Environmental Implications Research Articles

PBDEs and dechlorane plus contamination in community e-waste recycling: Environmental and health implications in Northeastern Thailand

Electronic waste (e-waste) poses significant environmental and health risks in Thailand due to both domestic production and international imports. A notable portion of this waste is processed in small-scale, community-based workshops, often located in poorer regions, where safety regulations are improperly enforced or entirely ignored. This study focuses on the Kalasin province in Northern Thailand, a region with numerous such workshops, where no comprehensive analysis of exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechlorane plus (DP) has been conducted. The study's objective was to quantify these toxic substances in environmental and biological samples to assess its contamination and human health risks. Environmental samples, including soil, dust, sediment, ash, eggs, crabs, snails, fish, and rice, were collected from e-waste processing sites and compared with control areas. Blood samples from e-waste workers and a control group were also analysed. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry operated in negative ion chemical ionization (GC-NCI-MS) was used to quantify PBDEs and DP isomers. Results showed significantly higher concentrations of these toxic compounds in e-waste sites compared to control areas. E-waste workers also had elevated levels of these substances in their blood, suggesting exposure through contaminated dust and food. These findings underscore the severe environmental contamination and health risks associated with improper e-waste management, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures and improved recycling practices to safeguard both environmental and public health.

Addressing governance challenges of digitalisation and sustainability: The case of central bank digital currency

AbstractDigitalisation and environmental sustainability are widely discussed topics. However, their nexus remains underexplored and can pose significant challenges for governments and industries alike. The environmental implications of digitalisation are becoming increasingly pertinent with the advent of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and their inherent energy consumption and production of e‐waste. On the other hand, digitalisation could potentially support sustainability efforts. This begs the question of how systems of governance, such as regulatory frameworks and internal organisational governance, should harmonise digitalisation and sustainability goals. Such harmonisation entails ensuring that digitalisation processes are environmentally responsible while exploring how the application and features of digitalisation can help achieve environmental goals. By drawing insights from the case study of CBDCs, this article will utilise the paradigm of adaptive governance to seek potential solutions to the environmental implications of digitalisation.

Sediment recycling during the Holocene marine transgression in Ría de Vigo (NW Iberia): multiproxy evidence and environmental implications

A new multiproxy study of a 155-cm sediment core located in Ría de Vigo (NW Iberia) recording the transgressive and highstand system tract of the Holocene sea-level rise is presented. New data described include grain size, geochemical analyses, high-resolution qualitative/quantitative analyses of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and dinoflagellate cysts content, the qualitative evaluation of diatoms at different key levels and the reconsideration of some seismic interpretations. Besides, 14 radiocarbon dates were obtained from shells and pollen extracts. This new evidence revealed that notable changes in the sedimentation rates and the relative abundance of the different types of palynomorphs occurred during the Holocene. The sediment core studied shows anomalous pollen successions, including unexpected Pinus pollen peaks, during the Early and Middle-Holocene. Differential dating revealed that those anomalous successions correspond to conspicuously aged sediment that has inverted pollen chronologies. Thus, these facies may constitute evidence of redeposition of ancient upland sediments, formed above the ancient coastline at different intervals comprised between the end of the Last Glacial Maximum and the early stages of the Lateglacial, which were rich in very resistant pollen types (Pinus). Dinoflagellate cyst records in combination with the non-reworked pollen evidence reveal a reliable climatic seesaw during the Holocene, includingwet stormy periods of prevailing mixed waters, with strong development of Lingulodinium and high accumulation rates in dinoflagellate cysts, which alternate with other sparsely stormy and drier phases, characterised by the coastal upwelling intensification, well-stratified waters, and increases in Bitectatodinium and Spiniferites spp. but low accumulation rates in dinoflagellate cysts. These climatic dynamics, including a millennial drier cool period that occurred just after the Thermal Optimum are consistent with previous evidence obtained in other limnetic systems in the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, there is a delay between the two phases with the highest marine contribution to sediment (ca. 11.0-8.2 and ca. 4.0–3.0 cal ka BP) and the subsequent warm stages when the relative sea level stabilises: the Thermal Optimum (8.0–6.0 ka BP) and the 2.5-0.5 ka BP interval, respectively. Changes in Pinus pollen concentrations and grain size recorded in the postglacial sediments suggest that some upland ancient (Lateglacial) pollen evidence might be remobilised, especially during stages of upwelling intensification, and then resedimented in the seabed. Further studies will be needed to determine if the significant differences existing between the Pinus pollen grain sizes respond to climatic variations affecting the region or have been the result of any replacement of pine species in the area. Nonetheless, Pinus pollen evidence almost disappeared with the first signs of anthropisation in the area, and only recovered after the modern repopulations. Our findings open up new possibilities to further our understanding of sediment reworking and recycling mechanisms through the integration of multiproxy studies encompassing pollen, seismic and sedimentary data.

Using dredged sediments from Lake Taihu as a plant-growing substrate: Focusing on the impact of microcystins

Using dredged sediment as plant growth substrates is a promising way to deal with large amounts of excavated sediments. However, it is a big challenge to deal with various pollutants in sediments, among which microcystins (MCs) gained limited attention. In this study, sediments collected from Lake Taihu were mixed with agricultural soil at a 1:1 ratio to create various growing substrates for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ramosa Hort.). Results indicated that fresh weight and leaf area of lettuce increased in some sediment-amended treatments due to additional nutrients, but food quality was negatively affected by sediment amendment as suggested by the soluble sugar and Vitamin C levels. MCs were detected in all lettuce grown in sediment-amended substrates, particularly in treatments with sediments collected during the bloom. The highest MC contents were found in treatment amended with sediments collected from Meiliang Bay in August (88.6 μg kg−1 for MC-LR and 65.6 μg kg−1 for MC-RR). MC accumulation in lettuce and the associated human health risks were significant, especially in treatments with sediments from the bloom period. Ecological risk assessments revealed high RQ values, indicating potential harm to the soil ecosystem. This study underscores the importance of considering MC content in sediments when evaluating their use as growing substrates. The findings contribute to understanding the environmental and health implications of sediment reuse, offering insights for safer agricultural practices and sediment management.

Geographical distribution of caudatoside and ptaquiloside in bracken ferns in Northern Europe

Bracken ferns (genus Pteridium) are among the most prevalent plants worldwide, with their distribution expanding due to their invasive nature. The environmental implications of their proliferation in areas affected by human activity, natural disasters, or land-use changes are concerning, primarily because of the carcinogenic illudane glycosides they produce. These compounds cause domestic and wildlife animal poisoning, as well as contamination of dairy products and drinking water. Several illudane glycosides are known, but usually only ptaquiloside (PTA) is monitored. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in illudane glycosides PTA, caudatoside (CAU) and ptesculentoside (PTE) across two phenotypes of Pteridium aquilinum (vars. aquilinum and latiusculum) over a broad geographic range spanning Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, encompassing 66 locations. We analysed different parts of the fern fronds (the tips and the lowest pinnae) using LC–MS and statistically explored the influence of phenotype, frond part, geographic location, sunlight exposure, and the surrounding ecosystem on glycoside content. Our findings reveal that PTA accounts for approximately two-thirds of the total illudane glycoside content, followed by CAU at nearly one-third, and a minor contribution from PTE. Glycoside levels were not influenced by phenotypic varieties or the studied environmental factors, but were significantly affected by geographic location. Specifically, CAU levels increased progressively towards the northeast, while PTA concentrations were highest in Denmark and markedly decreased in northeastern countries by over threefold, presumably due to climatic gradient. It has been further supported by temporal analysis in selected PTA-dominant regions indicating a reduction in PTA towards the end of the growing season, aligning its levels with those of CAU. Our study highlights that CAU concentrations in bracken ferns may equal or surpass PTA, contesting the prevailing view that PTA is the only notable illudane glycoside in Bracken. To provide unbiased assessment of the potential risks posed by P. aquilinum in the region, environmental and toxicological research should include measurements of not only PTA, but also CAU and, if possible, PTE.

Diquat exacerbates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation by blocking the autophagic flux of microglia in the hippocampus

Diquat (DQ) is a widely utilized nonselective herbicide that is primarily used to control a wide range of weeds and crop residues. It also has significant environmental implications. DQ exposure can cause severe damage to the central nervous system (CNS), a critical symptom of acute poisoning that endangers patients. Despite its severity, the underlying mechanisms of DQ-induced toxic encephalopathy remain unclear, hindering the development of precise treatments. Our research demonstrated that acute DQ exposure in mice significantly increases oxidative stress and triggers neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Furthermore, in vitro findings indicate that the detrimental effects of DQ are mediated by its disruption of autophagic processes, leading to exacerbated neural damage. DQ initially promotes autophagy in BV2 microglia for self-protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. However, this process is subsequently blocked, intensifying neural damage. Crucially, our results show that the activation of autophagy can reverse these adverse effects. This study not only sheds light on the intricate mechanisms of DQ neurotoxicity but also provides potential therapeutic targets for mitigating DQ-induced toxic encephalopathy.

Performance Characteristics of a Compression Ignition (CI) Engine Using an Environmentally Friendly Waste Plastic Fuel

Due to growing demands and depleting reserves of petroleum-based fuel, there is a necessity to find an alternative fuel for IC engines. Also, environmental concerns and globally faced problems like lots of garbage generated through plastics is a major issue in India. There is a significant disparity between plastic production and waste plastic generation. Therefore, the need for alternative fuels derived from municipal plastic waste has emerged to enhance the performance of IC engines, decrease emissions, and address other environmental concerns in line with the “Swachh Bharat Mission of India”. In this study, the alternative fuel was produced from a municipal mix of plastic waste by pyrolysis process. The experiments were carried out with a constant speed of 1500 rpm at different load conditions and fueled with standard diesel, waste plastic fuel and other blends to investigate IC engine performance and combustion and emissions in terms of brake thermal efficiency, brake power, brake specific fuel consumption, cylinder pressure, net heat release, mean gas temperature, rate of pressure rise, andbrake specific CO2, NOx, CO and HC emissions parameters were investigated and it is compared with standard diesel. The overall result shows that WPO20D80 and WPO30D70 exhibit the peak performance (torque, BP, BTE and BSFC) and lowest emissions (HC, CO, NOx) at all load conditions. Moreover, according to all the performance results, the lowest BSFC with maximum brake thermal efficiency and variations was 24.01% and 0.346 Kg/kWh for the WPO30D70 blend at part load condition. The minimum brake-specific NOx produced by the diesel blend at peak load conditions (WPO20D80) is 138.66 ppm, which is higher than other blends. This phenomenon may be attributed to an elevated proportion of pre-combustion and an extended ignition duration, resulting in a high cylinder temperature and an enhanced rate of heat release. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the environmental implications associated with different fuel blends and load conditions. Notably, the blends ranging from 10% to 50% showed good tendencies to be utilized with diesel engines and consistently exhibit favourable brakespecific emission profiles, suggesting its potential as an environmentally friendly alternative fuel.

Material properties and environmental implications of red mud solidified with blast-furnace slag, silica fume, and sodium hydroxide

Material properties and environmental implications of red mud solidified with blast-furnace slag, silica fume, and sodium hydroxide

The Effect of Polyethylene Microplastics on Growth and Antioxydant Response of Oscillatoria Princeps and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa.

This study investigated the impacts of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) with varying particle sizes (13μm and 6.5μm) on the growth and antioxidant responses of two freshwater algae species, Oscillatoria princeps (O. princeps) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa). The results revealed a significant reduction in chlorophyll a content in both algal species upon exposure to PE-MPs, indicating a disruption of photosynthesis. Furthermore, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity decreased in O. princeps, while Catalase (CAT) activity increased in both species, indicating complex physiological responses to microplastic stress. Notably, phycotoxin levels in O. princeps decreased with PE-MP exposure, while those in C. pyrenoidosa increased, particularly with 6.5μm PE-MPs. These findings underscore the potential toxic effects of PE-MPs on freshwater algal growth and metabolism, as well as their influence on toxin production. This study contributes valuable insights into the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics in freshwater environments, highlighting the need for further research on their biological effects and environmental health implications.

Advancements in green-synthesized transition metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles for sustainable wastewater treatment: techniques, applications, and future prospects

Abstract In order to meet the demand for portable water and replenish depleting water resources caused by industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, wastewater purification has become crucial. Emerging contaminants (ECs), which include organic dyes, pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs, polyaromatic compounds, heavy metal ions, and fertilizers, among others, have caused significant disruptions to environmental balance and severe health complications. As a result, considerable effort has been devoted to the development of technologies that eliminate wastewater from effluents via adsorption, photocatalysis, and other means. However, considering the economic and environmental implications of the adopted technologies, green technology has gained significant attention owing to their eco-friendly approaches, cost-effectiveness, avoiding use of toxic and harmful chemicals and production of less-toxic by-products. Currently green-synthesized nanomaterials have seen tremendous growth in emerging as sustainable nanoadsorbents, nanocatalysts for the removal of the emerging contaminants from wastewater in highly efficient and eco-friendly manner. Thus, this review presents an overview of the various techniques utilized in wastewater treatment with a particular emphasis on the production and application of environmentally friendly transition metal/metal oxide nanoparticles as sustainable tools in wastewater treatment technology. This article also discusses the limitations and future potential of using green-synthesized transition metal/metal oxide based nanoparticles in advancing the technology on a broad scale.

MEXICAN INTEROCEANIC CORRIDOR: TOWARD A LIKELY SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE REGION IN SOUTHWESTERN MEXICO

Mexican Interoceanic Corridor or Tehuantepec's Transisthmian Corridor (along with the Mayan Train) represents one the two largest iconic and challenging Mega Projects implemented in Southwestern Mexico, funded by Mexican Government, in the same so-called “Macrosouth region” or just Macrosouth, here on, (integrated by three economic subregions, namely, South-Pacific, Southern and South-western regions). Despite both projects ultimately aim to foster economic growth in such a region, the former aims to stimulate growth through an increased tourism flow from the wealthy Mayan Riviera zone toward the Gulf of Mexico's long-lagged region by railroad through the Mayan Train recently inaugurated by President Lopez Obrador,vid AMLO(Dec 22, 2023).Although the main focus of our attention here, namely, the Interoceanic Corridor, given its geoeconomic and geo strategic relevance for the country since it is expected to skyrocket Mexican exports and commercial activity through this facility and thus fostering economic growth throughout the Corridor stripe and spread it out throughout its neighboring regions such as those above referred in the coming years given its previlegious geographic location under the global context in which Mexico is currently immersed. Accordingly, the article aims to assess and highlight the socio economic relevance of the Mexican Corridor megaproject and its likelihood to achieve by this means simultaneously economic growth and people's well-being in this region as an expected consequence of the intensive commercial thorugh its operation and industrial activity generated by the production of ten industrial parks to be implemented along the Corridor (backed by a host of full-fledged refurbished and renewed productive infrastructure around it) such as railway itself and road transport and port facilities along the end lines of the Corridor stripe (and the entire Macroregion) focused on supporting the expected massive commercial flow of merchandise and concomitant export boom back and forth through the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, shortly. Furthermore, all these significant public investments, unlike prior neoliberal investment priorities in the past, these new investments are nurtured upon a framework of a socially inclusive and sustainable strategy tailored by the Mexican government for the Corridor zone to promote simultaneously economic growth and people’s well-being in the Transismithian stripe in the years to come. However, the challenge for the Mexican state, through its policymakers, is to achieve such an equilibrium between economic growth and population well-being in this region under a sustainable environmental context. Accordingly, in short, the purpose of this article is to explore the likelihood of Mexico attaining the above-referred equilibrium and implementing a socially inclusive strategy within a long-time deprived and lagged region from the rest of the country such as the Transisthmian Corridor stripe and its neighboring regions, such as the South-Pacific and Gulf of Mexico, in the foreseeable future along with its likely perspectives and socioeconomic and environmental implications.

Simulating controlled drainage and hydrological connections in a cultivated peatland field

AbstractCultivated peatlands are increasingly regarded as hot spots due to climate change and other environmental concerns. Flexible water management, such as controlled drainage, is proposed to optimize cultivation and reduce environmental risks in peatland fields. The hydrological and environmental implications of controlled drainage depend on site‐specific variables, and it is unclear how controlled drainage should be implemented in various conditions. Simulation models are a promising approach to systemically study the field hydrology, as models can capture the complete water balance, which is difficult through experimental studies alone. We calibrated and validated the spatially distributed model FLUSH to describe the hydrology of a field block with a shallow peat cover and controlled drainage in central western Finland. The objectives were to analyze the hydrological effects of controlled drainage and detect hydrological connections between the field and an adjacent upslope forest area. The results showed how inflow from the forest can induce high observed drain discharge but impacted the block groundwater tables only in the proximity of the forest (distance <25 m). The effect of controlled drainage on groundwater tables was on average 0.15 m and seasonally varying. Controlled drainage reduced drain discharge, and the reduction was larger with the forest area included in the model. While controlled drainage effects on groundwater levels and soil moisture were insensitive to groundwater influxes from adjacent areas, the water balance impact highlights the role of hydrological connections in the hydrology of cultivated peatlands under controlled drainage.

Multi-scale analysis of urban forests and socioeconomic patterns in a desert city, Phoenix, Arizona

Understanding the relationship between various socioeconomic factors and urban forest structure is essential for directing resources to ensure equitable distribution of green space. Through a case study of a desert city, i.e., Phoenix, AZ, this study provides a novel application of Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) in which we explore the spatially variable relationships between a wide array of socioeconomic indicators and urban forest attributes. Through the computation of various scales of influence for different explanatory variables, MGWR enhances our analysis’s precision and stresses the association between socioeconomic status and urban forest structure at local and regional scales. Our results indicate that although there has been a pattern of green inequality where minority and low-income communities have less access to urban forests, education levels were mostly insignificant based on the MGWR results. In some instances, higher incomes are negatively correlated with tree canopy coverage. Additionally, the stem density model outperformed the canopy coverage model in terms of prediction accuracy. This research adds a new dimension to urban forestry literature and emphasizes the value of customized urban planning strategies and the environmental justice implications of urban forestry, particularly in arid environments.

Deep structure of the Kumkol basin in the northern Tibetan Plateau and its resource environmental implications

Deep structure of the Kumkol basin in the northern Tibetan Plateau and its resource environmental implications

Integrated environmental and social assessment of alum-contaminated water in An Giang province

ABSTRACT This study investigates alum-contaminated water in An Giang province within the Mekong Delta, emphasizing methodological approaches to assess its distribution and impacts. The research conducted from March to May 2021 involved surveys of residents, public sector employees, and provincial managers, complemented by expert interviews and extensive fieldwork. Surface water samples were collected during both rainy and dry seasons across three districts, with parameters such as turbidity, pH, and temperature measured onsite, and aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) concentrations analyzed in the laboratory using atomic absorption spectrometry. The data were further processed using QGIS software to create comprehensive maps illustrating seasonal variations in water quality. The findings revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in water quality, with pH levels fluctuating markedly between the dry and rainy seasons. Household surveys indicated a lack of awareness regarding effective water treatment methods, with most respondents relying on local authorities for solutions. The study highlights the need for community education and participation in addressing alum contamination, offering insights into the environmental and public health implications of water quality in the region. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the ongoing efforts in environmental conservation and water quality management in the Mekong Delta.

Key Factors Influencing Consumer Choices in Wood-Based Recycled Products for Circular Construction Sector

This article explores the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes, as highlighted in a wood products questionnaire. The aim of this study is to understand how the Romanian consumers perceive the circular economy in order to adopt responsible consumption models. The working instrument consisted of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to 60.7% urban respondents and 39.3% rural ones and consisted of 23 items. The response rate was 68.5% for certain items (257 responses). In the first part, the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes is examined. Emerging recycling techniques and demolition processes, particularly incorporating reused, reconditioned, and recycled wood in the construction industry, are evaluated. The economic and environmental implications of these practices are also examined, contributing to the discussion of eco-design policies, and construction waste management and standards. In the second part, insights are provided into how Romanian consumers’ knowledge of CE principles, information about product characteristics, and attitudes influence the demand for recycled wood products. The study concludes with recommendations for better promotion strategies of wood-based recycled products, aiming to increase awareness of its long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits. Additionally, it suggests the need for providing more information on the environmental benefits of wood-based recycled products, and for a more active engagement of stakeholders in the transition to a circular economy. The results serve as a basis for a better understanding of Romanian consumers’ adoption of sustainable consumption behavior in agreement with circular economy concepts and SDGs. While the majority of respondents generally shows openness to an eco-friendly product, mere promotion of these principles may not suffice to change entrenched behaviors and purchasing habits.

Cadmium immobilization by mercapto-palygorskite in alkaline soil: Impacts on soil microbial communities and wheat rhizosphere metabolism

Weakly alkaline cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil in China has aroused great concern regarding its impact on food security and human health. Mercapto-modified palygorskite (MP) has exhibited good potential to minimize Cd accumulation in wheat, it is imperative to understand the underlying mechanisms within the soil-wheat-microbial system for sustainable development of agrochemicals. This study evaluated the effects of various MP dosages on soil Cd bioavailability, rhizosphere metabolomics, microbial community structure and wheat growth. The results indicated that MP (0.05–0.2 %) application significantly reduced Cd accumulation in wheat grains by 59.0–83.2 % (p < 0.05) and inhibited Cd translocation from root to grain. MP also promoted Mn oxide formation and redistributed the exchangeable Cd to Fe–Mn oxide-bound forms (44.2–109.6 %), thus lowering soil Cd bioavailability by 17.9–32.5 %. Additionally, MP reduced wheat rhizosphere organic acid levels, altered rhizosphere carbon and nitrogen pools, and stimulated the growth of Cd-tolerant Alternaria and Cladosporium, while inhibiting the growth of Fusarium. These findings highlight the potential of MP to modulate soil rhizosphere metabolism and microbial communities, offering a novel perspective on its environmental implications and supporting agrochemical sustainability.

Between green hills and green bills: Unveiling the green shades of sustainability and burden shifting through multi-objective optimization in Swiss energy system planning

The Paris Agreement is the first-ever universally accepted and legally binding agreement on global climate change. It is a bridge between today’s and climate-neutrality policies and strategies before the end of the century. Critical to this endeavor is energy system modeling, which, while adept at devising cost-effective carbon-neutral strategies, often overlooks the broader environmental and social implications. This study introduces an innovative methodology that integrates life-cycle impact assessment indicators into energy system modeling, enabling a comprehensive assessment of both economic and environmental outcomes. Focusing on Switzerland’s energy system as a case study, the model reveals that optimizing key environomic indicators can lead to significant economic advantages, with system costs potentially decreasing by 15% to 47% by minimizing potential impacts from the current system still operating with fossil technologies to an alternative only relying on renewable and where the impact are mainly related to the construction of the infrastructure. However, a system optimized solely for economic efficiency, despite achieving 63% reduction in carbon footprint compared to 2020, shows a potential risk of burden shift to other environmental issues. The adoption of multi-objective optimization in this approach nuances the exploration of the complex interplay between environomic objectives and technological choices. The results illuminate pathways towards more holistically optimized energy systems, effectively addressing trade-offs across environmental problems and enhancing societal acceptance of the solutions to this century’s defining challenge.

Effects of electrode/electrolyte materials on heavy-metal removal in industrial wastewater with flow capacitive deionization method

The expansion of industrial facilities poses a significant environmental risk due to the generation of extensive wastewater containing complex components that effluent human health. Flow-electrode Capacitive Deionization (FCDI) technology has emerged as a promising solution for wastewater treatment due to its unlimited adsorption capacity and continuous long-term operations compared to conventional systems. This study investigates the efficiency of the FCDI system in purifying industrial wastewater by extracting complex heavy metal ions, intending to achieve complete recycling and zero discharge. Different electrolyte/electrode materials were investigated to achieve high removal efficiency, including electrolytes such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), and electrodes such as active carbon (AC) and C65 carbon black (C65 CB) used in lithium-ion batteries. We found that the innovative combination of Na2SO4 electrolyte with 0.1 g of C65 CB exhibited an exceptional salt removal efficiency of 90 %, surpassing NaCl electrolyte which showed 68 % efficiency. Additionally, we observed higher adsorption with C65 CB slurry compared to AC when using Na2SO4 electrolyte. To deepen our insights, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to explore heavy metal ions interactions with electrode/electrolyte and membrane materials under an electric field. The results indicated that Ni2+ ions had the highest passage rate of 80 % across the membrane, followed by Cr2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+. Furthermore, superior adsorption of Ni2+ ions onto the C65 CB electrode was noted, contributing to enhanced charge transfer and overall conductivity. Furthermore, we evaluated the economic and environmental implications associated with implementing the FCDI system in practical. This study presents a novel approach by using C65 carbon black (CB) with Na2SO4 as the electrolyte, indicating high adsorption efficiency at low carbon loading electrode. This combination offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for improving complex heavy metal ion removal in FCDI systems. Overall, our study’s findings significantly contribute to offering crucial insights into optimizing FCDI technology for efficient heavy metal ions removal in industrial wastewater treatment using lithium-ion battery anode/cathode electrode material.

Multivariate analysis of water quality in the Dhaleshwari River, Bangladesh: identifying pollution sources and environmental implications

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the current water quality status of the Dhaleshwari River, considering seasonal variations, and identify potential pollution sources using physicochemical parameters, multivariate statistical analysis, and the water quality index (WQI) method. Sampling was conducted at six locations along the Dhaleshwari River from January 2021 to April 2022, encompassing both dry and wet seasons. Eleven physicochemical parameters were tested following standard procedures. The calculated WQI values demonstrated that the overall water quality of the Dhaleshwari River is very poor (264.7 ± 64.5). Seasonal variation in water quality was significant, with the worst quality (305.7 ± 54.3) observed during the dry season; however, water quality during the wet season was also unsatisfactory (223.6 ± 46.3). Geospatial analysis shows the distribution of water quality in the study locations. Principal components analysis was performed for source appointment, which indicated that direct wastewater discharge from surrounding industries, particularly tanneries, as well as municipal wastewater, were the major pollution sources. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the deteriorating water quality of the Dhaleshwari River due to industrialization and human activities. The findings underscore the urgent need for interventions to mitigate pollution sources and improve the overall health of the river ecosystem.