Environmental Protection Management Research Articles

Prediction of Delayed Surface Subsidence Based on the Improved Knothe-n Model

The delayed surface subsidence caused by coal seam mining is a problem that cannot be ignored, while accurate prediction of the surface subsidence provides a guarantee of the safety and stability of the relevant areas. However, the traditional Knothe model has limitations in considering delayed surface subsidence. Because of this, the Knothe-n time function model is segmented and improved by using the data of the subsidence area obtained from a FLAC3D-based numerical model, and the maximum delayed surface subsidence in different periods is calculated. The analytical results are compared with the numerical results to validate the effectiveness of the improved segmented time function model in predicting delayed surface subsidence. The improved model is applied to predict the surface subsidence in the Yutianbao subsidence area. The root-mean-square error between the predicted and measured values for the maximum subsidence monitoring point is 1.12, and the root-mean-square error between the average predicted and measured values for the surface monitoring points is 0.37, which verifies the accuracy of the improved model. The prediction model provides a scientific basis for environmental protection and safety management after coal seam mining.

Conversion of boiler houses to alternative fuel

   THE PURPOSE. To justify the need to transfer boiler houses from fuel oil to furnace domestic fuel.   METHODS. Comparative studies of the main indicators of the quality of fuel oil and domestic heating oil (DHO) (heat of combustion, kinematic viscosity, flash point, pour point, ash content, humidity, sulfur content) were carried out. The environmental parameters of pollutants formed during the combustion of fuel oil and domestic stove fuel are calculated and compared with the values regulated by the EkoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017 "Environmental protection and nature management. Requirements of environmental safety" and TCU 17.02-XX-2019 "Environmental protection and nature management".   RESULTS. As a result of comparative studies of the main indicators of the quality of fuel oil and furnace household fuel (PBT), it was shown that combustion in PBT boilers in comparison with fuel oil is preferable in terms of environmental consequences in terms of emissions into the atmosphere. As a result of the comparative analysis, it was found that during the transition from fuel oil to furnace household fuel, compliance with the basic environmental standards regulated by these regulatory documents is ensured by reducing by 70 times the amount of sulfur dioxide released into the atmospheric air during 10 days of burning furnace household fuel, as well as reducing the concentration of this type of emission by 72.5 times. When switching from fuel oil to furnace household fuel, pollution and equipment wear are also reduced due to the ash content index for furnace household fuel being 7 times lower than that of fuel oil, as well as a 2-fold reduction in the formation of soot and 70-fold reduction in sulfur dioxide during ten-day use of a new reserve type of fuel.   CONCLUSION. Thus, as a result of experimental and calculated studies, it was shown that combustion in DHO boilers in comparison with fuel oil is preferable in terms of environmental consequences in terms of emissions into the atmosphere, reducing corrosion, stopping boilers for repairs, reducing fuel heating costs to facilitate transportation, reducing steam and fuel costs. When switching from fuel oil to furnace household fuel, pollution and equipment wear are also reduced due to the ash content index for furnace household fuel that is 7 times lower than that of fuel oil, as well as a 2-fold reduction in the formation of soot and 70-fold reduction in sulfur dioxide during ten-day use of a new reserve type of fuel.

Distribution, sources and influencing factors of heavy metals in the Ledong Sea, South China Sea

The Ledong Sea Area is located on the southwest side of Hainan Island. In recent years, with the development of industrialization and urbanization, the problem of heavy metals in marine sediments has gradually become a global problem, and research on this topic is of great significance for nearshore environmental protection and coastal management. This paper analysed the heavy metal content of 97 surface sediments in the Ledong Sea, indicating unpolluted to moderately polluted and low to moderate risk. Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Cd are highly correlated, with similar origins, and originate from rivers carrying industrial wastewater, domestic sewage, and weathered material from the parent rocks, which are subsequently redistributed under the action of ocean dynamics. The distribution of Hg is mainly influenced by feed and biological metabolites during the farming process. As originates from rivers carrying large amounts of agricultural pesticide and fertilizer residues.

A scoping review of green Internet of Things in construction and smart cities: current applications, adoption strategies and future directions

PurposeContemporary technological disruptions are espoused as though they stimulate sustainable growth in the built environment through the Green Internet of Things (G-IoT). Learning from discipline-specific experiences, this paper articulates recent advancements in the knowledge and concepts of G-IoT in relation to the construction and smart city sectors. It provides a scoping review for G-IoT as an overlooked dimension. Attention was paid to modern circularity, cleaner production and sustainability as key benefits of G-IoT adoption in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). In addition, this study also investigates the current application and adoption strategies of G-IoT.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review approach. Resources are drawn from Scopus and Web of Science repositories using apt search strings that reflect applications of G-IoT in the built environment in relation to construction management, urban planning, societies and infrastructure. Thematic analysis was used to analyze pertinent themes in the retrieved articles.FindingsG-IoT is an overlooked dimension in construction and smart cities so far. Thirty-three scholarly articles were reviewed from a total of 82 articles retrieved, from which five themes were identified: G-IoT in buildings, computing, sustainability, waste management and tracking and monitoring. Among other applications, findings show that G-IoT is prominent in smart urban services, healthcare, traffic management, green computing, environmental protection, site safety and waste management. Applicable strategies to hasten adoption include raising awareness, financial incentives, dedicated work approaches, G-IoT technologies and purposeful capacity building among stakeholders. The future of G-IoT in construction and smart city research is in smart drones, building information modeling, digital twins, 3D printing, green computing, robotics and policies that incentivize adoption.Originality/valueThis study adds to the normative literature on envisioning potential strategies for adoption and the future of G-IoT in construction and smart cities as an overlooked dimension. No previous study to date has reviewed pertinent literature in this area, intending to investigate the current applications, adoption strategies and future direction of G-IoT in construction and smart cities. Researchers can expand on the current study by exploring the identified G-IoT applications and adoption strategies in detail, and practitioners can develop implementation policies, regulations and guidelines for holistic G-IoT adoption.

Contribution of Geospatial Data and Technologies in Strengthening of Nutrition and Food Security: The Case of Burundi

Since 2000, the UN Secretary-General called all the countries to use geospatial data and technologies to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the achievement of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Geospatial information is crucial in many sectors for micro-planning, disaster management, environmental protection, navigation, agriculture, trade, land and resource management, infrastructure, and administration. It helps Governments in making decisions using accurate and up-to-date information about geography and location. In this regard, the Government of Burundi has recently set up the National Centre for Geospatial Information Management with one of the missions of promoting the use of geospatial data and the establishment of national geospatial data infrastructures. Thus, all public sectors are recommended to fully benefit from the power of geospatial data and technologies through the proper integration of geography in all services. This paper shows the state of nutrition mapping in Burundi. On the one hand, it highlights the results of an analysis made on the data collected in 2023 and, on the other hand, a comparison with the results of the 2017 mapping in the same sector of activities. The results can enable decision-makers in Burundi to better prioritize, plan, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the nutrition policies. They will also strengthen advocacy for better nutrition and can be used to improve the progress towards attainment of the third Sustainable Development Goal.

Analysis of dissolved oxygen influencing factors and concentration prediction using input variable selection technique: A hybrid machine learning approach

Accurate quantification of dissolved oxygen (DO) is critically important for the protection and management of aquatic ecosystems. Successful applications have utilized mechanistic and data-driven models to simulate DO content in aquatic ecosystems. However, mechanistic models present challenges due to their complex and difficult-to-solve conditions, making them less portable. Additionally, data-driven model predictions are hindered by the challenge of numerous input variables, impacting both the running speed and prediction performance of the model. To address these challenges, water quality data and meteorological data of the Tanjiang River were obtained. The maximum information coefficient (MIC) input variable selection technique was employed to identify primary environmental factors influencing DO changes. Furthermore, coupled with support vector regression (SVR), two models (SVR and MIC-SVR) were employed to estimate the DO concentration of the Tanjiang River, and the optimal model was established. The results indicated a shift in the primary pollution factor from ammonia nitrogen to total phosphorus after recent treatment in the Tanjiang River. In comparison with the SVR model, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the MIC-SVR model was reduced by 4.46%, and the Nash-efficiency coefficient (NSE) was improved by 45.85%. In addition, study of kernel function selection revealed that considering as many kernel functions as possible is necessary for improving the performance of the SVR model. Conclusively, the proposed MIC-SVR model serves as an effective tool to analyze the relationship between DO and environmental factors, identifying the primary causes of low DO, and accurately predict the DO concentration in the Tanjiang River (especially in its middle and lower reaches), thus providing a reference for governmental decision-making on water environmental protection and water resource management.

Evaluation of vegetation restoration effectiveness along the Yangtze River shoreline and its response to land use changes

Assessing the effectiveness of vegetation restoration along the Yangtze River shoreline and exploring its relationship with land use changes are imperative for providing recommendations for sustainable management and environmental protection. However, the impact of vegetation restoration post-implementation of the Yangtze River Conservation Project remains uncertain. In this study, utilizing Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and Dynamic World land use data from pre- (2016) and post- (2022) Yangtze River Conservation Project periods, pixel-based binary models, transition matrices, and geographically weighted regression models were employed to analyze the status and evolution of vegetation coverage along the Yangtze River shoreline. The results indicated that there had been an increase in the area covered by high and high-medium vegetation levels. The proportion of vegetation cover shifting to better was 4201.87 km2 (35.68%). Hotspots of vegetation coverage improvement were predominantly located along the Yangtze River. Moreover, areas witnessing enhanced vegetation coverage experienced notable land use changes, notably the conversion of water to crops (126.93 km2, 22.79%), trees to crops (59.93 km2, 10.76%), and crops to built area (59.93 km2, 10.76%). Notably, the conversion between crops and built area emerged as a significant factor influencing vegetation coverage improvement, with average regression coefficients of 0.68 and 0.50, respectively. These outcomes underscore the significance of this study in guiding ecological environmental protection and sustainable management along the Yangtze River shoreline.

환경적 경영활동요인이 환경경영수준 및 기업성과에 미치는 영향

Environmental protection and sustainable management of companies are not only social responsibilities, but also essential requirements according to legal regulations. As the importance of environmental management increases, companies try to strategically respond to the relationship between environmental protection and business performance. The main results of this study are as follows. Among environmental management factors, CEO perception, market opportunity, government regulation, and social responsibility were found to have significant effects on strategic responses. Next, the effects of environmental management factors (CEO recognition, management competency, organizational culture, market opportunity, market pressure, government regulation, and social responsibility) on the practice level were all significant. Among environmental management levels, the impact of strategic response on environmental performance, strategic performance, and financial performance was found to be significant. Among the environmental management levels, the effect of the practice level on environmental performance, strategic performance, and financial performance was found to be significant. Finally, the conclusions and implications of this study, limitations of the study, and future research were suggested.

Garbage Object Detection Based on Improved YOLOv5

Traditional waste classification methods often rely on manual feature extraction and manual rule design, which cannot meet the needs of practical application scenarios. This thesis proposes a YOLOv5[1] target detection method for garbage classification, aiming to solve the problem of automation and efficiency in garbage classification. First, we introduce semi-supervision to enhance the model's detection robustness as well as its extensiveness. Second, we incorporate Mixup, which fuses multiple different datasets to obtain new images with occlusions, which are trained in order to improve the robustness of the model for targets with complex backgrounds. In addition, we introduce a mosaic data enhancement algorithm to defocus the target and improve the accuracy of target detection. The proposed garbage target detection method based on the improved YOLOv5 has made significant progress in improving the detection performance, providing more effective tools and technical support for environmental protection and urban management. This method is expected to be widely popularized in practical applications.

Traditional and Vernacular Architecture in Bali

The study of Bali's traditional and vernacular architecture requires a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to reveal the complex expressions of this culturally diverse island. Influenced by Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous beliefs, Bali's architecture is closely interwoven with its lush landscape, characterised by terraced rice fields, volcanic mountains and a tropical climate. The theoretical foundations are based on vernacular architecture and emphasise the importance of indigenous knowledge, local materials and cultural, social and environmental factors. The study focuses on the classification and functions of more than 20,000 Hindu temples or "pura", which reflect the island's deep cultural roots and rituals based on the Balinese calendar. An examination of small villages such as Pengotan reveals a nuanced architecture with sacred and profane zones clustered around temple areas, residential areas and cemeteries. The concentration of family units in sacred spaces and the meticulous adherence to the luan concept reveal the intricacies of traditional Balinese architecture. However, the preservation of this architectural heritage is being challenged by rapid modernisation and a booming tourism industry. The influx of tourists, which has increased from 2.5 million in 2010 to 14 million in 2017, poses a threat to Bali's traditional building practices and materials. The environmental impact of increasing waste and inadequate infrastructure, exacerbated by the growing number of foreign visitors, requires sustainable planning. The government's ambitious goal of creating '10 new Balis' to double the number of tourists raises concerns about environmental protection and proper waste management. The methodological approach of this study is deeply rooted in vernacular architecture and aims to decipher the nuances and preserve Bali's architectural heritage. Balancing the demands of modernisation and tourism with the need for environmental sustainability is critical to the protection of the heritage.
  
 Index Terms— Vernacular Architecture, Bali, Tourism, Traditions

Effectiveness of Financing Measures to Reduce Low Emissions in Poland - a Case Study

Local authorities are increasingly facing the challenges of climate change, which requires adaptation of various elements of local government systems, including infrastructure, communities and local economies. Operating in an ever-changing reality, local government units should plan for the necessary sustainable local government investments, with particular attention to structural gaps and financial mismatches. Local government is responsible for ensuring local energy security and thus for 'environmental sustainability'. The overall objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of financing low-emission lowering measures from the Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund in municipalities in Lubusz Province in 2020. The article uses cause-effect relationship analysis (regression models). Investments implemented by local governments generally have a positive impact on the reduction of low emissions, although the results of the study indicate a negative impact of financing investments in alternative energy sources (RES). This may be related to large investment outlays, as well as difficulties in spatial planning, environmental impact and administrative inefficiency.

Assessing regressive erosion effects: Unveiling riverside land use land cover changes post hydroelectric project construction

In Ecuador, the Coca Codo Sinclair Hydroelectric Project (CCSHP) provides 34 % of the country's energy demand. However, since its inauguration in 2016, regressive erosion in the Coca River has accelerated, causing the collapse of the San Rafael waterfall in 2020 and damage to oil and electricity infrastructure. This study aimed to assess the effects of regressive erosion along the Coca River through changes in land use and land cover (LULC) to identify the impact of CCSHP operations on migration, deposition, and river channel erosion during 2017–2021. The methodology includes: i) Creation of cloud-free mosaics with Sentinel-2 satellite imagery; ii) LULC classification LULC classification post-operation of the CCSHP (2017), before (2019) and after (2021) the San Rafael waterfall collapse, using the Random Forest algorithm; iii) Estimation of variations in the fluvial dynamics of the Coca River. The results showed that between 2017 and 2019, the extent of water bodies and bare soil increased by 258.58 ha (25 %) and 5195.45 ha (71 %), respectively. Meanwhile, between 2019 and 2021, the extent of sand deposits increased by 387.71 ha (42 %). These changes reflect an acceleration of regressive erosion since the construction and implementation of the CCSHP, information that can be used as an initial tool to analyze the impact of hydropower in the upper Amazon and strengthen environmental protection and risk management policies.

Determination of thermomechanical properties in recycled PLA filaments for 3D printers

In recent times, the issue of plastic recycling has become one of the leading issues of environmental protection and waste management. Polymer materials are found applied in many areas of daily life and industry. Along with their extended use, the problem of plastic waste appeared because, after withdrawal from use, they became persistent and noxious wastes. The possibility of reusing polymeric materials enables waste utilization to obtain consumable products. The 3D printing market is a well-growing sector. Printable filaments can be made from various thermoplastic materials, including those from recycling. This paper studies the thermal-mechanical properties of recycled polylactic acid (PLA) material filaments obtained from 3D-printed specimens. The analysis was first with the virgin filament (PLA N) and, subsequently, two recycling cycles (PLA 1 and PLA 2). There were thermal properties evaluations for the three processing types, as follows: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile test for both specimens and filaments. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) remained at their typical values. The same happened with the melting temperature (Tm). In the TGA, the PLA thermal stability remained constant. The FTIR presented the functional groups unaltered for the recycled samples. In the second filament recycling, the tensile strength decreased by 26%, and the maximum strain was 40%, compared to PLA N. The same occurred to PLA 2 specimens; the maximum stress and strain decreased by 45% and 31%, respectively. In terms of crystallinity, this presented a variation of 86% of the virgin material for the second recycling cycle, which correlated to tensile strength shows a weakness in the PLA recycled structure, decreasing the strain until the fracture and the tensile strength.

Utilizing Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery for LULC and NDVI Change Dynamics for Gelephu, Bhutan

Gelephu, located in the Himalayan region, has undergone significant development activities due to its suitable topography and geographic location. This has led to rapid urbanization in recent years. Assessing land use land cover (LULC) dynamics and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) can provide important information about urbanization trends and changes in vegetation health, respectively. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques based on various satellite products offers a unique opportunity to analyze these changes at a local scale. Exploring Bhutan’s mandate to maintain 60% forest cover and analyzing LULC transitions and vegetation changes using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery at 10 m resolution can provide important insights into potential future impacts. To examine these, we first performed LULC mapping for Gelephu for 2016 and 2023 using a Random Forest (RF) classifier and identified LULC changes. Second, the study assessed the dynamics of vegetation change within the study area by analysing the NDVI for the same period. Furthermore, the study also characterized the resulting LULC change for Gelephu Thromde, a sub-administrative municipal entity, as a result of the notable intensity of the infrastructure development activities. The current study used a framework to collect Sentinel-2 satellite data, which was then used for pre-and post-processing to create LULC and NDVI maps. The classification model achieved high accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of up to 0.89. The corresponding LULC and NDVI statistics were analysed to determine the current status of the LULC and vegetation indices, respectively. The LULC change analysis reveals urban growth of 5.65% and 15.05% for Gelephu and Gelephu Thromde, respectively. The NDVI assessment shows significant deterioration in vegetation health with a 75.11% loss of healthy vegetation in Gelephu between 2016 and 2023. The results serve as a basis for strategy adaption required to examine the environmental protection and sustainable development management, and the policy interventions to minimize and balance the ecosystem, taking into account urban landscape.

Tourism destination sustainability: The systematic literature review

<p>The sustainable development of tourism destinations is a continual and evolving process crucial for long-term value and well-being. However, the existing literature reveals a gap in understanding how to effectively evaluate the sustainable development of tourism objects, with a predominant focus on developed countries. This raises concerns about the applicability of similar strategies in underdeveloped nations. This study employs an analysis of the scientific literature to address the identified research problem. We propose a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism management, aiming to equalize the distribution of economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Our focus is on developing a theoretical evaluation model that goes beyond conventional frameworks and includes both broad and narrow dimensions. The research uncovers that sustainable development, as presented by various authors, encompasses economic benefits, environmental protection, and social dimension management. We introduce a sustainability management model that surpasses existing systems, offering a holistic perspective. Moreover, we emphasize the significance of voluntary publicity for environmental and socio-cultural activities in enhancing a tourism destination’s image and societal value. Our study contributes a theoretical evaluation model based on global criteria for sustainable tourism. This model not only evaluates the dimensions of coherence broadly but also incorporates specific criteria for a nuanced analysis of the current situation and potential opportunities. The proposed framework aims to guide tourism destinations in achieving economic benefits without compromising the environment and prioritizing the well-being of local communities, thus fostering a more sustainable and equitable development process.<strong></strong></p>

Determination of Bioavailability, Potential Ecological and Human Health Risks, and Biomonitoring of Potential Toxic Elements in Gold Mine Tailings from Four Areas of Antioquia, Colombia

Gold mining has helped many countries and regions grow and prosper. Yet, because of the significant environmental effects produced, waste management (mine tailings) has emerged as a crucial issue for the sector. In this study, the concentrations of several potential toxic elements (PTEs) (Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni) in mine tailings from four gold mining operations (Yalí, Puerto Berrio, Buriticá 1, and Buriticá 2,) were quantified. A biomonitoring system has also been suggested, along with two environmental risk indexes for ecosystems and human health. To do this, composite samples of tailings were collected from the four regions. A PTEs analysis using an ICP-OES as well as physicochemical characterization (pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic matter) have been performed. Indicators such as antioxidant activity and H2O2 content in Phaseolus vulgaris plants have been used to estimate the bioavailability of PTEs. In contrast to the pseudo-total concentration, the data showed that the bioavailable concentration of PTEs correlated with the risk. The ecological system and public health are more at risk from the mine tailings in Buriticá and Puerto Berrio. It has been demonstrated that P. vulgaris is a quick and effective technique to assess the danger to the environment and public health connected with mining regions, according to the suggested biomonitoring system. The findings of this study can assist the relevant authorities in taking quick action to improve environmental protection and risk management of hazardous waste in gold mining areas.

Preparation of Crust Type Dust Suppression Gel Based on Plant Extraction Technology for Ginkgo biloba Leaves: Characterization, Properties, and Function Mechanism

The coal industry plays an essential role in China’s economic development, and issues such as occupational health and environmental pollution caused by coal dust have attracted a great deal of attention. In accordance with the principles of environmental protection and waste management, this study used carboxymethyl ginkgo cellulose (CL) extracted and modified from Ginkgo biloba leaves as a matrix, and a graft copolymerized with sodium 3-allyloxy-1-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (AHPS) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomers to prepare low-cost, environmentally friendly, and high-performance coal dust suppression (C-A-N). By optimizing fitting experimental data through three factors and two response surface analyses, the optimal dust suppression efficiency ratio was determined to be 4:8:5, and its swelling and water retention properties were analyzed. The microstructure, chemical reaction process, combustion performance and crusting property of the dust suppression gel were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cone calorimetry, and consolidation layer strength tests. Relevant experiments show that the dust suppression gel prepared in this study has the characteristics of a strong wettability and minor impacts on the calorific value of coal, as well as green and environmental protection. When the wind speed is 10 m/s, the dust suppression effect reaches 93%, and the hardness of the solidified layer reaches 39.6 KPa. This study analyzed the migration and combination of functional groups in the interaction system using molecular dynamics simulation software. The microscopic effect and mechanism between dust suppression gel and coal are revealed from a molecular point of view. The feasibility and accuracy of the molecular dynamics simulation were verified by the consistency between simulation results and experimental data. Therefore, combining the utilization of waste resources with dust suppression can have important economic and social benefits.

Monitoring Suspended Sediment Transport in the Lower Yellow River using Landsat Observations

The spatiotemporal variations in suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the lower reaches of the Yellow River exhibit significant variability and are influenced by reservoir operations. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of SSC in water holds crucial implications for environmental protection and reservoir operation management. Based on daily-scale SSC monitoring data from four hydrological stations in the lower Yellow River, this study established an SSC remote sensing model applicable to Landsat series satellite data. The independent variable of the model, Rrs(NIR)/(Rrs(G) + Rrs(R) + Rrs(SWIR)), demonstrated sensitivity to water bodies with different SSC values. Distinctive spatiotemporal characteristics in sediment transport were observed across the lower Yellow River. Spatially, the SSC values in the Sanmenxia and Xiaolangdi reservoirs were notably lower than those in other river sections, averaging 1008.42 ± 602.83 mg/L and 1177.89 ± 627.95 mg/L, respectively. Over time, the majority of the river sections (96%) exhibited decreasing trends in SSC during 1984–2022, particularly in the downstream Xiaolangdi reservoir, with average SSC values of 4265.58 ± 1101.77 mg/L in the 1980s and 1840.80 ± 2255.15 mg/L in the 2020s. Seasonal variations in SSC were prominent, with higher summer concentrations, averaging 5536.43 ± 2188.77 mg/L (2020s summer) and 814.11 ± 158.27 mg/L (2020s winter). Reductions in SSC during 1984–2022 primarily occurred in summer, weakening its seasonal variability in the lower Yellow River. Water discharge emerged as a critical factor influencing suspended sediment transport, with SSC increasing in high-water-flow months. Following the construction of the Xiaolangdi reservoir, the relationship between SSC and water discharge at different stations underwent notable alterations. This study enhances our understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of suspended sediment transport in the lower Yellow River, providing valuable insights for utilizing long-term Landsat series data in the dynamic monitoring of river sediment transport.

백두산 관광객 환경책임행동의 선행요인에 대한 연구

Purpose While tourism globally contributes positively to sociocultural exchange and local economic development, the surge in demand at some popular tourist destinations has led to environmental side effects and societal concerns. This study focuses on the environmental protection policies and capabilities of the Baekdu Mountain Conservation Area, a prominent tourist destination in China, and aims to explore the relationships between tourists' destination information source credibility, local attachment, perceived subjective norms, attitudes, and their environmentally responsible behavior.
 Methods The study employs a structural equation modeling approach based on hypotheses derived from prior research findings. Empirical data were collected through a survey administered to tourists visiting Baekdu Mountain, and demographic analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, model fit analysis, and hypothesis testing were conducted using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 25.0.
 Results The study reveals that destination credibility significantly influences environmentally responsible behavior. Local attachment also shows a significant relationship with environmentally responsible behavior, indicating that tourists who trust the destination are more likely to develop emotional attachment. Subjective norms were found to influence environmentally responsible behavior through the mediating role of environmental attitudes.
 Conclusion The study provides practical implications for the conservation, environmental protection, and destination management of the Baekdu mountain ecological tourism site. It emphasizes the importance of efforts by tourist destinations in management, operation, and information dissemination to gain and maintain tourists' credibility. This research contributes academically by conducting empirical research on Baekdu Mountain Conservation Area in China, which has not been extensively covered in extant academic literature.

The purpose of administrative ensuring the balance of interests in the field of environmental regulation

The article examines the purpose of administrative maintenance of the balance of interests in the field of environmental regulation. Systemic, structural-functional methods and the method of comparison were used for the research. The topicality of the topic is due to the need to increase the effectiveness of the legal regulation of environmental protection, environmental safety, and nature management. In the context of current environmental legislation, the purpose and tasks of legal regulation are considered. It is noted that the subject-objective basis of administrative-legal regulation, which is expressed with the help of the concept of the idea of law. The latter acts as a legal idea of administrative and legal regulation in the field of ecology and forms the subject- objective basis of content and research. It is noted that the specification of the concept is manifested in the understanding of the balance of interests as a planned result of the coordination of the public interest of protecting the natural environment with basic public interests (economic well-being of citizens, security, and others), even with private interests. Protection of the public interest should have the ultimate goal of protecting the rights and freedoms of a specific person and citizen of the state. The purpose and planned result of the reconciliation of interests is to ensure basic public interests, ensure the subjective environmental rights and legitimate interests of citizens, and protect them from the misconduct of powerful subjects of administrative law in the field of legal regulation of environmental protection. The administrative-legal maintenance of the balance of interests in the field of environmental regulation is defined as a system of organizational, material and procedural administrative-legal means, with the help of which, in the process of realizing the public interest of environmental protection, basic public interests are ensured, the rights and legitimate interests of individuals and legal entities are ensured and protected.