Environmental Performance Research Articles

Do sanctions affect the environment? The role of trade integration

Environmental degradation is one of the potentially unforeseen consequences of sanctions, yet few studies have investigated how sanctions affect the environment. For instance, by restricting the acquisition of more efficient technologies, sanctions can strain natural resources and erode environmental performance. Therefore, this study investigates the moderating effects of trade integration on the underlying links between several types of sanctions (i.e., military, arms, trade, financial, and travel) and the environmental quality of the target country. A rich dyadic dataset consisting of 214 sender countries/states, 135 target countries/states, and 28,532 country pairs is used for the empirical analysis. A multi-way panel fixed effects model is employed for the empirical analysis. This approach allows us to control for the unobserved sender and target country-specific as well as time-specific characteristics that might affect environmental performance. The results show that most sanctions result in the deterioration of the environmental quality. In contrast, trade sanctions promote the environmental quality of the target country. We also find that sanctions adversely impact the ecological aspect of the environment while positively influencing the climate change aspect of environmental quality. The results also show that greater bilateral trade interdependence between the sender and the target country helps to mitigate the adverse impacts of most sanctions. The findings of this study suggest that the real effects of sanctions on environmental quality cannot be empirically disentangled if several types of sanctions are clubbed under the umbrella of ‘sanctions’ and captured using a single dummy variable, as is often done in the extant literature. Policies that encourage greater economic integration, such as trade liberalization with multiple countries, can be used strategically by a country to reduce threats of being sanctioned or vulnerabilities to the negative effects of sanctions on the environment.

Effect of immersion time on bacterial community structure and sulfur metabolism in biofilm on concrete surface in sewer environment

This study focuses on an overlooked but critical issue: the composition and functional expression of microbial communities on the concrete surface in different areas of sewer pipes. Three immersion conditions were applied to simulate the duration of concrete in different areas ofsewers exposed to sewage, including short-term (L1), long-term (L2) and permanent immersion (L3). The properties of concrete under different immersion conditions and the bacterial diversity and functional capabilities in biofilms on the concrete surface were analyzed. Results showed that the L1 group was dominated by Halothiobacillus, whereas Desulfomicrobium was prominent in the L3 group. Significant differences in the predominant functional microbial communities and metabolic functional genes further confirmed the strong impact of immersion time on the pathways of microbial sulfur metabolism and concrete performance in sewer environment. Compared with the L2 and L3 groups, the decreased sewage immersion time resulted in an increase in the abundance and metabolic activity of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in the L1 group. Hence, greater mass loss and gypsum production of concrete was found in the L1 group. The structural and functional differentiation of bacterial communities on the concrete surface observed in this study contributes to a better understanding of the uneven corrosion in real sewer pipes.

Thermally stabilized polyacrylonitrile/polyphenylene sulfide composite membranes for efficient emission control in harsh environments

In harsh and complex environments, the emission of polluted air poses significant challenges to traditional filtration systems. In contrast to conventional approaches which primarily involve the incorporation of antioxidants into filter materials, this study introduces a novel methodology. Here, we employed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as a coating for polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fibers. Furthermore, we innovatively utilized a needle punching process in conjunction with segmented heat treatment to manufacture PAN-PPS composite filter membranes capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions. During the segmented heat treatment process, the molecular structure of PAN coating underwent a series of changes, ultimately transforming into a heat-resistant ring trapezoidal structure, providing protection for PPS fibers that are prone to oxidation, and thereby enhancing the structural stability of composite filter membrane. Experimental results demonstrated a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of PAN-PPS composite fabric after segmented heat treatment, with the tensile strength increasing by 71.7 % and the Young’s modulus by 91.6 %. Additionally, the flame retardancy and hydrophobic properties of composite membranes were significantly enhanced, exhibiting the excellent stability and better filtration performance in extreme environments. This approach not only addresses the challenges posed by incorporating nano antioxidants into the spinning process but also significantly enhances the high-temperature resistance of the materials. This enables PAN-PPS composite filter bags to effectively control the emission of polluted gases in extreme environments. Furthermore, the thermal treatment process of the PAN coating is easy to implement and cost-effective, providing a novel strategy for the development of extremely high-temperature resistant filtering materials. This makes it possible to explore the development of flexible, high-performance air filtering materials for extreme environments in the future.

Performance analysis of different control models for smart demand–supply energy management system

Several features of innovative grid technologies can be deployed to improve the overall performance of the power system environment. This can be seen from the generation to the consumption of energy. The two-way communication of smart metering introduces the novel functionalities of the energy management system. This paper presents a practical implementation of using the intelligent metering system. It consists of implementing a nanogrid that optimally coordinates the energy from the solar panel, battery storage and utility grid to supply the end user. The developed model is validated with an optimal value of the state of charge of the distributed energy storage to maximise energy from the solar panel and battery storage while minimising the power received from the utility grid. A demand response scheme is employed to formulate the performance index of the energy management system using three optimal control models: adaptive open-loop control, adaptive closed-loop control and model predictive control schemes. The formulation of the performance index of each approach is a function of the energy flow from different resources depending on the power consumption. The three models have given different insights into the performance of the smart nanogrid, which may be used to the advantage of the grid owner or end user. Through the performance of the optimal strategies, it can be observed that energy management is ensured, and real-time monitoring of the entire system is guaranteed. The performance models facilitate the minimisation of the power from the utility, resulting in savings between 23.7% and 39.240% of the total energy demand from the end user. Besides, the system design is validated by an electrical system to form a real-world innovative nanogrid application in residential environments.

Explaining the environmental efficiency capability of energy mix innovation among the Nordic countries

Improving the environmental efficiency performance of energy mix is important to the global carbon neutrality goal. Given this motivation, this study delves into providing more explanation about the role of innovation approaches to coal, oil, and natural gas energy resources in the Nordic economies i.e., Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden during the period 2000 to 2019. To achieve this objective and reach an evidence-based insight for policy formulation, the present study leveraged robust panel econometrics estimators that circumvent cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity issues in the investigated blocs. The empirical evidence shows that economic growth (GDP), coal energy, oil and natural gas contribute to the Nordic economies' environmental degradation in the short- and long-run. Contrarily, innovation via environmental-related patents mitigates environmental degradation, especially in the long run. Furthermore, the interaction models, i.e., applying innovative approaches in the energy mix's consumption, can mitigate carbon emissions across the countries, thus significantly improving environmental sustainability. Specifically, innovative approaches in coal, oil, and natural gas consumption improve environmental sustainability by mitigating carbon emissions, thus delivering respective environmental efficiency improvements of ~94%, ~108%, and ~123%. Additionally, Granger causality evidence further suggests that the examined factors are significant drivers of the environmental indicator. Regarding policy insight, this study affirms that further improvement in energy savings is vital to continuously deploying the conventional energy mix.

Identifying ESG types of Chinese solid waste disposal companies based on machine learning methods

In the context of China's efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development, the solid waste treatment industry's environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance is receiving significant attention. To comprehensively assess the ESG performance of the solid waste treatment industry and identify company types, this study constructs a targeted ESG evaluation index system based on existing literature, SASB industry standards, and company reports and utilizes a random forest approach combined with K-means clustering to determine indicator weights. Based on this index system, the paper evaluates the ESG performance of 71 solid waste disposal companies (SWDCs) from 2013 to 2021 and identifies their ESG types from static and dynamic perspectives. In the static view, company types are determined based on annual ESG performance, while the dynamic view considers time-series changes to observe the evolution of company ESG types. The results show that the overall ESG performance of SWDCs falls within the 2-8-point range, indicating a noticeable high-low imbalance. Key initiatives to improve ESG performance in this industry include enhancing waste management measures, developing emergency plans, and reinforcing ESG disclosure. From a static perspective, this paper can identify companies into three categories: delayed development, single-wheel-driven, and coordinated development. Finally, from a dynamic perspective considering the time factor, companies are further subdivided into five types: continual leading, growth catch-up, slow progress, fluctuating change, and retrogressive inertia. This study not only provides targeted recommendations for different types of ESG companies but also helps various sectors of society better understand the ESG conditions of this high environmental risk industry, thereby enhancing the regulation and support for its sustainable development.

How do property rights affect corporate ESG performance? The moderating effect of green innovation efficiency

Data from China's A-share listed companies indicates that property rights (PR) significantly influence Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) outperforming non-SOEs. The state-owned shareholding ratio (SSR) does not linearly correlate with higher ESG performance. Instead, a non-linear threshold effect is observed, and maintaining SSR below 42% significantly enhances ESG performance. Additionally, green innovation efficiency (GIE) moderates the impact of PR on ESG performance, and the increase in GIE exacerbates the disparity in ESG performance between SOEs and non-SOEs. Compared to the efficiency of applying green tech achievements, green tech R&D efficiency has a more pronounced moderating effect.

Стендовые испытания нового уплотнения деталей цилиндропоршневой группы судового ДВС

The engine consists of a large number of parts, each of which is responsible for a specific function of its efficient operation. The reliability of a marine diesel engine is largely determined by the resource of its individual components and parts. Therefore, in order to increase the engine life, it is necessary to allocate the most responsible parts in it, which are subject to greater wear and find solutions to increase their durability. Such details include piston rings, which affect not only the technical and economic performance of the engine, but also its reliability and environmental performance. Of the entire set of sealing parts of the cylinder-piston group, the upper piston compression ring should be distinguished as the most loaded. The main function of piston rings is noted – the creation of tightness of the combustion chamber. The passage of exhaust gases is inevitable due to the presence of a “lock” in the structure, and during operation, the wear of the piston rings leads to an increase in it, which affects fuel consumption, oil, and a decrease in engine power. One of the most negative consequences of piston ring wear is the appearance of “flutter” type vibration, which leads to the destruction of not only the ring, but also the edges of the piston grooves, especially on aluminum pistons. Worn grooves are not repaired by resorting to replacing pistons. A method for extending the service life is proposed, which consists in the use of a new sealing unit for cylinder piston group parts. The new sealing unit allows you to extend the piston's operability by boring the upper piston groove of the piston until all chips are eliminated. The operability of this node and the effectiveness of the seal was confirmed by an experiment that was conducted on the stand in conditions close to real ones. A technology for restoring the operability of pistons made of aluminum alloys is proposed.

Literature Review on Experimental Analysis of Domestic Refrigerator

Abstract: This literature review paper delves into the experimental analysis of the performance of domestic refrigerators, a cornerstone of modern household appliances. The review synthesizes a broad spectrum of studies that examine the efficiency, energy consumption, cooling capacity, and overall performance of various domestic refrigerator models. Key focus areas include the impact of different refrigerants, advancements in compressor technology, insulation materials, and the role of smart technologies in enhancing refrigerator performance. The review highlights experimental methodologies employed to assess refrigerator performance, such as standardized testing protocols, real-world usage simulations, and advanced diagnostic techniques. It also discusses the influence of external factors like ambient temperature, door opening frequency, and load variability on refrigerator efficiency. Comparative analyses within the literature reveal trends in energy efficiency improvements, driven by regulatory standards and consumer demand for environmentally friendly appliances. The integration of alternative refrigerants, such as R600a (isobutane), is examined for its environmental benefits and performance implications. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in current research and suggesting directions for future experimental studies. Emphasis is placed on the need for continued innovation in refrigeration technologies to meet growing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability requirements. Overall, this literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the experimental evaluation techniques and findings related to domestic refrigerator performance, offering insights that can guide future research and development in this vital field.

Stepless Transmission Optimization for Green Micromobility

Small, electrified vehicles are becoming possible for urban environmental mobility due to their environmental performance, including zero-emission driving. Vehicles of this type use electric motors as sources of mechanical energy. Today, two types of transmission are most used in electrical micromobility vehicles (skateboards, scooters, tricycles, quadricycles, mopeds, motorcycles, go-karts, etc.): chain transmission and belt transmission. This transmission types provides a constant gear ratio that can only compromise between the maximum speed and the starting torque values, thus reducing the usage efficiency of the engine. This reduces vehicle manufacturers’ choice of less powerful drive and control elements, as well as balancing performance and efficiency at low and high speeds as well as on terrain.A novel design of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for an electric go-kart is presented in this paper. The CVT consists of an inertial driving pulley mounted on an electric motor shaft, a timing V-belt, a gear wheel on the drive axle and 2 pressure rolls, which are moved by a servo motor for tensioning the V-belt. Gear ratio of a transmission can change seamlessly in the range of 1.5 - 2.2. The CVT has been tested under real conditions. The top speed of the electric go-kart with the given CVT and motor power 24.7 kW is 133km/h; time to accelerate to the top speed is 25 s. Total efficiency of the transmission (motor shaft, CVT, drive axle and wheels) is 65-72 % now, but there exist a lot of possibilities to improve it in the future. The conditions under which the novel CVT has an advantage over belt and chain transmissions with constant gear ratios have been studied. The developed mathematical model, the method for determination its constants, the algorithm for numerical calculations and the optimization criterion makes it possible to determine the optimal gear ratio for a vehicle with various CVT (not only belt) at any point in time in different racing modes. The model has been proved experimentally during acceleration and deceleration tests of the go-kart; it describes precisely the motion of the go-kart within the speed measurement error.The developed solution is applicable in urban micromobility. An optimized and stable transmission system focused on energy efficiency, resource saving, using less powerful drive and zero-emission.

Adaptive Building Envelope Structures

Climate changes which are increasing year by year are impacting not our environment but also our daily lives. One of the problems is the emission of greenhouse gases which are produced by householdings using heating fuel. Buildings in the Europe Union represents for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. It’s very necessary to think about how to reduce consumption of energy and emissions. To design a strong building nowadays is very difficult and complex task, due to a growing to fulfil sustainability in the built environment, societal and economic performance requirements. Technologies, methods, and technical solutions are changing in building construction. More and more we have passive, active or net-zero buildings, and it’s the first step to reduce emissions in householding sector. Moving forward, adaptive building envelope structures which incorporates using biomimicry principles, are the next step to find solutions how to save energy and consumptions. Biomimicry teaches a way how to find and integrate the processes from nature and use them in research and design. The main goal is to identify physical characteristics of animal thermoregulation strategies such as fur, fats, vasoconstriction, and work harmony with the nature. For better results, it is important to collect all data, systemize, filter, and arrange it to create a database with the nature properties and technical information. After that the results shows the potential of a new adaptive building envelope structure database which can be used by environmental specialists, also other engineers as well as architects and civil engineers.

Environmental Performance of a Polyamide-Based Thermoplastic Compound with Brominated Flame Retardants

Thermoplastic compounds are present in various industrial, domestic and consumer applications thanks to their strength, lightness, flexibility and processing properties. However, thermoplastics are often derived from polymers formed from non-renewable sources, such as petroleum. In addition, the production processes have a high consumption of energy. For this reason, assessing the environmental impacts caused by the production process is of primary importance. This research evaluates the environmental performance of a polyamide-based thermoplastic compound with brominated flame retardants. The objective is to understand which phase of the production process has the most significant impacts. The assessment of environmental impacts was carried out through the Life Cycle Assessment methodology using SimaPro v9.5, Ecoinvent v3.9 database and ReCiPe 2016 v1.07 impacts assessment method. The primary data were generated and collected in a factory in northern Italy, and the Functional Unit considered is 1 kg of final product. The results show that the upstream phase accounts for more than 90% of the environmental profile, especially in human non-carcinogenic toxicity, with more than 56% of the total impacts and fine particulate matter formation with 18% shares. At the climate change level, the product delivers a total impact of 6.17 kg CO2 eq per kg of the final product. This study indicates that most of the impacts are caused by the production of raw materials. For this reason, it is necessary to introduce more sustainable and environmentally friendly raw materials.

Assessing Environmental Impact: Organosolv Extraction of Cellulose Pulp from Wood Waste

In the upcoming years, the paper industry is expected rely on containerboard for packaging, with approximately 80% of it being made from recycled fibers by 2020. Creating a new supply chain for fibers could help mitigate possible shortages. In this context, wood waste emerges as a valuable resource with the potential to serve as a plentiful and cost-effective reservoir for generating new materials, as cellulose fibers. This study presents an assessment of the environmental impact associated with the organosolv extraction of cellulose pulp from wood waste based on a previous in lab study conducted by the authors. The increasing demand for sustainable materials has prompted exploration into alternative methods for cellulose pulp production, with a focus on minimizing environmental footprint. Organosolv extraction, a promising technique, involves the use of organic solvents and acid catalysts to break down lignocellulosic biomass, resulting in high-quality cellulose pulp production. To evaluate the environmental implications of this process, a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was adopted. The LCA framework considers all stages of the organosolv extraction process, from wood waste collection to cellulose pulp manufacture, using a gate-to-gate approach. The functional unit for assessment is set as one ton of cellulose pulp. The dataset utilized for the LCA comprises primary data obtained from laboratory experiments, complemented by secondary data sourced from literature and the Ecoinvent life cycle inventory database. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the influence of key parameters on the environmental performance of the organosolv extraction process, with a focus on variations in energy consumption to identify potential areas for optimization and improvement. In summary, this study emphasizes the environmental aspects of utilizing organosolv extraction for cellulose pulp production from wood waste. Further research is warranted to explore energy consumption during the organosolv process for obtaining more precise data and optimizing the process. This could be achieved through pilot-scale experiments or utilizing process simulation software.

Co‐opted Independent Directors and Firms' Environmental Performance

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueConsidering escalating environmental concerns and the important role of board members in shaping strategic corporate decisions, we investigate the relationship between co‐opted independent directors and firms' environmental performance.Research Findings/InsightsExamining US firms from 2002 to 2018, we document a significant negative relationship between co‐opted independent directors and firm environmental performance. Our findings show that while institutional ownership and CEO power exacerbate the negative association, strong corporate governance mitigates this negative impact of co‐opted independent directors on environmental performance. The cross‐sectional results show that the relationship is pronounced in firms with young CEOs, male CEOs, and low CEO compensation. Further, the relationship is also prevalent in boards with fewer meetings, high multiple directors, and higher compensation, indicating a monitoring compromise by independent co‐opted directors.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsReasonable theoretical arguments are drawn from agency theory and the theory of friendly boards, and our statistical analysis supports the academic position of the theory of friendly boards. The negative effect of independent co‐opted directors on firm environmental performance challenges the role of independent directors in addressing agency issues in environmental efforts, hinting at a departure from conventional agency theory expectations.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsTo improve environmental performance, firms should reconsider their board structures, acknowledging the potential drawbacks of co‐opted independent directors. Our findings challenge the Sarbanes–Oxley Act's (SOX) emphasis on increasing the number of outside directors, which assumes independent board members will rigorously oversee executives. Such legislation is greatly based on the premise that independent board members strictly monitor executives. However, our findings indicate that not all independent directors are strict monitors, as demonstrated by lower environmental performance when there are more co‐opted independent directors.

Breathing space in a compact city: Impacts of urban re-densification on Mumbai's low-income housing environment

Redevelopment of low-income settlements by re-densifying cities is a common approach in the Global South to improve living conditions and tackle the housing shortage. However, the effectiveness of the housing design in redevelopment schemes remains to be questioned. This study evaluates a proposed design of a slum redevelopment project in Mumbai, India, by comparing the environmental performance of three design schemes: the existing low-income housing, the redevelopment scheme proposed by the local government and a hypothetical design (modified scheme) that aligns with positive environmental outcomes identified in the current literature. The environmental factors such as the natural airflow, incident solar radiation and daylighting parameters were assessed by computational simulations and validated by a wind tunnel experiment. These factors were associated with direct and indirect density metrics of the three design schemes to inform better policymaking for slum redevelopment projects that seek to re-densify housing for the urban poor. The results indicated that the design performance of the redeveloped scheme is less preferable due to the unclean indoor air and inadequate daylighting conditions requiring large-scale demolition of the existing buildings. The modified plan requires minimal demolishment and demonstrates relatively better environmental performance. The study revealed that indirect density measures - building geometry factors and urban form parameters - are essential in affecting the ecological performance of housing. Considering these factors in design standards and policymaking for high-density redevelopment schemes can enable the “Goldilocks density” that significantly improves the quality of living while densifying the cities.

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

This paper presents a systematic approach to environmental management of pollution and/or hazards caused by construction projects. It proposes a qualitative approach to assess and control the problem and a method to calculate the Construction Pollution Index (CPI) which provides a quantitative measurement of pollution and/or hazards caused by the construction projects. Questionnaires were distributed to the organization and the results were made into percentage, level of readiness index and regression test to analyze the organizations responds. Results was analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences tools Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and environmental management systems (EMS) enable organizations to identify, access and manage environmental impacts throughout a development's lifecycle, improving overall environmental performance. Based on the analysis and discussions, the paper further proposes that major construction companies should obtain ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certifications. Keywords: environmental management, hazards, Environmental impact assessments (EIA), environmental management systems (EMS).

Green supply chain management and firm sustainable performance: unlocking the role of transactional and transformational leadership in firm sustainable operations

AbstractCompanies are adopting innovative and environmentally friendly methods and technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of their products and services on the natural environment. Various internal and external factors influence a company’s ability to comply with such sustainability standards. This study specifically examines the connection between a company’s sustainable supply chain operations and a crucial internal factor, namely leadership. It focuses on comparing and contrasting the impacts of transformational and transactional leadership on green supply chain management (GSCM) and the overall sustainable performance of the company. Using a quantitative approach, the author conducted surveys among employees and managers and utilized structural equation modeling to analyze the model. The findings indicate that transformational leadership significantly impacts GSCM practices and sustainable organizational performance (OSP). However, the association between transactional leadership and GSCM is relatively weak. Additionally, it is observed that GSCM positively contributes to OSP. The results emphasize the importance of upper-level management involvement in green initiatives, particularly GSCM, to enhance the company’s environmental performance and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Diminish charge loss by mica incorporation into nylon nanofibers for performance enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerators operating in harsh ambient

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a fascinating energy-harvesting device that utilizes the triboelectric effect caused by contact electrification and electrostatic induction. Nylon 66 is used widely in TENG applications because it is a representative tribo-positive polymer with excellent biocompatibility. On the other hand, the generated charges are vulnerable to discharge due to moisture in the air, which impedes the TENG performance in harsh environments. Moreover, the dielectric loss, which generates heat by consuming the considerable electric charge in triboelectric materials, significantly degrades the TENG performances. This study fabricated the composite nanofiber (NF) structure of nylon 66 and mica, which has excellent electrical insulation, low dielectric loss, high thermal conductivity, and enhanced tribo-positive properties, to circumvent these problems. Embedding the mica into the nylon NFs enhanced the TENG performance and prevented performance degradation even in harsh environments at a relative humidity of 70%. Furthermore, after 100,000 cycles of friction, the nylon/mica composite NFs showed smaller temperature increments than the pristine nylon NF because of the low dielectric loss and efficient heat dissipation of the mica. The nylon/mica composite NFs were applied to a sustainable and wearable power generator operating in a humid and hot environment by attaching the device to the forearm and soles of the feet. The generators were efficient enough to turn on 80 light-emitting diodes.

ESG factors in M&A in India: Performance and market insights from 2010 to 2023

This study assesses the impact of mergers and acquisitions on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and market value of acquiring companies operating in India. Data were collected and analyzed from 69 M&A announcements from January 2010 to June 2023, sourced from the Bloomberg database. The analysis reveals a positive correlation between the post-merger market value of acquiring firms and their ESG performance, indicating that an improvement in ESG factors is associated with increased market value after mergers. Additionally, a positive correlation was identified between acquiring companies’ post-merger ESG performance and their target firms’ pre-merger ESG performance. This finding suggests that when acquiring a target firm with high ESG performance, the acquirer is likely to experience an improvement in its own post-merger ESG performance. Moreover, both the post-merger market value and ESG performance of the acquirer are likely to improve with the profitability and size of firms but will have a negative impact based on the leverage components of the acquiring firms. 

A user-friendly method to get automated pollen analysis from environmental samples.

Automated pollen analysis is not yet efficient on environmental samples containing many pollen taxa and debris, which are typical in most pollen-based studies. Contrary to classification, detection remains overlooked although it is the first step from which errors can propagate. Here, we investigated a simple but efficient method to automate pollen detection for environmental samples, optimizing workload and performance. We applied the YOLOv5 algorithm on samples containing debris and c. 40 Mediterranean plant taxa, designed and tested several strategies for annotation, and analyzed variation in detection errors. About 5% of pollen grains were left undetected, while 5% of debris were falsely detected as pollen. Undetected pollen was mainly in poor-quality images, or of rare and irregular morphology. Pollen detection remained effective when applied to samples never seen by the algorithm, and was not improved by spending time to provide taxonomic details. Pollen detection of a single model taxon reduced annotation workload, but was only efficient for morphologically differentiated taxa. We offer guidelines to plant scientists to analyze automatically any pollen sample, providing sound criteria to apply for detection while using common and user-friendly tools. Our method contributes to enhance the efficiency and replicability of pollen-based studies.