Environmental Management Issues Research Articles

Spatial data mining-focused research on image processing techniques for remotely sensed images

ABSTRACT Spatial data mining is an important approach for collecting useful data from big datasets, especially remotely sensed images. This study tackles issues in environmental monitoring and management using sophisticated image processing. The Horse Herd Optimization-based VGG19 (HHO-VGG19) is proposed to improve land cover classification, recognition of objects, detection of changes, and detection of anomalies. The study used the BCDD dataset, which was scaled to 512 × 512 pixels, then applied Z-score normalization and extracted features using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The VGG19 architecture was enhanced by utilizing Horse Herd Optimization to enhance image classification efficiency. The HHO-VGG19 model surpasses conventional techniques, with F1-score of 92%, a recall of 94%, an accuracy of 98.5%, and a 30-second execution time reduction. The findings indicate the efficiency of integrating sophisticated image processing with spatial data mining, giving an effective tool for remote sensing image processing in environmental uses including tracking ecosystems and handling of natural resources.

Features of protection and use of biological features of protection and use of biological resources in the territory of the lower Amudarya reserve of the republic of Karakalpakstan

Abstract The Republic of Karakalpakstan is the focus of this article’s conservation and environmental management issues. The authors emphasize the unique characteristics of environmental management in this region in relation to the drying out of the Aral Sea and the low water level of the Amudarya River bed. Despite these environmental disasters, our country preserves the biodiversity of flora and fauna in the Badai-Tugai Nature Reserve.

A study on green practice infusion of the SMES in the context of circular economy

Sustainable development has attracted widespread attention worldwide, and the circular economy has become one of the essential policies of many countries. Small and medium-sized enterprises are important drivers of world economic growth and can significantly impact the environment. Therefore, SMEs are critical players in implementing a circular economy as the basis for creating a sustainable society. Although a wealth of research on SME environmental management issues can be found in the literature, more must be known about the infusion of green practices in SMEs. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the green practice infusion of Taiwanese SMEs, a context that is particularly relevant due to Taiwan’s strong focus on environmental sustainability and its circular economy industrial development policy. Through a questionnaire survey, this study examined the factors that influence green practice infusion behavior in Taiwanese SMEs and the impact of green practice infusion on circular economy performance. The findings show that the relative advantages and compatibility of the circular economy, organizational support, human resource quality, regulatory pressure, and government support significantly impact the green practice infusion of Taiwanese SMEs. The effects of complexity, customer pressure, and environmental uncertainty on SMEs’ infusion of green practices are not statistically significant. Circular economy performance is positively correlated with green practice infusion. This study can broaden the research scope of SMEs’ environmental management and contribute to a deeper understanding of SMEs’ green practice infusion and circular economy.

Soil protection and land property law in France: On the way to a functional approach to soil?

BackgroundIn France, soil is the last physical environment not to have any legal protection of their own considering its ecological functions. They are rather considered as land, and they are managed by Urban Law. The question answered is whether this urbanistic legal seizure is efficient to protect soil as a biological environment or if other public policies and/or legal tools are needed to address the issues of soil environmental management. ResultsIt appears that Urban Law could be a good legal tool to protect soils environmental functions through ancient and classic urban policies as urban planning or the new disruptive ‘Zero Net Artificialization’. However, such laws are clearly insufficient to address the full scope of the threats caused by humans’ activities on this very fragile environment. ConclusionsNew legal tools are to be developed in France, and at the European Union level, to ensure a real and effective protection of soil as ecosystems: creation of a new title entitled ‘Land and Soils within the Second Book ‘Physical Environments’ of the French Environmental Code, extension of environmental crimes to soil (pollution, ecocide, etc.), better bonding between the ‘Zero Net Artificialization’ urban policy and biodiversity conservation, etc.

Envisaging Participatory Management in Protected Areas: Local Response to Proposed Conservation Actions in Relation to Environmental Orientation

Involving local people in natural area management is very important to address the complexity of environmental management issues for the sustainable use of local resources. Participatory methods require the contribution of local stakeholders in decision-making. Mapping the environmental views of local communities allows for the detection of aspects that could facilitate management efforts. This research—in the frame of the Skyros LIFE project and the PAMNATURA project—measures the local acceptability of the conservation actions proposed by the LIFE project in Skyros island (Greece), in relation to recording local people’s environmental orientation using the 15-item revised New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale. The research was carried out by means of questionnaires. The LIFE project proposed actions were grouped into three categories according to their theme, i.e., promoting (a) nature protection, (b) agro-pastoralism and (c) ecotourism. The sample seems to largely agree with the LIFE project proposals, while the results showed high scores for most of the NEP scale items, implying pro-environmental beliefs, though there appears to be disagreement or neutrality regarding a few items. The local acceptability of the proposed actions was found to correlate to local people’s environmental concern measured through the NEP scale. Drawing on the results, the implementation of actions related directly or indirectly to economic activities and the preservation of traditional activities, as well as environmental education and interactive informing and consultation, could enhance local participation. Skyros island seems to offer an appropriate social background for applying participatory and adaptive management and implementing conservation programs.

Accounting calendar and cyclic ageing factors in diagnostic and prognostic models of second-life EV batteries application in energy storage systems

The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market has significantly increased the demand for lithium-ion batteries, posing challenges for manufacturers and policymakers regarding efficient use and recycling. When these batteries reach the end of their primary lifecycle, their repurposing for secondary applications such as energy storage becomes critical to addressing environmental and resource management issues. This paper focuses on applying second-life batteries in energy storage systems, emphasizing the importance of accounting for calendar and cyclic aging factors to optimize battery performance and longevity. Calendar aging refers to the degradation that occurs over time due to chemical reactions within the battery, even when it is not in use. This type of aging is influenced by temperature, state of charge (SOC), and storage conditions. Cyclic aging, on the other hand, results from repeated charging and discharging cycles, which cause mechanical and chemical changes within the battery, leading to capacity fade and increased internal resistance. The combined effects of these aging processes necessitate the development of high-precision diagnostic and prognostic models to manage the performance and longevity of second-life batteries effectively. In Ukraine, the adoption of electric vehicles is accelerating, leading to an influx of used electric vehicles. This situation necessitates the prompt development of strategies for repurposing these batteries for energy storage applications. The complexities associated with final recycling processes make secondary use an attractive interim solution. By repurposing used EV batteries, Ukraine can mitigate immediate challenges related to battery waste and resource scarcity while supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. This paper highlights the need for an integral degradation index (DI) that combines calendar and cyclic aging factors with stochastic influences to provide a comprehensive measure of battery health. Such an index is essential for optimizing battery management practices, including the scheduling of charging and discharging cycles, to extend the operational life of secondary batteries. The study also presents practical recommendations for implementing these models in various energy storage scenarios, ranging from residential solar energy systems to industrial grid support and electric vehicle charging stations. By adopting optimized battery management strategies, the potential for extending the lifespan of secondary batteries and reducing operational costs is significant. This approach supports sustainable energy practices and aligns with global efforts to promote renewable energy sources and circular economy principles. Keywords: Lithium-Ion Battery, Electric Vehicle, Energy Storage, Battery Degradation, Calendar Ageing, Cyclic Ageing, Integral Degradation Index, Remaining Useful Life, State of Health.

Environmental consequences and climate change linked ecotourism activities in remote and protected areas of South Africa

ABSTRACT The research focuses on the current and potential implications of ecotourism activities, and their environmental consequences for climate change and sustainability, in South Africa. By linking data and reports on the Musina Municipality's environmental biodiversity management, ecotourism administration, and local community subsistence issues in Limpopo Province are presented. The methods used include focus group discussions and field observations to examine the municipality's natural and tourism resource management and benchmarking ecotourism, conservation, and environmental degradation in terms of sustainability, sustainable tourism, and responsible tourism within the municipality. A detrimental association was uncovered between rural ecotourism-borne environmental consequences and exercises possessing potential climate change effects. When tourism activities adhere to the ideals of sustainable and responsible tourism, however, ecotourism management can result in sustainability achievements. In conclusion, the article argues environmental sustainability strategies can be achieved while permitting livelihoods.

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