- Lưu vực tìm nguồn ô nhiễm thuốc trừ sâu đô thị bằng cách sử dụng các vùng đất ngập nước được xây dựng ở Melbourne, Australia

- Giám sát hoạt động của vùng đất ngập nước nổi xây dựng: Xử lý nước mưa chảy tràn trong giai đoạn xây dựng khu dân cư đô thị

- Những phát triển gần đây trong xử lý nước bị ô nhiễm vi nhựa: Tiến độ và triển vọng của vật liệu hai chiều dựa trên carbon để tách màng

- Tích hợp địa vật lý thủy văn và GIS phân định tiềm năng nước ngầm và các vùng dễ bị tổn thương trong địa hình đá cứng và trầm tích ở miền Nam Ấn Độ

- Các chỉ số bền vững để đạt được nền kinh tế tuần hoàn: Nghiên cứu điển hình về các dự án trách nhiệm xã hội (CSR) của doanh nghiệp về năng lượng tái tạo và tái chế chất thải nhựa ở Thái Lan

- Đánh giá năng lượng và môi trường của nhà ở xã hội Chile: Ảnh hưởng của vật liệu cách nhiệt và khí hậu

- Kết hợp chuyển hóa đô thị và các khái niệm học tập củng cố để quản lý tài nguyên nước bền vững: Cách tiếp cận mối quan hệ

- Tăng trưởng và động lực phát thải ở các nước Đông Nam Á lục địa

- Một đánh giá quan trọng về các mô hình đẳng nhiệt hấp phụ đối với các chất gây ô nhiễm nước: Đặc điểm đường cong, phân bố năng lượng tại chỗ và các tranh cãi chung

- Mô hình môi trường, xã hội và quản trị (ESG); tác động và đầu tư bền vững – Xu hướng toàn cầu và quan điểm của Ba Lan

- Giám sát hệ thống thoát nước như một công cụ để quản lý thông minh đại dịch ở các quốc gia ngưỡng. Nghiên cứu điển hình: Theo dõi SARS-CoV-2 trong đại dịch COVID-19 tại một đô thị lớn ở tây bắc Argentina

- Dự đoán quy mô tối thiểu của không gian sinh thái đô thị dựa trên phân tích hệ thống sinh thái - xã hội

- Tác động của việc tiếp xúc lâu dài với ô nhiễm không khí xung quanh ở bệnh nhân thẩm phân phúc mạc: Một nghiên cứu thuần tập ở Trung Quốc

- Đánh giá tác động môi trường, độc tính và nguy cơ sức khỏe tiềm ẩn do ô nhiễm kim loại nặng đối với hệ thống thoát nước nông nghiệp liền kề các khu công nghiệp ở Ai Cập

- Sự bất bình đẳng về tác động sức khỏe liên quan đến PM2.5 trong mạng lưới thương mại khu vực phức tạp

- Cấu trúc mạng lưới tương quan không gian nền kinh tế carbon thấp trong quần tụ đô thị

- Rửa nước và rửa axit đối với tro bay khí hóa từ chất thải rắn đô thị: Hành vi kim loại nặng và đặc tính của cặn

- Hiểm họa môi trường do bụi mỏ và phương pháp giám sát ô nhiễm bụi mỏ bằng công nghệ viễn thám: Tổng quan

- Sử dụng các sợi nano lai muối vô cơ tyrosinase và vật liệu tổng hợp lai tyrosinase-MOF để loại bỏ các chất ô nhiễm phenolic từ nước thải công nghiệp

- Một phân tích đầu vào-đầu ra mở rộng về mối liên hệ giữa sản xuất công nghiệp và xả chất gây ô nhiễm nước ở Vành đai kinh tế sông Dương Tử

- Thu hồi tài nguyên từ nước thải dệt nhuộm: Tái tạo thuốc nhuộm, muối và nước bằng cách sử dụng phương pháp bốc hơi liên bề mặt nhờ năng lượng mặt trời

- Khám phá lộ trình tách rời tăng trưởng kinh tế và phát thải CO2 hướng tới các khu công nghiệp sử dụng nhiều năng lượng-tài nguyên-phát thải nằm gần sông lớn: Thực tiễn và ý nghĩa từ Trung Quốc

- Đặc tính phát thải của dioxin trong quá trình đồng xử lý chất thải rắn trong ngành xi măng Trung Quốc

- Vượt qua rào cản triển khai kinh tế tuần hoàn trong ngành dầu khí: Ý nghĩa môi trường và xã hội

- Các PAH liên quan đến PM2.5 gần một khu công nghiệp điển hình: Xác định rủi ro sức khỏe liên quan đến các nguồn công nghiệp cụ thể

- Phân tích nguồn thống kê về các sự kiện ô nhiễm sulfur dioxide định kỳ trong khu công nghiệp hóa chất

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 862, 1 March 2023, 160835

Abstract

The imbalance between the water supply and demand in arid and semiarid regions is becoming increasingly serious due to global warming and human activities. It is of great significance to reveal the variation characteristics of runoff and its main controlling factors for the sustainable management of regional water resources. However, few previous studies have considered the integrated effects of multiple control factors on runoff variation at different periodic scales. We collected meteorological and hydrological data from 1960 to 2019 in the Huangshui watershed and explored the correlation degree between runoff and regional environment factors such as precipitation (P), potential evaporation (ET0), mean temperature (T), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The wavelet coherence indicates that there was a high degree of positive phase consistency between runoff changes and P, ET0, T and NDVI at an approximately 12-month period scale, with lag times of approximately 1, 2, 1 and 0 months, respectively. The P was the single factor most closely related to runoff, and its combined with ET0 dominated the runoff change during the whole study period. The Budyko frame combined with elastic coefficient analysis showed that the climate change were the main reasons for the increase in annual runoff in change period I (1981–1990), and changes in the underlying surface due to human activities and vegetation variation was the main reason for the decrease in runoff in change period II (1991–2019). The wetter climate brought more rainfall input but this did not make runoff appear an obvious upward trend. Therefore, for alpine regions with sensitive and fragile ecological environment, the balance between human water consumption, vegetation ecological water demand, and precipitation should be weighed. The combination of wavelet coherence analysis and Budyko framework is helpful to better determine the potential driving factors of regional runoff change.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 863, 10 March 2023, 160556

Abstract

A survey of 111 urban constructed stormwater wetlands (median watershed area = 86.8 ha) was conducted to identify the major pesticides present and to determine their major catchment sources (residential, industrial, commercial, sporting ovals) and associations with catchment imperviousness. Melbourne, Australia, has separate stormwater and sewerage systems and these wetlands are designed to treat urban stormwater. To maximise the pesticides that could be detected, three types of passive samplers (POCIS, Chemcatcher® SDB-XC and Chemcatcher® C18) were deployed, along with collection of fine sediments. A total of 231 pesticides were screened using these methods. Pesticides that were detected in >5 % of wetlands were checked to determine their registered use in urban areas using an Australian government database (PubCris). Twenty-five pesticides were detected in >5 % of wetlands: 4 pesticides were associated with non-urban land uses (agriculture and forests), another 4 pesticides had no known registered use in urban areas and 17 were associated with urban areas. The pesticides associated with urban areas were the herbicides simazine, diuron, metolachlor, bromacil, propyzamide and paclobutrazol, the fungicides tebuconazole, propiconazole, metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, iprodione and carbendazim and the insecticides fipronil, bifenthrin, chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam and permethrin. Atrazine was also detected in 59 % of wetlands but has not been registered for urban uses in Australia since 2010. It's presence in Melbourne may be due to legacy issues or aerial transportation from rural areas where it's still widely used in crop cultivation. Generally, the major urban catchment source of pesticides is from residential areas (particularly fipronil and simazine), most likely in wood preservatives, paints and from weed or insect control. Many of these widely used pesticides were correlated with increased catchment imperviousness. Some pesticides (bromacil and imidacloprid) were correlated with commercial premises and chlorantraniliprole was correlated with the presence of sporting ovals in the catchment. No pesticides were specifically correlated with industrial areas. The use of passive samplers and fine sediments, in conjunction with detailed land use mapping of stormwater wetland catchments is very effective and efficient in monitoring and sourcing pesticide contamination in urban environments.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 864, 15 March 2023, 160955

Abstract

The amount of plastic waste resulting from agricultural practices is increasing and this trend is expected to continue. Although plastics are essential for certain farming tasks, their impact on the environment is becoming a major issue of concern. Mismanaged larger plastics can disintegrate into microplastics and make their way into soils, surface and groundwater sources. Microplastics are extremely persistent and have the potential to facilitate the transfer of contaminants through the environment, potentially affecting terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. A descriptive survey was conducted on a sample of farmers (n = 430) in Ireland to assess their attitudes on agricultural plastic waste management and their awareness and perceptions of the impacts of microplastics and plastics on the environment. This study found that most farmers (88.2%) are concerned about the amount of plastic waste generated by farming activities. Agricultural plastic disposal methods vary and recycling rates mostly depend on the type of plastic, the cost of recycling and access to facilities. Most farmers view agricultural plastics negatively due to their impact on the environment but also because of the monetary and logistical burdens associated with them. Farmers were relatively aware of microplastics (57.5%), but overall more farmers felt they knew more about plastic pollution than microplastic pollution and these issues in aquatic systems. This was also evident when it came to their perception of the risks plastics pose on the environment with more farmers believing that aquatic environments are at greater risk than the terrestrial environments. Future research efforts must focus on plastic and microplastic pollutions in soils to inform policy-makers and to create greater public awareness. In addition to this, several developments are needed in a collective effort by governments, policy-makers and other stakeholders to reduce plastic and microplastic problems in agriculture.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 865, 20 March 2023, 161107

Abstract

In the context of climate change and global trend towards greenfield urbanisation, stormwater and transported pollutants are expected to increase, impairing receiving environments. Constructed floating wetlands (CFWs) can improve stormwater retention pond performance. However, performance data are currently largely restricted to mesocosm experiments, limiting design enhancement fit for field implementation. The present 12-month field study aims to fill part of these gaps by identifying limitations and necessary design improvements for CFWs on a large retention pond/lake. Water in a 2.6-ha lake receiving stormwater from a 45-ha urban area under development in subtropical Queensland, Australia, was recirculated during dry weather periods to minimise algal growth and the risks of blooms. Pollutant removal efficiencies of two full-scale CFWs were evaluated during storm events and dry weather periods as a function of inlet and outlet pollutant concentrations, flow and rainfall. Inlet TSS and TN concentrations in runoff during the construction phase of the development exceeded required water quality limits while TP inflow concentrations were low and often below the detection limit. Median pollutant load reduction efficiencies during storm-events were − 20 % TSS, −2 % TN and 22 % TP at CFW1 and 51 % TSS, 3 % TN and 17 % TP at CFW2, respectively. TSS and TN concentration removal efficiencies at CFW1 were low and highly variable, partly due to low inlet concentrations, high flow velocities and short hydraulic retention times (<1 day). However, CFW1 significantly reduced TSS concentrations during dry weather periods. In contrast, CFW2 significantly reduced TSS concentrations during both storm events and during inter-event periods. This study highlights treatment limitations associated to the operational conditions of CFWs at field-scale not identifiable in a mesocosm-scale study. Further research is necessary to investigate treatment performance of CFWs during the operational phase of the development with higher nutrient levels.

Chemosphere, Volume 316, March 2023, 137704

Abstract

Micro (nano)plastics pollution is a noxious menace not only for mankind but also for marine life, as removing microplastics (MPs) is challenging due to their physiochemical properties, composition, and response toward salinity and pH. This review provides a detailed assessment of the MPs pollution in different water types, environmental implications, and corresponding treatment strategies. With the advancement in nanotechnology, mitigation strategies for aqueous pollution are seen, especially due to the fabrication of nanosheets/membranes mostly utilized as a filtration process. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are increasingly used for membranes due to their diverse structure, affinity, cost-effectiveness, and, most importantly, removal efficiency. The popular 2D materials used for membrane-based organic and inorganic pollutants from water mainly include graphene and MXenes however their effectiveness for MPs removal is still in its infancy. Albeit, the available literature asserts a 70– 99% success rate in micro/nano plastics removal achieved through membranes fabricated via graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MXene membranes. This review examined existing membrane separation strategies for MPs removal, focusing on the structural properties of 2D materials, composite, and how they adsorb pollutants and underlying physicochemical mechanisms. Since MPs and other contaminants commonly coexist in the natural environment, a brief examination of the response of 2D membranes to MPs removal was also conducted. In addition, the influencing factors regulate MPs removal performance of membranes by impacting their two main operating routes (filtration and adsorption). Finally, significant limitations, research gaps, and future prospects of 2D material-based membranes for effectively removing MPs are also proposed. The conclusion is that the success of 2D material is strongly linked to the types, size of MPs, and characteristics of aqueous media. Future perspectives talk about the problems that need to be solved to get 2D material-based membranes out of the lab and onto the market.

Chemosphere, Volume 316, March 2023, 137305

Abstract

This research has identified the groundwater potential and vulnerability zones in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Schlumberger electrode array has been used to conduct vertical electrical sounding (VES) at 95 sites with a maximum electrode spacing of 150 m. The study area comprises of hard rock and sedimentary formations. Geographical Information System (GIS) has been used to integrate the geoelectrical data and to prepare spatial variation maps for various parameters. Finally, groundwater potential and vulnerability zones have been demarcated, and these outputs have been validated using water level and nitrate data, respectively. The Dar-Zarrouk parameters such as longitudinal conductance (S), transverse unit resistance (T), and aquifer anisotropy (λ) have been used along with the spatial variation of resistivity and aquifer thickness to find out groundwater potential areas with the support of GIS. The thickness of topsoil, weathered zone and fractured zone are not uniform in the research area. Top soil plus weathered zone acts as a water table (phreatic) aquifer, which extends up to 38 m from the surface. Fractured zone extends up to 45 m, which acts as a kind of confined/semi-confined aquifer. Open and bore wells have been constructed to tap groundwater from the unconfined (water table) and confined/semi-confined aquifers, respectively. High to very high groundwater potential areas are associated with low resistivity, high thickness, low longitudinal conductance, high transverse unit resistance and high aquifer anisotropy areas. Very high groundwater potential areas are mostly confined to flood plain (alluvium) deposits in the central portion of the study area. High potential areas are noticed in the northern part, whereas low potential areas are noticed in the southern part. The areas with high longitudinal conductance indicate low permeable zones with less possibility of external pollution. Since agriculture is an important activity in the study region, this work will be useful to provide water supply for irrigation as well as for domestic needs.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 391, 10 March 2023, 136203

Abstract

To promote their public image, a growing number of companies have adopted corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects that benefit various social interests. As such, it is imperative to audit the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of CSR projects for their sustainable development. This paper presents an assessment of three CSR projects undertaken by the energy industry (renewable energy) and commercial sector (plastic waste recycling) in Thailand to transition towards the circular economy (CE) business model. A set of CE indicators were selected from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development: WBCSD 2018 European Commission 2018, and British Standard Institution 2017 and compared with the sustainability indicators listed in the ISO 26000:2010 (referenced in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): G4 Guidelines). These indicators were established to assess the readiness of companies to implement sustainable CSR projects. The assessment results showed that the CSR projects in the case study were conducive to the CE model, as most of the CE concepts evaluated by the performance indicators were already in place. This study aimed to support the implementation of CSR projects that contribute to adopting a CE business model and determine key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and monitor CSR projects in terms of their CE concepts. The sustainability KPIs proposed in this study can serve as a set of guidelines to drive CE strategy adoption and allow for the identification of sustainable CSR projects that can simultaneously offer more value creation and satisfaction for all stakeholders, including society and the companies, while reducing environmental impacts. This paper integrates CSR into a CE approach that results in business sustainability and contributes to Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) targets.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 392, 15 March 2023, 136238

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to research the possibility and methods of measuring the social sustainability of the circular economy (CE) transition nationally and sub-nationally in Finland based on secondary and regularly updated data. The aim was to assess both the social impacts of, and socio-cultural changes needed for, the transition. Expert elicitation method was used to develop experimental pilot indicators for Finland that would cover different types of social implications and CE principles and be based on secondary data sources. 12 indicators proceeded into piloting and data collection. The study confirmed the difficulty of monitoring the social sustainability for two main reasons. First, social outcomes are often very contextual and the result of complex personal and inter-personal relations, and they are difficult to connect to only the CE development. Second, the conventional data sources are based on a linear logic and are not fit to measure the circular processes. The monitoring results show weak signs for a socially just development and socio-cultural change towards the CE. The study answers to the research gap between CE practices and conceptual frameworks for monitoring the social sustainability of the CE. The real-world national and sub-national monitoring based on data readily available in regularly updated open databases was piloted to allow continuous monitoring to support strategic regional development. The study presents a model for an iterative and systemic process to develop social indicators for the CE that can also be applied outside of Finland.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 392, 15 March 2023, 136234

Abstract

The impact of the envelope insulation and location of a Chilean single-family dwelling on the energy and environmental performance remains understudied. To figure this out, this study proposes to develop a life cycle assessment of a social housing with different thermal insulation materials and thicknesses (1–15 cm) in seven cities located in different thermal zones. The impact of the insulation and climate conditions is evaluated through the dwelling heating demand and the environmental impact, which allows determining the overall impact of improving the housing envelope by considering a cradle-to-grave approach. The functional unit considered in this study is 1 m2 of the total dwelling floor area. As expected, the heating demand showed notable differences between cities, being more energy-intensive (134–236 kWh/m2 yr) in cities located in Chile's extreme south, such as Punta Arenas. On the other hand, the major environmental impacts were registered in Puerto Montt (600–850 Pt/m2), although this city does not present a high heating and electrical energy consumption.

Regarding the insulation material performance, increasing the wall insulation thickness (1–15 cm) decreased the U-value by 31 and 89%, resulting in an energy saving of 57–60% and reducing the environmental impact by 18 and 29%. These findings suggest that the actual thermal standard could be improved for reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact in the cities located in southern Chile. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the environmental impact depends more on the energy resources used to produce heating, electricity and domestic hot water than on the location of the city. It allows to identify potential opportunities to implement feasible and more sustainable solutions for social housing design considering site-specific conditions.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 393, 20 March 2023, 136222

Abstract

The difficulty of tracking the metabolism of e-waste throughout its life cycle caused by scattered distribution has long constrained the development of the recycling industry and further policy making. In this study, the monitoring of Chinese e-waste, including sources, flows, scrap, and recycling potentials of electronic products, was measured and predicted based on data from both the government and 109 formal e-waste recycling enterprises. From 2009 to 2030, the inventory of electronic products is expected to increase due to overcapacity and near saturation of household possession. Meanwhile, the total amount of e-waste scrapping is predicted to increase from 1.77 million tons to 18.86 million tons, and the amount of generated e-waste will also increase, reaching 240 million tons by 2030. Currently, e-waste recycling is gradually becoming the official waste disposal approach. However, this newly emerged industry has numerous problems, such as lower recycling efficiency and scale, lack of advanced technologies, and corresponding laws and regulations. Hence, the data collected and analyzed in this study shed light on the e-waste market size in China. Meanwhile, to establish an ideal resource-sustainable society, suggestions regarding the optimization of the e-waste recycling industry through legal, reasonable, and efficient methods are put forward from our point of view.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 394, 25 March 2023, 136402

Abstract

Open fires produce pollutants that critically harm human health. Differences in emission characteristics and toxic substances from the burning of different biomasses lead to distinct exposure patterns. However, the details of these exposure patterns are still poorly known due to the uncertainties regarding cross-region transport. In this study, we investigated the particulate matters (PM) and ozone (O3) pollution produced by open fires from different vegetation types and locations, and assessed their exposure risks throughout China, by using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model combined with multi-source spatial data. Results revealed that open fires significantly enhanced the pollutant concentrations in China, which aggravated the risks of PM2.5 and O3 exposures for 303 million and 405 million people, respectively. Compared with cropland fires, forest and grassland fires had greater impacts on PM2.5 exposure, significantly increasing exposure risk for 208 million people in southern China. Cropland fires contribute more to O3 exposure in central and eastern China, which could increase the risk for 341 million people. For the location factor, the fires outside China, mainly forest and grassland burning, affected more than 74 million people, while domestic fires, mainly cropland burning, affected 354 million people. Therefore, the results suggest that the burning vegetation type and cross-region transport of pollutants should be considered in the formulation of national and regional pollution control measures, especially in densely populated areas.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 329, 1 March 2023, 117046

Abstract

Modeling Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus is necessary for integrated water resources management (IWRM), especially in urban areas. This paper presents a new urban water metabolism-based methodology for WEF nexus modeling and management. A behavioral simulation model is used to incorporate the characteristics of stakeholders in an urban area. Modified versions of the Borda count, Copeland rule, and fallback bargaining procedures are implemented to choose the socially acceptable management scenarios. Finally, the selected scenarios’ effectiveness is evaluated using the fairness and total utility indices.

The applicability of the proposed methodology is evaluated by applying it to the Kan River basin, Tehran, Iran, which is suffering from some water and environmental issues. The considered management scenarios include adding new water sources, leakage control plans, using rubber dams for enhancing groundwater recharge, revising water allocation priorities, and developing semi-centralized or decentralized reuse strategies for reclaimed wastewater. Results illustrate that considering different fluxes (i.e., water quantity, pollutants, energy, greenhouse gases (GHG), and materials) is as important as incorporating the social characteristics of stakeholders. Simulating the socially acceptable scenario shows that the aquifer's average water level improves by 3 (m), and its average nitrate concentration reduces by 16 (mg/l) in comparison with the business as usual (BAU) scenario. In addition, by implementing different water reuse strategies, which are energy-intensive, total energy consumption is reduced by 5% due to less groundwater pumping. Also, the selected scenario decreases GHG emissions by 18% and increases the sequestrated carbon dioxide by 20%. In conclusion, the proposed decision support tool can provide policies for sustainable water resources management considering water quality and quantity issues, energy usage, and GHG emission.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 329, 1 March 2023, 117034

Abstract

Mainland Southeast Asian (MSEA) countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam) are likely to become one of the next hotspots for emission reduction, since CO2 emissions in this area will have a two-thirds increase by 2040 due to rapid economy growth and associated energy consumption. As one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change, MSEA countries need to develop low-carbon roadmaps based on accurate emission data. This study provides emission inventories for MSEA countries for 2010-2019, based on the IPCC territorial emission accounting approach , including emissions from five types of fuels (i.e., coal, crude oil, oil products, natural gas, and biofuels & waste) used in 47 economic sectors. The results show that the emissions in MSEA countries are on the rise, with average annual growth rates ranging from 2.5% in Thailand to 19.3% in Laos. Biomass is one of the most important sources of carbon emissions, contributing between 11.8% and 76.7% of total carbon emissions, but its share has been declining in most countries, whereas the share of emissions from coal has risen sharply in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. We further examine the drivers behind the changes in emissions using index decomposition analysis. Economic growth was the strongest driver of growth in emissions, while population growth has only had a small effect on emission growth. Energy intensity varies widely across nations, but only significantly reduced CO2 emission growth in Thailand. The secondary sector considerable contributed to an increase in CO2 emissions in Laos and Vietnam, while the tertiary sector only moderately contributed to emissions in Thailand. Our study provides a better understanding of the composition and underlying factors of emission growth in MSEA countries, this could shape their low-carbon development pathway. Our results could also inform other emerging economies, which may become emission hotspots in the next decades, to develop low-carbon roadmaps, thereby contributing to the achievement of global climate change targets.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 329, 1 March 2023, 117104

Abstract

The quantitative description of the equilibrium data by the isotherm models is an indispensable link in adsorption studies. The previous review papers focus on the underlying assumptions, fitting methods, error functions and practical applications of the isotherm models, usually ignoring their curve characteristics, selection criteria and common controversies. The main contents of this review include: (i) effect of the model parameters on the isotherm curves; (ii) determination of the site energy distribution; (iii) selection criteria of the isotherm models; and (iv) elimination of some common controversies. It is of great significance to reveal the curve characteristics for selecting a proper isotherm model. The site energy distribution is conducive to understanding the physicochemical properties of the adsorbent surface. The complete isotherm is recommended to be correlated with the experimental data. The model parameter qmax should be cautiously adopted for comparison of the adsorbent performance. The residual plot can be used to diagnose the fitting quality of the isotherm models further. This review also addresses some common mistakes and controversies and thereby avoids their propagation in future publications.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 329, 1 March 2023, 117023

Abstract

In recent years, financial markets have been hit hard by the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, the acceleration of climate change, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The result of these events is the acceleration of the implementation of a new model of socioeconomic development of societies referred to as the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) model. It has been particularly evident in the financial investment sector. Analyses of the relative performance of ESG funds is inconclusive due to the lack of a clear definition of responsible investments, and insufficient quality of the available data and ESG ratings. However, most of the studies find a positive correlation between ESG factors and company's financial performance. The analyses showed that these positive results are more pronounced over the longer term and impact the stock prices of those companies. ESG funds offer better downside protection during crises in relation to traditional funds. Despite the lack of legal barriers, the Polish economy has experienced very long delays in implementing the ESG model and the gap is even more pronounced in the financial industry. This is surprising as Poland is a very interesting market for sustainable investment given its current underdevelopment and overall potential related to green transformation. In Poland, only 17 investment funds deeply integrate ESG criteria. Educational and communication barriers have been identified as the main obstacles to the development of the sustainable finance market in Poland. Education of all participants in investment processes is a prerequisite for success.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 862, 1 March 2023, 160573

Abstract

Wastewater-based epidemiology is an economical and effective tool for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study we proposed sampling campaigns that addressed spatial-temporal trends within a metropolitan area. This is a local study of detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater during the onset, rise, and decline of COVID-19 cases in Salta city (Argentina) over the course of a twenty-one-week period (13 Aug to 30 Dec) in 2020. Wastewater samples were gathered from 13 sewer manholes specific to each sewershed catchment, prior to convergence or mixing with other sewer lines, resulting in samples specific to individual catchments with defined areas. The 13 sewershed catchments selected comprise 118,832 connections to the network throughout the city, representing 84.7 % (534,747 individuals) of the total population. The number of COVID19-related exposure and symptoms cases in each area were registered using an application developed for smartphones by the provincial government. Geographical coordinates provided by the devices were recorded, and consequently, it was possible to geolocalise all app-cases and track them down to which of the 13 sampling catchments belonged. RNA fragments of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in every site since the beginning of the monitoring, anticipating viral circulation in the population. Over the course of the 21-week study, the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 ranged between 1.77 × 104 and 4.35 × 107 genome copies/L. There was a correspondence with the highest viral load in wastewater and the peak number of cases reported by the app for each catchment. The associations were evaluated with correlation analysis. The viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater were a feasible means to describe the trends of COVID-19 infections. Surveillance at sewershed scale, provided reliable and strategic information that could be used by local health stakeholders to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 863, 10 March 2023, 160912

Abstract

Determining the minimum scale of ecological space that is sufficient for sustainable urban development is one of the difficult tasks in quantitative urban ecological research. In this study, we first expounded on the basic concept of the minimum scale of urban ecological space and reviewed the research status. Supported by the theory of "aggregation and dispersion” in landscape ecology, we converted the task of scale prediction into spatial accounting-oriented scenario simulation. We then proposed a method to predict the scale, based on an analysis of socio-ecological systems, and constructed a research framework of "construction constraint analysis - ecological importance evaluation scale prediction.” The rules to discriminate the optimal scenario and the characteristics indices of the network were also proposed. Second, we selected Shenzhen City as a representative study object and constructed 87 ecological networks under different scenarios, based on the construction constraints and spatial distribution of ecosystem services, identified from the multi-source data in the study area. By calculating and comparing the network efficiency and clustering coefficient, we concluded that the network under the m39 scenario has the optimal connection efficiency and structural stability. We finally obtained a threshold of 48.85 % as the minimum proportion of ecological land in Shenzhen. We expect that this result can help improve the rationality of decision-making in urban spatial planning and governance.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 864, 15 March 2023, 161045

Abstract

Summer extreme precipitation is one of the most frequent, intense, and influential extreme weather events that occurs frequently in the Wuhan Urban Agglomeration (WUA). Preventing meteorological disasters and coping with climate change necessitate understanding the characteristics and causes of extreme precipitation and its impact on ecosystems. In this study, the spatiotemporal characteristics of summer extreme precipitation in the WUA are analysed from 1961 to 2020. Then, NCEP reanalysis data and the relevant circulation index are used to explore the causes of extreme precipitation. Finally, how extreme precipitation influences key ecosystem services, such as water yield, water regulation, and soil conservation, is investigated. The results reveal that (1) extreme precipitation in the WUA has shown an obvious upwards trend over the past 60 years. Huanggang, Xianning, Huangshi, Wuhan, and E'zhou city demonstrate the highest values. The extreme precipitation increased significantly after 1980s, especially the R97.5P and PRCPTOT with change rate of 12.1 mm/10a and 18.82 mm/10a respectively. (2) Atmospheric circulation variation is a dominant factor affecting extreme precipitation in the WUA and causes the meridional distribution of the "+ − +” wave train in eastern China. The intensity and location of the Western Pacific subtropical high are closely related to extreme precipitation. Furthermore, the weakening of the East Asian summer monsoon circulation is also conducive to the occurrence of extreme precipitation. (3) The spatial distribution of water yield and runoff retention in abnormal extreme precipitation years are similar to the variation patterns of the total amount of extreme precipitation. Water yield and runoff retention in high-value extreme precipitation years are higher than that in low-value extreme precipitation years, while soil conservation shows no difference. In addition, ecosystem services have a synergistic relationship in high-value areas and a trade-off relationship in low-value areas. This study can contribute to the understanding of extreme precipitation in the WUA and its interaction with ecosystem services.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 865, 20 March 2023, 161180

Abstract

The mass absorption efficiency (MAE) of black carbon (BC) could be amplified by both internal mixing and the lensing effect from non-absorbing coating, which could intensify the global warming effect of BC. In this study, a two-year-long continuous campaign with measurements of aerosol optical properties and chemical composition were conducted in Nanjing, a typical polluted city in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. Relatively large MAE values were observed in 2016, and the high BC internal mixing level could be the main cause. The strong positive correlation between the ratio of non-absorbing particulate matter (NAPM) over elemental carbon (EC) and the MAE value indicated that the coating thickness of BC largely promotes its light absorption ability. The impacts of chemical component coating on MAE amplification in autumn and winter were greater than in other seasons. Multiple linear regression was performed to estimate the MAE amplification effect by internal mixing and the coating of different chemical components. Nitrate coating had the strongest impact on MAE amplification, followed by organic matter. The effects of organic matter and nitrate coatings on MAE amplification increased with the internal mixing index (IMI). Based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, it was found that large decrease in the contribution of industrial emissions and coal combustion to PM2.5 from 2016 to 2017 was the main cause for MAE reduction. The novel statistical model developed in this study could be a useful tool to separate the impacts of internal mixing and non-absorbing coating.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 865, 20 March 2023, 161092

Abstract

The sources, sizes, components, and toxicological responses of particulate matter (PM) have demonstrated remarkable spatiotemporal variability. However, associations between components, sources, and toxicological effects in different-sized PM remain unclear. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the sources of PM chemical components, 2) investigate the associations between components and toxicology of PM from Guangzhou high air pollution season. We collected size-segregated PM samples (PM10–2.5, PM2.5–1, PM1–0.2, PM0.2) from December 2017 to March 2018 in Guangzhou. PM sources and components were analyzed. RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were treated with PM samples for 24 h followed by measurements of toxicological responses. The concentrations of PM10–2.5 and PM1–0.2 were relatively high in all samples. Water-soluble ions and PAHs were more abundant in smaller-diameter PM, while metallic elements were more enriched in larger-diameter PM. Traffic exhaust, soil dust, and biomass burning/petrochemical were the most important sources of PAHs, metals and ions, respectively. The main contributions to PM were soil dust, coal combustion, and biomass burning/petrochemical. Exposure to PM10–2.5 induced the most significant reduction of cell mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress and inflammatory response, whereas DNA damage, an increase of Sub G1/G0 population, and impaired cell membrane integrity were most evident with PM1–0.2 exposure. There were moderate or strong correlations between most single chemicals and almost all toxicological endpoints as well as between various toxicological outcomes. Our findings highlight those various size-segregated PM-induced toxicological effects in cells, and identify chemical components and sources of PM that play the key role in adverse intracellular responses. Although fine and ultrafine PM have attracted much attention, the inflammatory damage caused by coarse PM cannot be ignored.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 866, 25 March 2023, 161396

Abstract

Background

Green space is a newly modifiable environmental factor which would bring health benefits, and identifying potential pathways is important to better promote public health. Nowadays, limited evidence is available on residential green space and risk of incident type 2 diabetes (T2D). To evaluate the longitudinal association between residential green space and incident T2D, and further illustrate the role of air pollution, we conducted a prospective analysis in UK Biobank.

Methods

Incident cases of T2D were ascertained through medical linkage of hospital admissions. Residential green space indicated by percentage of green space at 300 m buffer was estimated using land use data. Annual average air pollution was modelled using Land Use Regression model. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine the association between the exposure and incident T2D. Effect modification of air pollution was assessed using log-likelihood tests. Casual mediation analysis including interaction of green space and air pollution was used to quantity pure natural indirect effect of air pollution.

Results

Of 379,238 participants at baseline, 15564 incident T2D cases were identified with 12.4 years of follow-up. In main models, individuals who exposed to residential green space at 300 m buffer in high level (≥75 %) had 14.4 % (95 % CI: 8.0 %, 20.3 %) lower risk of incident T2D compared with those in low level (<25 %). This association was modified by NO2, with green space indicating higher protective effect in low NO2 level (P interaction = 0.098). PM2.5 had a high mediation effect of 37.0 % in the association.

Conclusion

Elevated residential green space level was associated with lower risk of incident T2D, and air pollution played an important role in this association. These findings would contribute to policy making and healthy city construction to take air pollution into consideration while planning green space, which would maximize public health benefits.

Chemosphere, Volume 316, March 2023, 137871

Abstract

There is increasing evidence for an association of air pollutants and the incidence of chronic kidney disease, and the progression to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Despite the global expansion of peritoneal dialysis (PD), the impact of environmental and climatic factors in PD patients has not been studied in detail. We aimed to assess the association of long-term residential exposure to air pollutants, with patient survival and incidence of hospitalizations. This was a cohort study of all prevalent ESKD patients who were stable on PD therapy for more than 90 days in our PD center from 2013/01/01 to 2018/12/31. The enrolled patients were followed until death, cessation of PD, loss to follow-up, or 2018/12/31. Time-varying pollutant exposures were modeled as the key time-dependent variables. We used time-dependent Cox model to evaluate the risk of mortality and hospitalizations associated with air pollutant exposures adjusted for potential confounders. A total of 886 subjects who meets inclusion criteria with 27,024 patient-months were modeled. Over a mean follow-up of 30.5 ± 21.3 months, we ascertained 246 cases of death and 2611 cases of hospital admission. Significant hazard ratios (HRs) were observed for all four air pollutants including PM2.5 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.05–1.54), PM10 (HR 1.31, 95%CI 1.04–1.65), NO2 (HR 1.45, 95%CI 1.02–2.06), and SO2 (HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.10–1.32) in fully adjusted model, corresponding to per interquartile range μg/m3 increase of air pollutant concentrations for mortality, and non-significant HRs for incidence of hospitalization. Non-linear associations with respect to different air pollutants were observed in models for all-cause mortality and recurrent hospitalization. The estimates for mortality were significantly higher in certain groups of patients. Our findings suggest long-term exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality in PD patients, but the association with incidence of hospitalizations was less clear.

Chemosphere, Volume 318, March 2023, 137872

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the environmental impact of industrial wastewater disposal in the El-Khadrawiya agricultural drain, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, as well as the effect on water, soil, and plant qualities in the drain's extension area, which was primarily adjacent to the industrial zone. The analyses results of wastewater at El-Khadrawiya drain revealed that heavy metal concentrations in water samples exceeded WHO permitted limits. Heavy metal levels followed the following pattern: (Pb > Zn > Cr > Cd > Ni > As), where Heavy metal levels average were: (1.8492 > 1.7857 > 0.1815 > 0.1578 > 0.059 > 0.0048. Wastewater, soil and plant samples were analyzed using (PerkinElmer AAnalyst 400 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer A Analyst 400), Heavy metal pollution evaluation indicators: Target hazard quotient (THQ), Hazard index (HI), Chronic daily intake (CDI), Carcinogenic risk (CR), and Heavy metals pollution index (HPI)) showed that a majority of samples discovered values referring to carcinogenic health risks for the population. In contrast, the soil contamination indices followed the same trend, with the contamination factor (CF) indicating that the majority of samples exposed low to medium levels of pollution for (Ni, Cd, and Zn), while Pb and Cr were between high and very high, and the contamination degree (Cd) and modified degree of contamination (mCd) indicating that the majority of samples revealed the medium level of pollution, with the exception of one site with a high level of contamination. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) revealed that heavy metal accumulation in plants exceeds the critical range. This study should be expanded to include additional agricultural regions with comparable conditions in order to provide environmental monitoring of present challenges and work toward solutions.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 393, 20 March 2023, 136360

Abstract

Unplanned regional socioeconomic development contributes to PM2.5 pollution, which severely infringes on human well-being and even lives. Facing the spillover and migration of pollution, the cross-regional issue of environmental health inequalities implied in trade networks requires accurate recognition and research. In this research, a city-level PM2.5-related health impact complex network model (PHCNM) is developed. The Community Detection Algorithm (CDA) and the Stochastic Approach for Weighted Link-Structure Algorithm (SAWLSA) are optimized and applied to deconstruct the structures, hierarchies, and characteristics of PHCNM to assess the interactions of environmental health inequalities across regions and cities. At the urban layer, the empirical results suggest that the top 5 cities (i.e., Chongqing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, and Tianjin) have premature mortality of more than 25000 people each year, which is about 27% of the total. The demographic surge and PM2.5 pollution deterioration are responsible for the worsening health burden of cities. Chengdu, Suzhou, Shanghai, and Hangzhou are identified as development-driven critical cities; Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Cangzhou, and Handan are recognized as pollution-driven critical cities. Thus, city-specific management and treatment of PM2.5 are possible depending on the characteristics of their environmental health inequalities. While at the regional layer, the urban agglomerations of Yangtze River Delta (YRD-UA) and Pearl River Delta (PRD-UA) transfer pollution and health threats through commercial interaction among cities, leaving the urban agglomerations of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH-UA) and Chengdu-Chongqing (CC-UA) as victims of their environmental and health development. And the regional inequalities index elevates from 0.770 to 0.780, reflecting the easing of regional health inequalities. The research reveals that health inequalities significantly reside in communal or regional boundaries; therefore, the internalities and externalities of communal structures can offer insights into the regionalized and communalized development patterns of urban agglomerations.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 394, 25 March 2023, 136359

Abstract

Currently, a low-carbon economy has become an inevitable choice for sustainable development in many countries. This research issue has been widely discussed in the previous literature. However, discussion about the spatial correlation network of low-carbon economy in urban agglomeration has been rare. Focusing on the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration, the structural characteristics of its low-carbon economy spatial correlation network are explored from three perspectives, namely, overall, individual, and subgroup, based on the low-carbon economy gravity model and social network analysis. This work finds that the spatial correlation of low-carbon economic development in the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration is increasingly positive. Spatial correlation among cities is constrained by administrative boundaries, which are slowly being eliminated. The centrality results show that the development plans of Chengdu and Chongqing largely determine the spatial orientation of the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration. Moreover, the spatial spillover and intermediation effects of Chengdu are stronger than those of Chongqing. Finally, the structure of cohesive subgroups is relatively stable, and the core–periphery hierarchy is clearly distributed. The findings contribute to the scientific and rational allocation of spatial resource elements in the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration, inspiring it to form a new paradigm of low-carbon economic development.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 329, 1 March 2023, 117050

Abstract

Urban ecosystem services (UES), as an important concept in nature-based solutions, can effectively mitigate adverse environmental burdens and have great potential in addressing environmental justice issues. However, few studies linking UES with environmental justice have considered both supply and demand sides of UES, particularly at the spatial scale of residential walking space. Against this backdrop, we investigated the distributional justice of supply and demand for urban cooling, flood mitigation, air purification, and outdoor recreation in residential walking spaces in Shanghai among socially vulnerable groups (i.e., elderly residents, children, females, low-income residents, no-hukou residents, and ethnic minorities). We found that (1) the UES supply of residential walking space was much lower than that of non-residential walking space, while the UES demand was much higher than that of non-residential walking space. (2) Higher proportions of ethnic minorities, no-hukou residents, and females in Shanghai were positively correlated with several UES demands but were not positively correlated with ES supply, indicating a higher possibility of unsatisfied UES demand for these disadvantaged groups. Future urban blue-green space planning should pay more attention to the spatial allocation of blue-green space, especially placing more blue-green space around residential walking spaces with high UES demand and with a high proportion of socially disadvantaged groups.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 329, 1 March 2023, 117109

Abstract

Waste separation at a household level could facilitate sustainable waste management. However, despite several efforts by the government, the adoption of household waste separation practices is still at a nascent stage. Therefore, we aim to study the factors affecting household waste separation intention (WSI). Drawing on Dual Factor Theory (DFT), two distinct sets of factors (enablers and barriers) were used to explain the WSI at the household level. This study also extended the Self Determination Theory (SDT) and Status Quo Bias (SQB) theory to broadly identify the factors and develop a conceptual model. The main study analyzed data from 494 respondents using a structural equation modeling approach. The result reveals that environmental concern, anticipated guilt, awareness of consequences, and health consciousness have a significant positive effect on WSI. In contrast, perceived inconvenience, information, and infrastructure barriers significantly negatively affect WSI. Additionally, gender and income partially moderated the studied relationships. The results offer key insights and implications for marketers and public policymakers.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 330, 15 March 2023, 117166

Abstract

With the ongoing urbanization in developing regions, integrating regional waste disposal capability is challenging due to unbalanced economic development and rising environmental issues. This research proposed a multi-dimensional symbiotic integration of waste disposal capability. Applying data from the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China, we first explore the waste flows and interactions between cities to identify the possibility of inter-municipal collaboration based on the augmented gravity model. We then employ social network analysis to categorize the cities in the collaborative network of waste disposal into subgroups by functionalities. Finally, we proposed the top-down framework of symbiotic networks for waste disposal. Our findings indicate that YRD cities can be classified into four types according to their waste density and disposal efficiency: High-High, Low-High, Low-Low, and High-Low. We also identify three types of inter-municipal collaborative relationships: between high-density and high-efficiency cities, between high-density cities, and between high-efficiency cities. The city subgroups can be categorized into "high-efficiency clusters,” "high-density clusters,” and "hub clusters,” which pave the way for a shared or complementary urban symbiosis in the waste recycling industry. The division of roles among subgroups enables symbiotic activities within the city cluster. This paper extends the spatial scope of industrial symbiosis literature and has practical implications for transitioning to a circular economy in waste management of developing countries.

Environmental Pollution, Volume 320, 1 March 2023, 121043

Abstract

Gasification fly ash (GFA) is a hazardous solid residue generated in the slagging-gasification of municipal solid waste (MSW). GFA contains higher amounts of heavy metals such as Pb and Zn than incineration fly ash (IFA), which increases the difficulty of heavy metal immobilization but simultaneously makes it a potential feedstock for metal recovery. Water washing and acid washing are conventional and economic methods to treat wastes with high heavy metal and chloride contents. However, the research on the effects of such methods in treating GFA is still blank. Hence, in this study, water washing and acid washing of GFA were investigated in detail. Heavy metal behaviors at different time points during the washing processes were studied in a wide pH range and comprehensive characterizations of washed GFAs were also conducted. The results show that different re-precipitates could be identified in washed GFAs depending on different pH conditions. After water washing for 24 h, more than 60% of Zn in GFA would dissolve and re-precipitate into calcium zincate. It is also revealed that the precipitation effect could in turn influence the pH during the washing process. After acid washing with a low-concentration acid, heavy metal leachabilities were found reduced due to the pH and precipitation effect. High-concentration acid washing could effectively extract Zn and Cd with extraction ratios exceeding 90%. Applying 1.2 M-HCl washing, a short washing period of 15 min could realize a Pb extraction ratio of 81.2%, much higher than 53.2% when extending the washing period to 24 h.

Environment International, Volume 173, March 2023, 107866

Abstract

Oxidative potential (OP) has gained attention as a parameter that can reveal the ability of different properties of particulate matter (PM) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as one single value. Moreover, OP is also believed to be a predictor of toxicity and hence the health effects of PM. This study evaluated the OP of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 samples using dithiothreitol assays in two cities of Chile (Santiago and Chillán). The results showed that the OP was different between cities, PM size fractions, and seasons. Additionally, OP was strongly correlated with certain metals and meteorological variables. Higher mass-normalized OP was observed during cold periods in Chillán and warm periods in Santiago and was associated with PM2.5 and PM1. On the other hand, volume-normalized OP was higher during winter in both cities and for PM10. Additionally, we compared the OP values to the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale and found cases of days that were classified as having "good” air quality (supposed to be less harmful to health) showing extremely high OP values that were similar to those on days that were classified as "unhealthy”. Based on these results, we suggest using the OP as a complementary measure to the PM mass concentration because it includes important new information related to PM properties and compositions that could help improve current air quality management tools.

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 864, 15 March 2023, 161135

Abstract

The over-exploitation of mineral resources has led to increasingly serious dust pollution in mines, resulting in a series of negative impacts on the environment, mine workers (occupational health) and nearby residents (public health). For the environment, mine dust pollution is considered a major threat on surface vegetation, landscapes, weather conditions and air quality, leading to serious environmental damage such as vegetation reduction and air pollution; for occupational health, mine dust from the mining process is also regarded as a major threat to mine workers' health, leading to occupational diseases such as pneumoconiosis and silicosis; for public health, the pollutants contained in mine dust may pollute surrounding rivers, farmlands and crops, which poses a serious risk to the domestic water and food security of nearby residents who are also susceptible to respiratory diseases from exposure to mine dust. Therefore, the second section of this paper combines literature research, statistical studies, and meta analysis to introduce the public mainly to the severity of mine dust pollution and its hazards to the environment, mine workers (occupational health), and residents (public health), as well as to present an outlook on the management of mine dust pollution. At the same time, in order to propose a method for monitoring mine dust pollution on a regional scale, based on the Dense Dark Vegetation (DDV) algorithm, the third section of this paper analysed the aerosol optical depth (AOD) change in Dexing City of China using the data of 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2021 from the NASA MCD19A2 Dataset to explore the mine dust pollution situation and the progress of pollution treatment in Dexing City from 2010 to 2021. As a discussion article, this paper aims to review the environmental and health risks caused by mine dust pollution, to remind the public to take mine dust pollution seriously, and to propose the use of remote sensing technologies to monitor mine dust pollution, providing suggestions for local governments as well as mines on mine dust monitoring measures.

Chemosphere, Volume 317, March 2023, 137933

Abstract

Removal of phenolic pollutants from industrial wastewaters is always an important practical problem. Use of enzymes for dephenolization provides a green solution. In this work, enzymatic methods were developed by employing mushroom tyrosinase immobilized as enzyme-Cu3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflowers and enzyme-metal organic framework (i.e., ZIF-8 and HKUST-1) hybrid composites, which were shown to be superior to processes mediated by tyrosinase immobilized on other supports in both dephenolization efficiency and reusability. Comparatively, tyrosinase@Cu3(PO4)2 and tyrosinase@HKUST-1 were better than tyrosinase@ZIF-8 in both specific activity and dephenolization efficiency. Typical phenolic pollutants, including 3 monophenols (phenol, p-cresol, p-chlorophenol) and 3 bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPF), can be completely eliminated within 0.5–4 h. The dephenolization order was discussed based on the enzyme's substrate specificity. The operability and reusability of these hybrid biocomposites were highly improved by entrapping into alginate gels or by incorporating with modified magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Particularly, the magnetic biocatalyst was prepared via a facile one-pot/one-step de novo synthetic strategy, optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM). The as-prepared magnetic tyrosinase@mHKUST-1 retained a high dephenolization efficiency of 81% after 10 cycles and was effective for continuous dephenolization for at least 24 h. These hybrid biocomposites were also successfully applied to treatment of real industrial wastewater from a coke plant.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 390, 1 March 2023, 136115

Abstract

Industrial production is key to economic development, yet it significantly influences the water environment. Recent literature has mainly focused on economic development and water pollution separately, lacking an integrated assessment. This study aims to clarify the links between industrial production and water pollution and its driving factors in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in 2012–2017 based on environmentally-extended input-output analysis and structural decomposition analysis, thus identifying key regions and sectors for pollution reduction. The results revealed that manufacture of foods and tobacco (MFT) and chemical industry (CI) in Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hunan, and processing of petroleum, coking, processing of nuclear fuel (PPCN) in Chongqing were the primary sources of total chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3–N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) discharges. The structural decomposition analysis (SDA) results demonstrated that the discharge intensity effect caused a decrease of 7.91 Mt, 0.22 Mt, 0.25 Mt, and 0.03 Mt of the indirect COD, NH3–N, TN, and TP discharge, while the scale effect led to an increase of 1.95 Mt, 0.26 Mt, 0.24 Mt and 0.03 Mt of them in 2012–2017. According to the analysis, water pollution reduction and industrial structure modernization are needed in the YREB. The technological upgrading of highly polluting industries and the structural adjustment between traditional highly polluting industries and high-tech industries were the focus for achieving green development of the YREB, especially in Anhui, Hubei, Guizhou and Yunnan. The establishment of green industrial parks, the development of environmental regulations, and the implementation of supply-side reform policies can benefit water pollution reduction and sustainable development.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 391, 10 March 2023, 136148

Abstract

The solar-driven interfacial evaporation has created a new pathway in energy desalination. However, its application in the treatment of organic wastewater with high-salinity, such as textile wastewater, has not been studied. In this study, we have employed the activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) to treat textile wastewater. The ACFC exhibited excellent light-to-thermal conversion capacity, and the evaporation rate reached >1.188 kg m−2 h−1 for textile wastewater under 1 sun irradiation. Furthermore, salt and organic dye with high purity are well-separated by the evaporator, enabling ease of recovery. Up to 89.6% of salt can be recovered. The highest recovery rate of 69.2% was observed for Alizarin yellow R, which is an anionic dye and is repelled from the negatively charged ACFC surface. In addition, by modifying ACFC with cationic surfactant, the recovery rate for cationic dye increased significantly from 46.5% to 54.7% for rhodamine B. However, we found organic dyes can be partially degraded on the ACFC surface under solar irradiation due to carbon-mediated self-photosensitization, although its effect on the purity of recovered salt and organic dye is negligible. Overall, our study may open up new exploration of zero-liquid discharge technologies for the treatment of textile wastewater.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 391, 10 March 2023, 136231

Abstract

Prior studies have explored the relationship between public environmental concerns and air pollution, but the interaction effects and spatial factors under a systematic framework have been ignored. This paper investigates the interaction effect between public environmental concern and air pollution, moreover, a spatial panel simultaneous equation approach is employed to reduce the endogenous interference and the potential impact of spatial factors. Based on the balanced panel data of 269 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2017, we find that a 1% increase in public environmental concern will lead to a 0.049% decrease in PM2.5 concentration, while a 1% increase in PM2.5 concentration will lead to a 1.398% increase in public environmental concern. Meanwhile, there is a significantly spatial spillover effect of both public environmental concern and air pollution to the surrounding areas. Furthermore, our findings suggest that public environmental concern reduces air pollution by promoting government environmental regulation, and air pollution promotes public environmental concern by threatening the health of the residents. In addition, the results of heterogeneity analysis show that the interaction effect of public environment on air pollution significantly differs across regions with different heating characteristics and economic development levels. Practicable policies to promote favorable feedback on public environmental concern and air pollution are suggested.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 393, 20 March 2023, 136306

Abstract

Clustering the manufacturing industries nearby major river is a common feature globally and can offer significant benefits in terms of productivity improvement. Nonetheless, such clustering also poses extensive and far-reaching environmental burdens on the river. China is implementing a green and low-carbon transformation strategy along the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, two of the largest rivers in its manufacturing hub. This research examines the following three ways for decoupling economic growth and CO2 emissions in a typical industrial park located along the Yangtze River, which includes the chemical industry, textile industry, glass manufacturing industry, and automobile manufacturing as pillar industries. First, we use the Tapio decoupling model and Kaya identity to forecast the decoupling paradigm between economic growth and CO2 emissions in the park by 2030 in response to policy interventions. Second, 10 two-digit level industries (TDLIs) with high energy-resource consumption and CO2 emissions in the manufacturing sector are evaluated. Third, a model is developed to determine the most appropriate approach for modifying the 10 TDLIs' structures under different scenario analysis. The main findings are as follows. It is expected that the parks could achieve a relative decoupling around 2028 and 2029 under policy interventions. In addition, tailored policies for industries with high economic output and low CO2 emissions are proposed, while their opposites are also. Lastly, the optimal way for the park to decouple economic development and CO2 emissions is to simultaneously adjust its industrial structure and upgrade its energy facilities. This would result in a 31% reduction in CO2 emissions with positive effects on the economy and continuous upgrading of the industrial structure of the park. This study will play an important role in the green transformation of China's manufacturing clusters located along the Yangtze and the Yellow Rivers and will also have implications for other similar manufacturing clusters.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 330, 15 March 2023, 117216

Abstract

Technological advancements have played a key role in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions, and industrial robots are important carriers of intelligent manufacturing and industrial upgrading. Although various countries and regions are under pressure to reduce their carbon emissions, a consensus has not been reached on whether industrial robots can help. This study investigates how industrial robots affect carbon emissions by categorizing industry data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR, 2010–2018) into city-level variables. The empirical finding revealed that cities' carbon emissions have been significantly reduced by the application of industrial robots. By using the penetration of robots in Chinese cities as an instrumental variable constructed through the combination of employment level and robot imports, the beneficial role of robots is further verified by a plausibly exogenous test. The mechanism analysis revealed that industrial robots contribute to cities' decarbonization by enhancing energy efficiency and green technology efficiency. The heterogeneity analysis showed that the effect of industrial robots on decarbonization is more pronounced in megacities, advanced manufacturing bases, and low-carbon pilot cities. This study empirically confirms the positive role of industrial robots in carbon emission reduction, provides evidence for industrial robots’ technical characteristics of decarbonization, and proposes novel ideas for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Resources Policy, Volume 81, March 2023, 103368

Abstract

Safety plays a major role in the oil and gas industry's capacity to function successfully within acceptable risk and dangerous conditions. Thus, promoting a safe working environment is an obligation for oil and gas companies with inherently high risks. Even though the oil and gas industry's safety records have greatly improved due to better technology and improved levels of risk perception, some stakeholders remain worried about the industry's present safety performance. This research studied the safety practices and performance of a critical sector in Ghana; the oil, gas, and allied energy industry, and proposed an integrated strategy for investigating new antecedent metrics for enhancing the safety performance in the sector. A Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis found that 1) safety training is the most significant contributor to safety performance and 2) This relationship is best mediated through safety knowledge and safety culture. The results further demonstrate that effective safety training is another safety management practice that can help develop a well-functioning safety policy. However, this study found that safety training had no significant effect on safety compliance, and safety compliance had no influence on safety performance. Oil and gas companies in Ghana seeking to improve safety compliance should prioritize safety training practices that demonstrate a clear commitment to safety concerns, improved accessibility and clarity of safety procedures, and training that emphasizes increased knowledge of safety issues and safety procedures.

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 446, 15 March 2023, 130680

Abstract

Development of co-processing technology in the cement industry in China is important for environmentally sound disposal and recycling of waste, and contributes to sustainable development of the cement industry. However, dioxin pollution could negatively affect promotion of this technology. Therefore, it is necessary to study the emission characteristics of dioxins in cement kilns. In this study, the emission characteristics of dioxins and factors influencing their generation during co-processing solid wastes were studied in 14 new dry cement kilns. The dioxin concentrations were very similar regardless of whether solid wastes were fed into the kiln. In blank runs without co-processing, the average dioxin concentration was 0.0097 ng international toxic equivalents (I-TEQ)/Nm3. By comparison, that for co-processing solid wastes was 0.012 ng I-TEQ/Nm3. These values meet the relevant emission standards. The type of co-processed solid wastes had almost no effect on the dioxin concentration. At larger production scales, the concentration of dioxin emitted in the flue gas decreased. The dioxin concentrations in kiln dust were obviously higher than those in clinker and raw materials. The average emission factor of dioxin per ton of cement was 30 ng I-TEQ/t, which is equivalent to that in cement kilns in other countries.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 391, 10 March 2023, 136133

Abstract

This anticipated consumer demand has put unprecedented pressure on natural resources. Being the highest contributor in the energy transition, Oil & gas (O&G) industry needs to lessen the negative impact of climate change and natural disasters. To combat the impact of emissions and a move towards circularity, O&G industry has undertaken numerous initiatives including energy efficiency, process fuel improvements, and technological transformation etc. But due to certain barriers O&G industry is unable to embrace Circular Economy (CE) implementation in the firms. Therefore, this study has proposed a model to examine the existing critical barriers and suggest strategies to overcome the barriers. The current study has employed an extensive analysis using a hybrid methodology of Fuzzy-DEMATEL (F-DEMATEL) and Best Worst Method (BWM) for assessing the barriers and ranking the strategies. The results showed that ‘knowledge barriers’ are the most critical in the O&G industry that hampers the implementation of CE currently. Further, the strategies ‘Developing collaborative model’ and ‘Internal research and development, innovation’ are the two most significant strategies that may help to reduce the barriers to a minimum. The findings, social and environmental implications are beneficial for the stakeholders and policy-makers to support the transition to CE.

Chemosphere, Available online 22 March 2023, 138476

Abstract

The unplanned anthropogenic activities and raced industrial revolution detrimentally causes serious threat to terrestrial and aquatic life. A high discharge of wastewater from industries using dyes affects living organisms and the environment. This paper presents studies on polycationic selenides (PCS) synthesized by hydrothermal methods for photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The synthesized PCS were confirmed by various characterization techniques such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, UV/Vis, and XRD. The FTIR spectra revealed characteristic band at 843, 548 cm−1, and 417 cm−1 due to the M − Se stretching and intrinsic stretching vibrations, respectively. The optical bandgap of polycationic selenide lies in the visible light region (2.36 eV). The SEM images showed that PCS has a spherical shape with an average crystallite size of 29.23 nm calculated from XRD data using Scherer's equation. The PCS has a point of zero charge (PZC) at pH 7. The efficiency of synthesized PCS photocatalyst was confirmed in terms of its activity towards Eosin (EY) and Crystal violet (CV) dyes mineralization. The photocatalytic degradation for EY and CV dyes at optimum conditions was 99.47% and 99.31% and followed second order reactions kinetics with 1.4314 and 0.551 rate constant, respectively. The polynomial quadratic model is the best-fitted response surface methodology (RSM) model having a maximum desirability factors value and significant terms, with R2 (0.9994) and adj R2 values (1.0).

Journal of Molecular Structure, Available online 2 March 2023, 135232

Abstract

This project stresses the current problems in the industrial revolution and the increasing demand for new products due to the population explosion. In the race for industrialization, the production unlimited byproducts and discharge of harmful gases in the atmosphere, discharging harmful sewage into fresh water resources and dumping of harmful waste in the soil. Polymer nanocomposites enable an eco-friendly environment that is dignified to be far for efficient than the current strategies, and likewise, anti-bacterial, and water treatment holds the future.

Here, the design and development of polymer nanocomposite based on polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked with melamine-formaldehyde doped with Cu nanoparticles. The electrostatic interaction between polymer matrixes increases the chemical stability after doping Cu nanoparticles. The chemical stability order of polymer nanocomposites was confirmed by contact angle (58-90o) in water> NaOH> HCl. The polymer nanocomposite films were analyzed for the Congo red (CR) dye adsorption using Batch adsorption methods. Three parameters were used to determine dye adsorption by contact time, pH, and the dye concentration of CR dye. The dye adsorption analysis reveals that CR dye adsorption increases in polymer nanocomposite films from (C1-C5). CR dye adsorption increase with respect to contact upto 80% mg L−1, but the adsorption percentage decreases (68-13%) as the pH (4-10) increases values. The anti-bacterial results reveal that the inhibition against B. subtilis 4736 and S. aureus is 40 mm and 35 mm, respectively, after the encapsulation of Cu nanoparticles. The present study launched a positive effort to design and develop an eco-friendly, very efficient, and safe synthesis of nanomaterials with unparalleled properties like waste water treatment discharge from textile industries for cleaner production, bactericidal, and packing industries.

Atmospheric Environment, Available online 14 March 2023, 119715

Abstract

Source-specific potential health risk was proposed as an effective index for determining priority control sources of PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) near an industrial park. However, industry-specific emission profiles were limited. In this study, 60 emission source samples from 13 industries and 139 p.m.2.5 samples near an industrial park were collected from 2020 to 2021. The PAH profiles of 12 industrial emission sources were constructed to address the difficulty of source apportionment refined to industrial categories. A diagnostic ratio method and a positive matrix factorization method (PMF) were used to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the emission sources of 16 p.m.2.5-bound PAHs. The incremental lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) of PAH inhalation exposure for the local population was attributed to sources by a PMF-ILCR model. The results show that the local PAH pollution seriously exceeded (86.3% sampling days) the standard (GB3095-2012). The concentration of PAHs was 33.6 ± 32.6 ng/m3 and showed a seasonal trend of "heating season > autumn > spring”. There were five main sources of PM2.5-bound PAHs near the industrial park: heavy oil combustion (29.8%), coal and natural gas combustion (28.0%), vehicle emissions (19.9%), steel industry emissions (19.4%) and tar volatilization (2.9%). There is potential carcinogenic risk to both children (3.1 × 10−6) and adults (1.2 × 10−5). The mass contribution of each source to ambient PAHs is not equivalent to its contribution to potential health risk. The risks of PM2.5-bound PAHs almost all correspond to vehicle emissions (46.3%), heavy oil combustion (25.9%) and steel industrial sources (24.9%).

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 393, 20 March 2023, 136306

Abstract

Clustering the manufacturing industries nearby major river is a common feature globally and can offer significant benefits in terms of productivity improvement. Nonetheless, such clustering also poses extensive and far-reaching environmental burdens on the river. China is implementing a green and low-carbon transformation strategy along the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, two of the largest rivers in its manufacturing hub. This research examines the following three ways for decoupling economic growth and CO2 emissions in a typical industrial park located along the Yangtze River, which includes the chemical industry, textile industry, glass manufacturing industry, and automobile manufacturing as pillar industries. First, we use the Tapio decoupling model and Kaya identity to forecast the decoupling paradigm between economic growth and CO2 emissions in the park by 2030 in response to policy interventions. Second, 10 two-digit level industries (TDLIs) with high energy-resource consumption and CO2 emissions in the manufacturing sector are evaluated. Third, a model is developed to determine the most appropriate approach for modifying the 10 TDLIs' structures under different scenario analysis. The main findings are as follows. It is expected that the parks could achieve a relative decoupling around 2028 and 2029 under policy interventions. In addition, tailored policies for industries with high economic output and low CO2 emissions are proposed, while their opposites are also. Lastly, the optimal way for the park to decouple economic development and CO2 emissions is to simultaneously adjust its industrial structure and upgrade its energy facilities. This would result in a 31% reduction in CO2 emissions with positive effects on the economy and continuous upgrading of the industrial structure of the park. This study will play an important role in the green transformation of China's manufacturing clusters located along the Yangtze and the Yellow Rivers and will also have implications for other similar manufacturing clusters.

Atmospheric Environment, Volume 296, 1 March 2023, 119564

Abstract

The whole process of a retrospective source analysis for a historical SO2 pollution scenario in a chemical industrial park occurred during 2016–2017 is introduced. The case was a recurring SO2 pollution event at one of the monitoring sites (M1) in the park. A total of 68 samples for the SO2 pollution scenario were identified from the measurements at M1. The pollution scenario was identified as a single-source event based on pollution characteristics analysis. The main challenge was that the first-hand support data was only the measurements at one monitor while having many more sources. Statistical source analysis based on Kalman filter algorithm and CALPUFF model together with emission rate constraints and tracer species for source verification were incorporated in the final analysis strategy. Results show that the source of SO2 pollution belonged to a catalytic cracking production unit. The cumulative matching rate of the real source was about 37%, and the average emission rate of SO2 was 47.94 ± 73.27 g/s. It is evident that the comprehensive source analysis strategy established in this study was effective for improving certainty of source localization. The effectiveness of this strategy and the feasibility of simplified source simulation in the absence of detailed source data are discussed in detail.

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 330, 15 March 2023, 117113

Abstract

To promote the effectiveness of cross-regional collaborative governance of pollution firm transfer, a stochastic evolutionary game model among three sectors (flying out parks, pollution firms, and flying in parks) was proposed. According to the three policy goals, three paths of collaborative governance were investigated using numerical simulations. Our findings focus on the following three aspects: (i) If policymakers want to urge more parks and pollution firms in the three sectors to choose a cooperation strategy, additional relocation subsidies from superior governments for pollution firms have the most remarkable effect. However, excessive subsidies will push flying out parks to inhibit the transfer of pollution firms. (ii) If policymakers intendto urge parks and pollution firms to cooperate quickly, increasing the environmental costs of firms will play key role. Notably, even if the environmental costs are low, they can still considerably and positively affect choosing a transfer strategy of for pollution firms. (iii) If policymakers expect defection parks and pollution firms to be as few as possible during the regulation process, the cost-sharing mechanism with only two sectors (flying in parks and flying out parks) is invalid. Introducing higher-level departments or other sectors for cost-sharing to escape the current dilemma is necessary.