Environmental Management Strategies Research Articles

Deciphering the driving factors and probabilistic health risks of potentially toxic elements in arid surface water: Insights from the Tarim River Basin

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface water in arid areas pose a serious threat to environmental safety and human health within a basin. It is important to determine the factors controlling PTEs and to assess the likelihood that they will pose a risk to human health in order to support the development of environmental protection and risk management strategies. In this study, a structural equation model and Bayesian method were combined to discuss the distribution and probabilistic health risks of PTEs in surface water in arid area, and the Tarim River Basin was taken as a case study. The results show that the average concentrations of As, Co, Cu, and Ni in the surface water in the Tarim River Basin ranged from 0.04 to 2.92 μg/L, which do not exceed the international standard values. However, the maximum value of As (19.20 μg/L) exceeded both the recommended drinking water standards and the Chinese irrigation water standards. Spatially, the high As concentrations were distributed in the upper reaches of the Kashgar River, and the high Co, Cu and Ni concentrations were distributed in reservoirs and lakes on the main stream of the Tarim River. The concentrations of the PTEs in the surface water in the basin were not only affected by random anthropogenic factors such as traffic discharge, agricultural activities and mining industry, but were also directly and indirectly influenced by climatic factors. The results of the probabilistic health risk assessment showed that the 95th percentile the total hazard index for infants exceeded the allowable value of 1, and the total carcinogenic risk of PTEs exposure in four age groups was at the notable level. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the controlling factors and health risks associated with PTEs in surface water in the Tarim River Basin, and the findings are expected to provide a scientific basis for regional water environment management and safety control.

Anthropogenic Lead (Pb) deposition history of the western Indian Ocean from coral-based Pb/Ca ratio and Pb isotope records.

Despite the rapid industrial growth and urban expansion along the coastline of the Western Indian Ocean, knowledge of both historical and current levels of anthropogenic lead (Pb) contamination, as well as its impact on the biosphere, remains limited compared to other industrialized regions. We present a twenty-four year long coralline record (1989-2013) of Pb/Ca ratio and Pb isotopes from the Lakshadweep coral reef in the Western Indian Ocean. This new record provides critical insight into source(s), possible transport pathways, and temporal trends in Pb deposition during the studied interval. The long-term trend in the surface seawater Pb concentration ([Pb]SW), reconstructed from the coralline Pb/Ca record, reveals almost doubling in [Pb]SW from ~50 pmol/kg in the year 1990 to ~107 pmol/kg in the year 2013. Bayesian mixing model calculations reveal that among the potential Pb polluting sources to this region, anthropogenic aerosol from the hinterland of the continents was the dominant contributor of Pb (23-89 %). A compilation of available Pb records from the Indian Ocean reveals that Pb isotope distribution patterns in the western and central equatorial Indian Oceans are distinctly different from those observed in the eastern Indian Ocean. The western Indian Ocean records exhibit lower Pb isotope ratios (206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb) compared to the East Indian Ocean, suggesting a greater influence of anthropogenic Pb on seawater concentration. These findings highlight the spatio-temporally spread of anthropogenic Pb pollution and its potential impact on the biosphere in the Indian Ocean and therefore emphasize the urgent need for region-specific environmental management strategies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study reconstructs the history of lead (Pb) pollution in the Western Indian Ocean. We analyzed a specimen of coral, collected from Lakshadweep, to create a 24-year-long (years 1989 to 2013) for Pb concentration and isotopic composition of seawater in the Western Indian Ocean. Using the coralline Pb/Ca ratio and Pb isotope data, we have reconstructed surface ocean Pb concentration ([PbSW]) and isotopic composition to understand the sources, transport pathways, and temporal depositional trends over the western Indian Ocean during the past two decades. This reconstruction of [PbSW] reveals a doubling from ~50 pmol/kg in the year 1990 to ~107 pmol/kg in the year 2013. Our investigations to fingerprint the Pb source(s) to our study area reveal that majority of the anthropogenic Pb has been contributed by aerosol deposition sourced from the hinterland of the surrounding continents. Our investigation also revealed that the western Indian Ocean is more contaminated by anthropogenic Pb compared to the eastern Indian Ocean. These findings highlight the need for region-specific monitoring efforts in the Indian Ocean as well as the formulation of environmental strategies to mitigate the impact of Pb pollution.

Assessment of trace metal levels in water, sediment and fish tissue from Lake Small Abaya, Ethiopia

The environmental impact of trace metal contamination is a concern for Lake Small Abaya, Ethiopia, because of nearby agricultural and industrial activities. This study assessed the levels of trace metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cr) in water, sediment, and fish samples, as well as the physicochemical parameters of the water. Samples were collected from five sites and analyzed via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The mean concentrations in the water were Zn: 0.6971 mg/l, Fe: 0.5628 mg/l, Cu: 0.1168 mg/l, Mn: 0.2129 mg/l, Pb: 0.0057 mg/l, Cr: 0.0021 mg/l, and Cd: 0.0014 mg/l. In the sediments, the mean concentrations were as follows: Fe, 33.066 mg/kg; Zn, 18.263 mg/kg; Mn, 22.777 mg/kg; Cu, 7.5663 mg/kg; Pb, 0.0751 mg/kg; Cr, 0.0233 mg/kg; and Cd, 0.0183 mg/kg. The fish samples presented mean concentrations of Fe: 21.855 mg/kg, Zn: 12.686 mg/kg, Cu: 0.3185 mg/kg, Mn: 0.9181 mg/kg, Pb: 0.0089 mg/kg, Cd: 0.0075 mg/kg, and Cr: 0.0015 mg/kg. All the metal concentrations were generally below the World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. The physicochemical parameters indicated slightly alkaline to neutral conditions, with electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids within acceptable ranges. These findings suggest that current agricultural and industrial activities do not significantly contribute to trace metal pollution. However, continued monitoring and pollution control measures are recommended to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the lake. This study highlights the importance of effective environmental management strategies to safeguard this crucial aquatic resource.

Management of Carbon Emissions via a Nonzero-Sum Stochastic Differential Game

This study examines an environmental management strategy to effectively cap greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in an electricity market. To do so, we model a stochastic impulse two-person, nonzero-sum game between a power plant, a representative of electricity production within a country whose primary aim is to maximize profits, and government who is motivated to minimize the social and environmental cost of pollution. We assume that the power plant’s competitive price is equal to the marginal cost whilst the government’s running cost is linear. When the uncontrolled output of GHG emissions evolves as a Geometric Brownian motion, we provide a more dynamic and robust depiction of the interplay between government and the energy sector. We provide solutions to the impulse control problem derived via the quasi-variational inequalities (QVIs). We then present a sufficiency criterion for the existence of a Nash equilibrium for the optimal policy. Ultimately, our use of short-run price competition characterized by strategic supplies for renewable and fossil resources and inclusion of endogenous constraints on production capacity provides a more robust model and an effective framework for the development of policy that allows governments to meet emissions targets whilst guaranteeing energy supply.

Environmental Management and Construction Waste Strategies in Malaysia: An Overview of Green Materials and Waste Management Challenge

This review provides an overview of Malaysia's environmental management practices, with a focus on construction waste management, to address the country's growing waste generation in the construction sector. The paper highlights key challenges Malaysia faces in implementing effective environmental practices and offers potential solutions to overcome these hurdles. Additionally, it examines the use of green materials, such as recycled concrete aggregate and bamboo, which have demonstrated significant potential in reducing resource consumption and carbon emissions. The challenges of adopting these materials are analyzed, along with a discussion of their advantages and limitations. Ultimately, the review underscores the importance of environmental management and the role of sustainable materials in transforming Malaysia’s construction industry, while calling for stronger regulatory frameworks and industry collaboration to address these challenges. The objective of this review is to provide insights into the current environmental management efforts in Malaysia and to explore the potential of green materials in mitigating environmental impacts.

The Adoption and Applications of Earth Observations and Allied Geoinformation Systems for Environmental Management in Ghana

Earth Observations (EOs) and allied technologies were initially adopted and applied to inform sustainable environmental resource management in Ghana. This paper examines the initial adoption of EOs in the early 1990s and subsequent applications. It highlights the transformative potentials of EO technologies in addressing critical environmental issues while also identifying barriers to their widespread adoption and options for optimal up-scaling. Literature review, in-depth interview, and personal experiences of the author were analyzed. The initial optimism bias generated may have masked the need for establishing the necessary sustainability arrangements. The adoption of EOs was driven by the need to generate data to inform natural and environmental resource management in the mid-1990s. Initially, EOs facilities were established in public organizations, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Survey Department, and the University of Ghana. Since then, EOs have been applied in various sectors for research and environmental resource management. Granted, there have been successes. Yet, challenges undermine the optimization and scaling-up of actual benefits. These include the misconceived technocentric view of EOs, which is a restricted domain for the technically initiated and map-making tool. Others, such as unfavourable organizational processes, unsustainable funding, and limitations in research and applications, have adversely contributed to suboptimal outcomes. Suboptimal institutionalization of EOs into management decisions has constrained EOs infrastructure acquisition, maintenance and data procurement. To sustainably enhance EOs applications in resource management, research, and governance, a shift from present misconceptions for effective mainstreaming and a leveraging of EOs as integral parts of decision-making processes are prerequisites. Decision-makers and management personnel should be educated on the relevance of EOs’ functionalities to the core strategies of environmental management.

The Role of Local Government and Environmental Management in Managing Tidal Floods in Bintan Regency

Indonesia is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, with tidal floods being a significant concern in Bintan Regency due to its exposure to sea tides and extreme weather events. The local government's role and environmental management strategies are crucial in mitigating these risks. This research seeks to evaluate these aspects by focusing on the measures implemented by Bintan Regency to manage tidal floods. The study employs a qualitative approach, relying on literature reviews to collect data from various sources such as scientific journals, books, research reports, and other relevant documents. This method provides a comprehensive understanding of the current practices and effectiveness of flood management and environmental management strategies in Bintan Regency. The research findings indicate that the Bintan Regency local government has undertaken significant initiatives to reduce tidal flood risks. These initiatives include spatial planning that integrates disaster risk considerations, the development of flood management infrastructure, and community education programs aimed at increasing preparedness. The effective implementation of environmental management practices, including the use of advanced technology for monitoring and evaluation, has been instrumental in these efforts. The local government’s approach reflects a proactive stance in addressing the challenges posed by tidal floods, emphasizing both preventative measures and responsive strategies. The study concludes that a holistic and sustainable approach is essential for effective tidal flood management. The integration of comprehensive spatial planning, infrastructure development, community engagement, and modern technology forms a robust framework for disaster mitigation.

Integrated geochemical analysis of urban and peri-urban soils: a case study of Lamia City, Greece.

The occurrence of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) and other chemical elements in urban and peri-urban soils impacts human health and quality of life, posing a challenge for geoscientists. This study investigated the soil geochemistry of Lamia City, focusing on identifying the geogenic and anthropogenic origins of elements. A total of 168 topsoil samples (0-10cm) were collected in April 2023, and the analysis included the near-total concentrations of 51 elements. Descriptive, correlation, multivariate statistics (i.e., Factor Analysis-FA and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis-HCA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, and mineralogical analysis were employed to identify potential element sources. The results indicated that the elements in soils originated from geogenic, anthropogenic, and mixed sources. Geogenic origins are associated with ultramafic rocks (e.g., Mg, Cr, Ni, Co, Fe, Sc, Mn), carbonate rocks (e.g., Ca, Sr), and Quaternary sediments (e.g., K, Na, Ba, Tl, Be, Rb, Ti, V, Ga, and Rare Earth Elements-REEs); associations are linked to specific identified minerals. All applied statistical analyses reveal that the mobility of chemical elements in the urban and peri-urban soils of Lamia city is primarily affected by geochemical processes such as element substitution, chemical weathering, pedogenesis, adsorption, precipitation, evaporation, and organic matter presence. The P, Ag, Hg, Pb, Sn, Zn, Sb, Cd, Cu, and U were associated with anthropogenic influences, particularly in areas with high population density, heavy vehicle traffic, and intensive agricultural practices. Additionally, some elements (e.g., Ca, Cd, Cu, Mo, Mn, and Li) exhibited mixed origins. This integrated approach offers valuable insights into the spatial distribution and sources of PTEs in urban and peri-urban environments, providing critical information for environmental management and public health protection strategies.

Pollution of organophosphorus pesticides in the Dongting Lake, China and its relationship with dissolved organic matter: Occurrence, source identification and risk assessment

The escalating global demand for food and industrialization has placed significant pressure on the integrity and management of inland lake ecosystems. Herein, the organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) pollution status and their relationship with dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Dongting Lake were investigated to identify the ecological risks and potential sources of OPPs. The total concentrations of 18 detected OPPs were in the range of 13.49–375.24 ng/L, with higher concentration observed in east and west lake regions. Among these, fenthion was the dominant contributor, accounting for 64% of total OPPs, posing significant ecological risk to aquatic organisms. Nearly all of sites showed high combined risk of total OPPs. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and fluorescence regional integration (FRI) technique showed that DOM was mainly composed of terrestrial humic-like and tryptophan-like substances. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed a close association between DOM optical parameters and OPP concentrations. Specifically, OPPs exhibited a significantly positive correlation with tyrosine-like substances, while displaying a negative correlation with fulvic acid-like substances. These results indicated that OPP concentrations may decrease with increasing humification levels and declining tyrosine-like substance contents. This study underscores the critical role of DOM in assessing the occurrence and sources of OPPs in aquatic environments, providing valuable insights for effective environmental management strategies.

The Shift Towards Green Construction: A Review of Environmental Management Strategies and Sustainable Materials in Developed Countries

Green materials have proven to be highly effective in managing environmental impacts when implemented in construction activities. The aim of this review paper is to critically examine the shift towards green construction practices in developed countries, with a focus on the integration of environmental management strategies and the use of sustainable materials. Currently, developed countries such as Switzerland, Japan, and China have significantly benefited their local environments by implementing these practices in the construction industry. Authorities and governments in these nations have taken proactive steps to establish standards and policies for the construction sector, encouraging more industries to participate in environmental management and protection efforts. The enforcement of rules and regulations in these developed countries has led the construction industry to prioritize environmental management and protection. The use of green materials in construction projects, including autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and green roof technology, has shown positive trends in advancing environmental protection and management. Developing countries are encouraged to adopt similar initiatives and utilize green materials in their construction industries to help secure the importance of environmental sustainability.

Environmental Management Strategies for Cost-Effective Waste Management in Hospitals

General background: Waste management in hospitals is crucial due to its environmental impact. Specific background: RSU Al Islam HM Mawardi Krian struggles with waste management while adhering to PSAP No. 1 of 2010 and maintaining efficiency. Knowledge gap: Limited research exists on applying environmental management accounting and operational strategies for hospital waste management in line with accounting standards. Aims: This study analyzes the impact of environmental management accounting and strategies on waste management costs at RSU Al Islam HM Mawardi Krian, assessing compliance with PSAP standards. Results: The hospital has implemented processes of identification, recognition, measurement, recording, presentation, and disclosure per PSAP No. 1 of 2010, managing waste effectively and incurring environmental costs. Novelty: Offers insights into aligning hospital environmental cost management with government standards. Implications: Structured environmental accounting and strategies can enhance waste management, improve hospital reputation, ensure regulatory compliance, and potentially increase revenue. Highlights: RSU Al Islam HM Mawardi complies with PSAP No. 1 of 2010 in managing waste costs. Proper environmental accounting improves transparency and operational efficiency. Structured strategies can boost hospital reputation and revenue. Keywords: Environmental Management Accounting, Operational Strategies, Waste Management Costs, Hospital Compliance

European eel (Anguilla anguilla) survival modeling based on a 22-year capture-mark-recapture survey of a Mediterranean subpopulation.

Since the 1980s, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) has declined by over 90% in recruitment across its European and North African distribution area. This diadromous fish spawns at sea and migrates into continental waters, where it grows for three to more than 30 years, depending on habitat conditions and location. During their growth, different habitat use tactics can locally influence the life-history traits of eels, including their survival rates. Thus, the spatio-temporal dimension of this species is crucial for management. Based on a rare Mediterranean long-term survey of more than 20 years (2001-2022) in an artificial drainage canal connected to a vast brackish lagoon (the Vaccarès lagoon), we aimed to study the dynamics of one subpopulation's life-history traits. We used Bayesian multistate capture-mark-recapture (CMR) models to assess the temporal variability in survival and abundance at both seasonal and inter-annual scales, considering life-stage structure. High survival rates and low detection probabilities were found for the undifferentiated and female yellow stages. In contrast, female silver eels exhibited lower survival rates and higher capture probabilities. Estimating detection probabilities and survival rates enabled accurate assessment of relative abundance across different life stages and time periods. Our findings indicated a substantial decrease in the abundance of undifferentiated and female yellow eels in the early 2000s, whereas the abundance of female silver eels remained consistently low yet stable throughout the study period. Considering the life stage seemed essential to study the dynamics of the eel during its continental growing period. The present results will provide key elements to propose and implement suitable sustainable environmental management strategies for eel conservation.

Aluminium bioavailability and toxicity disrupted chloroplast structure and inhibited inorganic carbon utilization and nutrient uptake in Vallisneria natans at acidic and alkaline pH

Vallisneria natans, as submerged aquatic plants, face significant threats from aluminium (Al) toxicity. While the effects of Al at low pH on terrestrial plants have been extensively studied, there is a lack of research on the impacts of both low and high pH on chloroplast ultrastructure and nutrient uptake in submerged plants. This research is important as it aims to fill this gap by exposing the leaves of Vallisneria natans to 100 μM Al at varying pH levels (4.5, 5.5, 7.5, and 9.5) for 48 hours. The results showed that inorganic carbon (CT), CO2, and HCO3 content increased at extreme pH levels (4.5 and 9.5), suggesting decreased inorganic carbon utilization under Al stress. Additionally, photosystem II efficiency and electron transport rate were significantly reduced at extreme pH levels, highlighting the sensitivity of V. natans to Al. Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content were significantly lower at pH 4.5 compared to pH 7.5. Chloroplast structural disruptions were evident at extreme pH levels coupled with Al exposure, whereas minimal injury was observed at pH 5.5 and 7.5. The study also noted vacuole enlargement, altered plasma membrane permeability, and hematoxylin staining, indicating Al accumulation in leaves. ICP analysis revealed increased Al content at extreme pH levels, underscoring heightened Al bioavailability and toxicity. Significant reductions in macro and micronutrient content (P, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, B, Mn) were observed, likely due to Al-induced root and cell damage and altered nutrient uptake. These findings emphasize the complex interplay between Al exposure, pH fluctuations, and their cascading effects on the physiology and elemental composition of Vallisneria natans, highlighting the need for further research and environmental management strategies.

Investigation of Photoinduced Deterioration in Shadow Puppet Artifacts Collected from the National Shadow Pupperty Museum in Chengdu, China

Shadow puppet artifacts are a special type of cultural heritage made from animal skin, possessing significant cultural and artistic value. However, there is insufficient attention to the scientific preservation of these artifacts, and systematic research on their protection is lacking. In particular, light as an important factor and related conservation studies are weak. This study investigates the photoinduced deterioration of shadow puppet artifacts from the National Shadow Pupperty Museum in Chengdu collection. Based on the xenon arc lamp are a common method of light aging, the modern rawhide samples were aged by the xenon arc lamp to simulate photoinduced deterioration. After artificial light aging, the samples were stored in a stable environment (with temperature maintained at 22 ± 2°C and relative humidity maintained at 50 ± 5%RH) for 150 days. It attempts to avoid further deterioration of the samples due to drastic cyclic changes in the environment. And continuously observe changes in characteristics during this process to verify the potential reversibility of photoinduced deterioration. Comprehensive assessments were conducted to gauge the extent of deterioration. In order to assess the deterioration, a series of analytical techniques were used. Moisture gain or loss was inferred from mass changes, and colorimetric measurements were measured using the CIELAB formula. Macroscopic and microscopic morphological damage was documented through camera, stereo microscope, and scanning electron microscope observations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assessed amide bond degradation and moisture loss, while thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) evaluated collagen denaturation and thermal stability. The results indicated that prolonged light exposure caused significant deterioration, including color fading, moisture evaporation, and structural damage such as shrinkage and cracking. The findings indicate that light exposure is a crucial factor in the preservation of shadow puppet artifacts. Therefore, it is essential to implement careful management strategies in museum environments to ensure the protection of these artifacts.

Responses of surface ozone under the tropical cyclone circulations: Case studies from Fujian Province, China

The circulation of tropical cyclones (TCs) exerts a multifaceted influence on the spatial and temporal distribution of surface pollutants. This study investigates the response of surface ozone (O3) concentration to the TCs in Fujian Province from June to December 2022 by analyzing the contributions of atmospheric pollutants, meteorological conditions, and dynamical transports. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition methods are used to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of affected O3, and a Gradient Boosting Regression Trees (GBRT) machine learning model is employed to estimate surface O3 concentration, quantifying the influence of each factor. The results indicate an anomaly increase in O3 concentration during this period, with photochemistry-related meteorological conditions being the primary influencer, accounting for 66.9% of O3 variations, elucidating the interpretability of the GBRT model for attributing changes in O3 concentration. Low relative humidity and high temperature conditions have been identified as pivotal factors influencing the rise in O3 concentrations. The presence of TC undermines this predominant influence, amplifying the role of transport factors and other atmospheric pollutants. In the case studies of TC (Muifa and Nanmadol, 2022), the slow or stagnant TCs triggered persistent downdrafts in its periphery and brought favorable meteorological conditions such as clear sky and warm temperature for photochemistry. TCs also enhances the impact of horizontal and vertical dynamic transport on O3 concentrations. This work provides vital insights into the complex interplay between TCs and surface O3 concentrations, highlighting the need for targeted environmental and air quality management strategies in regions frequently impacted by TCs.

Paleoenvironmental characterization and historical trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of Nutrias Lagoon, Uruguay

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were assessed in a sediment core retrieved from Nutrias Lagoon, located within the Rocha Lagoon Protected Area along the SE Uruguayan coast. Using a 210Pb chronology, we reconstructed the historical accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons over the past 123 years (1895-2018). This study, the first of its kind in Uruguay, fills a research gap in understanding historical PAH accumulation and source changes. Our examination of dating, geochemical, and sedimentological data unveiled four main events, with minor instances in 1956±5 and 1964±4, and more significant occurrences in 1914±9 and 1997±2. Additionally, two prominent trend shifts were identified, one predating 1900 and the other in 1986±2. Before 1900, a dry spell was apparent, supported by all proxies, alongside a notable surge in heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, likely attributed to fires during this arid period. Post-1986±2, a rise in sedimentation rates in the lagoon was observed, possibly due to increased rainfall. Also, the eutrophication of the lagoon over the years can be observed. Furthermore, a recent increase in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons influx at the core's surface was linked to the construction of a nearby lagoon bridge and associated roadwork. Our findings suggest that atmospheric deposition constitutes the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the lagoon, offering insights into its recent environmental history and basin dynamics. This study establishes a critical baseline for future research in the region and facilitates the development of effective and sustainable environmental management strategies.

The Ecological Architecture Approach Analysis at Kusuma Agrotourism Resort & Convention Hotel

Resort areas are popular recreational destinations for urban populations, but rapid urban development often leads to significant environmental degradation in these areas. This degradation is evidenced by the decline in water, air, and soil quality, the extinction of local flora and fauna, and the destruction of natural ecosystems. As a response, the application of ecological architecture has become essential in designing and constructing city facilities, including resorts, to mitigate environmental damage. This study aims to examine the implementation of various principles of ecological architecture in resort areas and identify sustainable materials suitable for such applications. A qualitative descriptive method is employed, combining literature reviews and field observations to analyze the integration of ecological architectural principles in the resort area. The findings reveal that key principles such as the use of local materials, energy-efficient systems, and environmental management strategies have been applied. However, the study also highlights areas where improvements can be made to better preserve the ecosystem and minimize the negative impacts of architectural design.

Surface charge alteration of charcoal derived from bamboo leaves and understanding the interaction with anionic and cationic dye

Cost-effective adsorbents derived from regenerative sources provide a sustainable solution to the pressing environmental pollution challenges. Conventional studies often rely on biochar-based adsorbents obtained at high carbonization temperatures in an induced environment. The present study explored the efficacy of carbon derived from the stems (CBS) and leaves (CBL) of bamboo plants as efficient dye adsorbents at low carbonization temperatures. CBL carbonized at 350 °C exhibited a remarkable dye adsorption efficiency of 90%, significantly outperforming CBS, which achieved only 39% efficiency. To enable the adsorption of both dyes, heterophase metal oxides, specifically Fe-doped ZnO and ZnFe2O4 were incorporated. Zeta potential measurements revealed a transition from negative to positive values with metal oxide incorporation, suggesting alterations in the surface acidity and functional group composition. The adsorption performance of the composite (WC20) sample was evaluated using Congo Red (CR) and Crystal Violet (CV) dyes. Comprehensive studies on the adsorption kinetics, isotherm modeling, and thermodynamics have been conducted to identify WC20 as the most effective composite. The equilibrium adsorption data aligned well with the Langmuir isotherm model, demonstrating maximum adsorption capacities of 65.31 mg g−1 for CR and 38.05 mg g−1 for CV at room temperature of 298 K with constant pH. Thermodynamic analysis indicated a hybrid adsorption mechanism, wherein CR adsorption was predominantly driven by chemisorption, whereas CV adsorption was governed by physisorption. Mechanistic insights have revealed that electrostatic interactions and π–π stacking play crucial roles in dye removal. These findings underscore the potential applicability of WC20 as a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent for the remediation of both cationic (CV) and anionic (CR) dyes in wastewater, highlighting its viability for future environmental management and pollution mitigation strategies.

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

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

Emissions trading, corporate social responsibility, and innovation quality -based on the perspective of formal and informal institutions

ABSTRACT High-quality green innovation plays a significant strategic support role in high-quality economic developments. Drawing upon institutional theory and property rights theory, this paper investigates the drivers of green innovation quality (GIQ) from the perspectives of formal and informal institutions. Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) represent formal institutions designed and implemented by governments, while Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) represents informal institutions. The study finds that ETS significantly enhances GIQ. Moreover, CSR significantly and positively moderated the relationship between ETS and GIQ, indicating that the synergistic interaction between formal and informal institutions stimulates superior innovation quality. This paper contributes to the understanding of the relationship among government regulations, corporate ethics and responsibility, and innovation quality. This paper offers recommendations for environmental policy and management strategies.