Environmental Sustainability Practices Research Articles

Transforming fly ash into value: Sustainable LLDPE-fly ash composites via rotational molding

This study focuses on reducing pollution and promoting sustainability by exploring the use of fly ash (FA), an industrial byproduct, in polymer composites through rotational molding. By incorporating FA into a polymer matrix, the research evaluates the performance of these composites. Results show that the tensile strength increased slightly from 16.54 MPa for pure LLDPE to 17.2 MPa with 5% FA but decreased to 13.5 MPa at 10% FA. The modulus significantly improved, rising from 5.1% to 31.3% with 5% to 20% FA content. Hardness also increased, with a maximum rise of 10.25% at 5% FA and 6.2% at 10% FA. However, elongation at break, bending, and impact strength decreased with higher FA content. The density of the composites increased with up to 10% FA, indicating effective integration of FA particles. These findings demonstrate that FA can be successfully used to develop polymer composites in rotational molding, supporting both environmental sustainability and innovative production practices.

Sustainable Environmental Educational Policies: Study in an Extractivist Reserve School in a Municipality on the Coast of Ceará-Brazil

Objective: Identifying sustainable environmental educational practices, in the political propos- pedagogical of Municipal Fundamental Teaching – EMEF Good Jesus of the Navigants, and the relationship of that work with the community Reserve Extractive Green Song Marine in Beberibe, Ceará, Brazil, while Unit of Preservation and Conservation. Theoretical Framework: It is based on the concepts of sustainable environmental education based on a curricular proposal contained in the Pedagogical Political Projects (PPP) of basic education, taking as a starting point an Elementary School in the coastal interior of the State of Ceará, Brazil Method: Combines literature review with case study of empirical research with content analysis of Political Pedagogical Projects of a basic education school in the coastal interior of Ceará in Brazil. Results and Discussion: It was found that, in the previous decade (2010-2020), several actions were carried out between school and community, highlighting the importance of preserving the local environment. However, in recent years, there is no project proposal for this purpose in the pedagogical documents, nor is there any in the Management Plan of the Association of Residents of the Extractive Reserve Community of Prainha de Canto Verde, Beberibe, Ceará, Brazil. Implications Research: Research contributes to the development of strategies for environmental education and sustainability in general and to facing challenges in defense of a protected and sustainable territory, based on a local reality Originality/Value: The research proposes a practical approach to identifying pedagogical practices of sustainable environmental education by analyzing some Political Pedagogical Projects (PPPs) of the school institution in the coastal community Reserva Extractiva do Canto Verde da Prainha in Beberibe-Ceará Brazil, investigating to what extent such pedagogical proposals favor or have favored the applicability of environmental education, as an incentive for the conservation and preservation of the local environment

The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Environmental Stewardship: Beyond Poverty and Necessity

The persistence of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) among indigenous and local communities is often associated with socio-economic constraints, poverty, and lack of choices. Such a perspective argues against underpinning profound environmental consciousness and sustainable practices that underlie TEK. The paper challenges reductionism—viewing TEK solely as a creation of necessity—and tries to argue that it entails a sophisticated understanding of ecological balance and conservation ethics. Through various examples, the paper exemplifies how TEK contributes to environmental sustainability for biodiversity conservation, management and use of natural resources, and the enhancement of resilience to climatic change—the same elements crucial for culture, tradition, and community living.

Applying Environmental Sustainability Practices in Martial Arts Sports Clubs: A Case Study of Poznan

Background: Growing environmental challenges necessitate the implementation of sustainable practices across various sectors, including sports club management. The aim of this study was to investigate environmental management practices in martial arts clubs in Poznan, Poland, with a particular focus on energy and water conservation, waste management, and the promotion of sustainable mobility. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a group of fourteen martial arts clubs operating in Poznan. A semi-structured interview method was employed with club owners and managers, asking about their approaches to reducing energy and water consumption, waste sorting, waste reduction, and promoting sustainable transportation. Data analysis involved thematic analysis, where the practices adopted by individual clubs were compared and qualitatively assessed based on recurring themes. Results: The results indicate significant variability in approaches among the surveyed clubs. Only one club implements comprehensive solutions for energy and water conservation and four take moderate actions, while nine do not pay much attention to these issues. Similarly, only some clubs actively engage in waste sorting and waste reduction efforts, while others do not see the need for such actions. In terms of promoting sustainable transportation, some clubs encourage the use of bicycles and public transport, but the majority do not take any action in this regard. Conclusion: The study reveals that most martial arts clubs in Poznan do not prioritize sustainable environmental management practices, citing other priorities such as athlete comfort and organizational needs. Implementing more systematic pro-ecological actions in these facilities requires greater awareness and support in terms of knowledge and financial resources. These findings provide practical insights for martial arts clubs in Poznan, suggesting that by adopting more comprehensive sustainability practices, they can improve their environmental impact while enhancing their community engagement and organizational reputation.

Digital economy, technology, and urban carbon emissions nexus: an investigation using the threshold effects and mediation effects tests

IntroductionThis study aims to explore the mechanisms by which the digital economy influences urban carbon emissions in China, with a particular focus on potential threshold effects and the mediating role of technology. As the digital economy grows, it impacts various environmental metrics, including carbon emissions, necessitating a deeper understanding of its nonlinear dynamics and implications for sustainable urban development.MethodsUsing panel data from 286 prefecture-level cities in China spanning from 2012 to 2021, we apply threshold effect models and mediation effect tests. The threshold effect model is employed to investigate non-linear characteristics of the digital economy’s impact on carbon emissions, while the mediation effect model assesses the role of technology as an intermediary in this relationship.ResultsThe threshold effect model reveals a single threshold in the impact of the digital economy on urban carbon emissions, indicating a nonlinear relationship. Initially, the influence of the digital economy on emissions is weak, but as the digital economy develops, its effect becomes more pronounced. The mediation effect model demonstrates that technological advancement can offset the increase in emissions associated with digital economic growth, thus showcasing technology’s potential to mitigate environmental impacts.DiscussionThe findings suggest that while the digital economy generally promotes urban carbon emissions, its impact is non-linear and mitigatable through technological innovation. To curb emissions in urban areas, fostering technological innovation and supporting green technology research and development are critical. Moreover, enhancing management and supervision within the digital economy sector can contribute to balancing economic growth with environmental goals. These insights are valuable for policymakers striving to harmonize digital economic expansion with sustainable environmental practices.

Efektivitas Kampanye Humas dalam Promosi Praktek Lingkungan Berkelanjutan di Organisasi

Environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly urgent global issue. Organizations need to take an active role in promoting sustainable environmental practices to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Public relations campaigns are one strategy that can be used to increase awareness and encourage stakeholder participation in environmental conservation efforts. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of public relations campaigns in promoting sustainable environmental practices in organizations. This study uses a qualitative method. Data collection was carried out through interviews, observation and document analysis. The collected data was analyzed in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The collected data was analyzed in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that public relations campaigns can be an effective tool for promoting sustainable environmental practices in organizations. However, to achieve maximum effectiveness, public relations campaigns must be designed and implemented well by considering the factors of employee involvement, message consistency, management support, measurement and evaluation.

Awareness on Carbon Footprints Among Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Students

In this study, we aimed to investigate the awareness and actions related to carbon footprints among Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (Polisas) students. As the world's greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise globally, it is critical to assess people's attitudes and actions in tackling this environmental challenge, especially those of the younger generation. In addition to evaluating the students' views about the impacts of carbon emissions, the study also studied the students' actions to reduce carbon emissions. The study attempted to measure the carbon footprint values of Polisas students based on their daily activities using the Polisas Carbon Footprint Calculator. Using data from their regular monthly activities, students may estimate their carbon footprint with the help of this simple application, which helps them gain a better awareness of their environmental effects. Important information about the attitudes and behaviours of 406 participating students regarding carbon emissions was obtained through the distribution of questionnaires to them. The respondents' data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and the results showed an average high mean of 3.68 for attitudes towards carbon emissions and 3.60 for actions connected to lowering carbon emissions. It suggests a positive inclination among Polisas students towards environmental consciousness and sustainable practices. The findings further highlight the monthly carbon footprint of Polisas students, calculated at 3287.14 kg of CO2. To contextualize this data, the Polisas Carbon Footprint Calculator recommends planting an average of 104 plants per month, equivalent to four trees per day, to offset their carbon emissions. It gives students a tangible understanding of their carbon footprint and encourages them to actively participate in carbon offsetting initiatives actively, fostering a sense of responsibility for their environmental impact. In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights into the awareness, attitudes, and practices of Polisas students regarding carbon footprints. The implications of this study extend to the development of targeted environmental education programs and initiatives to enhance student's understanding of their contributions to carbon emissions. Moreover, the findings underscore the potential for instituting campus-wide sustainability measures and encouraging students to actively engage in carbon offsetting activities, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious and responsible student community at Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah.

Asymmetric Effects of Corruption on CO2 Emissions in Pakistan: The Role of Human Capital and Foreign Direct Investment

This study aims to examine the relationship between corruption, human capital, FDI, GDP and CO2 emissions in Pakistan from 1996 to 2022. This study utilized the NARDL approach to estimate the asymmetric association. The empirical findings revealed that corruption in positive shocks enhances CO2 emissions while, in negative shocks, it mitigates CO2 emissions. Human capital and FDI played beneficial roles in decreasing CO2 emissions. On the other hand, GDP exacerbated CO2.The results highlight the importance of stringent accountability measures to stop more environmental damage. The study recommends that to effectively tackle both corruption and environmental challenges, there is a crucial need to invest in human capital. Strengthening human capital can help enhance accountability, reduce corruption, and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Environmental Impact and Sustainable Practices in Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Review

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector, now contributing more to global fish biomass than capture fisheries. While much of this expansion has occurred over the past 50 years, it has been accompanied by numerous environmental challenges, including aquatic pollution driven by urbanization, industrialisation, harbour dredging, sand filling, pesticide runoff from agricultural activities, and land-use conflicts between aquaculture, industry, and tourism. These environmental concerns have heightened the focus on sustainability, particularly in relation to ecological preservation. This review explores the various types of waste generated by industries, households, and other establishments that are discharged into aquatic ecosystems, examining their potential impacts on aquaculture. In addition, it evaluates mitigation strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating these environmental threats. Increasing attention has been placed on raising awareness of environmental issues and adopting sustainable practices to minimise aquaculture's ecological footprint. While environmental degradation was not viewed as a critical issue in the early stages of the industry's development, it has now become a central concern across academic, governmental, industrial, and market sectors.

Nano-resolutions for Environmental Salvation: Leaping to Sustainability

Abstract: Nanoparticles have emerged as a transformative technology in environmental remediation, addressing the pressing challenges of pollution across air, water, and soil. Nanoparticles, particularly metal oxides, carbon-based materials, and polymers, demonstrate remarkable capabilities in addressing water, air, and soil contamination. Their high surface area to volume ratio enhances their efficiency in pollutant removal while minimizing toxicity, making them suitable alternatives to conventional methods. As traditional remediation methods often carry their environmental risks, there is a pressing need for innovative and sustainable solutions. This review delves into the mechanisms and applications of nanoparticles in various remediation techniques, including photocatalysis, Nanoadsorption, and nanomembranes for water treatment, as well as their effectiveness in soil and air purification. The findings underscore the potential of nanomaterials to enhance remediation efficiency while reducing environmental toxicity. By integrating these innovative solutions into existing environmental management frameworks, nanoparticles can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable environmental practices and mitigating contamination. This review advocates for continued research, development, and application of nanotechnology as a promising avenue for fostering a cleaner, healthier environment and contributing to global sustainability goals.

Sustainable supply chain management operations: does sustainable environmental disclosure matter for banks’ financial performance in Nigeria?

In recent years, banks have incorporated sustainable development strategies to achieve competitiveness in the financial market. However, the primary concern for banks is the financial pressure to implement sustainable environmental practices. In addition, banks are obliged by different regulators to maintain standards in conducting their business and allocating funds. Previous studies examined the relationship between sustainability reporting, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and firms’ financial performance. Few empirical studies examined the impact of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) operations on firm financial outcomes, yet the banking sector has been ignored in the analyses. To bridge this gap, we examine the dynamic effect of SSCM operations on deposit money banks’ (DMBs) financial performance. We selected seven banks in Nigeria with national, regional and international authorization and data spanning from 2005 to 2023. Based on the panel co-integration test and the Cross-sectional Dependence Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (CS-ARDL) model, we found that SSCM operations have a significant influence on the financial performance (market value and profitability) of the banks. Impliedly, banks’ SSCM operations and environmental consideration in the allocation of funds drive their corporate image and value. Integration of SSCM strategies for a sustainable environment can help enterprises/companies bridge information asymmetry among diverse stakeholders. We offer some policy suggestions in line with the empirical findings.

Utilizing Data Mining Techniques in Geophysical and Biological Analysis for Assessing Environmental Risks

This study aimed to assess environmental risks using data extraction techniques. It focused on geophysical and biological factors and addressed the urgent need for effective risk management strategies to reduce soil erosion, water pollution, and air quality deterioration. A comprehensive dataset was created through the systematic collection of geophysical and biological data including temperature, soil composition, and biological abundance index. It used equipment such as satellite sensors and mountain transmitting stations. Various statistical tools used include decision trees and random forest algorithms. They were used to analyze data and identify important environmental risk factors. The results showed some interesting insights, revealing that the Neural Network has an accuracy of 95.5%, and the Random Forest algorithm predicts risk with an accuracy of 92.0%. It analyzed the classification of environmental hazard zones and identified high-risk zones, such as Zone A, which contains 10,000 people affected by erosion and Zone D, 20,000 people who were at risk from soil contamination. The study concludes that social media can significantly improve understanding and management of environmental risks. Additionally, it provides a useful framework for decision-makers and stakeholders to promote sustainable environmental practices.

Environmental sustainability from a decoupling point perspective

Combatting climate change is of global importance. The fact that all UN member nations have agreed on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) is testament to this. The manufacturing industry plays a crucial part in meeting these goals. However, if manufacturing firms are to improve in terms of sustainability, such efforts must be reconcilable with their ability to make profit. Hence, sustainability efforts must be adapted to firms’ individual context and competitive priorities.Focusing on environmental sustainability, this paper is the first to empirically investigate and compare the commitment to environmental sustainability practices (ESPs), and the outcomes of such practices, across make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS) manufacturing plants. Furthermore, the paper investigates whether the customer order decoupling point moderates the relationship between characteristics of lean and agile manufacturing and ESPs. Hypotheses are developed based on extant literature and tested. The results indicate that MTO plants experience more benefits related to manufacturing and financial performance from their ESPs than MTS plants. The data also show that the association between ESPs and the outcomes of such practices are more robust for MTO plants than they are for MTS plants. Plausible explanations for these results are discussed and the findings of the paper are connected to the contemporary topic of smart manufacturing, as well as potential policy implications. Suggestions for future research are also provided.

From Killer to Solution: Evaluating Bioremediation Strategies on Microbial Diversity in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil over Three to Six Months in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various bioremediation approaches on microbial diversity in crude oil-contaminated soil over three to six months in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The objective was to assess the impact of different bioremediation strategies on microbial populations, particularly focusing on hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi. Microbial populations were quantified using serial dilution and microbial count techniques. The vapor phase transfer mechanism was employed to estimate hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi. Bacterial and fungal colonies were incubated for five days, followed by biochemical tests for isolate identification. Fungal pure cultures were observed under a microscope. The study observed a significant increase in microbial populations in soil free of crude oil pollution when bioremediators such as mushrooms and earthworms were introduced. Mushrooms exhibited a 50% increase in hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria (HUB), while earthworms showed a 55% increase in HUB over the three to six-month period. The longer lifespan and nutrient absorption capabilities of earthworms facilitated faster growth. Furthermore, significant growth in the microbial population of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi was observed in crude oil-polluted soil after employing bioremediation, with the highest growth observed in soil treated with mushrooms at six months, followed by earthworms at six months. Conversely, the lowest microbial population was recorded in soil polluted with 10% crude oil and remediated with earthworms at three months. The results suggest that mushrooms and earthworms effectively increase microbial populations in crude oil-polluted soil. However, mushrooms demonstrated a higher microbial population increase compared to earthworms, especially in terms of promoting the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria (HUB) and hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi (HUF). Based on the findings, it is recommended to prioritize using mushrooms as bioremediation agents in similar environmental restoration efforts due to their superior efficacy in increasing microbial populations, particularly HUB and HUF. This study underscores the potential of mushrooms and earthworms as effective bioremediation agents for restoring microbial diversity in crude oil-contaminated soil, offering insights for sustainable environmental restoration practices in oil-affected regions like Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Fabrication and characterization of rubcrete-iron composite for mixed radiation shielding

Mixed radiation environments need unique shielding materials that can effectively attenuate photons and neutrons simultaneously. Most ordinary shielding materials can only shield one form of radiation effectively. In this work, a novel composite material was fabricated in our laboratories and characterized for photon and neutron shielding. Waste materials were used as partial substitutes for aggregates in concrete, which is a sustainable practice in the building industry at present. The main components of the composite material are iron filings, rubber, and concrete. Concrete samples were mixed with iron filings at varying percentages (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and a fixed 5% crumb rubber content. The material’s photon and neutron shielding characteristics were evaluated through experimental and simulation methods. Gamma-ray attenuation measurements were experimentally carried out using a NaI(TI) spectrometer and a Cs-137 0.662 MeV energy source. In contrast, GEANT4, PHY-X/PSD, and NIST-XCOM codes were used to simulate photon and neutron cross-sections. The findings indicate that an increase in iron filings results in enhanced radiation attenuation, reflected by a higher linear attenuation coefficient (μ). The linear attenuation coefficient values range from (0.1590 ± 0.0004) to (0.2045 ± 0.0003) cm−1 for samples with no crumb rubber and from (0.1521 ± 0.0002) to (0.1920 ± 0.0004) cm−1 for samples with 5% crumb rubber. Half Value Layer (HVL) decreases with an increase in iron content and is slightly higher in samples with crumb rubber. The HVL results from simulations and measurements agree. This study optimizes the potential of concrete as a radiation-shielding material while promoting sustainable construction and environmental practices.

Environmental Innovation and Sustainability Practices Manufacturing Companies in Bali Through Government Regulations

This study aims to examine the influence of environmental innovation and sustainable practices, and the second objective is to examine the influence of environmental innovation and sustainable practices through government regulations as a moderating variable. This study uses a quantitative approach. This model contains variables that are sought from the literature and are relevant to the study. This study surveyed 413 manufacturing companies in Bali Province. Each statement is a five-point item (i.e., 1-5) asking respondents to agree or disagree with the perception, behavior, or experience specified in the statement. Data processing and analysis were carried out using MRA Analysis Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0.

The Impact of Financial Development, Foreign Direct Investment, and Trade Openness on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Jordan: An ARDL and VECM Analysis Approach

Jordan has made substantial strides in enhancing its economy by focusing on economic growth stimulants, which include financial development, foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade openness. However, these economic activities often lead to significant environmental risks. Despite their relevance, the existing literature has rarely examined the influence of these dynamics on environmental quality in the Middle East, particularly in Jordan. This study aims to investigate the influence of financial development, FDI, and trade openness on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Jordan. To achieve this, the study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Granger causality approach, utilizing data sourced from the World Bank for the period from 1990 to 2022. The findings indicate that financial development, FDI, and trade openness positively impact CO2 emissions, thereby increasing environmental risks in both the short and long term. Additionally, there exists a bidirectional causal relationship between financial development and both FDI and trade openness, as well as between FDI and trade openness. It is imperative for Jordan to design strategies that balance economic growth with sustainable environmental practices.

Physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of leachates and water quality around dumpsites in Lagos Nigeria

Improper waste management leading to contamination of groundwater resources is a global environmental issue. This study examined the physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of leachates and their effect on water quality around the dumpsite in Alimosho Lagos, Nigeria. Samples of water and leachates were collected from boreholes around the dumpsite. Physiochemical and toxicological characterization of water around the dumpsite was based on American Public Health Association standards. Seventeen physiochemical and heavy metals of leachate and borehole water samples were analysed. The result of the study shows that the temperature, odour, appearance and turbidity of the water in the study area were within the limits set by WHO. However, the pH was below the WHO limits indicative of the acidity of the groundwater. The presence of Pb, Cr, and Cd confirmed leachate pollution. The contemporary effects confirmed the insignificant effect of the dumpsite operations at the groundwater source. Without a properly designed leachate series system, uncontrolled accumulation of leachates at the bottom of the dumpsite poses capacity infection dangers to groundwater resources. It is recommended that proper disposal of waste, in addition to implementing a higher sustainable environmental sanitation practice, is needed to ensure the safety of groundwater within the locality.

Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Management of Shrimp Processing Waste through High-Quality Chitosan Production

The shrimp processing industry generates substantial waste, including shells, heads, and tails, which, if not properly managed, can contribute to significant environmental issues, such as pollution and disease transmission. This study explores the conversion of shrimp waste into chitosan, a valuable biopolymer with applications across multiple industries, by utilizing its chitin, protein, and mineral content. The extraction process involved demineralization with 1M HCl, deproteinization with 3.5% NaOH, and deacetylation with 60% NaOH. The resulting chitosan exhibited high quality, characterized by a crystal structure, white color, odorless powder form, 73.7% degree of deacetylation (DD), 64% yield, solubility in acetic acid, and water content of 1.5%. This research highlights an environmentally responsible approach to shrimp waste management, providing a method for repurposing waste into a high-value material that meets industry standards, supporting environmental sustainability and circular economy practices.

Nuclear Decommissioning and Sustainable Environment: Insights on Decontamination Processes

Nuclear energy accounts for ≈10% of global energy production, positioning it as a promising solution for achieving carbon neutrality amid escalating concerns over climate change. Nonetheless, the effective management of radioactive waste, which can remain hazardous for up to one hundred thousand years, presents considerable challenges that must be addressed to uphold public trust and safeguard environmental safety. This review outlines the fundamental stages of nuclear decommissioning including strategic planning, decontamination, dismantling, remediation, encapsulation, deregulation, and site reuse as a critical component of sustainable environmental practices. The review also highlights the significance of efficient decontamination processes in reducing waste generation. Various decontamination techniques, including mechanical, electromechanical, chemical, and advanced methods such as laser and plasma decontamination, are evaluated for their effectiveness and limitations. Moreover, the review emphasizes the need to enhance the recovery and recycling of ion exchange resin and potential radionuclides during decontamination processes to minimize waste and to address the depletion of potential radionuclide resources. Future research should prioritize the development of innovative techniques for decontamination and radioactive waste management, fostering sustainable decommissioning and supporting the ongoing development of nuclear energy in an environmentally responsible manner.