Environmental Management Perspective Research Articles

Nutrient Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Biosorbents Derived from Rice and Corn Husk Residues: A Systematic Review from the Environmental Management Perspective

This review critically analyzed the use of biosorbents derived from rice husks and corn residues for nutrient removal from aqueous solutions. Additionally, this review highlighted the use of such biosorbents in wastewater treatment. Furthermore, novel approaches for sustainable nutrient removal from aqueous solutions were identified. A comprehensive understanding of the implementation of biosorption processes using agro-industrial residues based on corn and rice crops is critical for the sustainable management of residues and water bodies in the world to protect and conserve natural resources. Specifically, the review focuses on the exploration, preparation and application of innovative biosorbents to remove various forms of nutrients such as total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrates, ammonium and phosphates from aqueous solution, analyzing the sustainability of treatments applied to biomass, such as thermal transformation or chemical modification to reduce environmental impacts. It was found that 95 to 99% of nitrogen and phosphorus can be removed with biosorbents made from rice husks and corn residues, analyzing approximately 50 scientific articles related to these plant materials. Research opportunities were identified, such as the recovery of removed nutrients for soil improvement, life cycle analysis to assess the concept of zero waste, among other aspects. Finally, a scheme is proposed for the selection and application of sustainable biosorbents for the removal of nutrients from aqueous solutions.

A life cycle assessment of the laboratory—scale oxidative liquefaction as the chemical recycling method of the end-of-life wind turbine blades

According to the latest reports, estimated values of 50,000–66 000 t of end-of-life wind turbine blades (WTB) are expected to be decommissioned in Europe in 2025–2030, posing a significant threat from the environmental and waste management perspectives. This study aims to present the preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the lab-scale oxidative liquefaction process of the WTB, as the original method to recover the high-quality glass fibers with simultaneous production of the secondary chemicals: phenols, ketones, acids, and fatty acids, from the oxidation of the epoxy resin from the polymer matrix. The LCA is based on the experimental results of the oxidative liquefaction process carried out on a laboratory scale using a Parr 500 ml batch reactor, at two different conditions sets for the functional unit (FU) of 1 kg of treated WTB. Each of the analyzed scenarios resulted in higher impact indicators compared to the landfilling. The highest quality fibers were obtained at 350 °C and 40 wt % H2O2 content resulted in 5.52 ± 1.20 kgCO2 eq Climate change impact and 97.8 ± 20.6 MJ of Resource use, fossil per kg of recycled WTB. The lowest quality fiber recovered in char, yet well separated from the matrix obtained at 250 °C and the lowest H2O2 content resulted in 0.0953 ± 0.487 kgCO2 eq Climate change impact and 8.84 ± 7.90 MJ of Resource use, fossil per kg of recycled WTB. The hot spot and sensitivity analysis indicated, that the oxidizer for the process – hydrogen peroxide, when acquired as a shelf product causes a significant burden on the whole process, with sensitivity ratios on the total impact indicators varying across the categories from 0.56 to 0.99. Substitution of H2O2 with theoretical 0-input oxidizer allowed to significantly lower environmental load of the recycling process, which in all of the analyzed scenarios presented environmental benefits compared to landfilling with recovery of the glass fiber and secondary chemicals.

Exploring drivers of behavioral willingness to reduce plastic consumption and socially responsible consumption behavior: A stimulus–organism–behavior–consequence paradigm based environmental management perspective

AbstractThis study examines the factors that drive behavioral willingness to reduce plastic consumption and socially responsible consumption behavior through the Stimulus–Organism–Behavior–Consequence (S‐O‐B‐C) framework. The study involved 440 retail consumers from the United Arab Emirates, utilizing a four‐wave time‐lagged design. To investigate the hypotheses, the research employed structural equation modeling. The study results suggest that environmental consciousness and values are positively related to environmental knowledge and environmental self‐identity. Furthermore, environmental knowledge and environmental self‐identity are positively linked with the willingness to reduce plastic consumption, while socially responsible consumption behavior is positively associated with the willingness to reduce plastic consumption. Additionally, policy support positively moderated the connotation of environmental knowledge with behavioral willingness to reduce plastic consumption and socially responsible consumption behavior. The proposed S‐O‐B‐C framework enriches the literature on plastic consumption to understand retail consumers' perspectives in an emerging country context. The findings provide insights that will help practitioners and academics understand consumers' plastic consumption intention and formulate strategies that will increase the involvement of consumers in plastic conservation activities.

Environmental Management Accounting and Stakeholders Perspective: A Theoretical Perspective

This paper focus on the theoretical perspective of environmental management accounting theory and practices and derive into how this principle can impact on the financial performance of companies particularly in an emerging economy. This study will critically examine the various principles on environmental management accounting and how focus on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria because these companies are the major causes of environmental pollution and degradation in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region. This paper examined existing literature on the environmental management accounting theory discussions, identified the critical features of the theory that are relevant to this paper and robustly discuss the benefits and advantages of adopting environmental management accounting principles in the accounting processes of the strategic assets, oil and gas in Nigeria. This study spanned the years 1999 through 2023 where these important tools can be vital to the understanding of the various economic cycle and significant instruments for effective decisions regarding investment, monetary and fiscal policy. The periods experienced critical economic shocks such as credit boom, a financial recession, a rebound, and strong economic expansion. Furthermore, the period covered the increase demand by stakeholders of the environmental management accountability of the Oil and Gas Companies. In this study piece, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed, and the research revealed crucial environmental management accounting theory analysis to enable this paper identify suitable articles and journals. A SLR was performed using a sample of 100 research articles chosen from a pool of 400 papers obtained from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ABS journal and, among other sources. As a result of the review, the paper recommended that the rigorous implementation of environmental management accounting in the accounting process of Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria. Finally, authorities should adopt laws and regulations to ensure that Nigerian oil and gas corporations understand the need of incorporating environmental and operational performance into long-term strategic goals.

Leasing from the perspective of environmental management and its influence on business performance

Goals: The paper aims to analyze the current development in the field of circular economy relating to the use of lease financing as possible environemental management’s tool.Methods: The paper contains own research conducted on companies trading on the Prague Stock Exchange from 1993 to 2019, in which the influence of lease financing on market values of companies representing investor confidence and profitability ratios are examined. The research uses a regression model of panel data.Results: The research confirms the fact that companies using leases are able to maintain investor confidence better. There has been an increase in their market value. It has been proved that lease financing does not harm the economic performance of companies and that, on the contrary, it is a possible way of financing companies, which would be more in line with sustainable development.Conclusion: The presented article extended further quantitative research in the field of sustainability, circular economy, environmental management and the position of leasing as one of the possible instruments of these policies. It has been confirmed that the use of leases increases the value of Tobin’s Q. However, there has been a decrease in investor confidence expressed by the negative correlation of Tobin’s Q when comparing with the situation where the company invests in increasing its tangible assets in the standard way.

Revolutionizing quality performance through digitization, technology management, and environmental management: a cutting-edge PLS-SEM model analysis with organizational agility as mediator and culture as moderator

In today’s era of increasing environmental awareness, organizations need to consider the environmental economics and management perspective in addition to quality performance. Recent societal changes have led to a significant digital revolution that has made it challenging for industrialized nations to manage technology transfer. Organizations must integrate digitalization, technology, culture, and environmental sustainability to survive in this highly competitive climate. This study examines the relationship between digitalization and technology management and their impact on Total Quality Management (TQM) performance in Pakistani businesses, considering the environmental economics and management perspective. A quantitative approach was taken, and senior executives from the public and private sectors were surveyed to obtain information. The data was analyzed using SMART PLS 3, which utilized Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study found that digitalization and technology management significantly enhanced TQM performance, with organizational agility mediating and organizational culture moderating. The organizational agility also played a crucial role in mediating the relationship between technology management and TQM performance. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for quality management practitioners and policymakers, highlighting the importance of incorporating environmental economics and management practices into an overall quality performance.

Valuing surfing ecosystems: an environmental economics and natural resources management perspective

Surfing ecosystems—surf breaks and their surrounding areas—can provide multifaceted benefits, including support for tourism industries, personal and social wellbeing and shoreline protection. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on quantifying direct expenditures, sidelining non-market values, and failing to consider the interactions between multiple ecosystem components. To address these gaps, this paper provides a review of key principles of environmental economics and natural resource management in relation to surfing ecosystems. We examine how the value of surfing ecosystems can affect (and be affected by) factors related to environmental sustainability, tourism demands and economic development. We propose a novel framework for characterizing the values of surfing ecosystems and conducting economic assessments, based on six main features: (i) surf breaks, (ii) surfing resources, (iii) surfing ecosystems, (iv) economic values, (v) economic valuation, (vi) equity and sustainability. This structured approach may serve to improve decision-making processes concerning environmental changes that impact surfing ecosystems, including tourism management plans and environmental regulations. Our study aligns with broader global initiatives to better account for ocean-based values and support sustainable, nature-based tourism.

Electronic waste (E-waste) generation and management scenario of India, and ARIMA forecasting of E-waste processing capacity of Maharashtra state till 2030

This article addresses a critical environmental issue largely attributed to Gen-Z, namely Electronic waste (E-waste). The modern human lifestyle has significantly impacted waste management, with new technological advancements posing both environmental challenges and economic opportunities. E-waste, generated due to the disposal or end-of-life of electronic products, is now one of the fastest-growing domestic waste streams. Proper E-waste management and monitoring are essential for achieving maximum resource utilization and reducing the adverse impacts of E-waste, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. India has laws and legislation in place to ensure the safe handling, management, and treatment of E-waste, with the pollution control board serving as the monitoring and tracking authority. This study focuses on the state of Maharashtra, investigating past and future trends using Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models, commonly used in time series analysis and forecasting. The study predicts that the average E-waste processing capacity (recycling/dismantling) from 2023–2030 will be 163563.15 MT (metric tons), with forecasted values increasing steadily over the years, reaching 248 recyclers by the year 2030. By analysing rate of change in E-waste processing capacity from 2023–2030, there will be chances of 6.86 % annually. This is also highlighting the scope of entrepreneurship in E-waste recycling industries by detecting average expansion of recyclers by 7.23 % per year. The study emphasizes the significant role of policy and decision-making in managing this rapidly growing waste stream from an environmental management and circular economic perspective.

Eutrophication assessment and environmental management perspectives of Tóbari: an arid subtropical coastal lagoon of the Gulf of California.

Coastal lagoons are vulnerable to eutrophication processes. In this study, we evaluate the eutrophication process in the restricted, arid subtropical Tóbari coastal lagoon, located in the eastern coast of the Gulf of California, where the main source of nutrient inputs and other pollutants is agricultural wastewater from the Yaqui Valley. The Assessment of Estuarine Trophic Status (ASSETS) model and the Trophic State Index (TRIX) were used to evaluate eutrophication. Overall, ASSETS showed that the Tóbari lagoon has a moderate eutrophication process, with seasonal symptoms of hypoxia, increased phytoplankton biomass, dominance of macroalgae (indicative of nutrient enrichment), and blooms development of potentially harmful algae species. The TRIX showed that the lagoon is mesotrophic most of the year. Challenges of environmental management detected correspond to reducing the input of nutrients and others contaminants from anthropic sources: agriculture, shrimp farming, livestock, and urban zones.

Removal, recycle and reutilization of multiple heavy metal ions from electroplating wastewater using super-stable mineralizer Ca-based layered double hydroxides

From an environmental and resource management perspective, it is preferable to recover and reuse heavy metal ions found in electroplating wastewater. The discharge of electroplating wastewater has caused serious environmental pollution and resource waste. Ca-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) stabilizers are designed, which show a rapid, effective, and adequate capacity exceeding 400 mg/g against solutions of Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions through an isomorphous substitution mechanism. The needs of plant development were met by the use of CaAl-LDH in soil remediation. While Cu resources can be recovered from the CuAl-LDH products by electrolysis, the final mineralization products from Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions showed exceptional performance in visible-light-induced photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with excellent selectivity (98.7% toward CO and CH4) and the removal of arsenite ions (99.97%). The results of this investigation revealed a feasible new approach to the removal, recycling, and reutilization of heavy metal ions.

Diffusion characteristic of air pollutant from district heating source driven by urban wind field and layout optimization

District heating is a major contributor to urban air pollution due to the massive emissions from fossil fuel combustion. This paper investigates the diffusion characteristics of air pollutants from district heating sources (DHS) driven by the urban wind field. Firstly, the urban air quality was simulated using the coupled Weather Research and Forecasting model - Community Multiscale Air Quality model (WRF-CMAQ) based on the actual heating emissions in the study region. the results were validated using observed meteorological and environmental data. Next, the study regions were divided into sub-regions based on the prevailing wind direction during the heating season. numerical experiments were designed by planning the heating emission into sub-regions as optimized layouts for DHS. Finally, the air quality was predicted for different layouts using WRF-CMAQ and assess the output of PM2.5 as the indicator. The findings reveal that moving the DHS close to the suburban areas can significantly improve overall air quality, and the best improvement can be obtained by arranging all DHS within the defined windward or leeward sub-regions. It is expected that these findings will provide guiding principles for planning DHS from the perspective of environmental management.

Circular Economy in Tourism: A System-Level Approach

Tourism is a sector where circular economy unfolds extensive opportunities. Despite being classified as a service sector, tourism depends on significant quantities and flows of exhaustible natural resources. As a result, circular economy in tourism has become an emerging field of study. This can also be ascribed to the fact that the topic of circular economy is currently high on the political agenda, especially in Europe. Because circular economy is receiving exponential attention from policy makers, it has also received more interest among tourism scholars.
 The aim of this paper is to increase understanding of circular economy in tourism research considering its systemic nature. The paper is based on a review of the scientific articles published in the years 2015-2022. The research question is: What are the recent developments and trends in the research on CE in tourism from a system-level approach?
 The findings indicate that the previous studies have mainly focused on the micro level from the environmental and business management perspectives in the hospitality sector. However, there are many emerging research themes, for example circular consumption behaviour, circular economy and smart tourism. In addition, other types of tourism companies should be considered, e.g., spas, events, and programme service providers. It is evident that more research is required on the meso and macro levels. In all levels, more attention should be paid on the social and cultural aspects of circular economy in tourism.

Role of urban vegetation in air phytoremediation: differences between scientific research and environmental management perspectives

Air pollutant removal by urban vegetation is perceived to be a key ecosystem service for mitigating air pollution. However, the effectiveness of air phytoremediation in cities requires more synthesis to inform environmental management. A Bayesian meta-analysis approach was used to quantify the effectiveness of the removal of typical air pollutants—particle matter (PM), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3)—by synthesizing global field measurement studies. The results revealed that urban vegetation can mitigate the growth of air pollutant concentrations, with reduction rates of 16.5~26.7% for PM, 13.9~36.2% for NOx, and 20.5~47.8% for SO2. However, they failed to significantly mitigate ground-level O3, corresponding to an increase of 5.1~25.9%. The variability in effect sizes was mainly influenced by the distance to nearest highway, ambient concentration, relative humidity, and green coverage. A questionnaire survey conducted in Shenzhen city (China) showed that most environmental managers supposed positive impacts of urban vegetation on all four air pollutants, which was at odds with our findings with respect to O3. This study can inform the lessening of discrepancies between scientific research and environmental managers’ perceptions on how to improve air phytoremediation for urban air pollution mitigation in China and elsewhere.

Effect of income, industry structure and environmental regulation on the ecological impacts of mining: An analysis for Guangxi Province in China

Mineral resource extraction is often accompanied by severe environmental pollution and ecological damage, hindering mining economies from achieving sustainable development. This paper aims to promote the goal of cleaner production in extractive industries from the perspective of environmental management through a more accurate understanding of how human activities affect the extractive industries. This requires more granular data for environmental damage in mining. The article proposes an ecological threat assessment framework for mining to support sustainable processes in the extractive industry. It integrates biophysical variables, technical indicators, and human activity data. The study is based on data at the mine level with 17 indicators used to evaluate the ecological impact of 13960 mines in Guangxi, China, from 2008-to 2018 in four dimensions: economic and technical indicators of mines themselves, surrounding economic activity, geological and environmental vulnerability, and ecological status of mining sites. Data from multiple sources were used to assess, map, and monitor ecological impacts in mining areas, such as high-resolution satellite images, interview data, environmental assessment reports, and mining rights data. We evaluated the ecological impact level of each mine and the extent to which spatial heterogeneity of regional economic and environmental preferences affected the degree of ecological impact. The results show that growth in population income has changed environmental preferences and driven down environmental disturbances in mines. Reduced dependence of regional economies on the industrial sector has also contributed to environmental improvements. In addition, increasing environmental regulation has limited the ecological impacts of mining, but these environmental regulation impacts are regionally heterogeneous. The effect of laws and rules is lower in cities and regions dependent on mineral resources, where resource extraction companies have more bargaining power. The results of this study will inform environmental management in the mining sector and support sustainable development in the region.

Life cycle of ceramic waste materials from the perspective of revenue and environmental management

The production of ceramic creates scrap material that is often wasted. The aims of this study are to know the influence of size and material on scrap material and the role of accounting in managing the environment. The results show that product size and material used together have an effect on scrap material. Partial testing shows that only materials used have a positive and significant effect on the emergence of scrap materials. The accounting treatment is done by debiting Cash IDR 5,258,753.99 and crediting Work in Process-Raw Material Cost IDR 5,258,753.99. The cost of goods manufactured of ceramic products after accounting treatment for scrap material is lower than before. The selling price also decreased for the same product. The operating profit will increase IDR 5,013,038.64 (use original selling price) and decrease IDR 1,272,112.67 (use selling price after treatment for scrap material). The emergence of scrap material causes environmental problems. Environmental accounting overcomes this by removing scrap material from its place. The transfer is done by selling at a price of half the standard price. The proceeds from the sale are treated as a deduction from the cost of raw materials in an account in the Work in Process-Raw Materials Cost credit.

Distribution, sources, and pollution levels of toxic metal(loid)s in an urban river (Ichamati), Bangladesh using SOM and PMF modeling with GIS tool.

Indexical assessment coupled with a self-organizing map (SOM) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) modeling of toxic metal(loid)s in sediment and water of the aquatic environment provides valuable information from the environmental management perspective. However, in northwest Bangladesh, indexical and modeling assessments of toxic metal(loid)s in surface water and sediment are still rare. Toxic metal(loid)s were measured in sediment and surface water from an urban polluted river (Ichamati) in northwest Bangladesh using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to assess distribution, pollution levels, sources, and potential environmental risks to the aquatic environment. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of metal(loid)s in water are as follows: Fe (871) > Mn (382) > Cr (72.4) > Zn (34.2) > Co (20.8) > Pb (17.6) > Ni (16.7) > Ag (14.9) > As (9.0) > Cu (5.63) > Cd (2.65), while in sediment, the concentration follows the order, Fe (18,725) > Mn (551) > Zn (213) > Cu (47.6) > Cr (30.2) > Ni (24.2) > Pb (23.8) > Co (9.61) > As (8.23) > Cd (0.80) > Ag (0.60). All metal concentrations were within standard guideline values except for Cr and Pb for water and Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, and As for sediment. The outcomes of eco-environmental indices, including contamination and enrichment factors and geo-accumulation index, differed spatially, indicating that most of the sediment sites were moderately to highly polluted by Cd, Zn, and As. Cd and Zn content can trigger ecological risks. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model recognized three probable sources of sediment, i.e., natural source (49.39%), industrial pollution (19.72%), and agricultural source (30.92%), and three possible sources of water, i.e., geogenic source (45.41%), industrial pollution (22.88%), and industrial point source (31.72%), respectively. SOM analysis identified four spatial patterns, e.g., Fe-Mn-Ag, Cd-Cu, Cr-Pb-As-Ni, and Zn-Co in water and three patterns, e.g., Mn-Co-Ni-Cr, Cd-Cu-Pb-Zn, and As-Fe-Ag in sediment. The spatial distribution of entropy water quality index values shows that the southwestern area possesses "poor" quality water. Overall, the levels of metal(loid) pollution in the investigated river surpassed a critical threshold, which might have serious consequences for the river's aquatic biota and human health in the long run.

Circular Economy in tourism: Overview of recent developments in research

The article provides a review of the recent developments and trends in the research on Circular Economy (CE) in tourism and identifies possible research gaps. CE is becoming one of the hot topics in tourism research due to its increased importance in policymaking, especially in Europe. However, the review shows that research on CE in tourism is in its early stages. The studies have mainly focused on CE in tourism at the micro level from environmental and business management perspectives especially in hotels and restaurants. In addition, emerging research themes include circular consumption behaviour, CE and smart tourism, cooperation and networking with the local supply chain as well as circular tourism destination development. Thus, tourism scholars are encouraged to shift their perspective more from micro to macro level to get a holistic picture of CE in tourism. The article outlines some ideas for a research agenda on CE in tourism.

Environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty and green performance: in green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management perspectives

PurposeThe organizations focus on environmental factors as stakeholders exert pressure to reduce the environmental influence arising from production tasks. This study aims to see the influence of the environmental management control system (MCS) package and perceived environmental uncertainty on green performance with the mediating role of green dynamic capabilities in Pakistani manufacturing organizations. Moreover, this study aims to see the moderating role of investment in environmental management between green dynamic capabilities and green performance.Design/methodology/approachThe partial least square structural equation modeling technique is used to test hypotheses. The data was collected through questionnaires using simple random sampling, and a total of 404 questionnaires were used in the final analysis. The data was collected from September 2021 to November 2021. Multiple regression analysis followed to see the influence of environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty, green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management on green performance.FindingsEnvironmental MCS package, green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management are positively related to green performance. Despite this, perceived environmental uncertainty is negatively related to green performance. Moreover, green dynamic capabilities significantly mediate between environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty and green performance. Finally, investment in environmental management significantly moderates between green dynamic capabilities and green performance.Practical implicationsThis research covers vital issues that how top management uses the environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty, green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management in determining green performance.Originality/valueThis research adds value to the existing literature by focusing on predictors that determine green performance. This pioneering study observes the influence of environmental MCS package and perceived environmental uncertainty on green performance and green dynamic capabilities as mediators by applying natural resource-based view theory. Moreover, investment in environmental management is used as a moderator between green dynamic capabilities and green performance. Finally, this study can benefit management, industrial policymakers and academicians.

Exploring conceptualisations of ‘connections to nature’ from an environmental management perspective: a case study in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT Disconnect between humans and nature has been considered a driver of contemporary environmental crises. This has resulted in environmental managers calling for society to ‘re-connect’ with nature for future sustainability. However, conceptualisations of ‘connections to nature’ are fragmented in theoretical terms and practical application, as empirical research in environmental management literature exploring lay people’s conceptualisations of their personal ‘connections to nature’ is scarce. This raises a key issue: if environmental managers do not know what they are aiming for, how can it be effective? This study responds to the empirical gap by exploring what a ‘connection to nature’ means to lay individuals. Just under 1,000 respondents from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand engaged in the study. Results suggest that lay conceptualisations of ‘connections to nature’ range across nine dimensions – cognitive, affective, experiential, philosophical, spiritual, material, well-being, cultural or that it is a ‘hippie term’. Diversity of conceptualisations among the respondent group suggests that empirical exploration of the way that people conceptualise their ‘connections to nature’ is beneficial. These understandings could prove vital for more efficient sustainability actions to achieve more effective outcomes. The findings advance discourse on human-nature connections in environmental management literature.

How did the suspended sediment load change in the North Caucasus during the Anthropocene?

AbstractQuantifying and understanding catchment sediment fluxes is crucial both from a scientific and environmental management perspective. To deepen the understanding of landuse impacts and climate change on sediment load, we explore factors controlling the suspended sediment load formation in the Northern Caucasus during the Anthropocene. We examine how sediment flux of various river basins with different land‐use/landcover and glacier cover changes during the 1925–2018 period. Our analysis is based on observed mean annual suspended sediment discharges (SSD, kg s−1) and annual fluxes (SSL, t year−1) from 33 gauging stations of The Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Russia). SSL series have been analysed to detect statistically significant changes during the 1925–2018 period. The occurrence of abrupt change points in SSD was investigated using cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts. We found that SSL has decreased by −1.17% per year on average at most gauges. However, the decline was not linear. Several transition years are expected in the region increasing trends from the 1950s and decreasing trends from 1988 to 1994. Correlation analyses showed that variation in SSL trend values is mainly explained by gauging station altitude, differences in landuse (i.e. the fraction of cropland), and catchment area. Nonetheless, more accurate quantifications of SSL trend values and more refined characterizations of the catchments regarding (historical) landuse, soil types/lithology, weather conditions, and topography may reveal other tendencies.