Environmental Standards Research Articles

Reshaping energy horizon of Iran: investigating economic sanctions, export diversification, and environmental resilience.

Employing robust methodologies, including principal component analysis, autoregressive moving average, Fourier bootstrap dynamic autoregressive distributed lag, error correction model, and the Breitung-Candelon spectral Granger causality test, this study scrutinizes the impact of export diversification (EXD) on Iran's ecological footprint (EF) from 1997 to 2020, considering economic sanctions (ESI), trade openness (TOP), energy consumption per capita (ECpc), globalization (KOF), and real GDP per capita (RGDPpc). Findings consistently affirm a positive environmental impact of EXD, revealing a nuanced temporal pattern. Notably, the short-term impact (- 0.645) is more pronounced than its long-term counterpart (- .020). Increased industrial activities due to globalization (10% rise) lead to 4.26% and 1.64% EF degradation in the long and short term. Conversely, due to Iran's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, a 10% rise in ECpc correlates with 1.63% and 3.81% long- and short-term environmental quality reduction. ESI demonstrates a dual impact, improving short-term environmental quality but contributing to long-term degradation. Frequency-domain causality analysis highlights EXD and KOF as short- and long-term causes of EF, ESI, and TOP as medium- to long-term causes and RGDPpc as a long-term cause. These findings emphasize the need for sustainable policies, stringent environmental standards, and a balanced approach to fostering economic growth while preserving the environment.

Soil and Urine Mercury Levels in Secocha: A Case Study of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Peru

In recent decades, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has spurred population and economic growth in the small rural communities in which it is located, along with causing contamination of the soil, air, and water with grave effects on human health due to the uncontrolled use of mercury for gold processing activities. This study analyzes the levels of mercury in Secocha, an ASGM community in Arequipa, Peru. A total of 44 soil samples were taken from two ASGM commercial-extractive zones (n = 18) and non-processing urban zones (n = 26). Soil mercury analysis with atomic absorption spectrometry revealed average mercury levels of 86.11 mg/kg in commercial-extractive zone I, where ore processing has occurred for about 17 years, and mercury levels of 43.81 mg/kg in commercial-extractive zone II, where processing has occurred for about 7 years. In the urban zone, the average mercury level was 9.53 mg/kg. The average mercury concentrations for each zone exceed the relevant environmental quality standards established by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment. In addition, urine samples were obtained from 15 miners and 15 people from the general urban population (non-miners). The average mercury level in the urine of miners was 7.04 µg/L, and in the urine of non-miners it was 0.49 µg/L. In both cases, the mercury urine level did not exceed the limits established by WHO and the Peruvian Ministry of Health, though miners’ elevated levels do raise concerns.

Quality assurance and quality control of atmospheric organosulfates measured using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)

Abstract. ​​​​​​​As a crucial constituent of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) influence public health, regional air quality, and global climate patterns. This paper highlights the use of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) which effectively retains strongly polar analytes that might exhibit incomplete or no retention in reverse chromatography, resulting in superior separation efficiency. A HILIC column was used to analyze six standards, environmental standards (1648a and 1649b), and samples collected in urban environments in Guangzhou in the Pearl River Delta region, which serve as valuable reference points for evaluating the organic composition of the atmospheric environment. The results indicate a high degree of accuracy in the analytical method. Sodium octyl-d17 sulfate serves as the internal standard, with a linear correlation coefficient of the six standards, boasting a linear correlation coefficient r ranging from 0.993–0.9991 and a slope, k, of the linear equation from 0.966–1.882. The instrument detection limits (IDLs) are established at 0.03–0.20 µg mL−1, while the method detection limits (MDLs) fall within the range of 0.30–1.75 ng m−3, demonstrating the method's exceptional sensitivity. Since isoprene-derived organosulfates (iOSs) are highly polar due to containing a hydrophilic bond to the hydroxyl group and a hydrophobic bond to the sulfate, and as such showed strong retention using this method, this technique employs sodium ethyl sulfate and sodium octyl sulfate standards for semi-quantitative compound analysis of iOSs. The error in sample analysis (EA) ranged from 12.25 %–95.26 %, and the two standards maintained a consistent recovery rate between 116 %–131 % and 86.4 %–127 %. These findings indicate a high level of precision when semi-quantifying compounds with similar structural characteristics, affirming the analysis method's minimal relative error and underscoring its repeatability, process stability, and the reliability of its results for iOSs. To enhance the method's reliability assessment, the study analyzed polar organic components of standard particulate matter samples (1648a and 1649b), providing precise determinations of several iOSs using this method. Methyltetrol sulfate (m/z 215, C5H11SO7-) is the highest concentration in the ambient samples, up to 67.3 ng m−3 in the daytime. These results serve as valuable reference points for assessing the organic composition of the atmospheric environment.

Ratcheting up private standards by exploiting coopetition: The curious case of RSPO’s adoption of zero-deforestation criteria

At its November 2018 annual meeting, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) approved a new version of its foundational rules that advocates argued made it a zero-deforestation standard. Using a combination of over 160 key informant interviews and archival analysis, we argue that actors in the RSPO orbit made the High Carbon Stock Approach - a new method for defining forest boundaries that features heavy use of satellite data - attractive by blending cooperative and competitive strategies in a pattern known as coopetition. Critical stakeholders pushed leading companies into a competition for legitimacy that spurred innovations outside of the Roundtable setting. In turn, however, these firms also used relationships established through the RSPO Roundtable - cooperating - to elaborate guidelines and tools for defining forest areas, pursuing supply chain traceability and engaging in supplier transformation. This cooperation helped zero-deforestation strategies to emerge outside the organization. In response, stakeholders with sunk investments in RSPO membership reincorporated those external tools into the standard by framing them as consistent with the institution's fundamental logics. This case provides a compelling example of how coopetition can lead to norm emergence in a contentious governance arena, allowing a combination of internal and external actors to steer institutional development. We argue that this strategy could be employed to stimulate increased rigor in environmental standards.

CULTIVATING SUSTAINABILITY: UNCOVERING THE GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN DYNAMICS IN LEBANESE NON- CHAIN RESTAURANTS

Purpose: This study aims at investigating the factors affecting green supply chain management at Lebanese non- chain restaurants. Mainly, this study aims to investigate the impact of green purchasing, reverse logistics, internal readiness, and government regulations on green supply chain management and using environmental performance as a mediator. Methodology/ Approach: The research employs a quantitative method approach using structural equation modeling with a sample size of 399 respondents in the context of Lebanon. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that green purchasing, reverse logistics, internal readiness, and government regulations do have a significant impact on green supply chain management and environmental performance partially mediates the relationship. Conclusion: This study shows that sustainability practices and standards are significantly influenced by governmental regulations. Businesses must keep tabs on the latest rules and regulations and act accordingly. Among the many environmental standards that must be followed is one governing waste management, emissions restrictions, and sustainable sourcing. Organizations may avoid fines, reduce risk to their reputation, and show their dedication to environmental protection if they proactively comply with government requirements.

Global perspectives and transdisciplinary opportunities for locust and grasshopper pest management and research

Locusts and other migratory grasshoppers are transboundary pests. Monitoring and control, therefore, involve a complex system made up of social, ecological, and technological factors. Researchers and those involved in active management are calling for more integration between these siloed but often interrelated sectors. In this paper, we bring together 38 coauthors from six continents and 34 unique organizations, representing much of the social-ecological-technological system (SETS) related to grasshopper and locust management and research around the globe, to introduce current topics of interest and review recent advancements. Together, the paper explores the relationships, strengths, and weaknesses of the organizations responsible for the management of major locust-affected regions. The authors cover topics spanning humanities, social science, and the history of locust biological research and offer insights and approaches for the future of collaborative sustainable locust management. These perspectives will help support sustainable locust management, which still faces immense challenges such as fluctuations in funding, focus, isolated agendas, trust, communication, transparency, pesticide use, and environmental and human health standards. Arizona State University launched the Global Locust Initiative (GLI) in 2018 as a response to some of these challenges. The GLI welcomes individuals with interests in locusts and grasshoppers, transboundary pests, integrated pest management, landscape-level processes, food security, and/or cross-sectoral initiatives.

Impact of Climate Change on the Environment: A Synthesis Study

Climate change has a significant impact on both physical and social components of the environment. Every component of the environment has been suffering the impacts of climate change. All components of the environment are interrelated through the exchanging of energy and matter; hence they actively interact. Major components of the environment like the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere are open systems to impact climate change. This paper describes the major impacts of climate change on major components of the environment. This study investigated the current state, wide-range global research trends, and different concerns on the impacts of climate change on the sustainable tourism. Global climate change represents a grand challenge for society, one that is increasingly influencing tourism sector investment, planning, operations, and demand. This study synthesized a total of 36 studies on climate change by sourcing published material from the review that was performed in indexed databases namely Dimensions, Web Science, Elsevier Scopus, and Google Scholar. Therefore, the study found that human beings are the major contributors to climate change through anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions that worsened during the Green Revolution. Climate change outcomes through the loss of valuable ecosystem goods and services, degrading the most of keystone species sites. In other ways, loss of biodiversity, changes in atmospheric composition, changes in chemical reactions in soil, changes in water quality, availability, and hydrologic cycles, and frequent occurrence of extreme weather conditions. Of course! The effects of climate change are wide-ranging and diverse, impacting many areas and facets of daily life. Therefore, this study recommends implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to internalize the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and enforcing stringent environmental regulations and standards to limit emissions and pollution. Support global efforts and agreements to combat climate change, such as the Paris Agreement.

Pioneering CCS in Australia – the CarbonNet journey

The CarbonNet Project (CarbonNet), a trailblazing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiative, is progressing through what has been a transformative 14-year journey. Situated in southeast Victoria, this project has evolved from an interesting concept into a multifaceted project that promises to contribute to decarbonisation via its carbon dioxide (CO2) transport and storage project. Established in 2009 and funded by both Australian and Victorian Governments, CarbonNet has been at the forefront of the CCS journey in Australia. Its primary objective is to establish a hub in the Latrobe Valley, where a diverse range of industries supply CO2 for transport through an underground pipeline to the project’s initial offshore storage site, known as Pelican, in the globally renowned Gippsland Basin. The CarbonNet journey has been marked by significant milestones, including legislative changes to accommodate its future storage goals. Knowledge sharing and regulatory engagement have also been an ongoing priority, facilitating a robust feedback loop to ensure alignment with contemporary environmental standards. Adapting to dynamic market conditions, the project is working to secure customers within the rapidly evolving CO2 market whilst seeking to create a robust business model. More recently CarbonNet has been observing the emergence of proposed offshore wind and onshore transmission projects in the Gippsland region. This explosive growth of new energy solutions within Gippsland has created challenges and opportunities for the project. Jane Burton will provide an insightful overview of CarbonNet’s remarkable evolution, highlighting the critical role it plays in the journey towards establishing a net-zero future.

Biodiversity disclosure in the cruise industry: empirical research challenges

ABSTRACT This study aims to discover the sustainable initiatives and practices adopted on-board cruise ships to protect and preserve marine biodiversity. Specifically, it focuses on waste issues to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 of the UN 2030 Agenda for mitigating marine biodiversity loss. Using a single-case study methodology, Carnival Corporation Plc’s sustainability behaviour has been investigated through both automated and manual content analysis of its sustainability reports (2020–2021–2022) and website. The results outline the waste management systems (SDG12) adopted on-board cruise ships to overcome marine biodiversity loss. At the same time, the extent of the benefits of these systems on marine biodiversity remains unquantified in the biodiversity disclosure within the Carnival Corporation Plc’s sustainability reporting according to international environmental standards. This study contributes to the cruise tourism literature focusing on the under-investigated positive impact of waste management systems on biodiversity.

Atmospheric Aerosols and Air Quality in the 2022 Dry Season in Huancayo-Perú

This work presents results of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Direct Radiative Force (DRF) at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), obtained during monitoring campaigns carried out at the Huancayo Observatory of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (OH-IGP ) in April and August 2022. In these campaigns, a Sun CIMEL photometer was used to measure the microphysical and optical properties of aerosols at wavelengths ranging from 340 to 1020 nm, and a low-cost Purple-air sensor to quantify the concentration of material particulate (PM), in fine and coarse modes. The AOD results indicated values in the range 0.06-0.22. The daily averages of PM2.5 and PM10 did not exceed Peru's current Environmental Quality Standards (50 μg/m3 and 100 μg/m3). The air quality index (AQI) calculated for PM2.5 and PM10 was classified as good. On some days during the campaigns, the air quality was classified as moderate. These results contribute to a better understanding of the current climatic conditions of the Peruvian Altiplano.

Impact of green financing on CSR and environmental policies and procedures

Despite increasing global attention towards sustainable development, the empirical linkage between green financing and the enhancement of environmental and social governance (ESG) practices within industries remains underexplored. This study investigates the influence of green financing on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environmental policies and procedures in 40 Chinese industries from 2010 to 2020. By employing a baseline regression and a difference-in-differences methodology, this paper aims to quantify the extent to which green financing initiatives have impacted CSR activities and the adoption of rigorous environmental policies and procedures in the Chinese industrial sector. The results indicate that industries with access to green financing have shown significant improvements in their CSR engagements and the stringency of their environmental policies and procedures compared to those without such financial incentives. Specifically, the difference-in-differences analysis reveals a positive and statistically significant effect of green financing on the adoption of more stringent environmental policies and the enhancement of CSR practices. We identify the specific areas within CSR and environmental policies that are most influenced by green financing. We assess the effectiveness of green financing as a tool for promoting sustainable industrial practices. The analysis utilizes a comprehensive dataset, including industry-specific financing and ESG performance indicators, to conduct a longitudinal assessment over the decade in question. Based on these findings, the study concludes with a policy implication that emphasizes the critical role of green financing as a catalyst for improving CSR and environmental standards in industries. It suggests that policymakers and financial institutions should consider expanding green financing mechanisms to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable industrial practices.

In-depth characterization of particulate matter in a highly polluted urban environment at the foothills of Himalaya-Karakorum Region.

In recent years, the rising levels of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) have an impact on the earth's system, leading to undesirable consequences on various aspects like human health, visibility, and climate. The present work is carried out over an insufficiently studied but polluted urban area of Peshawar, which lies at the foothills of the famous Himalaya and Karakorum area, Northern Pakistan. The particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10µm, i.e., PM10 are collected and analyzed for mineralogical, morphological, and chemical properties. Diverse techniques were used to examine the PM10 samples, for instance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy along with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, proton-induced x-ray emission, and an OC/EC carbon analyzer. The 24h average PM10 mass concentration along with standard deviation was investigated to be 586.83 ± 217.70µg/m3, which was around 13 times greater than the permissible limit of the world health organization (45µg/m3) and 4 times the Pakistan national environmental quality standards for ambient PM10 (150µg/m3). Minerals such as crystalline silicate, carbonate, asbestiform minerals, sulfate, and clay minerals were found using FTIR and XRD investigations. Microscopic examination revealed particles of various shapes, including angular, flaky, rod-like, crystalline, irregular, rounded, porous, chain, spherical, and agglomeration structures. This proved that the particles had geogenic, anthropogenic, and biological origins. The average value of organic carbon, elemental carbon, and total carbon is found to be 91.56 ± 43.17, 6.72 ± 1.99, and 102.41 ± 44.90µg/m3, respectively. Water-soluble ions K+ and OC show a substantial association (R = 0.71). Prominent sources identified using Principle component analysis (PCA) are anthropogenic, crustal, industrial, and electronic combustion. This research paper identified the potential sources of PM10, which are vital for preparing an air quality management plan in the urban environment of Peshawar.

Rajkumar and Venkataraman: Cross-Sectioning Sustainable Supply Chain Governance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Sustainable supply chain governance is pivotal in modern business, addressing global supply chains' profound environmental, social, and ethical impacts. It necessitates establishing and administering policies to guide sustainable practices, ensuring adherence to the supply chain's environmental, social, and ethical standards. Effective governance aligns and supports business operations with sustainability goals, fostering transparency, accountability, and responsible practices. This framework guides decision-making, mitigates risks, and enhances overall supply chain resilience, contributing to a more sustainable and ethically responsible business landscape. The corporate shift towards sustainable supply chain management(SSCM) is manifested by the emerging literature documenting comprehensive changes in governance. A bibliometric-based systematic review of 128 Scopus-indexed documents (2014-2023) reveals four interconnected themes: SSCM, Sustainable Business & Operations Management, Global value chains, and Supply chain risk management. Analysis highlights the critical role of governance mechanisms in driving positive social, ecological, and economic outcomes. Governance achieves this by establishing clear policies and standards for social and environmental responsibility and ensuring robust mechanisms for compliance and accountability. Sustainable supply chain governance provides a blueprint for integrating sustainability. It ensures ongoing commitment and accountability, fostering significant and lasting positive effects on society, the environment, and overall supply chain resilience.

Marine Infrastructure Detection with Satellite Data—A Review

A rapid development of marine infrastructures can be observed along the global coasts. Offshore wind farms, oil and gas platforms, artificial islands, aquaculture, and more, are being constructed without a proper quantification of these human activities. Therefore, effective monitoring is required to maintain transparency towards environmental standards, marine resource management, inventorying objects, and global security. This study reviews remote sensing-based approaches to offshore infrastructure detection over the past 12 years. We analyzed 89 studies from over 30 scientific journals, highlighting spatial and temporal trends, methodological approaches, and regional and thematic research foci. Our results show a significant increase in research interest, especially since 2019. Asia, and especially China, is the predominant focus region in terms of first authorship, funding, and areas of investigation. Aquaculture is the most studied infrastructure, followed by platforms, offshore wind farms, and artificial islands. Gaofen, Sentinel, and Landsat are the most used satellite sensors for detection. The apparent shift towards automated detection methods, especially Deep Learning algorithms, reflects advances in computer vision. This study highlights the key role of earth observation in the field of off-shore infrastructure detection, which can contribute towards outlining effective monitoring practices for marine activities, as well as highlighting important knowledge gaps.

Development of the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course.

Manual wheelchairs (MWC) users have limited mobility during winter months as they encounter many environmental barriers that restrict their community participation. This paper outlines the creation and standardization of an outdoor environment designed to simulate the real-life conditions and obstacles experienced by MWC users in winter. This study consisted of four phases. In Phase 1, researchers used a qualitative ethnographic approach to document the specific challenges and adaptive strategies used by MWC users in winter conditions. In Phase 2, key informants with expertise in MWC winter mobility were invited to co-design the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course. Participants reviewed draft design solutions and offered their input and suggestions to expand upon the initial design. A second co-design workshop included additional key informants, including service providers, policymakers, and professionals with expertise in landscape architecture and engineering, to validate the design solution. The workshops resulted in a detailed illustration of the SNOWMAN course, including five sections: platforms with side slopes, a miniature ice rink, curbs and curb cuts, a path with uneven winter surfaces, and modular ramps at various slopes. Phases 3 and 4 marked the conclusion of the study and involved fabrication of the SNOWMAN course and establishment of a standardized protocol for course setup and maintenance. The project aimed to offer several additional potential benefits, supported by the various stakeholders across the study phases, that extend beyond creation of a controlled and safe environment for wheelchair users to develop their winter mobility skills. Practicing wheelchair skills in this area may assist wheelchair users in gaining confidence which may ultimately translate to increased participation in the community.

Green decisions: The role of environmental strategies and proactivity in India’s manufacturing micro enterprises

This study investigates the implication of environmental strategies and environmental management accounting (EMA) on the environmental performance of manufacturing micro companies in India. It also assesses the mediating influence of EMA and the moderating impact of environmental proactivity. This paper employs the natural resource-based view theory to evaluate the domination of environmental strategies and EMA on environmental effectiveness. Even though MSMEs play a significant role in the Indian economy, their environmental impact is considerable due to less stringent adherence to environmental standards and practices. The data were gathered via a survey administered to managers of MSMEs. In the analysis, 107 reliable responses were included. Partial least square structural equation modeling is employed for the analysis of the dataset. The results show that environmental strategies positively influence environmental performance and EMA. EMA operates as a mediator for environmental strategies and environmental outcomes. Moreover, environmental proactivity moderates the association between environmental strategies and environmental performance. Hypotheses testing results conclude that manufacturing micro companies that emphasize environmental strategies and factors have improved environmental performance. Companies that proactively deal with environmental issues develop strategies to achieve sustainability.

Sustainable Application of Pyrolytic Oxygen Furnace Slag in Cement-Stabilized Macadam: Volume Stability, Mechanical Properties, and Environmental Impact

As an industrial waste, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag is an ideal substitute for natural rubble and sand. However, its potential instability of volume restricts the application of the BOF slag in engineering. This study aims at investigating the volume stability and mechanical properties of BOF slag and its application as an aggregate in cement-stabilized macadam. As part of this research, the physicochemical properties, especially the volume stability, of two types of BOF slags and andesite were first studied. Then, mechanical properties, volume stability, and an environment analysis are used to evaluate the application of pyrolytic BOF slag in cement-stabilized macadam. The experimental results show that different types of BOF slags have similar thermal expansion coefficients, which are higher than andesite. The free CaO content of pyrolytic BOF slag is much lower than that of ordinary BOF slag and the volume expansion of pyrolytic BOF slag is less than 0.5%. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of cement-stabilized macadam using pyrolytic BOF slag is about 30% higher than that of andesite. Although the water loss rate is higher than a natural aggregate, dry shrinkage of pyrolytic BOF slag cement-stabilized macadam is about 30–50% less than that of a natural aggregate. Meanwhile, its shrinking speed is also slower than that of a natural aggregate. The micro-expansion properties of pyrolytic BOF slag could effectively partially offset the shrinkage characteristics of cement-stabilized macadam. Finally, the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test results indicated that the metal leaching concentration meets the Chinese environmental standards. This study provides a direction for the large-scale and effective sustainable application of pyrolytic BOF slag.

The Effect of Renewable Phosphorus Biofertilizers on Selected Wheat Grain Quality Parameters

Recycling and reusing phosphorus in agriculture can reduce the consumption of natural phosphorus resources, which are continuing to shrink. Phosphorus fertilizers made from renewable raw materials (sewage sludge ash, animal bones, dried animal blood) and activated with phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (Bacillus megaterium, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) offer an alternative to conventional fertilizers. These products should meet consumer and environmental safety standards. In this paper, based on field experiments conducted in northeast Poland, the effects of waste-derived biofertilizers on selected parameters of wheat yield quality are discussed. The study focuses on the technological properties of the grain (hectoliter weight, hardness index, Zeleny index, starch, wet gluten, and protein content), the content of proteogenic amino acids, macro- and micronutrients, and selected toxic elements in the grain. The quality parameters of wheat grain were not affected by the tested biofertilizers applied in P doses up to 35.2 kg ha−1, nor by conventional fertilizers.

A Comprehensive Approach to Azo Dichlorotriazine Dye Treatment: Assessing the Impact of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Treatment Methods through Statistical Analysis of Experimental Data

This exploration investigates integrated treatment systems combining advanced oxidation processes (Fenton and photo-Fenton) with biological methods for the effective elimination of stubborn organic compounds in simulated textile wastewater composed of azo Dichlorotriazine dye. A comprehensive optimization of key process factors including catalyst dosage, hydrogen peroxide quantity, irradiation duration, etc. was systematically conducted for both Fenton and photo-Fenton processes to realize maximum COD and color removal. Under ideal conditions (0.4 g/L photocatalyst, 1 mL/L H2O2, and 75-Watt UV intensity for 60 min), the photo-Fenton process realized 80% COD elimination and complete decolorization, meeting industrial discharge limits without needing extra biological treatment. Statistical models correlating process parameters to treatment efficiency were developed, giving important design insights. For Fenton, effluent COD exceeded discharge thresholds, so a post-biological treatment using activated sludge was essential to comply with regulations. This integrated Fenton–biological scheme utilizes synergism between chemical and biological processes for enhanced overall treatment. Notable economic benefits were achieved by photo-Fenton over conventional UV-only and UV/H2O2 methods regarding energy consumption and operating costs. Overall, this pioneering work successfully proves integrated advanced oxidation–biological systems as a superior, sustainable alternative to traditional techniques for economically removing obstinate pollutants, such as azo Dichlorotriazine dye, as it is a simulated textile wastewater treatment used to satisfy environmental standards.

Public education and the environment

This paper investigated, in an overlapping generations model highlighting two-period lived households, the influence of education and environmental awareness on physical capital and environmental terms by sketching, at the stable steady-state equilibrium, the comparative static examination. According to this approach, the study has shown that public education policy can neither boost environmental quality standards nor the capital stock. The study also found that larger environmental awareness as young results in upper capital accumulation and upper environmental quality. Regarding individuals' environmental awareness in old age, it was revealed that it leads on the one hand to less physical capital accumulation and on the other hand to a better environmental quality, only in the case where the value of environmental awareness at a young age is 10 and the value of environmental awareness at old age is greater than or equal to 40. Keywords: Capital accumulation; environmental awareness; environmental quality; public education