Environmental Consequences Research Articles

Industrial scale-up of flue gas bio-mitigation with chemolithotrophs in packed bed reactors: Exploring metabolite synthesis, mass transfer, and techno-economic analysis.

Elevated emissions of flue gases deteriorate the quality of air, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through their contribution to acid rain and eutrophication. This study examines the bio-mitigation process in a packed bed reactor and its capacity to concurrently decrease the environmental consequences of industrial flue gases (CO2, NO, and SO2) and wastewater by employing mixed bacterial consortia. The highest biomass productivity achieved during the growth phase was 0.002gL-1 h-1 in the aqueous medium and 0.006gL-1 h-1 in the PU foam. The highest level of CO2 removal efficiency was 86.60%, while for NO and SO2, it was 77.03% and 82%, respectively. The comprehensive nutrient balance analysis revealed that the flue gas was primarily utilized for biomass assimilation. The FT-IR and GC-MS analysis detected metabolites, including carboxylic acids, esters, and fatty alcohols, that were produced during the process. The NMR study examined alterations in the concentration of metabolites within the cell, indicating metabolic pathways such as the TCA cycle, alanine, pyruvate, butanoate metabolism, and glycolysis. The mass transfer coefficient estimated for the gas-liquid-solid phase was ∼2.0ms-1 for the flue gases. The scale-up of the reactor based on the mass transfer coefficient up to 20,000L gives a net present value of $2,66,116.13 with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.47. Therefore, this study suggests that employing bacteria is a viable and energy-efficient approach to mitigate the adverse effects of flue gas on air quality. Additionally, it aids industries in minimizing waste and repurposing it for advantageous purposes, thereby diminishing their environmental footprint.

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.

Landscape loss and restoration: the case of Lake Karla in Greece

This article investigates the case of Karla Lake in Central Greece, analysing the effects of landscape loss and the subsequent restoration after its recent overflow, following a long period of environmental rehabilitation. Through a spatial landscape-based approach, it examines historical and contemporary challenges associated with rural development, assesses the environmental and spatial consequences of the Karla restoration project, and highlights the need for robust landscape policies in an integrated recovery strategy, in line with the European Landscape Convention (ELC). The methodology relies on secondary data analysis. The study proposes a strategic recovery plan focused on integrated landscape management, participative governance, and sustainable practices to restore the landscape and bolster community resilience, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

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.

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.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts of Eucalyptus Plantations in Ethiopia: An Evaluation of Benefits, Challenges, and Sustainable Practices.

Eucalyptus was first introduced to Ethiopia in the late 19th century to address the scarcity of firewood and construction wood in the capital city. Since then, it has spread across the country and has become an important source of income for many households while also reducing the need for deforestation. Despite concerns raised by environmentalists about its eco-hydrological impact, the plantation has expanded to cover a vast area of the nation, including farmlands and mountainous regions. Currently, around 506,000 hectares of land in Ethiopia are covered by Eucalyptus plantations. The growth of Eucalyptus plantations can be attributed to various socioeconomic, ecological, and biological factors, including the increasing demand for wood and wood products. However, this growth has also led to negative environmental consequences such as reduced surface and groundwater flow, decreased crop productivity, soil fertility degradation and depletion, and high water consumption, which can result in water scarcity. To address these environmental impacts, it is essential to select appropriate species and sites and implement proper silvicultural and land use planning before planting. Additionally, promoting renewable energy sources and planting environmentally sound fast-growing indigenous and exotic tree species can help reduce the adverse effects of Eucalyptus on the environment.

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.

Numerical study on the prediction of oil recovery rates in unconventional reservoirs at high temperatures using ecologically friendly hybrid nanofluids.

Although oil extraction is indispensable for meeting worldwide energy demands and ensuring industrial sustainability, various hazards are observed. Therefore, this study examined the chemical oil recovery-related environmental consequences concerning water, soil, ecosystem, and human health damages. A numerical analysis explored the mathematical model for oil extraction from unconventional sources by utilising 3D porous prism geometries under high-temperature conditions. This unique methodology utilised environmentally friendly TiO2-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles, which were not previously investigated. The optimal conditions for oil extraction were then determined by simulations performed at 100°C, 150°C, and 200°C for 2h, 4h, 8h, and 12h. This study also explored the optimisation of recovery rates by analysing several variables using ANSYS Fluent software, such as flow rate, porosity, and volume fraction. Consequently, these green TiO2-SiO2 nanoparticles presented an oil recovery rate that was 28% and 6% higher than water-flooding and conventional monofluid injection techniques, respectively. This outcome suggested that these TiO2-SiO2 nanoparticles could enhance efficiency and minimise environmental damage.

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.