Environmental Quality Management Research Articles

A virtual sensing approach to enhancing personalized strategies for indoor environmental quality and residential energy management

This study presents a consumer-centric approach on Demand-Side Management (DSM) for residential energy systems, aiming to align cost-efficient energy strategies with the individual's preferences on operational time-flexibility for residential electric appliances, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality. The optimization framework innovatively incorporates forecasts of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) index and thermal comfort levels using virtual sensing technology to predict their day-ahead values, which are furtherly integrated as constraints in the optimization problem. A dual-objective approach is employed, balancing the minimization of electricity costs all whilst increasing consumer's satisfaction. The approach underlines the critical role of consumer participation in DSM and illustrates how the integration of smart home technologies can lead to reductions in energy consumption and cost savings. This paradigm not only promotes consumer engagement in energy management but also showcases the potential of intelligent home systems to optimize energy usage while maintaining personalized comfort standards.

Evaluating the Performance and Practicality of a Multi-Parameter Assessment System with Design, Comparative Analysis, and Future Directions

This study introduces a developed environmental quality assessment system, detailing its hardware, software, and comparative analysis against a publicly available system. While showing larger deviations in particulate matter and air humidity parameters, the proposed system demonstrates sufficient accuracy in other environmental characteristics. It establishes a standardized operating procedure and evaluates uncertainty and quality assurance measures, ensuring reliability in environmental measurements. The system offers comprehensive capabilities, measuring parameters like total volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, particulate matter, noise, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, with real-time monitoring functions for detecting environmental changes. Its user-friendly interfaces, scalability, and potential integration with existing systems enhance its versatility and cost-effectiveness across diverse settings. This study underscores the need for future research to enhance accuracy, reliability, and real-time operability and explore integration with smart city initiatives and environmental management systems. Overall, the proposed system represents a promising advancement in environmental monitoring technology, facilitating comprehensive environmental quality assessment and management.

Synthesis of carbon quantum dots via electrochemically-induced carbon dioxide nanobubbles exfoliation of graphite for heavy metal detection in wastewater

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) offer significant promise across industries due to their distinctive optical properties and strong biocompatibility. However, conventional synthesis methods frequently need more precision in controlling nanoparticle size, shape, and uniformity, limiting their versatility in diverse applications. Therefore, this study introduced an innovative approach to synthesising CQDs by combining electrochemical techniques with carbon dioxide (CO2) nanobubbles, circumventing the need for conventional surfactant-based exfoliation. According to the findings, the synthesised CQDs exhibited remarkable properties, including a high quantum yield of 26.17% and an average particle size of 2.24 ± 1.07 nm. Such characteristics render them exceptionally suitable for portable sensors for heavy metal detection in wastewater. Moreover, the investigation revealed the outstanding selectivity of the synthesised CQDs, particularly towards iron (Fe3+) ions, but demonstrated limited reactivity towards lead (Pb2+) and copper (Cu2+) ions. The novel approach also generated non-toxic CQD under the supply of CO2 nanobubbles, which offers a scalable avenue for developing advanced materials for various applications, including sensors for heavy metal ion detection in wastewater. The conventional synthesis method that relied on sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactants without CO2 nanobubbles yielded CQDs with a significantly lower quantum yield of 11.2%. In short, incorporating CO2 nanobubbles with electrochemical techniques enhanced quantum yield and superior control over the size and shape of the synthesized CQDs. This novel method successfully produced CQDs with scalable distinct morphologies and provided a new understanding of the CQD synthesis mechanism, with potential applications in portable sensing for environmental monitoring and water quality management.

Sustainable maritime education: Integrating environmental science for global competence

This research investigates the integration of Urban Environmental Quality, Materials and Resource Management, and Green and Sustainable Environment within the international maritime education framework at Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran (STIP Jakarta/ Maritime Institute of Jakarta). The study explores cadet experiences in Nautical, Technical, and Port and Shipping Management Majors, analysing theoretical foundations, curriculum satisfaction, practical training, and the incorporation of Environmental Science elements. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive approach, data is gathered through document analysis and self-reported reflections from 100 randomly selected cadets. The findings reveal distinct dynamics across majors, indicating a strong alignment between theoretical foundations and curriculum satisfaction. However, variations exist in the emphasis on practical training and the integration of Environmental Science elements. Port and Shipping Management Majors stand out with a notable commitment to sustainability principles, while Nautical and Technical Majors show potential areas for enhancement. The implications for future research underscore the need for ongoing refinements in curricula to address the evolving demands of the maritime industry. The study contributes to the scholarly discourse on international maritime education, providing insights for academic institutions to foster environmentally conscious and globally competent maritime professionals.

Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mangrove sediments from Ifiekporo Creek, Warri, Nigeria

The occurrence and level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mangrove sediment from Ifiekporo Creek in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, were assessed in this study. The extraction of PAHs from the sediment samples was achieved using the PAH analytical test method (USEPA 8270). This method measures the individual concentrations of extractable PAHs in samples. The PAHs were quantified within the C11-C22 subgroup. The basic GC parameters for the analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbons were analysed using a gas chromatography‒mass selective detector (GC‒MSD). The individual PAH concentrations in the mangrove sediment samples ranged from 850 µg/kg−1 to 3470 µg/kg−1. PAH source apportionment employing isomeric ratios and multivariate statistics indicated both pyrogenic and petrogenic source inputs in the sediment samples. The order of PAH homology in the sediment was 3-ring > 2-ring > 4-ring. The sediment samples were mostly dominated by LMW PAHs. The results of the ecological risk assessment in the study area indicate that there is low ecological risk associated with PAH exposure in sediment. These results provide data on the concentrations and compositional patterns of PAHs, which is useful for understanding the effects, sources, fates, and transport of PAHs in sediment in the study area, as well as for providing relevant information for environmental quality management and forensic studies.

ПРОФЕСІЙНА КОМПЕТЕНТНІСТЬ ПЕРСОНАЛУ. ЇЇ ВПЛИВ НА ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ СФЕРИ СЕРТИФІКАЦІЇ ТА ПРИЙНЯТТЯ РІШЕННЯ ЩОДО СЕРТИФІКАЦІЇ

The implementation of any production or educational system, or one related to product quality management or environmental management or occupational health and safety management or a conformity assessment (certification) system is usually accompanied by personnel recruitment. The main condition for the performance of tasks within the framework of a specific system is the presence of competent personnel, who are entrusted with certain responsibility in making certain decisions. Technical regulation system, the implementation of which finally followed the adoption of the Law of Ukraine «On Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment», focuses extensively on the competence of the personnel carrying out activities to assess compliance with the requirements of technical regulations, as well as employees that carry out works on voluntary certification. The generally known understanding of the decisive role of personnel in the implementation of any type of activity does not cease to be relevant even in modern conditions. A lot of research has been conducted on the influence of the psychological state of employees on the climate in the team, there are also studies on determining the quantitative and qualitative composition of certain groups of specialists to perform certain tasks (so-called mobile groups), but the purpose of this work is to determine the influence of general competence and each a separate employee from the personnel of the conformity assessment (certification) body to make a decision on the certification of a certain product type.

Comprehensive human health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils: insights from selected metropolitan zones

Introduction: This study aims to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in urban soils in sixteen selected cities of Pakistan, encompassing the elements cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu).Methods: The data utilized for this study was collected from online literature during the period 2005 to 2019. This study investigated potential threats to human health through a comprehensive analysis, considering standards such as Enrichment Factors (EF), Geo-accumulation Indices (Igeo), and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA).Results: Geo-accumulation Index results indicated varied risk intensities, with Cu, Pb, Co, Mn, and Fe exhibiting “no pollution” levels, while other elements show “moderate to extremely contaminated” values. EF analysis provided evidence of heavy metal presence, revealing a spectrum from “no pollution” to “moderate to extremely high pollution” for Cd, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Cu. The health risk assessment identified both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic dangers for adults and children.Discussion: These findings highlighted the substantial contribution of identified sources such as industrial processes, vehicular emissions, sewage sludge, urban flooding, and the production and use of metallic materials that have elevated heavy metal levels in the urban soils. This established the link between urban industrial zones, human health, and long-term economic sustainability. This study provides essential guidance for decision makers to develop effective strategies for soil remediation, enhanced industrial practices, and regulatory measures to address heavy metal contamination in urban areas, ensuring the wellbeing and sustainable environmental quality management in cities.

The Prospects of Environmental Assessment, Rating, and Quality Management of Soils and Lands

The Prospects of Environmental Assessment, Rating, and Quality Management of Soils and Lands

Ecotoxic effect of agriculture and environmental important bioinoculant effective microorganism (EM) derived metabolites on microbial agro active agents

AbstractEffective microorganism (EM) – a mixture of beneficial microbial formulation are extensively utilized worldwide in agriculture as plant growth promotor and biocontrol agent. Because of their wide spectrum usage, it is necessary to study the non‐target effect against the beneficial organisms used in crop production. Though, the wider applications of EM in agriculture and the environment have revealed, the environmental quality management of EM mainly metabolites‐ biochemical compounds derived from EM have yet to be studied. With this objective, the present study is undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of EM derived metabolites on the selected microbial biofertilizers, biocontrol agents including biopesticidal agents. Metabolites were extracted from the culture‐free broth of EM culture using various solvents and the extracted metabolites were characterized by the gas chromatography‐ mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS). The food poisoning technique was adapted for the screening of toxic effects. Toxic effect of the metabolites derived from the respective solvent was confirmed by measuring the growth of the respective microbial strain's vegetative growth and sporulation efficacy by dual plate assay, dual liquid assay, and spore germination microscopic slide assay. Active principles of the metabolites were readily extracted in all the solvents and the possible presence of bioactive metabolites were characterized by GC‐MS. There was no significant difference between the control and extract recorded. In the case of Rhizobium leguminosarum, the colony diameters of ethyl acetate and acetone extract were 1.6 and 1.8 cm, respectively, as in control (1.8 cm). Similar findings were also recorded for Azospirillum lipoferum, Phosphobacterium sp., and Pseudomonas flurescens. However, growth inhibition including spore germination was recorded in petroleum ether and acetone extract. Further study will be useful to exploit the principles of EM and EM derived metabolites in agriculture and environment without affecting non target beneficial organism.

Modeling relation among implementing AI-based drones and sustainable construction project success

Project failure is a persistent challenge in the construction industry, rendering it one of the most demanding sectors. Many obstacles, including safety concerns, quality management issues, environmental preservation challenges, economic sustainability, privacy constraints, and legal regulations, weigh heavily on construction projects. However, a beacon of hope emerges in AI-powered drones capable of surmounting these challenges and paving the path to resounding project success. This study employed diverse methodologies, engaging subject-matter experts through interviews and conducting pilot and primary surveys. Our analytical arsenal featured Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for the pilot survey and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for the primary survey. Our research revolves around a singular mission: elevating building project success by dismantling the barriers that have impeded the widespread adoption of AI-driven drones in construction. The study’s verdict is clear: privacy and legal constraints, coupled with economic and sustainability challenges, alongside human resource management dilemmas, constitute the formidable triumvirate obstructing the ubiquitous embrace of drones in construction. Yet, the impact of breaching these barriers reverberates far beyond overcoming these hurdles. It cascades into public health and safety, environmental conservation, quality management, and economic sustainability, culminating in an amalgam of enhanced Building Project Success. The implications of our findings are profound for the construction industry. They beckon the sector to confront and surmount the legal and regulatory barriers to adopting AI-based drones. A clarion call to invest in human resources to empower technology integration resounds. And, perhaps most importantly, it beckons the industry to embrace the profound economic and sustainability advantages of embracing these cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, our study underscores that adopting AI-powered drones in construction is not merely about project success; it catalyzes fostering public health, safeguarding the environment, ensuring top-tier quality management, and fortifying economic sustainability. These interwoven facets illuminate the broader canvas of drone technology’s transformative role in construction.

Integrated transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis provides new insights into tetracycline stress tolerance in pumpkin

The aim of this study was to conduct transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis to provide a comprehensive view of plant response to tetracycline stress. Pumpkin seeds were cultured for 7 days without or with tetracycline at 10 mg/L. Pumpkin roots showed excessive growth inhibition, but not yet strong growth restraining in cotyledons. Tetracycline affected the abundance of metabolites related to flavonoid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. Main changes of metabolites in flavonoid biosynthesis were consistent with mRNA changes. Amino acid changes are mainly mediated by proteins or mRNAs. To be specific, tetracycline treatment increased the levels of rutin, caffeate, cinnamaldehyde, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, naringenin, apigenin, luteolin, (−)-epigallocatechin, astragalin, L-serine, and glutathione and the transcript levels related to these compounds; and decreased the levels of indole pyruvate, indole acetaldehyde, L-arginine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, L-glutamine, and gamma-glutamylcysteine and the transcript levels related to these compounds. Tetracycline treatment also increased the levels of oxoglutaric acid, L-glutamic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and gamma-glutamylalanine and enzymes involved in their production; and decreased the levels of L-isoleucine, L-valine, and L-leucine and enzymes involved in their production. We elucidated several biological processes (e.g. phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, amino acid metabolic pathways) that were altered by tetracycline, and provided a multi-omic perspective on the mechanisms underlying the response to tetracycline stress in pumpkin roots. We provide a useful reference for the development of environmental quality management methods.

Widespread decrease in chromophoric dissolved organic matter in Chinese lakes derived from satellite observations

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) can significantly influence underwater light fields, nutrient availability, and microbial activity; thus, it plays an essential role in physical, chemical, and biological processes in aquatic ecosystems. China has undergone significant changes in climate, water quality improvement, and human processes over the past few decades. However, the impact of these processes on CDOM in Chinese lakes is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to reconstruct long-term and high-resolution CDOM data from Landsat satellite images using a simple model to characterise changes in CDOM in 2462 Chinese lakes (surface area ≥ 1 km2) from 1986 to 2021. Validation results demonstrated that the model performed adequately in deriving the CDOM absorption coefficient at 350 nm, with a root mean square deviation, median deviation, median absolute percentage difference, and median ratio of 0.68 m−1, 0.02 m−1, 19.76%, and 1.01, respectively. We observed a distinct spatial pattern of CDOM, with higher CDOM in eastern China with intensive human activities but lower CDOM in western China with strong ultraviolet radiation. Temporally, mean aCDOM(350) of Chinese lakes from 1986 to 2021 decreased at a rate of - 0.25 m−1/10 years. We also revealed that increased regional vegetation coverage and improved water quality mainly drive CDOM decline in lakes on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau Region and Eastern Plain Region, respectively. The widespread decrease in CDOM, in turn, has contributed to changes in the optical properties and biogeochemical cycles of Chinese lakes. Our results provide valuable insights for lake environmental protection and water quality management in China.

Overview of quality health safety and environmental management systems implementation in Zimbabwe

Overview of quality health safety and environmental management systems implementation in Zimbabwe

Dissolved and particulate heavy metal pollution status in seawater and sedimentary heavy metals of the Bohai Bay

Heavy metal contamination has been the focus of many studies owing to its potential risk on the health of coastal ecosystems. The Bohai Bay (BHB) is the second largest bay of Bohai Sea and subjected to serious anthropogenic perturbations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and pollution status of toxic heavy metals in seawater with two fractions (dissolved and suspended particulate phases) and surface sediments of this coastal system. Therefore, several hydrochemical parameters and concentration of seawater metals and sediment metals were measured at two cruises of 2020 summer and autumn. The spatial distribution and potential ecological risks were examined and their inter-element relationships were analyzed to identify potential geochemical processes. By comparing historical data since 1978, we find declining trends in contents of most trace metals in seawater and sediments, suggesting that recent pollution control in BHB have an effect on diminishing metal pollution. Dissolved metals showed no significant dependence on their particulate phase. The seawater posed a moderate to high level of ecological risk. The hydrochemical factors mainly had a greater impact on dissolved metals during summer, whereas they influenced suspended metals more significantly during autumn. These results provide fundamental information to support environmental quality management and ecological protection in coastal systems.

Theoretical and methodological aspects of sea ecosystem risks management

In the context of worsening anthropogenic impact, climate change and natural disasters, the problem of managing the sea areas' ecosystem risks is becoming quite important. This research aims at exploring the modern theoretical and methodological aspects of the aforesaid scientific orientation and focuses on the analysis and evaluation of existing concepts and strategies.
 The article analyses main terms and principles and also presents a conceptual model for managing the sea ecosystem risks that plays a key role in reflecting the main theoretical components and their interrelationships. The model contributes to a better understanding of the structure and characteristics of this theory, emphasizing the complexity of interactions between socio-economic systems and marine ecosystems, as well as the risks arising from such interactions. The main elements of the model include natural and anthropogenic factors and consider their impact on the state of marine ecosystems and the risks associated therewith. The model also focuses on well-being, ecosystem stability and biodiversity, i.e. the parameters determining the status and functionality of marine ecosystems.
 The research presents a comparative analysis of various methodologies and strategies of ecosystem risks management. The analysis allowed identification of the most effective of them at certain stages of creating an optimum strategy for managing the ecosystem risks. Risk management strategies can be implemented using a variety of tools, such as marine spatial planning, creation of marine protected areas, basic ecosystem management, resource management, and a marine environmental quality management system developed in accordance with the requirements of the EU Marine Strategy Directive. These strategies integrate different approaches to managing the ecosystem risks and contribute to conservation of ecosystems ensuring the marine environment stability.
 The work made it possible to open up the prospects for further scientific research, namely development of hypotheses in order to increase theoretical knowledge and develop practical recommendations in the field of management of water areas' ecosystem risks.
 The conclusions of the research are aimed at creating a theoretical and methodological base that will contribute to analyzing and developing effective strategies for managing the water areas' ecosystem risks.

Contributions to “Navigating the Urban Landscape: Exploring the Dynamics of Urban Systems” in Environmental Quality Management

Contributions to “Navigating the Urban Landscape: Exploring the Dynamics of Urban Systems” in Environmental Quality Management

Quality Management and Environmental Management: Role of Knowledge Transfer and Organizational Innovation in Knowledge-Based Firms

Quality Management and Environmental Management: Role of Knowledge Transfer and Organizational Innovation in Knowledge-Based Firms

Environmental Benefits of Green Buildings with BIM Technology

Abstract Under accelerated urbanisation and rapid social and economic development, environmental pollution has become an important content of the construction industry. Therefore, the environmental benefit analysis of green buildings is of great significance to the effective use of energy and resources and to achieve the goal of protecting resources, reducing pollution and improving the ecological environment. The results show that the measured results of incremental environmental costs of the office building in Taiyuan City in land saving, energy saving, water saving, material saving, indoor environmental quality and operation management are decreased by 13.56 %, 11.02 %, 25.17 %, 14.43 %, and 15.25 %, respectively; incremental environmental benefits in land saving, energy saving, water saving, material saving, indoor environmental quality and operation management are increased by 23.15 %, 10.37 %, 19.30 %, 18.25 %, and 22.53 %, respectively. Those suggest that the BIM technology applied to the complete life cycle cost analysis of green buildings can test, measure and guide all the steps of building design, construction and maintenance and largely meet the criteria of resource-saving and energy-saving. The results of this paper provide a reference for further research on the environmental benefit analysis of green buildings based on BIM technology.

A conceptual framework for integrating QSHE in construction

Construction accidents become catastrophic in infrastructure development. Evidence shows that quality failures such as system, services, procedural, materials, equipment, and human failures within the business process of project delivery systems are contributing causes of construction accidents that negatively impact worker safety, public safety, building/asset, and environmental safety. The standardized quality management systems and safety management systems in construction are fragmented. The Indonesian authorities have integrated the Quality Safety Health and Environment (QSHE) management system since 2018, but the implementation of the integrated QSHE system is still questionable. This paper aims to propose a framework and methodology for integrating QSHE implementation. The framework is based on the literature review of international standards and the UK Construction Design & Management Regulation. This proposal is a part of research currently formulated to develop an operating system to integrate quality and construction safety best practices in the project delivery systems. This paper addresses the quality management framework, safety management framework and, the proposed conceptual framework for integrating quality and safety management systems. The development of an integrated QSHE management system has the potential to save resources and eliminate redundancy significantly. Thus, an organization’s net production, profitability, and efficiency can significantly be increased. The results of this paper are 51 key points that are needed for integrating QSHE in construction projects. In the pre-construction stage, there are 24 key points, which are the largest portion. During the construction stage, there are 19 key points, and during the post-construction stage, there are 8 key points. So, it is very important to carry out the QSHE integration during the pre-construction stage to minimize the defects and accidents in construction projects.

Mathematical Foundations for Modeling a Zero-Carbon Electric Power System in Terms of Sustainability

This article substantiates the relevance of mathematical methods and models for studying the management of the factorial parameters of regulating the decarbonization of regions of the Russian Federation. We present methods for the mathematical modeling of greenhouse gas emissions and for approximating functions for the study of processes in the thermal power industry and the economy. New models and methods are shown to increase the efficiency of designing electric power systems (EPSs). We establish that diverse companies must interact with institutions of education and science to achieve the main results of the study. This is achieved, firstly, by creating an EPS with a target of a zero-carbon footprint. Mathematical models of greenhouse gas emissions can be used to support this goal. We developed ways to account for carbon oxides and water streams. Stable interactions between systems in the innovation cycles of enterprises are ensured by methods combining a number of properties of the regulation of decarbonization. We describe methods to mathematically model greenhouse gas emissions and to approximate functions in the study of processes in the thermal power industry and economics. New research methods and techniques are proved to increase the efficiency of designing an EPS and can be used to reduce emissions. Digital twins should be modeled according to assessments on ensuring the stability of the balance area, with the goals of developing the EPS. Secondly, we substantiate methods for displaying singular processes of improving the balance of enterprise goals while coordinating the impact on the efficiency of standard and additional management functions. We additionally developed quality parameters for the use of additional functions in the foresight control of decarbonization goals. Thirdly, factorial parameters of additional control and regulation functions are implemented via a special system of technical accounting. This formed a big data database of new environmental quality and quality management indicators in the regulatory structure of industrial enterprises in the EPS. Additional functions of integration, combination, and acceleration of the impact of industrial enterprise quality indicators are organized on a digital platform to predict and plan indicators of integration and combination of these resources using neural networks.