTPINF) and effluent (WWTPEFF) of the WWTP. Advanced analytical techniques were employed, namely excitation/emission matrix fluorescence-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC), size exclusion chromatography with organic carbon detector (SEC-OCD), and liquid chromatography with high-resolution-mass spectrometric detection (LC-HRMS). EEM-PARAFAC showed higher fluorescence intensity for the protein-like component (C2), particularly at CP-VC (near seafood industries) associated with the presence of surfactants (~50 mg/L). SEC-OCD highlighted the WWTP efficiency in removing low molecular weight acids and neutrals. LC-HRMS tentatively identified 108 compounds of emerging concern (CEC) and similar detection patterns were obtained for all wastewater samples, except for PVZ-2 (lower detection), many of which occurred in the effluent. Eight CECs included on relevant Watch-Lists were detected in all WWTPEFF samples. Furthermore, 111 surfactants were detected, the classes more frequently found being alcohol ethoxylates (AEOs), nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs) and linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS). The continuous presence of LAS and NPEOs allied to surfactants concentrations in the WWTPINF of 15–20 mg/L, with CP-VC location (linked with food industries) as an important contributor, explain the morphological changes in the activated sludge and high LAS content in the dewatered sludge, which may have impacted WWTP performance.

6. Heavy metals from heavy land use? Spatio-temporal patterns of urban runoff metal loads

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 817, 15 April 2022, 152855

Abstract

Urban hydrology is characterized by increased runoff and various pollutant sources. We studied the spatio-temporal patterns of stormwater metal (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb) concentrations and loads in five urbanized and one rural catchment in Southern Finland. The two-year continuous monitoring revealed a non-linear seasonal relationship between catchment urban intensity and metal export. For runoff, seasonal variation decreased with increasing imperviousness. The most urbanized catchments experienced greatest temporal variation in metal concentrations: the annual Cu and Zn loads in most of the studied urbanized catchments were up to 86 times higher compared to the rural site, whereas Fe loads in the urbanized catchments were only circa 29% of the rural load. Total metal levels were highest in the winter, whereas the winter peak of dissolved metal concentrations was less pronounced. The collection of catchment characteristics explained well the total metal concentrations, whereas for the dissolved concentrations the explanatory power was weaker. Our catchment-scale analysis revealed a mosaic of mainly diffuse pollutant sources and calls for catchment-scale management designs. As urban metal export occurred across seasons, solutions that operate also in cold conditions are needed.

7. Investigating the environmental costs of utilizing graphene-based adsorbents and pulsed power oxidation for the removal of emerging contaminants from urban wastewater

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 817, 15 April 2022, 152985

Abstract

Emerging contaminants continue to pose a threat to environmental quality that warrant mitigation. Novel technologies are being investigated that offer promise in their removal, yet it is important that the environmental costs of these treatments do not overshadow their benefits. With sustainability a key priority in global infrastructure development, insights into the environmental impact of new technologies is necessitated. In the present work, the environmental burden of three novel GBM (graphene-based material) filters (porous graphene, graphene oxide-based foam and hybrid combination) are quantified and compared at a flow rate of 1 m3/d by way of life cycle impact assessment with an alternative solution, an AOP-PPT (advanced oxidation process by pulsed power treatment). Initial results demonstrated negligible differences in overall environmental impact between the three GBM filter formats (7.7–7.9 pt), while significant asymmetry was observed with the AOP-PPT that incurred a total impact score of 67.9 pt. This disparity was attributed to the high energy demand of the AOP-PPT that was a key predictor of environmental cost in an India context due to the high proportion of non-renewable energy sourced. The GBM filters were also considered at a range of breakthrough times and contrasted against the AOP-PPT. Results showed that differences between GBM filters were negligible at all breakthrough periods and that multiple breakthroughs a day would be required before the AOP-PPT became environmentally favourable. Finally, due to the AOP-PPT affording inclusive disinfection, the environmental burden of a GBM filter was compared under different scenarios of incorporated disinfection. The total impact of the AOP-PPT achieving full disinfection was found to be 242.5 pt compared to only 26.8 pt for the GBM filter coupled with UV254 (ultraviolet 254 nm) treatment and 13.9 pt when incorporating chlorination/de-chlorination. These findings should support sustainable development goals when combating prevailing emerging contaminants in municipal wastewater.

8. Mechanical pre-treatment of source-collected municipal biowaste prior to energy recovery by anaerobic digestion

Chemosphere, Volume 292, April 2022, 133376

Abstract

Pre-treatments are usually necessary to prepare biowaste to anaerobic digestion. The major objectives are (i) to remove undesirable materials such as plastics and metals, which may contaminate the biowaste even if separated source-collection systems are implemented, and (ii) to extract the most readily biodegradable organic fractions from the waste stream. In this study, two wet mechanical pre-treatments, namely air-compressed press and worm screw press, were investigated on urban household biowaste. Two liquid to solid ratios were tested in each pre-treatment. Anaerobic digestion of pre-treated biowaste was studied by measuring their biomethane potentials and by controlled experiments in a continuously stirred-tank reactor with a feed load of 3.5 gVS.L−1.d−1. It was observed that increasing liquid to solid ratio in the pre-treatments allowed to increase the proportion of biodegradable organic matter extracted from the biowaste, up to 949 gCOD.kgTS−1 from household biowaste. The biomethane potentials of pre-treated waste were very high (up 525 LCH4.kgVS−1) and COD (949 gCOD.kg−1TS) from household biowaste. Anaerobic digestion in continuously stirred-tank reactor showed a very strong conversion of COD load (81%) and a high methane production up to 345 LCH4.kgVS−1.

9. Pyrolytic characteristics of fine materials from municipal solid waste using TG-FTIR, Py-GC/MS, and deep learning approach: Kinetics, thermodynamics, and gaseous products distribution

Chemosphere, Volume 293, April 2022, 133533

Abstract

Fine materials (FM) from municipal solid waste (MSW) classification require disposal, and pyrolysis is a feasible method for the treatments. Hence, the behavior, kinetics, and products of FM pyrolysis were investigated in this study. A deep learning algorithm was firstly employed to predict and verify the TG data during the process of FM pyrolysis. The results showed that FM pyrolysis could be divided into drying (<138 °C), de-volatilization (138–570 °C), and decomposition stage (≥570 °C above). The de-volatilization can further be divided into stage 2 and stage 3, with values of activation energy estimated by Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods as 123.35 and 172.95 kJ/mol, respectively. The gas products like H2O, CO2, CH4, and CO, as well as functional groups like phenols and carbonyl (Cdouble bondO), were all detected during the process of FM pyrolysis by thermogravimetric-fourier transform infrared spectrometry at a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The main species detected by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyzer included acid (41.98%) and aliphatic hydrocarbon (22.44%). Finally, the 1D–CNN–LSTM algorithm demonstrated an outstanding generalization capability to predict the relationship between FM composition and temperature, with R2 reaching 93.91%. In sum, this study provided a reference for the treatment of FM from MSW classification as well as the feasibility and practicability of deep learning applied in pyrolysis.

10. Background release and potential point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to municipal wastewater treatment plants across Australia

Chemosphere, Volume 293, April 2022, 133657

Abstract

Organic dyes, a type of high toxic and carcinogenic chemicals that present severe threats to human and aquatic life, are the most commonly seen organic pollutants in wastewater of industries such as textile, rubber, cosmetic industry etc. Various techniques for the removal of dyes are compared in this review. Adsorption has proven to be a facile and promising approach for the removal of dyes in wastewater. This work focuses on the latest development of various porous materials for the adsorption of organic dyes. The characteristics, functionalization and modification of different porous materials are also presented. Furthermore, adsorption behaviors and mechanism of these adsorbents in the adsorption of organic dyes are critically reviewed. Finally, challenges and opportunities for future research in the development of novel materials for the highly efficient removal of dyes are proposed.

11. Can anammox process be adopted for treating wastewater with high salinity exposure risk?

Chemosphere, Volume 293, April 2022, 133660

Abstract

Anammox was a promising technology for nitrogen removal, and has been applied for treating many kinds of nitrogenous wastewaters. Considering the risk in high salinity of the municipal sewage in coastal city, the feasibility of Anammox process for treating low ammonia wastewater (around 50 mg L−1) with increasing salinity was investigated in this study. The results showed that the salinity in low concentrations (1–5 g L−1) had slight impact on the nitrogen removal and activity of Anammox bacteria but significantly improved its growth. The moderate salinity (10–40 g L−1) decreased the specific Anammox activity (SAA) to 8.11 from the initial 13.15 mg N g−1 SS h−1, but increased the abundance to 52.3% from 30.1% (Candidatus Kuenenia). High salinity (50–60 g L−1) performed severe inhibition on activity and abundance both, with the SAA decreased to 0 and abundance to 11.9%. The self-recovery performance was unsatisfactory when salinity was unavailable. A quadratic curve between the SAA and salinity concentration was fitted, and the IC50 was calculated as 42.1 g L−1 (NaCl). Anammox process could be directly adopted for treating low ammonia sewage with low salinity, whereas activity enhancement or adaption improvement should be pre-presented for treating sewage with moderate or high salinity.

12. Comparative analysis of environmental costs, economic return and social impact of national-level municipal solid waste management schemes in Thailand

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 343, 1 April 2022, 131017

Abstract

This research comparatively investigates fifteen national-level integrated municipal solid waste (MSW) management schemes and determines the most preferable MSW scheme that attaches equal importance to the environmental, economic, and social impacts. The fifteen schemes are one business as usual (BAU) scheme, seven composting- and seven biogas production-oriented schemes. All the MSW schemes rely on incinerators and refuse derived fuel (RDF) processing for waste disposal. The environmental impacts and costs are quantified by Stepwise2006 based on ecoinvent database. The economic return is evaluated based on the net present value of the construction and operation cost. The affected local community area is the indicator of public perception toward the waste disposal projects (i.e., social impact). The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to determine the most preferable scheme. The results showed that MSW combustion by incineration and RDF is the main contributor of environmental impacts. The environmental costs of composting schemes were lower than those of biogas production schemes. Total environmental cost of scheme 7 (i.e., 25% recycling, 50% decomposing, 5% biogas production, two incineration plants, and seven RDF plants) is the lowest (7492.63 billion THB2020). The cash inflow of BAU is lowest and the cash outflow is highest. In comparison with the biogas production schemes, the cash inflows and outflows of composting schemes are lower. Scheme 7 is the most preferable MSW management scheme, given the highest AHP priority score (0.228). Therefore, the composting-incineration-RDF scheme (scheme 7) should be adopted to treat biodegradable and combustible waste.

13. Quantifying the impacts of land cover change on catchment-scale urban flooding by classifying aerial images

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 344, 10 April 2022, 130992

Abstract

Stormwater urban drainage systems are historically designed to mitigate certain recurrence interval flooding events. However, increases in impervious land cover due to urban redevelopment enhance the surface imperviousness and then magnifies urban floods over the design criteria by elevating flooding peaks and volumes. In this paper, the object-based image classification was developed to evaluate the impervious land cover impacts on system peak flooding rate and total flooding volume. The object-based aerial image classification quantified the spatiotemporal changes in impervious surfaces with an average accuracy of 92%. A drainage model, based on a stormwater drainage system in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, was calibrated and validated under four storm events with an average of Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.69 and 0.46 for calibration and validation outcomes. Results show that impervious areas increased up to 32% under impacts induced by urban redevelopment from 1950 to 2018. The land cover imperviousness resulted in a maximum of 575% and 753% growth in flooding peak and volume, respectively, under storm events from 10-year to 100-year return periods. Implications of this research seek to inform homeowners and engineers of the flooding risks in human-altered landscapes based on remote sensing image classification.

14. Linking urbanization and air quality together: A review and a perspective on the future sustainable urban development

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 346, 20 April 2022, 130988

Abstract

Urbanization is one of the major transformations, along with industrialization and economic development, profoundly impacting human society and its living environment. Among the environmental elements, air quality is one of the most intuitively perceived. Most low- and mid-income countries currently suffer from air pollution, especially in urban areas. This review therefore examined the history of air pollution under different stages of urbanization in typical high-, mid-, and low-income countries and summarized the general understanding of the relationship between urbanization and air pollution to suggest the future development of the trade-off between urbanization and air pollution. Based on the review, we highlighted that the development of precautionary measures against environmental pollution during the process of urbanization. In particular, adequate attention and efficient local practices to control air pollution before the onset of heavy pollution, and local practices for multi-stakeholder satisfaction would allow sustainable urbanization with favourable air quality. We hope this review will provide powerful examples of countries that have considered and acted to balance urbanization and air quality in recent centuries, and thus serve as a reference for countries to design more appropriate actions to fulfil the 11th Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations (UNSDG).

15. Roadmap to urban energy internet with wind electricity-natural gas nexus: Economic and environmental analysis

Energy, Volume 245, 15 April 2022, 123231

Abstract

Electrolysis hydrogen generation technology is one of the feasible ways to alleviate the problem of wind electricity curtailment. One promising hydrogen value-added application is to blend hydrogen into the natural gas grid and sell it as the heat energy carrier. This paper aims to discuss the feasibility of a roadmap to urban energy internet with wind electricity-natural gas nexus. Firstly, a framework is raised to integrate wind electricity generation, electrolysis hydrogen generation, and hydrogen-natural gas blending systems. Secondly, a series of reasonable hydrogen supply profiles are provided based on annual electricity curtailment and realistic natural gas scheduling. Then, an energy optimisation model and a techno-economic model are applied to simulate the generation of electricity and hydrogen, as well as determine the most economical hydrogen supply scheme. Finally, a case study in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China is taken to validate the benefits of the proposed roadmap. The preferred scheme is worked out with the net present value of 88.8 M$, including the economy configurations of the electricity-hydrogen hybrid generation system, as well as the hydrogen-natural gas blending plan. The results also indicate that annual electricity curtailment and annual carbon emission are decreased by 204 GWh (48.8%) and 40.2 kt (49.9%).

16. The coupling coordination degree between urbanization and air environment in the Beijing(Jing)-Tianjin(Jin)-Hebei(Ji) urban agglomeration

Ecological Indicators, Volume 137, April 2022, 108787

Abstract

Urban agglomeration is an important geospatial unit for achieving SDGs. At the same time, air environment is the key to ensure the healthy life and safe production of mankind. Despite growing concern over the sustainable development in urban agglomeration, there is still little discussion on the coordination between air environment and urbanization within urban agglomeration. Here, the coupling evaluation index system was constructed from four urbanization aspects and three air environment aspects. Based on the real nonlinear internal relationship, the CG-GSO model was used to quantify the urbanization development level in the Beijing(Jing)-Tianjin(Jin)-Hebei(Ji) urban agglomeration from 2003 to 2017. It showed that social urbanization and economic urbanization were mainly the driving factors in single regions, and the urbanization development levels were rising steadily in single regions and urban agglomeration. In the air environment subsystem, the driving factors mainly existed in the air environment pressure and control, while the dynamic trends were fluctuating upward. On urbanization, urban agglomeration was conductive to the realization of regional sustainable development; but on air environment, the result was the opposite. In addition, the dynamic trend of the coupling coordination degree was far worse in urban agglomeration than in single regions. The scenarios were predicted and analyzed on barely and superiorly balanced development during different periods, and strong national pollution control policy was the key to promote the coordinated development between urbanization and air environment in the Beijing(Jing)-Tianjin(Jin)-Hebei(Ji) urban agglomeration. This study provides reference for sustainable development in urban agglomerations.

17. Does high-speed rail improve urban carbon emission efficiency in China?

Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Available online 14 April 2022, 101308

Abstract

Based on various quasi-natural experimental high-speed rail scenarios in China, this paper both selects the panel data of 285 cities from 2003 to 2018 and adopts the Multi-time Difference-in-Differences method to analyze the impact of high-speed rail on urban carbon emission efficiency. Following this, the possible transmission mechanisms are explored. The results show that high-speed rail can significantly improve urban carbon emission efficiency with the conclusion still valid after conducting a series of robustness tests. The heterogeneity results indicate that the promoting effects of high-speed rail on urban carbon emission efficiency are more significant in non-resource-based cities and large cities. Further analyses of the transmission mechanisms show that high-speed rail may improve urban carbon emission efficiency through technological innovation, structural optimization, a strengthening of environmental regulations and a weakening of market segmentation.

MÔI TRƯỜNG KHU CÔNG NGHIỆP

1. Ecological network analysis of industrial wastes metabolism based on input-output model for Jiangsu, China

Waste Management, Volume 143, 15 April 2022, Pages 23-34

Abstract

The enormous discharge of industrial waste seriously hinders the sustainable development of cities. However, most studies only involve a single or limited category of industrial pollutants, ignoring the environmental pressure caused by multiple resources and environmental factors. This paper combines input-output analysis and ecological network analysis to construct an industrial waste metabolic input–output (IWMIO) model, which explores the industrial waste discharge and discharge relationships among different sectors in Jiangsu Province from the three aspects of industrial wastewater, industrial waste gas, and industrial solid waste. The results show that the indirect discharge of industrial waste is greater than the direct discharge in the industrial waste metabolism system. TI (Tertiary industry), CI (Chemical industry), SPM (Smelting and pressing of metals), and PSEH (Production and supply of electricity and heat) dominate the industrial waste metabolism system. In addition, MWC (Mining and washing of coal), MNMP (Manufacture of non-metallic mineral products), SPM (Smelting and pressing of metals) have more mutualism and competition relationships with other sectors, so the control of industrial waste discharge in these sectors contributes to achieving emission reduction targets. Based on the research results, this paper proposes corresponding policy recommendations such as considering both direct and indirect emissions of sectors when formulating waste reduction policies and developing pertinent industrial waste reduction programs based on the characteristics of the identified sectors. The results of this paper are helpful to identify the dependence and influence relationships of various sectors in the industrial waste metabolism system, promote industrial waste discharge control, and provide theoretical support for the adjustment of industrial structure and the formulation of related policies in Jiangsu Province.

2. Unit-based emissions and environmental impacts of industrial condensable particulate matter in China in 2020

Chemosphere, Available online 28 April 2022, 134759

Abstract

The emission of condensable particulate matter (CPM) and its environmental impacts are arousing concern in China with the effective control of filter particulate matter (FPM). This study established an up-to-date and unit-based CPM emission inventory for industrial sectors and systematically evaluated the effects of CPM on primary and secondary PM2.5 in China. In 2020, the national CPM emissions total for industrial sectors was estimated to be 0.98 Tg with uncertainty from −49% to 66%, including 0.62 Tg of organic CPM (CPMorg) and 0.36 Tg of inorganic CPM (CPMin). Totals of 62%, 23% and 8% CPM were emitted from coal-fired power plants, coal-fired industrial boilers and sinter plants, respectively. By filling CPM emissions in PM2.5 simulation, the normalized mean bias (NMB) of model to observation was improved from −27% to −14% in East, North and Central China. The 4 μg/m3 PM2.5 concentration was attributed to CPM emissions in this region, accounting for 10% of observations. On "polluted” days (PM2.5>75 μg/m3), industrial CPM emissions can contribute 7 μg/m3 PM2.5 in North China. Therefore, China should focus on controlling CPM from coal combustion to ensure continuous air quality improvement.

3. Potential organic matter management for industrial wastewater guidelines using advanced dissolved organic matter characterization tools

Journal of Water Process Engineering, Volume 46, April 2022, 102604

Abstract

Since 2021, national standards of South Korea for industrial wastewater discharge to surface water have changed from chemical oxygen demand to total organic carbon for the organic matter. Conventional organic matter parameters (e.g., biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon) are limited means of understanding the behavior of dissolved organic matter in industrial wastewater treatment processes. Thus, the current study used advanced dissolved organic matter characterization tools (e.g., fluorescence excitation emission matrix and size exclusion chromatography-organic carbon detection) to scrutinize industrial wastewater characteristics from three full-scale industrial wastewater treatment plants (IWTPs). The tools were conducive to tracking industrial wastewater sources of total organic carbon, influencing the overall performance of IWTPs, and proposing alternative processes to lower total organic carbon concentration in the effluent. The results of this study suggest that the diagnosis of IWTPs based on dissolved organic matter characteristics could be a useful tool for providing more insight into total organic carbon management.

4. Do raising environmental costs promote industrial green growth? A Quasi-natural experiment based on the policy of raising standard sewage charges

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 343, 1 April 2022, 131004

Abstract

In recent years, countries have actively promoted green economic transformation. Formulating reasonable and effective environmental regulation policies is an important way to realize this transformation. Based on a policy of raising standard sewage charges in China, this paper selects the panel data of 30 provinces from 2000 to 2018 and adopts the multi-time Differences-in-Differences (DID) method to empirically examine the effect of raising environmental costs on industrial green total factor productivity (GTFP). This paper finds that industrial GTFP is significantly increased by raising standard sewage charges. The conclusion is still valid after alleviating the endogenous problem and conducting robustness tests. The policy gives a boost to industrial GTFP in Eastern and Western regions, but not significantly in Central regions, according to the heterogeneity test. Further analyses of its transmission process reveal that raising environmental costs can promote industrial green growth, mostly via technological and structural effect. As a result, if all provinces can optimize and upgrade their industrial structures and improve their levels of technological innovation when faced with increasingly strict environmental regulations, they will be able to better change the model of economic growth and realize green industrial development.

5. Energy management based on multi-agent deep reinforcement learning for a multi-energy industrial park

Applied Energy, Volume 311, 1 April 2022, 118636

Abstract

Owing to large industrial energy consumption, industrial production has brought a huge burden to the grid in terms of renewable energy access and power supply. Due to the coupling of multiple energy sources and the uncertainty of renewable energy and demand, centralized methods require large calculation and coordination overhead. Thus, this paper proposes a multi-energy management framework achieved by decentralized execution and centralized training for an industrial park. The energy management problem is formulated as a partially-observable Markov decision process, which is intractable by dynamic programming due to the lack of the prior knowledge of the underlying stochastic process. The objective is to minimize long-term energy costs while ensuring the demand of users. To solve this issue and improve the calculation speed, a novel multi-agent deep reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed, which contains the following key points: counterfactual baseline for facilitating contributing agents to learn better policies, soft actor–critic for improving robustness and exploring optimal solutions. A novel reward is designed by Lagrange multiplier method to ensure the capacity constraints of energy storage. In addition, considering that the increase in the number of agents leads to performance degradation due to large observation spaces, an attention mechanism is introduced to enhance the stability of policy and enable agents to focus on important energy-related information, which improves the exploration efficiency of soft actor–critic. Numerical results based on actual data verify the performance of the proposed algorithm with high scalability, indicating that the industrial park can minimize energy costs under different demands.

6. Geospatial distribution and health risk assessment of groundwater contaminated within the industrial areas: an environmental sustainability perspective

Chemosphere, Available online 28 April 2022, 134749

Abstract

Groundwater is the second largest water source for daily consumption, only next to surface water resources. Groundwater has been extensively investigated for its pollution level in urban areas. The groundwater quality assessments in industrial areas associated with every urban landscape are still lacking. This study was carried out in two industrial areas including Okhla and Mohan cooperative in New Delhi, India. The six groundwater samples were obtained for water quality assessment for 2015 and 2018. The heavy metals investigated in water samples were Cu, As, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Mn. Water quality was assessed in the heavy metals index (MI) and heavy metal pollution index (HPI). From indexing approach, it was observed that pollution levels have increased in year 2018 as compared to the year 2015. MI < 1 for Cu in 2015 and 2018 in both industrial areas. In the case of remaining metals, MI ranged from 2.5 to 8.4. When the HPI indexing approach was adopted, water was unfit for drinking in both industrial areas in 2015 and 2018, with an HPI value > 100. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment (HI) ranged from 1.7 to 1.9 in 2015, increasing from 17.41 to 217 in 2018, indicating high risk in both years. Carcinogenic risk (CR) was within the acceptable range for 48% of each heavy metal analysed sample. When the Carcinogenic risk index was considered (CRI), all samples were beyond the acceptable range, and every person was prone to carcinogenic risk in 2015.

7. Greening of Chinese industrial sector: Stakeholders' responsiveness to non-governmental environmental monitoring

China Economic Review, Volume 72, April 2022, 101744

Abstract

By merging all the industrial enterprises above designated size (over 300 thousand in 2013) at both the city level and the industry level, we examine the green transformation process of China's industrial sector for nearly 300 prefecture-level cities between 2004 and 2013. Since about 40% of these cities are under non-governmental environmental monitoring by means of releasing the pollution information transparency index (PITI) annually, we then empirically evaluate the green responses of Chinese industrial sector to the non-governmental environmental monitoring from a randomized natural field experiment by employing a difference-in-differences (DID) approach. The results indicate that the PITI release by a third party could significantly contribute to the green transformation of local industrial sector, and the effects are stronger in cities with more stringent environmental regulation and higher levels of economic development and marketization. Moreover, production factors appear to be reallocated from the polluting sectors to the non-polluting sectors to green the industrial sector. Specifically, more and more capitals and labors are invested in the non-polluting sectors in the cities with the PITI disclosure. Existing firms may exit the market, and forthcoming polluting firms are nipped in the bud.

8. Synchrotron X-ray assisted degradation of industrial wastewater by advanced oxidation process

Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Available online 22 April 2022, 110161

Abstract

Various methods for the degradation and detoxification of textile effluents have been developed in recent years and among these, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been proven to be a successful way of degrading organically contaminated water into a useful form. The synchrotron X-ray (3–20 keV) irradiation-assisted AOP has been developed for the degradation of single and mixed colored industrial wastewater solution. Irradiation experiments were conducted on industrial effluents obtained straight from the cloth industries. The efficiency of AOP was measured by characterizing irradiated industrial wastewater solutions with optical, chemical, and biological characterization techniques. The UV-Vis spectroscopy and chemical oxidation demand (COD) results revealed that the wastewater was degraded and the degradation efficiency could be tailored by varying the X-ray dose. The complete decolorization and ∼ 85% removal in COD was obtained at the X-ray dose of 15000 mAs. Chemical species present in pristine and irradiated wastewater were analyzed using FTIR techniques. The FTIR spectra revealed the destruction of the aromatic ring and nitrogen linkage of wastewater under X-ray irradiation. The technique of liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) was employed to identify and quantify the unknown compounds present in pristine as well as X-ray irradiated wastewater solutions. Toxicity assays on gram-negative Escherichia coli (DH5α) clearly show detoxification of X-ray irradiated solutions. This study demonstrates a fast and effective approach for completely degrading and detoxifying industrial wastewater, and has a wide range of applications in environmental remediation.

9. Electro-dewatering of steel industrial sludge: Performance and metal speciation

Journal of Water Process Engineering, Volume 46, April 2022, 102600

Abstract

Electro-dewatering (EDW) of sludge has been regarded as an economical and efficient dewatering method in recent years. There have been some studies on municipal sludge and industrial sludge. However, the effects of industrial sludge with high metal and salty content on the EDW performance are still unclear. Here we investigate EDW in the characteristics of steel industrial sludge, which contains large amounts of salts and metals. First, the differences between the steel industrial sludge and the other sludge in EDW treatment were explored. Then, the mechanism of interaction between the transformation of metal speciation and dewatering performance was investigated. The results indicated that the optimal 40.09% moisture content (MC) could be obtained under the operating conditions of 60 V voltage and 2.6 bar pressure. Moreover, the pH variation and electro-redox behavior can lead to the transformation of metal speciation and release charged intermediates relating to metal, causing the rise of current in the EDW process. These phenomena were beneficial to continuous dewatering. By contrast, the speciation of Ca and Zn is mainly affected by electromigration and electroosmotic flow, but the speciation of Fe and Al is more affected by the oxidizing atmosphere. This work extended the application range of EDW and filled the gap of EDW for the industrial sludge field.

10. Structural design for electrocatalytic water splitting to realize industrial-scale deployment: Strategies, advances, and perspectives

Journal of Energy Chemistry, Volume 70, July 2022, Pages 129-153

Abstract

The green hydrogen generation powered by renewable electricity promises the potential decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sector and is essential for the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement that attempts to limit the global average temperature rise in the range of 1.5–2.0 °C above the pre-industrial level by the end of this century. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to the optimization of the electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts under industrial-relevant current densities via rational structure design, which induces a preferential electron distribution that favors the adsorption/desorption behavior of the key intermediates, thus accelerating the reaction kinetics. In this review, a brief introduction of the current energy status will be first presented to necessitate the importance of green hydrogen. Followed by the basic concepts and fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanisms, we present efficient strategies for the enhancement of the electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts to meet the rigorous requirement under industrial conditions and the in-depth understanding behind the reinforcement will be briefly discussed next. Then the recent advances regarding the rational design of electrocatalysts operating at an industrial scale will be summarized. Finally, the challenges and perspectives in this thriving field will be proposed from our point of view.

11. Assessment of airborne metal pollution in urban parks and industrial areas using Callistemon citrinus and Acacia melanoxylon

Applied Geochemistry, Volume 139, April 2022, 105263

Abstract

Trees have been considered an effective means of assessing metal pollution in urban areas. In the present work, Callistemon citrininus and Acacia melanoxylon leaves were used to assess the air quality in urban parks surrounded by high vehicular traffic and in areas of industrial activity. The concentration of metals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Al, Mn, Ba, B, Zn, Cu and Pb) in the leaves was determined, and the results were compared between tree species and site types (parks and industrial). Ca, K, and Mg were found in higher concentrations than the other metals. Although significant differences in the concentration of metals between both tree species only reflected the composition of the plant itself, Acacia melanoxylon seems to display better performance as a biomonitor. According to the contamination factor (CF) results, most of the sites were classified as having suspected, slight or moderate contamination. Moreover, CF and principal component analysis indicated that Cu, Zn, Fe and Al were found to be the most contaminating metals at industrial sites, while Cu, Pb, Ba and Mn were the most contaminating metals at park sites.

12. Synthesis of industrial solid wastes based geopolymer foams for building energy conservation: Effects of metallic aluminium and reclaimed materials

Construction and Building Materials, Volume 328, 18 April 2022, 127083

Abstract

Thermal insulation materials with less energy consumption and low CO2 emissions have been paid great attention. This study was devoted to assessing the feasibility of utilizing industrial solid wastes for the preparation of sustainable geopolymer foams to make up for the weak link of using industrial solid waste in green low-carbon building energy-saving materials research. Efforts were made to investigate the effects of aluminium powder content and substitution ratio of reclaimed materials on slurry performance, physic-mechanical properties and formation of gel species by a series of characterization methods. Results revealed that the geopolymer foams characterized by compressive strength of 2.83 MPa, bulk density of 507 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity of 0.167 W/(m·K) were successfully produced by external incorporation of 0.17 % dosage of Al powder. 10 % substitution ratio of reclaimed materials presented no obvious negative effect on fluidity, initial setting time, bulk density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, pore structure and microstructure of the specimens. The pore structure, morphology and polymeric gels of pore partition matrix co-determined the macroscopic properties of geopolymer foams. The existence of semi-crystalline zeolite precursors in reclaimed materials may induce the formation of zeolite-like grains on the inner surface of pores. The present work was in agreement with the strategic objective of resources recycling, solid waste utilization, lower carbon emission and building energy saving, which was conducive to the development of the circular and green economy.

13. Urbanization level, industrial structure adjustment and spatial effect of urban haze pollution: Evidence from China's Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration

Atmospheric Pollution Research, Available online 27 April 2022, 101427

Abstract

In order to explore an effective way to control haze pollution in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, this paper takes 26 cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration as the research object, adopts an improved spatial lag model and panel data from 2000 to 2020, the variables, models and data are tested, the test is carried out to empirically study the impact of urbanization level and industrial structure adjustment on the degree of haze pollution in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. The main contribution of this paper is to improve the spatial lag model and find the special impact of explanatory variables on haze pollution. It is found that the haze pollution of urban agglomeration in the Yangtze River Delta is positively correlated with the level of urbanization, negatively correlated with the adjustment of industrial structure, and positively correlated with the square of industrial structure adjustment. It can be seen that the control of haze pollution can only rely on improving the quality of urbanization and reducing the degree of industrialization. However, as the degree of industrialization is reduced to a certain extent, the degree of pollution impact will reverse. Therefore, in addition, in order to maximize the effectiveness of haze pollution control in urban agglomerations in the Yangtze River Delta, it is necessary also to fully consider the comprehensive and synergistic effects of factors such as the degree of economic development, the degree of opening to the outside world, population density.

14. Recovery of precious metals from industrial wastewater towards resource recovery and environmental sustainability: A critical review

Desalination, Volume 527, 1 April 2022, 115510

Abstract

Nowadays, the recovery processes of precious metals (PMs) from industrial wastewater streams have found significant attractions among various investigators worldwide. PMs are known as rare/noble chemical elements that their fundamental characteristics such as ductility, electrical conductivity, and resistance against corrosion have made them promising for application in industrial-based activities such as jewelry, petrochemistry, and catalysis. The main objective of this review paper is to provide an opportunity for expert as well as non-expert readers to be familiar with the state-of-the-art breakthroughs in the recovery of PMs (i.e., gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), Rhenium (Re) and so on.) from wastewater streams. Apart from the explanation of industrial applications, the recovery process of PMs using various approaches is aimed to be interpreted comprehensively. Eventually, the advantages and disadvantages of applied techniques for the recovery of PMs are discussed, and different approaches as well as future perspectives towards their sustainable use are introduced.

15. Spatial clustering and source-specific risk of combined pollutants in soils from an industrial area in Shanxi Province, China

Environmental Pollution, Volume 299, 15 April 2022, 118925

Abstract

Heavy metal (loid)s (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from a typical industrial county of Shanxi were synchronously measured to determine the spatial clustering of combined HMs and PAHs pollution, and the resulting source-specific health risks. The spatial interaction of HMs and PAHs was determined by the Moran's I index, and a bivariate local indicators of spatial association (LISA) analysis showed that the high HMs-high PAHs clusters were mainly distributed in Fencheng and Xijia towns, as well as the main urban areas of Xiangfen County. The spatial clusters of high naphthalene (Nap)-high HMs were more obvious than those of high benzo(a)pyrene (Bap)-high HMs. Based on positive matrix factorization (PMF), four sources were identified for both HMs and PAHs, with coal consumption and industrial emission identified as common sources of both pollutants. The source-oriented health risk was determined using an improved health risk assessment model. The cancer risk from the combined pollution industrial emissions was relatively serious for both adults and children, with the risk value exceeding 10−6. Therefore, special attention should be paid to emission control. Based on spatial clustering and source-specific health risk assessment, the largest risk areas and pollutant sources were in the main urban areas of Fencheng and Xijia towns. The spatial interaction patterns and source-specific HMs and PAHs pollution concentrations provide a basis for effective pollution management and control. Finally, a systematic framework for reference was proposed for risk area identification and analysis of the source-oriented health risks of combined HMs and PAHs pollution.

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