Environmental Impact Mitigation Research Articles

Prioritizing environmental and policy factors and solutions in sustainable mineral resources management for green growth in China

AbstractIn the wake of the increasing environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable development, this study focuses on the complex issue of mineral resource management. Given the growing global demand for minerals and the environmental impact of extraction, the research seeks to uncover the solutions that promote green growth while effectively addressing the ecological consequences of resource utilization in China. In the study, six factors, twenty‐four sub‐factors, and five potential solutions have been identified influencing sustainable mineral resource management and green growth. The study utilizes fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess these factors and sub‐factors. Following, the study utilizes fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to evaluate and rank five potential solutions for sustainable development. The fuzzy AHP results indicate that environmental impact mitigation, robust policy frameworks, and innovation in extraction techniques are the most crucial factors. The fuzzy TOPSIS findings indicate that technological innovation for sustainability ranks highest, followed by policy‐driven green growth, socio‐economic empowerment, enhanced environmental stewardship, and integrated circular economy approaches. These findings emphasize the critical role of advanced technologies and robust policies in promoting sustainability while addressing the socio‐economic and environmental dimensions of mineral resource management.

Sustainability analysis of apple orchards: Integrating environmental and economic perspectives

The agricultural sector faces numerous challenges today, including the protection of biodiversity and the mitigation of environmental impact. Addressing these challenges require ensuring the stability of farmers' income, thus facilitating effective land management.The present study aims to evaluate the environmental and economic sustainability of apple orchards under two distinct systems (integrated versus organic) and a scab-resistant variety. The Life Cycle Assessment method (LCA) was employed to evaluate environmental impact, while financial and economic aspects were analysed using metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV), Equivalent Annual Value (EAV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (B/C) and Discounted Payback Period (DPP).Results analysis reveals that both inorganic fertilisation and pesticides usage have the greatest impacts in both integrated cultivation and scab-resistant orchards. In organic orchards, diesel usage emerges as a primary factor due to the substitution of chemical interventions with mechanical methods. For the same reason, labour constitutes 45 % of the organic production costs. Despite the lower environmental impact, organic treatments still contribute 22 % of the total production cost. Regarding the investment evaluation, the scab-resistant variety offers marginally lower costs than conventional varieties due to the reduction of required treatments; however, organic farming shows superior economic performance despite higher production costs, mainly attributed to higher market prices. This highlights the influence of market dynamics on business decisions in the apple sector, where farmers often have no direct control.

Cork activated carbon as a new sustainable electrode for electrochemical desalination: Customized surface chemistry for improved performance

Capacitive deionization (CDI) desalination has proven to be a promising solution to combat water scarcity, standing out for its efficiency and low energy consumption. In this study we investigated the feasibility and sustainability of using recycled cork stoppers as carbon electrodes for CDI. The cork stoppers underwent carbonization at three different temperatures (500, 700 °C, and 900 °C) and then activation with Potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 850 °C. The as-obtained electrodes (ECAC) demonstrated salt adsorption capacities (SAC) comparable to other biowaste carbon electrodes. The potential of zero charge (EPZC) values of the electrodes reflected the influence of synthesis conditions on their surface properties. Considering the EPZC, symmetric configuration, in which both electrodes (cathode (-) || (+) anode) were made of the same material (ECAC(-)||(+)ECAC), and asymmetric electrodes, using different materials (ECAC(-)||(+)YP80-F) were investigated. The use of asymmetric electrodes proved to be mandatory to obtain high charging efficiency and desalination capacity. It was found that the EPZC determines the correct electrode configuration to prevent the deleterious effect of co-ions repulsion. Herein, we used the carbonization temperature as a new strategy to tune the EPZC in order to obtain electrodes with the desired surface properties for application in CDI, thus avoiding the usual laborious and costly chemical-based approaches. Regarding the desalination performance, asymmetry combined with the appropriate cell potential was optimized to obtain charging efficiencies close to 100 % and maximum SAC, thus resulting in minimized specific energy consumption. This study not only confirms the efficacy of cork stoppers as electrodes for CDI but also promotes the use of recycled materials, contributing to a circular economy and environmental impact mitigation.

PSI-29 Enhancing growth performance and reducing environmental impact with dietary protease supplementation in growing pigs fed high- and low-density diets

Abstract Exogenous protease has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing protein digestion and utilization in animal diets, offering potential benefits for both animal performance and environmental impact mitigation in pig farming. In a 6-wk trial involving 140 growing pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 24.10 ± 1.66 kg], the effects of dietary protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission were investigated. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of nutrient density and 0 or 125 g/ton supplementation of protease. The pigs were blocked by BW and housed in 28 pens with each pen consisting of 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts). The experimental design employed a randomized complete block design with 7 replicate pens per treatment. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, with differences between means assessed using Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). Results revealed no significant interaction (P > 0.05) between nutrient density and protease supplementation concerning growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission. Pigs subjected to high-density diets exhibited greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) compared with those on low-density diets. While protease supplementation did not impact ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI), there was a tendency towards reduced (P = 0.08) G:F throughout the 6-wk period. Pigs fed high-density diets demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) compared with their counterparts on low-density diets. Furthermore, the inclusion of protease significantly increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE. However, no discernible differences were noted among diets regarding the ATTD of dry matter and nitrogen. Regarding noxious gas emission, protease supplementation did not significantly affect total mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emission. Nonetheless, there was a notable trend towards reduced (P = 0.06) ammonia gas (NH3) emission with protease inclusion. Similarly, nutrient density did not exhibit a significant effect (P > 0.05) on noxious gas emission. In conclusion, the results of the study underscore the importance of nutrient density and protease supplementation in optimizing pig performance and environmental sustainability in swine production systems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine strategies for maximizing the benefits of these dietary interventions.

Does the electric vehicle promotion policy drive Thailand's passenger transport towards environmental sustainability?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered an alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) for promoting sustainable transport, with environmental benefits depending on many local factors. This study performed a comprehensive life cycle assessment of passenger transport in major urban areas of Thailand, encompassing on-road, metro trains, and inland water transport, to determine the benefits of EV deployment. The findings showed that the vehicle life cycle (manufacture, maintenance, and disposal) was a significant contributor to human health and ecosystem quality impacts when comparing across transport life cycle phases in both ICEVs and EVs. Among private vehicles, with the current electricity mix, EVs had impacts on human health and ecosystem quality comparable to small-size ICEVs. At the projected 2037 electricity mix, the EVs will have lower impacts on human health, ecosystem quality and resource scarcity in comparison with the ICEVs. In scenario analysis, when considering only on-site emissions, it was found that private EV promotion had an environmental cost by about 16–43 % lower than the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, depending on the rate of EV adoption, while shifting to public electric buses or metro trains had a lower environmental cost by 21 % and 23 % compared to BAU, respectively. If assessing the full transport life cycle, shifting to public electric buses or metro trains had a lower environmental cost (22–23 %) than the promotion of EVs with current electricity mix (14 %). The effectiveness of environmental impact mitigation through deployment of private EVs might increase to a comparable level with public electric bus or metro train shifts when Thailand achieves the electricity mix target with 34 % of renewable energy in 2037.

Multi-objective modeling of price and pollution in large-scale energy hubs with load management

This study introduces a novel multi-objective model that addresses emission costs, large-scale user operational expenses, and the efficiency of the electric storage system within an integrated energy hub encompassing heating, water, power, and gas sources. A key objective of this model is to maximize the performance of the electrical storage system. The study employs the epsilon-constraint method to construct the Pareto front, aiming to balance profitability and emission reduction from virtual power plant units. The final decision-making process utilizes a fuzzy decision-making technique. Additionally, demand response program (DRP) is incorporated to optimize peak-hour demand and align the load profile with defined objectives. The proposed approach is evaluated across various operational scenarios within a sample system, demonstrating its effectiveness and potential benefits in terms of cost reduction and environmental impact mitigation. Focusing on environmental impact, the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are also lower under the DRP scenario, amounting to 10253.92 kg without DRP versus 10127.74 kg with DRP. This reduction in emissions aligns with sustainable energy management goals, showcasing DRP's capability to mitigate environmental impacts associated with energy generation and consumption. The percentage improvements in total costs and emissions further highlight the advantages of employing DRP. The reductions in total costs range from approximately 1.2%–1.4%, demonstrating cost savings across different cost categories. Similarly, the decrease in CO2 emissions by approximately 1.2% underscores DRP's role in promoting environmentally friendly energy practices.

Analysis of different objective functions in petroleum field development optimization

Oilfield development optimization plays a vital role in maximizing the potential of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Decision-making in this complex domain can rely on various objective functions, including net present value (NPV), expected monetary value (EMV), cumulative oil production (COP), cumulative gas production (CGP), cumulative water production (CWP), project costs, and risks. However, EMV is often the main function when optimization is performed under uncertainty. The behavior and performance of different objective functions has been investigated in this paper, when EMV is the primary criterion for optimization under reservoir and economic uncertainty. One of the goals of this study is to provide insights into the advantages and limitations of employing EMV as the sole objective function in oil field development decision-making. The designed optimization problem included sequential optimization of design variables including well positions, well quantity, well type, platform capacity, and internal control valve placements. A comparative analysis is presented, contrasting the outcomes obtained from optimizing the EMV-based objective function against traditional objective functions. The study underscores the importance of incorporating multiple objective functions alongside EMV to guide decision-making in oilfield development. Potential benefits in minimizing CGP and CWP are revealed, aiding in the mitigation of environmental impact and optimization of resource utilization. A strong correlation between EMV and COP is identified, highlighting EMV’s role in improving COP and RF.

Sustainable circular practices in the textile product life cycle: A comprehensive approach to environmental impact mitigation

The identification of environmental impacts through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become a prevalent approach in recent years. However, the utilization of software tools for LCA analysis poses challenges, particularly in terms of cost, time consumption, and complexity, especially for industries operating in emerging economies. Despite these challenges, such industries are compelled to adhere to new policies and regulations when exporting products to European countries. This paper delves into the implementation of a comprehensive approach to identify the environmental impact of the product lifecycle in the textile industry, with a specific focus on recognizing circular economic potential to mitigate environmental impacts. The methodology employed includes value chain analysis, environmental impact identification, lifecycle thinking to pinpoint sustainability hotspots, prioritization of these hotspots, and identification of potential circular economic approaches to alleviate associated impacts. The paper presents a case study applying this approach to the textile industrial sector. By scrutinizing the intricacies of circular economy frameworks, the study provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning towards a more sustainable and circular textile industry. The findings aim to contribute valuable knowledge to global endeavors in achieving environmentally friendly practices within the textile and apparel sector.

Evaluating the quality of wood waste pellets and environmental impact mitigation for decentralized energy recovery in the Amazon

This study explores the integration of legal timber harvesting and conservation efforts in the Amazon, repurposing wood processing waste into biofuel through pelletization to meet environmental standards and reduce diesel dependence in isolated systems. The research focuses on pellets derived from six Amazonian species managed sustainably: Peltogyne lecointei (S1), Erisma uncinatum (S2), Martiodendron elatum (S3), Handroanthus incanus (S4), Dipteryx odorata (S5), and Allantoma decandra (S6). Four blends (B1: S5 and S6; B2: all species; B3: S1, S3, S4 and S5; B4: S2 and S6) with different species combinations are pelleted at 8 % and 10 % moisture content. Pellet characteristics are compared with ISO 17225-2 standards [1], including calorific value, bulk density, water content, dimensions, ash content, mechanical durability, and fines. Although blends B1, B2, and B3 meet A1-criteria, none achieve the required 96.5 % mechanical durability. B3, pelleted with 10 % moisture content, exhibits the highest durability (90.4 %). Pelletization enhanced the bioenergy density by 255 % and showed a bioenergy index up to 12.50 GJ m−3. The produced pellets reported a potential CO2 emissions mitigation of up to 1259.38 kgCO2eq by replacing diesel fuel. However, the blends do not meet the sulfur (>0.05 %) content requirement for industrial and domestic applications, deserving further investigation into pre-treatment.

How Green Are Romania’s Motorways? An Analysis of the Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Measures Proposed for Motorway Projects in Romania

Abstract The development of infrastructure, particularly motorway infrastructure has been one of the main goals of Romania after 1990. However, the sustainable development of this type of infrastructure has only become an issue in the last few years. In this paper are presented the results of a literature review and analysis of the environmental impact mitigation measures which were proposed for motorway and express road projects in Romania within their Environmental Impact Assessments. The paper analyses whether appropriate measures have been proposed in the Environmental Impact Assessment Reports and how consistently they were proposed in different EIAs done in Romania. It analyses how much the measures proposed address impacts such as habitat loss, habitat alteration, fragmentation, species disturbance, and mortality So far, there is no known analysis on this topic Romania, although these types of projects have been implemented for many years. The hypothesis for this analysis is that the measures proposed for motorway and express road projects are not completely adequate for addressing identified impacts and that they are not in accordance with best practices. The results of the analysis indicate important gaps in the implementation of measures, particularly in regards to maintenance of ecological connectivity, as a response to potential fragmentation, and light pollution mitigation. It also highlights the lack of available data on the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures, indicating the need for rigorous post-implementation monitoring and assessment of effectiveness. The paper proposes a more comprehensive and consistent approach to environmental impact mitigation in infrastructure projects, and for the public availability of post-implementation evaluation results.

Deep learning–based urban energy forecasting model for residential building energy efficiency

Sustainable and inventive city design is becoming more and more dependent on the use of cutting-edge technology as smart cities develop further. Energy efficiency optimization in residential structures is an essential part of the puzzle as it helps conserve resources and keeps the planet habitable. An enhanced Deep Neural Network (DNN) model for household energy efficiency predictions is presented in this research. Our model uses a large dataset of building features, weather, occupancy patterns and energy usage histories. Data is preprocessed, features are engineered and hyperparameters are tweaked to improve DNN prediction. Scalable, easy-to-understand models are essential, as are shifting urban areas and energy landscapes. In this work, the authors have evaluated the proposed model with basic model with different optimizers. Initially, the Stochastic Gradient Descent optimizer applied that gained 91.02% Recall, 93.47% Precision, 93.28% F1-Score, 0.0153 MSE, 0.0166 RMSE and 0.0165 MAE. The proposed model gained 99.52% Recall, 98.91% Precision, 99.09% F1-Score, 0.0140 MSE, 0.0137 RMSE and 0.0139 MAE. By monitoring, analyzing and making decisions in real time, smart city systems can help planners understand energy usage trends. The optimized DNN model advances smart city development by promoting sustainability and resource optimization. Predicting residential buildings’ energy efficiency provides proactive energy savings, cost reduction and environmental impact mitigation. The suggested DNN model shows how smart cities use cutting-edge urban planning to become more sustainable, efficient and resilient.

Technological advancements in drilling: A comparative analysis of onshore and offshore applications

This paper examines the technological advancements in onshore and offshore drilling operations, emphasizing their significance, challenges, and environmental considerations. Technological innovations, including automation, data analytics, and real-time monitoring, have transformed drilling practices, enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. By comparing onshore and offshore applications, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of these advancements in addressing the unique challenges of each environment. Key areas of focus include efficiency improvements, safety enhancements, environmental impacts, and regulatory compliance. Through case studies and analysis, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the current state of onshore and offshore drilling operations and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement. Ultimately, the findings contribute to advancing sustainable practices, mitigating environmental risks, and fostering responsible resource extraction in the oil and gas industry. This comparative study delves into the dynamic landscape of technological advancements within onshore and offshore drilling operations. It explores the evolving role of automation, data analytics, and real-time monitoring in revolutionizing drilling practices, offering insights into their implications for efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship. By juxtaposing the unique challenges and operational requirements of onshore and offshore environments, the study underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of technological applications. Through rigorous analysis and case studies, it illuminates the interplay between advancements and environmental considerations, shedding light on opportunities for innovation and sustainable development. The study's comprehensive scope encompasses efficiency gains, safety protocols, environmental impact mitigation, and regulatory compliance, providing a holistic view of the transformative potential of technology in the drilling industry. Ultimately, the study serves as a catalyst for informed decision-making, fostering dialogue, and driving forward-looking strategies for the future of onshore and offshore drilling operations.

Numerical Investigation on Flowability of Pulverized Biomass Using the Swelling Bed Model

Numerical investigations on the flowability of pulverized biomass are crucial for agriculture, aiding in optimizing biomass use, crop residue management, soil health improvement, and environmental impact mitigation. Rising interest in biomass and conversion processes necessitates deeper property understanding and technological process optimization. Moisture content is a key parameter influencing biomass quality. In this paper, computer simulations of shear tests depending on the moisture content using the discrete element method were carried out and compared with experimental results. An experimental study and modeling for Jenike’s direct shearing apparatus was carried out. A swelling bed model was proposed to account for the effect of moisture. The swelling bed model assumed an increase in biomass grain vorticity proportional to the moisture content. The model was solved using the discrete element method (DEM). The model considers the effect of moisture on the values of Young’s and Kirchoff’s moduli for biomass grains. The model assumed that moisture is not present in surface form, the total amount of moisture is absorbed into the interior of the material grains, and the volume of a single grain increases linearly with an increase in the volume of the absorbed moisture. The tested materials were pulverized sunflower husks, apple pomace, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), meat and bone meal (MBM), and sawdust. Samples with moisture contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were tested. The best agreement of the model with the experimental data was observed for the most absorbent materials in which moisture was not present in surface form, such as apple pomace, DDGS, and sawdust. Research data are important for the proper design of biomass storage, transportation equipment, and utilization as feedstock for bioenergy production or soil enrichment.

Research Hotspots and Trends of Nitrification Inhibitors: A Bibliometric Review from 2004–2023

Nitrification inhibitors are essential in agricultural and environmental production practices. They play a crucial role in promoting agricultural and environmental sustainability by enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, boosting crop yields, and mitigating the adverse environmental effects of nitrogen losses. This bibliometric analysis covers the period from 2004 to 2023, offering a detailed examination of the development of nitrification inhibitor research. The study demonstrates a consistent growth in research publications, indicating sustained interest and dedication to advancing the field. It identifies key contributors, such as institutions and researchers, and underscores the significance of their work through citation analysis. Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals four distinct clusters focusing on enhancing crop yields, understanding microbial community dynamics, exploring grazing pasture applications, and addressing environmental impact mitigation. The cutting-edge area of keyword burst detection research has transitioned from fundamental research to comprehensive nitrogen management practices. This analysis provides insights into the current research landscape of nitrification inhibitors and proposes future research directions, underscoring the critical role of this field in tackling global agricultural and environmental challenges.

Lightworks, a scientific research framework for the design of stiffened composite-panel structures using gradient-based optimization

Efficient structural optimization remains integral in advancing lightweight structures, particularly concerning the mitigation of environmental impact in air transportation systems. Varying levels of detail prove useful for different applications and design phases. The lightworks framework presents a modular approach, for the consideration of individual design parameterizations and structural solvers for the numerical optimization of thin-walled structures. The framework provides the combination of lightweight fibre composite design and the incorporation of stiffeners for a gradient-based optimization process. Therefore, an analytical stiffener formulation is implemented in combination with different continuous composite material parameterizations. This approach allows the analysis of local buckling modes, as well as the consideration of load redistribution between stringer and skin. The flexibility achieved in this way allows a tailored configuration of the optimization problem to the required level of complexity. A verification of the framework’s implementation is carried out using established literature results of a simplified unstiffened wing box structure, where a very good agreement is shown. The accessibility of solvers with different fidelity through a generic solver interface is demonstrated. Furthermore, the usage of the implemented continuous composite parameterizations as design variables is compared in terms of computational performance and mass, providing different advantages and disadvantages. Finally, introducing stringer into the wing box use case demonstrates a 38% mass reduction, showcasing the potential of the inline optimization of stiffeners.

Legal Analysis Of Mitigation Of Environmental And Social Impact In Sand Mining Excavation C

Mining sand Excavation C, in particular , has cause degradation environment and impact social , and this just one​ example How operation mining can give benefits and harms public local . Because of this is problem urgent social , we​ must Act fast For finish degradation environment and disasters nature caused by mining​ illegal . Things that become attention main is How problem mitigation impact environmental and social issues in mining sand Excavation C is arranged based on analysis law . With use method study juridical normative , research This aim For analyze aspect law around arrangement mitigation impact environmental and social related mining sand Excavation C. Damage environment that has not resolved , especially in the Cikeruh River , is results direct from research that examines potency consequence law from mining illegal in the District area Majalengka . Opportunity field jobs , opportunities economy , and increasing village treasury , is a number of impact social from mining sand Excavation C. Mining sand Excavation C has impact the environment is a must mitigated Activities performed​ ignore licensing with refer to Constitution Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining and Regency Regional Regulations Majalengka Number 3 of 2004 concerning Mining Business Management . The miners traditional must own Permission Community Mining (IPR).

Wasted Food, Wasted Resources? A Critical Review of Environmental Impact Analysis of Food Loss and Waste Generation and Treatment.

Food loss and waste (FLW) comes with significant environmental impacts and thus prevents a sustainable food system transition. Here we conducted a systematic review of 174 screened studies that assessed the environmental impacts of FLW generation and treatment. We found that the embodied impacts of FLW along the supply chain and impacts from FLW treatment received equal attention, but few studies have included both. The reviewed studies show narrow geographical (mostly conducted in industrialized countries) and food supply chain (mostly focused on the consumption stage) coverage. Life cycle analysis (LCA), material flow analysis (MFA), or their combination are the most commonly used to quantify FLW related environmental impacts. More method standardization, integration, and innovation and better FLW data with regional and stage resolution from a first-hand source are badly needed. Among the various proposed mitigation strategies covering technology, economy, behavior, and policy aspects, process optimization and waste management options are the most discussed. Our review calls for a more holistic environmental impact assessment of FLW generation and treatment and analysis of the trade-offs among different environmental impact categories and between supply chain stages, which would better inform relevant policy on effective environmental impact mitigation strategies toward sustainable food systems.

Dynamic Model Validation and Simulation of Acetone-Toluene and Benzene-Toluene Systems for Industrial Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Abatement.

Environmental impact mitigation is one of the grand challenges for industries globally. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are solvents whose emissions are potentially toxic to human health and ecosystems yet indispensable for the manufacturing of life-saving medicine. Adsorption with activated carbon columns is an established countermeasure for end-of-pipe emission control, whose efficiency, however, is impeded by irregular bed saturation due to the complex nature of its inputs. This work presents the application of a validated nonisothermal adsorption model to examine multicomponent trace mixtures of acetone-toluene and benzene-toluene on activated carbon. Our results indicate preferential adsorption of toluene over both acetone and benzene for all concentrations examined, which is in agreement with experimental data. Moreover, moderate temperature variations and pressure drops are revealed. Finally, Glueckauf's hodograph theory is employed for maximum outlet concentration prediction and compared with simulation results and experimental data, thus providing valuable insights into nonisothermal VOC abatement, which paves the way for industrial operation optimization.

Evaluation of environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies for Gulpur hydropower project, Kotli, Pakistan

AbstractEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) became mandatory in Pakistan in 1983 with the passage of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance. The Sustainable Development Goals were incorporated into Pakistan's national development strategy, making it the first country in history to do so. The study is based on evaluating the mitigation strategies and environmental impact assessment at the Gulpur Hydropower Project (HPP), Kotli, AJK, which uses the Poonch River's water resources to generate power and has a design capacity of 100 MW using the EIA documentation of Gulpur HPP. In addition to making additional observations and reviewing the literature, the study looked at Mira Power Limited's EIA reports. The possible effects, as well as the Government's and MPL's mitigating actions, were examined by the authors. EIA procedures at the Gulpur HPP considered several laws, including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, AJK Wildlife Ordinance of 2013, the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, and Laws Regulating Flow Releases for Hydropower Projects. Projects using hydropower in delicate areas carry a high risk. Given the thorough analysis of the hazards in this instance, it is evident that the EIA had a significant impact on the project's design. The authors concluded that there are no negative environmental effects of the construction of hydropower projects in the concerned area and that all potential effects and compensation were handled legally and efficiently. The study suggested that all hydropower projects in Pakistan undertake environmental impact assessments.

Carbon sequestration through mineral carbonation: Using commercial FGD-gypsum from a copper smelter for sustainable waste management and environmental impact mitigation

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of a commercial FGD gypsum produced in a Copper (Cu) smelter process and delved into its potential use as a Calcium (Ca)-rich material for ex-situ mineral carbonation by exploring the partitioning and fate of these metal impurities. The resulting carbonation end-product displayed a calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content of 71.1%, featuring a relatively low CO2 conversion, which may be attributed to the presence of metallic impurities in the commercial FGD-gypsum. Most of these metallic impurities, acting as inputs to the carbonation process, originate from the parent FGD-gypsum matrix. This results in an increased ionic strength within the FGD gypsum, potentially impeding the diffusion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the gas phase to the aqueous phase. The partitioning and examination of the speciation of major, minor, and trace elements at all stages of CO2 conversion allowed us to propose four potential reaction pathways influencing carbonation efficiency: (i) the formation of metal carbonates, (ii) the production of metal oxides and oxyhydroxides, (iii) the development of metal multiform compounds, and (iv) elements deviating from the outlined patterns. Commercial FGD-gypsum is suitable for acceptance at non-hazardous waste landfills. However, it's essential to highlight that leaching values of As exceed the inert range and non-hazardous waste standards in commercial FGD-gypsum. Although most heavy metal leaching values from the carbonate end-product stay below non-hazardous limits, the release of some heavy metal leachates from the carbonate end-product may limit reuse options for these materials.