Environmental Consequences Research Articles

Digital finance, institutional quality, and carbon dioxide emissions in Africa

ABSTRACT The impact of digital finance on carbon dioxide emissions has generated conflicting findings, with some studies suggesting emissions reduction while others point to the contrary. To gain clarity amidst this contradictory evidence, examining the moderating role of institutional quality is crucial. This research delved into the intricate relationship between digital finance, institutional quality, and CO2 emissions across 45 African countries from 2004 to 2021. By employing the dynamic system-generalized method of moment (sys-GMM) technique, the study revealed a positive relationship between digital finance and CO2 emissions. However, a key discovery emerged as the analysis considered the moderating role of institutional quality. The results highlighted the significant decrease in CO2 emissions that results from the interaction between institutional quality and digital finance. Furthermore, there is a critical point at which well-established institutions start to offset the environmental consequences associated with digital finance. The positive impact of digital finance on emissions is mitigated when institutions reach a certain threshold level of quality.

Environmental impact of the launch vehicle "Soyuz-FG" emergency falling in Kazakhstan.

On October 11, 2018, in the Ulytau region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Soyuz-FG launch vehicle carrying a crewed MS-10 spacecraft failed. It resulted in the release into the fragile arid ecosystems of rocket propellants, i.e., jet fuel of toxic hazard class 4 and carcinogenic unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (heptyl, UDMH). In this paper, we described the results of soil surveys conducted in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. In the fragile arid ecosystems in Central Kazakhstan, due to the emergency falling of the launch vehicle, environmental consequences were registered at a total area of about 1350 m2, including spillage of jet fuel and UDMH in the territories of 400 m2 and 9 m2, respectively. The third stage disintegrated and fell down within an area of 4.4 km2. Immediately after the emergency crash of the second stage, the content of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) reached 1645mg/kg, decreasing 10 times in 3.5years. At the fuel tank falling site, the concentration of highly toxic carcinogenic UDMH and nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) reached 22 and 9mg/kg, which is many times higher than the maximum permissible concentrations. Four years after reclamation, the content of both substances did not exceed 0.05mg/kg-the lower limit of sensitivity of a highly performed liquid chromatography. The content of TPHs, water-soluble Cl- and SO42-, and alkalinity from CO32- was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in autumn of 2022, and the content of total N, water-soluble NO3- and NO2-, and alkalinity from HCO3- was higher in spring of 2023. In spring and autumn, the content of exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+, cation exchange capacity was similar (p > 0.05). The presented materials can be used to optimize the restoration of disturbed arid ecosystems and future monitoring work at sites of regular landing of the first stages and emergency crash sites of launch vehicles.

Ski Resort vs. Altitude and Latitude: Competitiveness from the Perspective of the Consumers

Serbian ski resorts’ altitude and latitude are lower than in most European ski resorts. In the context of climate change and the Serbian Government’s plans to keep opening new ski resorts, this study examines the competitiveness of Serbian ski resorts in the eyes of domestic tourists, hence the justification of new developments. This research was carried out in three steps: a statistical analysis of a survey conducted among domestic tourists, an interpretation of the context based on responses to open-ended questions, and a comparison of Serbia’s most popular ski resorts with leading ski resorts in Austria, Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, and France. The results showed that Serbian tourists focus on value for money, skiing, and ski infrastructure quality rather than additional activities such as cultural tours, entertainment, or wellness. In the context of international discussions on climate change impacts, environmental consequences of ski resorts, and survey results, we recommend that future strategies of ski resort operators in Serbia focus on developing and promoting complementary activities to winter sports and prioritizing the redevelopment of existing ski resorts rather than constructing new ones.

Analyzing resource saving and environmental safety in oil and gas waste processing system to provide sustainable development

The problems of environmental safety and resource conservation in the processing of industrial waste at Russian oil and gas enterprises are becoming more and more significant, especially in the context of current trends focused on decarbonization and sustainable development. The growth of industrial waste is not compensated by the corresponding growth in the volume and quality of processing, since only 10% of oily waste is processed, and the rest is buried or incinerated, which has an additional harmful impact on the environment. The article proposes a new approach to multifactor analysis of resource conservation and environmental safety in the integrated processing of industrial waste from oil and gas enterprises to achieve sustainable development goals. The algorithm developed by the authors, the theoretical basis of which is the method of data envelopment analysis (DEA), determines the sequence of solving interrelated problems of multifactor comparison of objects of the waste processing system by heterogeneous quality criteria: resource value, resource potential, resource saving and environmental safety. These problems are formulated on the basis of the super-efficiency model of the DEA method as a mathematical programming problem. The presented and tested approach to multifactor analysis of resource conservation and environmental safety of the waste treatment system allows: (1) to obtain and analyze relative comparative assessments of waste storage facilities and technologies regarding heterogeneous quality criteria, and (2) forming local and general decision-making strategies that provide sustainable development goals. The proposed approach appears promising for multiple prospective applications in the oil-bearing regions of the Russian Federation, where the growth in the formation of industrial waste has severe and irreversible environmental consequences.

Digital economy and low-carbon transformation of economy in China: analyzing spatial spillover effects and pathways

ABSTRACT Digitalization is paramount for achieving low-carbon goals. Although literature has explored its implications and environmental consequences, its spatial impacts at the regional level are not entirely understood. This study uses panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, to analyze the effect of the digital economy (DE) on the low-carbon transformation of economy (LCTE), considering its mechanisms, spatial spillover characteristics, and regional differences. The results show that DE positively and directly affects LCTE in a local region, and indirectly affects other relevant connected regions. The spatial effects are positive in regions that are geographically close or have human capital flow ties with the local area. Furthermore, the effect of DE differs depending on regional characteristics. Therefore, governments should accelerate DE development and strengthen the links between neighboring regions by preplanning complementary advantages to achieve LCTE.

Groundwater utilization and its environmental sustainability in coastal aquifers of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India

Water is one among the foremost precious of natural resources. In many regions of the world, the pressures of economic development are creating a surface water scarcity. Study of groundwater sustainability– like to remind people that most of the world’s available freshwater is stored underground. The best institutional set up for any country depends on its system of government, its climatic and hydrological context and its social and economic circumstances. Groundwater resources to meet current and future beneficial uses without causing unacceptable environmental or socioeconomic consequences. The methods that promote the wise use of groundwater supplies, is need to determine strategies that promote groundwater sustainability. Groundwater users have not generally had to pay anything like “full economic cost” for groundwater use, nor have groundwater polluters had to pay for clean-up of their contamination. Thus, this study aims to determine the strategies that promote ground-water sustainability and groundwater resources to meet present and future beneficial uses without causing un-desirable environmental or socioeconomic consequences.

Emission Reduction Characteristics of Heavy-Fuel Aircraft Piston Engine Fueled with 100% HEFA Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

With the projected expansion of the general aviation sector and recent breakthroughs in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), accurately measuring emissions from novel aircraft engines powered by SAF is paramount for evaluating the role of aviation industry in emission reduction trends and environmental consequences. Current SAF research primarily centers on low blend ratios, neglecting data on 100% SAF. This study bridges this gap by experimentally determining emissions indices for gaseous pollutants (CO, CO2, HC, NOx), total particulate matter (PM) counts and sizes, and non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) number and mass concentrations from a heavy-fuel aircraft piston engines (HF-APE) using hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids-derived SAF (HEFA-SAF), adhering to airworthiness-standard sampling and measurement protocols. Additionally, nvPM morphology and structure are analyzed to auxiliarily assess the emission reduction. The results demonstrate that HEFA-SAF stands out for its marked reduction in both CO and HC gaseous pollutant compared to RP-3 aviation kerosene (RP3), as well as effectively reduces PM emissions compared to Diesel and RP3 across all load conditions. Notably, HEFA-SAF significantly curbs the generation of both nucleation-mode and accumulation-mode PM. Specifically, the use of HEFA-SAF leads to a 43% and 24% decrease in average nvPM number concentration, and a 65% and 53% reduction in average nvPM mass concentration respectively, compared to Diesel and RP3. At 50% load, nvPM produced by HEFA-SAF exhibits distinct nanostructural properties, characterized by fewer exposed pores and active sites within agglomerated particles. Rigorous emission testing has conclusively validated the substantial benefits of 100% HEFA-SAF in reducing emissions, offering a compelling rationale for the development of airworthiness regulations and environmental oversight frameworks designed to foster sustainable aviation practices.

Clearing the path: Unraveling bisphenol a removal and degradation mechanisms for a cleaner future.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a prevalent chemical found in a range of consumer goods, which has raised worries about its possible health hazards. Comprehending the breakdown pathways of BPA is essential for evaluating its environmental consequences and addressing associated concerns. This review emphasizes the significance of studying the degradation/removal of BPA, with a specific focus on both natural and artificial routes. It explores natural processes such as photolysis, hydrolysis, and biodegradation, as well as manmade methods including advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and enzymatic degradation. Examining the decomposition of BPA helps to understand how it behaves in the environment, providing valuable information for managing risks and addressing pollution. Furthermore, comprehending degradation mechanisms aids in the creation of more secure substitutes and regulatory actions to reduce BPA exposure and safeguard human health. This review emphasizes the need of promptly addressing this environmental and public health concern through the research of BPA degradation.

Polyoxometalates ionic liquids based magnetic nanocomposites as an efficient heterogeneous catalysts for oxidation of thiobenzoic acid and dibenzothiophene by employing RP-HPLC-UV

Sulfur compounds need to be effectively rejected from fuel to maintain a clean environment. The removal of sulfur compounds from thiocompounds has received increased attention due to the negative environmental and industrial consequences of sulfur emissions. We examine the effectiveness of polyoxometalate (POM) ionic liquid-based nanocomposites as catalysts for the oxidative desulfurization of thiobenzoic acid and other sulfur-containing chemicals. Na-POMIL@NCP and Cr-POMIL@NCP were synthesized and thoroughly characterized using a variety of analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). POMIL-based nanocomposites with Fe3O4@SiO2 exhibit both catalytic activity and adsorption capability. To evaluate sulfur removal efficiency and investigate the transformation paths of the thio compounds, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed at 33 °C using a C18 column with an acetonitrile–water mobile phase (1:1 ratio). The catalytic conversion of thiobenzoic acid and dibenzothiophene occurs at temperature, oxidant O/S ratio and catalyst concentration were investigated to determine the best catalyst for a given process. Under moderate conditions, this work proposes a cost-effective and ecologically acceptable approach for thiobenzoic acid (TB) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) production employing H2O2 as an oxidant and Na-POMIL@NCP and Cr-POMIL@NCP as heterogeneous catalysts. They are highly effective for oxidizing sulfur compounds included in diesel to lower the sulfur levels of fuel. This study provides to the development of innovative materials for ecologically friendly sulfur removal applications.

Diffuse soil pollution from agriculture: Impacts and remediation.

Agricultural activities are essential for sustaining the global population, yet they exert considerable pressure on the environment. A major challenge we face today is agricultural pollution, much of which is diffuse in nature, lacking a clear point of origin for chemical discharge. Modern agricultural practices, which often depend on substantial applications of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water, are key contributors to this form of pollution. These activities lead to downstream contamination through mechanisms such as surface runoff, leaching, soil erosion, wind dispersal, and sedimentation. The environmental and human health consequences of diffuse pollution are profound and cannot be ignored. Accurate assessment of the risks posed by agricultural pollutants is crucial for ensuring the production of safe, high-quality food while safeguarding the environment. This requires systematic monitoring and evaluation of agricultural practices, including soil testing and nutrient management. Furthermore, the development and implementation of best management practices (BMPs) are critical in reducing the levels of agricultural pollution. Such measures are essential for mitigating the negative impacts on ecosystems and public health. Therefore, the adoption of preventive strategies aimed at minimizing pollution and its associated risks is highly recommended to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Intégration économique et qualité de l’environnement en Afrique : Une approche en termes de Panel ARDL

African countries are committed to the creation of free trade areas as a means of consolidating trade links between African nations. Intra-African trade is expected to boost economic growth and improve macroeconomic performance and living standards in Africa. However, theoretical insights and empirical evidence suggest that these efforts risk being undermined by the adverse environmental consequences of trade, which are likely to undermine the continent's achievements in terms of sustainable development and poverty reduction. This paper aims to examine the environmental impact of intra-African trade while integrating FDI, economic growth, urbanization, and energy consumption. The study used a panel data set for 32 African countries over the period 1990-2020. The empirical analysis was based on the latest panel estimation techniques. More specifically, we used the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test, the second generation of unit root tests on panel data, and the PMG estimator to estimate an ARDL panel. The error correction term reveals the existence of a cointegrating relationship between CO2 and trade, FDI, and the other control variables. The results suggest that intra-African trade worsens environmental quality in Africa in the long term. Similarly, FDI has a similar ecological impact, corroborating the ‘pollution heaven’ hypothesis. The results also refute the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Energy consumption plays a key role in the long-term deterioration of the environment. Finally, urbanization degrades the environment in line with the intuition of urban environmental transition theory.

Investigation study of face mask consumption in Malaysia and its impact on environment

Although face masks might protect us against the COVID-19 virus, inappropriate disposal of used face mask can have a negative impact on the environment. As a result, it is critical to analyse the consumption of face masks and its Life Cycle Assessment to explore the environmental consequences for long-term development. In this study, the observation on the consumption of face masks have been divided into 2 periods of time, which were the period of March 2019 to March 2020 (before COVID-19 epidemic) and the period of April 2020 to April 2021 (during COVID-19 epidemic). Malaysia is estimated to consume 8,398,943 pieces of face masks per month before the COVID-19 epidemic and 62,992,074 pieces of face masks per month during the COVID-19 epidemic. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is carried out in this work to investigate the environmental impacts of both period of time by assessing the input and output of the face masks in a cradle-to-grave manner. OpenLCA software were used by adapting consequential system model based on ReCiPe 2016 (H) method as impact assessment method. In overall, RFL washable face mask is found to provide a lower environmental impact when compared to 3-ply surgical face mask in terms of the ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint indicator, which included Global Warming Potential, Photochemical Oxidant Formation Potential, Toxicity Potential, Ecosystem Quality, Human Health and Resource Depletion.

Exploration of Biodegradable Polymeric Particles in Agriculture: A Holistic Approach for Sustainable Farming

Conventional agricultural methodologies often rely on excessive application of fertilizers, pesticides, and water, resulting in adverse environmental consequences such as air/water/soil pollution, soil degradation etc., thereby diminishing farming efficiency and...

Pesticides and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota: A Comprehensive Review of Environmental and Health Consequences

An increasing use of pesticides in agriculture is considered as the dangerous hazard to environment, human health, and sustainability. The effects of pesticides on organisms include decline in the amount of phytoplankton and zooplankton, development of resistance in pests and negative impacts on pollinators. These chemical residues too interfere with the biogeochemical cycles, reduce the microbial count in the soil, and are anti-neo plastic and carcinogenic in nature in different species. Concerning human health effects, the exposure to these chemicals cause cancer, deterioration of neurodevelopment, reproductive disorders as well as immune disorders. Besides, the action of pesticides is aimed at destroying both the beneficial bacteria of the gut microbiota, thus causing obesity and diabetes. The measures required for these problems include regulation and farmer awareness and schooling to stop the contamination from piling up in water bodies. Some strategies include microbial degradation, pesticide degradation and improvement of the population of microorganisms in the soil. Organic farming and sound policies are important to maintain and improve the earth’s condition, uphold the companies’ standards set by the legal frameworks, and sustain the quality of life. Therefore, the impacts of pesticides on microbiota and the interactions of hosts and microbes need to be analyzed to devise appropriate solutions. These efforts are very useful for dealing with possible health threats and ensuring environmentally friendly farming.

I know who I am in green food consumption

The study investigates the factors influencing young Chinese consumers’ intention to consume green food. This study combined the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Normative activation model theory to determine whether green self-identify (GSI), awareness of environmental consequences (AEC), and subjective norms (SN) are related to green food consumption intention (GFI) through the mediating effects of green attitude (GA) and personal norms (PN). The study was conducted in the world’s largest developing country, China. Quantitative methods were used in this study. Data were collected using a customised and validated survey instrument from 318 young consumers aged 14-35 in China. The data analysis revealed that GSI, SN, and AEC were significant predictors of PN and GA. It implies that PN and GA directly influenced young consumers’ GFI and that trust moderated the relationship between PN, GA, and GFI. The findings will significantly assist government officials, green marketers, and practitioners in recognising the role of GFI and trust in the evolution of young Chinese consumers’ attitudes towards green food and their intention to consume green food, thus contributing to developing promotional policies and marketing strategies.

The future is closer than you imagine: The influence of psychological distance on people's risk perception and intentions for proenvironmental behavior of pesticides

AbstractThe link between environmental threats and adverse consequences is rarely observable due to delayed consequences. Some scholars have therefore argued that decreasing the psychological distance could increase motivation to engage in proenvironmental behavior. Support for this argument has so far been mixed for climate change, perhaps because behavioral changes to mitigate climate change requires significant changes in lifestyle. This study presents a parallel line of investigation into another environmental issue, where behavioral changes are less invasive, namely, pesticides. Each of the four dimensions of psychological distances on pesticides is manipulated in a survey experiment. The findings suggest that while proximizing can, in some cases, enhance risk perception and promote behavioral intentions, the effect remains weak, supporting the argument that applying construal level theory (CLT) for predicting the effect of psychological distance on environmental issues is an overextension of the theory's original scope, also for issues other than climate change.

The Environmental Consequences of Extreme Tourism in Fragile Ecosystems

Extreme tourism, typically featuring high-intensity activities in isolated or pristine areas of nature, is becoming much more popular. This trend has engendered concerns over its implications for fragile ecosystems. The environmental impacts of extreme tourism are the concern of this study, with special reference to those ecosystems that are most susceptible to ecological disruption. The analysis looks into the various implications that take place in regard to soil erosion, habitat disturbance, pollution, and loss of biodiversity, events that gain intensity with increasing footfall and infrastructural demands in these regions. The paper further discusses the contribution of inadequate regulatory measures and non-existent sustainable practices within the tourism industry to environmental degradation. The present case studies and the recent data explain in detail the urgent need to establish eco-friendly policies and sustainable tourism models that balance recreational demands with environmental preservation. Results stress the importance of policy makers, tour operators, and local communities joining hands to diminish the detrimental effects of extreme tourism and ensure the resiliency of these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION ON THE CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR OF PEOPLE UNDER 45

Sustainable fashion is a trend that is bound to become a key pillar of the future of industry and society. The current situation of fashion represents a complex and ever-growing problem with significantly negative impacts on the environment, as well as society. The presented paper is focused on a sustainable fashion in Slovakia and its influence on consumer behavior. The aim of the paper is to identify consumer attitudes towards fashion sustainability based on the results of a questionnaire survey (197 questionnaires are analyzed). The subject of the research was a sample of people under 45 years old. Based on the obtained results, recommendations were proposed that could help to develop a sustainable trend and reduce negative environmental consequences.

Zebrafish and Drosophila as Model Systems for Studying the Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics ‐ A Systematic Review

ABSTRACTMicroplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are byproducts of plastics created to benefit humanity, but improper disposal and inadequate recycling have turned them into a global menace that we can no longer conceal. As they interact with all living organisms, including humans, their mechanism of interaction and their perilous impact must be meticulously investigated. To uncover the secrets of MNPs, there must be model systems that exist to interlink the two major scenarios: they must represent the environmental impact and be relevant to humans. Therefore, zebrafish and Drosophila are perfect to describe these two cases, as they are well studied and relatable to humans. In this review, 39% zebrafish studies reported higher mortality and hatching rates at greater MNP concentrations, severe oxidative stress as seen by raised malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. About 50% of studies showed severe neurotoxic behavior with drop of locomotor activity, suggesting neurotoxicity. MNPs have a significant impact on fertility rate of Drosophila. More than half of the studies revealed genotoxicity in Drosophila as observed by wing spot assays and modified genomic expressions associated with stress and detoxification processes. These findings emphasize the potential of MNPs to bioaccumulate, impair physiological systems, and cause oxidative and neurobehavioral damage. This study underscores the importance for thorough risk evaluations of MNPs and their environmental and health consequences.

Temporal Evolution of Environmental Impact Arising from Municipal Solid Waste Treatment Systems: A Case Study of Guangzhou, China

It is important to assess the temporal evolution of environmental impacts arising from municipal solid waste (MSW) under different policies, especially in China. However, most previous research has primarily focused on the effects of policies at the system management level, neglecting their influence on technical-level implementation, which compromises the accuracy of policy effect simulations. This study developed a comprehensive simulation model that integrates a life cycle assessment (LCA) and a dynamic simulation model of a complex system to enhance the accuracy of environmental impact simulations of the MSW management system in Guangzhou. The model considers how different measures affect changes in the physical composition of MSW at the technical level and their subsequent impact on MSW generation at the system level. The study employed five scenarios to simulate the impacts of different strategies on MSW generation levels and environmental consequences of MSW treatment systems, encompassing the entire process of generation, collection, and disposal. LCA results simulate a 24.14% reduction in the unit environmental impact of incineration technology due to MSW classification, which alters the material composition, decreases water content, and enhances the caloric value. The comprehensive simulation model’s results illustrate that implementing measures such as MSW charging, economic control, and population control can effectively reduce overall MSW by 31.35%. In terms of environmental impact, Guangzhou reached its peak in 2018 but experienced a subsequent decline due to the continuous implementation of MSW classification policies. Among the various strategies considered, the scenario focusing on technological improvement exhibited the most significant reduction in overall environmental impact by enhancing power generation efficiency and minimizing pollution emissions, followed by metering and charging policies utilizing economic levers. Finally, recommendations on the coupling effect of policies, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and incineration residue recycling are proposed. The comprehensive simulation model can provide scientific theoretical support to build a sustainable MSW treatment system for Guangzhou and other cities worldwide.