- Khung kế toán dấu chân nước dựa trên mô hình để đánh giá các chính sách quản lý nước mới

- Tác động lan tỏa-phản hồi về việc làm, năng lượng, kinh tế và môi trường (4E) giữa doanh nghiệp trong nước và doanh nghiệp có vốn đầu tư nước ngoài: Lấy Trung Quốc làm ví dụ

- Xanh hóa những người làm xanh – Làm thế nào để thúc đẩy những người làm xanh hướng tới quỹ đạo bền vững hơn

- Một khuôn khổ mới để xác định các khu vực ưu tiên phù hợp nhất để bảo tồn đất-nước bằng cách sử dụng cơ chế ghép nối ở lưu vực đô thị Guwahati, Ấn Độ, với cái nhìn sâu sắc trong tương lai

- Tác động dài hạn và bất đối xứng của năng suất năng lượng đối với chất lượng môi trường ở Phần Lan

- Các điểm nóng nghiên cứu và xu hướng phát thải hợp chất hữu cơ dễ bay hơi từ các nguồn tự nhiên và nhân tạo: Đánh giá định lượng có hệ thống

- Ước tính tỷ lệ tử vong và gánh nặng bệnh tật do ô nhiễm không khí xung quanh và chi phí kinh tế của nó ở Barcelona

- Các chiến lược vi sinh vật để phân hủy vi nhựa được tạo ra từ chất thải y tế COVID-19

- Tác động sức khỏe từ TRAP và lượng khí thải carbon trong các kịch bản hỗn hợp tăng trưởng xe điện và sản xuất năng lượng dự kiến ở Malaysia

- Ảnh hưởng của việc tiếp xúc ngắn hạn và dài hạn với ô nhiễm không khí xung quanh và nhiệt độ đối với thời gian phục hồi lâu dài ở bệnh nhân COVID-19

- Đo lường tính không đồng nhất về không gian-thời gian và đặc điểm bên trong của không gian xanh trong các khu dân cư đô thị: Một cách tiếp cận mới sử dụng ma trận đồng thời cấp độ xám

- Tìm hiểu đặc điểm và cơ chế hoạt động của công nghệ sấy chân không trong xử lý bùn thải đô thị  

- Hiệu chuẩn tại chỗ các phương pháp lấy mẫu thụ động đối với các chất ô nhiễm vi mô đô thị bằng cách sử dụng các hệ thống sàng lọc GC và LC đa dư lượng được nhắm mục tiêu

- Khả năng tiếp cận sinh học của Pb trong các phân số kích thước liên quan đến sức khỏe của đất bị ô nhiễm được bổ sung phốt phát

- Phơi nhiễm suốt đời với ô nhiễm không khí PM2.5 và số năm sống được điều chỉnh theo tình trạng khuyết tật do bệnh tim phổi: Một nghiên cứu mô hình hóa dựa trên dữ liệu theo chiều dọc toàn quốc

- Sự phân bố và biến đổi của kim loại trong trầm tích sông đô thị để đáp ứng với sự hiện diện của hạt vi nhựa, đặc điểm lưu vực và tính chất trầm tích

- Tối ưu hóa ngẫu nhiên của nhiều bên liên quan đối với các dự án đô thị có tác động thấp để đảm bảo tính nhất quán của khí hậu trong điều kiện không chắc chắn

- Mã hóa siêu dữ liệu DNA môi trường cho thấy tác động của ô nhiễm do con người gây ra đối với các cộng đồng thủy sinh đa dưỡng trên một con sông đô thị ở phía tây Trung Quốc

- Quản lý chất thải điện tử, các phương án xử lý và tác động của việc chiết xuất kim loại nặng từ chất thải điện tử đối với sức khỏe con người: Kịch bản tại Việt Nam và các quốc gia khác

- Các chiến lược nâng cao hiệu quả của quá trình phân hủy kỵ khí đối với nước thải ngành công nghiệp thực phẩm: Cái nhìn sâu sắc về các loại lò phản ứng sinh học, thách thức và phạm vi trong tương lai

- Khả năng tiếp cận sinh học của Pb trong các phân số kích thước liên quan đến sức khỏe của đất bị ô nhiễm được bổ sung phốt phát

- Chuẩn bị than sinh học biến đổi sắt/canxi để loại bỏ phốt phát từ nước thải công nghiệp

- Mô hình hỗ trợ ra quyết định dựa trên các bên liên quan để lựa chọn các nguồn nước thay thế - Con đường hướng tới tương lai công nghiệp bền vững tại Việt Nam

- Áp lực thu nhập, giám sát bên ngoài và đầu tư bảo vệ môi trường doanh nghiệp: So sánh giữa ngành gây ô nhiễm nặng và ngành không gây ô nhiễm nặng

- Nơi cư trú gần khu liên hợp công nghiệp và tỷ lệ mắc bệnh ung thư: Một nhóm thuần tập dựa trên sổ đăng ký gồm 1.022.637 người tham gia với thời gian theo dõi là 21 năm, Israel

- Kết hợp nghiên cứu thực địa vào học tập từ xa: Đánh giá ô nhiễm chì trong đất ở các loại hình sử dụng đất khác nhau ở Los Angeles

- Lò phản ứng sinh học màng kỵ khí để xử lý trung hòa carbon đối với nước thải công nghiệp chứa N, N-dimethylformamide: Đánh giá điện năng, sản xuất năng lượng sinh học và phát thải carbon

- Những phát triển gần đây về vật liệu tổng hợp nano siêu hấp thụ dựa trên polysacarit để loại bỏ ô nhiễm thuốc nhuộm hữu cơ khỏi nước thải — Đánh giá

- Thay đổi nhiệt độ và đổi mới công nghiệp xanh: Tăng chi phí hay ép buộc trách nhiệm? 

- Những tiến bộ công nghệ trong việc định giá nước thải công nghiệp sử dụng quá trình hóa lỏng sinh khối bằng thủy nhiệt: Đổi mới chiến lược, rào cản và triển vọng

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 855, 10 January 2023, 158596

Abstract

Background

Evidence concerning the influence of air pollution on metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still limited. We aimed to investigate whether sustained exposure to air pollutants are associated with increased prevalence of MetS and its individual components.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study comprised of 14,097 individuals participated in the first or third survey of the CHARLS. The personal cumulative (3-year averaged) exposure concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 1.0 μm or less (PM1), PM with a diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10) and PM with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) were estimated using a spatiotemporal random forest model at 0.1° × 0.1° spatial resolution based on residential address of each participant provided. We utilized logistic regression models to estimate the associations of the four air pollutants with the prevalence of MetS and its individual components, and performed interaction analyses to evaluate potential effect modifications by gender, health status, age and drinking status.

Results

Sustained exposure to air pollutants is associated with increased prevalence of MetS. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, PM1, PM10 and PM2.5, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of MetS was 2.276 (95 % CI: 2.148, 2.412), 1.207 (95 % CI: 1.155, 1.263), 1.027 (95 % CI: 1.006, 1.048) and 1.027 (95 % CI: 0.989, 1.066), respectively. For MetS components, we observed significant associations between NO2, PM1, PM10 and central obesity, high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For example, the adjusted OR of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for every 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 was 1.855 (95 % CI: 1.764, 1.952). We also identified that age could significantly modified the association between NO2 and prevalence of MetS.

Conclusions

Chinese adults sustained exposure to higher concentrations of air pollutants are associated with increased prevalence of MetS and its components.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 855, 10 January 2023, 158439

Abstract

Tumours are nowadays the second world‑leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. During the last decades of cancer research, lifestyle and random/genetic factors have been blamed for cancer mortality, with obesity, sedentary habits, alcoholism, and smoking contributing as supposed major causes. However, there is an emerging consensus that environmental pollution should be considered one of the main triggers. Unfortunately, all this preliminary scientific evidence has not always been followed by governments and institutions, which still fail to pursue research on cancer's environmental connections. In this unprecedented national-scale detailed study, we analyzed the links between cancer mortality, socio-economic factors, and sources of environmental pollution in Italy, both at wider regional and finer provincial scales, with an artificial intelligence approach. Overall, we found that cancer mortality does not have a random or spatial distribution and exceeds the national average mainly when environmental pollution is also higher, despite healthier lifestyle habits. Our machine learning analysis of 35 environmental sources of pollution showed that air quality ranks first for importance concerning the average cancer mortality rate, followed by sites to be reclaimed, urban areas, and motor vehicle density. Moreover, other environmental sources of pollution proved to be relevant for the mortality of some specific cancer types. Given these alarming results, we call for a rearrangement of the priority of cancer research and care that sees the reduction and prevention of environmental contamination as a priority action to put in place in the tough struggle against cancer.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 382, 1 January 2023, 135220

Abstract

Countries' water-related programs mainly align with water scarcity and climate change adaptation. However, a central point about the proposed strategies is the effectiveness degree of the introduced measures and their proportionality and coordination with the other goals of the system. This study uses a combination simulation approach using the SWAT model and water footprint accounting framework to investigate water management activities' effects and rebound effects on water resources sustainability. The activities included expanding modern irrigation systems, developing rain-fed orchards, watershed management activities, and omitting water-intensive crops. Results show that although the growth of modern irrigation systems reduced water extraction by 50%, this strategy cannot be helpful in water-saving because the actual water use is not controlled and even caused a slight increase in water consumption of 0.6%. This measure also led to a significant reduction in return flow to the aquifer (80%). Results also indicate an intensification of blue water non-sustainability caused by the expansion of rain-fed orchards because of increased actual water use. Watershed management activities raise green water storage by 4%, positively impacting aquifer recharge, which is in line with the objectives of the water sector. However, it cannot be used as an effective strategy to create new water resources to deal with environmental crises such as wetlands restoration. Changing the water-intensive cropping pattern will effectively improve blue water and groundwater sustainability if the rebound effects are controlled. Thus, there will be a water saving of approximately 110 million m3 in water consumption with the alteration of rice cultivation into wheat in the studied basin.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 382, 1 January 2023, 135276

Abstract

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) have a significant impact on a country's employment, energy, economy and environment (4Es) through the interactive linkages between domestic-owned enterprises (DOEs) and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs). However, the role of the interactive linkages between DOEs and FIEs in achieving the SDGs of the host country is still a blank. In this study we analyze the impact of the interactive linkages between DOEs and FIEs on China's employment, energy, economy and environment for the first time by constructing a model of spillover-feedback effects between enterprises. We find that FIEs mainly influence the sustainable practice of FIEs in the host country through the interactive linkages between DOEs and FIEs, which is mainly reflected in that the spillover effect of China's FIEs' 4E footprints is greater than the multiplier effect. If the interactive linkages between DOEs and FIEs is not taken into account, the role of FIEs in China's social, economic and environmental fields will be underestimated. Given the trade-offs between the SDGs, we introduce corresponding socio-economic-environmental efficiency indicators. The results show that the comprehensive benefits of FIEs on China's employment, energy and environment through the interactive linkages between DOEs and FIEs tend to decrease and then increase, and makes China's economy more "decarbonized". This study provides empirical evidence for MNEs to achieve the SDGs of host country through the interactive linkages between DOEs and FIEs, and adds new insights to the debate on sustainable development policies.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 382, 1 January 2023, 135255

Abstract

Emission trading scheme (ETS) is considered as a tool to reduce emissions at a low cost, which can effectively promote the carbon peak and carbon neutrality. As the main participants in the carbon emission trading (CET) market, the behavior and strategies for governments and different types of enterprises affect the final emission reduction performance. Taking the national carbon market as an example, this paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model including governments and power generation enterprises with different emission reduction capacity to analyze the possible game situations in the development process of the CET market. The results show that with the development of the CET market, the governments and power generation enterprises will have different game results. In order to achieve the optimal stable equilibrium and maximize carbon emission reduction, governments should improve regulatory efficiency and formulate appropriate incentive strategies for excess emission reduction and punishment strategies for insufficient emission reduction. In addition, the initial willingness will not affect the final strategy choice of the three parties. Reasonable free carbon quota ratio, lower technology emission reduction cost and higher carbon price can stimulate the enthusiasm of governments and enterprises to reduce emissions. The above results provide a reference for coordinating the relationships between governments and power generation enterprises with different emission reduction capacity in the construction of the CET market in the future.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 382, 1 January 2023, 135301

Abstract

While the literature has notably focused on the meanings, conceptualizations, causes, consequences and solutions to greenwashing, we propose a counterintuitive perspective to fill a gap by considering whether and how greenwashing can be leveraged to transform greenwashers into green(er) performers. To address this issue, we overview the literature and use conceptual reasoning to develop four mechanisms by which greenwashers may be pushed toward more environmentally friendly trajectories that would not otherwise have been considered: (1) greenwashing raises awareness and normalizes greenness; (2) a greenwashing faux pas is instrumentalized to hold companies accountable by triggering an irreversible "ratchet effect” (enforcing consistency between discourse and actions without allowing a step backward); (3) greenwashing as an aspirational green talk that can constitute an important resource to inspire and drive change; and (4) the management of greenwashing by regulators allows them to advance their sustainability agenda, notably because of enforcement spillovers. A better understanding of these mechanisms can transform the way greenwashing is managed and help addressing environmental challenges.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 382, 1 January 2023, 135363

Abstract

The urban watershed of Guwahati, Assam, has witnessed a rapid urbanization in recent years, making it to one of the most deteriorated cities in terms of environmental issues. Therefore, this work focused on finding the most suitable soil-water conservation areas at a micro-scale using coupling coordination mechanism. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to create a priority model for sub-watershed basin based on nineteen morphometric parameters. We then quantified the soil erosion using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) for current and future scenarios based on the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 2.6 and 8.5 models (RCP2.6 and 8.5). In addition, we proposed the fuzzy logic and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model-based soil-water conservation suitability (SWPC) model for current and future scenarios. Finally, the most suitable soil-water conservation areas for current and future scenarios were identified using coupling coordination degree model (CCD). To the author's knowledge, this is the first in-depth study that identifies the most suitable conservation areas by analyzing the watershed prioritization, soil erosion, and topographic, hydrologic, land cover, and climatic parameters-based soil-water conservation suitability models. Sub-watersheds comprising Silsako, Bharalu, Deepor Beel, and North Guwahati have been identified as high-priority sub-watersheds. According to the current RUSLE model, soil erosion in the study area varies from 140 to 181.64 tonnes per hectare per year. In contrast, soil erosion would continue to increase in the future as per the RCP8.5 model, which varies from 305 to 332 tonnes per hectare per year. The current SWPC model predicted 46.92 km2 area as high and 54.40 km2 area as very high suitable zones. However, under the RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 models, the high and very high SWPC zones will experience extended areas in the future due to increased soil erosion intensity. According to the CCDM results, Bharalu, Deepor Beel, and North-Guwahati sub-watersheds have observed a very high to medium coupling degrees, which are considered the most suitable areas for conservation. The findings of this study will significantly help stakeholders and experts in long-term land-water resource management and effectively address environmental degradation issues in urban watersheds around the world.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 383, 10 January 2023, 135285

Abstract

This paper examines the asymmetric and long-run effect of energy productivity on the quality of the environment in Finland. Finland, as one of the Nordic countries, is a major contributor to the global drive to achieve decarbonization by 2050. In effect, this study seeks to contribute to the strides by querying the extent to which shocks in energy productivity make or mar the sustainability of the Finland environment from 1990:Q1 to 2019:Q4. The other impacts of financial development, economic growth, and trade openness are considered in the model estimated by using the novel hidden panel cointegration and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) methodology. The results reveal a significant asymmetric equilibrium cointegration relationship among the variables over long-run time horizons; energy productivity utilization enhances the quality of the environment in Finland over the long run while trade openness, financial development, and economic growth contribute to environmental degradation in Finland in the long term. In particular, a 1% positive and negative fluctuation in energy productivity lowers carbon emissions by 1.79442% and 0.84799% in the long term. Whereas 1% change in trade openness, financial development, and economic growth trigger CO2 emissions (CO2E) by 1.15298%, 0.271365%, and 2.93402% in Finland's economies. The results of the frequency domain causality model corroborate the NARDL results. On the basis of these empirical findings, this study suggests that policymakers in Finland should consider the asymmetric behavior among these variables in setting their trade, environmental, growth, and energy policies.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 1, 1 January 2023, 114386

Abstract

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions have attracted wide attention due to their impacts on atmospheric quality and public health. However, most studies reviewed certain aspects of natural VOCs (NVOCs) or anthropogenic VOCs (AVOCs) rather than comprehensively quantifying the hotspots and evolution trends of AVOCs and NVOCs. We combined the bibliometric method with the evolution tree and Markov chain to identify research focus and uncover the trends in VOC emission sources. This study found that research mainly focused on VOC emission characteristics, effects on air quality and health, and VOC emissions under climate change. More studies concerned on AVOCs than on NVOCs, and AVOC emissions have shifted with a decreasing proportion of transport emissions and an increasing share of solvent utilization in countries with high emissions and publications (China and the USA). Research on AVOCs is imperative to develop efficient and economical abatement techniques specific to solvent sources or BTEX species to mitigate the detrimental effects. Research on NVOCs originating from human sources risen due to their application in medicine, while studies on sources sensitive to climate change grew slowly, including plants, biomass burning, microbes, soil and oceans. Research on the long-term responses of NVOCs derived from various sources to climate warming is warranted to explore the evolution of emissions and the feedback on global climate. It is worthwhile to establish an emission inventory with all kinds of sources, accurate estimation, high spatial and temporal resolution to capture the emission trends in the synergy of industrialization and climate change as well as to simulate the effects on air quality. We review VOC emissions from both anthropogenic and natural sources under climate change and their effects on atmospheric quality and health to point out the research directions for the comprehensive control of global VOCs and mitigation of O3 pollution.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 1, 1 January 2023, 114485

Abstract

Background

The new WHO air quality guidelines indicate that the air pollution disease burden is greater than previously reported. We aimed to estimate the air pollution disease burden and its economic cost in Barcelona to inform local action.

Methods

We used a quantitative health impact assessment to estimate the non-accidental mortality and incidence of childhood asthma and lung cancer attributable to long-term air pollution exposure in the city of Barcelona (Spain) in 2018–2019. We used the population weighted mean of PM2.5 and NO2 assigned at the geocoded address during the study period and the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines as counterfactual scenario to estimate new annual cases attributable to each pollutant separately and combined. We estimated the social cost of attributable deaths and the health care cost of childhood asthma and lung cancer attributable cases. We also estimated attributable mortality by city district and the mortality avoidable by achieving the WHO air quality interim targets.

Results

Mean exposure was 17 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 39 μg/m3 for NO2. Total combined air pollution attributable mortality was 13% (95%CI = 9%–17%), corresponding to 1,886 deaths (95%CI = 1,296–2,571) and a social cost of €1,292 million (95%CI = 888–1,762) annually. Fifty-one percent (95%CI = 21%–71%) and 17% (95%CI = 7%–29%) of new cases of childhood asthma and lung cancer were attributable to air pollution with a health care cost of €4.3 and €2.7 million, respectively. Achieving the first unmet WHO air quality interim targets for PM2.5 and for NO2 would avoid 410 deaths and €281 million annually.

Conclusion

Air pollution in Barcelona represents a huge disease and economic burden, which is greater than previous estimates. Much stronger measures to reduce PM2.5 and NO2 levels are urgently needed. Until the WHO air quality guidelines are met in the city, achieving each WHO air quality interim targets would avoid hundreds of deaths each year.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 1, 1 January 2023, 114438

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has led to the generation of massive plastic wastes, comprising of onetime useable gloves, masks, tissues, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommendations for the employ of single-use disposable masks made up of various polymeric materials like polyethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, and polypropylene, polystyrene, can have significant aftermath on environmental, human as well as animal health. Improper disposal and handling of healthcare wastes and lack of proper management practices are creating serious health hazards and an extra challenge for the local authorities designated for management of solid waste. Most of the COVID-19 medical wastes generated are now being treated by incineration which generates microplastic particles (MPs), dioxin, furans, and various toxic metals, such as cadmium and lead. Moreover, natural degradation and mechanical abrasion of these wastes can lead to the generation of MPs which cause a serious health risk to living beings. It is a major threat to aquatic lives and gets into foods subsequently jeopardizing global food safety. Moreover, the presence of plastic is also considered a threat owing to the increased carbon emission and poses a profound danger to the global food chain. Degradation of MPs by axenic and mixed culture microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, microalgae etc. can be considered an eco-sustainable technique for the mitigation of the microplastic menace. This review primarily deals with the increase in microplastic pollution due to increased use of PPE along with different disinfection methods using chemicals, steam, microwave, autoclave, and incineration which are presently being employed for the treatment of COVID-19 pandemic-related wastes. The biological treatment of the MPs by diverse groups of fungi and bacteria can be an alternative option for the mitigation of microplastic wastes generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 2, 1 January 2023, 114524

Abstract

Road transport contributes over 70% of air pollution in urban areas and is the second largest contributor to the total carbon dioxide emissions in Malaysia at 21% in 2016. Transport-related air pollutants (TRAPs) such as NOx, SO2, CO and particulate matter (PM) pose significant threats to the urban population's health. Malaysia has targeted to deploy 885,000 EV cars on the road by 2030 in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB). This study aims to quantify the health co-benefits of electric vehicle adoption from their impacts on air quality in Malaysia. Two EV uptake projections, i.e. LCMB and Revised EV Adoption (REVA) projections, and five electricity generation mix scenarios were modelled up to 2040. We used comparative health risk assessment to estimate the potential changes in mortality and burden of diseases (BoD) from the emissions in each scenario. Intake fractions and exposure-risk functions were used to calculate the burden from respiratory diseases (PM2.5, NOx, SO2, CO), cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer (PM2.5). Results showed that along with a net reduction of carbon emissions across all scenarios, there could be reduced respiratory mortality from NOx by 10,200 mortality (176,200 DALYs) and SO2 by 2600 mortality (45,400 DALYs) per year in 2040. However, there could also be additional 719 mortality (9900 DALYs) per year from PM2.5 and 329 mortality (5600 DALYs) from CO per year. The scale of reduction in mortality and BoD from NOx and SO2 are significantly larger than the scale of increase from PM2.5 and CO, indicating potential net positive health impacts from the EV adoption in the scenarios. The health cost savings from the reduced BoD of respiratory mortality could reach up to RM 7.5 billion per year in 2040. In conclusion, EV is a way forward in promoting a healthy and sustainable future transport in Malaysia.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 2, 1 January 2023, 114571

Abstract

Few epidemiological studies have focused on prenatal phthalates (PAEs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) exposure to neonatal health in China. This study aimed to assess the associations between prenatal PAEs and PBDEs exposure and neonatal health in Guangxi, a Zhuang autonomous region of China. Concentrations of 4 PAEs metabolites (mPAEs) and 5 PBDEs congeners were measured in the serum of 267 healthy pregnant women. Birth outcomes and clinical data of neonates were collected after delivery. Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) (81.52%) and BDE47 (35.21%) were the mPAEs and PBDEs congeners with the highest detection rate in serum. Prenatal exposures to mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), MEHP, and ΣmPAEs were negatively associated with birth weight (BW), birth length (BL), and gestational age (GA). Higher exposures to MBP, MEHP, and ΣmPAEs were associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for low birth weight (LBW), but exposure to BDE28 exhibited the opposite effect. Moreover, higher exposures to MBP, MEHP, ΣmPAEs, BDE99, and ΣPBDEswere associated with an increased OR for premature birth (PTB) (P < 0.05). In contrast to MBP exposure, BDE28 exposure was associated with a higher OR for neonatal jaundice (NNJ) (P < 0.05). The interaction analysis showed a positive interaction between monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and BDE28 on the risk of NNJ and positive interaction between ΣmPAEs and BDE47 on the risk of NNJ. In addition, there are ethnicity-specific associations of prenatal PBDEs exposure with neonatal health in individuals of Zhuang and Han nationalities, and boy neonates were more sensitive to prenatal PBDEs exposure than girl neonates. The results revealed that prenatal exposure to mPAEs and PBDEs might have adverse effects on neonatal development, and the effects might be ethnicity- and sex-specific.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 2, 1 January 2023, 114636

Abstract

Background

The physical environmental risk factors for psychotic disorders are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the associations between exposure to ambient air pollution, climate measures and risk of hospitalization for psychotic disorders and uncover potential disparities by demographic, community factors.

Methods

Using Health Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases (SIDs), we applied zero-inflated negative binomial regression to obtain relative risks of hospitalization due to psychotic disorders associated with increases in residential exposure to ambient air pollution (fine particulate matter, PM2.5; nitrogen dioxide, NO2), temperature and cumulative precipitation. The analysis covered all-age residents in eight U.S. states over the period of 2002–2016. We additionally investigated modification by age, sex and area-level poverty, percent of blacks and Hispanics.

Results

Over the study period and among the covered areas, we identified 1,211,100 admissions due to psychotic disorders. For each interquartile (IQR) increase in exposure to PM2.5 and NO2, we observed a relative risk (RR) of 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09, 1.13) and 1.27 (95% CI = 1.24, 1.31), respectively. For each 1 °C increase of temperature, the RR was 1.03 (95% CI = 1.03, 1.04). Males were more affected by NO2. Older age residents (≥30 yrs) were more sensitive to PM2.5 and temperature. Population living in economically disadvantaged areas were more affected by air pollution.

Conclusions

The study suggests that living in areas with higher levels of air pollutants and ambient temperature could contribute to additional risk of inpatient care for individuals with psychotic disorders.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 3, 1 January 2023, 114740

Abstract

Air pollution with particulate matter is an established lung carcinogen. Studies have suggested an association with breast cancer, but the evidence is inconsistent.

Methods

From nationwide registers, we identified all breast cancer cases (n = 55 745) in Denmark between 2000 and 2014. We matched one control for each case on age and year of birth. We used a multi-scale dispersion model to estimate outdoor concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), elemental carbon (EC) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as time-weighted average over all addresses up to 20 years prior to diagnosis. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by conditional logistic regression with adjustment for marital status, educational level, occupational status, personal income, region of origin, medication and area-level socio-economic indicators.

Results

A 10 μg/m3 higher PM2.5 was associated with an OR for breast cancer of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.11–1.33). The corresponding ORs for EC (per 1 μg/m3) and NO2 (per 10 μg/m3) were 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00–1.07) and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01–1.06), respectively. In multi–pollutant models, the OR for PM2.5 changed only little, whereas ORs for EC or NO2 approached the null. In an analysis of persons below 55 years, PM2.5 was associated with an OR of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.09–1.60) per 10 μg/m3 increase.

Conclusion

We found evidence of an association between the investigated air pollutants and breast cancer, especially PM2.5. There were indications that the association differed by age at diagnosis. We were not able to include all potential confounders and thus, results should be interpreted with caution.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 4, 1 January 2023, 114781

Abstract

Background

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world since December 8, 2019. However, the key factors affecting the duration of recovery from COVID-19 remain unclear.

Objective

To investigate the associations of long recovery duration of COVID-19 patients with ambient air pollution, temperature, and diurnal temperature range (DTR) exposure.

Methods

A total of 427 confirmed cases in Changsha during the first wave of the epidemic in January 2020 were selected. We used inverse distance weighting (IDW) method to estimate personal exposure to seven ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM2.5-10, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) at each subject's home address. Meteorological conditions included temperature and DTR. Multiple logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship of air pollution exposure during short-term (past week and past month) and long-term (past three months) with recovery duration among COVID-19 patients.

Results

We found that long recovery duration among COVID-19 patients was positively associated with short-term exposure to CO during past week with OR (95% CI) = 1.42 (1.01–2.00) and PM2.5, NO2, and CO during past month with ORs (95% CI) = 2.00 (1.30–3.07) and 1.95 (1.30–2.93), and was negatively related with short-term exposure to O3 during past week and past month with ORs (95% CI) = 0.68 (0.46–0.99) and 0.41 (0.27–0.62), respectively. No association was observed for long-term exposure to air pollution during past three months. Furthermore, increased temperature during past three months elevated risk of long recovery duration in VOCID-19 patients, while DTR exposure during past week and past month decreased the risk. Male and younger patients were more susceptible to the effect of air pollution on long recovery duration, while female and older patients were more affected by exposure to temperature and DTR.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that both TRAP exposure and temperature indicators play important roles in prolonged recovery among COVID-19 patients, especially for the sensitive populations, which provide potential strategies for effective reduction and early prevention of long recovery duration of COVID-19.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 855, 10 January 2023, 158608

Abstract

Sewage treatment provides a pathway for anthropogenic water purification that can address the growth in domestic sewage volumes due to urbanization and protect the aquatic environment. However, the process can also generate greenhouse gases (GHGs), which are sometimes termed "unrestricted” GHG emissions and are neglected by low carbon policies. A combination of a life cycle analysis (LCA), data envelopment analysis (DEA), and questionnaire survey was used to evaluate sewage treatment related GHG emissions and assess the GHG emission reduction efficiencies during 2005–2020, as well as determine the opinions of environmental managers regarding the threats to climate change mitigation posed by sewage treatment in the low carbon pilot city of Shenzhen, China. There were four main results. (1) GHG emissions from sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Shenzhen increased gradually from 0.22 Mt. CO2-eq in 2005 to 1.16 Mt. CO2-eq in 2020 with an emission intensity ranging from 0.41 to 0.58 kg CO2-eq/m3, mainly due to the indirect emissions from sludge disposal (35–57 %). Longgang administrative district was the hotspot of these GHG emissions during the study period. (2) Reductions in GHG emissions were achieved in most years since 2012 with the greatest efficiency observed in 2020. (3) Beyond the environmental managers' perceptions of the challenges in GHG mitigation, future sewage treatment may create the potential for more substantial GHG emission growth compared to the emissions from energy combustion, due to policy deficiencies, growth in sewage volumes, and the enforcement of stricter effluent quality control. (4) Several opportunities to overcome these barriers were considered including innovational environmental management, planting of constructed wetlands, and the promotion of water-saving behavior. This case study of Shenzhen has valuable implications for the synergistic governance of water pollution and climate change mitigation in megacities in China and elsewhere, enabling a move towards a future carbon-neutral society.

Chemosphere, Volume 310, January 2023, 136729

Abstract

Vacuum drying is an effective approach for sludge treatment and valorization. However, the vacuum drying of sludge has not been industrialized at present. The objective of this study was to elucidate the vacuum drying characteristics of static sludge and crack initiation mechanism. Our results indicate that crusting on the sludge surface under a high vacuum inhibited drying by reducing major cracks at sludge thicknesses of 13.6 and 10.2 mm. The inhibition effect weakened with decreasing sludge thickness. At 6.8 mm, the mean drying rate (VM) was the lowest at 0.08 MPa, while VM decreased with increasing vacuum degree at thicknesses of 13.6 and 10.2 mm. The decrease in drying rate could be attributed to rapid evaporation on the sludge surface under a high vacuum, leading to crusting, which inhibited crack initiation. VM was raised by 67.9–162.2% from 10.2 to 6.8 mm because the suction force of vacuum on water was much higher than the resistance to water diffusion of small isolation piles at 6.8 mm. Additionally, this study provided essential information to improve existing sludge treatment methods.

Chemosphere, Volume 311, Part 1, January 2023, 136997

Abstract

In this study, ChemcatcherTM (CC) and Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS) passive samplers were chosen to investigate trace organic chemical residues in urban streams of the megacity of Sydney, Australia. In situ calibration with these passive samplers investigated 1392 organic chemicals. Six sets of CC passive samplers fitted with SDB-XC or SDB-RPS disks and six POCIS containing Oasis HLB sorbent were deployed at three sites. Every week for six weeks across three deployments, composite water samples were retrieved from autosamplers, along with one set of CC/POCIS passive samplers. Samples were analysed by Automated Identification and Quantification System (AIQS) GC/MS or LC/QTOF-MS database methods with 254 chemicals detected. The most frequently detected compounds under GC/MS analysis were aliphatic, pesticides, phenols, PAHs, sterols and fatty acid methyl esters while from LC/QTOF-MS analysis these were pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Sampling rates (Rs) ranged between <0.001 - 0.132 L day−1 (CC SDB-XC, 18 chemicals), <0.001 - 0.291 L day−1 (CC SDB-RPS, 28 chemicals), and <0.001 - 0.576 L day−1 (POCIS Oasis HLB, 30 chemicals). Assessment of deployment duration indicated that about half of the chemicals that were continuously detected across all deployment weeks had maximal simple linear regression R2 values at four weeks for CC SDB-RPS (seven of 13 chemicals) and at three weeks for POCIS Oasis HLB (seven of 14 chemicals). Where ranges of Rs recorded from the estuarine site were able to be compared to ranges of Rs from one or both freshwater sites, only tributyl phosphate had a higher range of Rs out of 21 possible chemical comparisons, and suggested salinity was an unlikely influence on Rs. Whereas relatively higher rainfall of the third round of deployment aligned with higher Rs across the estuarine and freshwater sites for CC SDB-RPS and POCIS for nearly all possible comparisons.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 855, 10 January 2023, 158831

Abstract

Lead (Pb) contamination is one of the most significant exposure hazards to human health. Contaminated soil particles may be eroded and transferred either to the atmosphere (<10 μm) or to streams; or they may be incidentally ingested (<200 μm). Among strategies for the long-term management of this risk, one of the most cost-effective is the reduction of Pb mobility and bioavailability via amendment with phosphorus-containing materials.

To clarify the effectiveness of P amendment in reducing Pb mobility and bioaccessibility in different soil size fractions, an experiment was performed by adding a soluble P compound to a historically contaminated urban soil (RO), a mining soil (MI), and an uncontaminated spiked soil (SP) at different P:Pb molar ratios (2.5:1, 5:1, and 15:1).

In the <10 μm fraction of soils, P addition reduced bioaccessible Pb only in the SP soil at the highest dose, with little to no effect on RO and MI soils. Similarly, in the coarse fraction, Pb was immobilized only in the SP soil with all three P doses. These results were probably due to the higher stability of Pb in historically contaminated soils, where Pb dissolution is the limiting factor to the formation of insoluble Pb compounds.

The bioaccessible proportion of Pb (using SBET method) was higher than 70 % of the total Pb in all soils and was similar in both fine and coarse particle fractions. Due to the enrichment of Pb in finer particles, this implies possible adverse effects to the environment or to human health if these particles escape from the soil. These results call for increasing attention to the effect of remediation activities on fine soil particles, considering their significant environmental role especially in urban and in historically low or moderately contaminated areas.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 855, 10 January 2023, 158901

Abstract

Background

As knowledge of the health risks of PM2.5 has grown, the focus of PM2.5-related health impact assessments has evolved from simple risk models to burden-of-disease estimates. We proposed an ecological approach to directly estimate the impacts of lifetime exposure to PM2.5 on expected health losses due to cardiopulmonary diseases for older adult populations in Taiwan.

Methods

We created study cohorts of 3.5 million older people living in 350 townships in Taiwan. We used a weighted regression model, with adjustments of area characteristic variables, to directly estimate the impacts of lifetime mean PM2.5 exposure on health losses among the 350 cohorts. Potential avoidable disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by assuming that ambient PM2.5 met the air quality standard was estimated.

Results

Each 10 μg/m3 increase in lifetime mean exposure to PM2.5 for an individual corresponded to an increment of 0.25 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.32) DALYs due to cardiopulmonary diseases, after adjusting for a wide range of ecological covariates. We estimated that 611.8 (95 % CI: 440.4–783.2) DALYs per 1000 older adult population could potentially be avoided by achieving air quality standards of WHO in Taiwan.

Conclusions

Reducing PM2.5 pollution in Taiwan associated with significant health co-benefits, providing important implications for public health and environmental management.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 856, Part 2, 15 January 2023, 159139

Abstract

Despite well documented studies on metal pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, knowledge on the combined effects of catchment characteristics, sediment properties, and emerging pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs) on the presence of metals in urban river sediments is still limited. In this study, the synergistic influence of MPs type and hazard indices, catchment characteristics and sediment properties on the variability of metals present in sediments was investigated based on a typical urban river, Brisbane River, Australia. It was noted that the mean concentrations of metals in Brisbane River decreases in the order of Al (94,142 ± 12,194 μg/g) > Fe (62,970 ± 8104 μg/g) > Mn (746 ± 258 μg/g) > Zn (196 ± 29 μg/g) > Cu (50 ± 19 μg/g) > Pb (47 ± 25 μg/g) > Ni (25 ± 3 μg/g) while the variability of metals decreases in the order of Pb > Cu > Mn > Al > Ni > Zn > Fe along the river. According to enrichment factor (Ef) contamination categories, Mn, Cu and Zn exert a moderate level of contamination (Ef > 2), while Fe, Ni, and Zn show slight sediment pollution (1 < Ef < 2). In the case of Pb, extremely high enrichment (Ef > 3) was found at sampling locations having a high urbanisation level and traffic related activities. Crustal metal elements (namely, Al, Fe, Mn) were found to be statistically significantly correlated with sediment properties (P < 0.05). Anthropogenic source metals (namely, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) were observed to be highly correlated with catchment characteristics. Additionally, the presence of metals in sediments were positively correlated with MPs concentration, and negatively correlated with MPs hazard indices. The outcomes of this study provide new insights for understanding the relationships among metals and various influential factors in the context of urban river sediment pollution, which will benefit the formulation of risk assessment and regulatory measures for protecting urban waterways.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 382, 1 January 2023, 135259

Abstract

Sustainable management of urban floods can prevent damage to the city's infrastructure. In particular, low-impact developments (LIDs) collect and reuse urban stormwaters and mitigate their destructive effects. This study aims to optimize the design of urban LIDs in terms of location and surface area, considering the climatic parameters and model uncertainties. Accordingly, the urban runoff quality and quantity, in addition to the climatic parameters and their uncertainties were analyzed in the modeling by repeated execution of a rainfall-runoff model in MATLAB. Then, using the concept of conditional value at risk, the uncertainty risk consideration was incorporated in the optimal design of the LIDs. Using a non-cooperative game model, stakeholders' priorities were also considered in selecting the best design scenario. In comparison with the baseline scenario (no LID, maximum runoff quantity, and worst runoff quality), the selected scenario decreased runoff volume, and two quality indicators (i.e., total suspended solids (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)) by (56.1–64.6%), (22.1–27.1%), and (13.7–19.2%), respectively. This scenario is the best arrangement of LIDs (location and surface area) in different sub-basins that satisfies stakeholders' priorities. The novelty of this study lies in integrating uncertainty with social complexities in a sustainable quantitative and qualitative urban runoff management using a risk-based stochastic optimization and a flexible conflict resolution model. Incorporating conflict resolution concepts in LIDs design prevents wastage of time and money and facilitates achieving socioecological implications such as ecosystem services, neighborhood aesthetics, recreational spaces, and enhancing land values. The suggested methodology was tested in the Velenjak region, northern Tehran.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 382, 1 January 2023, 135372

Abstract

Simultaneous generation of methane and sulfide is a major concern affecting sewer system operations, and the methanogenic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria may increase methane and sulfide production via their symbiotic activities. However, interactions between methane and sulfide metabolism are unclear. In this study, 18 high-quality draft genomes from sewer biofilms were obtained via genome-resolved metagenomics (Binning). The assembled bins 1, 5, 10, 12 and 15 contained abundant ackA, mcrA, mtsA, mtsB and serA genes were involved in methane generation, sulfide consumption via methane metabolism and sulfide metabolism to promote methane generation. Because of the independent and single functionality of these bins, they formed a bio-symbiotic system to promote methane and sulfide generation. Interestingly, for bins 2, 3, 8 and 9, the functions of methane generation, sulfide generation and sulfide consumption via methane metabolism occurred simultaneously. The community affiliations of the assembled bins were also unusual. For instance, bin 9 (Ignavibacteria bacterium) was derived from the Ignavibacteriae supercluster that was not been detected in sewer biofilms, but participated in both methane generation and sulfide consumption. Therefore, these bins formed another biological system with multiple functional aggregates. Two types of ecosystems integrating methane and sulfide generation in sewers were proposed. Our results improve the understanding of toxic gas emissions in sewers and provide a theoretical foundation for studies on gas suppression.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 383, 10 January 2023, 135438

Abstract

In the present study, a novel approach based on multi-criteria analysis was proposed to prioritize PM mitigation strategies from economic, environmental and social aspects. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are suitable tools for prioritizing strategies on various topics. However, it has been observed that adding/removing strategies has led to a change in preference which is called rank reversal. The present study was aimed with three objectives: (i) evaluating the rank reversal phenomenon in MCDM methods frequently used in environmental topics, (ii) introducing a novel approach based on wins in league (WIL) in order to reduce the rank reversal in MCDM methods and (iii) a new application of this method in prioritizing PM mitigation strategies in arid urban areas. Qualitative results showed that in studies in the field of environment, the rank reversal has occurred frequently in classical MCDM methods but its occurrence was prevented in the proposed method. Quantitative evaluation also showed that the probability of rank reversal occurrence in Technique For Order Performance By Similarity To Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Additive Ratio ASsessment (ARAS), Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS), Evaluation Based On Distance From Average Solution (EDAS), Combinative Distance-Based Assessment (CODAS) and Measurement Alternatives and Ranking According to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) methods was 36.4%, 32.8%, 21.2%, 31.6%, 36.1% and 29.9%, respectively. However, the probability of rank reversal occurrence in the proposed approach was almost 90% less than classical MCDM methods. Evaluation of PM mitigation strategies in arid urban areas has also shown that urban green belt plan is the most appropriate strategy.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 383, 10 January 2023, 135300

Abstract

This paper envisions alternative scenarios for future cities that are resilient environmentally, socially, economically, and embedded in smart infrastructure and governance. It reinforces the position that although complementary, the backcasting approach is more appropriate for future city planning. There is limited research that envisions how future cities can be backcasted with frugal innovation (FI) underpinning the sustainability pillars. This research aims to narrow the gap. The methodology is based on a systematic literature review and secondary exploratory case studies. The results of the TOWS (threats, opportunities, weaknesses, strengths) analysis on the suitability of FI on smart sustainable cities (SSC) developmental policies show that FI is an affordable and inclusive way to sustainably develop cities without injury to the environment. The findings reveal that the five pillars of a smart sustainable future city can integrate frugal innovation and lean engineering concepts to ensure sustainable development at lower costs. Through frugal innovation embedded in city infrastructure, cleaner methods of production can be realized, and inclusiveness can be fostered.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 1, 1 January 2023, 114512

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities are intensively affecting the structure and function of biological communities in river ecosystems. The effects of anthropogenic pollution on single-trophic community have been widely explored, but their effects on the structures and co-occurrence patterns of multitrophic communities remain largely unknown. In this study, we collected 13 water samples from the Neijiang River in Chengdu City of China, and identified totally 2352 bacterial, 207 algal, 204 macroinvertebrate, and 33 fish species based on the eDNA metabarcoding to systematically investigate the responses of multitrophic communities to environmental stressors. We observed significant variations in bacterial, algal, and macroinvertebrate community structures (except fish) with the pollution levels in the river. Network analyses indicated a more intensive interspecific co-occurrence pattern at high pollution level. Although taxonomic diversity of the multitrophic communities varied insignificantly, phylogenetic diversities of fish and algae showed significantly positive and negative associations with the pollution levels, respectively. We demonstrated the primary role of environmental filtering in driving the structures of bacteria, algae, and macroinvertebrates, while the fish was more controlled by dispersal limitation. Nitrogen was identified as the most important factor impacting the multitrophic community, where bacterial composition was mostly associated with NO3−-N, algal spatial differentiation with TN, and macroinvertebrate and fish with NH4+-N. Further partial least-squares path model confirmed more important effect of environmental variables on the relative abundance of bacteria and algae, while macroinvertebrate and fish communities were directly driven by the algae-mediated pathway in the food web. Our study highlighted the necessity of integrated consideration of multitrophic biodiversity for riverine pollution management, and emphasized the importance of controlling nitrogen inputs targeting a healthy ecosystem.

Environmental Research, Volume 217, 15 January 2023, 114926

Abstract

Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City is the most important urban region of Vietnam, Southeast Asia. In recent times, the quantity of electronic waste (e-waste) has been growing by several thousand tonnes every year. In this research, some of the existing and developing technologies being employed for the recycling of e-waste have been reviewed. Accordingly, the paper has been divided into three sections namely, e-waste treatment technologies in Ho Chi Minh City, the effect of heavy metals on human health and the extraction of metals from e-waste using pyrolysis, hydrometallurgy, bioleaching, mechanical, and air classifier methods, respectively. The extraction of precious metals and heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Cu, Se, and Zn from e-waste can be hazardous to human health. For example, lead causes hazards to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood system and kidneys; copper causes liver damage; chronic exposure to cadmium ends up causing lung cancer and kidney damage, and mercury can cause brain damage. Thus, this study examines the key findings of many research and review articles published in the field of e-waste management and the health impacts of metal pollution.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 325, Part A, 1 January 2023, 116538

Abstract

The adverse effects of high strength wastewaters on the microbial activities have created a challenge to biological treatments. Microbial fuel cell has been considered as a promising process because the electrical potential generation can stimulate microorganisms and overcome the inhibitory effect. However, several issues (e.g., scalability, high costs and maintenance) have prevented the process from the industrial applications. Elimination of the proton exchange membrane has been suggested as a remedy to the mentioned problems. In this work, a membrane-less microbial fuel cell was modified by putting the cathode within a thin sand layer (instead of the proton exchange membrane) to treat a high strength wastewater sample. The influences of the feed organic load and time of treatment in the modified system were studied in batch and continuous operations. It was revealed that the batch operation efficiency was higher for the lower feed loadings as a 5-day batch treatment removed 66 ± 4% of the 15,000 ± 500 mg/L initial chemical oxygen demand while the continuous process efficiency with 9-day hydraulic residence time was slightly more than 50%. However, the efficiency of the continuous operation for treatment of higher initial loading values was better than the batch mode with the removal efficiency of 41 ± 2% versus 12 ± 2% for a more concentrated leachate feed (45,000 ± 1000 mg/L). Finally, it was disclosed that the modified membrane-less MFC employed in this work can be effective in treatment of high strength wastewaters in larger scales with lower costs.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 325, Part B, 1 January 2023, 116496

Abstract

Academia and industry have strengthened each other under the guidelines of regulatory institutions to contribute theoretical knowledge and practical solutions for society, which can be presented in a combination of publishing research and filing patents. In the case of municipal solid waste management (MSWM), a great transformation from a linear to a circular view has been in process. In this study, we investigated the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in MSWM-related development and transformation. The authors examined the contributions of academic and industrial spheres to MSWM in the past 70 years by examining Web of Science's Core Collection and Derwent Innovations Index. The results showed that SDGs not only accelerated the research on MSWM but also pulled MSWM-related knowledge and innovation to new fronts that focus on sustainable and circular methods. Based on the current findings, we derived implications for academia, industry, and policymakers.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 325, Part B, 1 January 2023, 116651

Abstract

Significant amounts of heat can be generated during the initial stages after wastes are deposited in landfills, primarily due to decomposition of food waste. Objectives of this study are to compile, examine and compare thermal properties of municipal solid waste (MSW) components, and liquid and gas phases in MSW landfills and their thermal responses that effect temperature increases in gas and leachate. Specific thermal properties examined include thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat of waste materials deposited in landfills, liquids (water), and gases present. Compilation of these properties will allow in depth thermal analyses to evaluate heat transfer dynamics in landfills with different waste compositions. Examination of thermal characteristics of MSW components indicate that heat generated during decomposition of waste components would primarily be transferred to liquid (leachate) due to formation of water and gaseous components and their high specific heats. As a result, both the leachate and gases released from a landfill during the initial stages after wastes are deposited and when some oxygen is present as an electron acceptor will be warmer. Except for the metals and construction waste, it is likely that most waste components will have a significant temperature gradient during warming up and cooling off stages due to their low thermal conductivities and low thermal diffusivities. Even when the gas phase is at higher temperatures, it will take long time for waste materials (other than food waste and metals) to come to a uniform temperature during the heat generation (primarily due to decomposition of food waste) in a landfill.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 325, Part B, 1 January 2023, 116559

Abstract

Effective integrated watershed management requires models that can characterize the sources and transport processes of pollutants at the watershed with multiple landscape patterns. However, few studies have investigated the influence of landscape spatial configuration on pollutant transport processes. In this study, the SPARROW_TN and SPARROW_TP models were constructed by combining direct pollution source data and landscape pattern data to investigate the source composition and nutrient transport processes and to reveal the influence of landscape patterns on nutrient transport in the urbanized Beiyun River Watershed. The introduction of landscape metrics significantly improved the simulation results of both models, with R2 increasing from 0.89 to 0.85 to 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. Spatial variations existed in TN and TP loads and yields, as well as the source compositions. Pollution hotspots were effectively identified. Source apportionment showed that for the entire watershed, TN came from atmospheric nitrogen deposition (35.25%), untreated sewage (28.23%), agricultural sources (22.60%), and treated sewage (13.92%). In comparison, TP came from untreated sewage (44.94%), agricultural sources (40.22%), and treated sewage (11.51%). In addition, the largest patch index of grassland correlated positively with both TN and TP, whereas the largest shape index of buildup land and interspersion and juxtaposition index of forest were negatively correlated with TN and TP, respectively. The results of this study will provide insight into effective nutrient control measures that consider spatially varying nutrient sources and associated nutrient transport processes.

Chemosphere, Volume 310, January 2023, 136856

Abstract

Food waste have become a growing concern worldwide with raising population and economic growth. Wastewater discharged from food industries contains many valuable and toxic components that have a negative impact on the ecological system. Large amounts of wastewater are discharged from the food industry, which necessitates the creation of effective technologies. Wastewater from the food industry can be seen as a rich source of energy and a primary source for generating valuable products. Waste disposal and resource recovery are sustainably valued by anaerobic digestion of wastewater from the food sector. The characteristics, composition, and nature of wastewater produced from various food sectors are elaborated upon in this review. An overview of the anaerobic digestion process for wastewater treatment in the food industry is included. Enhancement strategies for the anaerobic digestion process have been discussed in detail. In addition, various types of reactors utilized for performing anaerobic digestion is illustrated. Though anaerobic digestion process possesses advantages, the challenges and future scope are examined for improving the outcome.

Chemosphere, Volume 311, Part 1, January 2023, 136877

Abstract

The recent upsurge in the studies on micro/nano plastics and antimicrobial resistance genes has proven their deleterious effects on the environmental and human health. Till-date, there is a scarcity of studies on the interactions of these two factors and their combined influence. The interaction of microplastics has led to the formation of new plastics namely plastiglomerates, pyroplastics. and anthropoquinas. It has long been ignored that the occurrence of microplastics has become a breeding ground for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Evidently microplastics are also associated with the occurrence of other pollutants such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. The increased use of antibiotics (after Covid breakout) has further elevated the detrimental effects on human health. Therefore, this study highlights the relation of microplastics with antibiotic resistance generation. The factors such as uncontrolled use of antibiotics and negligent plastic consumption has been evaluated. Furthermore, the future research prospective was provided that can be helpful in correctly identifying the seriousness of the environmental occurrence of these pollutants.

Chemosphere, Volume 312, Part 1, January 2023, 137285

Abstract

Nowadays, the treatment of residual refractory organic contaminants (ROCs) is a huge challenge for environmental remediation. In this study, a potential process is provided by copper ferrite catalyst (CuFe2O4) activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS, HSO5−) in the bicarbonate (HCO3−) enhanced system for efficient removal of Acid Orange 7 (AO7), 2,4-dichlorophenol, phenol and methyl orange (MO) in water. The impact of key reaction parameters, water quality components, main reactive oxygen species (ROS), probable degradation mechanism, rational degradation pathways and catalyst stability were systematically investigated. A 95.0% AO7 (C0 = 100 mg L−1) removal was achieved at initial pH (pH0) of 5.9 ± 0.1 (natural pH), CuFe2O4 dosage of 0.15 g L−1, PMS concentration of 0.98 mM, HCO3− concentration of 2 mM, and reaction time of 30 min. Both sulfate radical (SO4−•) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) on the surface of catalyst were proved as the predominant radical species through radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. The buffer nature of HCO3− was partially contributed for the enhanced degradation of AO7 under CuFe2O4/PMS/HCO3− system. Importantly, according to 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and EPR analysis, the positive effect of bicarbonate may be mainly attributed to the formation of peroxymonocarbonate (HCO4−), which may enhance the generation of •OH. The magnetic CuFe2O4 particles can be well recycled and the leaching concentration of Cu was acceptable (<1 mg L−1). Considering the widespread presence of bicarbonate in water environment, this work may provide a safe, efficient, and sustainable technique for the elimination of ROCs from practical complex wastewater.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 855, 10 January 2023, 158696

Abstract

Thin stillage, rich in glucose and lactate, can seriously pollute water resources when directly discharged into the natural environment. Microbial fuel cells (MFC), as a green and sustainable technology, could utilize exoelectrogens to break down organics in wastewater and harvest electricity. Nevertheless, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, cannot utilize thin stillage for efficient power generation. Here, to enable S. oneidensis to co-utilize glucose and lactate from thin stillage, an engineered S. oneidensis G7∆RSL1 was first created by constructing glucose metabolism pathway, promoting glucose and lactate co-utilization, and enhancing biofilm formation. Then, to enhance biofilm conductivity, we constructed a 3D self-assembled G7∆RSL1-rGO/CNT biohybrid with maximum power density of 560.4 mW m−2 and 373.7 mW m−2 in artificial and actual thin stillage, respectively, the highest among the reported genetically engineered S. oneidensis with thin stillage as carbon source. This study provides a new strategy to facilitate practical applications of MFC in wastewater remediation and efficient power recovery.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 855, 10 January 2023, 158831

Abstract

Lead (Pb) contamination is one of the most significant exposure hazards to human health. Contaminated soil particles may be eroded and transferred either to the atmosphere (<10 μm) or to streams; or they may be incidentally ingested (<200 μm). Among strategies for the long-term management of this risk, one of the most cost-effective is the reduction of Pb mobility and bioavailability via amendment with phosphorus-containing materials.

To clarify the effectiveness of P amendment in reducing Pb mobility and bioaccessibility in different soil size fractions, an experiment was performed by adding a soluble P compound to a historically contaminated urban soil (RO), a mining soil (MI), and an uncontaminated spiked soil (SP) at different P:Pb molar ratios (2.5:1, 5:1, and 15:1).

In the <10 μm fraction of soils, P addition reduced bioaccessible Pb only in the SP soil at the highest dose, with little to no effect on RO and MI soils. Similarly, in the coarse fraction, Pb was immobilized only in the SP soil with all three P doses. These results were probably due to the higher stability of Pb in historically contaminated soils, where Pb dissolution is the limiting factor to the formation of insoluble Pb compounds.

The bioaccessible proportion of Pb (using SBET method) was higher than 70 % of the total Pb in all soils and was similar in both fine and coarse particle fractions. Due to the enrichment of Pb in finer particles, this implies possible adverse effects to the environment or to human health if these particles escape from the soil. These results call for increasing attention to the effect of remediation activities on fine soil particles, considering their significant environmental role especially in urban and in historically low or moderately contaminated areas.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 383, 10 January 2023, 135468

Abstract

Phosphorous pollution is one of the main factors causing water eutrophication. For the treatment of wastewater, metal-modified biochar has emerged as a promising adsorbent with enhanced affinity for anions such as phosphate. Biochar modified with Fe or Ca are suitable for the treatment of low-concentration phosphorous wastewater (<100mg/L). However, the use of modified biochar to remove high concentrations of phosphate from industrial wastewater is challenging. In this study, biochar from poplar wood, wheat bran, bagasse, and bamboo were prepared and loaded with Fe and Ca, and its adsorption performance and degradation mechanism in the presence of high phosphate concentrations were investigated. The phosphate adsorption capacity of the Fe/Ca-modified biochar was 12–70 times higher than that before the modification. The best type of biochar for phosphate removal was iron/calcium oxide-modified bamboo biochar (ZFCO-BC) through batch experiments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses showed that ZFCO-BC reacted with wastewater to produce stable vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2·(H2O)8), which did not cause secondary release. ZFCO-BC exhibited a synergistic effect on the removal of 21 metals, including Cr, Cu, Co, Cd, As, Pb, and Y, from complex polluted water. Meanwhile, after 48 h of reaction, the concentration of phosphate decreased from 1660 to 0.061 mg/L, and the final value in the wastewater was lower than the phosphate discharge index indicated by the GB T31962-2015 Sewage Discharge into Urban sewer Water Quality Standard. This study shows that a single remediation system based on ZFCO-BC can remove phosphate and multiple heavy metals from contaminated water, providing a cost-effective treatment solution for complex polluted water bodies, such as industrial wastewater and groundwater.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 385, 20 January 2023, 135539

Abstract

The combined effect of climate change, rapid industrialisation and traditional water use has created freshwater stress situations in industrial delta regions. Alternative Water Sources (AWSs) offer opportunities to mitigate the freshwater stress issue and, thus, contribute to a sustainable industrial future. This study developed a Decision Support Model (DSM) to assist the decision-makers in selecting the most feasible AWS. In the study location, Tan Thuan Export and Processing Zone (TTZ) of Ho Chi Minh City, rainwater, industrial effluent and brackish water were selected as AWS options and evaluated for technical, environmental, economic, social and institutional criteria. The stakeholder organisations representing government organisations, industrial-zone management organisations and enterprises were selected as decision-makers based on their willingness to explore AWSs. Four DSM scenarios were derived from the varying decision-making power of the selected stakeholder organisations. The results obtained from applying DSM in TTZ showed rainwater as the most feasible AWS for all the scenarios, while the rank of other AWSs fluctuated for different scenarios. To implement the result of DSM in practice, the government should not only focus on formulating clear technological guidelines on AWS quality but also on providing subsidies and creating an environment of social acceptance of AWSs. The DSM allows the decision-makers to determine the most capable AWS in mitigating freshwater stress issues and the changes required to shift towards these AWSs.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 385, 20 January 2023, 135648

Abstract

Environmental protection investment (EPI) is an important part of promoting firms’ green development and fostering sustainability. However, few studies have discussed the influencing factors of EPI at the micro-firm level. This study uses data on Chinese A-share listed companies covering 2008 to 2020 empirically examine how earnings pressure from the capital market affects EPI and investigate the moderating effect of external supervision intensity. The results show that firms with earnings pressure have a significantly negative impact on the EPI scale, which is observed mainly in the non-heavy-polluting samples. Moreover, increased external supervision intensity reduces the negative impact of earnings pressure on the EPI scale. This study further finds that the manipulation of EPI by managers under earnings pressure supplements discretionary expenses manipulation. In addition, firms that invest more in environmental protection experience reduced current profitability and market values. These findings provide novel insights into the impact of earnings pressure on corporate financial behavior and offer theoretical guidance and policy recommendations useful for both regulators and stakeholders.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 1, 1 January 2023, 114471

Abstract

Background

Industrial complex (IC) residence is associated with higher cancer incidence in adults and children. However, the effect on young adults and the residence duration are not well described. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Haifa bay area (HBA) has a major IC area with petrochemical industry complex and many other industries. The objectives of the current study were to estimate the association between IC residence and cancer incidence and to evaluate the effect of the residence duration.

Methods

This study is a registry-based cohort (N = 1,022,637) with a follow-up of 21 years. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the associations (hazards ratios (HR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) between HBA residence and incidence of all cancer sites (n = 62,049) and for site-specific cancer types including: lung cancer (n = 5398), bladder cancer (n = 3790), breast cancer (n = 11,310), prostate cancer (n = 6389) skin cancer (n = 4651), pancreatic cancer (n = 2144) and colorectal cancer (n = 8675). We evaluated the effect of the duration of exposure as categories of 7 years for those with 15 years of follow-up.

Results

IC residence was associated with higher risk for all cancer sites (HR:1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.12), for site-specific cancer incidence including: lung cancer (HR:1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.23), bladder cancer (HR:1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23), breast cancer (HR:1.04, 95% CI: 0.98–1.10), prostate cancer (HR:1.07, 95% CI: 0.99–1.16), skin cancer (HR:1.22, 95% CI: 1.12–1.33) and colorectal cancer (HR:1.10, 95%CI: 1.03–1.17). Similar risk was also observed among young adults (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.20). In the analyses for the duration of exposure, IC residence was associated with higher risk for all cancer site for the longest residence duration (15–21 years: HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04–1.13).

Conclusions

Harmful associations were found between IC residence and incidence of all cancer sites and site-specific cancers types. Our findings add to the limited evidence of associations between IC residence and cancer in young adults.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 1, 1 January 2023, 114480

Abstract

A research-based course was developed to investigate the legacy of soil lead (Pb) pollution in Los Angeles, California. During the course, undergraduate and graduate students collected a total of 270 soil samples for analyses of metal (loid) concentrations in different land-use types (residential, park, and school). Residential soils had significantly higher Pb concentrations than other land uses (p < 0.01) exceeding the California recommended safety level for soil Pb (80 mg/kg) at the highest frequency (64% of samples), followed by schools (42%) and parks (6.0%). Soil Pb from all 87 census block groups was correlated with battery recycling plant and railroad proximity as geospatial indicators of childhood Pb exposure risk. Meanwhile, census block groups with higher Pb levels were correlated with higher percentages of the following population: those without health insurance, without college degrees, with a lower median household income and income below the poverty line, and ethnic and racial minorities (r = −0.46 to 0.59, p < 0.05). Principal component regression models significantly improved soil Pb estimation over correlation analysis by incorporating sociodemographic, economic, and geospatial risk factors for Pb exposure (R2 = 0.58, p < 0.05). This work provides new insights into how topsoil Pb prevails in various land-use types and their co-occurring sociodemographic, economic, and geospatial risk factors, indicating the need for multi-scalar assessment across urban land uses.

Environmental Research, Volume 216, Part 2, 1 January 2023, 114615

Abstract

The feasibility of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for the treatment of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF)-containing wastewater was theoretically compared with the conventional activated sludge (CAS) process in this study. The electricity consumption and expenditure, bio-energy production and CO2 emission were investigated using the operational results of a lab-scale AnMBR operated in a long-term operation. The AnMBR was capable of producing bio-methane from wastewater and generated 3.45 kWh/m3 of electricity as recovered bio-energy while the CAS just generated 1.17 kWh/m3 of electricity from the post-treatment of excessive sludge disposal. The large quantity of bio-methane recovered by the AnMBR can also be sold as sustainable bioresource for the use of household natural gas with a theoretical profit gain of 29,821 US$/year, while that of the CAS was unprofitable. The AnMBR was also demonstrated to significantly reduce the carbon emission by obtaining a theoretical negative CO2 production of −2.34 kg CO2/m3 with the recycle of bio-energy while that for the CAS was 4.50 kg CO2/m3. The results of this study demonstrate that the AnMBR process has promising potential for the carbon-neutral treatment of high-strength DMF-containing wastewater in the future.

Environmental Research, Volume 217, 15 January 2023, 114909

Abstract

One of the main problems with water pollution is dye contamination of rivers, industrial effluents, and water sources. It has endangered the world's sources of drinking water. Several remediation strategies have been carefully developed and tested to minimize this ominous picture. Due to their appealing practical and financial benefits, adsorption methods in particular are often listed as one of the most popular solutions to remediate dye-contaminated water. Biopolymer-based hydrogel nanocomposites are a cutting-edge class of materials with a wide range of applications that are effective in removing organic dyes from the environment. Since the incorporation of various materials into hydrogel matrices generated composite materials with distinct characteristics, these unique materials were often alluded to as ideal adsorbents. The fundamental emphasis of the conceptual and critical review of the literature in this research is the significant potential of hydrogel nanocomposites (HNCs) to remediate dye-contaminated water (especially for articles from the previous five years). The review also provides knowledge for the development of biopolymer-based HNCs, prospects, and opportunities for future research. It is also focused on optimum conditions for dye adsorption processes along with their adsorption kinetics and isotherm models. In summary, the information gained in this review research may contribute to a strengthened scientific rationale for the practical and efficient application of these novel adsorbent materials.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 325, Part A, 1 January 2023, 116492

Abstract

This paper is to test the relationship between temperature change and industrial green innovation by combing data of China's average temperature change in cities with green patent database of listed companies.First, the results find that rising annual average temperature can inhibit green innovation. For every 1 °C increases in summer, green innovation reduces by 3.2%, and for every 1 °C increases in winter, green innovation increases by 1.9%. Second, rising summer temperature inhibits green innovation by crowding out research and development (R&D) funds and draining labor. While, rising temperature increases green innovation by increasing environmental responsibility and green venture capital. Third, differences in green R&D difficulty, process and objectives were also compared, temperature change has a stronger inhibition on green process innovation than green product innovation. And rising temperature inhibits green exploratory innovation and promotes green developmental innovation. Fourth, rising temperature increases green innovation in polluting firms as temperature is higher than 21 °C. And it inhibits green innovation in clean firms as temperature is higher than 27 °C. This paper can provide policy implications on climate regulation and promoting green innovation.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 325, Part A, 1 January 2023, 116443

Abstract

The shortage of water resources and generation of large quantum of wastewater has posed a significant concern to the environment and public health. Recent research on wastewater treatment has started to focus on reusing wastewater for different activities to reduce the stress on natural water resources. Constructed wetland (CWs) is a low-cost wastewater treatment option. However, some drawbacks include large areal requirements and the need for tertiary treatment units for reusable effluent. In this study, a novel composite baffled horizontal flow CW filter unit (BHFCW-FU) was developed to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional CW. The BHFCW-FU planted with Chrysopogon zizanioides provided a nine times longer flow path, and the adjoined variable depth dual media filter reduced the total area requirement and served as a polishing unit. On average, the BHFCW-FU with horizontal sub-surface flow regime could efficiently remove around 93.93%, 87.20%, and 66.25% of turbidity, phenol, and COD, respectively, from real petrochemical wastewater (initial turbidity: 29.6 NTU, phenol: 4.52 mg/L, and COD: 381 mg/L) and rendered the effluent quality reusable for irrigation, industrial, and other environmental purposes. In synthetic wastewater (initial turbidity: 754 NTU, phenol: 10.87 mg/L, and COD: 1691 mg/L), the removal efficiency of turbidity, phenol, and COD were 99.50%, 93.73%, and 87.05%, respectively. In-depth substrate characterization was done to study the removal mechanism. The developed BHFCW-FU required less space and maintenance, provided reusable effluent, and overcame the drawbacks of conventional CWs. Hence, it may show immense potential as an effective wastewater treatment.

Environmental Pollution, Volume 316, Part 2, 1 January 2023, 120667

Abstract

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is identified as a promising thermochemical technique to recover biofuels and bioenergy from waste biomass containing low energy and high moisture content. The wastewater generated during the HTL process (HTWW) are rich in nutrients and organics. The release of the nutrients and organics enriched HTWW would not only contaminate the water bodies but also lead to the loss of valued bioenergy sources, especially in the present time of the energy crisis. Thus, biotechnological as well as physicochemical treatment of HTWW for simultaneous extraction of valuable resources along with reduction in polluting substances has gained significant attention in recent times. Therefore, the treatment of wastewater generated during the HTL of biomass for reduced environmental emission and possible bioenergy recovery is highlighted in this paper. Various technologies for treatment and valorisation of HTWW are reviewed, including anaerobic digestion, microbial fuel cells (MFC), microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), and supercritical water gasification (SCWG). This review paper illustrates that the characteristics of biomass play a pivotal role in the selection process of appropriate technology for the treatment of HTWW. Several HTWW treatment technologies are weighed in terms of their benefits and drawbacks and are thoroughly examined. The integration of these technologies is also discussed. Overall, this study suggests that integrating different methods, techno-economic analysis, and nutrient recovery approaches would be advantageous to researchers in finding way for maximising HTWW valorisation along with reduced environmental pollution.