Awareness Of Pollution Research Articles

Bridging the knowledge gap-microplastics in focus: assessing microplastic pollution awareness among medical students

ABSTRACT Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental and health issue. This study evaluates microplastic pollution awareness among medical students at Pamukkale University and the factors influencing it. A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 with 474 students from the 1st, 3rd, and 6th years, using a 26-item questionnaire, including the 14-item Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS). The mean MPAS score was 22.94 ± 3.67, reflecting moderate to high awareness. Female students (p = 0.001), prior knowledge of microplastics (p < 0.001), and concern about microplastic health risks (p < 0.001) were associated with higher awareness. Social media was the most common source of information (49.2%). Although awareness is moderate, significant gaps exist in students’ understanding of microplastic health impacts. Targeted educational interventions are needed to close these gaps, empowering future healthcare professionals to address the risks of microplastic pollution.

School students’ awareness on air pollution and its health effects in the Sultanate of Oman

The current study aimed to investigate the level of Omani school students’ awareness of air pollution and its health effects due to gender and grade variables. A study was conducted in four governorates in Oman, viz. Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, north and south Al Batinah, in the 2022/2023 academic year. A closed online questionnaire was used with a total of 1,337 respondents from grades 9&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 10&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;,&lt;sup&gt; &lt;/sup&gt;&amp;amp; 11&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;. The results of the study showed that the level of students’ awareness regarding air pollution and its health effects was moderate. Significant differences in students’ awareness of air pollution and its health effects due to gender and grade variables were obtained. Female students were more vulnerable than males to the effects of air pollution, hence they were significantly careful about air quality when doing outdoor sports activities. In contrast, male students’ awareness of the schools’ role regarding air pollution awareness and reduction actions was significantly higher than female students. Social media was a main source of access to information about air pollution. Inhaling contaminated air was the most common route of exposure to the toxic air pollutants reported by participants.

Valorization of Ricinus communis outer shell biomass to biochar: Impact of thermal decomposition temperature on physicochemical properties and EMI shielding performance

The rising awareness of electromagnetic pollution has increased interest in renewable and ecologically sustainable materials for shielding electromagnetic waves. Research on carbon-based electromagnetic wave absorption materials derived from agro waste is widely explored due to their advantageous characteristics, including low density and consistent physicochemical properties. The research aims to produce biochar with maximum carbon content from Ricinus communis outer shell (RCOS) and to examine the characteristics of biochar/epoxy composites for their application in electromagnetic (EM) shielding. In this study, the composite made from RCOS-based biochar was effectively developed using slow pyrolysis at 400 °C–700 °C. The characterisations of enhanced properties of biochar were conducted by using yield analysis and proximate analysis, elemental analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrical conductivity. The biochar pyrolysis results revealed that the biochar yield, fixed carbon and maximum carbon content were 30 wt%, 50.49 wt% and 79.2 wt%, respectively, at 700 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that for the biochar at 700 °C, C=C and C-H functional groups were present, and the others were eliminated as volatile gases during biochar production. TG analysis demonstrated higher biochar stability with residues of 75 % for 700 °C. The biochar produced at 700 °C possesses the maximum electrical conductivity of 95 S/m due to the presence of graphitic carbon. The vector network analyser (VNA) measured a maximum shielding efficiency of 26.5 dB in the X-band frequency when adding 40 wt% biochar prepared at 700 °C to the epoxy matrix. The results suggest that the RCOS biochar/epoxy composites have promise as a novel type of absorbent materials because of their low density, lightweight structure, and extensive absorption capacities. These biochar-based lightweight composites can be used as a shielding material for electronic enclosures, telecommunication equipment, and aerospace applications.

The effect of parents' social and educational level and parental encouragement on environmental motivation among university students

Parental factors, such as educational and social levels, significantly influence children's personality development, creativity, and success. This study examines how parents' social and educational levels, along with parental encouragement, impact university students' motivation towards environmental protection. A random sample of 200 students from Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi campus, was surveyed. The results reveal no statistically significant differences in the responses regarding the role of parents in educating children about environmental preservation based on either parents' socioeconomic level (p = 0.174, p &gt; 0.05) or educational level (p = 0.174, p &gt; 0.05). The study found no statistically significant impact of parents' socioeconomic or educational levels on students' environmental motivation (p &gt; 0.05). Implications for environmental education are discussed. The study underscores the importance of holistic environmental education efforts, advocating for raising awareness of pollution's impacts, fostering an environmental ethos, and encouraging responsible interaction with the environment, while recommending inclusive educational programs and enhanced community engagement to promote sustainable environmental stewardship.

How Many Times Should I Use My Reusable Packaging? Exploring the Role of an Environmental Break-Even Point in Shaping Consumers’ Intention to Reuse

AbstractWith growing awareness of packaging waste and pollution, reusable packaging systems (RPSs) appear to be a solution to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use packaging. Nevertheless, RPSs only become less environmentally harmful than single-use after each packaging is reused a minimum number of times, which is defined as the environmental break-even point (e-BEP). A lack of knowledge regarding this critical threshold may lead consumers to be overly optimistic about their reuse behaviour, resulting in insufficient reuse. Communicating e-BEPs can motivate conscious reuse but may also have drawbacks. We used a mixed-method approach consisting of an experiment (N = 276) with four e-BEP conditions (absent, low, medium and high) followed by open-ended questions. The quantitative findings showed that regardless of the e-BEP level, consumers neglected the efforts it implied and consistently exhibited positive perceptions. Nevertheless, the qualitative findings revealed several misperceptions of e-BEPs due to limited understanding. In a subsequent post-test (N = 208), we uncovered the role of consumers’ prior experience with reusable packaging on their evaluations and behavioural intentions. Experienced consumers who have used reusable packaging seem to be more aware of specific challenges in reuse. They exhibited heightened green scepticism and reduced perceived consumer effectiveness in response to high (versus low) e-BEPs. Conversely, inexperienced consumers appeared unaffected by e-BEP conditions. Based on these results, we proposed the potential effect of e-BEPs on consumer evaluations and derived theoretical and practical implications to encourage sustained reuse behaviour in the long run.

Research on International Marine Pollution Control Issues: Based on the Fukushima Pollution Incident in Japan

The international marine environment has increasingly become a critical focus of global environmental concerns, with marine pollution worsening significantly. The Fukushima sewage incident in Japan has notably heightened awareness of marine environmental pollution, impacting the marine environment, economic development, food safety, and human health in surrounding countries, making marine pollution control an urgent priority. This paper analyzes the Fukushima pollution incident in Japan, reviewing the current status of international marine pollution control legal treaties and international cooperation efforts. It proposes new governance ideas grounded in climate change advisory opinions, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to tackle emerging pollution challenges. Furthermore, the paper examines both theoretical and practical problems within the existing framework of international marine pollution control, identifying gaps and inconsistencies that hinder effective management. Based on this analysis, the paper offers comprehensive countermeasures and suggestions aimed at enhancing the efficacy of international treaties, improving coordination among nations, and strengthening the overall governance structure to better address marine pollution. This holistic approach is essential for ensuring the sustainable development of marine ecosystems and the long-term health and prosperity of human societies.

Empowering London Primary School Communities to Know and Tackle Air Pollution Exposure

This study tested the effectiveness of participatory methods to engage primary school communities in London with air pollution issues to help them identify, understand, and reduce their air pollution exposure. Three primary schools with high pollution levels participated in environmental educational activities, including air quality workshops and field campaigns involving different methods, time schedules, and project scopes. Participants completed surveys before and after these activities to measure their understanding, perceptions, and behavior. After the workshops, students admitted feeling more skillful in monitoring air quality and confident in incorporating this education into daily life and teaching others. They shared their results with peers, school leadership, and the community and led campaigns to help design experiments, choose measurement locations, and reduce air pollution exposure in schools. The results showed increased concern about air pollution, a better understanding of its causes and impacts, and more reported reduction behaviors. An Air Pollution Exposure Index (APEI) was combined with participatory monitoring data to raise awareness and understanding among students on typical school-day exposure. Feedback indicates that the tool was useful in defining air pollution exposure status and identifying exposure risks. Overall, this study contributes to the evidence of the feasibility and impact of student-led environmental education interventions These interventions involve collecting personalized exposure data, co-planning mitigations with school community groups, and employing methods to raise awareness of air pollution and empower pupils to identify potential solutions and change behaviors.

Bridging the gap between microplastic research and social awareness of microplastic pollution through science communication: A call for action

The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the environmental matrices including soil, water, air, animals, and humans has gained increased attention globally from researchers, the public, industries, and regulators in recent decades. There is an enormous number of studies conducted to determine the presence, fate, behavior, and toxicity of MPs across the countries in the world. However, the gap between scientific evidence and social awareness of the issue of the MPs remains inadequately addressed. This paper aimed to identify the gap between MP research and social awareness of the MP issue while also emphasizing strategies to bridge this gap.

Towards sustainable nocturnal environment management: a social-ecological-technical system analysis in Wallonia (Belgium)

This study examines the management of the nocturnal environment in Belgium’s Walloon region from a social-ecological-technical system perspective, aiming to enhance sustainability in nightscapes. To identify critical challenges and action priorities, we employ Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal analysis. Our research offers insights into the macro-environmental factors that organisations should prioritise when envisioning sustainable lighting and dark sky protection. Based on the outcomes of the Walloon case study and the recent literature, we determine the priorities that lead to shaping action plans and the research challenges to ensure a smooth transition towards more sustainable nightscapes. Key challenges emerge: a lack of awareness of light pollution, both for the authorities and citizens; a longstanding relationship between safety and lighting, with fears echoed in political discourse; and the lack of consideration of light pollution in legal, political and environmental agendas. To address these challenges, enhanced policies could be tailored to local contexts and improved to mitigate light pollution. Findings support a multidimensional strategy integrating public action with awareness campaigns, encouraging sustainable practices in management of nocturnal environments.

A practical clinical device for evaluating changes to the skin's sebum from ozone.

It is known that tropospheric ozone (O3) generated from pollutants reacting with UV forms lipid peroxidation products and induces oxidative stress to the skin. With the ever-increasing consumer awareness of the effects pollution has on skin, more testing methods will be needed to evaluate cosmetic ingredients. Recently, others have shown how antioxidants are able to reduce the effects from ozone on skin through in vitro, ex vivo and clinical studies where human subjects place their arms into large stationary chambers. To develop a small, easy to use ozone exposure module (OEM) that can be used on various sites of the body and to validate this device for use in testing the ability of topical products to mitigate the effects of ozone exposure on the skin. We have produced an OEM which can generate levels of ozone in excess of 1000 ppb and can be set to achieve the equivalent exposure to what is found in polluted environmental conditions. After exposure we used D-squame discs to remove the sebum and analytically quantitate squalene depletion. Squalene, which is very sensitive to ROS, easily oxidizes into early metabolite squalene monohydroperoxide (SQOOH) with ozone exposure. We were able to show decreases in squalene levels after exposure and protective effects from a topical formulation. This generator will be a useful tool for researchers to easily create a small and safe exposure from ozone for clinical testing.

Assessing low-cost sensor for characterizing temporal variation of PM2.5 in Bandung, Indonesia

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a concern due to its health effects, necessitating critical monitoring for both quantity and variability. Utilizing low-cost sensors to track PM2.5 is essential to augment other monitoring instruments, which are effective in generating temporal and spatial data. Therefore, in this study, we employed the low-cost PurpleAir (low-cost PA-II) to characterize the seasonal and diurnal variation of PM2.5 in Bandung, Indonesia, representing the densely populated metropolitan area of Bandung. During the sampling period from June 2022 to May 2023, co-location sampling with the filter-based Super Speciation Air Sampling System (SuperSASS) was employed to assess the low-cost PA-II. The PM2.5 data collected by the low-cost PA-II were compared to the SuperSASS data. The annual average mass concentration of PM2.5 measured by SuperSASS and the low-cost sensor was 31.51 ± 15.53 μg/m3 and 39.04 ± 15.16 μg/m3, respectively, surpassing the Indonesian government's regulation limit for an annual average of 15 μg/m3. The comparative results of the two methods were obtained with R2 = 0.96, and low-cost PA-II data was 1.24 higher than SuperSASS. The difference may be attributed to several factors, including differences in sensor technology, calibration, location, and data processing. The seasonal variation indicated an increase in concentration during the dry season and a decrease during the wet season. The diurnal pattern indicates the morning peak between 06:00 and 08:00 during the rush hour, as well as the evening peak between 18:00 and 23:00, attributed to low temperatures and stagnant conditions. The diurnal pattern of PM2.5, which often exhibits the lowest peak at midday, is influenced by a combination of meteorological, atmospheric, and human activity factors. The findings suggested that the utilization of low-cost PA-II for a broader spatial scope is promising for real-time monitoring of PM2.5, to increase air pollution awareness in society.

Air pollution walk as an impact education tool for air quality sensitization: a pilot from an Indian megacity

Abstract. Air pollution has become a serious matter of concern in the global south, and a significant amount of funding has been used to create awareness of air pollution. The conventional method of sensitization relies on workshops where slide-based presentations, images, plots and graphs are shown to participants. However, sensitization about air quality using such an audio-visual format might not be sufficient to create adequate impact. Here, in this study, we propose a new sensitization technique, the pollution walk, where participants and a subject matter expert will walk through different urban micro-environments with a live air quality monitor. A pilot involving three such pollution walks with 24 participants was conducted in a South Asian megacity, and pre- and post-walk surveys were conducted. The results indicate a greater sense of understanding among the participants, and the multi-disciplinary nature of the air pollution problem has been communicated well. To understand the long-term impact, a survey after 1 year was conducted which clearly indicates high levels of awareness and behavioural changes among the participants.

Characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from Zhombwe (Neorautanenia brachypus (harms) CA Sm.) bagasse.

Increased awareness of environmental pollution has changed focus to the use of biodegradable materials because they lack persistence in the environment. This article focused on the production of cellulose nanocrystals from Zhombwe, Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) CA Sm. bagasse using steam explosion, alkaline treatment, bleaching, purification, and acid hydrolysis. The chemical composition after the treatments was determined using TAPPI standards. Further characterization was done using x-ray Diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The nanoscale dimensions and morphology of the extracted nanocrystals was determined through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). FTIR spectroscopy and DSC confirmed the removal of noncellulosic compounds. XRD revealed that N. brachypus bagasse contained cellulose type I, which partly endured morphological change to polymorph II after purification and hydrolysis. FE-SEM revealed elliptical to rod-shaped structures after acid hydrolysis, which had a mean length and width of 1103 nm and 597 nm respectively. TAPPI tests revealed that successive chemical treatments increased crystallinity by 29.7%, enriched cellulose content by 74.2%, reduced lignin content by 21.7%, and reduced hemicellulose to less than 1%. The semicrystalline nature of the material produced in our work is a promising candidate for swelling hydrogel applications in areas such as wound dressing, heavy metal removal, controlled drug delivery, agriculture, and sanitary products. Future studies may focus on surface modification of nanocrystals to improve their thermal stability and therefore expand their range for potential industrial applications.

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY ANALYSIS ON THE PERVASIVENESS OF BIG DATA, DISINFORMATION, AND MISGUIDANGE

This is a multidisciplinary study that uses the "paradigm shifts theory" of Thomas Kuhn over ubiquitous data, information, and knowledge which are subjects to the metaverse, misdirection, and social engineering in this age of Cyber-capitalism. Discussions are held to raise awareness of digital pollution and disinformation economy which has become one of the biggest problems of our time, on material and moral values and possible precautions that can be taken from a wisdom approach from IT, AI, ethics, and theology. It is argued that artificial intelligence processes should be provided with opportunities to revise themselves on digital transformation, ethics, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

Assessing Household Awareness of Indoor Air Pollution in Cagayan de Oro City: Implications for Health Promotion

Background &amp; Aim: Indoor air pollution is a significant health threat, yet public awareness remains low, particularly in regions like the Philippines. This study assessed household awareness of indoor air pollution sources in a barangay in Cagayan de Oro City. Using the Health Promotion Model by Nola Pender and the Environmental Theory by Florence Nightingale, it sought to understand factors influencing awareness and inform health programs addressing indoor air pollution in the community. Methods &amp; Materials: This study used a descriptive correlational design to explore how demographic factors influence awareness of indoor air pollution sources in a barangay in Cagayan De Oro City. Surveys, translated into the local language and validated through pilot testing, were administered to 264 randomly selected respondents. Statistical analyses, including T-tests and ANOVA, were conducted to assess associations between demographic variables and awareness levels. Results: Significant differences were observed in respondents' awareness levels of indoor air pollution sources across age groups, with middle-aged individuals demonstrating the highest awareness. Females exhibited consistently higher awareness compared to males across all pollution sources. Educational attainment influenced awareness levels, with postgraduates showing the highest awareness. Conclusion: The study revealed significant correlations between demographic factors and respondents' awareness of indoor air pollution sources. Age, gender, and educational attainment influence awareness levels, motivating individuals to prioritize proper ventilation for health preservation. Recommendation: Clinical practitioners should prioritize health education programs targeting middle-aged individuals, females, and those with higher educational attainment levels in addressing indoor air pollution awareness, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation practices for health preservation and promoting healthier indoor environments in communities

Clearing the air: Assessing healthcare professionals' awareness of air pollution's health consequences

Air pollution (AP) significantly jeopardises health, with the Royal College of Physicians accepting the adverse effects of AP are not being sufficiently communicated to patients by healthcare professionals (HCP). To explore HCPs' understanding and attitudes toward AP and its health impacts, we conducted a service evaluation survey in a group of hospital doctors.A questionnaire comprising 20 questions about AP and its health associations was completed by 133 hospital doctors working at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK.While 65% (n = 86) of respondents strongly agreed that AP is relevant to health, 79% (n = 105) felt insufficiently trained on AP and its health associations.The survey shows that HCPs' knowledge of AP and its connection to poor health is a major barrier in discussions with patients. Further research is needed to understand whether these views are nationally shared among HCPs and to explore the most effective strategies for enhancing AP awareness.

Promoting Awareness of Light Pollution Through Collaborative University Courses

Promoting Awareness of Light Pollution Through Collaborative University Courses

Blends of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Cottonseed Protein as Biodegradable Films.

With the increasing awareness of plastic pollution in the environment and the accumulation of microplastics in water, a significant amount of research and development is ongoing to replace the synthetic plastics in packaging and coatings. In this work, we explored the blends of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and washed cottonseed meal (CSM, consisting mostly of cottonseed protein) as agro-based, biodegradable, and sustainable alternatives to plastics. Glycerol was found to be a suitable plasticizer for these blends. The blends of CMC/CSM were produced as single-layer films from 50 to 90 μm in thickness, consisting of different proportions of the components and plasticizer. The evaluated properties included opacity, water vapor permeability, mechanical properties, thermogravimetric analysis, moisture sorption analysis, and water swelling test. Higher percentages of CSM in the blend resulted in higher opacity and lower water vapor permeation rates. The mechanical strength waned with lower levels of CMC. Possible applications for these blends include their use as water-soluble food packaging and coatings and as dissolvable bags and pouches for detergents and agrochemicals.

Reducing construction noise: sound masking effect on soundscape dominated by construction noise

AbstractPeople move to cities to enjoy the conveniences of modern life, but the resulting population growth comes with issues such as increased noise. While public awareness of noise pollution is increasing, noise emanating from construction sites remains a source of complaint. Despite the actions taken by different parties to control construction noise, newly constructed structures continue to exacerbate the harmful consequences of noise. The acoustic environment in some areas of cities, such as London, can no longer provide the tranquility expected by residents, and the risk of daily disruptions for those living near construction sites is high. Given the various limitations and complications of current construction noise control methods, the campaign to limit construction noise must embrace other strategies. Sound masking can potentially abate noise without resorting to time-consuming procedures. In this paper, five raw construction noise datasets were collected around an existing noise-sensitive premise. Five masker sound datasets were recorded to form seven mixed sounds to create a comparative experiment on masking construction noise. A case study and additional research are presented to demonstrate the mechanism of sound masking and to investigate the factors involved in effectively masking construction noise using the sound masking concept. Based on the case study and theoretical research findings, suggestions for masker selection of specific noise datasets and conclusions regarding ideal sound simultaneous masking of construction noise are provided.

Performance of Modular Multilevel Converter in Electric Vehicles Charging Station

The awareness of air pollution is the main reason for the development of Electric Vehicles. Hence, the many number of Electric vehicle connected to grid produce power quality problem in conversion of AC-DC. In this paper, to avoid this drawback, the MATLAB/SIMULINK model of Modular Multi Level Converter is implemented in charging station. MMC not only provide bidirectional flow but also improve power quality. The converter works on boost mode and buck mode. In G2V, the boost mode is for charging the battery of electric vehicle and buck mode is discharging the battery. For, the G2V, the buck mode reduces the voltage to charge the battery with current or voltage constant which is about the state of the charge of the battery. The out of the battery is pure dc with mmc which replace the filter also. It increases the life of the battery. The model of the MMC-based charger for electric vehicle was created in MATLAB/Simulink, and simulation results shows the output power of the MMC and circulation current is controlled.