Environmental Challenges Research Articles

Solid-state recycling of magnesium and its alloys via plastic deformation: An overview of processing and properties

The increasing demand for primary magnesium production poses significant environmental challenges, aggravated by the limited availability of raw materials, which can hinder supply. Consequently, the recycling of magnesium chips and waste is gaining importance. While conventional remelting techniques are prevalent as they suffer from drawbacks including high energy consumption, material loss, low purity, and inferior mechanical properties. Solid-state recycling (SSR) via plastic deformation processes has been introduced as a promising alternative for producing ultrafine-grained (UFG) magnesium materials with outstanding properties. Despite the absence of any reviews on SSR using plastic deformation methods for magnesium, this paper offers a detailed examination of SSR techniques. The mechanisms of bonding and grain refinement, crucial for determining the final properties of recycled magnesium, are explored. Furthermore, the discussion delves into corrosion, an essential aspect concerning magnesium and its alloys. Ultimately, the impact of various parameters such as process temperature, level of shear strain, chips size, and hydrostatic pressure on the quality of the final sample, to be used as guidance for the production of better-qualified specimens was examined.

A framework for leadership practices and communication in the context of the construction sector

An ongoing debate in the leadership domain underscores the prevalence of project failures globally, prompting project managers to refine leadership strategies and create innovative practices to navigate project complexities, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, evolving stakeholder expectations, shifting construction landscape, and brittle, anxious, nonlinear and incompressible environment challenges in the construction industry. This study aims to provide insights into the relationship mechanisms between leadership practices, communication, and project success, introducing a framework for behavioral practices to address challenges in the Australian construction industry, such as project complexities, inefficiencies, cash flow disruptions, supply chain issues, communication barriers, cultural diversity, digitalization, and regulatory protocols compliance. Exploratory factors/multivariate regression analysis on collected responses on 66 projects have identified four critical success factors: relationship management, communication effectiveness, leading by example, and self-management that impact and improve project success significantly using relationship and conflict management as mediators, help formulate creative practices using stakeholder analysis, conflict resolution strategies, and promoting collaboration enhancing the decision-making process to overcome challenges. Researchers validated and confirmed results through in-depth interviews with independent practitioners, encouraging project managers to modify behavioral practices using an explicit model for enhancing project success.

Adsorption of trace metals onto different plastics during long-term exposure in an estuarine environment: Influence of time, stratified water column, and specific surface area

The pervasive increase of plastics in marine systems and subsequent trace metals (TM) adsorption represents a critical environmental challenge. This long-term study is first to investigate how duration of exposure and stratified water column impact TM adsorption on various plastics in an estuary. We exposed polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) to estuarine conditions, categorizing them into three distinct groups to capture diverse human activities: pre-production pellets (Pellets), single-use plastics (SUP) and laboratory plastics (Lab). Plastic and water samples were analyzed before deployment and 1, 4, 7 and 16 months after deployment at three depths in the stratified Krka River estuary (Croatia). We measured TM concentrations, pH and salinity in the water column, and adsorbed TM amounts on plastics. Additionally, we examined plastic sample surfaces by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. TM speciation was modeled from water column data to better explain adsorption processes. Statistical analysis indicates that Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Co adsorption depends on both duration of exposure and stratified water column, while Cu is influenced solely by duration of exposure to estuarine environment. Adsorbed TM amounts varied significantly among the plastic groups (Pellets, SUP and Lab), but not among different polymer types (PP, PE, PET and FEP). A noteworthy observation was the difference in the results of statistical analysis when investigating TM amounts expressed by plastic sample mass and by plastic sample surface area. Results expressed by plastic sample mass showed a difference between SUP group versus Pellets and Lab groups, while results expressed by plastic sample surface area distinguished Pellets group compared to other two groups. Therefore, we suggest presenting TM adsorption results in similar studies both by plastic sample mass and by plastic sample surface area. This approach will improve the understanding of TM adsorption on plastics, and enable more effective comparisons among the scientific literature dealing with plastics of different specific surface areas.

Unacclimated activated sludge improved nitrate reduction and N2 selectivity in iron filling/biochar systems

Iron (Fe)-based denitrification is a proven technology for removing nitrate from water, yet challenges such as limited pH preference range and low N2 selectivity (reduction of nitrate to N2) persist. Adding biochar (BC) can improve the pH preference range but not N2 selectivity. This study aimed to improve nitrate reduction and N2 selectivity in iron filling/biochar (Fe/BC) systems with a simplified approach by coupling unacclimated microbes (M) in the system. Factors such as initial pH, Fe/BC ratio, and Fe/BC dosage on nitrate removal efficiency and N2 selectivity were evaluated. Results show that the introduction of microbes significantly enhanced nitrate removal and N2 selectivity, achieving 100 % nitrate removal and 79 % N2 selectivity. The Fe/BC/M system exhibited efficient nitrate reduction at pH of 2–10. Moreover, the Fe/BC/M system demonstrated an improved electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), lower electron transfer resistance and lower corrosion potential, leading to enhanced nitrate reduction. The high i0 value in Fe/BC/M system means more Hads could be generated, thus improving the N2 selectivity. This study provides valuable insights into a novel approach for effective nitrate removal, offering a potential solution to the environmental challenges posed by excessive nitrate in wastewater, surface water and ground water.

Biocatalyst mediated green approach for 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes: SCXRD, Hirshfeld analysis and DFT studies as inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase

AIDS, caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is persistent on being one among the deadliest disease of all time. It destroys the immune system of the body and there is currently no effective cure for this. In this regard, in continuation to our studies on green catalysts, more efficient, constructive, and environmentally sustainable protocols for the synthesis of xanthene and its derivatives as HIV Reverse Transcriptase inhibitors were developed with the use of biocatalyst via baker's yeast that explores a viable approach on expanding environmental challenges and enlightens the superiority and exclusivity of this protocol. The current approach manifests numerous notable advantages that include ease of preparation, handling and benignity of the catalyst, low cost, green reaction conditions, facile workup, excellent yields (87–96 %) with extreme purity. The title compounds were docked on the crystal structure of a catalytic complex of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (PDB: 1RTD). The C-score values achieved in the range 6.68–3.05 suggest that docking analysis was propitious signifying the review of all the forces of interaction between the ligand and the protein. The crystal studies and DFT analysis of compound 3d correlate the optimized geometrical features with empirically accessible XRD data.

Understanding and addressing microplastic pollution: Impacts, mitigation, and future perspectives

Improper disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies has transformed them into de facto dumping grounds. Plastic debris, weathered on beaches degrades into micro-particles and releases chemical additives that enter the water. Microplastic contamination is documented globally in both marine and freshwater environments, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. The small size of these particles makes them susceptible to ingestion by low trophic fauna, a trend expected to escalate. Ingestion leads to adverse effects like intestinal blockages, alterations in lipid metabolism, histopathological changes in the intestine, contributing to the extinction of vulnerable species and disrupting ecosystem balance. Notably, microplastics (MPs) can act as carriers for pathogens, potentially causing impaired reproductive activity, decreased immunity, and cancer in various organisms. Studies have identified seven principal sources of MPs, including synthetic textiles (35%) and tire abrasion (28%), highlighting the significant human contribution to this pollution. This review covers various aspects of microplastic pollution, including sources, extraction methods, and its profound impact on ecosystems. Additionally, it explores preventive measures, aiming to guide researchers in selecting techniques and inspiring further investigation into the far-reaching impacts of microplastic pollution, fostering effective solutions for this environmental challenge.

Real-time citrus variety detection in orchards based on complex scenarios of improved YOLOv7.

Variety detection provides technical support for selecting XinHui citrus for use in the production of XinHui dried tangerine peel. Simultaneously, the mutual occlusion between tree leaves and fruits is one of the challenges in object detection. In order to improve screening efficiency, this paper introduces a YOLO(You Only Look Once)v7-BiGS(BiFormer&GSConv) citrus variety detection method capable of identifying different citrus varieties efficiently. In the YOLOv7-BiGS network model, initially, the BiFormer attention mechanism in the backbone of the YOLOv7-based network strengthens the model's ability to extract citrus' features. In addition, the introduction of the lightweight GSConv convolution in place of the original convolution within the ELAN of the head component effectively streamlines model complexity while maintaining performance integrity. To environment challenge validate the effectiveness of the method, the proposed YOLOv7-BiGS was compared with YOLOv5, YOLOv7, and YOLOv8. In the comparison of YOLOv7-BiGS with YOLOv5, YOLOv7, and YOLOv8, the experimental results show that the precision, mAP and recell of YOLOv7-BiGS are 91%, 93.7% and 87.3% respectively. Notably, compared to baseline methods, the proposed approach exhibited significant enhancements in precision, mAP, and recall by 5.8%, 4.8%, and 5.2%, respectively. To evaluate the efficacy of the YOLOv7-BiGS in addressing challenges posed by complex environmental conditions, we collected occluded images of Xinhui citrus fruits from the Xinhui orchard base for model detection. This research aims to fulfill performance criteria for citrus variety identification, offering vital technical backing for variety detection endeavors.

Environmental gradients mediate dispersal evolution during biological invasions.

Rapid evolution of increased dispersal at the edge of a range expansion can accelerate invasions. However, populations expanding across environmental gradients often face challenging environments that reduce fitness of dispersing individuals. We used an eco-evolutionary model to explore how environmental gradients influence dispersal evolution and, in turn, modulate the speed and predictability of invasion. Environmental gradients opposed evolution of increased dispersal during invasion, even leading to evolution of reduced dispersal along steeper gradients. Counterintuitively, reduced dispersal could allow for faster expansion by minimizing maladaptive gene flow and facilitating adaptation. While dispersal evolution across homogenous landscapes increased both the mean and variance of expansion speed, these increases were greatly dampened by environmental gradients. We illustrate our model's potential application to prediction and management of invasions by parameterizing it with data from a recent invertebrate range expansion. Overall, we find that environmental gradients strongly modulate the effect of dispersal evolution on invasion trajectories.

Grušovnik, Tomaž, Reingard Spannring, and Karen Lykke Syse, eds. Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2021

Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze edited by Tomaž Grušovnik, Reingard Spannring, and Karen Lykke Syse, stands as a groundbreaking work that delves into the intricate phenomenon of denialism, a critical barrier in addressing ecological crises and advancing animal rights. Through its compelling interdisciplinary lens, the book dissects the psychological, sociocultural, and political underpinnings of denial, challenging entrenched anthropocentric views. This review provides a critical analysis of the book and highlights its pivotal role in bridging theoretical ethics with real-world environmental and animal welfare challenges. The editors’ adept selection of contributions guides readers through a thought-provoking journey in denialism, encompassing personal introspection, societal critique, and a scrutinizing look at economic, political, and legal frameworks. Despite its primarily Western-centric perspective, the book is essential in advocating for a broader, more inclusive global dialogue in future research. The book emerges not just as an academic text but as an urgent call to action, resonating with scholars, policymakers, and activists. In essence, this work emphasizes the necessity for a transformative shift in how we perceive and interact with the natural world and its non-human inhabitants.

SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AT THE GRASSROOTS: INSIGHTS FROM KARNATAKA'S GREEN BANKING LANDSCAPE

In addition to global environmental challenges, sustainable finance has emerged as an important tool for reducing environmental risk and promoting economic growth. The study examines the development of sustainable finance at the grassroots level through an analysis of green banking initiatives in Karnataka, India, with special focus on Vijayapura district. The main objective of this study was to reveal the complex interplay between sustainable finance and community engagement through consumer knowledge and perception of green banking practices in the local context of Karnataka. Using mixed methods, the study combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to critically examine the state of green banking awareness among consumers in Vijayapura district. The survey had collected data on customer demographics, knowledge of green banking principles, and attitudes towards a sustainable economy. In-depth interviews further clarified the factors affecting consumer participation in green banking schemes. Preliminary findings indicate that consumers in Vijayapura district differ in their awareness and understandings of green banking principles. While some respondents show a keen interest in sustainable finance and are willing to participate in green banking activities, others express limited knowledge or skepticism about its benefits about factors such as education; income and access to information emerge as significant determinants of customer perceptions and behaviors towards green banking. This study contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable finance by providing insights into the implementation of green banking systems on the ground in Karnataka, India. By highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with community engagement in the sustainable economy, the findings connect policymakers, financial institutions, and communities seeking to promote the environment the norms of sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

Environmental Degradation and its Effects on Health in Bangladesh

This study aims to analyze the impact of environmental degradation on health using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method with data from 1976 to 2020. The primary focus is on the influence of CO2 emissions on life expectancy in Bangladesh, evaluating the short-term and long-term relationships among key variables such as CO2 emissions, urban population growth (UPG), money supply (M2), and renewable energy consumption (REC). The study employs unit root tests, including the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests, to determine the stationarity of the time-series data. Results indicate mixed integration orders, necessitating the use of the ARDL bounds testing approach to confirm cointegration. The findings reveal that CO2 emissions have a significant negative effect on life expectancy, while M2 and REC exhibit varying impacts. The ARDL model confirms a long-term relationship between the variables, with a significant speed of adjustment towards equilibrium. Diagnostic tests validate the model’s robustness, ensuring no issues with heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, or model misspecification. The study underscores the importance of effective governance in mitigating the adverse effects of environmental degradation on health, advocating for stricter environmental regulations and improved public health policies. These findings have significant implications for policymakers aiming to enhance public health outcomes amidst growing environmental challenges..

ADVANCEMENTS AND INNOVATIONS IN PM2.5 MONITORING: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

This comprehensive review examines the evolving landscape of PM2.5 monitoring, emphasizing its critical role in environmental chemistry, public health and electrical/electronic engineering. Traditional methods, including manual sampling, gravimetric analysis, and the Federal Reference Method (FRM), have long been relied upon for PM2.5 measurement but are hindered by limitations in spatial coverage, temporal resolution, and cost. In response, emerging technologies such as wireless sensor networks, low-cost sensor technologies, remote sensing techniques, and machine learning algorithms offer promising solutions to overcome these challenges. Through an analysis of case studies and applications in various environmental settings, including urban areas, industrial zones, and indoor environments, the review highlights the effectiveness of monitoring networks in enhancing spatial and temporal resolution, as well as the need for community engagement and real-time monitoring solutions. Furthermore, technological innovations such as sensor fusion, data analytics, and artificial intelligence hold great promise for improving the accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of PM2.5 monitoring data. Regulatory agencies and policymakers play a crucial role in advancing PM2.5 monitoring by harmonizing monitoring standards, strengthening quality assurance measures, and developing evidence-based regulations to mitigate air pollution and protect public health. In conclusion, international cooperation and collaboration are essential for addressing transboundary air pollution and global environmental challenges. Regional monitoring networks and international agreements provide frameworks for data sharing, standardization of monitoring practices, and collaborative research efforts. To this end, stakeholders can leverage PM2.5 monitoring by adopting new technologies, improving data quality, and supporting evidence-based actions to safeguard public health, the environment, and sustainability

Using Waste Foundry Sand As Sustainable Construction Material

India's rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to substantial waste generation, posing significant environmental challenges. Among these wastes, the byproducts of metal industries, such as waste foundry sand (WFS), offer potential solutions for sustainable construction. This study investigates the feasibility of using WFS as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in M20 grade concrete. The experimental program involved incorporating WFS at varying percentages (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by weight) and assessing the impact on the compressive strength of concrete, complemented by the addition of a plasticizer (1% by weight of cement). The results demonstrated that up to 20% replacement of fine aggregate with WFS significantly enhances the compressive strength of concrete, achieving increases of 40.4% and 56.5% for 7 and 28 days of curing, respectively. Beyond 20% replacement, the compressive strength declined. This research highlights the potential for utilizing industrial waste in concrete production, promoting sustainable construction practices by reducing the reliance on natural resources and addressing waste management challenges.

Socio-economic Challenges Deterring Sustainable Pastoralism Among Women Pastoralists in the Sahel Region of Northern Nigeria

Female pastoralists exhibit great strength in the drive to make a dependable livelihood from livestock tending. This is not without challenges that are gender- specific. This paper examines the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by women pastoralists in the Sahelian Region of Northern Nigeria. Primary data were derived from an interview of 2,290 adult female household members in 6 local government areas in Bauchi and Gombe States in Nigeria. A stepwise regression analysis determined that amongst 23 socio-economic variables, 14 were significant explanatory or predictive variables (p < 0.05) for the socio-economic status of women, as a measure of their capacity to sustain pastoralism. The results indicate that the length of time or experience in pastoralism had the most predictive power (β = 0.31; p < 0.05), and contributed 13% (R 2 = 0.13) in enhancing the socio- economic status of pastoralist women. This was followed by other socio-economic factors such as the level of formal educational attained, participation in household livestock raising, ownership of large livestock, climate change awareness, prevalence of out-of-school children within the household, availability of household transportation means, category of health care facility accessed, involvement in non- agricultural economic sectors, involvement in food crop farming, ownership of small livestock, amount of rest/sleep affordable, membership of community development groups, and age. The paper recommends support for female education in pastoral communities, access to health care in remote areas, and upgrading community development groups to cooperative or self-help groups that can provide affordable loans to assist pastoralist women in thriving better in a supposedly male-dominated profession.

Impact of Biosorption Process on Industrial Waste Water Treatment in Panipat District, Haryana

Abstract: In this research paper, I have thoroughy described about the topic “Impact of Biosorption Process on Industrial Waste Water Treatment in Panipat District, Haryana.” The industrial wastewater pollution plaguing Panipat District, Haryana, poses a complex environmental challenge due to the diverse range of industrial activities in the region, including textiles, petrochemicals, and leather processing. This pollution, characterized by the discharge of heavy metals, dyes, organic compounds, and other contaminants into water bodies, threatens both aquatic ecosystems and public health. Conventional physical and chemical treatments have proven inadequate or environmentally harmful, necessitating the exploration of ecofriendly alternatives. Biosorption, a biotechnological method employing live or dead biomass to remove pollutants from wastewater, emerges as a promising solution owing to its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and low environmental impact. This study explores the efficacy of biosorption techniques in mitigating industrial wastewater pollution in Panipat District, evaluating various biosorbents' performance and efficiency in pollutant removal. Results indicate remarkable reductions in pollutant concentrations, with activated carbon achieving a removal efficiency of 96% for chromium, agricultural residues demonstrating a removal efficiency of 95% for dyes, and microbial biomass exhibiting an 87.5% removal efficiency for organic compounds. Furthermore, biosorption processes contribute to cost savings, regulatory compliance, water quality enhancement, resource recovery, positive public perception, and long-term sustainability, positioning them as integral components of environmentally responsible industrial practices in Panipat. This research bridges scientific inquiry with practical application, advocating for the widespread adoption of biosorption technologies to address industrial wastewater challenges, protect ecosystems, and safeguard communities in Panipat District and beyond.

Utilization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Waste as a Mixing Material for In-terlocking Brick Production

Utilization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Waste as a Mixing Material for In-terlocking Brick Production

Challenges of Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Software Project Planning: A Systematic Literature Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) has helped enhance the management of software development projects through automation, improving efficiency and enabling project professionals to focus on strategic aspects. Despite its advantages, applying AI in software development project management still faces several challenges. Thus, this study investigates key obstacles to applying artificial intelligence in project management, specifically in the project planning phase. This research systematically reviews the existing literature. The review comprises scientific articles published from 2019 to 2024 and, from the inspected records, 17 papers were analyzed in full-text form. In this review, 10 key barriers were reported and categorized based on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. This review showed that eleven articles reported technological challenges, twelve articles identified organizational challenges, and six articles reported environmental challenges. In addition, this review found that there was relatively little interest in the literature on environmental challenges, compared to organizational and technological barriers.

Silvopastoral system for wood production: opportunities and challenges in tropical and subtropical environments

Silvopastoral system for wood production: opportunities and challenges in tropical and subtropical environments

Challenges and Problems of Nature Conservation: A Case Study from Poland

The article aims to show the attitudes and views of Polish residents on the problem of preserving the natural environment from the perspective of their place of residence. The need for research in this area stems from the insufficient number of available studies on this very important issue given the global environmental challenges we are facing. The research gap noted relates particularly to the aspects of engagement in environmental measures, knowledge levels, and motivations for conservation efforts by local citizens. Environmentally and socially responsible behavior is part of the concept of sustainable development. Empirical research covered a sample of 500 adult residents of Poland using the CAWI technique. The results showed that the vast majority of respondents noticed numerous problems in preserving the natural environment in their place of residence. According to respondents, the way to reduce these problems is to increase care for green areas, promote renewable energy sources, and strive to reduce waste. Moreover, the research results show that respondents take initiatives to segregate waste, save energy, and apply the zero-waste concept. The main reason for taking action to solve environmental problems is to preserve the environment for our children and future generations. The results of these studies showed that for men, pro-environmental activities are more important than for women. These findings are valuable for policymakers, local authorities, and fellow citizens.

Gender Disparities in Pro-Environmental Attitudes: Implications for Sustainable Business Practices in Croatia

Objective – This research aimed to investigate potential disparities between genders in Croatia regarding their pro-environmental attitudes and mindsets, focusing on understanding how gender influences individuals' environmental consciousness and support for sustainable practices. This paper presents an empirical study utilizing survey data to examine gender differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors. Methodology – It contributes to the field of environmental sociology by exploring the role of gender in shaping individuals' responses to environmental challenges, with implications for policy development and sustainability initiatives. By employing an online survey via snowball sampling, a total of 263 adult participants from Croatia were recruited for the study. Closed-ended questions on a Likert scale measured respondents' attitudes towards recycling, waste sorting, environmental protection urgency, and health impacts of environmental issues. Findings – The findings in this research indicate that gender plays a role in influencing individuals' environmental attitudes and behaviors, with significant gender-based variations in environmental consciousness. Women exhibit higher levels of concern for environmental issues, stronger support for recycling policies, and a more positive outlook on the health implications of ecological problems. This study provides valuable insights into the connection between gender and environmentalism in Croatia, making significant contributions to existing literature. Moreover, it offers implications for the development of policies targeting environmental management and recognizing the need to influence the environmental behavior of each gender. By focusing on gender disparities in pro-environmental behaviors, the study offers new insights into the connection between gender and environmentalism, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches to environmental policymaking and intervention. Novelty – The research aims to deepen our understanding of the intersection between gender and environmental attitudes, highlighting the importance of incorporating gender-specific perspectives into efforts to promote sustainable behaviors, address environmental challenges, and foster more environmentally conscious societies in Croatia and beyond. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: F64, J16, Q54, Q56 Keywords: environmental attitudes, sustainability, eco-awareness, environmental behavior Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Mandarić, D; Hunjet, S.A. (2024). Gender Disparities in Pro-Environmental Attitudes: Implications for Sustainable Business Practices in Croatia, J. Bus. Econ. Review, 9(1), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2024.9.1(4)