Environmental Implications Research Articles

Carbon-negative products to engage society in climate action: The life cycle of olive oil

Achieving carbon neutrality and addressing the need for ongoing carbon dioxide removal to meet the climate goal requires an urgent shift towards sustainable production and consumption practices. In this context, we turn our attention to the olive oil industry, a key food industry that strives towards more environmentally sustainable initiatives. Our study explores a novel approach that integrates bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) into olive oil production. Employing Life Cycle Assessment, we assess the potential for carbon-negative olive oil production and its broader environmental implications. Our findings demonstrate that producing carbon-negative virgin olive oil is possible by powering the olive mill processes with BECCS based on olive prunings generated at the agricultural stage (up to −0.32 kg CO2eq per 1-l bottle of virgin olive oil). However, collateral damages to acidification and eutrophication will also emerge, which can be mitigated through careful project planning tailored to local conditions. The path forward involves strategic investments, customized policies, collaboration between public and private sectors, and consumers' willingness to support carbon offset projects. Our work may contribute to unlocking the full potential of BECCS, offering a blueprint for other industries beyond the realm of olive oil production, ultimately catalyzing the realization of carbon-negative products.

Design and Optimization of Disc Oil Skimmer

Abstract: Oil Spills are a common phenomenon in the oceans and seas causing economic loss as well as loss of aquatic life. Oil skimmers are devices used to separate the oil from water and recover it to the maximum extent possible. This project focuses on material selection for oil skimmer discs, considering corrosion resistance, wear characteristics, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact. It explores common materials such as polyurethane, oleophilic materials, stainless steel, PVC, and aluminum, emphasizing their unique properties and environmental implications. By conducting a thorough literature review and establishing stringent material selection criteria, the project aims to inform a material choice that balances technical requirements with environmental responsibility. The exploration of advanced materials and optimization of material design are also discussed. The project anticipates enhancing oil skimmer efficiency, reducing maintenance needs, and promoting sustainable practices in environmental protection. The project further includes building a prototype of a single disc oil skimmer and find an ideal diameter for efficient oil skimming taking into consideration the mass of the disc as well as the overall oil skimmer.

Elemental Compositions of Clinopyroxenes from Southern Okinawa Trough Basalt: Implications for Magmatism and Structural Environment in an Initial Back-Arc Basin

Elemental Compositions of Clinopyroxenes from Southern Okinawa Trough Basalt: Implications for Magmatism and Structural Environment in an Initial Back-Arc Basin

Sustainable gains from inland waterway investments at port-city interface

The objective of this research is to identify and quantify the sustainable impacts resulting from transportation investments at the port-city interface. These investments encompass two main components: 1) restoring the local inland waterway fairway for navigation, and 2) constructing a new railway bridge that traverses the primary waterway at the entrance of the seaport. The study is centered on the local transportation system in the northwestern region of Poland. Sustainability is assessed using an analytical tool derived from societal cost-benefit analysis and simulation in the relevant market transport performance in options with and without investment. Economic effects are evaluated in terms of savings in generalized transportation costs, which include transport operating expenses and travel durations. Environmental considerations encompass transport-related air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and well-to-tank emissions. Social aspects focus on issues like transport congestion, traffic noise, and transport-related accidents. Each type of investment yields distinct sustainable gains and distributes them among stakeholders differently. Additionally, the enhanced capacity of the rail bridge reveals the potential for a modal shift in the local passenger transport system, wherein passengers may transition from buses/cars to a fast railway. Tangible gains expressed in monetary terms allow for a sustainable assessment of transport investments. The elaborated research scheme can be employed to assess the sustainable ramifications arising from investments in intermodal transport at any port-city interface. It provides decision-makers with comprehensive insights into the economic, environmental, and social implications of various transport policies and interventions.

Sustainable Management of Rechargeable Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) quantifies the environmental impacts during the life of a product from cradle to grave. It evaluates energy use, material flow, and emissions at each stage of life. This report addresses the challenges and potential solutions related to the surge in electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the United States amidst the EV market’s exponential growth. It focuses on the environmental and economic implications of disposal as well as the recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). With millions of EVs sold in the past decade, this research highlights the necessity of efficient recycling methods to mitigate environmental damage from battery production and disposal. Utilizing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA), this research compares emissions and costs between new and recycled batteries by employing software tools such as SimaPro V7 and GREET V2. The findings indicate that recycling batteries produces a significantly lower environmental impact than manufacturing new units from new materials and is economically viable as well. This research also emphasizes the importance of preparing for the upcoming influx of used EV batteries and provides suggestions for future research to optimize the disposal and recycling of EV batteries.

A Review on the Effects of Waste Textile Polymer Fiber on Concrete Strength: Exploring the Key Parameters

The construction industry is one of the largest users of natural resources and can, thus, lead to significant environmental issues. Therefore, there is elevated interest worldwide in developing sustainable construction materials and techniques that can reduce these associated environmental impacts. In this context, one substantial area of focus is the incorporation of textile waste in construction materials, such as concrete. Textile waste is generated in large quantities from the production stage through to the consumption and end-of-life disposal periods. Hence, it is prudent to devise effective ways of recycling this waste, which can, in turn, reduce the environmental implications of textile production and cut down the quantity of waste sent to landfills. Furthermore, fibers obtained from recycled textile waste can be used to reinforce concrete, thus replacing the need for synthetic fibers. This review focuses on the use and effects of incorporating polymer fibers from recycled textile waste in concrete and the use of textile polymer fiber in the construction of various structures, and challenges in the use of recycled fibers in concrete and the parameters affecting the resultant strength of concrete structures, such as stress transfer, crack control, bond strength, and spalling, etc., are discussed.

Enhancement of nitrogen on core taxa recruitment by Penicillium oxalicum stimulated microbially-driven soil formation in bauxite residue.

Microbially-driven soil formation process is an emerging technology for the ecological rehabilitation of alkaline tailings. However, the dominant microorganisms and their specific roles in soil formation processes remain unknown. Herein, a 1-year field-scale experiment was applied to demonstrate the effect of nitrogen input on the structure and function of the microbiome in alkaline bauxite residue. Results showed that the contents of nutrient components were increased with Penicillium oxalicum (P. oxalicum) incorporation, as indicated by the increasing of carbon and nitrogen mineralization and enzyme metabolic efficiency. Specifically, the increasing enzyme metabolic efficiency was associated with nitrogen input, which shaped the microbial nutrient acquisition strategy. Subsequently, we evidenced that P. oxalicum played a significant role in shaping the assemblages of core bacterial taxa and influencing ecological functioning through intra- and cross-kingdom network analysis. Furthermore, a recruitment experiment indicated that nitrogen enhanced the enrichment of core microbiota (Nitrosomonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Saccharomyces) and may provide benefits to fungal community bio-diversity and microbial network stability. Collectively, these results demonstrated nitrogen-based coexistence patterns among P. oxalicum and microbiome and revealed P. oxalicum-mediated nutrient dynamics and ecophysiological adaptations in alkaline microhabitats. It will aid in promoting soil formation and ecological rehabilitation of bauxite residue. ENVIRONMENT IMPLICATION: Bauxite residue is a highly alkaline solid waste generated during the Bayer process for producing alumina. Attempting to transform bauxite residue into a stable soil-like substrate using low-cost microbial resources is a highly promising engineering. However, the dominant microorganisms and their specific roles in soil formation processes remain unknown. In this study, we evidenced the nitrogen-based coexistence patterns among Penicillium oxalicum and microbiome and revealed Penicillium oxalicum-mediated nutrient dynamics and ecophysiological adaptations in alkaline microhabitats. This study can improve the understanding of core microbes' assemblies that affect the microbiome physiological traits in soil formation processes.

School students’ perceptions of trees and wooden objects in their immediate home environment: Possible implications for school environments

AbstractWe present a county-wide statistically representative survey with 430 Hungarian school students demonstrating that students who have trees in the parental home environment show more positive attitude towards trees and wood than their peers who do not have any. We aimed at finding out about the current attitudes of the upcoming generation with regard to the use of wood and wood materials, and also about the question as to whether they would consciously use wood materials in the future. Results show that school students who have trees in their parental home environment show significantly higher scores on the cognitive, affective, and conative domains of attitude towards trees and wood compared to those who do not have trees in their parental home environment. The present study contributes to outdoor environmental education research in that we provide quantitative evidence for the positive effect of the immediate environment of children on the attitude towards wood and trees. The findings suggest the imperative need for further novel educational interventions in school gardens related to trees and wooden objects.

Communications and Data Science for the Success of Vehicle-to-Grid Technologies: Current State and Future Trends

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the electric grid, offering benefits, such as distributed energy resource (DER) integration, grid stability support, and peak demand management, among others, as well as environmental advantages. This study provides a comprehensive review of V2G systems, with a specific focus on the role of the communication, as they have been identified as key enablers, as well as the challenges that V2G must face. It begins by introducing the fundamentals of V2G systems, including their architecture, operation, and a description of the benefits for different sectors. It then delves into the communication technologies and protocols in V2G systems, highlighting the key requirements in achieving reliable and efficient communication between EVs and the different agents involved. A comprehensive review of communication standards is described, as well as the main communication technologies, which are evaluated in terms of their suitability for V2G applications. Furthermore, the study discusses the challenges and environmental implications of V2G technology, emphasizing the importance of addressing strong and reliable communications to maximize its potential benefits. Finally, future research directions and potential solutions for overcoming challenges in V2G systems are outlined, offering useful insights for researchers, policymakers, and administrations as well as related industry stakeholders.

Enhancing photodegradation of thiamethoxam insecticide using SnS2/NCL as a photocatalyst: Mechanistic insights and environmental implications

The current research highlights the fabrication of a novel SnS2/CO32−@Ni–Co LDH (SnS2/NCL) by precipitating Ni–Co LDH over hydrothermally synthesized SnS2 nanoparticles for the enhanced degradation of thiamethoxam (THM) insecticide through the advanced oxidation process. The effect of several reaction parameters was optimized, and a maximum degradation of 98.1 ± 1.2 % with a rate constant of 0.0541 min−1 of 10 ppm THM was reached at a catalyst loading of 0.16 gL-1 using 0.3 mM of H2O2 within 70 min of visible light irradiation. The effect of metal cations, inorganic anions, dissolved organic matter, organic compounds and water samples on the photodegradation performance of SnS2/NCL nanocomposite was also examined to evaluate the prepared photocatalyst's suitability for use in actual wastewater conditions. The metal cations blocked the active sites of the photocatalyst and reduced the degradation efficiency except for Fe2+ ions, since it is a Fenton reagent and increased the production of hydroxyl radicals. Inorganic anions are the scavengers of hydroxyl radicals and hinder photocatalytic activity. Meanwhile, lake water containing varying degrees of co-existing ions shows the lowest degradation efficiency among other water samples. The SnS2/NCL nanocomposite could be reused for five cycles while maintaining a photocatalytic efficiency of 83.6 ± 0.3 % in the fifth run. The prepared SnS2/NCL nanocomposite also showed excellent photodegradation of several other emerging organic pollutants with an efficiency of over 80 % under optimum conditions. Incorporating Ni–Co LDH with SnS2 helped to delocalize photoinduced charges, leading to increased photocatalytic activity and a slower electron-hole recombination rate. The present research highlights the photocatalytic activity of SnS2/NCL photocatalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants from wastewater.

Nature-Based Design in Stroke Rehabilitation Environments: A Scoping Review.

To identify, examine, and map the characteristics of knowledge of nature-based design in stroke rehabilitation facilities, examine how research in this field has been conducted and identify gaps in knowledge. Many stroke survivors have wide ranging impacts, resulting in long hospital stays to undertake rehabilitation. The physical environment can influence brain recovery; however, there is limited evidence to support the design of effective rehabilitation environments. Conversely, the health benefits available from connection with nature are well established. A nature-based design approach may have benefits and implications for the physical environment of inpatient stroke rehabilitation facilities; however, it is unclear what evidence exists in this field. This scoping review followed the JBI methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews, with systematic searches of six databases. Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. Aims and research methods varied widely. Investigations in 19 studies related to gardens and other designed outdoor nature-based environments. Other studies explored natural analogues, nature inside, inside/outside connections, and the natural environment. Findings from the studies were spread across the fields of design, use, exposure to, and engagement in nature-based environments. The characteristics of knowledge underpinning nature-based design in stroke rehabilitation environments are highly diverse, and significant gaps exist in the evidence base. A framework developed during this review for mapping knowledge on the intentions and impacts for spaces and services in this field assisted to identify these gaps and may be applied to other areas of healthcare design research.

Cryptocurrency blockchain and its carbon footprint: Anticipating future challenges

This study investigates the environmental impact of cryptocurrency blockchain technology, specifically focusing on the adoption of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Utilizing instrumental regression analysis, it examines the consensus mechanisms—Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS)—and their association with carbon footprint. The findings reveal a clear correlation between the adoption of PoW-based cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and carbon emissions. Notably, PoW-based cryptocurrencies generate approximately 0.86 metric tons of carbon emissions per transaction, which is significantly higher than PoS-based transactions like Ethereum. Concerns also arise regarding the sustainability of Bitcoin mining after the fourth halving period and potential shortages in PoW-based mining resources. As mining rewards decrease, the challenge of timely block creation intensifies. By projecting future BTC mining phases, the study anticipates diminishing rewards in each halving period, potentially leaving around 2500 BTC units available for mining by 2120. This suggests that achieving the full 21 million BTC may prove practically unattainable within the current blockchain framework. Furthermore, the research highlights the speculative and risky nature of cryptocurrencies lacking regulatory oversight, which tends to attract irresponsible investors. It stresses the importance of developing a nuanced understanding of the environmental implications of PoW cryptocurrencies and advocating for responsible innovation. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity of considering the monetary policy implications and raising awareness among investors to ensure responsible decision-making.

Global area boom for greenhouse cultivation revealed by satellite mapping.

Greenhouse cultivation has been expanding rapidly in recent years, yet little knowledge exists on its global extent and expansion. Using commercial and freely available satellite data combined with artificial intelligence techniques, we present a global assessment of greenhouse cultivation coverage and map 1.3 million hectares of greenhouse infrastructures in 2019, a much larger extent than previously estimated. Our analysis includes both large (61%) and small-scale (39%) greenhouse infrastructures. Examining the temporal development of the 65 largest clusters (>1,500 ha), we show a recent upsurge in greenhouse cultivation in the Global South since the 2000s, including a dramatic increase in China, accounting for 60% of the global coverage. We emphasize the potential of greenhouse infrastructures to enhance food security but raise awareness of the uncertain environmental and social implications that may arise from this expansion. We further highlight the gap in spatio-temporal datasets for supporting future research agendas on this critical topic.

Smart management of pressure regulating stations to maximize hydrogen injection in a gas distribution network

Gas distribution networks traditionally maintain constant pressure setpoints at regulating stations, ensuring a consistent supply to end-users with a high safety margin. However, the prospect of hydrogen injection in the gas networks necessitates rethinking operational strategies. This study examines the environmental and fluid-dynamic implications of implementing a smart pressure management approach in regulating stations within a distribution network with a localized hydrogen injection. The research introduces a novel simulation-based optimization algorithm, incorporating a steady-state fluid-dynamic model with hydrogen tracking, used to optimize the pressure setpoints in the stations. The algorithm is applied to a two-pressure levels looped gas network with multiple gas supply nodes and a single hydrogen injection. The test case results reveal that utilizing dynamic pressure setpoints leads to a 22% increase in hydrogen penetration compared to standard operation. Therefore, this study highlights that smart pressure modulation in a gas network with hydrogen injection can unlock a latent decarbonization potential, while simultaneously adhering to safety limits.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Environmental Implications, Ecotoxicity and Bioaccumulation Potential of Repurposed Drug Hydroxychloroquine: From Challenges to Sustainability

A Comprehensive Assessment of Environmental Implications, Ecotoxicity and Bioaccumulation Potential of Repurposed Drug Hydroxychloroquine: From Challenges to Sustainability

Architectural and Urban Changes in a Residential Environment—Implications for Design Science

Current spatial changes involving broad urban landscapes affect people’s perceptions of their surroundings, sense of place, and attachment to a place, constituting a disruption to these. As a result, on a social scale, they translate into people’s well-being. The following study of the impact of large-scale architectural and urban developments on the place of residence is based on the assumption that physical space determines the quality of life in the living place and the changes in the process condition residents to adapt to their new surroundings—based on the three pillars of place, people, and process (3Ps). The article consists of two parts. The first is theoretical, which conceptualises spatial change based on the theory of human dependence on place. The second part–an empirical study—discusses the transformation of the post-industrial area of Bicocca (Milan), which, 40 years after the intervention, has led to conclusions and recommendations for urban planning. The results demonstrate the different sensitivities of the urban areas to the process of functional–spatial change, the essence of the accessibility of public space, public facilities, and transport infrastructure. The planning process can positively influence social adaptation to spatial change mitigation. Residential areas may be subject to additional protection procedures. The study is relevant to a sustainable planning process in the inevitable transformation of urban areas. The interdisciplinary nature of the issue prompts the integration of research findings and knowledge transfer in the socio-technological subsystem (STS).

How does economic policy uncertainty impact CO2 emissions? Investigating investment's role across 22 economies (1997–2021)

Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) has significant implications for both economic growth and CO2 emissions through investment and consumption. Existing research has produced mixed findings on the impact of EPU on CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, there is a need for further empirical investigation into the role of investment in the relationship between EPU and CO2 emissions in various economies. This article contributes to the literature by examining the investment channel in the EPU-CO2 emissions nexus in 22 economies using annual panel data from 1997 to 2021. The analysis was conducted using eight specifications to classify the empirical estimates of the direct and indirect impacts of EPU on CO2 emissions through the investment channel. The CD test, CADF test, and CIPS test were used to test for cross-sectional dependence, unit root, and cointegration, respectively. The GMM estimation technique was used to test for the long-run relationship. The empirical results suggest that both direct and indirect EPU stimuli on CO2 emissions through the investment channel are positive, and the EKC hypothesis holds. Furthermore, findings show that fossil-fuel energy usage leads to an increase in CO2 emissions. Given the significant impact of economic policy uncertainty on CO2 emissions, policymakers should consider the environmental implications of their policy decisions. Second, reducing fossil fuel energy usage in the production process should be a priority to mitigate the impact of EPU on CO2 emissions.

Additive Manufacturing in Industry 4.0 and its Implications for Sustainability in Production Processes

Objective: This research aimed to analyze the implications of the use of additive manufacturing for sustainability in production processes. Methodology: The research was characterized as exploratory qualitative approach, which was carried out with 15 professionals from a Brazilian industry. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, and analysis of the speech revealed insights into the environmental implications of additive manufacturing. Results and discussion: As a result, it was evidenced that despite the benefits offered by additive manufacturing for sustainability, such as reducing material waste and personalized production, there are significant challenges to be faced. Concern about the recyclability of materials used in 3D printing has been identified as a critical point, underlining the pressing need to develop more efficient and sustainable recycling processes to deal with the waste generated. In addition, mentioning the importance of considering the full life cycle of products emphasizes the complexity of environmental issues associated with additive manufacturing, requiring holistic approaches that consider environmental impacts at all stages of the process. Conclusion: Therefore, the need for an integrated approach to sustainability in additive manufacturing is highlighted, which not only maximizes the environmental benefits of the technology, but also proactively deals with emerging challenges, thus ensuring a positive impact on the environment.

Algal blooms exacerbate cadmium/zinc bioaccumulation in filter-feeding fish in contaminated water: Mechanisms and environmental implications

Eutrophic waters experiencing cyanobacterial blooms often contain high levels of heavy metal pollutants, including cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). The transfer mechanisms of Cd and Zn within the water-algae-fish system, however, remain poorly understood. This study investigates the accumulation and transfer of Cd and Zn in a simulated water-algae‑silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) ecosystem during Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) blooms. Algae demonstrated significant bioaccumulation of Cd and Zn, with Zn proving more toxic to the algae than Cd. In silver carp, the accumulation of Cd and Zn was strengthened in the intestine, liver, and skin following ingestion of M. aeruginosa enriched with these metals. This resulted in a 31% increase in Cd enrichment in the intestine, liver, and a 72% increase in the skin, compared to systems without M. aeruginosa. Zn enrichment in the liver and skin increased by 53% and 61%, respectively. However, muscle accumulation of Cd and Zn showed only minor increases of 0.59 and 3.93 mg/kg. This study elucidated that algae exacerbated the bioaccumulation of Cd and Zn in silver carp through mechanisms such as digestion, absorption, and skin mucosal contact in ecosystems experiencing M. aeruginosa blooms. The accumulation and food chain amplification of heavy metals in eutrophic water bodies increase the ecological toxicity risk to aquatic organisms and local residents. Measures should be considered to simultaneously control both eutrophication and heavy metal pollution in water bodies, with overall results contributing to the scientific management of eutrophic waters containing heavy metals.

Copepod distribution and diversity in the coastal areas of Ban-ao and Lambajon, Davao Oriental, Philippines: Environmental influences and conservation implications

Copepods are essential components of marine ecosystems, facilitating energy transfer within these complex systems. The study investigates copepod diversity and distribution in Ban-ao and Lambajon coastal areas in Baganga, Davao Oriental, highlighting the environmental factors influencing copepod populations. Four copepod families representing different orders were identified, with Harpacticoida, Calanoida, and Cyclopoida prevalent in both sites, while Misophrioida was exclusive to Lambajon. Physico-chemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, salinity, sediment composition, water depth, and temperature were analyzed to understand their correlation with copepod density. The study reveals variations in copepod density and abundance between the sites, with Lambajon showing a higher total density (49 ind/cm³) compared to Ban-ao (35 ind/cm³). The Pearson correlation matrix illustrates complex relationships between copepod density and environmental parameters in each site. In Ban-ao, strong positive correlations were found between copepod density and DO (r = 0.65) and temperature (r = 0.36). In Lambajon, positive correlations existed between water depth and copepod density (r = 0.20). Both sites exhibit low copepod diversity overall, potentially due to anthropogenic pressures. These findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the interactions between environmental factors and copepod diversity, essential for effective conservation and management strategies in these coastal ecosystems.