Environmental Concerns Research Articles

Examining tourists’ perception of changes in contextual cues at the destination and the effect on automatic sustainable eating behavior

ABSTRACT The attitude-behavior gap has been largely supported in sustainable tourism, but it still contrasts with findings that show a positive effect of environmental concern on tourists’ sustainable behavior. To investigate some missing links between these prior findings, we build on recent research on automaticity. Using a sample of 535 tourists from Spain, we examine the effect of a series of variables on tourists’ perception of change in internal and external cues, which, according to the Theory of Habit Formation, can cause a break of habit (i.e. automatic behavior). In addition, we investigated the moderating role of environmental concern in the relationship of automaticity with a series of sustainable eating behaviors. The results show that novelty seekers (a personality trait), seeking escapism (a motivational factor), and searching for the self (an identity factor) are positively associated with a perception of change in internal and external cues during vacations (in comparison with the cues perceived at home), which in turn influence lower automaticity in this context. Automaticity leads to sustainable eating behavior during vacations only among tourists who show high environmental concern and, as a result, conduct sustainable eating practices at home. Tourists who rate low in environmental concern do not show sustainable eating behavior during vacations, regardless of the level of automaticity of their actions. The results provide evidence of why environmentally concerned consumers behave unsustainably toward food when they travel, filling identified gaps in the literature.

Circular Economy for Fashion Waste in the Indian Fashion Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

Essential to human survival, textiles, and clothing have witnessed a meteoric rise in production and consumption worldwide, evolving from basic needs to everyday commodities. A more disposable consumer culture is evident in the projected global apparel demand of $2.6 trillion by 2025. However, a primary environmental concern—fashion waste—has emerged as an outcome of lifestyle changes. The fashion industry is the most wasteful consumer industry in the world, mainly due to its linear (take, make, and waste) model. Several solutions have been proposed to address the waste created by this industry, with the circular economy (CE) being considered the most appropriate choice. This study explores the challenges unique to the Indian fashion industry in adopting CE practices to handle textile waste. The study gathers insights from 22 industry stakeholders by adopting a qualitative approach. It offers challenges spanning political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) dimensions. The investigation emphasized that the most pressing challenge is economics, highlighting the emphasis on company profits, followed by technical and political challenges. The study recommends addressing these challenges through capacity building, clear guidelines, innovation, technological advancement, and multi-stakeholder collaboration platforms.

Segments of Environmental Concern in Kuwait

This discussion examines segmentation by environmental attitudes in Kuwait using a survey (n = 1121) of adult Kuwaiti citizens. Attitudes were measured with a shortened version of the Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI) scale as adapted in prior work about the UAE. Consistent with research suggesting that environmental attitudes frequently reflect local conditions, the dimensional structure in Kuwait was not very similar to that of the UAE case. The Kuwait data do, however, yield a dimensional structure which reflects the broader debate in the sustainability literature on the relative balance of environmental vs. socio-economic concerns. Cluster analysis on these dimensions yielded five distinct segments ranging from not very strong concern about either to strong concern about both, for focusing on one or the other. Policy implications of addressing different views about environmentalism are discussed.

Insights into anode substrate optimization in bioelectrochemical systems for efficient cathodic lanthanum recovery during wastewater treatment

Wastewater containing lanthanum (La) is a significant global environmental concern, prompting the development of various treatment technologies. Existing methods are often costly, generate secondary waste streams, and prioritize removal over recovery. This study investigated La recovery in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) using diverse substrates (acetate, lactate, methanol, and glucose) with anaerobic sludge as the inoculum. The results showed that acetate-fueled BESs achieved the highest power density (439.29 mW/m2), a chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction efficiency of 96.52 ± 1.56 %, and a coulombic efficiency of 35.18 ± 1.86 %. Acetate and lactate-fed biofilms achieved high La recovery rates (98.96 ± 1.64 % and 98.24 ± 2.16 %, respectively) by the 36th hour. After 48 h, La was undetectable in these systems, surpassing the environmental guidelines. In contrast, methanol and glucose-fed systems yielded lower recoveries (80 ± 0.04 % and 32.8 ± 1.4 %, respectively) after 48 h, with final La concentrations remaining above the guideline levels. Acetate also enhanced the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Microbial community analysis revealed that Desulfovibrio and Geobacter predominated in acetate-fed microbial fuel cells (MFCs), while Klebsiella and Simplicispira were dominant in glucose and methanol-fed MFCs, respectively. Recovered La deposits, identified as La2O3 and La(OH)3, on the cathodic surfaces were confirmed via SEM-EDX, XRD, and XPS analyses. This study demonstrates the potential of BESs for efficient La recovery from wastewater.

Intention to purchase eco-friendly stationery: A study on university students using S-O-R framework

Due to the high usage and demand of stationery among university students, this study investigates the factors that significantly influence university students' intention to purchase eco-friendly stationery. A novel research model has been developed using the stimulus-organism-responses (S-O-R) framework. Four external factors have been proposed as stimuli, namely, environmental knowledge (EK), environmental concern (EC), perceived environmental responsibility (PER), and university green initiatives (UGI), with attitude (ATT) as an organism and purchase intention (PI) as the response. Using purposive sampling, 367 Malaysian university students participated in this study, and the result of the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that EK, EC, and PER significantly influenced students' ATT toward eco-friendly stationery. In addition, only the PER and ATT significantly affect the students' PI on the eco-friendly stationery. Additionally, the indirect hypothesis testing showed that EK, EC and PER indirectly influenced students' PI on eco-friendly stationery through ATT. This study's findings provided several important implications, including theoretical and practical implications, which would be utilized to understand the subject area better and cultivate students' PI on eco-friendly stationery in establishing a sustainable environment, communities and campus.

Polysulfone membranes decorated with Fe–Mn binary oxide nanoparticles and polydopamine for enhanced arsenate/arsenite adsorptive removal

Arsenic contamination of water is a global environmental concern, and membrane technology combined with nanotechnology contributes to more efficient removal of arsenic. In this study, Fe–Mn oxide (FM), Polydopamine (PDA), and PDA-modified FM (PFM) were incorporated into polysulfone (PSF) to prepare adsorption membranes (PFMP) for arsenic removal. The prepared nanoparticles and membranes were characterized using TEM, SEM, FTIR, TGA, contact angle, and pure water flux. The introduction of particles enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membranes and significantly enhanced the pure water flux of the membranes. Adsorption experiments indicated that the PFMP membrane exhibited the best arsenic removal performance, with maximum adsorption capacities for As(III) and As(V) were 11.57 mg/g and 12.39 mg/g, respectively. The Langmuir model fitted the adsorption isotherms well, and the kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. The filtration experiment revealed that the PFMP membrane was capable of reducing As(III) solution (915 L/m2) and As(V) solution (1075 L/m2) from a concentration of 100 μg/L to the safe limit of As (＜10 μg/L). The As-loaded membrane was regenerated using NaOH solution (pH = 11), and the filtration experiment was repeated. FTIR and XPS demonstrated that the mechanism of the reaction between the membrane and arsenic was ligand exchange, where the arsenic ions were bonded to the oxygen ions to form Mn–O–As and Fe–O–As.

Enzyme Catalyzed Formation of CoA Adducts of Fluorinated Hexanoic Acid Analogues using a Long-Chain acyl-CoA Synthetase from Gordonia sp. Strain NB4-1Y.

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of anthropogenic fluorinated chemicals of increasing environmental concern. Over recent years, numerous microbial communities have been found to be capable of metabolizing some polyfluoroalkyl substances, generating a range of low-molecular-weight PFAS metabolites. One proposed pathway for the microbial breakdown of fluorinated carboxylates includes β-oxidation, this pathway is initiated by the formation of a CoA adduct. However, until recently no PFAS-CoA adducts had been reported. In a previous study, we were able to use a bacterial medium-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (mACS) to form CoA adducts of fluorinated adducts of propanoic acid and pentanoic acid but were not able to detect any products of fluorinated hexanoic acid analogues. Herein, we expressed and purified a long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (lACS) and a A461K variant of mACS from the soil bacterium Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y and performed an analysis of substrate scope and enzyme kinetics using fluorinated and nonfluorinated carboxylates. We determined that lACS can catalyze the formation of CoA adducts of 1:5 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (FTCA), 2:4 FTCA and 3:3 FTCA, albeit with generally low turnover rates (<0.02 s-1) compared with the nonfluorinated hexanoic acid (5.39 s-1). In addition, the A461K variant was found to have an 8-fold increase in selectivity toward hexanoic acid compared with wild-type mACS, suggesting that Ala-461 has a mechanistic role in selectivity toward substrate chain length. This provides further evidence to validate the proposed activation step involving the formation of CoA adducts in the enzymatic breakdown of PFAS.

Hexavalent chromium uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.) mediated by sulfate and phosphate transporters OsSultr1;2 and OsPht1;1

Chromium (Cr) soil contamination is a critical global environmental concern, with hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) being especially perilous due to its high mobility, bioavailability, and phytotoxicity. This poses a significant threat to the cultivation of crops, particularly rice, where the mechanisms of Cr(VI) absorption remain largely unexplored. This study uncovered a competitive interaction between Cr(VI) and essential nutrients—sulfate and phosphate during the uptake process. Notably, deficiencies in sulfate and phosphate were associated with a marked increase in Cr(VI) accumulation in rice, reaching up to 76.5 % and 77.7 %, respectively. Employing q-PCR, this study identified significant up-regulation of the sulfate transporter gene, OsSultr1;2, and the phosphate transporter gene, OsPht1;1, in response to Cr(VI) stress. Genetic knockout studies have confirmed the crucial role of OsSultr1;2 in Cr(VI) uptake, with its deletion leading to a 36.1 % to 69.6 % decrease in Cr uptake by rice roots. Similarly, the knockout of OsPht1;1 resulted in an 18.1 % to 25.7 % decrease in root Cr accumulation. These findings highlight the key role of the sulfate transporter OsSultr1;2 in Cr(VI) uptake, with phosphate transporters also contributing significantly to the process. These insights are valuable for developing rice varieties with reduced Cr(VI) accumulation, ensuring the safety of rice grain production.

Nudging consumers about the issue of microplastics: an experimental auction study on valuation for sustainable food packaging

Plastic, integral to food packaging since the 1950s, has become a global environmental concern due to its contribution to microplastic pollution. Microplastics harm ecosystems, impacting wildlife and human health. Amid increasing focus on sustainability, global initiatives target sustainable production and consumption, but consumers struggle to verify product claims, leading to potential greenwashing, particularly in the food industry. We conducted an experiment focusing on pasta products with varied packaging and labeling attributes. Findings suggest that consumers are willing to pay more for products with both biodegradable packaging and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) labels, indicating heightened trust and perceived sustainability. Information about microplastics’ adverse environmental effects influenced consumer valuation, particularly among females, higher-income individuals, and those with stronger environmental concerns.

Alkali pretreatment-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of waste cellulose acetate for selective preparation of levoglucosenone

With the increasing demand for cellulose acetate (CA) in industrial and daily applications, the disposal of its waste has emerged as an environmental concern. In this study, a novel and sustainable method for value-added utilization of waste CA was proposed, which involved NaOH pretreatment and subsequent catalytic pyrolysis using phosphoric acid-activated carbon (PAC) to prepare levoglucosone (LGO). The effects of pretreatment temperatures and NaOH concentrations on the physicochemical characteristics of CA were thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, the pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) experiments were conducted to methodically assess the impacts of both pretreatment and pyrolysis conditions on the production of LGO. The results indicated that NaOH pretreatment could effectively hydrolyze the ester bonds in CA, leading to the removal of acetyl groups and a decrease in thermal stability. At a pretreatment temperature of 40 °C, a NaOH concentration of 0.5 mol/L, a catalyst/sample ratio of 1/3, and a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C, the LGO yield could reach 11.52 wt%, much higher than that obtained from catalytic pyrolysis of CA (2.70 wt%). This study provides an efficient method for treating waste CA and demonstrates its potential for conversion into high-value chemicals, laying a solid foundation for the green recycling of waste plastics.

Sedimentological, Geochemical, and Environmental Assessment in an Eastern Mediterranean, Stressed Coastal Setting: The Gialova Lagoon, SW Peloponnese, Greece

This study describes the prevalent sedimentological and geochemical patterns and investigates the environmental status of the bottom of Gialova lagoon, a highly vulnerable coastal site of the EU’s Natura 2000 network. For this task, lithological, geochemical, and microfaunal analyses of sediment samples were combined with a high-resolution bathymetric survey. Potential pollution was determined using geochemical-based (EF, I-geo, and PLI) and faunal (Foram-AMBI) indices. We find that sedimentation is mainly controlled by the bottom morphology, hydrodynamic variations, and biogenic productivity of the lagoon. The application of the multivariate factor analysis technique revealed four dominant factors explaining the geochemical processes occurring in the lagoon. The first factor, namely “terrigenous aluminosilicates associated with Corg vs. autochthonous biogenic carbonates”, discriminates the deposition of detrital sediments, related to the high adsorption of heavy metals—versus bioclastic sediments. The “sulfides” factor represents an anoxic phase of the lagoon floor, whereas the “Mn-oxyhydroxides” factor indicates increased manganese content with several compounded trace elements. The “phosphate” factor reveals multiple sources of phosphorus in the lagoon. The lagoon bottom shows negligible to minor contamination in heavy metals, except Mo and Pb, which induce moderate pollution levels. The maximum contamination and environmental stress concern two small-sized, shallow basins within the lagoon.

Visible light induced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using carbon fibre cloth - Bismuth oxybromide – Water hyacinth derived silver nanocomposite

Methylene Blue (MB), a frequently used cationic dye, is recognized for its persistence and probable toxicity, making its removal from wastewater an urgent environmental concern. This study reports the solar photocatalytic degradation efficiency of MB by bismuth oxybromide-green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as catalyst. AgNPs were produced by the green synthesis method from an invasive aquatic weed water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). The AgNPs were doped on Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) nanosheets formed on the surface of carbon fibre cloth (CFC) to form the catalyst CFC-BiOBr-Ag. Under optimum conditions of 5 mg/L of initial MB concentration and near-neutral pH, one piece of CFC-BiOBr-Ag photocatalyst (5.78 mg/L) exhibited 95.68% degradation efficiency of MB in 4 h. TOC removal studies showed a removal efficiency of 74.82% after 4 h, indicating the potential for mineralization of MB. Adsorption-photocatalysis-desorption study revealed complete degradation of adsorbed MB at the end of the photocatalytic degradation. Additionally, the catalyst exhibited good reusability, with more than 84.88% degradation efficiency even after five cycles of use. Under direct sunlight, the CFC-BiOBr-Ag catalyst demonstrated MB degradation efficiency of 97.52% after 3 h of treatment. MB breakdown was evidently done by the hole (h+) and the superoxide radical (O2•−). The mechanism of MB degradation was adsorption and subsequent degradation by the CFC-BiOBr-Ag photocatalyst. The prevalent degradation reactions such as demethylation, ring opening, hydroxylation, •OH radicle attack, desulfonication, hydrolysis etc. led to formation of various intermediates which further mineralized to CO2 and H2O.

Sickle cell, thalassemia, and heat - an environmental justice concern: results from a pilot study using California hospitalization records, 1999-2019

Sickle cell, thalassemia, and heat - an environmental justice concern: results from a pilot study using California hospitalization records, 1999-2019

The Use of Hydrogen as Fuel Gives Rise to Emerging Environmental Concerns

Given the urgent global warming situation and the need to decrease carbon emissions, this research project is essential for examining alternative energy sources, like hydrogen, for sustainable transportation and power production. The increasing urbanization and enhanced urban mobility emphasize the significance of building energy-efficient transport systems, such as Light Rail Transport, to offset environmental consequences. This study seeks to enhance the current discussion on moving towards a more sustainable and ecologically aware energy model by examining the practicality and advantages of these developing energy alternatives.

Sustainable route for silica preparation from silica fume

ABSTRACT Silica fume (SF) is a major voluminous and bulky by-product of the ferrosilicon industry, and its disposal poses a significant environmental concern. To address this issue, a sustainable approach was employed to transform SF into silica powder using a precipitation method. The process involved calcination, acid precipitation, aging, and drying, utilising industrial by-products such as silica fume and calcium oxide. Various parameters, including hydrochloric acid concentration, water bath temperature, aging pH, aging temperature, and aging time, were systematically investigated to optimise the properties of the resulting silica product. The physical and chemical attributes of the processed silica were thoroughly examined using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), laser particle size analysis, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption tests. Under optimal conditions (hydrochloric acid concentration of 20%, water bath temperature of 90℃, aging pH 3-4, aging temperature of 90℃, and aging time of 8 hours), the resulting silica product achieved a purity of 98.5866%, a DBP absorption value of 2.85 mL/g, and a particle size of 6.07 µm, meeting national industry standards. This environmentally benign and cost-efficient synthesis route offers a practical solution for large-scale production.

The perceived usability of vehicle sharing mobile application: An integration of UTAUT, pro-environmental behavior, and system usability scale

Vehicle sharing is one of the most innovative ways to transport business and management. The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting the perceived usability of vehicle-sharing mobile applications by integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), pro-environmental behavior (PEB), and system usability scale (SUS). 206 Taiwanese filled out an online questionnaire with 65 questions which was shared using a convenience sampling approach. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation showed that perceived usability was found to be significantly influenced by price value, environmental concern, authority support, behavioral intention, and actual use. Interestingly, authority support was found to have the highest significant indirect effect on perceived usability, indicating that vehicle-sharing mobile applications must be supported by the national government in order for people to consistently use them. This study is one of the first studies that analyzed vehicle sharing, particularly the mobile application. The findings of this study may be used as a guideline or strategy for the national government to reduce environmental risks caused by thousands of vehicles in the country, for vehicle-sharing companies to further boost their profit, and for other investors who intend on utilizing mobile applications for their market.

Sustainable conversion of polystyrene waste into polymeric surfactants to be evaluated as pour point deperssants for waxy crude oil

Disposing of polystyrene trash is an environmental concern, and converting it into value-added products is appealing . This research study focuses on implementing a sustainable method to convert polystyrene waste into polymeric nonionic surfactants. The polymeric nonionic surfactant additives were prepared by grafting polystyrene waste (WPS) with a methacrylic monomer (MMA), followed by an esterification reaction with polyethylene glycol of different molecular weights (400 and 1000). The chemical composition of the synthesized compounds was justified by spectroscopic analysis. Interfacial tension (IFT) was investigated to gain insights into the behavior of the polymeric nonionic surfactants produced at the interface. The modified waste polymers were evaluated as pour depressants and paraffin inhibitors. Additionally, the rheological properties of the modified waste polymers were examined. The findings revealed that, the IFT between oil and water decreased from 21 to 7 mN/m for WSPA400 and even further to 4 mN/m for WSPA1000. At a concentration of 500 ppm, WPSA1000 exhibited the maximum depression effect than WPSA400, reducing the pour point temperature from 27 °C to 12 °C and 3 °C, respectively. Also, At 500 ppm, the amount of wax deposition declined from 8.5 g to 1.90 g and 0.95 g after treating the crude oil with WPSA 400 and WPSA 1000. The rheological measurements further revealed that the WPSA1000 additive outperformed the WPSA400 additive in terms of enhancing the fluidity of oil. In order to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in pour point depression, the utilization of polarizing optical microscopy was used to explore the effect of WPSA1000 as a pour point depressant.

Transnational Analysis of ESG Information Disclosure: Environmental Concerns among Listed Companies in China and the United States

This research provides a transnational analysis of the environmental concerns embedded within the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) information disclosure practices of listed companies in China and the United States. By examining 10 representative firms from each country, the study aims to highlight the variances in environmental awareness and subsequent actions undertaken by entities in these two major economies. However, as some argue, Nonpecuniary factors, such as ESG considerations, should never take precedence over investment returns, risk or lowering fees. Despite this perspective, our investigation adopts a cross-border lens, offering a more holistic perspective. The primary methodological tools involve evaluating ESG report ratings based on MSCI scoring rules and analyzing word frequencies related to environmental topics in Q4 2022 conference call transcripts. Preliminary findings indicate that the predictive effect of the MSCI score does not significantly differ between the two regions, and the attention to environmental issues, as evidenced by word frequencies, is comparable. The study acknowledges limitations arising from the limited dataset and the temporal scope of the research. Nevertheless, this research presents significant implications for international ESG policymaking, potentially guiding more effective strategies to attain Sustainable Development Goals. It also suggests avenues for further research, particularly in expanding the dataset and refining keyword sentiment analysis methodologies.

A short-term exposure to saxitoxin triggers a multitude of deleterious effects in Daphnia magna at levels deemed safe for human health

Harmful algal blooms and the toxins produced during these events are a human and environmental health concern worldwide. Saxitoxin and its derivatives are potent natural aquatic neurotoxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria and marine algae species during these bloom events. Saxitoxins effects on human health are well studied, however its effects on aquatic biota are still largely unexplored. This work aims at evaluating the effects of a pulse acute exposure (24 h) of the model cladoceran Daphnia magna to 30 μg saxitoxin L−1, which corresponds to the safety guideline established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for these toxins in recreational freshwaters. Saxitoxin effects were assessed through a comprehensive array of biochemical (antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation), genotoxicity (alkaline comet assay), neurotoxicity (total cholinesterases activity), behavioral (swimming patterns), physiological (feeding rate and heart rate), and epigenetic (total 5-mC DNA methylation) biomarkers. Exposure resulted in decreased feeding rate, heart rate, total cholinesterases activity and catalase activity. Contrarily, other antioxidant enzymes, namely glutathione-S-transferases and selenium-dependent Glutathione peroxidase had their activity increased, together with lipid peroxidation levels. The enhancement of the antioxidant enzymes was not sufficient to prevent oxidative damage, as underpinned by lipid peroxidation enhancement. Accordingly, average DNA damage level was significantly increased in STX-exposed daphnids. Total DNA 5-mC level was significantly decreased in exposed organisms. Results showed that even a short-term exposure to saxitoxin causes significant effects on critical molecular and cellular pathways and modulates swimming patterns in D. magna individuals. This study highlights sub-lethal effects caused by saxitoxin in D. magna, suggesting that these toxins may represent a marked challenge to their thriving even at a concentration deemed safe for humans by the WHO.

Modulating variables impacting the intersection of health and environmental concerns in organic food purchasing decisions

PurposeThe increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and environmental concerns, the differential impact of these factors on organic food purchasing decisions is evident, indicating the presence of moderating variables. This investigation attempts to delineate these contingencies within the realms of socio-environmental and individual factors, paying particular attention to subjective norms, uncertainty, and egoistic values.Design/methodology/approachUsing the convenience sampling method, the primary data sample was collected by a professional market research consulting firm and included 1876 usable respondents from China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe results indicated that the path from environmental concern to organic food purchase intention was significantly influenced by subjective norms and uncertainty, both of which enhance this relationship. In contrast, egoistic values appeared to dampen this effect. Uncertainty also emerged as a key factor in the link between health concerns and organic food purchase intention, albeit with an opposite impact, weakening the relationship.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful insights for academics and marketers to understand the complex phenomenon of organic consumer behavior. This result indicates that marketers can target reference groups to develop organic food marketing strategies.Originality/valueFew studies have proposed and validated a model with these moderating factors collectively to study the purchase intention of organic food consumers in China.