Environmental Management Control Research Articles

Environmental Sustainability Disclosure and Market Performance of Listed Consumer Goods Firms in Nigeria

This study aimed to examine the effect of environmental sustainability disclosure on the market performance of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. This study utilized ex-post facto research design. Data were gathered from the annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and financial databases of Nigerian consumer goods manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as of December 31, 2023. The study encompassed a population of 21 listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. A census sampling technique was adopted, to investigate the entire population. The research covered a twelve-year period, from 2012 to 2023, to observe trends, patterns, and long-term impacts, enabling a robust analysis. This study employed descriptive statistics (mean, median, variance, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential statistics (panel regression analysis, correlational analysis etc.) to conduct data analysis. This regression analysis conducted revealed that both environmental protections cost disclosure, and environmental research and development cost disclosure had positive and significant effect on the market performance of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. While environmental pollution cost disclosure had a negative but significant effect on market performance. Whereas environmental waste management control cost disclosure had positive and insignificant effect on market performance. The findings indicate that environmental cost disclosures play a significant role in shaping the market performance of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Specifically, disclosures related to environmental protection and R&D have a positive impact, as they reflect a firm’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. It was recommended that firms should prioritize and continue to disclose their investments in environmental protection and R&D, as these are positively viewed by investors and enhance market performance.

Optimizing population mean estimation under ranked set sampling with applications to Engineering

This article aims to develop two novel mean estimators of finite populations under ranked set sampling. The suggested estimators result in a high-efficiency gain due to their efficient formulation by taking the linear combination of classical estimators using optimization constants. We also discuss the theoretical properties and derive bias and mean squared error up to the first order of approximation. To theoretically validate our proposed estimators, we derive the conditions under which our estimators prevail over the competing estimators. The findings suggest that when ranked set sampling is implemented effectively, it saves cost and improves precision, serving as a potent instrument for improved decision-making, specifically in engineering applications, such as environmental monitoring, resource management, and quality control. An empirical and simulation study has been conducted using real and synthetic data to validate our methodology empirically. The suggested estimators offer a significant contribution to survey sampling in estimating mean under ranked set sampling. Further, the proposed estimator can be seamlessly adapted in other sampling designs such as simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, etc, as well as in estimating other parameters such as variance, skewness, coefficient of correlation, etc. in various domains.

Exploring the sorption/desorption of nitenpyram in loess soils: implications for neonicotinoid fate and ecological risk assessment.

Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides that accumulate in various environmental matrixes and potentially harm non-target organisms. However, the mechanism of sorption/desorption of neonicotinoids in different loess soils remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the sorption/desorption of nitenpyram (NIT), a commonly used neonicotinoid, in three different types of loess soils and examined factors influencing the adsorption process using batch experiments. The findings revealed that NIT reached adsorption equilibrium in 4h in all three loess soil samples. The R2 value (> 0.898) obtained from fitting the sorption/desorption kinetics indicated a good match with the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting the involvement of multiple mechanisms, including chemisorption. The linear and Freundlich models also adequately described the sorption of NIT in loess soils. Additionally, a clear hysteresis phenomenon was observed. The adsorption capacity of NIT is significantly related to the adsorption temperature, solution pH and ionic strength. Upon increasing the initial concentration, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of NIT for gray-cinnamon soil, sierozem, and cultivated loessial soil increased from 3.56, 2.51, and 2.64mg/kg to 8.49, 3.92, and 5.22mg/kg, respectively. FTIR spectral analysis revealed that the adsorption of NIT in loess soil was primarily governed by mixed mechanism. This study elucidates the behavior and fate of NIT in soil-water systems in the Northwest, while also establishing a foundation for assessing its ecological risks. The findings have significant practical implications for the future development of environmental management and pollution control strategies.

Exploring the Duality of Formal and Informal Controls in Driving Eco-Innovations

Eco-innovations are crucial for addressing environmental challenges. Based on a survey of 301 large German firms, we explore the roles of formal and informal environmental management control systems (EMCSs) in translating external perceived stakeholder pressure (PSP) into eco-innovations. By employing partial least squares structural equation modeling, the findings indicate that both formal and informal EMCSs positively and partially mediate the relationship between PSP and eco-innovation. Building on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), our study contributes to the accounting literature by exploring the taxonomy of formal and informal controls. The results demonstrate the important role of informal EMCSs alongside formal EMCSs in developing the capabilities necessary to channel PSP toward eco-innovations, emphasizing the role of management controls in sustainable development. Furthermore, we contribute to quantitative research on the role of management controls in the field of environmental sustainability and innovation. The implications of our study are relevant for managers as formal and informal controls are anchored differently in the firm and therefore require different approaches to create a balance of both.

Assessing female anopheles mosquito susceptibility to three insecticide classes in Ilorin metropolis Nigeria: Implications for environmental management and effective vector control

This study investigates the environmental factors affecting the susceptibility of Female Anopheles mosquitoes to three classes of insecticides in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, following WHO standards. The analyzed breeding sites showed severe water pollution, with low dissolved oxygen, high conductivity, and heavy metal contamination. Anopheles mosquito populations at two of the five breeding sites, Akanlanbi and Aminlengbe, were resistant to all three insecticide types tested. The mosquitoes in Aminlengbe exhibited higher resistance to organochlorine (71% mortality), organophosphate (73%), pirimiphos methyl (73%), and carbamates (83%) and bendiocarb (88%) compared to those in Akanlanbi, which had lower resistance to pirimiphos methyl (94%) and carbamates (67%) and bendiocarb (86%). In contrast, mosquitoes from the other three sites (Edun, Niger, Shao-garage) were mostly susceptible (98%-100%) to the organophosphate insecticide pirimiphos methyl but showed varying susceptibility to the two carbamate insecticides tested (propoxur and bendiocarb). Mosquitoes at these sites were 98.4%-99.5% susceptible to bendiocarb, yet resistant to propoxur (88.7%-94.6%). The study attributes environmental pollution at these breeding sites to historical agricultural practices, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal, contributing to insecticide resistance among mosquito populations. This resistance poses significant challenges to malaria vector control efforts in Ilorin. The study emphasizes the urgent need for integrated vector management (IVM) strategies that incorporate environmental management into vector control plans. This study therefore recommends adopting pesticide and fertilizer degradation strategies, improving waste management practices, implementing comprehensive IVM approaches, developing supportive policies, and enhancing community awareness and participation to mitigate mosquito-borne diseases and ensure effective malaria control amidst rising insecticide resistance.

Environmental management control systems and environmental innovation: Unintended consequences of the EU non-financial reporting directive

We examine the effect of regulatory-driven environmental management control systems (EMCS) on environmental innovation by exploiting the non-financial reporting Directive 2014/95/EU as a quasi-natural experiment. One explicit aim of this directive is to improve the measuring, monitoring, and managing of undertakings’ performance and their impact on society. A regulated context may compel managers to prioritize external regulatory requirements over their specific organizational contingencies. This shift could lead to a decrease in flexibility, which is needed to effectively accelerate environmental innovation, arguably one of the corporate flagships for enhancing environmental performance. We perform a difference-in-differences design using the EU directive as a plausible exogenous shock to EMCS and environmental innovation. Our results suggest that: (i) the directive under study increases the adoption of EMCS, (ii) non-regulated EMCS foster environmental innovation and, even more importantly, (iii) regulatory-driven EMCS have a short-term (temporary) lessening effect on environmental innovation. In further analysis we find that this lessening effect reverses from t+1 onwards, once internal frictions are overcome, with the effect being positive in the long run.

Environmental management control system, blockchain adoption, cleaner production, and product efficiency on environmental reputation and performance: Empirical evidence from Indonesia

This research investigates the intricate relationships between Environmental Management Control Systems (EMCS), Blockchain Adoption (BCHA), Cleaner Production (CLPR), Product Efficiency (PROD), Environmental Reputation (ENRE), and Environmental Performance (ENPE) within organizational contexts in Indonesia. The study aims to shed light on the role of technology adoption, sustainability practices, and reputation management in shaping environmental outcomes. Methodologically, the research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing survey data from diverse organizations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzes the data and tests the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between EMCS and BCHA, EMCS and CLPR, EMCS and PROD, BCHA and CLPR, BCHA and PROD, and BCHA and ENRE. Cleaner Production demonstrates a substantial positive impact on both ENRE and ENPE. Product Efficiency influences ENRE positively. However, the direct influence of PROD on ENPE is found to be inconclusive. The study contributes to understanding sustainability dynamics by highlighting the pivotal roles of EMCS, BCHA, CLPR, and PROD in driving environmental reputation and performance within organizations. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of aligning perceived reputation with tangible environmental commitment. Limitations include potential data constraints and the challenge of establishing causality due to the study's correlational nature. Future research is encouraged to explore diverse contexts, conduct in-depth case studies, and investigate moderating variables. This research offers novel insights into the complex interplay between technology adoption, sustainability practices, reputation management, and environmental outcomes, providing valuable guidance for organizations striving to navigate the sustainability landscape in an era of heightened environmental awareness.

Studies on the Prevalence Rate of Neoplastic Growth in Fish Johniuss Dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1833) of Karachi Coast Due to Polluted Sea Environment

Background: With the growing concern over the impacts of environmental pollution on marine life, this study addresses the critical issue of neoplastic growth in fish populations. The increasing prevalence of tumors in fish due to contaminated marine environments has raised alarms about ecosystem health and public health implications. Objective: The primary objective of this research was to assess the prevalence and seasonal variation of neoplastic growth in fish populations, particularly focusing on the impact of environmental pollution. Methods: Fish specimens were collected from various markets and examined for neoplastic growth. The study employed observational techniques, statistical analyses including ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test, and assessed seasonal variations from January 2019 to December 2022. Results: A total of 2,373 fish were examined, with 193 cases of neoplastic growth identified, indicating a substantial prevalence of tumors. The statistical analysis revealed significant variations in tumor prevalence, with a notable correlation to environmental factors. Conclusion: The study concludes that environmental pollution significantly impacts the prevalence of neoplastic growth in fish populations. This has profound implications for marine ecology and public health, emphasizing the need for effective environmental management and pollution control measures.

Quantification and visualization of groundwater contamination prevention regionalization based on analytic hierarchy process method (AHP) in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, South China

The groundwater contamination assessment and prevention regionalization are an important part of groundwater investigation, which is of great significance to groundwater environmental management and contamination control. Although the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GHM Greater Bay Area) has faced significant groundwater contamination since 2020, there's been no investigation into its vulnerability zonation. In this paper, groundwater in a typical area of south China was taken as the research object. We analyzed groundwater contamination risk by considering both the groundwater vulnerability and the load from contamination sources. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, we superposed the groundwater risk, function value and contamination status, and realized the quantification and visualization of groundwater contamination prevention regionalization. Based on the DRASTIC model, the zones of low, moderate, high, and very high vulnerability are respectively 14.2 %, 24.28 %, 37.67 %, and 20.45 % of the study area. Results show that the groundwater vulnerability grade in the area is III-IV, which means it is easy to be polluted. The functional value of groundwater in the south-central part of the region is relatively high. Most of the areas with high prevention and control levels are located in plain areas and the Piedmont plain area with an area of 460 km2. The secondary control levels (key protection area) are mainly located in the middle, southwest, and northeast of the plain, with an area of 6944 square kilometers. Consequently, the ideas and contamination prevention zone maps might provide a scientific foundation for long-term planning and management and groundwater conservation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and peripheral zones.

Vigilant Signage and the Ephemeral in the Magical Landscape of the Moluccas: An Analysis of Nuaulu Scare Charms

Scare charms, in Ambonese Malay matakau, have long been a feature of the Moluccan landscape, but are little documented. They are erected by landowners or resource-owners either in response to infringements and thefts of property or to protect property from interference and theft. The sanction that makes them effective is the threat of spirit or some other kind of supernatural revenge or punishment. This article’s systematic treatment of Nuaulu matakau from the island of Seram shows how scare charms work as part of a system of sanctions. Particular emphasis is placed on a landscape perspective that permits us to see them as a spatially distributed set of material objects in relation to other physical signs and spiritually supported institutions involved in both resource and environmental management and social control.

Environmental management control systems: Exploring the economic motivation behind their implementation

Environmental management control systems (EMCSs) effectively integrate environmental objectives into corporate decision-making, yet implementation costs may discourage their adoption. To understand firms’ economic motivation for implementing EMCSs, we theorize that internal and external factors drive both their economic performance and the decision to implement EMCSs. We argue that the environmental costs induced by firms’ pollution intensity drive the economic benefits of EMCSs as well as their implementation. Additionally, we suggest that this relationship depends on society’s environmental awareness. By introducing an archival measure of EMCS implementation, we test these hypotheses on a longitudinal dataset of European and US firms. Our results support the argument that environmental costs drive EMCSs’ economic benefits and implementation. We also find that environmental awareness in societies influences the impact of environmental costs. Our study highlights the importance of environmental awareness in society for aligning environmental and economic goals and thus to increase corporate environmentalism.

The Effect of Environmental Management Accounting and Control System Integration on Sustainability Orientation through Sectoral Green Economy Mediation

The orientation of sustainability within the scope of the company refers to the company's efforts to create long-term value by taking into account the social, environmental and economic impacts of the company's business activities. To achieve the goals of organizational development, companies must carry out effective environmental management. Company activities that are inseparable from natural resources must pay attention to the condition of the surrounding environment so as not to cause damage to the environment. The purpose of this study is to analyze how far the influence of environmental management accounting factors and the integration of control systems on the company's sustainability orientation. Then in this study will also analyze the effect of sectoral green economy as a mediating factor. The use of green economy sectoral factors aims to create an economy that also focuses on environmental protection. The research method used is a quantitative research method. The number of samples used in this study were 512 respondents. Respondents who were sampled were managers and employees of state-owned, mining & plantation companies in Indonesia. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling technique. Then the data were analyzed using SmartPLS software. From the results of the research above, it can be concluded that the environmental management accounting and control system integration variables have a significant effect on sectoral green economy and sustainability orientation. Then the sectoral green economy is also capable of being a good mediating factor in bridging the influence of environmental management accounting and control system integration on sustainability orientation.

The Impact of Financial Resources, Natural Ecological Orientation, and Environmental Innovation Capabilities on Environmental Management Accounting Across Kenyan SMEs

Nowadays competitiveness in the global manufacturing industry does not rely only on industry location, employment, productivity, and innovation. However, environmental regulations and standards (e.g, European countries (EU) policies and regulations) also have a significant impact on firms' competitive advantage (Dechezleprêtre & Sato, 2017; Agan et al. 2013). This is clearly manifested in exporters' performance from SMEs, especially in developing countries such as Kenya (Massoud et al., 2010), which show instability in the sales of shares in the EU (Osano, 2019). Qian et al., (2015) emphasized the advantages of implementing Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) as desirable environmental information systems export barrier overcome and boosting competitiveness. The determinants influencing Environmental Management Control Systems (EMCS) for superior performance or Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) based on Natural Resource Based View (NRBV) is the subject matter of an ongoing debate (Asiaei et al., 2022). However, there has been increasing attention placed on the impact of Intangible resources (IRs) (Latan et al., 2018), since these resources were regarded as the most likely sources of a company's success because they are difficult to be acquired and replicated (Kamasak, 2017). On the other hand, tangible resources (TRs) (e.g. financial resources) have largely been ignored (Schriber & Löwstedt 2015). Corporations especially SMEs also need to integrate financial resources which are considered intrinsic manifestations of the context in which organizational activities occur (Schriber & Löwstedt 2015). At the same time, Newbert, (2007) confirmed that neither intangible nor tangible resources could have actual value without effective capabilities integration as both resources are considered static in nature. Keywords: Natural Resource Based View, Financial Resources, Natural Ecological Orientation, Environmental Innovation Capabilities. Environmental Management Accounting

The relationship of organizational culture with management control systems and environmental management control systems

This paper expands upon examinations of the flexibility–stability continuum of organizational culture in the extant literature by identifying how the four culture types of the competing values framework are associated with the emphasis on management control systems (MCS) and environmental management control systems (EMCS). By analyzing data drawn from a dyadic survey addressing both heads of management accounting and heads of sustainability or environmental management, this paper provides empirical evidence for multiple direct associations of different culture types, specifically, adhocracy, bureaucracy, clan, and market cultures, with a set of environmental and general management controls, specifically, action, cultural, personnel, and results controls. For instance, bureaucracy cultures are positively associated with action, personnel, and results controls for MCS and cultural controls for EMCS, while clan cultures are positively associated with cultural and personnel controls for MCS but negatively associated with action and results controls for EMCS. According to our findings, firms cannot transfer their emphasis on general MCS to specific EMCS because different organizational cultures are associated with MCS and EMCS in different ways. This disentanglement of organizational culture facilitates a deeper understanding of environmental controls at the organizational level.

Assessment of heavy metal accumulation in dust and leaves of Conocarpus erectus in urban areas: Implications for phytoremediation

This study investigated the spatio-temporal variation of heavy metal concentrations in roadside dust and its correlation with heavy metal content in roadside plant leaves. Sixty re-suspended dust samples were collected from six locations during two seasons (dry and wet). Simultaneously, leaf samples of Conocarpus erectus were collected from the same locations. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the concentrations of As, Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Ni. The pH and conductivity of the dust were also analyzed using a glass electrode. The mean concentrations (μg/g) of heavy metals in the dust ranged from 0.337 to 6.34 for As, 10.60–55.39 for Cu, 542.17–1453.45 for Fe, 0.193–1.026 for Cd, 11.82–52.56 for Pb, and 10.19–29.27 for Ni in different seasons. Similarly, the concentrations of heavy metals in the leaf samples ranged from 0.031 to 1.70 for As, 6.90–13.19 for Cu, 263.09–576.16 for Fe, 0.299–1.33 for Cd, 0.019–17.82 for Pb, and 2.09–7.015 for Ni in different seasons. The correlation between heavy metal concentrations in different seasons was examined using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation methods. To compare the bioaccumulation ability, bio-concentration factors (BCF), comprehensive bio-concentration index (CBCI), and metal accumulation index (MAI) were calculated. The Conocarpus erectus MAI was consistent across different locations and seasons (24.49 ± 0.149). Based on CBCI, the bioaccumulation capacity of heavy metals they were ranged from 6.57 to 12.83 in the dry season and from 5.84 to 10.24 in the wet season. These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution and accumulation of heavy metals in roadside dust and plant leaves, highlighting the potential of Conocarpus erectus as a bio-accumulator for heavy metal pollution in urban environments. The results can be utilized to develop appropriate strategies for environmental management and pollution control in areas affected by vehicular pollution.

A novel strategy for screening mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of Aedes albopictus based on multiplex PCR-mass spectrometry minisequencing technology

BackgroundThe current prevention and control strategy for Aedes albopictus heavily relies on comprehensive management, such as environmental management and chemical control. However, the wide application of pyrethroids has facilitated the development of insecticide resistance, primarily via mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene. This study aims to develop a novel strategy for detecting mutations in the VGSC gene in Ae. albopictus using multiplex PCR-mass spectrometry (MPCR-MS) minisequencing technology.MethodsWe established a new strategy for detecting mutations in the VGSC gene in Ae. albopictus using MPCR-MS minisequencing technology. MPCR amplification and mass probe extension (MPE) were first used, followed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing mass spectrometry, which allows the simultaneous detection of multiple mutation sites of the VGSC gene in 96 samples of Ae. albopictus. A total of 70 wild-collected Ae. albopictus were used to evaluate the performance of the method by comparing it with other methods.ResultsThree target sites (1016, 1532, 1534) in the VGSC gene can be detected simultaneously by double PCR amplification combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry, achieving a detection limit of 20 fg/μl. We applied this method to 70 wild-collected Ae. albopictus, and the obtained genotypes were consistent with the routine sequencing results, suggesting the accuracy of our method.ConclusionsMPCR-MS minisequencing technology provides a sensitive and high-throughput approach to Ae. albopictus VGSC gene mutation screening. Compared with conventional sequencing, this method is economical and time-saving. It is of great value for insecticide resistance surveillance in areas with a high risk of vector-borne disease.Graphical

High-Resolution Daily Spatiotemporal Distribution and Evaluation of Ground-Level Nitrogen Dioxide Concentration in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on TROPOMI Data

This study utilized TROPOMI remote sensing data, MODIS remote sensing data, ground observation data, and other ancillary data to construct a high-resolution spatiotemporal distribution and evaluation of ground-level NO2 concentrations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region using the Geographic Temporal Neural Network Weighted Regression (GTNNWR) model. Through this model, we obtained the daily distribution of ground-level nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region at a resolution of 500 m for the period of 2019–2022. The research results exhibited higher accuracy and more detailed features compared to other models, enabling a more accurate reflection of the spatial distribution and temporal variations of ground-level NO2 concentrations in the region, while retaining more details and trends and excluding the influence of noisy data. Furthermore, we conducted an evaluation analysis considering important events such as public health incidents and the Winter Olympics. The results demonstrated that the GTNNWR model outperformed the Random Forest (RF), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Geographic Neural Network Weighted Regression (GNNWR) models in performance metrics such as R2, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE, showcasing greater reliability when considering spatiotemporal heterogeneity and spatiotemporal non-stationarity. This study provides crucial data support and reference for atmospheric environmental management and pollution prevention and control in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region.

Environmental Management Control Systems and Environmental Performance: Direct and Indirect Effect

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effect of environmental management control systems on environmental performance. Testing is carried out directly or through the environmental strategy mediation role. Theoretical framework: In contrast to previous studies, this research focuses on managerial activity processes that enable, encourage, ensure how a company and facilitate practices that achieve environmental performance and strategies to achieve it. The research model is built on the basis of stakeholder theory and contingency theory. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted through an online survey of hotel managers in Makassar City, Indonesia. Data analysis was performed by regression, path analysis and Sobel test. Findings: The results of the study prove that the environmental management control system has a positive and significant effect on environmental strategy and environmental performance. The Sobel test also proves that environmental strategy mediates the influence of environmental management control systems on environmental performance. Research, Practical & Social implications: This research covers hotels in Makassar, not all of them in Indonesia; therefore, generalizing the findings of this study should be exercised with caution. Secondly, this study assumes hotel homogeneity and does not consider hotel type. The findings of this study also provide recommendations on public policy and business practices to integrate environmental issues into managerial processes and decision-making as well as corporate control. Further research can expand this research by considering contextual and other contingency aspects. In addition, future research may use a larger sample and longitudinal data which allows to investigate changes in strategic environmental management control system policies over time. Originality/value: Improvements in research on environmental management control systems have become a very important issue in supporting the themes of sustainability in business practices globally. The originality of this research focuses on managerial processes to support sustainability practices in business, especially business practices in hotels.

Feature fusion improves performance and interpretability of machine learning models in identifying soil pollution of potentially contaminated sites

Owing to the rapid development of big data technology, use of machine learning methods to identify soil pollution of potentially contaminated sites (PCS) at regional scales and in different industries has become a research hot spot. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining key indexes of site pollution sources and pathways, current methods have problems such as low accuracy of model predictions and insufficient scientific basis. In this study, we collected the environmental data of 199 PCS in 6 typical industries involving heavy metal and organic pollution. Then, 21 indexes based on basic information, potential for pollution from product and raw material, pollution control level, and migration capacity of soil pollutants were used to established the soil pollution identification index system. We fused the original indexes into the new feature subset with 11 indexes through the method of consolidation calculation. The new feature subset was then used to train machine learning models of random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and multilayer perceptron (MLP), and tested to determine whether it improved the accuracy and precision of soil pollination identification models. The results of correlation analysis showed that the four new indexes created by feature fusion have the correlation with soil pollution is similar to the original indexes. The accuracies and precisions of three machine learning models trained on the new feature subset were 67.4%− 72.9% and 72.0%− 74.7%, which were 2.1%− 2.5% and 0.3%− 5.7% higher than these of the models trained on original indexes, respectively. When the PCS were divided into typical heavy metal and organic pollution sites according to the enterprise industries, the accuracy of the model trained on the two datasets for identifying soil heavy metal and organic pollution were significantly improve to approximately 80%. Owing to the imbalance in positive and negative samples in the prediction of soil organic pollution, the precisions of soil organic pollution identification models were 58%− 72.5%, which were significantly lower than their accuracies. According to the factors analysis based on the model interpretability of SHAP, most of the indexes of basic information, potential for pollution from product and raw material, and pollution control level had different degrees of impact on soil pollution. However, the indexes of migration capacity of soil pollutants had the least effect in the classification task of soil pollution identification of PCS. Among the indexes, traces of soil pollution, industrial utilization years/start-up time, pollution control risk scores and enterprise scale having the greatest effects on soil pollution with the mean SHAP values of 0.17–0.36, which reflected their contribution rate on soil pollution and could help to optimize the current index scoring of the technical regulation for identifying site soil pollution. This study provides a new technical method to identify soil pollution based on big data and machine learning methods, in addition to providing a reference and scientific basis for environmental management and soil pollution control of PCS.

Collaborative Seismic Environment Plan (CSEP) project – a long-term, consistent, consortium-based approach to environmental approvals

The Collaborative Seismic Environment Plan (CSEP) project was formed in 2018 by NERA (National Energy Resources Australia) and an industry consortium of marine seismic acquisition operators and exploration titleholders. Using a collaborative approach, the vision of the CSEP project was to streamline seismic survey environment plan preparation, submission and assessment by the regulator (National Offshore Petroleum Environmental and Safety Authority, NOPSEMA), with an emphasis on mutually agreed protocols with commercial fishers operating within the CSEP Operational Area. Stakeholder consultation undertaken during Environmental Plan (EP) preparation was identified by the consortium as a principal cause for concern and a common reason for unsuccessful EP submissions. The CSEP project has achieved the project’s vision through: A Commercial Fishing Industry Adjustment Protocol to provide a standardised, evidence-based process to assess and provide monetary adjustment to commercial fishers for loss of catch, displacement and gear loss/damage; an Operational Protocol to provide guidance regarding improved communications with commercial fishers, including the spatial and temporal repetition and advanced notifications of seismic activities; a single overarching approvals framework for seismic activities within the CSEP Operational Area; a consistent assessment of environmental receptors, potential impacts, and management controls for seismic activities; and Improved understanding of potential cumulative impacts of seismic activities across the CSEP Operational Area. The CSEP project is an example of best practice stakeholder consultation that can be applied to offshore oil and gas and renewable energy activities.