Environmental Protection Efforts Research Articles

Digital government: The new player in improving mining companies’ environmental performance?

Enhancing environmental performance (EP) is a critical path for the transformation of mining companies. Digital government is a new form of government governance in the digital era, providing more opportunities for companies. Whether digital government can promote mining companies' EP remains to be explored. Utilizing data of listed mining companies from 2010 to 2021 in China, this study investigates the impact of the digital government policy on mining companies' EP and reveals several important findings. First, digital government construction enhances mining companies' EP by promoting company digital transformation and innovation. Additionally, the environmental protection efforts have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between digital government and mining companies' EP. Second, heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the effect of digital government on mining companies' EP is more pronounced in eastern and middle regions, key cities, competitive industries and non-state-owned companies. Finally, further analysis reveals that the digital government improves mining companies' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and governance performance, but insignificantly affects the social performance. Overall, our results provide micro-level evidence for the environmental benefits of government governance reform and offer a new perspective for exploring the drivers of mining companies’ EP.

Bibliometric Exploration of Factors Affecting Community Involvement in Environmental Law Enforcement

This research conducts a comprehensive bibliometric exploration to unravel the factors influencing community involvement in environmental law enforcement, a critical aspect of safeguarding ecosystems and public health. Environmental law enforcement relies heavily on community participation, yet understanding the determinants shaping such involvement remains incomplete. Through a systematic analysis of scholarly literature, this study aims to bridge this gap by identifying key themes, trends, and gaps in understanding community dynamics in environmental law enforcement contexts. The research employs bibliometric techniques to analyze a vast corpus of publications, exploring factors such as social norms, economic conditions, and enforcement strategies affecting community engagement. The findings not only contribute to theoretical understanding but also offer practical insights for policymakers, environmental agencies, and community organizers to enhance community participation in environmental protection efforts.

PRIEŠMOKYKLINIO AMŽIAUS VAIKŲ APLINKOS TVARUMO SAMPRATOS UGDYMAS, SUSIPAŽĮSTANT SU GAMTOS IŠTEKLIAIS PAKRUOJO RAJONE – DOLOMITINIU AKMENIU

It is often said that nature is our home and that what nature grows are gifts for us to use. When exploring nature, the question arises: what can be obtained from it, and what can be taken home without harming nature? Natural resources are found in living and non-living environments and are used by humans or can be used to satisfy consumer needs. Some examples of natural resources include solar energy, geothermal energy, minerals, climate, water, soil, vegetation, fauna, and landscape. Environmental sustainability is defined as a combination of social and economic development and environmental protection efforts to ensure a high quality of life for current and future generations. For many, environmental sustainability is associated with the protection of ecosystems, the use of renewable sources, and environmentally friendly behaviour. It's very important to talk to children about sustainability too. They are our future, and their habits, knowledge, and awareness are crucial to the fate of the planet. However, finding a clear explanation of sustainability for children is not an easy task. It can sound like this: sustainability - are the micro-changes that we can make to help take care of our planet. When participating in joint activities, preschool children can grow in understanding, describing themselves as a part of nature, and explaining in their own words what human needs are and their impact on the environment. They also demonstrate initiative on how to protect nature and how to use natural resources responsibly. The responsible use of natural resources is an important aspect to preserve our nature. Preschool children have a great opportunity to learn about minerals found in the local region. Children also develop an awareness of natural resources, environmental protection, and the history and culture of the region. Understanding how fossil fuels are used in everyday life can help children appreciate the environment, encourage conscious consumption, and spread ideas of sustainability. Keywords: natural resources, preschool education, environmental sustainability, dolomite rock

Spatial network structure and influencing factors of carbon emission intensity in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area

Introduction: In response to China’s ambitious dual-carbon goals, this study investigates the spatial correlation and influencing factors of carbon emission intensity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area (GBA), a region pivotal for the nation’s energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. Through a comprehensive analysis encompassing the period from 2000 to 2020, this research aims to delineate the spatial dynamics of carbon emissions and identify actionable insights for regional low-carbon development.Methods: Utilizing an integrated methodology comprising spatial autocorrelation analysis, Social Network Analysis (SNA), and the Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP), the study analyzes carbon emission data alongside socio-economic variables. These methodologies allow for a nuanced exploration of the spatial correlation structure and the determination of factors influencing carbon emission intensity across the GBA.Results: Findings reveal a cyclical fluctuation in the spatial network of carbon emissions from 2000 to 2020, characterized by varying degrees of cohesion among cities, indicating significant opportunities for spatial optimization. A “core-periphery” pattern emerges, with economically robust cities such as Hong Kong and Macao at the core, and less developed cities like Huizhou and Jiangmen on the periphery. Cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen play crucial mediator roles. The QAP analysis further identifies six major influencing factors: geographic spatial proximity, economic development level, urbanization rate, industrial configuration, level of technological innovation, and environmental protection efforts, with the latter four having a markedly positive impact on spatial relevance.Discussion: The study’s insights underscore the importance of understanding the spatial dynamics of carbon emissions and the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping these patterns. For policymakers and stakeholders in the GBA, these findings highlight the necessity of targeted intervention strategies that consider both the unique position of cities within the spatial network and the broader socio-economic context. This approach can significantly contribute to achieving China’s dual-carbon objectives, promoting energy conservation, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Evaluation the impact of electricity consumption on China's air pollution at the provincial level.

As the world's largest electricity-consuming country, China faces the challenge of energy conservation and environmental pollution. Therefore, it is imperative that China takes decisive action to address these issues. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces (cities, districts) in China from 2011 to 2020, we use the entropy method to measure the air pollution index in different provinces, construct two fixed effects models, panel quantile model, and spatial Durbin model to empirically analyze the impact of electricity consumption on air pollution in China's provincial regions. The experimental results show that: (1) Electricity consumption has a significant positive impact on the provincial air pollution index in China and the higher the index is, the more serious the air pollution is. When the electricity consumption increases 1%, the air pollution index will increase of by 0.0649% as accompanied. (2) Through comparison of different times, we found that the degree of increase in air pollution index caused by electricity consumption would be reduced due to the improvement of environmental protection efforts. From the perspective of different geographical locations, the electricity consumption in the southeast side of the "Hu Line" has exacerbated the impact on air pollution index. (3) According to the panel quantile regression results, the marginal effect of electricity consumption on air pollution is positive. With the increase of quantiles, the impact of electricity consumption on air pollution is increasing. (4) Spatial effect analysis shows that electricity consumption has a significant positive spatial spillover effect on air pollution index. The increase in electricity consumption not only increases the air pollution index in the local region, but also leads to an increase in the air pollution index in surrounding areas. These findings contribute to the governance of air pollution and the promotion of sustainable economic, environmental and energy development.

Numerical Simulation of Geophysical Models to Detect Mining Tailings’ Leachates within Tailing Storage Facilities

The effective detection and monitoring of mining tailings’ leachates (MTLs) plays a pivotal role in environmental protection and remediation efforts. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a non-invasive technique widely employed for mapping subsurface contaminant plumes. However, the efficacy of ERT depends on selecting the optimal electrode array for each specific case. This study addresses this challenge by conducting a comprehensive review of published case studies utilizing ERT to characterize mining tailings. Through numerical simulations, we compare the imaging capabilities of commonly used electrode configurations, six ERT arrays, aiming to identify the optimal array for MTLs’ detection and monitoring. In addition, field surveys employing ERT were conducted at the El Mochito mine tailings site to detect zones saturated with leachates within the tailing storage facilities (TSFs). The findings indicate that the “Wenner-Schlumberger” array exhibits superior data resolution for MTL detection. However, the choice of the optimal electrode array is contingent on factors such as survey location, geological considerations, research objectives, data processing time and cost, and logistical constraints. This study serves as a practical guide for selecting the most effective electrode array in the context of pollutant penetration from mining tailings, employing the ERT technique. Furthermore, it contributes valuable insights into characterizing zones saturated with mining tailing leachates within the TSFs, providing a solid foundation for informed environmental management and remediation strategies.

Non-mandatory approaches to corporate environmental engagement: Insights from the Belt and Road Initiative

We investigate the impact of the Belt and the Road Initiative (BRI) proposal on environmental investments made by listed firms within China's heavy-polluting industry. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the BRI proposal results in a 81.53% increase in environmental investment made by firms located in provinces along the BRI route. Mechanism analyses suggest that government subsidies for firms' environmental protection activities alleviate corporate financial constraints, thereby providing them with the financial capacity for environmental protection. We further show heterogeneous effects across ownerships and the severity of agency issues. Overall, the results suggest that a combination of non-mandatory measures and financial incentives can effectively promote corporate engagement in environmental protection efforts.

Impact of Environmental Regulation on Export Technological Complexity of High-Tech Industries in Chinese Manufacturing

Since the reform and opening-up, China has developed into the world’s number one manufacturing country. Meanwhile, China’s environmental protection efforts continue to strengthen. So, will changes in the intensity of environmental regulatory policies have an impact on the technological development level and international competitiveness of China’s high-tech manufacturing industries? In response to this issue, we have reviewed relevant research in the field of environmental regulation and export technology complexity, and then selected appropriate indicators to quantify the environmental regulation and export technology complexity of high-tech manufacturing industries in different regions of China. Furthermore, the entropy method was used to calculate the intensity of environmental regulations in different regions of China. In the subsequent empirical analysis, based on relevant indicator data from 30 provinces in China, excluding Tibet, from 2006 to 2021, we quantitatively analyzed the impact of China’s environmental regulations on the complex export technology of high-tech manufacturing industries. The degree of influence and the robustness of the benchmark regression results was proved through endogeneity testing and robustness testing. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) from 2006 to 2021, China’s environmental regulation intensity and the technological complexity of high-tech industry exports have shown an upward trend. (2) The empirical analysis results show that the increase in intensity has a significant “U-shaped” impact on the technological complexity of exports of high-tech manufacturing industries. (3) The “U-shaped” impact of environmental regulation on the technological complexity of exports of high-tech manufacturing industries has regional differences. However, the high-tech manufacturing industry does not show obvious industry differences. (4) Environmental regulations will affect the level of export technology complexity of the high-tech manufacturing industry through foreign direct investment, human capital, and innovative R D investment, which cause indirect effects. Based on those conclusions, this paper has suggested corresponding policy measures and future research directions.

Do corporate environmental protection efforts reduce firm‐level operating risk? Evidence from a developing country

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of corporate environmental protection efforts on firm‐level operating risk. The importance of environmental protection has gained attention in recent years, as proliferation in ESG rating agencies has significantly increased. As suggested by stakeholder theory, the corporations for their survival are required to take care of the environment in which they operate. We used a sample of 245 non‐financial publicly listed firms of developing economy, Pakistan, from 2007 to 2019, to examine whether firms that engage in environmental protection activities have lower operating risk than firms that do not. We identified four important dimensions based on previous literature, to develop a unique index for measuring the firms' environmental performance. These dimensions included voluntary standardization, product environmental compliance, process environmental compliance, and environmental social drives. Focused on downside operating risk in terms of firm operating income, we used binary codes to distinguish firms that are negatively deviating from their industrial average. Using logistic regression on our hand‐collected environmental performance index data, this study finds that firms maintaining effective environmental protection activities are less likely to experience operational failure compared to peers who do not. This relationship holds true even after controlling for various firm‐specific factors such as firm size, leverage, growth opportunity, and profitability. Our findings have implications for policymakers and corporate managers who seek to improve their firms' environmental and financial performance simultaneously. By highlighting the potential benefits of corporate environmental protection efforts, our study provides valuable insights for firms operating in emerging economies.

Optimization of Blades and Impellers for Electric Vehicle Centrifugal Pumps via Numerical Analysis

Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, efforts for environmental protection have gained prominence worldwide. Accordingly, electric vehicles have become increasingly relevant. Thus, improving the performance of the water pump, a key component of cooling systems in electric vehicles, is crucial. Electric vehicles operate on batteries and motors, making their cooling systems remarkably complex. Efficient operation of the water pump is directly related to the stable performance of electric vehicles and is therefore critical. This study conducted numerical analyses using Ansys Fluent to evaluate water pump performance by varying key parameters, namely, number of blades and outer diameter of the impeller. When the number of blades was changed to 7, 9, 11, and 13, the efficiency, head, and thrust tended to increase. In particular, for blade counts greater than 11, the fluid flow was found to stabilize with negligible effect on pump performance. When the outer diameter of the impeller was 70, 69, 68, and 67 mm, although efficiency decreased, the head and thrust tended to increase. Based on these comprehensive results, a structure was proposed for the shape of the optimized water pump. The development of efficient and stable water pumps is expected to contribute to the performance improvement of electric vehicles.

Effects of green authenticity on well-being, customer engagement and approach behavior toward green hospitality brands

Purpose This study aims to develop a robust theoretical framework to explain the impact of hotels’ green brand authenticity on guests’ perceptions of well-being, customer engagement and approach behaviors toward green brands. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the authors examined the effect of green brand authenticity on perceptions of well-being, customer engagement and approach behaviors toward green brands. For the quantitative empirical analysis, 352 samples were used. Green brand authenticity integrates quality commitment, heritage, uniqueness and symbolism as high-dimensional factors. Findings The study conceptualizes green brand authenticity as a multi-dimensional phenomenon with four dimensions: quality commitment, heritage, uniqueness and symbolism. The results showed that green brand authenticity has a positive effect on hotel guests’ perceived well-being and behavioral intentions. Interestingly, environmental values did not have a statistically significant regulatory role, while green behavior in everyday life had a partial regulatory role. Practical implications This study aims to develop and empirically test a conceptual model that depicts the function of green authenticity in explaining customer responses to green brands. The results and the theoretical framework proposed in this study provide significant insights for researchers and practitioners in the hotel industry. Originality/value Further than evaluating brand authenticity generally, this study evaluates the authenticity of a brand's environmental protection efforts. As a result of the empirical analysis conducted in this study, the green brand authenticity of a hotel had a positive effect on customers’ emotional and behavioral aspects. This finding provided valuable and meaningful insights for green hotels and hotel brand-related research.

Ecofeminist Perspectives and Familial Dynamics: Exploring Women’s Roles in Environmental Sustainability and the Filipino Concept of “Ate”

This essay explores women’s role in environmental sustainability drawing from the Filipino concept of “Ate.” Through a contrapuntal analysis, it unveils the convergence and divergence between women’s roles in formal environmental advocacy and as caregivers within the family, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these roles. Examining birth order in Filipino culture reveals the early-age responsibilities, particularly for first-born females, highlighting their leadership, teaching, and caregiving roles. The study underscores women’s significant role as environmental stewards, both locally and globally, aligning with the biblical concept of overseeing and caring for the Earth. The exploration of women as promoters of welfare, within Filipino culture and through environmental protection efforts, demonstrates diverse contributions to community and planetary well-being. The study intertwines biblical perspectives with cultural insights, emphasizing shared responsibility for Earth stewardship. In conclusion, it calls for a comprehensive understanding of women’s contributions in environmental and familial spheres, recognizing their pivotal and interconnected roles. As the world faces urgent environmental challenges, leveraging the diverse perspectives and actions of women emerges as crucial for sustainable and equitable solutions. The study contributes valuable insights to discussions on gender roles, environmentalism, and cultural contexts, advocating for the recognition and promotion of women’s roles in shaping a sustainable future. Keywords: ecofeminism, environmental sustainability, gender roles, caregiving, “ate” concept, formal advocacy

Spatio-temporal pattern assessment of China's environmental performance and its spatial drivers: evidence from city-level data over 2003-2019.

A comprehensive assessment of China's environmental performance (EP) and an investigation into its driving factors are essential prerequisites for advancing environmental protection efforts. However, existing studies have often exhibited a one-sided EP evaluation approach and lacked a systematic perspective. Consequently, this study has adopted a holistic approach by integrating environmental protection and pollution within the same theoretical framework. We have employed the "P-S-R" model to comprehensively assess the EP of 272 cities from 2003 to 2019. Concurrently, we have applied the spatial Durbin model to analyze EP drivers utilizing three spatial matrices. The findings of this study reveal several vital insights. Firstly, the mean EP value for China is 0.1138, indicating a low level, but it demonstrates a consistent upward trend over the years. When comparing cities with high EP, they are predominantly situated in northern China, northeastern China, and certain areas along the southeastern coast. Secondly, from a spatial perspective, the directionality of EP exhibits a trend from "northeast to the southwest," with the center of gravity located in and around Zhumadian, Henan Province, gradually shifting towards the northeast. The majority of cities fall within the H-H and L-L clusters, displaying significant positive spatial autocorrelation effects. Thirdly, EP drivers encompass a wide range of factors, including economic development, urbanization, resource dependence, industrial structure, infrastructure construction, environmental regulation, government regulatory capacity, scientific and technological innovation, and foreign direct investment. These drivers also exhibit significant spillover effects. Finally, the characteristics of EP development vary between resource-based cities (RBCs) and non-resource-based cities (non-RBCs), as well as among the eastern, central, and western regions. Moreover, there are disparities in the driving factors' direct, indirect, and overall effects. Consequently, we must propose tailored strategies and recommendations to enhance EP, considering the heterogeneous effects of influencing factors across different city types, regions, and collaboration approaches.

Synthesis of pyrochlore-type La2Sn2O7@GO for the in-situ profiling of organophosphate pesticides paraoxon ethyl in environmental samples

The detection and monitoring of organophosphate pesticides in environmental samples are of paramount importance due to their potentially harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. In this study, we present the detection of paraoxon ethyl (POE), a widely used organophosphate pesticide, utilizing an electrochemical method. We synthesized graphene oxide-incorporated pyrochlore-type lanthanum stannate (La2Sn2O7@GO) as a sensing material for enhanced detection sensitivity and selectivity. The electrochemical detection of POE was performed using a glassy carbon electrode modified with the synthesized nanocomposite. The modified electrode La2Sn2O7@GO/GCE exhibited a remarkable electrochemical response towards POE, showing a significant reduction potential and an increase in the peak current compared to the bare and other modified electrodes. The proposed electrochemical method showed excellent detection sensitivity and selectivity for POE, with a linear response range of concentrations from 0.01 to 360 μM and a low detection limit (LDL) of 2.73 nM. The sensor also exhibited good stability and reproducibility, making it a promising tool for practical pesticide detection applications. The developed sensor offers a cost-effective, sensitive, and reliable platform for the rapid monitoring of organophosphate pesticides in environmental samples, contributing to the advancement of pesticide detection technologies and environmental protection efforts.

Microbial eukaryote community succession over hundreds of years in Chinese lakes

Microbial eukaryotes play critical roles in maintaining the health and stability of lake ecosystems. Consequently, investigating the spatial and temporal evolution of microbial eukaryotic community structures and associated environmental drivers can inform water ecology studies and water environmental protection efforts. In this study, sediment core samples were collected from Lakes Chaohu, Erhai, Lugu and Fuxian in China to reconstruct lake microbial eukaryotic community succession using sediment DNA profiling methods. Mantel tests were used to identify the key factors influencing community succession and explore the mechanisms underlying ecological network changes. Statistical analyses revealed that community structures and diversity in Lakes Chaohu and Erhai shifted in the 2000s and 1980s, respectively, while the communities of Lakes Fuxian and Lugu did not exhibit significant changes during the study period, which may be due to the oligotrophic state of these two lakes. Ciliophora and Chlorophyta were the primary eukaryotic microbial taxa in the four lakes during the study period, with overall relative abundances of 27.2 % and 22.3 %, respectively. The diversities of microbial eukaryotic communities in the lakes were significantly correlated with nutrient enrichment and meteorological factors. Lastly, the ecological niche gap of microbial eukaryotes gradually overlapped after community shifts in Lake Chaohu, while biased interactions strengthened. Overall, this study reveals the impacts of long-term human activities and climate change on lake ecosystems from multiple perspectives of microbial eukaryotic community structure, diversity and ecological network, these findings will contribute to integrate microbial indicators in freshwater environmental monitoring in the future.

Water Quality Assessment of The Three Lakes of Barandabhar Forest Corridor, Central Nepal

Addressing the global challenge of securing water for both human needs and ecosystem health is crucial. This study aims to characterize the physiochemical parameters of three lakes in the Bharandabhar forest corridor, Chitwan, Central Nepal: Tiger Lake, Kalimati Lake, and Rhino Lake. During the pre-monsoon season, four different sites (Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern) of each lake were examined. To ensure precision, five replicated water samples were collected from each site, and standard protocols were applied to analyze various physiochemical parameters, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, total hardness, chloride, total alkalinity, conductivity, nitrate, inorganic phosphorus, and total solid matter. Also, the Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated. Results show that physiochemical parameter values mostly align with permissible limits according to regional and international guidelines. However, the mean phosphorous concentration and pH values of Tiger and Kalimati lakes exceed these limits. Rhino Lake displayed a mildly alkaline pH, while Kalimati and Tiger lakes exhibited slightly acidic characteristics. An interesting observation is the significant negative correlation between temperature and dissolved oxygen, indicating that as temperature rises, dissolved oxygen levels decrease. Additionally, WQI suggests that all three lakes maintain good water quality. However, a concerning finding is that all three lakes exhibited hyper-eutrophic conditions based on their phosphorous concentration. The lakes face significant threats due to high levels of organic pollutants and a rapid eutrophication process. Authorities must take significant actions to safeguard the lakes and ensure their future well-being. This research highlights the urgent need for environmental protection and conservation efforts to preserve the water quality and ecological balance of the Bharandabhar forest corridor lakes for the well-being of both human communities and the ecosystem.

Breastfeeding and transpersonal values

This inquiry explored the impact of breastfeeding on mothers’ transpersonal values. It acknowledged societal obstacles mothers’ experience when attempting to breastfeed and included 12 participants who had a breastfeeding experience that reflects the current recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning six months of exclusive breastfeeding followed by a combination of breastfeeding and solid foods for at least two years. The study followed an Organic Inquiry design which allowed for the incorporation of elements of feminism and environmental responsibility. Participant stories were collected through semi-structured online interviews, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants felt that breastfeeding enhanced transpersonal qualities at a personal level and noticed that these gave rise to transformative action at a community level. Six themes were identified: Transpersonal self-concept, spiritual insights, interconnectedness, discernment, alignment with nature and transformative changes. All participants regarded breastfeeding as a transformative experience which contributed to a sense of alignment with the natural world. Participants insights suggest a congruence of transpersonal psychology’s current focus on social engagement and environmental protection and global breastfeeding support efforts carried out by the WHO.

Using expertise as an intermediary: Unleashing the power of blockchain technology to drive future sustainable management using hidden champions

An overview of blockchain fundamentals and its potential benefits for sustainability is provided. The role of expertise as an intermediary on the blockchain to drive transparency and accountability is examined. This research examines the potential of blockchain technology in the field of economic management and to drive future sustainable development in emerging companies, which are referred to as hidden champions. This study addresses the need for transparent and responsive practices that promote social stability, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The goals are to analyze economic functions, investigate the formation of appropriate economic patterns, facilitate equitable distribution, and support environmental protection efforts. The research method includes case studies and theoretical frameworks to collect relevant data. The results emphasize the importance of balancing competing interests, promoting security, and strengthening inclusive decision-making processes. This study emphasizes the intersection between economic development and environmental protection and highlights the role of sustainability criteria in guiding land use practices. The conclusion emphasizes that sustainable economic practices are critical for social, economic and environmental development, especially in emerging economies. Practical recommendations are provided to policymakers and stakeholders to improve economic governance frameworks and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Tire materials disturb transformations of nitrogen compounds and affect the structure of biomass in aerobic granular sludge reactors

Tire materials (TMs) present a notable hazard due to their potential to release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment. They can infiltrate wastewater treatment plants, where their effects remain inadequately understood, raising concerns regarding their influence on treatment procedures. Thus, this study investigated the impact of TMs in wastewater (10, 25, 50 mg/L) on wastewater treatment efficiency, biomass morphology, and microbial composition in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors. TM dosage negatively correlated with nitrification and denitrification efficiencies, reducing overall nitrogen removal, but did not affect the efficiency of chemical-oxygen-demand removal. The presence of TMs increased the diameter of the granules due to TM incorporation into the biomass. The most frequently leached additives from TMs were N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, benzothiazole (BTH), and 2-hydroxybenzothiazole. In the treated wastewater, only BTH and aniline were detected in higher concentrations, which indicates that tire additives were biodegraded by AGS. The microbial community within the AGS adapted to TMs and their chemicals, highlighting the potential for efficient degradation of tire additives by bacteria belonging to the genera Rubrivivax, Ferruginibacter, and Xanthomonas. Additionally, our research underscores AGS's ability to incorporate TMs into biomass and effectively biodegrade tire additives, offering a promising solution for addressing environmental concerns related to TMs.

Analysis of the Environmental Impact of the Hull Construction of a Small Vessel Based on LCA

Abstract In recent years, issues related to the impact of human activity on the natural environment have become pressing, and the challenge of global warming necessitates immediate action. To support environmental protection efforts, it has become imperative to adopt a broader perspective when evaluating various products and systems. A valuable tool for such assessments is a life cycle assessment (LCA), which enables a comprehensive analysis of the entire life cycle of a product. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the hull of a fast patrol craft, fabricated using three different materials: steel, aluminium, and composite materials. The LCA covers every stage from material production, through the construction and use of the hull, to its eventual disposal. A specific criterion was established to evaluate the impact of the hull on the environment, with clearly defined system boundaries. In the final section, we draw some conclusions that underscore the importance of reusing construction materials. By emphasising this approach, ecological footprints can be minimised and a sustainable future can be created.