Adverse Environmental Effects Research Articles

PAHs removal by soil washing with thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate

Remediating soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) presents a significant environmental challenge due to their toxic and carcinogenic properties. Traditional PAHs remediation methods—chemical, thermal, and bioremediation—along with conventional soil-washing agents like surfactants and cyclodextrins face challenges of cost, ecological harm, and inefficiency. Here we show an effective and environmentally friendly calixarene derivative for PAHs removal through soil washing. Thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (TCAS) has a unique molecular structure of a sulfonate group and a sulfur atom, which enhances its solubility and facilitates selective binding with PAHs. It forms host-guest complexes with PAHs through π-π stacking, OH-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions. These interactions enable partial encapsulation of PAH molecules, aiding their desorption from the soil matrix. Our results show that a 0.7% solution of TCAS can extract approximately 50% of PAHs from contaminated soil while preserving soil nutrients and minimizing adverse environmental effects. This research unveils the pioneering application of TCAS in removing PAHs from contaminated soil, marking a transformative advancement in resource-efficient and sustainable soil remediation strategies.

Techno-economic analysis of grid-connected PV and second-life battery systems for net-zero energy houses

Net-zero energy houses (ZEHs) rely on energy-efficient building design and the incorporation of distributed generation and battery energy storage units. Nevertheless, two primary concerns arise: high investment cost of these units and harmful environmental impact of batteries. Using second-life batteries can overcome these concerns by reducing the cost of photovoltaic (PV)-battery systems and mitigating the adverse environmental effects of battery supply chain. Therefore, this study examines the techno-economic feasibility of utilizing second-life batteries for PV storage in grid-connected ZEHs in two provinces (Antalya and Istanbul) of Türkiye. First, two ZEHs with air-to-water heat pumps are designed using BEopt software. Next, the optimal PV-battery capacity in the ZEHs is determined using HOMER Grid software. Finally, the economic feasibility of using three types of batteries (new lead acid, new Li-ion, second-life Li-ion) in ZEHs is compared. The optimal design for a typical ZEH comprises a 5.92 kW PV and an 8.96 kWh second-life Li-ion battery in Istanbul (northern Türkiye), yielding an NPV of $10,906, and a 7.54 kW PV and an 11.52 kWh second-life Li-ion battery in Antalya (southern Türkiye), yielding an NPV of $16,402. The results indicate that using second-life Li-ion increases the NPV of PV-battery systems by 15 % in Istanbul and by 21 % in Antalya. The feasible system configuration categories for Türkiye's economic and climatic conditions are ranked as: PV-second-life Li-ion > PV-no battery ≅ PV-new Li-ion > PV-new lead acid. Incentivizing the use of second-life batteries due to their environmental contribution could result in an even higher NPV increase.

Photocatalytic Hydrogen-Future Energy

The rapid increase in energy consumption, driven by the rising vehicle population and travel demand, has led to a surge in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This necessitates the development of sustainable and eco-friendly technologies and fuels to mitigate global and local environmental impacts. Four primary justifications support transitioning to alternative fuels and technologies: dwindling oil reserves worldwide, adverse environmental effects of vehicle pollution, escalating oil production costs, and the complex challenges of maintaining energy security in international markets. To address these concerns, there is a growing global demand for hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Utilizing photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting reactions, particularly with graphene quantum dots-based composites, offers promising avenues for efficient and eco-friendly hydrogen generation. The selection of these systems is based on their unique physical and chemical properties, with graphene providing strong support and efficient electron transport, while components like cadmium sulfide (CdS) and zinc oxide (ZnO) enhance light absorption and charge separation. This integrated approach shows potential for efficient and sustainable hydrogen production, further bolstered by advances in metal-containing photocatalysts and collaborative efforts across energy markets.

Tourism Transport-Related CO2 Emissions and Economic Growth: A Deeper Perspective from Decomposing Driving Effects

This study explores the intricate dynamics of CO2 emissions stemming from transport within the tourism sector. It aims to unravel the multidimensional aspects of how transport-related tourism contributes to CO2 emissions and to elucidate the complex relationship between regional economic growth and CO2 emissions from transport-related tourism. Our study employed Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) and Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) models to analyze data from 30 Chinese provincial regions between 2010 and 2018. The tourism transport-related CO2 emissions were decomposed into four separate driving effects using the LMDI approach. Then, PVAR models were constructed to reveal dynamic interactions between each driving effect and per capita gross regional product (GRP). Our results demonstrate a decrease in both energy structure effect (tourism transport-related CO2 emissions from energy structure) and energy intensity effect (tourism transport-related CO2 emissions from energy intensity) during the pre-COVID decade. Notably, the positive impulse response of energy structure effect to per capita GRP is observed. However, we found no evidence of a cointegrated relationship between energy intensity effect and regional economic growth, although other factors demonstrated connections. These findings echo the necessity to integrate sustainable practices into the tourism transportation business, especially in the area of energy structure, in order to mitigate adverse environmental effects from tourism. This paper disseminates the main drivers of CO2 emissions in the tourism transport sector and their interrelationship with regional economic growth. It not only guides tourism policymakers in targeting efforts to reduce carbon footprints, but also sets a new benchmark for future studies on CO2 emissions.

Remediation of Metal Oxide Nanotoxicity with a Functional Amyloid.

Understanding the environmental health and safety of nanomaterials (NanoEHS) is essential for the sustained development of nanotechnology. Although extensive research over the past two decades has elucidated the phenomena, mechanisms, and implications of nanomaterials in cellular and organismal models, the active remediation of the adverse biological and environmental effects of nanomaterials remains largely unexplored. Inspired by recent developments in functional amyloids for biomedical and environmental engineering, this work shows their new utility as metallothionein mimics in the strategically important area of NanoEHS. Specifically, metal ions released from CuO and ZnO nanoparticles are sequestered through cysteine coordination and electrostatic interactions with beta-lactoglobulin (bLg) amyloid, as revealed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations. The toxicity of the metal oxide nanoparticles is subsequently mitigated by functional amyloids, as validated by cell viability and apoptosis assays in vitro and murine survival and biomarker assays in vivo. As bLg amyloid fibrils can be readily produced from whey in large quantities at a low cost, the study offers a crucial strategy for remediating the biological and environmental footprints of transition metal oxide nanomaterials.

Impact Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment Based on the Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge Using the Life Cycle Assessment Method

All the inputs and outputs of a technical system can be interpreted from an environmental point of view. Using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, some changes that are less harmful to the environment can be included in the system. This research aims to evaluate the environmental effects of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in South Tehran, and the LCA method was used in this study. Based on the data of qualitative parameters obtained from the measurement of Tehran province’s water and sewage company, the environmental emissions were calculated and analyzed using SimaPro software (9.0.0) and the standards defined under the ReCiPe 2016-midpoint method. In the ReCiPe 2016 method, the results were expressed in two intermediate levels (including three classes of influence) and final (including 18). The results showed that the treated wastewater and chlorine factors had the most adverse environmental effects. Among the 18 effect classes, the treated wastewater in the class of marine environmental toxicity with the amount of 101.1531 kg 1,4-DCB had the most environmental impacts among other classes. The power consumed by the biogas-burning combined heat and power (CHP) unit in the wastewater treatment (WWT) process reduced the environmental effects in most impact classes. The most adverse environmental effects of the WWT process are related to damage to human health and the ecosystem. According to the findings, the use of CHP systems is suggested for energy saving and also for reducing harmful effects on the environment.

Sustainability assessment of the agriculture sector using best worst method: Case study of Baltic states

AbstractSustainable agriculture development holds significant global and regional importance, particularly within the Baltic countries. On a global scale, it is a critical strategy for meeting the escalating demand for food while simultaneously mitigating the adverse environmental and social consequences associated with agricultural practices. In the context of the Baltic nations, where agriculture constitutes a substantial portion of the economy, the adoption of sustainable farming practices is imperative for ensuring the sector's long‐term viability, safeguarding the integrity of the region's distinct ecosystems, and guaranteeing food security for their populations. A comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Baltic agriculture is impeded by a notable research deficiency concerning the intricate and distinct problems facing these nations. The use of indicators to assess economic sustainable agriculture indicators plays a pivotal role in guiding agricultural practices. By taking social and environmental variables into account, these metrics quantify the economic viability of farming. Consequently, these indicators empower policymakers and farmers alike to make well‐informed decisions, striking a balance between profitability and resource conservation, thereby contributing to the enduring sustainability of agriculture in the Baltic countries and beyond. Notably, a comprehensive assessment of economic sustainability in agriculture identified 31 indicators, which were refined to 9 through expert consensus using the Delphi method. Subsequently, the best worst method was applied to rank these indicators. The results indicate that investment intensity, diversification of income, agricultural labor productivity, and market access emerge as the most crucial indicators for ensuring economic sustainability in agriculture.

Agroforestry Implementation as Farmers Resilience Strategies to Support Farming System Sustainability Facing the Land Vulnerability at The Mount Semeru Slopes, Indonesia

The terrain on the slopes of Mount Semeru is characterized by arid conditions and an abundance of sandy soil. This has led to extensive sand mining operations in the area, extending even to privately-owned agricultural lands. These mining activities have generated adverse environmental effects, such as the depletion of vegetation, and pose risks of soil erosion and biodiversity loss. This study aimed to assess the influence of implementing agroforestry as a resilience strategy by farmers on the sustainability of farming systems in response to land vulnerability on the slopes of Mount Semeru. A quantitative approach was employed, and the study site was purposively chosen in Bambang Village, Wajak Sub-District, Malang Regency. The research employed a survey methodology, incorporating observation and interviews with respondents to gather information on the implementation of agroforestry, resilience strategies, and sustainability indicators across ecological, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. The data analysis utilized the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The findings indicate that farmers practicing agroforestry exhibit elevated resilience and enhance the sustainability of their farming systems across ecological, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions.

EVALUATION OF GROUND BORNE VIBRATION WITH RESPECT TO PILE DRIVING

Construction activities contribute to ground-borne vibrations, leading to structural damage and adverse environmental effects like noise pollution and human discomfort. Piling, particularly dynamic piling using a hammer drop, is a common construction practice in Malaysia for erecting high-rise buildings. However, this activity, if conducted near urban or residential areas, can result in various issues such as soil settlement and structural damage. Pile-induced vibrations result from the energy transfer initiated by the hammer drop, transmitting through the pile and subsequently propagating into the surrounding soil.he damping effects of these waves decrease with increasing distance from the pile, while the energy transferred to the ground rises with the depth of pile penetration. The relationship between the distance of the pile from the vibration source and Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) is inversely proportional, indicating that as the distance increases, the PPV decreases. Conversely, the relationship between pile depth and PPV is directly proportional, implying that as the pile depth increases, the PPV also increases. The analysis reveals that Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), distance, and pile depth exhibit similar positively skewed distributions with negative kurtosis. Negative linear correlation exists between PPV and distance, while a positive correlation is observed with pile depth. The multiple linear regression equation, PPV = 1.803 – 0.0810 Distance + 0.1176 Pile Depth, highlights PPV's dependence on both variables, with significant P-values. The model's explanatory power, indicated by an 82.80% R-squared value, is notable. Validation shows minor discrepancies within 0.3 mm/s between on-site PPV measurements and regression predictions. Although the highest recorded PPV suggests potential damage, most data remain below 3 mm/s, emphasizing the importance of considering distance and pile depth in managing ground vibrations. The regression model proves reliable. The primary objectives of this study are to establish and analyze the relationships between PPV, pile depth, and distance from the vibration source. Additionally, the study aims to develop a ground-borne vibration model using multiple linear regression.

Exploring Non-Thermal Plasma and UV Radiation as Biofilm Control Strategies against Foodborne Filamentous Fungal Contaminants.

In recent years, non-thermal plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising tool for decontamination and disinfection within the food industry. Given the increasing resistance of microbial biofilms to conventional disinfectants and their adverse environmental effects, this method has significant potential for eliminating biofilm formation or mitigating the metabolic activity of grown biofilms. A comparative study was conducted evaluating the efficacy of UV radiation and NTP in eradicating mature biofilms of four common foodborne filamentous fungal contaminants: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium graminearum. The findings reveal that while UV radiation exhibits variable efficacy depending on the duration of exposure and fungal species, NTP induces substantial morphological alterations in biofilms, disrupting hyphae, and reducing extracellular polymeric substance production, particularly in A. alternata and F. culmorum. Notably, scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrates significant disruption of the hyphae in NTP-treated biofilms, indicating its ability to penetrate the biofilm matrix, which is a promising outcome for biofilm eradication strategies. The use of NTP could offer a more environmentally friendly and potentially more effective alternative to traditional disinfection methods.

Enhanching Employee Green Behavior Through Green Human Resources Management (HRM) and Environmental Knowledge Based on Tri Hita Karana

One sector of the economy that significantly affects the environment is the hotel business. One of the key strategies used by hotels to mitigate adverse environmental consequences is Green HRM, which aims to lessen the negative effects that arise as part of green initiatives. Furthermore, Tri Hita Karana and environmental knowledge are closely related when it comes to putting sustainable methods into practice and maintaining the environment in a balanced way. The aims of this study is to know whether Green HRM at The Haven Bali Seminyak directly influences Environmental Knowledge and Employee Green Behavior, as well as whether it indirectly influences Employee Green Behavior through Environmental Knowledge based on Tri Hita Karana. In this research, 80 respondents, samples were obtained for data collection methods. This research uses a quantitative approach using the SmartPLS 3.0. From the results of the data analysis carried out, the results obtained are, Green HRM has positively and significantly impacts on Employee Green Behavior, Green HRM has positively and significantly effect on Environmental Knowledge, Environmental Knowledge has positively and significantly impacts on Employee Green. Behavior and Green HRM has positively and significantly impacts on Employee Green Behavior indirectly through Environmental Knowledge.

Crowdsourcing citizens for statewide mapping of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Florida drinking water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent chemicals that have been associated with a diverse array of adverse environmental and human health related effects. In addition to a growing list of health concerns, PFAS are also ubiquitously used and pervasive in our natural and built environments, and they have an innate ability to be highly mobile once released into the environment with an unmatched ability to resist degradation. As such, PFAS have been detected in a wide variety of environmental matrices, including soil, water, and biota; however, the matrix that largely dictates human exposure to PFAS is drinking water, in large part due to their abundance in water sources and our reliance on drinking water. As Florida is heavily reliant upon water and its varying sources, the primary objective of this study was to survey the presence of PFAS in drinking water collected from taps from the state of Florida (United States). In this study, 448 drinking water samples were collected by networking with trained citizen scientists, with at least one sample collected from each of the 67 counties in Florida. Well water, tap water, and bottled water, all sourced from Florida, were extracted and analyzed (31 PFAS) using isotope dilution and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Overall, when examining ∑PFAS: the minimum, maximum, median, and mean were ND, 219, 2.90, and 14.06 ng/L, respectively. The data herein allowed for a comparison of PFAS in drinking water geographically within the state of Florida, providing vital baseline concentrations for prospective monitoring and highlighting hotspots that require additional testing and mitigation. By incorporating citizen scientists into the study, we aimed to educate impacted communities regarding water quality issues and solutions.

On the of seawater desalination environmental impacts and brine treatment based challenges and mitigation measures in Algeria

In this paper the environmental impacts of seawater desalination is investigated and highlighted. Indeed despite the various benefits of desalination there is growing apprehension about the potential negative environmental effects it may bring and generate. Both during the plant construction and its operation service. There is the possibility of leading and causing adverse environmental impacts. A significant concern with desalination is the co-produced and generated waste known as 'brine' or 'reject,' which contains high salinity as well as chemical residuals which are released into the marine environment. Viable and cost-effective brine management systems are necessary to mitigate the negative impact of brine, also referred to as concentrate, which is a by-product of the desalination process. This high salinity substance poses a threat to the environment and must be managed effectively in order to reduce pollution. Aside from brine other difficulties include marine species entrainment and trapping, as well as high chemical use. This paper provides an extensive overview and evaluation of desalination technologies used in Algeria including thermal methods such as Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and Multiple Effect Distillation (MED) as well as Membrane Reverse Osmosis (RO). Furthermore in order to assess the potential environmental implications of desalination and brine treatment on the Algerian coast, mitigation strategies are proposed to curb the environmental negative impact. To protect water resources for present and future generations, improved brine management techniques are needed to minimize adverse environmental effects and lower the financial burden of disposal. This will encourage further advancements in desalination plants. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes upcoming research opportunities in brine treatment technologies with a focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of desalination.

Synergistic regulation of nanocomposite interlayered forward osmosis membranes with 1D/2D nanostructures for enhanced heavy metal retention

The treatment of heavy metal wastewater poses a significant challenge due to its adverse environmental consequences and potential hazards to human well-being, necessitating effective and sustainable solutions. Forward osmosis (FO) is an efficient and low-energy separation technology that serves as an effective strategy to address this issue. However, it still faces the trade-off between water permeability and selectivity, which directly impacts the solute separation efficiency and retention characteristics. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF) interlayer was introduced via in-situ growth, and the surface properties of polyamide (PA) were synergistically regulated by amine-functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-NH2), resulting in a 1D/2D nanocomposite interlayered FO membrane with a high crosslinking density, improved hydrophilicity, excellent stability, and antifouling properties. The synergistic effect of COF and MWCNT-NH2 led to an increase in the concentration of MPD participating in interfacial polymerization (IP) and a decrease in MPD diffusion rate. These improvements led to enhanced water permeability and selectivity, as well as outstanding retention efficiencies for heavy metal ions (Cr3+, Ni2+), exceeding 99.2 %. Therefore, this study holds significant implications for targeted application development of high-efficiency FO membranes in the future, demonstrating practical value in the treatment of heavy metal wastewater and environmental pollution control.

Adaptive capability and socioecological traps: a bioenergy case in communities of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico

BackgroundEnergy poverty, which is the deprivation of a series of energy services that satisfy human needs, affects over 2 billion individuals who rely on the combustion of biomass and other solid fuels to fulfill their energy needs. While certain communities address their energy shortfall by harnessing local natural resources, these alternatives fail to provide access to more advantageous and sustainable conditions, thus leading to what are commonly referred to as socioecological traps.ResultsThis research studies the relationships between the energy alternatives that two communities have developed, the bioenergy capability that would allow the system to access more desirable and sustainable states, and the costs and benefits that are perceived from this new use of their residues and resources. A quantitative methodology was employed by designing and applying a structured questionnaire applied to 207 households in two energy-poor communities in the municipality of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico: San Agustín de los Tordos and El Comedero Grande. We have inferred that the alternatives generated by the communities function as socioecological traps. On the one hand, these options generate adverse effects on the health of people and the environment, while discouraging the construction of bioenergy capabilities; on the other hand, they allow them to cover some training costs, at least in the short term. These discoveries suggest that the system is currently in an advantageous phase of the cultivation of new capabilities.ConclusionsThe outcomes of this study contribute significantly to enhancing our comprehension of socioecological traps and capabilities within the realm of energy, thereby offering valuable insights for the effective management of successful bioenergy implementation initiatives. Moreover, these findings enable the development of frameworks for theoretical interpretation and methodological application within specific contexts, exemplified in our case by rural communities in Irapuato, Guanajuato Mexico. The holistic approach reveals that while individuals may have alternatives to fulfill their energy requirements, many of these alternatives can inadvertently become socioecological traps. For instance, the use of firewood as a short-term solution for household energy needs can generate adverse health and environmental consequences in the long run. In the light of these considerations, a study of their nature becomes imperative and relevant as it delves deeply into the intricate relationship between compensatory alternatives and capacities. Simultaneously, it scrutinizes the community’s perception of bioenergy in terms of costs and benefits, with the overarching goal of transitioning toward a sustainable energy system.

Nexus between climate change, agricultural output, fertilizer use, agriculture soil emissions: Novel implications in the context of environmental management

In evaluating the influence of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on climate change, the effectiveness of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) is intricately tied to their atmospheric turnover rates, which play a crucial role in their heat-trapping capacity. Understanding the dynamics of how these gases cycle through the atmosphere is essential for assessing their respective contributions to the greenhouse effect and, consequently, their impact on global warming and climate change. The prime objective of this research is to examine the role of climatic change, agriculture output, and fertilizer use on the agriculture soil's greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, the present study has focused on the temperature of land, fertilizer consumption, crop and livestock production, and energy used in agriculture soils on the pollution level of agricultural soils. The study further delineates the intricate interdependencies between climate change factors and GHG emissions using novel econometric methodologies, specifically the PMG-ARDL, SC-ARDL, and Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality frameworks. In doing so, we use a large panel dataset spanning 1990 to 2020. The estimations show that climate change, as measured by variations in terrestrial temperature, has a discernible and positive impact on GHG emissions over the short and long term. Energy consumption and livestock production positively correlate with GHG emissions, with the former having a more pronounced effect. The implications of fertilizer usage and overall crop yield become noticeably significant in the long term. It emphasizes the importance of using a diachronic perspective when assessing GHG emissions in the agricultural sector. It is also worth noting that agricultural land use appears to negatively impact GHG emissions, emphasizing the importance of implementing sustainable land management practices to mitigate adverse environmental consequences. The study also explores the causality between climate change, agricultural practices, and GHG emissions, revealing a bidirectional association between climatic change and soil emissions. Additionally, unidirectional causation is observed from fertilizer consumption and crop production to emissions, underscoring the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce emissions. The findings offer valuable insights for governments and researchers to create sustainability-related strategies for dealing with climate change issues, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture.

Exploring the structure of the digital economy through blockchain technology and mitigating adverse environmental effects with the aid of artificial neural networks

The rapid expansion of the digital economy has had a transformative impact on society, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This article aims to examine the structure of the digital economy and its implications, with a specific focus on the adverse environmental effects associated with its rapid growth. To address these challenges, the utilization of artificial neural networks is proposed as a viable solution. ANNs have proven to be effective in analyzing large volumes of data and extracting valuable insights. By integrating blockchain technology and harnessing the power of ANNs, this study seeks to develop management strategies that optimize resource allocation, reduce waste, and promote sustainability within the digital economy. Through comprehensive data analysis, patterns and trends can be identified, providing decision-makers with valuable information to make informed choices that minimize the environmental impact of digitalization. This research significantly contributes to the existing body of knowledge by enhancing our understanding of the digital economy’s structure, particularly in the context of blockchain technology. The ANN in this study estimated the impact of digital economy growth and structure improvement on adverse environmental effects, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability. The predictions showed that increasing digital economy growth led to increased waste reduction and promotion of environmental sustainability, while adverse environmental effects exhibited sinusoidal behavior. Linear regression confirmed the acceptable error of the network’s predictions compared to experimental results. Furthermore, it sheds light on the potential of ANNs to mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with the digital economy. By emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and exploring the applications of emerging technologies, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry practitioners seeking to navigate the complex landscape of the digital economy while minimizing its environmental consequences.

Food shortage driven crop residue burning and health risk

Ending global hunger is one of the greatest challenges humanity faces. The second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), Zero Hunger, seeks to simultaneously address global environmental sustainability and food security challenges. However, ending hunger and food shortage would lead to the increase of agricultural activities and crop yields, which in turn might rise crop residue biomass burning, leading to adverse environmental and health consequences. This study estimated the health risk using modeled airborne benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a common indicator of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) released from crop residue biomass burning, and demonstrated the dependence of incremental lifetime lung cancer risk (ILCR) on the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU). Results showed that 10.4% of the global population are exposed to BaP concentration levels exceeding the EU target value (1 ng/m3) due to crop residue burning. The dependence of ILCR on PoU was attributed to increasing post-harvest crop residue biomass burning consequent to growing crop yield motivated by food shortage. Although global mean ILCR from crop residue burning BaP emission was positively correlated with the mean PoU at a correlation coefficient of r = 0.87 (p < 0.0001), positive and negative associations between PoU and ILCR were found among different less-developed countries. Eighty-nine less-developed countries were clustered into five groups, and the response of each group's ILCR to their respective PoU was assessed, which was interpreted by a human development index (HDI) that measured key dimensions of human development. Results also revealed that sustainable agriculture and implementation of air emission control measures play key roles in the association between hunger and ILCR.

Sustainable Green Route for Activated Carbon Synthesis from Biomass Waste for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors are high-power energy storage devices due to their charge storage capability and long cyclic stability. These devices rely on highly porous materials for electrodes providing a substantial surface area per mass, such as highly porous carbon. Developing high-performance porous carbon from biomass wastes such as waste-activated sludge and spent coffee is a sustainable way to reduce adverse environmental effects, contributing toward a carbon circular economy. In this study, hierarchically porous carbon with a high surface area of 1198 ± 60 m2 g-1 was synthesized through a green route. Sodium acetate was utilized as an environmentally friendly electrolyte. The long-term stability test at a high current density was conducted, providing valuable insights into the viability of sodium acetate as a robust electrolyte in supercapacitor application. The supercapacitor demonstrated an excellent cycle stability of 98.4% after 20,000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g-1 in sodium acetate. Further assessment revealed dominant fast surface kinetics. Moreover, a maximum energy density of 15.9 Wh kg-1 at 0.2 A g-1 was achieved. By utilizing highly porous carbon in conjunction with a water-based binder, a substantial improvement of 76% in capacity with respect to a nonaqueous-based binder was demonstrated.

Analyzing the dynamics influencing artisanal and small‐scale mining in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Ghana

AbstractThe gold mining sector in Ghana has significantly contributed to the nation's economic expansion by creating various employment prospects, both directly and indirectly, within mining communities. However, it is important to acknowledge that this industry has also had adverse environmental consequences. A sample size of 330 individuals, comprising small‐scale miners and farmers, was randomly selected from 10 mining communities within the Upper Denkyira Municipality to examine factors influencing artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM) operations. Furthermore, 150 key informants, comprising representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forestry Commission, the Mineral Commission, and other stakeholders, were also interviewed to ascertain the impact of mining on the environment. The research employed a logic regression model, the weighted average index (WAI), and X‐ray fluorescence as a method for the study data analysis. The study determined that low income, the impact of climate change on agriculture, and the high demand for gold exhibit a significant chance of influencing ASM. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that ASM have immeasurably contributed to water pollution, food security, and the loss of biodiversity in the municipality. Additionally, water resources, which serve as sources of potable water for drinking and irrigation, are heavily contaminated with arsenic, mercury, lead, copper, and nickel. The study concluded that implementing stricter regulations on mining practices, promoting sustainable mining methodologies, and providing comprehensive training to miners on environmental protection and land rehabilitation can help mitigate the negative impacts of ASM. Additionally, supporting alternative means of livelihood for mining communities, such as agriculture or ecotourism, can reduce the reliance on mining and promote sustainable development.