Environmental Management Process Research Articles

Emerging Technology Integration - Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Predictive Analysis for Safety and Toxicity Assessment in Environmental Toxicology

Environmental toxicology is facing unprecedented challenges due to the escalating complexity of environmental issues. Traditional methodologies for safety and toxicity assessment are struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of pollutants and their impacts on ecosystems and human health. In response to this pressing need, there has been a paradigm shift in the field towards the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. This research article delves into the transformative potential of AI and ML in environmental toxicology, elucidating how these advanced computational tools offer promising solutions for predictive analysis. By leveraging vast datasets and sophisticated algorithms, AI and ML enable more efficient, accurate, and timely assessment of environmental risks. They empower researchers and policymakers to anticipate and mitigate potential hazards before they escalate into crises. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse applications of AI and ML in environmental toxicology, ranging from predictive modeling of chemical hazards to early detection of environmental threats. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of AI and ML to revolutionize decision-making processes in environmental management and policy formulation. By synthesizing vast amounts of data and identifying complex patterns and correlations, these technologies offer invaluable insights for crafting evidence-based policies and strategies to safeguard the environment and public health. This research article underscores the pivotal role of AI and ML in addressing the multifaceted challenges of environmental toxicology. Through their integration, we have the opportunity to enhance our understanding of environmental risks, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately, pave the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

A new model for selecting valued components in environmental assessment: Lessons from an Indigenous-led cumulative effects management program

Valued components (VCs) are at the core of impact assessment (IA), cumulative effects management (CEM), and other environmental planning and management processes. However, the research that exists on VC selection identifies major conceptual and methodological flaws in the conventional approaches used in most project-based IAs, including poor understanding, inadequate guidance, insufficient engagement with local stakeholders and Indigenous communities, and failure to incorporate local and Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and values in decision-making. To address these flaws, this paper proposes a new community-based method for selecting VCs, which was developed in the Indigenous-led CEM program of the Metlakatla First Nation (located on the northwest coast of Canada). The new VC selection method is grounded in Indigenous values and informed by Indigenous and local knowledge as well as scientific research. It uses a six-step approach to identify VCs and prioritize them, based on clear decision-making criteria, deliberative community dialogue, and explicit consideration of implementation constraints. The Metlakatla First Nation used this method to identify high-priority VCs for their CEM program, but the method could also be adapted for use in project-based IA and other planning and management processes to improve VC selection. A comparison of the results of the application of the new method in the Metlakatla CEM Program with the results of a recent conventional proponent-led IA of a large industrial project in Metlakatla territory shows that the new method addresses many of the deficiencies in the conventional model and generates a substantially different set of high-priority VCs that better reflect Indigenous values and knowledge.

Calibration and validation of the HydroColor and Citclops smartphone applications for water quality monitoring

Water quality monitoring, essential for safeguarding ecosystems and human health, has gained increasing significance as societies worldwide prioritize environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Therefore, this study evaluates the performance of two smartphone applications (APPs), HydroColor and Citclops (now EyeOnWater), in estimating water quality parameters such as turbidity, the concentration of suspended particulate matter ([SPM]), and colour. By comparing laboratory and hyperspectral sensors measurements with water quality parameters estimated from smartphone images, the study assessed the accuracy and efficiency of the transfer functions employed by these APPs. The study findings revealed varying degrees of accuracy, with HydroColor R2 values of 0.36 and 0.83 for turbidity and [SPM], respectively, while Citclops achieved an R2 value of 0.7 for colour estimation. The study identified limitations in both APPs, particularly in their applicability to different water systems. These insights underscore the importance of proper calibration and validation procedures for smartphone-based water quality monitoring APPs. Also, the findings underscore the growing significance of smartphone APPs in enabling accessible and real-time monitoring of water quality, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the democratization of environmental monitoring practices through citizen science. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of smartphone-based monitoring initiatives to inform decision-making processes in environmental management, and enhancing our understanding of water quality dynamics in diverse environments.

Cleaner production in the dairy industry: good practices in a dairy plant in the municipality of Valença – Rio and Janeiro, Brazil

The Brazilian dairy sector has great economic importance and is ranked fourth among world producers. The search for less environmental impact has led to good sustainability practices and the adoption of environmental management instruments, products, and processes with an emphasis on cleaner production (CP). In this sense, this article presents CP adoption in the dairy industry. A case study aiming to propose alternatives associated with CP good practices in the dairy industry was conducted in the municipality of Valença, Rio de Janeiro. Data collection was performed with the help of a form and direct observation. The good practices and CP opportunities previously adopted by the industry were identified. Then, five CP measures were proposed and implemented to improve the sustainability of the Minas Frescal cheese production process. Minas cheese was selected for the study due to its higher sales volume and the best profit margin. Other opportunities for improvement should be considered to continue the proposed actions, which include reduction of raw materials and energy and water consumption during production, increase in the company’s profit margin and competitiveness in the national and international markets, access to new market niches, and reduction of environmental-, social-, and health-related impacts.

Analisis Penilaian Aspek Green Hotel di Hotel Vertu Harmoni Jakarta

This study aims to determine the assessment of the implementation of the concept of implementing green hotel or hotel that are environmentally friendly at the Vertu Harmoni Jakarta hotel. The type of research used is qualitative in this study. Interviews and observations using survey methods and analysis used in this study are regression models simple. The results of the study show that hotel have started to try to implement the concept of green hotel or hotel that are environmentally friendly in their hotel operations. Hotel Vertu Harmoni Jakarta has also implemented innovations and programs that help address the surrounding environment and help in the environmental management process. The hope is that the hotel can become a hotel that can apply the concept of an environmentally friendly hotel without any loss on either side, either from the guests or hotel visitors or the hotel.

A novel approach for improving the spatiotemporal distribution modeling of marine benthic species by coupling a new GIS procedure with machine learning

In this study we developed and validated a new integrative method for constructing and assessing Species Distribution Models (SDMs) for marine benthic species across spatial and temporal scales. This methodology synthesizes four dimensions-latitude, longitude, depth and time-into a unified predictive output, achieved by integrating a novel GIS tool, Bathymetric Projection (BP) with machine learning algorithms. BP can extract multi-dimensional data from remote sensing and satellite-derived datasets across the oceanic water column, including latitude, longitude, depth, and time. This data is then mapped onto the ocean floor using a reference bathymetric layer. The resulting seafloor layer is a predictive variable within the SDMs for benthic species. The model output quantifies the probability of species occurrence, or habitat suitability, as determined by environmental conditions specific to the ocean floor across the four dimensions. We validated this approach using two benthic species from the Colombian Pacific Ocean: the White shrimp (Litopenaeus occidentalis) and the Coliflor shrimp (Solenocera agassizii). The model's performance ranged from 87% to 98%, as indicated by 30-fold cross-validation on test datasets. Depth ranges and monthly seasonal patterns were accurately predicted when compared to independent literature data, confirming the model's capability to generate precise spatiotemporal distributions for benthic species. This research underscores the necessity of incorporating depth and time into SDMs, given their critical interactions with latitude and longitude in determining species distribution. The methodology offers a valuable tool for informing decision-making processes in fisheries and environmental management by enhancing the predictive accuracy of spatiotemporal distributions for benthic species, thereby facilitating more holistic interpretations of habitat suitability.

Utilizing machine learning algorithm for finely three-dimensional delineation of soil-groundwater contamination in a typical industrial park, North China: Importance of multisource auxiliary data

Intensive industrial activities cause soil contamination with wide variations and even perturb groundwater safety. Precision delineation of soil contamination is the foundation and precondition for soil quality assurance in the practical environmental management process. However, spatial non-stationarity phenomenon of soil contamination and heterogeneous sampling are two key issues that affect the accuracy of contamination delineation model. Taking a typical industrial park in North China as the research object, we constructed a random forest (RF) model for finely characterizing the distribution of soil contaminants using sparse-biased drilling data. Results showed that the R2 values of arsenic and 1,2-dichloroethane predicted by RF (0.8896 and 0.8973) were greatly higher than those of inverse distance weighted model (0.2848 and 0.2908), indicating that RF was more adaptable to actual non-stationarity sites. The back propagation neural network algorithm was utilized to establish a three-dimensional visualization of the contamination parcel of subsoil-groundwater system. Multiple sources of environmental data, including hydrogeological conditions, geochemical characteristics and anthropogenic industrial activities were integrated into the model to optimize the prediction accuracy. The feature importance analysis revealed that soil particle size was dominant for the migration of arsenic, while the migration of 1,2-dichloroethane highly depended on vertical permeability coefficients of the soil. Contaminants migrated downwards with soil water under gravity-driven conditions and penetrated through the subsoil to reach the saturated aquifer, forming a contamination plume with groundwater flow. Our findings afford a new idea for spatial analysis of soil-groundwater contamination at industrial sites, which will provide valuable technical support for maintaining sustainable industry.

Improving Forest Detection Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing: A Case Study in Southeastern Serbia

Vegetation plays an active role in ecosystem dynamics, and monitoring its patterns and changes is vital for effective environmental resource management. This study explores the possibility of machine learning techniques and remote sensing data to improve the accuracy of forest detection. The research focuses on the southeastern part of the Republic of Serbia as a case study area, using Sentinel-2 multispectral bands. The study employs publicly accessible satellite data and incorporates different vegetation indices to improve classification accuracy. The main objective is to examine the practicability of expanding the input parameters for forest detection using a machine learning approach. The classification process is performed by employing support vector machines (SVM) algorithm and utilising the SVM module in the scikit-learn package. The results demonstrate that including vegetation indices alongside the multispectral bands significantly improves the accuracy of vegetation detection. A comprehensive assessment reveals an overall classification accuracy of up to 99.01% when the selected vegetation indices (MCARI, RENDVI, NDI45, GNDVI, NDII) are combined with the Sentinel-2 bands. This research highlights the potential of machine learning and remote sensing in forest detection and monitoring. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating vegetation indices to enhance classification accuracy using the Python programming language. The study’s outcomes provide valuable insights for environmental resource management and decision-making processes, particularly in regions with diverse forest ecosystems.

SCIENCE-POLICY INTERFACE IN REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: CASE OF HELCOM IN THE BALTIC CONTEXT

The regional environmental cooperation in the Baltic Sea is the leading and “forerunner” model for managing environmental challenges at the regional level. The Baltic case is very often emphasized from the perspective of the successful implementation of non-binding recommendations toward marine environment management and the political will of contracting countries toward regional environmental cooperation. Despite four decades efforts, the Baltic region is a peculiar and unique case where long-term human-induced pressures and its fragile ecosystem cause even more challenges for regional states. In this study, we investigated the Baltic case from the perspective of the science-policy interface and used data from HELCOM (Helsinki Commission) Stakeholders Conferences organized from 2006 to 2022. The science-policy is regarded as the key processes in environmental protection and management. We conducted the qualitative research based on the document review tracing down interactions and activities of major stakeholders. We found that the Baltic case has led a long-term traditional science-policy processes where there has been a strong presence of scientific community aiming at providing the best available scientific knowledge for marine environment protection and management, and developing the database for decision-making. The Baltic regional cooperation has recently progressed towards involving citizen science, deliberation, and participatory approaches. The stakeholders agreed that to implement the ambitious BSAP into practice and concrete actions, the further development of civil councils, public participation, and multi-sectoral involvement is crucial for robust knowledge production in regional environmental management. From the institutional perspective, the working groups within the HELCOM can facilitate the mediation of scientific communities and societal actors. These groups can serve as boundary organizations in the science-policy interface.

Analysis of Capital Budgeting Green Industry in Innovative and Sustainable Post-Mining Programs in Belitung Regency

Purpose: The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the feasibility of the re-mining project of the closure tin mine area which is then processed into silica products according to export specifications, which is simultaneous with the process of environmental management of the closure mining area. Theoretical framework: Determining the capital budgeting of the project, financial indicators: Payback Period, NPV, Profitable Index, Internal Rate Return, and Return of Investment, and sensitivity Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach will be used to analyze the capital budgeting calculations to build a green industry through re-mining and silica refinery activities in good environmental management, not only land rehabilitation and vegetation restoration activities but post-mining activities, however synergized through creating an innovative program. Findings: Based on the results of investment calculations, the development of this green industry was declared technically and financially feasible through the management of re-mining, production of silica, and structuring the ex-mining area into a productive green area with a budget commitment that was mutually agreed upon before this activity was carried out. Research, Practical & Social implications: The post-mining tin location in Belitung Province – Indonesia, still has the potential for non-metallic mineral content, which can be re-mined and refined for silica commodities. The ex-mining area was found to be still an open area and even barren, even though PT Timah Tbk has carried out environmental restoration activities. Originality/value: In the study of capital budgeting for re-mining and silica refineries, the sensitivity of the analysis to changes in fuel costs and changes in selling prices has also been calculated.

The Relationship Between Internal Factors and Employees' Perception of an Organization's Green Performance

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between internal factors of an organization and employees' perception of organization's green performance – EPGP. An organization's green performance is greatly influenced by its internal efforts toward the implementation of green practices (such as internal green marketing – IGM and its dimensions), and it can be greatly influenced by employees' attitudes and behavior as well (such as organizational identification – OI, employees' satisfaction – ES, employees' eco-friendly behavior – EFB). Therefore, it was considered justified to examine whether each IGM dimension is related to EPGP, and whether each observed employees' attitude and behavior is related to EPGP. Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 177 respondents – employees working in different, mostly service organizations in Serbia, using the regression and correlation analysis. The obtained results revealed that each observed variable is positively related to EPGP. However, in predicting EPGP the contribution of green internal communication – GIC (as the IGM dimension), OI and EFB is statistically significant. The findings provide insight into the relationship between each observed variable and EPGP, and it may be useful for managers in the environmental management process.

Environmental management in small olericultural properties: assessment and prioritization of environmental damage

Some inappropriate cultivation practices can promote negative consequences to the physical, biotic and anthropic environment. Horticulture plays an important role in both food production and income generation. The objective of the study was to identify environmental damage through analysis of the environmental aspects of vegetable production activities and to propose a prioritization of these damages using the severity, urgency and trend prioritization matrix (GUT Matrix). The method was applied in three small farms. After using the GUT matrix, it showed that for each rural property the damage management priorities were different. The priority in the management of environmental damage on rural property 1 is related to the water reservoir, the damage on small property 2 is on the health and occupational safety of workers and the damage to be prioritized on vegetable property 3 is related to loss of productivity. In this context, it demonstrates the need to know and prioritize environmental damage in small rural properties to improve the environmental management process and introduce management tools for management.

Stratification of stakeholders for participation in the governance of coastal social-ecological systems.

Knowledge co-production has become part of an evolution of participatory and transdisciplinary research approaches that are increasingly important for achieving sustainability. To effectively involve the most appropriate stakeholders there is a need for engagement and increasing prominence of stakeholders in environmental management and governance processes. The paper aims at developing and testing a methodology for stratifying stakeholders by (i) classifying organisations involved in coastal and ocean governance by their agency, and (ii) grouping them into organisational archetypes for representation and selection in research processes. Agency was measured by the three dimensions of scale, resources, and power. Each dimension was further elaborated as a set of indicators. The methodology is applied in the context of a research project set in Algoa Bay, South Africa. The stratification of organisations enabled the research team to gain a better understanding of the stakeholder landscape of organisational agency, and thus identify the most relevant stakeholder with which to engage. The use of a hierarchical cluster analysis identified five organisational archetypes in relation to ocean and coastal governance in Algoa Bay. The methodology used in this study proposes an informed and intentional approach to create the conditions under which the co-production of and participation in research processes can take place.

Recent Advances in Biotechnologies for the Treatment of Environmental Pollutants Based on Reactive Sulfur Species

The definition of reactive sulfur species (RSS) is inspired by the reactivity and variable chemical valence of sulfur. Sulfur is an essential element for life and is a part of global geochemical cycles. Wastewater treatment bioreactors can be divided into two major categories: sulfur reduction and sulfur oxidation. We review the origins of the definition of RSS and related biotechnological processes in environmental management. Sulfate reduction, sulfide oxidation, and sulfur-based redox reactions are key to driving the coupled global carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur co-cycles. This shows the coupling of the sulfur cycle with the carbon and nitrogen cycles and provides insights into the global material-chemical cycle. We also review the biological classification and RSS metabolic mechanisms of functional microorganisms involved in the biological processes, such as sulfate-reducing and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Developments in molecular biology and genomic technologies have allowed us to obtain detailed information on these bacteria. The importance of RSS in environmental technologies requires further consideration.

Business strategy and firm performance in SMEs: Recognizing the role of the environmental management process

Firm performance (FP) has become a significant challenge for every organization to survive in the markets. The present study investigates the FP directly through business strategy (BS) and environmental management process (EMP) and the mediating role of EMP between BS and FP among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. The study’s conceptual framework is based on vigorous literature, i.e., Ilmudeen and Bao (2020) and Al Doghan et al. (2022). We gathered quantitative cross-sectional data from employees of SMEs in Saudi Arabia. The conclusions of the study are based on 366 valid samples. Employing path analysis using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 26.0, the study’s results exert a positive and significant impact of BS and EMP on FP. Besides, BS also has a significant positive effect on EMP. Finally, EMP is a significant mediator between BS and FP. The study’s findings will assist policymakers and the top management of SMEs in understanding BS and EMP’s roles in connecting to FP and developing policies considering these links. Finally, the findings would enrich the fathom of literature providing empirical evidence from SMEs of Saudi Arabia.

Peculiarities of climate change in the Arctic and implications for environmental management

The Arctic is the high-latitude part of the Far North, including the land area and the Arctic Ocean marine environment within the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation. The importance of the Arctic issues is due to the fact that in the Russian Federation the formation and scientific rationale of priorities for the development of circumpolar territory are ones of the key objectives of Russia’s economic development. The study of various areas and problems of Arctic development shows the particularly crucial role of geography in the formulation and solution of national economic objectives. The role of geography is becoming increasingly important not only because of the huge impact of the geographical factor in the Far North and the Arctic, but also due to remarkable differentiation of natural and social conditions of economic activity. In recent decades, the natural and socio-economic environment in the Arctic has been undergoing rapid transformation. One example is climate change, which may have an impact on environmental management on a global scale. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the current trends of climate change based on sources and to identify the impact of these processes on the processes of environmental management.

The anthropogenization of the middle Protva basin landscapes during the medieval period

For many decades, studying the historical dynamics of environmental management and development of natural-anthropogenic landscapes in the central regions of the European part of Russia has remained a topical issue within the retrospective analysis of the human-environment interaction. The main research methods are field landscape mapping, retrospective reconstructions of natural resource management, and archaeological and historical data consolidation. The environmental management processes within the Middle Protva basin during the medieval period were periodized. A direct correlation between different forms of the management of natural resources and specific landscape conditions was revealed.

Management of Environmental Programs for the Arabic Language at Arrayah Sukabumi University

The purpose of this research to describe the planning, organization, implementation and supervision of environmental programs at STIBA AR-RAAYAH. This study uses a qualitative research approach with a case study type of research. The results of this study indicate the following: First: setting daily schedules, creating daily work programmes, weekly work programmes, monthly work programmes, and annual work programmes. Second: in the organization are the Student Department, which includes BEM, the Academic Department, and the Curriculum Department. Third: Monitoring and supervising the process of environmental management of the Arabic language at STIBA AR-RAAYAH by looking at the results of the teacher's work and the results of their education, applying learning strategies/methods and the educational achievements of students, and monitoring student behavior. Fourth: The supporting factors in the formation of the Arabic language environment at Al-Raya University: good beginnings, the process of teaching and learning using the Arabic language, not owning anything that is not related to the Arabic language, native speakers, and housing. Fifth: Obstacle factors in creating the Arabic language environment at Al-Raya University: visitors, employees, non-Arabic lessons, and lecturers outside the university.

A review of green practices and initiatives from stakeholder’s perspectives towards sustainable hotel operations and performance impact

Purpose The survival of hotel business in maintaining market competitiveness depends on the constant improvement of the quality of hotel facilities and services. The key to sustain hotel business is lean on the adaptability of the hotel management team towards current lifestyle trends and its surrounding context in fulfilling customer satisfaction. Because of hotel operating service complexity, the hotel contributes a higher impact on environmental degradation in performing their daily activities. Therefore, hoteliers need to determine sustainable strategies to minimize environmental impact and at the same time be able to provide satisfaction to their customers. However, green initiatives require a proactive action by the organizational management engaging both employees and guests in the environmental management process. Thus, this paper aims to review the concept of green practices, the implementation of green practices from the stakeholders’ perspectives (manager, employee and customers) in the hotel industry, the performance impact from the green practices on the sustainability pillars and to further develop a conceptual green practice to sustainable hotel operations and performance impact. Design/methodology/approach This paper identified relevant empirical research that published in the recent 10 years from January 2012 to December 2021. The articles are searched through reputable databases such as Emerald, Elsevier and Taylor and Francis. The obtained data were screened preliminarily from 108 research papers. The post-screening process has finalized a total of 57 articles as the findings for this paper, where the themes were delineated to the attributes that need to implemented by the stakeholder in hotels industry, that is, manager’s perspectives, employee’s perspectives and customer’s perspectives. Findings The findings of this paper revealed that there are 27 attributes of green practices and initiatives for sustainable hotel operations from the manager perspectives (10 attributes – Green Marketing Strategy, Green Managerial Attitude, Eco-Innovation Investment, Marketing and Sustainability, Environmental Management Strategy, Green Supply Chain, Green Managerial Awareness, Green Procurement, Green Human Resources and Green Technology), employee perspectives (5 attributes – Employee Green Awareness, Employee Green Training and Educating, Employee Environmental Behaviour, Employee Green Performance and Employee Green Reward) and customer’s perspectives (12 attributes – Customer Perception, Customer Loyalty, Customer Awareness, Customer Behaviour, Customer Trust, Green Supply Chain, Green Value, Green Marketing Strategy, Customer Perceived Value, Service Quality, Brand Image and Hotel Design). All of the attributes are aligned to the performance effectiveness as the major concern in the hotel’s operations and impacted towards the sustainability pillars, environmental performance, economic performance and social performance. Sustainable practice in organization benefits the owners towards sustainable economic, environmental, socio-cultural and legal policy. Originality/value This review paper provides key elements of current green practices and sustainable initiatives for the hotel’s operations, as proactive measures. The novelty of the findings is to be able to convey valuable inputs to the relevant stakeholders (hotel’s owner, consultants, designers, maintenance officers, hoteliers, staffs, customers and end-users) in perceiving the elements of green practices into the preliminary planning of the hotel’s design. The review also helps to identify practices and measures to the performance impact to the hotel’s operations.

Enabling green shared vision: linking environmental strategic focus and environmental performance through ISO 14001 and technological capabilities.

Consistent with the worldwide call to combat environmental degradation concerns and advance sustainable development, there is increasing pressure on organizations to ensure organizational strategies include green initiatives. In this regard, environmental strategic focus is a relevant concept for scholars and business leaders. Underpinned by dynamic capability and stakeholder theory, the present study hypothesizes that ESF derives environmental performance, coordinated by mediating role of green shared vision that strategic environmental planning and decision making. Additionally, the current study employed ISO 14001 and technological capability as moderators between ESF and the green shared vision link. Methodologically, the data for this study was collected from 162 senior managerial officials working in EMS 14,001-accredited manufacturing firms in Malaysia. The data were analyzed with the AMOS 23 software to perform covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM), and then hierarchical regression analysis and moderated-mediation analysis were applied with SPSS 25. The findings confirmed that ESF is positively linked to environmental performance. The results validate that green shared vision acts as a positive mediator between ESF and environmental performance, in which the creation and sharing of knowledge embedded in a green shared vision serve as enablers to create higher environmental performance. The current study also validates a significant moderating role of ISO 14001 and technological capability between ESF and green shared vision. The study confirms how environmental strategies are integrated into environmental management processes that can serve as a source of dynamic capabilities.