Emissions Of Hazardous Substances Research Articles

Effects and Determinants of Implementing Digital Customer Service Tools in Polish SMEs

The article aims to identify the effects and determinants of implementing digital customer service tools in Polish SMEs in terms of digital customer requirements. Quantitative research was conducted among Polish SMEs using a survey. The following statistical methods were used to analyze the survey data: Dunn’s post hoc tests, ANOVA Kruskal–Wallis test, Kendall’s rank correlation coefficient, and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARSplines). Research results showed that Polish SMEs demonstrating better preparedness to serve digital customers achieve higher financial results, an increase in the rapidity and agility of customer service, increased customer satisfaction, and improved image. In addition, they gain sustainability benefits in the form of reduced emissions of hazardous substances or waste, recycling of waste, and reduced consumption of water, electricity, and other raw materials. The main determinants of digital transformation in customer service are the type of business (Polish Classification of Activities—PKD), the age of the company, and the educational level of its manager. The article contributes to promoting digitization among SME managers and motivates them to support customer service with digital tools. The identified effects and determinants provide practical guidance and encourage the implementation of digital technologies to meet the demands of digital customers. Using this approach, SMEs can increase their satisfaction and loyalty, resulting in better financial performance and improved competitiveness. This article identifies the economic and sustainability effects and determinants of implementing digital customer service tools in Polish SMEs in the context of digital customer requirements. This study has an original approach to the issue of digital transformation in the SME sector in Poland.

Characterization of Fume Suppression Effect and Performance of SBS-Modified Asphalt with Deodorant

SBS-modified asphalt produces a large number of hazardous fumes in the preparation process, which severely endangers health and causes environmental pollution. This paper details the design of a fume generation and collection device for asphalt and proposed a comprehensive method for analyzing fume composition. Two deodorants were incorporated into SBS-modified asphalt to mitigate the hazards of the original hazardous emissions. Then, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were combined to analyze the main component differences between asphalt fumes before and after adding deodorant, and to specify the mechanism of action of deodorants on hazardous fumes and SBS-modified asphalt. Finally, the road performance, including the physical and rheological properties of SBS-modified asphalt blended with deodorant, was evaluated. The results indicated that both deodorizers were effective in reducing the emission of hazardous substances in the fumes of SBS-modified asphalt, and no new hazardous substances were generated. Under hot mixing conditions, the addition of 0.3% of deodorant A (high boiling point ester) was effective in reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by up to 41.7%, while the reduction in benzene congeners reached at least 50%. On the other hand, 1% of deodorant B (silica–magnesium compounds) reduced the emissions of VOCs and benzene congeners by 36% and 20–42%, respectively, under the same conditions. Furthermore, the addition of deodorant did not affect the original road performance, and even improved the rheological properties to a certain extent, which was conducive to the application of deodorant in pavement engineering.

ASSESSMENT OF RISKS AND PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS TO MINIMIZE THEIR OCCURRENCE DURING TRANSPORTATION OF CARGO BY RAIL TRANSPORT.

Purpose: To assess the risks of emergency situations and provide recommendations for their minimization during the transportation of goods by rail transport. Method. On the basis of the methods of comparative typology, expert evaluations and system analysis for the route that runs through the industrial districts of Kryvyi Rih, using the methods of analysis of the causes and consequences of a key event, the combined diagram of the Ishikawa tree of a key event, risk maps of a key event, the analysis of hidden and direct priorities was determined indicator of the risk of the complex effect of negative factors of emergency situations during the transportation of heavy metals. The results. the authors identified the most likely causes of the emergency situation: 1) A rocket projectile that damaged the track, as a result of which the spontaneous exit of wagons occurred; 2) Exceeding the speed of a tank train; 3) Icy, which led to an increase in the braking distance and an accident; 4) Neglect of obstacles to movement before the movement of tanks, which in turn can lead to a stoppage of the technological process, cargo spillage and financial losses. A probabilistic risk assessment was carried out on the basis of an expert assessment of the risk operator and measures to reduce the occurrence of emergency situations were proposed with annual costs for them, thousand UAH. After that, a map of probabilistic risk assessment and a map of probabilistic assessment of risk management effects were created, which provide an opportunity for effective management and management of the probable cause of an emergency situation and the selection of financial investments for measures to reduce the occurrence of emergency situations. After that, it was proposed to use the combined wagon model 17-975(01) with all the necessary equipment as a means for quick localization and liquidation of the consequences of spills of emissions of hazardous substances during their transportation by railway transport in the event of an accident. The economic feasibility of using the proposed tool was also substantiated. The scientific novelty consists in the created model for the analysis of the risk assessment of an emergency situation, as well as the identification of possible causes and factors of the occurrence of emergency situations during the transportation of dangerous goods by railway transport, as well as the development of recommendations for their reduction. The practical significance is the implementation of the developed recommendations, based on the created model, for the formation of a special wagon, for operational needs, with the selection of the necessary equipment for the rapid implementation of the 1st stage of localization and liquidation measures.

Research of the life cycle for two most common routes of steel production with a focus on the impact to the human body

ABSTRACT The metallurgical industry simultaneously represents both one of the most crucial sectors of the industry and a sector with significant emissions. Alongside methods to mitigate the harmful impact on the environment, we need to consider reducing the hazardous, toxicological impact on the human organism. In this article, we explore the life cycle of two steel production methods: BF-BOF and EAF. The results of our research indicate that the EAF method has a lesser impact on the human organism. Our goal is to identify the key processes that constitute the primary source of emissions of hazardous substances in each of these two pathways. We investigated the distribution of the impact of production processes in each of the two aforementioned methods. In traditional steel production using oxygen converters, the primary source of emissions is the production of pig iron in blast furnaces. In the second case, it was the used electricity. For this study, we applied the LCA methodology, which enables determining the impact of the investigated process throughout its entire life cycle. In the conclusion, possible options for mitigating the harmful impact of each case are discussed.

Application of tiered human health and environmental risk assessment to develop safe and sustainable by design perovskite-based devices

Metal halide perovskite materials have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential energy and lighting applications. They are potentially vital materials for the current energy transition which aims to minimize the dependence on fossil fuels and limited land resources by the increased use of cost-effective and efficient renewable energy sources. The European Green Deal policy, which sets out its ambitions in the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, can help its transition to a Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) development. In this context, we applied the SSbD approach to selected perovskite-based devices which are still in their development state, by assessing potential human health and environmental risks along their life cycle. We applied the SSbD approach in a tiered manner so that it aligns with successive Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) to help the innovators ensuring safety and sustainability aspects throughout the various stages of their product development. Thus, the SSbD assessment began right from the start of the development (TRL 1–2), when there can be (huge) gaps and uncertainty in the product knowledge, up to the later stages of higher TRL when the product knowledge is more abundant and certain. In our assessment, we mainly focused on the human health risk of the perovskite-based devices and considered the implications of environmental emissions of hazardous substances on the human health. We further bring attention to the alternatives which could help mitigate concerns over their safety and sustainability for a responsible technology development and deployment. Results of this study are important to understand the detailed sustainability assessment in which we look at multiple sustainability aspects and its potential future impacts due to technology scale-up in the future.

Pollutants emissions dynamics by stationary and mobile sources of pollution within Ukraine

Due to the current rapid socio-economic development of both the world as a whole and Ukraine in particular, the level of anthropogenic load on the environment is increasing. In this context, the analysis of emissions of pollutants from various sources of pollution is quite relevant, as it allows to identify the dynamics of pollution and develop the necessary measures to improve the quality of the air basin. Purpose. Analysis of the dynamics of emissions of pollutants by stationary and mobile sources of pollution within Ukraine. Methods. Statistical, graphic, comparison. Results. The dynamics of emissions of pollutants for the period 2016-2020 were analyzed. It was found that the number of emissions of hazardous substances into the atmospheric air has significantly decreased, stationary sources of pollution account for a much larger number of emissions than mobile sources. However, the highly urbanized and industrialized regions of Ukraine are still suffering from the toxic effects of substances. It was found that according to the types of economic activity, the largest amount of emissions into the atmospheric air falls on the electric power industry, extractive and processing industry; significantly less - for agriculture, water supply and transport. Conclusions. Most regions of Ukraine with a high level of industrial development continue to suffer from atmospheric air pollution. Taking into account modern global challenges in the field of nature management, the priority directions for reducing the negative impact on the air basin of Ukraine are: popularization of alternative energy sources; modernization of transport; promoting the development of green spaces and zones, etc

Exposure to closed-loop scrubber washwater alters biodiversity, reproduction, and grazing of marine zooplankton

Shipping is a large industry responsible for atmospheric emissions of hazardous substances including SOX, NOX, and particulate matter. Many ships have installed exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) to remove primarily SOX from the exhaust, but the hazardous substances are instead transferred to the water used in the scrubbing process. Ships with closed-loop scrubbers recirculate the water but can still discharge around 126-150 m3 directly to the surrounding marine environment every day. The discharged water contains metals and organic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, that are known to be toxic to marine zooplankton. Here we show that closed-loop scrubber washwater is toxic to communities of marine mesozooplankton at our lowest tested dilution, 1.5% (v/v), and affects survival, reproduction, diversity, and ability to predate on microzooplankton. The cumulative toxic unit of the undiluted closed-loop scrubber washwater was estimated to 17, which indicates that the water could be toxic at levels below what was tested in this study. Among all detected substances, vanadium, copper, benzo[ghi]perylene, nickel, and zinc were identified as toxicity-driving substances in the order listed. Closed-loop scrubber washwater has been shown to affect development and survival in single species of copepods, but here we find evidence of toxicity at the community level, irrespective of seasonal community structure, and that the exposure has potential to disrupt the interactions between trophic levels in the pelagic food web. We show that the closed-loop scrubber washwater cause both lethal and sublethal effects in marine zooplankton, due to contaminants, some of which are persistent in the marine environment.

The impact of air pollution on urban health in Nigeria: Possible solutions

Air pollution has been a major topic of discussion due to its detrimental impact on health and the environment as a result of the urban population's explosive development and associated human activities. The main objective of the study is to give a critical review of the causes, impacts, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for reducing air pollution with an emphasis on urban centers in Nigeria. The study adopted natural approaches to address/improve air quality and lessen health risks related to the emission of hazardous substances. To work with nature rather than against it, however, there must be cooperation between the government and its agent, the community, non-governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, associations, union bodies, young people, women, and people with disabilities, as well as support from international organizations. The study carried out showed that human activities are the major source of air pollution in Nigeria through the release of harmful gaseous substances, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, particles and heavy metal and this pollution is extremely dangerous due to the particles and substance discharged into the atmosphere. The findings contribute to the limited body of literature that already exists on the detrimental effects of ambient air pollution on respiratory health that are experienced by residents of urban cities in specific regions of Nigeria and other cities that are similar to those in Nigeria. In order to reduce air pollution in our urban centers, the study suggested adopting Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

Spatial Analysis of the Impact of Motor Vehicle Fires on the Urban Environment using the Example of Warsaw

Abstract This scientific article is dedicated to the analysis of the impact of vehicle fires on the urban environment. In the context of the dynamic processes of urbanization and societal mobilization, understanding the consequences of vehicle fires becomes exceedingly important for ensuring sustainable urban development and improving residents’ quality of life. The article presents the results of spatial analyses of vehicle fires that occurred within the Warsaw area between 2010 and 2021. In the analytical section, an attempt was made to identify the parts of the city where residents were most exposed to the emission of toxic substances. According to the presented calculations, almost 3 tons of toxic substances are released into the atmosphere every year as a result of vehicle fires in Warsaw. The article also provides information about the materials used in motor vehicles and assesses their environmental impact through the emission of hazardous substances in the event of a vehicle fire. Proposed changes that could minimize the number of vehicle fires in the future are also indicated in the article, thereby contributing to increased road safety levels in the city and positively influencing the environment.

Does nuclear energy produce neodymium? Negative perception of nuclear energy drives the assumption that it is polluting.

The public tends to exaggerate the dangers of nuclear energy, mistakenly associating it with various environmental problems such as ozone depletion and the production of CO₂. First, we investigate the acquisition of misconceptions about nuclear energy. In Experiments 1 (N = 198, United Kingdom) and 2 (N = 204, France), participants were more likely to develop new negative misconceptions about nuclear energy, compared to renewables or even some fossil fuels. Participants were also more likely to attribute the emission of hazardous substances produced by renewables to nuclear energy than to the energy sources actually emitting it. This suggests that specific misconceptions about nuclear energy are likely the by-products of negative perceptions of nuclear energy. Second, we ask whether correcting specific misconceptions leads to less negative attitudes about nuclear energy. In Experiments 3 (N = 296, United Kingdom.) and 4 (N = 305, France), participants were exposed to pronuclear energy arguments, one of which informed them of its low CO₂ emissions. This argument led to a decrease in the perception that nuclear energy contributes to climate change. Thus, even if specific misconceptions about nuclear energy derive from overall negative perceptions, addressing these misconceptions can still help align public opinion with expert opinion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The formation of atmospheric air pollution emissions from separate explosions as a result of military operations

As is well known, military operations in urbanized areas lead to deterioration of atmospheric air quality. The article examines the model of the formation of atmospheric polluted air from individual explosions as a result of military operations. A technique based on the theory of the convective jet is proposed for estimating the concentrations of hazardous substances formed above the burning area as a result of the explosion. The proposed approach makes it possible to obtain the concentration of pollutants in the conditions of emission into the atmosphere open to solar radiation at a height of three or more diameters of the explosion funnel (or the conventional diameter of the warm surface), the temperature and speed of hot air jets over the warm surface, the consumption of the desired substance. The obtained data make it possible to calculate the emission of hazardous substances into the atmosphere according to the formulas for a high unshaded source of pollution depending on the meteorological conditions of the area, to determine the concentration of the main acid-forming substances when assessing the probability of acid precipitation, and to serve as a basis for modern innovative atmospheric air monitoring systems.An assessment of the existing approach to determining atmospheric air pollution due to the impact of X-101 missile fragments in Kyiv on December 16, 2022 was made, which is a confirmation of the validity of this approach when calculating the impact of a separate explosion on atmospheric air quality. Calculated emissions of pollutants and their concentrations in the air in the upper part of the convective polluted jet in the case of separate explosions of the Kalibr cruise missile, the Kh-101 missile and the BUK-M1 projectile. The error from the comparison of these calculation results with the atmospheric air monitoring system depends on the nearest active observation points. This approach to assessing and forecasting concentrations of pollutants in atmospheric air can be used under neutral atmospheric conditions that determine the emission of pollutants and transformations of chemical substances in the air.

Thermal Susceptibility of Nickel in the Manufacture of Softeners

The chemical industry includes a wide range of factories focused on obtaining final products as: (i) plastics; (ii) chemical fibers; (iii) rubber; (iv) perfumery and cosmetic products; and (v) cleaning products. Although the level of safety in the activities and installations of this sector is very high, the use of dangerous substances implies an increased risk of suffering an accident involving the emission of hazardous substances, as well as endangering the safety of workers. In the case of the manufacture of softeners, the presence of isopropanol (C3H8O), and dimethyl sulfate (CH3)2SO4), have been reported to be the accident cause in most of the cases. The European accident database (eMars) reported an accident in which the presence of impurities of nickel (Ni) in the hydrogenated tallow used as raw material for softener production may have increased thermal reactivity and the chances of spontaneous combustion. This paper analyzes the results obtained with the Maciejasz Index (MI) to understand the thermal susceptibility of these substances in liquid state. The results show that combinations of nickel (hydrogenated tallow catalyst) with other liquid substances (isopropanol, dimethyl sulfate, and sulfuric acid) are not sufficiently reactive with oxygen to cause a spontaneous combustion.

Improving a method for eliminating the spill of hazardous substances by using "Universal Absorbent Cloth"

In order to increase efficiency and implement the principles of resource saving during the elimination of emergency spills of dangerous goods when transporting them by rail, proposals have been offered to improve the method of localization and elimination of emissions of hazardous substances using the "Universal Absorbent Cloth" ("UAC") The specificity of localization of the emergency emission site and the principles of elimination based on sorption technologies using "UAC" are described. To manufacture "UAC", special equipment (carbonizer) was designed, which provides effective carbonization of raw materials from plant waste at sufficiently low temperatures ≤500 °C. Using a carbonizer, a universal sorbent was obtained, which is subsequently used for the manufacture of "UAC". The total carbonization time of plant waste samples did not exceed 60 minutes. The universal absorbent obtained during the carbonization process was placed in a fabric matrix to produce "UAC" absorbent cloth. Standardized procedures for conducting experiments are described. Studies of the adsorption characteristics of the proposed "UAC" involving various model solutions (Gasoline A-95, 25 % solution of ammonia water, and 15 % solution of hydrogen peroxide) confirm its versatility and efficiency; the degree of purification reaches 92 %. It is proposed to use certain types of railroad cars to transport "UAC" as part of a freight train, which is supported by the corresponding dynamic indicators. Recommendations for the regeneration or disposal of spent "UAC" cloth are provided. The proposals for improving the method of emergency emission elimination using the "Universal Absorbent Cloth" ("UAC") make it possible to minimize the negative consequences of emergency spills of liquid cargoes of different hazard classes and reduce the time spent on elimination operations. These advantages ensure the competitiveness and profitability of the proposed technology

Mathematical modeling of air pollution in working room

Purpose. Development of CFD model and computer code for the analysis and forecasting of the process of formation of areas of chemical contamination in the workplace in the event of an emergency leak of a hazardous substance, allowing to take into account the influence of obstacles and the operation of the ventilation system on this process. The methods. The masstransfer equation is used to calculate the process of formation of areas of chemical contamination in the workplace over time. Navier-Stokes equations are used to solve the problem of aerodynamics – determination of the air flow velocity field in the room. For the numerical solution of modeling equations, finite-difference splitting schemes are used. On the basis of the developed numerical model, a computer code was created for conducting computational experiments Findings. An effective CFD model and computer code were created, which allow to quickly analyze the level of chemical pollution of working areas in possible emergency situations accompanied by the emission of dangerous substances. The results of the computational experiment are presented. The originality. An effective CFD model has been developed, which allows to calculate the dynamics of the formation of areas of chemical air pollution in the workplace in the event of an emergency leak of a chemically hazardous substance Practical implementation. On the basis of the proposed CFD model, a computer code has been developed that allows determining the dynamics of the formation of areas of contamination in the workplace during the emergency emission of hazardous substances. The model can be used to analyze the risk of toxic damage to personnel in the workplace

Environmental-Economic Management of Urbanized Areas from Air Protection Perspective

Challenges arising from the continuous population growth, expansion of urbanized areas, the aggravating environmental performance, the shrinking deposits of fossil energy sources and inability to fully replace them by renewable ones, the growing air emissions of hazardous substances of anthropogenic origin have acquired a global dimension, which raises the importance of studies focused on various issues of environmental-economic management of urbanized areas.
 The article’s objective is to substantiate the need for implementation of environmental-economic management in urbanized areas in order to prevent the impact of emissions of hazardous substances on the condition of ambient air. 
 The need to change the anthropocentric paradigm dominating economic management for a long time for the ecocentric paradigm is emphasized. The environmental policy goals pertaining to the protection of ambient air in the countries covered by the resolutions of the World Health Organization (WHO), and the environmental policy principles in EU countries laid as the basis of air quality targets and standards are outlined and discussed. An extensive review covers the main sources of air pollution and measures to reduce emissions of hazardous substances contained in WHO recommendations on air quality and other normative documents, with special emphasis on the data provided by the European Environment Agency. A nomenclature of management decisions on air quality, elaborated on ecocentric foundations, is given.

Экологическая оценка воздействия на окружающую среду теплоэнергетических комплексов, переведенных на газовую систему города Нур-Султан

The article is devoted to the environmental assessment of the environmental impact of thermal energy complexes on the territory of the city of Nur-Sultan. The technology of electricity production at thermal power plants leads to large emissions of waste into the environment, which in turn worsens the living conditions of people. It is shown that the implementation of the gasification program of the Republic of Kazakhstan in practical terms can provide an effective reduction in the burden on the environment by reducing emissions of hazardous substances.

Risk of emissions of hazardous substances into the surface atmosphere and impact on the risk of respiratory disease of the popul

The statistical data on the population size, the number of registered diseases of the digestive system with the first diagnosis and emissions of harmful substances into the surface layer of the atmosphere for a 29-year period are summarized. The levels of assessment of the risks of morbidity of the respiratory system of the population, environmental risk from emissions of harmful substances into the surface layer of the atmosphere have been analyzed. To determine the relationship of the studied risk parameters, the data are summarized in the table. The partial coefficients of multiple correlation are calculated and the level of risk parameters at which there is a reliable relationship is established. Mathematical research makes it possible to use the results in monitoring the morbidity of the respiratory system in the population with a newly diagnosed diagnosis under the influence of the environment.

Ubiquity of hazardous airborne substances on passenger ferries

The ferry service of the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) is one of the busiest in the world. However, a disadvantage of this mass transportation is the large emissions of hazardous substances from diesel combustion. We measured fine particulate matter (PM2.5), equivalent black carbon (eBC), particle number (PN) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) while commuting by double-decker ferries. The particulate concentrations were larger in the lower than in the upper decks, attributed to the infiltration of smoke when ferries were docked and leakage through openings around the door frames during cruising. Boarding/alighting were the most polluted phases (eBC, PM2.5 and PN were 3.3-, 1.4- and 2.7-fold larger than during cruising), due to the high engine load to keep the ferries locked in position, while TVOCs showed no statistically significant differences. Particulate concentrations on naturally ventilated vessels were between 2.5- and 3.5-fold larger than on the air-conditioned ones, but TVOCs were 150-fold higher in the latter, attributed to emissions from furniture and cleaning products. Mean eBC and PM2.5 concentrations on-board the ferries surpassed those at the kerbside. Modernising or retrofitting the vessels could diminish the emissions of hazardous substances, while jet bridges could reduce the commuters’ exposure during boarding.

Analysis of the vaporization processes in the vehicle fuel tank. New equation for determining the vapor amount

Introduction (problem statement and relevance). Hydrocarbon emissions from vaporizationtank fuel contribute significantly to the total emissions of hazardous substances from vehicles equipped with spark ignition engines. To meet the established standards for limiting hydrocarbon emissions caused by evaporation, all modern vehicles use fuel vapor recovery systems, the optimal parameters of which require the availability and application of mathematical models and methods for their determination.The purpose of the research was to develop a model of vapor generation processes in the car fuel tank and a methodology for determining the main quantitative parameters of the vapor-air mixture.Methodology and research methods. The analysis of the processes of vapor generation in the fuel tank was carried out. It was shown that the mass of hydrocarbons generated in the steam space was directly proportional to its volume and did not depend on the amount of fuel in the tank.Scientific novelty and results. New analytical dependences of the vaporization amount on the saturated vapor pressure, barometric pressure, initial fuel temperature and fuel heating during parking have been obtained.Practical significance. A formula was obtained to estimate the temperature of gasoline boiling starting in the tank, depending on the altitude above sea level and the volatility of gasoline, determined by the pressure of saturated vapors. Using the new equations, the vaporization analysis in real situations (parking, idling, refueling, explosive concentration of vapors) was carried out.

Моделювання просторово часової оцінки територіального ризику при аваріях під час транспортування залізницею небезпечного вантажу

Моделювання просторово часової оцінки територіального ризику при аваріях під час транспортування залізницею небезпечного вантажу