Environmental Risk Management Research Articles

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

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

STATE REGULATION OF REINSURANCE ACTIVITIES IN UKRAINE DURING THE WAR

This paper examines the evolution of state regulation of reinsurance activities in Ukraine in the period 2022-2024, with a particular focus on the impact of the ongoing conflict with Russia. This paper examines the manner in which the regulatory framework has been adapted to the distinctive challenges posed by the war in order to stabilise the insurance market and ensure effective risk management. The objective of this study is to analyse the regulatory measures and their implications for the insurance and reinsurance sectors, with a particular focus on the changes implemented, their practical results and the broader implications for market stability. The primary objective of this paper is to undertake a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the alterations in state-level regulation of reinsurance in Ukraine between the years 2022 and 2024. The objective is to identify the regulatory changes implemented to address the distinctive challenges posed by wartime conditions, evaluate their impact on the reinsurance industry, and discuss the broader economic implications. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the manner in which the regulatory framework has been adjusted in order to maintain industry stability and ensure effective risk management in an unstable environment. Methodology. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilising a combination of document analysis and expert interviews. The data was gathered from regulatory reports, policy documents, and statements issued by the National Bank of Ukraine and other pertinent authorities. The analysis is centred on a detailed examination of the key regulatory adjustments, the market responses to these changes, and the practical implications of these modifications. Results. The analysis revealed several significant changes in the reinsurance regulation in Ukraine during the reporting period: 1) strengthening of regulatory supervision; 2) revision of coverage requirements; 3) state and international financial support measures and co-operation with international reinsurers to stabilise the market and manage increased risks. The regulatory changes have had several practical implications for the reinsurance sector: increased financial stability through stronger solvency and capital requirements has improved the financial strength of insurers and reinsurers, helping them to manage the increased risks associated with the conflict. Value / Originality. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory adaptations in Ukraine's reinsurance sector during a period of significant political and economic upheaval. The paper offers valuable insights into the effective adjustment of state regulation in response to extraordinary circumstances, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of risk management in conflict-affected regions. The study is of particular relevance in the context of the prevailing geopolitical circumstances and the necessity to comprehend the manner in which extreme circumstances affect financial regulations. The study addresses a gap in the existing literature on crisis management in the financial sector, with a particular focus on the context of war. The originality of this study lies in its focus on the intersection of war and regulatory adaptation, a topic that has been largely overlooked in the existing literature. By analysing the regulatory responses and their outcomes, the paper makes a contribution to the development of strategies for effective crisis management in the financial and insurance sectors.

Green insurance empowers high-quality development: A Literature Review

Green insurance plays a positive role not only in strengthening environmental risk management, aiding the development of green industries, and facilitating the application of new green technologies, but also in enhancing environmental and ecological protection. It can continuously raise public and societal awareness of green and environmental protection, guide the allocation of social resources, and support the green and low-carbon development of the economy and society. This paper reviews the literature on whether and how green insurance can empower high-quality development. The paper organizes domestic and international practices related to green insurance, summarizes the characteristics of three main international models and other typical developments of green insurance in China. It also focuses on the preliminary formation of the green insurance system in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, the combination of government and effective market, and the development status of multiple types of insurance. It summarizes the challenges faced, such as the imperfect professional service system and insufficient innovation, and finally proposes policy recommendations for the further development of green insurance, including the establishment and improvement of institutional systems and industry standards, and the effective enhancement of the marketization of insurance products.

Forklift Design Integrated Speed Limiter and Position Tracking Through IoT-Based Website

Forklifts, as lifting and transportation equipment, play a crucial role in logistics. However, forklift operators often chase targets, pushing the forklift to perform at higher speeds. Operating a forklift at high speeds not only poses potential dangers to the working conditions but can also lead to a decrease in forklift performance. Operators do not ensure the forklift is running according to procedures due to a lack of supervision. In response to this issue, the author proposes an innovation in the form of a monitoring device capable of recording speed violations committed by operators. With the planned device, it is expected that forklift operators will exercise more caution and take greater responsibility when operating the forklift. The objective of this research is to reduce the likelihood of accidents and forklift damage due to improper use. The study produces a forklift design equipped with supporting components for the implementation of the device and a website as a monitoring platform for forklift operators and workers, providing real-time access to collected data. This system enhances operational safety in operating forklifts. The research significantly contributes to the development of safer and smarter forklift technology, aligning with strict demands for safety standards and risk management in industrial environments.

Renewable energy technology innovation and ESG greenwashing: Evidence from supervised machine learning methods using patent text

As global environmental pollution worsens, environmental governance has become a critical aspect of corporate development. In environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk management, how firms address the threat of greenwashing has emerged as a central focus in achieving sustainable green development. This study explores an under-researched factor contributing to ESG greenwashing: renewable energy technology innovation (RETI). Using supervised machine learning and text analysis methods, the study constructs a proxy variable for RETI and applies it to a sample of Chinese listed companies. The findings reveal that RETI reduces corporate ESG greenwashing, and this effect remains consistent after a series of endogeneity and robustness tests. The inhibitory impact of RETI on ESG greenwashing is more significant when board experiential diversity and media attention are higher. This study contributes to the theoretical basis and demonstration for the research on RETI, greenwashing, managerial experience, and corporate governance.

Development on Surrogate Models for Predicting Plume Evolution Features of Groundwater Contamination with Natural Attenuation

Predicting the key plume evolution features of groundwater contamination are crucial for assessing uncertainty in contamination control and remediation, while implementing detailed complex numerical models for a large number of scenario simulations is time-consuming and sometimes even impossible. This work develops surrogate models with an effective and practicable pathway for predicting the key plume evolution features, such as the distance of maximum plume spreading, of groundwater contamination with natural attenuation. The representative various scenarios of the input parameter combinations were effectively generated by the orthogonal experiment method and the corresponding numerical simulations were performed by the reliable Groundwater Modeling System. The PSO-SVM surrogate models were first developed, and the accuracy was gradually enhanced from 0.5 to 0.9 under a multi-objective condition by effectively increasing the sample data size from 54 sets to 78 sets and decreasing the input variables from 25 of all the considered parameters to a smaller number of the key controlling factors. The statistical surrogate models were also constructed with the fitting degree all above 0.85. The achieved findings provide effective generic surrogate models along with a scientific basis and investigation approach reference for the environmental risk management and remediation of groundwater contamination, particularly with limited data.

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus release characteristics and underlying mechanisms in fish manure from recirculating aquaculture systems under alternating aerobic-anaerobic conditions

To mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of aquaculture operations, recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional aquaculture methods. Fish manure is the primary pollutant in RASs, and oxygen fluctuations significantly influencing the release of pollutants. However, the release characteristics and underlying mechanisms of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) during alternating aerobic-anaerobic conditions in RASs remain poorly understood. This study conducted batch incubation experiments to examine the release dynamics of C, N, and P from fish manure under simulated alternating aerobic-anaerobic conditions. Results showed that the overlying water exhibited anaerobic and reductive conditions, with both COD and TOC concentrations decreasing over time. NH4+-N levels significantly decreased from days 1–9, while NO3--N concentrations peaked on day 16. Furthermore, the alternating aerobic-anaerobic conditions significantly increased TP concentration in the overlying water. Soluble microbial byproduct-like substances in the overlying water transformed into humic acid-like substances over time. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes decreased by 13.6 % and 6 %, respectively, while the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Chloroflexi increased by 7 %, 12.8 %, and 1.4 %, respectively. Overall, both abiotic and biotic factors influenced the release of C, N, and P from fish manure. The coupled effects of abiotic factors, specific bacterial communities, and functional genes played a critical role in the release and transformation of these elements. These findings provide new insights into the release behaviours and mechanisms of pollutants in RASs, contributing to improved environmental risk management in RASs.

Research on the Impact of Environmental Information Disclosure on Financial Performance

In the current global context of escalating environmental concerns, it has become increasingly crucial for enterprises to disclose environmental information in order to effectively communicate their environmental performance and risk management with external stakeholders. This is particularly pertinent for publicly traded companies in heavily polluting industries, as the disclosure of environmental information not only impacts corporate reputation and image, but also directly affects their financial sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of environmental information disclosure on the financial performance of publicly traded companies in heavily polluting industries, while also examining how property rights moderate this relationship. Drawing from previous research, this paper presents corresponding research hypotheses and constructs a comprehensive research model. The empirical analysis serves as the primary research method, allowing for an in-depth exploration of sample data to uncover the intricate connection between environmental information disclosure and financial performance within heavily polluting industries, as well as how property rights factor into this dynamic. Ultimately, this study contributes to enhancing our theoretical understanding of the link between environmental information disclosure and corporate financial performance, providing a scientific basis for government policy formulation and offering practical guidance for listed companies in heavily polluting industries seeking to improve both their financial sustainability and environmental performance.

Assessment of Environmental Risks during the Implementation of Infrastructure Projects in the Arctic Region

The Arctic Zone of Russia (AZR), due to its significant potential, for the implementation of which infrastructure projects and strategic plans are envisaged, is of great importance for the country. Particular attention is paid to the transport and related infrastructure development. The implementation of such projects requires the creation and implementation of modern integrated solutions based on new technical and technological solutions. The development of new territories is accompanied by problems such as urbanization and the disruption of ecosystems, which will have a particularly negative impact on the Arctic zone. The situation is complicated by the fact that the work must be carried out in difficult conditions, which are associated with a large number of risks, including environmental ones. Currently, many types of businesses are characterized by a transition to the implementation of the concepts of green and blue economy, as well as ESG principles when building strategic development plans that include risk reduction. Achieving this goal is possible through an environmental risk management system. To create a suchlike system, it is necessary to identify the most significant risk characteristics of each type of activity, taking into account their negative impact on the environment, after which it will be possible to plan measures to either prevent risks or minimize their consequences. Taking into account the above, we plan to develop the concept of an environmental risk management system (ERMS) as part of the region’s development strategy implementation. To reach this purpose, identifying the main groups of environmental risks depending on the danger source based on the scientific article review results, systematizing concepts aimed at improving the environmental situation under different types of anthropogenic impacts on the environment, developing an algorithm for implementing an environmental risk management system depending on the risk type, and proposing a concept for building an environmental risk management system are needed. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that the main directions of negative anthropogenic impact on the environment are systematized, and possible ways to reduce environmental risks are outlined. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that when implementing such a system, it will be possible to manage not only risks of a certain category, but also monitor the situation as a whole, identifying the consequences for related areas.

International Response to Environmental Risk Management A Study on Confronting Climate Change

International Response to Environmental Risk Management A Study on Confronting Climate Change

Application of Business Intelligence Technology Model to Sustainable Supply Chain

Under the backdrop of globalization, sustainable supply chains are becoming one of the most important directions for commercial development in the future. The efficiency of supply chain management (SCM) will be significantly improved when business intelligence is used in the supply chain. Sustainable supply chain refers to the integration of sustainable development elements on the basis of traditional supply chain management, introducing the assessment and management of social, environmental, economic benefits and other risks. The aim of this paper is to look at how different BI techniques affect different business models. Most of this paper is a summary of previous scholars work. The most successful and widespread application of BI is the final outcome of the technology acceptance model. These three BI models have different effects on sustainable supply chains, but in general, BI is very helpful for sustainable supply chain development in all aspects. Future results would be much more accurate and effective if three techniques were actually able to monitor and compare the sustainability of supply chains.

Polystyrene nanoplastics alter intestinal toxicity of 2,4-DTBP in a sex-dependent manner in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Nanoplastics (NPs) and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) are ubiquitous emerging environmental contaminants detected in aquatic environment. While the intestinal toxicity of 2,4-DTBP alone has been studied, its combined effects with NPs remain unclear. Herein, adult zebrafish were exposed to 80 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) or/ and 2,4-DTBP for 28 days. With co-exposure of PS-NPs, impact of 2,4-DTBP on feeding capacity and intestinal histopathology was enhanced in males while attenuated in females. Addition of PS-NPs significantly decreased the uptake of 2,4-DTBP in females, while the intestinal concentrations of 2,4-DTBP were not different between the sexes in co-exposure groups. Furthermore, lower intestinal pH and higher contents of digestive enzymes were detected in male fish, while bile acid was significantly increased in co-exposed females. In addition, co-exposure of PS-NPs stimulated female fish to remodel microbial composition to potentially enhance xenobiotics degradation, while negative Aeromonas aggravated inflammation in males. These results indicated that in the presence of PS-NPs, the gut microenvironment in females can facilitate the detoxification of 2,4-DTBP, while exaggerating toxiciy in males. Overall, this study demonstrates that toxicological outcomes of NPs-chemical mixtures may be modified by sex-specific physiology and microbiota composition, furthering understanding for environmental risk assessment and management of aquatic environments.

ESG‐oriented analysts and corporate green innovation

AbstractThis paper investigates whether and how analysts' ESG orientation affects corporate green innovation in China. We find that ESG‐oriented analysts in brokerage firms with strong ESG performance significantly stimulate the target firms' green innovation. Mechanism analyses suggest that ESG‐oriented analysts enhance the anticipated benefits of corporate environmental risk management, and reduces the costs associated with managerial myopia and financial frictions. The effect could not be fully explained by analysts' competence. Our findings are robust to propensity score matching and difference‐in‐differences analyses. We provide valuable insights into the crucial role of analysts' ESG values in driving innovation‐oriented corporate sustainability.

Technological Innovations and Legal Strategies for Environmental Risk Management in International M&As

Technological Innovations and Legal Strategies for Environmental Risk Management in International M&As

Linkages between Financial Risk and Sustainability in the Banking Sector: A Bibliometric Study

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis examining the evolution of research within the sustainability and risk management sectors in banking, based on several visual network analyses. Initial findings delineate thematic clusters focusing on green banking, financial performance, and the impact of technological advancements such as fintech. An investigation into the temporal progression of research themes from 2017 to 2021 highlights a significant shift from foundational concerns about financial stability to more nuanced discussions integrating sustainability and economic inclusivity. Additionally, the research identifies potential gaps in the literature, particularly around the integration of Islamic banking with green practices and the management of environmental and climate-related risks. Analysis of author collaborations within these thematic areas reveals a robust network of scholars, characterized by both dense, focused groupings and broader, interdisciplinary linkages. This study underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of academic discourse in sustainable finance, suggesting promising areas for future research.

Health Risk Assessment of Road-Dust-Bound Heavy Metals via Ingestion Exposure from One Typical Inland City of Northern China: Incorporation of Sources and Bioaccessibility

Heavy metals in road dust pose potential health risks to humans, while oral bioaccessibility and sources are all important factors influencing this health risk. However, few prior studies have combined them for health risk analysis. In this study, road dust samples were collected from different geographical locations of Jinan (west area, WA; central area, CA; and east area, EA) to analyze the source-specific and bioaccessibility-based health risks of heavy metals. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the three areas were CA > EA > WA, with Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn exceeding their corresponding background values. A source analysis using a Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model showed that traffic emissions were the main source of heavy metals in the WA and CA, while industrial activities were the main source in the EA. The mean bioaccessibility of heavy metals extracted using the Solubility Bioaccessibility Research Consortium (SBRC) method followed the order of Cd (75.5%) > Zn (42.2%) > Mn (42.1%) > Pb (42.0%) > Cu (32.9%) > As (23.6%) > Ni (20.1%) > V (16.8%) > Cr (13.3%). According to the combined source analysis, traffic was the primary risk factor in the WA (54.5 and 58.3% of NCR and CR, respectively) and CA (61.8 and 51.2%), with solid waste being the main risk factor in the EA (41.9 and 51.3%). In oral bioaccessibility testing, lower non-carcinogenic (<1.0) and carcinogenic risks (<1 × 10−6) of heavy metals were observed than those based on the total metal content. More importantly, As (43.4%) was replaced by V (29.7%) as the main contributor to NCR. Source-specific and bioaccessibility-based health risk assessments can accurately identify priority pollutants and heavy metals in urban road dust that need to be controlled. This provides more effective and accurate urban environmental risk management recommendations for sustainable urban development and population health.

The Future of Environmental Engineering Technology: A Disruptive Innovation Perspective

Scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations have accelerated the rate of innovation in environmental engineering technologies. However, few researchers have evaluated the current status and future trends of technologies. This paper summarizes the current research status in eight major subfields of environmental engineering—water treatment, air pollution control, soil/solid waste management, environmental biotechnology, environmental engineering equipment, emerging contaminants, synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions, and environmental risk and intelligent management—based on bibliometric analysis and future trends in greenization, low carbonization, and intelligentization. Disruptive technologies are further identified based on discontinuous transformation, and ten such technologies are proposed, covering general and specific fields, technical links, and value sources. Additionally, the background and key innovations in disruptive technologies are elucidated in detail. This study not only provides a scientific basis for strategic decision-making, planning, and implementation in the environmental engineering field but also offers methodological guidance for the research and determination of breakthrough technologies in other areas.

The Management of Environmental Risks arising from mining operations in Kitwe and Mufulira

The Management of Environmental Risks arising from mining operations in Kitwe and Mufulira

Assessment of potential environmental and human risks for Bisphenol AF contaminant

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is found in high concentrations in aquatic environments due to the increased use of thermal paper and food packaging. However, there have been relatively few toxicological studies and potential risk assessments of BPAF. In this study, the risk quotient (RQ) and hazard quotient (HQ) of BPAF were derived to present the safety standards for environmental risk management and protection in lakes, rivers, bays, and Italian regions. We applied the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method based on the previous ecotoxicological data and the results of supplementary toxicity tests on BPAF. From the SSD curves, the hazardous concentration for 5 % of the species (HC5) values for the acute and chronic toxicity data were 464.75 µg/L and 3.59 µg/L, respectively, and the acute- and chronic-based predicted no-effect concentration were derived as 154.92 µg/L and 1.20 µg/L, respectively. The acute-based RQ (RQA)values of BPAF in all regions were negligible (RQ < 0.1). The chronic-based RQ (RQC) in the Xitang River (XR) and the Central Italy (CI) showed a considerably high ecological risk (12.77 and 1.29) and the Hangzhou Bay (0.21), the South and North Italy (0.79 and 0.27), and the Tamagawa River (0.13) had a medium ecological risk (0.1 < RQ < 1.0). However, the HQ values based on the tolerable daily intake for BPAF over all age groups in these regions was < 0.1, indicating the low health risk. Nonetheless, the result of this study indicates that BPAF contamination is serious in XR and CI, and their use and emissions require continuous monitoring.

The barriers to uptake of disaster risk management science in urban planning: A political economy analysis.

There is increasing effort in science to support disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation in urban environments. It is now common for research calls and projects to reference coproduction methods and science uptake goals. This paper identifies lessons for researchers, research funders, and research users wishing to enable useful, useable, and used science based on the perspectives of research users in urban planning from low- and middle-income countries. DRM-supporting science is viewed by policy actors as: complicated and poorly communicated; presenting inadequate, partial, and outdated information; misaligned with policy cycles; and costly to access and inadequately positioned to overcome the policy barriers that hinder integration of DRM into urban planning. Addressing these specific concerns points to more systematic collection and organisation of data and enhancement of supporting administrative structures to facilitate better sight of human vulnerability and its link to development decision-making and wider processes of urban risk creation.