Environmental Management Issues Research Articles

The Negative Impact of ESG on the Australian Minerals Supply Chain

With the full implementation of the ESG standards in Australia, supply chain management in the mining industry faces challenges. This research utilized Mineral Resources Limited (MRL) as an example to discover how environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) factors affect supply chain management. It applies MRL management costs and operations to analyze and integrate with the academic literature on ESG frameworks and supply chain management. It concludes with three points: Environmental management issues affect the delivery of minerals downstream in the supply chain, and an EMS system should be applied to manage them dynamically. Community cooperation and employment equity issues affect the cooperation and operation of mining businesses upstream of the supply chain, so the Community Engagement and Development Program (CEDP) system should be adopted to maintain community communication. Non-transparent governance issues affect both upstream operations and shake downstream investors' confidence. The Governance Enhancement and Compliance Programme (GECP) system can enhance decision-making transparency and compliance with governance policies. This research bridges the gap in negative ESG impacts on the mining industry. It proposes three new systems that serve as a model for future company adoption to cater to ESG standards.

Waste to resource recovery at a marina: Empirical evidence of upstream and downstream innovation for circularity

In 2021, an Australian research centre partnered with a regional marina and shipyard where 90 businesses build, refit, and maintain boats in premium condition. Tenants and owners grapple with environmental waste management issues. Since there is a gap in applying action research but numerous calls to co-produce solutions and participate in translating ideas into practice, action research was used in this case study involving upstream and downstream innovation for circularity. Mixed methods data was collected through interviews, stakeholder workshops, and waste audits. A strategic action plan was created for closing the loop on waste. Interventions included tackling toxic, degradable products with natural alternatives, trading and remanufacturing materials to extend product life cycles, testing problematic materials, and pursuing product stewardship. This study is novel because it extends diffusion of innovation theory to real-world impact through a co-innovation process. Results underscore that ongoing achievements depend on properly sorting waste, accessing reprocessing facilities, and maintaining dedicated staff and partnerships, especially legislative support for making continuous improvement.

Novel methods to monitor the biodegradation of polylactic acid (PLA) by Amycolatopsis orientalis and Amycolatopsis thailandensis.

Plastics are essential in modern life, but their conventional production is problematic due to environmental pollution and waste management issues. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bioplastic that is bio-based and biodegradable, making it a key player in the bioeconomy. PLA has been proven to be degradable in various settings, including aqueous, soil, and compost environments. However, monitoring and optimizing PLA biodegradation remains challenging. This study proposes methods to improve the quantification of PLA biodegradation by Amycolatopsis spp. Ultrasound treatments (10s) significantly improved the enumeration of viable Amycolatopsis cells by breaking the pellets into quantifiable individual cells. A separation technique combining ultrasound (120s) and 40μm cell strainers effectively isolated PLA particles from biomass to quantify PLA weight loss. This enabled the monitoring of PLA biofragmentation. Finally, CO2 production was measured according to ISO 14852 to quantify mineralization. Integrating these methods provides an improved quantification for PLA biodegradation along its different stages. In a case study, this led to the construction of a carbon balance where 85.1% of initial carbon content was successfully tracked. The developed techniques for monitoring of PLA biodegradation are essential to design future waste management strategies for biodegradable plastics.

Eutrophication hotspots, nitrogen fluxes and climate impacts in estuarine ecosystems: A model study of the Odra estuary system

The Odra estuary in the southern Baltic Sea comprises the Odra (Szczecin) Lagoon, the Pomeranian Bay and a number of other shallow water areas and channels. Known for its abundance of fish, eutrophication in the Odra Lagoon is a pressing issue for science and environmental management representing a global problem: What determines the seasonal variability of nitrogen and nitrogen turnover in shallow water areas, and how does seasonal variability change due to climatic changes such as warming and sea level rise? How do such changes affect nutrient exports to the regional ocean? This study employs a high-resolution unstructured model system to investigate physical-biogeochemical interactions, nitrogen turnover, and conditions leading to nitrogen export to the Baltic Sea within the Odra estuary. The research comprises hindcast and a climatic experiment with modified water level and temperature inputs. The model reproduces the thermohaline dynamics of brackish shallow water areas, phytoplankton blooms and the variability of inorganic nitrogen. The simulations identify the dynamic partitioning of the Odra Lagoon into the highly eutrophic, lake-like Small Lagoon and more frequently flushed, zooplankton-rich Great Lagoon. Although the two years of the hindcast simulation feature very different boundary conditions in terms of river forcing, comparable patterns of seasonal nitrogen export emerge. In a climate change experiment with increased sea levels and global temperatures, the system appears sensitive, but remains stable with regard to nutrient transport and is therefore predictable. The climate change experiment reveals enhanced primary producer biomass concentrations, suggesting heightened eutrophication. While in the shallow waters of Odra Lagoon oxygen concentration remains relatively stable, oxygen depletion intensifies as the lagoon outflows enter the Pomeranian Bay. This phenomenon is linked to increased denitrification within the stratified Odra plume. Deeper, meandering channels, such as Swina, demonstrate resilience to oxygen reduction, influenced by sea level rise and enhanced currents. Based on the temporal-spatial high-resolution coupled, validated simulations, it is possible to develop tailor-made management solutions without having to run expensive and complicated observation campaigns in the shallow waters with complex topography.

Determination of thermomechanical properties in recycled PLA filaments for 3D printers

In recent times, the issue of plastic recycling has become one of the leading issues of environmental protection and waste management. Polymer materials are found applied in many areas of daily life and industry. Along with their extended use, the problem of plastic waste appeared because, after withdrawal from use, they became persistent and noxious wastes. The possibility of reusing polymeric materials enables waste utilization to obtain consumable products. The 3D printing market is a well-growing sector. Printable filaments can be made from various thermoplastic materials, including those from recycling. This paper studies the thermal-mechanical properties of recycled polylactic acid (PLA) material filaments obtained from 3D-printed specimens. The analysis was first with the virgin filament (PLA N) and, subsequently, two recycling cycles (PLA 1 and PLA 2). There were thermal properties evaluations for the three processing types, as follows: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile test for both specimens and filaments. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) remained at their typical values. The same happened with the melting temperature (Tm). In the TGA, the PLA thermal stability remained constant. The FTIR presented the functional groups unaltered for the recycled samples. In the second filament recycling, the tensile strength decreased by 26%, and the maximum strain was 40%, compared to PLA N. The same occurred to PLA 2 specimens; the maximum stress and strain decreased by 45% and 31%, respectively. In terms of crystallinity, this presented a variation of 86% of the virgin material for the second recycling cycle, which correlated to tensile strength shows a weakness in the PLA recycled structure, decreasing the strain until the fracture and the tensile strength.

Proceed with Caution: Social Acceptability of Forestry Practices in Puerto Rico among Members of Local Environmental Organizations, Academia and Professional Associations.

Social acceptability of forestry practices plays a key role in defining sustainable forestry policies and strategies. In this study an online survey was distributed among members of environmental, non-governmental, professional, and academic organizations to assess the acceptability of forestry practices in Puerto Rico among members of civic society interested in environmental management issues. Participants were asked about their perception of forest uses, their preference of tree harvesting technologies, methods that may apply in small scale wood production settings, and trust in organizations providing forest information. We also inquired about attitudes towards economic activity in forests and the impact of such activity on recreation and biodiversity. The results show that even though participants do not place a high priority on economic development through forestry activities, acceptance of forest management for wood harvesting will be possible by considering adherence to particular forestry technologies and methods to safeguard current recreation activities and biodiversity conservation. Social acceptability information would be worthwhile when seeking consensus among a broader group of local stakeholders. As a next step we suggest the creation of a council constituted by diverse forestry sector stakeholders that would engage in a strategic planning exercise to delineate a clear road map that can guide short and long-term sustainable forest management, including wood industry development.

How are political parties in Indonesia responding to the environmental crisis?

The environmental issues of living have become a crucial issue in the development of Indonesia in the last few decades. The issue of environmental management has been a narrative that has always been debated in political controversy events since the collapse of the Soeharto regime, and is still a very difficult homework to solve by the post-Suharto regime. Democracy also continues to push for improvements in environmental governance such as strengthening the role of civil society in overseeing state policies, increasingly sharp media role in investigating environmental damage and corrupt policies, and increasingly open public awareness. Environmental issues such as mining policies, the displacement of forests, the grinding of sea sand, mollusks and so on seem to be not very prominent in political party discussions. Even life-related issues are not central to political parties. Very few political parties put environmental issues in their vision and mission, which is why the study focuses on political narrative and how intensely political parties raise environmental themes in political party discussions in Indonesia. The political approach to the living environment is the basis of this study which is elaborated with netnographic studies to review the political narrative of the life environment by the party.

Risk management in safety standards and environmental management issues of housing construction

At present, the threat of technogenesis is not weakening despite the measures taken to reduce the levels of negative impact on the environment. In this regard, the authors analyze the standardization of risk management as an effective tool for monitoring the safety of not only design decisions in housing construction, but also any economic activity. The article discusses the safety aspects set out in Russian standards (GOSTs) and international guidelines. The analyzed regulatory documentation answers the question of how to achieve an acceptable level of risk. The basic concepts of risk assessment are given. There are positive changes in state standards in the safety area. Federal Law N7 regulates the leadership of the employer, and not his responsibility. As part of the improvement of environmental management for housing construction, the use of certain penalties, interest fines and forfeits looks quite natural. The main goal of the international standard ISO 14001 is not to point out the need for managers to have leadership qualities as the main factor in ensuring environmental safety for the construction industry, but to form a responsible attitude towards the environment and natural resources as the most important asset of economic activity. The article raises the issue that risk analysts cannot be fully guided by domestic standards due to their lack of development and inconsistency with the universal international documents ISO 31000:2018 "Risk management - Guidelines" and ISO 14001:2016 "Environmental management systems". A special risk assessment approach should be developed that describes the interaction of various scenarios, which will provide an increased environmental and economic effect in the field of housing construction safety.

Analysis of External, Peer, and Internal Measures of the Enterprise

In the current society, if a company needs to become strong, it needs to achieve the following three key points: analyzing the external environment of the company, comparing policies between companies, and solving internal problems within the company. This paper investigated the business environment and internal management issues of British enterprises in recent years by using the environment analysis model (PESTEL model). Many companies are collected as research samples, among which Sainsbury Supermarket was used as an example to explore the role of PESTEL factors. Nestle and Coca-Cola were used as a comparison to horizontally analyze management decisions between enterprises. Coca-Cola and Nestle both introduced ESG policies, participated in establishing principles and summarized KPIs, but different people undertake the same tasks and different responsibilities. Moreover, financial reasons would lead to turnover. The worse the financial problem, the higher the turnover rate. The improving policies are conducted through monthly cross-department meetings, wide newsletters and Open-door policies.

Towards a sustainable fisher-dolphin coexistence: Understanding depredation, assessing economic damage and evaluating management options

Finding solutions for a sustainable coexistence between wildlife and humans is considered among the most challenging environmental management issues for scientists, conservationists, managers, and stockholders world-wide. Depredation by the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) on small scale fisheries has increased in the recent years, leading to a growing conflict in many areas of the Mediterranean Sea and pressing for urgent management solutions. This study aims at developing a management framework for a sustainable coexistence between fishers and dolphins in Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea). Relying on the combination of different approaches (field study, literature review and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis), the scientific evidence necessary for understanding dolphin depredation were updated and improved, the related economic damage was calculated, and different management options were identified and evaluated by several stakeholder groups to support the decision-making process. Averaging for all investigated net types (gillnet and trammel net), a depredation frequency of 53% was found, the highest values ever found in both Sardinia and many other Mediterranean sites. Depredation probability was influenced by different factors, such as net type, fishing operation duration, depth of the fishing site and period. The estimated economic damage due to depredation ranges on average between 6492 and 11,925 euro per year and depends on the type of fishing net. The results from the field study, the literature review and the stakeholder involvement allowed us to define the most plausible and shared management options, identifying a framework for assessing and managing the conflict between fishers and dolphins for the creation of a more sustainable vision for the future.

Analysis of the Environment, Climate Change and Habitat Pillar of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria

How a government identifies needs during uncertain times, is a reliable measure of its perception and sensitivity to critical governance issues. This study was conducted to determine how much attention and mainstreaming is given to the issues of climate change and disaster risk reduction, especially in these uncertain times of disasters and climate crisis. Using the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN blueprint as case, the paper sought to know among other research questions, how disaster risk reduction and climate change, DRR/CCA, surfaced in the document and determine if any pattern can be deduced from the DRR/CCA mainstreaming in the document and also know if there are noted lapses from DRR/CCA portrayal in the document when compared with the /DRR/CCA frameworks. This study employed a qualitative methodology using the interpretive approach through digital fieldwork. Among other findings, there is a subtle implication that for effective management of environmental issues and concerns through the DRR/CCA lens, the environment is much more than the physical environment. Its issues and concerns are subject to socio-cultural, economic, political, and other possible variables. Also, there are no strong indications of solid arrangements for risk assessment, disaster readiness, early warning systems, and a sincere preparedness to protect people, infrastructure and other assets from the impacts of disaster. The study recommends that proactive steps be taken to strengthen institutions and shore up arrangements and truly commit to building capacity and ensuring people’s active involvement /participation, in strategies/policy formulations.

Environmentally friendly radiation EDTA modified hydrogel based on gelatin for adsorptive removal of cationic and anionic dye from synthetic wastewater

Colored wastewater discharge from several industries, including paper, cosmetics, leather, dying, and textile industries, is a significant environmental management issue, especially in developing countries. Copolymerization of acrylic acid (AAc) as well as gelatin (Gltn) was performed in different compositions and crosslinked utilizing gamma irradiation to form Gltn/AAc hydrogel. EDTA has modified the hydrogel to improve adsorption properties. The effect of irradiation dose, the composition of Gltn-AAc, EDTA content, and AAc content on gel percentage was studied. The swelling behavior were studied as a time function. The prepared hydrogels’ surface morphologies and structure were confirmed with FTIR, SEM, as well as XRD. Modified hydrogel used in batch adsorption was studied to remove anionic and cationic dyes, namely methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB), from simulated wastewater. The parameters of adsorption, like pH, time, and initial metals concentration, were studied. The removal of MB dye by modified Gltn/AAc/EDTA hydrogel was found to be greater than that of MO dye.

Проблемные вопросы локального мониторинга земель территорий традиционного природопользования при оценке воздействия нефтегазовых месторождений (на примере Ханты-Мансийского автономного округа – Югры)

In this article, the object of the study is the scientific foundations and methodology of local land monitoring in traditional environmental management territories, as specially protected areas. Its priority purpose is for traditional environmental management Issues of local land reliability monitoring data and methods of obtaining them have remained relevant for more than 20 years. With the development of digital technologies and employing remote sensing, the monitoring procedure is faster and more efficient, however, the information retrieved in this way requires verification and this currently can only be done through conducting field surveys of the territory and using instrumental methods control. The obtained local monitoring data enables resolving environmental and economic issues related to the management of land resources in traditional environmental approach areas of the Extreme North at the local level. The purpose of the study is to improve the scientific and methodological foundations of local monitoring in above mentioned zones (hereinafter referred to as TMP), taking into account the regional characteristics of the pointed territories. The theoretical and methodological foundations for that in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra are considered; the impact of oil and gas production facilities on the ecological state of land resources was determined; proposals for improving the control at the TTP for traditional environmental management are substantiated

Application of Remote Sensing Technology in the Field of Lake Pollution Control and Monitoring

Lake pollution has always been one of the significant environmental concerns for humanity. This article explores the hazards of lake pollution and analyzes whether remote sensing technology is meaningful for monitoring and controlling lake pollution in the context of abundant remote sensing resources. The results show that remote sensing technology can help people monitor the pollution status of lakes and assess the effectiveness of their management more easily. This article investigates the role of remote sensing technology in eutrophication, organic pollution, and heavy metal contamination, along with the challenges faced. It also examines the application of remote sensing technology in lake degradation, restoration, and management. It concludes that remote sensing technology can indeed play a role in lake pollution monitoring and control, offering benefits such as reduced labor, time, and spatial costs. The article aims to find more reasonable ways to address lake pollution control and lake environmental management issues while minimizing the ecological impacts of lake pollution.

Types of organizational culture and sustainability in ecotourism businesses in southern Mexico

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between different types of organizational culture (hierarchical, clan or group, market or rational and adhocratic) and sustainability through three dimensions (economic, environmental and social) in ecotourism businesses in Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico.Design/methodology/approachIn this research 80 questionnaires were administered in the form of face-to-face interviews to ecotourism business owners'. Through a discriminant analysis and the theoretical support of the competing values framework (CVF), the prevailing types of culture were identified, and their influence was analysed through a regression analysis.FindingsThe results show that ecotourism businesses which are driven by hierarchical culture tend to have a greater focus on economic sustainability, while those businesses with a market or rational culture show a positive and significant influence on environmental sustainability. Likewise, businesses with adhocratic culture achieve sustainability holistically; however, the data reveal that clan or group culture is not associated with social sustainability.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical research that explains the relationship between organizational culture and sustainability. Additionally, it contributes to the study of environmental management issues in the ecotourism sector.

Quality, operating properties and environmental safety of automobile road in sustainable economic development (Tomsk)

Despite positive changes in the road construction associated with the implementation of national projects aimed at a significant increase in the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the road and transport infrastructure, the resource conservation, environmental protection and safety remain relevant due to insufficient attention to them. Purpose: The analysis of the relationship between quality indicators and environmental safety of the road in the sustainable development. Approach: Balance is considered between ecological, social, economic components of the road transport infrastructure. The integrated development of road construction should serve as a functional basis of this infrastructure at all stages of the life cycle: the road design, construction, operation. Research findings: The correspondence of the actual situation in regions to modern regulatory and legal documents and economic possibilities of their implementation is considered herein. The impact of construction and operational and technological means on the environment is shown for the road life cycle. It is shown that the road construction must be oriented towards the use of innovative development that improves the quality and safety of the road transport infrastructure while addressing issues of resource conservation and environmental management.

Metabolic rift theory and the complexities of water conflict between India and Pakistan: A pathway to effective environmental management

The exacerbation of the historical and geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, largely attributed to colonial legacies, is further amplified due to climate change-induced water conflicts. These environmental management issues stemming from the climate crisis are urgent, demanding innovative and collaborative solutions. The primary aim of this article is to elucidate the complexities of the water conflict between India and Pakistan and propose more effective environmental management strategies that will ultimately foster regional peace and stability. The article applies the metabolic rift theory, a sociological approach, to comprehensively explain crisis-led ecological challenges in the Indo-Pak context. By applying this theory, the article reveals that collective environmental management strategies, particularly those aimed at water resource management, can significantly mitigate the impact of climate crisis and the related climate-induced conflicts. The study also proposes a need-based approach to environmental management, stressing the importance of having integrated water resource planning (harmoniously) shared between India and Pakistan. This includes ensuring sustainable wastewater treatment, securing freshwater quality, and guaranteeing an equitable distribution and utilization of water resources between these two nations.

Priorities and limitations of development of international scientific cooperation of circumpolar countries in the field of sustainable development of the Arctic

Aim. To identify priorities and limitations of the development of international scientific cooperation of circumpolar countries in the field of sustainable development of the Arctic.Tasks. To characterize circumpolar countries with identification of their natural, climatic and socio-economic features; to assess the impact of climate change on the sustainable development of circumpolar countries; to identify priorities for the development of international scientific cooperation in the field of sustainable development of the Arctic in the context of climate change; to identify the features of Arctic policy of circumpolar countries in modern conditions.Methods. The methodology of the presented study was developed based on its goal and the set scientific objectives. Arctic climate change is assessed by comparing a set of indicators for the period from 1971 to the present. The key priorities of the state Arctic policies of circumpolar countries are identified on the basis of the analysis of their political and program documents. The priorities for the development of international cooperation in the field of sustainable development of the Arctic are identified on the basis of the author’s works and correlated with the opinion of authoritative Arctic researchers.Results. The conducted research has shown that the rapid climate change in the Arctic has become the main challenge of natural origin to the sustainable development of circumpolar countries. The following priorities of scientific research within the framework of international cooperation of circumpolar countries in the field of sustainable development of the Arctic have been identified: first, comprehensive study of natural, anthropogenic, socio-economic processes in the Arctic; second, thorough documentation of the identified features; third, creation of a unified international database reflecting the ecological, economic, and social state of the Arctic territories; fourth, comprehensive modeling and assessment of the impact of climate change on the sustainable development of the Arctic; third, creation of a single international database reflecting the ecological, economic, and social state of the Arctic territories; third, creation of a single international database reflecting the ecological, economic, and social state of the Arctic territories; fourth, comprehensive modeling and assessment of the impact of climate change in the Arctic.Conclusions. The climate challenge of sustainable development of the Arctic territories can only be met through individual and joint efforts of all circumpolar countries. Initially, the national strategies of the circumpolar countries were based on a common aspiration: to work through close cooperation, including scientific cooperation, with international partners to achieve the common goal of creating a peaceful, economically successful and sustainable future for the Arctic. The exclusion of the Russian Federation (RF) from international scientific cooperation on issues of environmental management in the context of climate change repeatedly increases the risks of sustainable development of the Arctic territories.

Innovative Polymer Composites with Natural Fillers Produced by Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)-A Literature Review.

In recent years, plastics recycling has become one of the leading environmental and waste management issues. Along with the main advantage of plastics, which is undoubtedly their long life, the problem of managing their waste has arisen. Recycling is recognised as the preferred option for waste management, with the aim of reusing them to create new products using 3D printing. Additive manufacturing (AM) is an emerging and evolving rapid tooling technology. With 3D printing, it is possible to achieve lightweight structures with high dimensional accuracy and reduce manufacturing costs for non-standard geometries. Currently, 3D printing research is moving towards the production of materials not only of pure polymers but also their composites. Bioplastics, especially those that are biodegradable and compostable, have emerged as an alternative for human development. This article provides a brief overview of the possibilities of using thermoplastic waste materials through the application of 3D printing, creating innovative materials from recycled and naturally derived materials, i.e., biomass (natural reinforcing fibres) in 3D printing. The materials produced from them are ecological, widely available and cost-effective. Research activities related to the production of bio-based materials have gradually increased over the last two decades, with the aim of reducing environmental problems. This article summarises the efforts made by researchers to discover new innovative materials for 3D printing.

Parametric characterization of recycled polymers with nanofillers

AbstractThe increasing production of plastics and its resulting environmental problems and waste management issues have prompted stakeholders and communities to focus on reducing, recycling, and reusing plastic products at the industrial level. While many important initiatives have been launched with a circular economy perspective, there is still a lack of research on the mechanical properties of various mixtures of recycled plastics. To address this research gap, the primary objective of this study is to present a parametric investigation on the homogenization of four different types of plastics: virgin polypropylene, recycled polypropylene, recycled high‐density polyethylene, and recycled low‐density polyethylene. The study aims to develop a homogenization methodology for multimaterial plastics reinforced with carbon nanotubes, focusing on their mechanical behavior, especially the Young's modulus. The second section of the research focuses on studying the Melt Flow Index (MFI) of various mixtures of recycled plastics. By analyzing the MFI, valuable insights can be gained regarding the flow characteristics and processability of these plastic blends. Finally, the research investigates the incorporation of nanoparticles into these novel polymers to enhance their mechanical properties, with a specific emphasis on addressing the reduction in Young's modulus caused by the utilization of recycled plastics. Overall, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the mechanical behavior and processing characteristics of recycled plastic mixtures, as well as exploring potential strategies for improving their properties through the incorporation of nanoparticles.Highlights Mechanical and processing properties of Plastic blends are not studied yet. Proposing parametrical homogenization formulas to predict such properties. Mechanical properties obtained are low and not suitable for structural purposes Adding to the blend carbon nanotubes to increase their properties. Properties are increased up to 11 times for recycled plastics blend.