Evaluation Of Environmental Impact Research Articles

Green analytical chemistry-based spectrophotometric techniques for ternary component analysis of pain relievers

BackgroundThe management of pain presents a significant challenge in healthcare, particularly in cases where conventional therapies prove inadequate. In response to this need, this study aims to devise two innovative UV spectrophotometric techniques rooted in the principles of green analytical chemistry for the analysis of Aceclofenac (ACE), Paracetamol (PAR), and Tramadol (TRM) in both bulk and tablet forms.ResultsUtilizing advanced mathematical methodologies such as the double divisor ratio spectra method and area under the curve, the concentrations of these drugs were accurately determined. Validation of the developed methods adhered to the guidelines outlined by the International Council for Harmonisation in the Q2 (R1), revealing linear calibration curves for ACE (8–12 µg/mL), PAR (22.75–35.75 µg/mL), and TRM (2.62–4.12 µg/mL). Furthermore, statistical analyses employing Student’s t test and F test were conducted to ensure the robustness of the proposed method. The evaluation of environmental impact through green metric tools confirmed the eco-friendliness of the proposed methodologies.ConclusionThe assessment performed utilizing green metric tools has substantiated the environmental sustainability of the proposed approach. Thus, this methodology offers accurate and reliable outcomes for the determination of three drugs, as indicated by the complete overlap observed in the zero-order spectra.

Prediction and Evaluation of Water Environmental Impact of Zhaoqing Bridge Extension Project

Prediction and Evaluation of Water Environmental Impact of Zhaoqing Bridge Extension Project

Multi-Parametric Methodology for the Feasibility Assessment of Alternative-Fuelled Ships

The shipping industry significantly influences global greenhouse gas emissions through a predominant fossil fuel-based fleet. Regulating bodies are continuously developing rules to reduce the shipping carbon footprint. Adopting low-carbon fuels is considered a step toward achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals; however, it represents a significant paradigm shift in ship design. This work aims to illustrate a methodology for the feasibility assessment of alternative-fuelled vessels considering technical, environmental, and economic perspectives. The technical feasibility focuses on ship propulsion, fuel system safety, and design parameters. The environmental impact evaluation is based on the Tank-to-Wake and the Well-to-Wake approaches. The cost assessment is performed by estimating capital and operational expenditures, considering only the modifications required by the new fuel. The methodology addresses new-building and retrofit solutions, and can be used as a decision support tool for selecting the best strategy. A key output of the methodology is the cargo emission footprint, expressed in equivalent carbon dioxide per cargo unit. Using a handysize bulk carrier as a case study, this work points out the effects of using methanol as an alternative fuel, highlighting its impact on market and transport strategies in a sector evolving towards Eco-Delivery services.

Comprehensive assessment of green hydrogen potential in Jordan: economic, environmental and social perspectives

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the economic, environmental, policy-related and social implications of establishing green hydrogen production in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachThe comprehensive analysis has been investigated, including economic assessments, environmental impact evaluations, policy examinations and social considerations. Furthermore, the research methodology encompasses energy demand, sector, security and supply analysis, as well as an assessment of the availability of renewable energy resources.FindingsThe results indicate substantial economic benefits associated with green hydrogen production, including job creation, increased tax revenue and a reduction in energy imports. Additionally, the study identifies positive environmental impacts, such as decreased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Noteworthy, two methods could be used to produce hydrogen, namely: electrolysis and thermochemical water splitting. As a recommendation, the study proposes that Jordan, particularly Aqaba, take proactive measures to foster the development of a green hydrogen industry and collaborate with international partners to exchange best practices and establish the necessary infrastructure.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first to provide a comprehensive perspective on the potential of green hydrogen production as a driving force for Jordan’s economy, while also benefiting the environment and society. However, the research recognizes several challenges that must be addressed to materialize green hydrogen production in Jordan, encompassing high renewable energy costs, infrastructure development requirements and community concerns. Despite these obstacles, the study asserts that the potential advantages of green hydrogen production outweigh the associated risks.

Environmental Impact Evaluation of CO2 Absorption and Desorption Enhancement by Membrane Gas Absorption: A Life Cycle Assessment Study

Membrane gas absorption technology has been considered a promising approach to mitigate CO2 emissions from power plants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental impacts of CO2 absorption and desorption processes by hollow fiber membrane contactors using a life cycle assessment methodology. On the basis of the ReCipe 2016 Midpoint and the ReCipe 2016 Endpoint methods, the research results show that membrane gas absorption systems exhibit the lowest environmental impacts across the majority of assessed categories in comparison with chemical absorption and membrane gas separation systems. The CO2 capture process via membrane gas absorption has the most significant impact on the METP category, with heat consumption as the primary contributing factor accounting for 55%, followed by electricity consumption accounting for 43.1%. According to the sensitivity analysis, heating by natural gas shows better performance than other heat supply sources in improving overall environmental impacts. In addition, the increasing utilization of renewable energy in electricity supply reduces the global warming potential, fossil resource consumption and ozone formation.

Life cycle assessment of liquid hydrogen fuel for vehicles with different production routes in China

Liquid hydrogen has advantages in terms of energy density, refueling speed, driving range and emission performance compared to electric and gasoline in road vehicle applications. However, the disadvantage is that high energy losses occur during production and utilization. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the energy consumption and emissions of different hydrogen production options and to choose the best development option among the various pathways. In this study, a fuel life cycle analysis model was constructed for six hydrogen production pathways and two comparison pathways from the Chinese reality by using the assessment methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA). The life cycle environmental impacts of these pathways were accounted by the GREET software, which yielded the energy consumption, greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions at each phase of these fuel pathways. An evaluation of the environmental impacts of each of these pathways was also completed by introducing the Environmental Toxicity Impact Evaluation (ETIE) methodology. The results showed that natural gas (production plant and refueling station) and solar photovoltaic pathway could effectively reduce energy consumption. In the future, it will be necessary to optimize the technical structure of hydrogen production and storage to accelerate the achievement of energy savings and emission reductions.

Tension-shear characteristics, cost and environmental impact of polyethylene fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composites: The role of fiber content

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) tailored with fibers is famous for distinguished tensile ductility and tight crack width control capacity. The ECC material of the structural members may be in the state of tension-shear stress, e.g. ECC in the shear span of beams. Accordingly, this research focuses on the characteristics of ECC with diverse polyethylene (PE) fiber contents (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%) under tension-shear loading. The basic characteristics of PE-ECC subjected to uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression and pure shear were tested. The tension-shear behaviors of PE-ECC subjected to various loading angles were investigated by an elaborately designed test fixture. PE-ECC with the fiber content of over 1% exhibited obvious multiple-cracking phenomenon when subjected to tension-shear loading, and crack number decreased as loading angle continued to raise. The tension-shear strength for PE-ECC was enhanced by increasing fiber content. The failure criteria stemmed from the octahedral stress space (linear function) or stress invariant can be applied for depicting the failure laws of PE-ECC. Additionally, cost comparison and environmental impact evaluation indicated that fiber cost accounted for a significant higher proportion of the total cost (over 36%), while the proportion of fiber carbon footprint to the entire carbon footprint was low (less than 12%). This research will provide a useful assistance in understanding the tension-shear behaviors of PE-ECC and further facilitating its structural applications.

EVALUATION OF GREENNESS PROFILES OF VARIOUS DEVELOPED METHODS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF COMMONLY USED NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs) IN ENVIRONMENTAL WATERS

Objective: In our study, it was aimed to make a comparative analysis of the environmental impact profiles of two approaches including Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC) methods, which are frequently used techniques for the determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and their metabolites in environmental water samples. Material and Method: The evaluation of the methods' environmental impact was performed using National Environmental Methods Index Label (NEMI), Analytical Eco-scale, Analytical GREEnness Metric (AGREE), and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI). Result and Discussion: The routine analysis of NSAIDs in environmental waters is carried out, resulting in a significant volume of chemical waste. In recent times, there has been a growing significance attributed to environmentally conscious analytical methodologies and the evaluation of methodologies through a green lens to confront this challenge. There is no statistically significant difference in terms of environmental impact profile was observed between the two methods compared.

A value-based framework from Building Stock Model to Retrofit Model

The study has as its original database the decarbonization process initiated in Mexico by the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) as part of its “Savings Program of Electric Power in Buildings of the Federal Public Administration” (PAEIAPF) of 1999. The primary purpose of PAEIAPF was to reduce the levels of electric power consumption in Federal Government buildings. The program has operated for 20 years; however, its scope only reaches operational carbon. Since 90% of existing buildings will be in use by 2050, the Retrofit Models will be the base to determine solutions for a more resilient living environment that fortifies and extends the grid’s capacity and meets climate change mitigation targets. Secondly, significant socioeconomic and profound environmental impacts are not calculated explicitly in existing tools and are often referred to as “secondary” or Non-Energy Benefits (NEB). “The goal is to give them a measurement value to be considered in the decision-making calculus. It is assumed that soon; such factors will enter the general climate change economy, not unlike carbon in the past decade.” In this context, the proposed research aims to develop a value-based framework that will support a Building Stock Model and subsequent Retrofit Models, documented in a web-tool platform. The framework has three main steps:A) Building Stock Model: Mapping of selected buildings of the program PAEIAPF in a GIS system. Documentation of the baseline energy consumption and embodied CO2-eq of the existing building.B) Retrofit Models: Involving a Whole Life Cycle Assessment (WLCA) and Non-Energy Benefits (resilience coefficient, health, productivity).C) Web Tool Platform: Application and toolset that allows for consistent documentation, environmental impact evaluation of existing building stock, and solution design in identifying energy reduction concepts.

Environmental Impact Evaluation of Floating Solar Power Plant in Cirata Reservoir, West Java

This qualitative study investigates community perceptions of the environmental impacts of floating solar power plants (FSPPs) in Cirata Reservoir, West Java. Through semi-structured interviews and participant observations, data were collected from fifteen diverse stakeholders, including local residents, community leaders, environmental activists, government officials, and energy project developers. Thematic analysis revealed key themes and subthemes related to environmental concerns, economic implications, social impacts, technical considerations, and trust and transparency issues surrounding FSPP development. Participants expressed a range of perspectives, including support for solar energy, concerns about habitat disruption and water quality degradation, and calls for inclusive decision-making processes and transparent communication. The findings underscore the importance of addressing community concerns and incorporating local perspectives into the planning and implementation of FSPP projects to ensure environmental sustainability and social acceptance.

Environmental impact evaluation of low-carbon concrete incorporating fly ash and limestone

This work examines the environmental impact of low-carbon concrete that incorporates supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). After reviewing near-zero carbon SCMs and low-carbon concrete, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was undertaken for concrete mix designs with normal-to-high compressive strengths, incorporating limestone and fly ash as cement replacements. The analysis includes relevant region-specific life cycle inventory parameters for raw materials, energy production, and transportation. A comparative assessment between embodied carbon emissions and the material mechanical performance is then made. The results of this paper indicate that incorporating limestone and fly ash in concrete can reduce carbon emissions, yet at a proportional decrease in mechanical properties compared to conventional cement concrete. The combination of cement and fly ash produced, on average, a higher strength concrete by 20.5% and lower CO2-eq values by 21.1% when compared to limestone cement blends. The CO2-eq emissions associated with transportation of the main constituents for concrete production were on average below 4% of the total CO2-eq per mix. In addition to eco-mechanical quantitative assessments, the study offers insights and recommendations for the development of concrete materials considering global resource availability of near-zero carbon concrete constituents.

A linkage analysis of the mining sector in the top five carbon emitter economies

This article conducts an environmental and economic impact evaluation of the mining and quarrying sector in the top five carbon‐emitting nations. By applying the hypothetical extraction method, we investigate both the demand and the supply side of the carbon dioxide emission of each industry in China, the United States, India, Russia, and Japan. The results show that inter‐sector linkages are similar between countries. We identify the priority sectors associated with the mining industry, which deserve more consideration in formulating mitigation policies to reduce the carbon footprint. Among these sectors, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, and manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products hold special responsibility toward the environment.

Feasibility analysis and environmental impact evaluation of biochar derived from mango pit for blast furnace injection

Biochar, produced by the pyrolysis of carbon–neutral biomass, has great potential to replace pulverized coal (PC) injection in blast furnace (BF) ironmaking. Herein, this study aimed to develop a low-ash and low-alkali metal biochar from mango pit (MP) and evaluate its environmental impact as an alternative fuel for BF ironmaking. This paper first studied the feasibility of mango pit biochar (MPB) as an alternative fuel. Compared with other preparation conditions, MPB prepared at 600 °C for 60 min (MPB-600–60) had the most similar fuel performance to PC, which was confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, MPB-600–60 exhibited lower ash and alkali metal content compared to PC. The co-combustion experiment demonstrated that MPB-600–60 could promote the combustion of mixed fuel, and the optimal combustibility was achieved when the addition ratio of MPB-600–60 was 80%. Comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that the reduction of global warming potential (GWP) amounted to 220 kg CO2 eq/tHM if MPB 100% replaced PC. These results indicated that MPB could significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of BF ironmaking. This study provides a novel and promising approach for developing low-carbon and clean alternative fuels in BF ironmaking.

Evaluation of Growth Performance and Environmental Impact of Hermetia illucens Larvae Reared on Coffee Silverskins Enriched with Schizochytrium limacinum or Isochrysis galbana Microalgae.

Hermetia illucens is a promising insect due to its ability to convert low-value substrates as food chain by-products into highly nutritious feed. Its feeding and nutrition are important issues. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of different substrates consisting of coffee silverskin, a by-product of the roasting process, enriched with different inclusions of microalgae (5%, 10%, 20%, and 25%), Schizochytrium limacinum, and Isochrysis galbana, combined with the assessment of environmental sustainability by LCA. In general, the addition of microalgae led to an increase in larval growth performance due to the higher content of protein and lipids, although S. limacinum showed the best results with respect to larvae fed with coffee silverskin enriched with I. galbana. A higher prepupal weight was observed in larvae fed with 10%, 20%, and 25% S. limacinum; shorter development times in larvae fed with 25% of both S. limacinum and I. galbana; and a higher growth rate in larvae fed with 25% S. limacinum. The 10% S. limacinum inclusion was only slightly different from the higher inclusions. Furthermore, 10% of S. limacinum achieved the best waste reduction index. The greater the inclusion of microalgae, the greater the environmental impact of larval production. Therefore, the addition of 10% S. limacinum appears to be the best compromise for larval rearing, especially considering that a higher inclusion of microalgae did not yield additional benefits in terms of the nutritional value of H. illucens prepupae.

A carbon footprint assessment for pasture-based dairy farming systems in South Africa

Environmental impact evaluation of intensive dairy farming systems has been of growing interest recently as agriculture has several negative influences on the surrounding environment, including eutrophication, declines in biodiversity, and pollution of nearby waterbodies. Dairy production in particular is characterized by the emission of greenhouse gasses (GHG) contributing toward climate change. In this study, the carbon footprint of South African pasture-based dairy farming systems was assessed using a farm-gate life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach. A total of 82 pasture-based dairy farms across South Africa were assessed (2012–2022). The average carbon footprint across all dairy farming systems was 1.36 ± 0.21 kg CO2eq kg−1 fat- and protein-corrected milk produced (FPCM), which is higher than similar studies performed outside South Africa. Enteric fermentation had the largest influence on the carbon footprint, indicating the key role of methane as an emission source in ruminant dominated livestock systems. A difference in milk production efficiency was found between farming systems with the lowest and highest carbon footprints. Pasture-based dairy farming systems must be managed with adaptive management such as regenerative agriculture. Future research agendas should explore modeling approaches to assess the economic and environmental impact of dairy production, formulating a holistic understanding of the system dynamics while also quantifying net carbon emissions or sinks.

IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCE ACCOUNTING IN INDIA : A CASE STUDY ON THE MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES

Natural resource accounting is a crucial framework for evaluating the economic and environmental dimensions of a regions resource utilization. This case study delves into the crucial field of natural resource accounting in India, with a specific focus on the management of mineral and energy resources. The study underscores the fundamental axiom that Measurement of a resource leads to its better management. Through data collection, resource valuation, stock and flow analysis, sustainability assessment, and environmental impact evaluation, the paper reveals insights into the sustainable management of these invaluable assets.Indias burgeoning demand for mineral and energy resources, driven by rapid economic growth, necessitates an informed approach to resource management. Natural resource accounting serves as a key tool in this regard. By quantifying these resources, assessing their value, marketing them and considering their economic, environmental, and social impacts, this study advocates for a more informed decision-making process.The study emphasizes how the data and analysis derived from natural resource accounting facilitate the formulation of effective policies. These policies encompass resource extraction quotas, taxation, conservation measures, and environmental regulations, all of which are vital in ensuring responsible resource management.Furthermore, the study acknowledges the significant environmental repercussions of mineral and energy resource extraction. It underscores the importance of accounting for environmental costs and damages, thereby advancing policies aimed at responsible resource management and environmental conservation.A critical aspect addressed in this case study is the assessment of resource sustainability. Understanding whether resources are being extracted at a rate that is sustainable in the long term is paramount. It also underscores the need for policies that promote sustainable resource management and conservation.Transparency and public awareness are another focal point of the study. The availability of information regarding the status and utilization of mineral and energy resources can lead to more responsible resource management practices and enhanced accountability among stakeholders.Finally, this study emphasizes the economic planning and revenue generation potential of natural resource accounting. By grasping the value and availability of mineral and energy resources, governments can allocate resources for development projects, infrastructure, and social welfare programs more effectively.In conclusion, natural resource accounting is a vital tool for sustainable resource management in India. By quantifying and assessing these resources while considering their economic, environmental, and social implications, the government and stakeholders can make more informed decisions and work towards responsible resource management. The study highlights the potential for responsible management of mineral and energy resources in India, benefiting both the present and future generations while safeguarding its natural heritage.

Recovery of Materials from Refrigerator: A Study Focused on Product Distribution, Recyclability and LCA Evaluation

This study outlines a recycling initiative conducted at Rekular GmbH, focusing on the recycling of 100 refrigerators. The recycling process employed a combination of manual dismantling, depollution, and mechanical processing techniques. Manual dismantling followed a predefined protocol to extract various materials, while the mechanical and physical processes involved shredding, zigzag, magnetic, and eddy current separation (ECS) to liberate and separate different materials. The resulting ferrous, non-ferrous and polymer product fractions were analyzed and categorized, providing valuable insights into the quality of interim products in the refrigerator recycling process. Simulations were then performed using FactSageTM version 8.2 and HSC Chemistry 10 version 10.3.7.1 software to simulate the recovery of metals from the ferrous and non-ferrous fractions using pyro metallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. An electric arc furnace (EAF) was utilized for iron (Fe), while a re-smelter process for aluminium (Al), and the black copper route was simulated for copper (Cu) recovery. The recovery rates including metallurgical, mechanical, and physical processes are as follows: Fe (78%), Al (68.4%), and Cu (52.4%). In contrast, the recovery rates through metallurgical processes are as follows: Al (99%), Fe (79%), and Cu (88%). This discrepancy is attributed to losses of these elements resulting from incomplete liberation in mechanical processing. Additionally, a product/centric approach was applied and the recycling index reached 76% for recovery the Al, Cu, and Fe metals in a refrigerator recycling process. Turning to the environmental impact evaluation within the life cycle assessment (LCA), the process unit with the highest emissions per refrigerator in the recycling process was the use of nitrogen during the shredding process, accounting for 3.7 kg CO2 eq/refrigerator. Subsequently, the consumption of medium voltage electricity from the German grid during mechanical and physical separations contributed to 0.6 kg CO2 eq/refrigerator. The EAF, and electrolytic refining stages in the metallurgical recovery process also had a notable impact, generating 10.7 kg CO2 eq/refrigerator.

Evaluation of environmental impact on cocoa production and processing under life cycle assessment method: From beans to liquor

This study aimed to identify the environmental impact on cocoa production and processing based on the life cycle assessment method (LCA). The major contribution of this study is to evaluate the environmental performance of a chocolate liquor in order to reveal the significant environmental hotspots along the entire supply chain. This is achieved through two main steps. First, the LCA method is applied to identify the environmental implications of managing the production and processing cocoa to become chocolate liquor. The LCA is performed based on the international ISO 14040–14043 series. Secondly, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the impact of five proposed improvement options to discover whether any occurring potential environmental impacts will be reduced. The kind of scenarios are: reducing pesticides by 50 % (option 1); using compost instead of fertilizer (option 2); avoid burning stubble (option 3), conserving soil water (option 4) and applying alternative energy sources (option 5). As a result, the most significant environmental impact for the upstream and core processing was human toxicity potential (HTP) and cumulative energy demand (CED), 89 % and 59 %, respectively. In addition, the impact of the proposed improvement has significantly reduced environmental impacts (HTP, 68 %) and achieved savings (IDR 18800, 17.7 %). Survey data includes the entire supply chain, with a detailed focus on production and processing stages for an Indonesian chocolate company. This study only dealt with cocoa beans that generated 1 kg of chocolate liquor.

Environmental Impact Prediction and Evaluation of Urban Rail Transit Projects

Environmental Impact Prediction and Evaluation of Urban Rail Transit Projects

Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment Framework of Cold Food Storage Facilities

The imperative of responding to anthropogenic climate change that is driving energy infrastructure managers to implement resilience enhancing policies such as hourly scale dynamic pricing concurrently drives energy intensive industries to monitor energy usage at higher fidelity. This study proposes a Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (DLCA) framework specifically tailored for cold food storage facilities which provide essential thermodynamic resilience to the human food web and consumes a large share of the web's energy footprint. Different from the conventional LCA, which delivers a snapshot of the environmental impacts and cost statically, DLCA can accommodate temporal variations in operating conditions and energy usage. It interacts with real-time monitoring data and fluctuating energy rates to provide a more accurate and time-sensitive environment impact and cost evaluation. Key parameters from real-time sensors and reference databases are summarized to lay the foundation for DLCA of cold food storage, like operating power and hours, shipment arrival time, and transportation fuel economy. Its feasibility and reliability are validated by scenarios that simulate different operating conditions, like shift change to utilize off-peak rate and change of packaging materials. The proposed framework allows facility operators and policymakers to pinpoint bottlenecks and seize opportunities for environmental impact and cost reduction.