Environmental System Research Articles

A novel fluorescent probe based on coumarin derivatives-grafted cellulose for specific detection of Fe3+ and its application

Fe3+ is one of the most important ions for maintaining the normal growth of plants and animals. However, imbalance and accumulation of Fe3+ can lead to serious damage to the environmental system. Hence, it is considerably crucial to monitor the concentration of Fe3+. In this paper, a high-performance fluorescent probe CA-NCC for specifically detecting Fe3+ was obtained by grafting cellulose acetate (CA) with coumarin derivative (NCC). The resulted probe displayed a bright blue fluorescence in THF solution and showed a distinct “turn-off” fluorescence response to Fe3+, while the small molecule compound NCC could not realize the detection of Fe3+. CA-NCC displayed excellent response performance to Fe3+ including excellent selectivity and sensitivity, rapid reaction time (2.5 min), wide pH detection range (6–11), and low detection limit (0.178 µM). More importantly, CA-NCC was successfully fabricated into fluorescent film based on the good processability of cellulose acetate, and achieved highly selective recognition of Fe3+ from various metal ions.

Leveraging intergovernmental data sharing for digital transformation in ecological and environmental protection

The data-sharing problem in the digital transformation of ecological environmental protection is a result of complex interactions and continuous strategic interactions among governments. While existing research has focused on the application and impact of digital technologies in ecological environmental protection, there remains a paucity of micro-level investigations into data sharing among different local governments regarding ecological environment protection. Notably, the issue of data barriers between local governments is particularly prominent. This paper analyzes the data-sharing problem in the digital transformation of ecological environmental protection through an evolutionary game model involving central and local governments, providing new perspectives and methods for understanding and improving data sharing and governance of ecological environmental protection, thereby promoting the digital transformation of the ecological environmental governance system and governance capacity. It finds that six stable equilibrium strategies can form based on local government participation levels, with the superior government's active promotion and regulation being crucial for achieving stable, multi-party participation. Key factors include the superior government's administrative costs and incentives, and local governments' benefits, costs, and risk considerations. The study highlights the importance of benefit-sharing rules and provides optimization strategies for enhancing intergovernmental data sharing.

Integrated Approach for Human Wellbeing and Environmental Assessment Based on a Wearable IoT System: A Pilot Case Study in Singapore.

This study presents the results of the practical application of the first prototype of WEMoS, the Wearable Environmental Monitoring System, in a real case study in Singapore, along with two other wearables, a smart wristband to monitor physiological data and a smartwatch with an application (Cozie) used to acquire users' feedback. The main objective of this study is to present a new procedure to assess users' perceptions of the environmental quality by taking into account a multi-domain approach, considering all four environmental domains (thermal, visual, acoustic, and air quality) through a complete wearable system when users are immersed in their familiar environment. This enables an alternative to laboratory tests where the participants are in unfamiliar spaces. We analysed seven-day data in Singapore using a descriptive and predictive approach. We have found that it is possible to use a complete wearable system and apply it in real-world contexts. The WEMoS data, combined with physiology and user feedback, identify the key comfort features. The transition from short-term laboratory analysis to long-term real-world context using wearables enables the prediction of overall comfort perception in a new way that considers all potentially influential factors of the environment in which the user is immersed. This system could help us understand the effects of exposure to different environmental stimuli thus allowing us to consider the complex interaction of multi-domains on the user's perception and find out how various spaces, both indoor and outdoor, can affect our perception of IEQ.

The Procedural Rules of Environmental Administrative Public Interest Litigation Have Been Improved

Environmental administrative public interest litigation plays an important role in promoting the construction of modern environmental governance system and enhancing the ability of ecological environmental protection and governance. However, since the formal establishment of environmental administrative public interest litigation system is relatively late, it is still in the exploratory stage. Therefore, in practice, the main body of environmental administrative public interest litigation is too simple, the judgment criteria for the commencement of litigation proceedings are controversial, and the consultation mechanism in the pre-litigation procedure is not perfect. Based on the fundamental position of ecological protection, considering the particularity of environmental damage and combining with some typical environmental administrative public interest litigation cases, it is proposed to improve the procedural rules of environmental administrative public interest litigation by appropriately expanding the scope of litigation subjects, taking behavioral standards as the judgment criteria for performing duties according to law, and strengthening the consultation provisions of both parties in pre-litigation procedures.

From mangroves to womangroves to feminist foodscapes: (en)gendering research on indigenous food livelihoods in the Solomon Islands

AbstractPacific Island communities are facing rapid changes to their food systems in the context of globalization, environmental degradation and climate change. While in urban areas residents face a rapid nutrition transition, in rural environments, concerns are being raised about how to best maintain traditional food systems that are nutritious and sustainable. Mangrove forests are part of biodiverse food environments that support rural communities in the Pacific, but they are often overlooked in food system research because they occur between sea and land, and because gleaning mollusks and invertebrates from mangroves are considered mere subsistence practices carried out by women. In this paper, we draw from a feminist foodscape approach in feminist political ecology to discuss qualitative fieldwork from mangrove-adjacent communities in the Solomon Islands. We highlight the socio-ecological importance of mangrove foodscapes, along with the gendered and generational aspects of how environmental and food system change are experienced differently by community members in Marovo Lagoon. While conservationists are increasingly interested in the potential of mangroves for carbon sequestration, this research addresses the critical need to engage with mangroves’ social, cultural and gendered aspects– towards intertwined goals of gender equity, biodiversity and indigenous food sovereignty in the Pacific.

Environmental noise monitoring using distributed hierarchical wireless acoustic sensor network

Acoustic noise pollution is one of many problems people face as cities grow. Long-term noise exposure can result in a series of physical and mental health diseases that are highly harmful to foetuses and newborns. Hence, many IoT-based wireless sensor network systems have been proposed for automated monitoring for long-term operation. However, these systems suffer from weaknesses in functionality, power consumption, costs, and scalability, which hinder large-scale deployment. In this study, we propose a distributed hierarchical wireless acoustic sensor network for environmental noise monitoring to do sound classification and A-weighted sound-pressure-level measurement to address the shortcomings of existing systems. A series of tests and comparisons are performed in diagnosing the performance with respect to recording continuity, packet loss, recording quality, accuracy on A-weighted sound pressure level calculations, and costs. Results show that this proposed network structure is feasible as a part of hardware implementation in a large-scale, low-cost, and high-scalable environmental noise monitoring system to classify sound.

How Fisheries Biologists Can Facilitate the Clean Energy Transition

Fisheries and aquatic biologists play a critical role in creating environmentally protective hydropower flow requirements that govern flow timing, frequency, magnitude, and rate of change. Hydropower's role in the U.S. electrical grid is expected to evolve in response to increased wind and solar generation as hydropower will be called upon to quickly ramp up and down in response to changes in wind and solar generation. For this reason, hydropower is expected to have increased value as fossil generation is phased out, even as rapid flow fluctuations linked with hydropower flexibility may strand fish, alter habitat, and create unsafe recreational conditions. We face a new challenge in facilitating the renewable energy transition—designing environmental flow requirements that protect against the impacts of flow fluctuations while allowing adequate hydropower flexibility to support a stable grid. In this paper, we discuss hydropower environmental flow requirements, operational flexibility, and electrical grid stability, their potential interactions, and opportunities to align environmental and power system needs to support healthy ecosystems, multiple water uses, and decarbonization of the electric grid.

Catalytic Decontamination of Carbon Monoxide Using Strong Metal–Support Interactions on TiO2 Microparticles

The traditional catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) using metal oxide catalysts often requires either high temperatures (thermocatalysis) or ultraviolet light (UV) excitation (photocatalysis), limiting practical applications under ambient conditions. Our research aimed to develop a catalytic system capable of oxidizing CO to CO2 at room temperature and in the dark. Using the Strong Metal–Support Interaction (SMSI) methodology, several titanium oxide (TiO2)-complexed metals were prepared (Ag, Au, Pd, and Pt). The highest catalytic efficiency of CO oxidation at room temperature was demonstrated for the TiO2-Pt complex. Therefore, this complex was further examined structurally and functionally. Two modes of operation were addressed. The first involved applying the catalytic system to remove CO from an individual’s environment (environmental system), while the second involved the installation of the catalysis chamber as a part of a personal protection unit (e.g., a mask). The catalytic activity exhibited a significant reduction in CO levels in both the environmental and personal protection scenarios. The practical application of the system was demonstrated through efficient CO oxidation in air emitted from a controlled fire experiment conducted in collaboration with the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority.

CTAFFNet: CNN–Transformer Adaptive Feature Fusion Object Detection Algorithm for Complex Traffic Scenarios

As the core technology of an environmental perception system, object detection has received more and more attention and has become a hot research direction for intelligent driving vehicles. The CNN–Transformer hybrid model has poor generalization ability, making it difficult to meet the detection requirements for small objects in complex scenes. We propose a novel convolutional neural network (CNN)–Transformer Adaptive Feature Fusion Network (CTAFFNet) for object detection. First, we design a Local–Global Feature Fusion unit known as the Convolutional Transformation Adaptive Fusion Kernel (CTAFFK), which is integrated into CTAFFNet. The CTAFFK kernel utilizes two branches, namely CNN and Transformer, to extract local and global features from the image, and adaptively fuses the features from both branches. Subsequently, we develop an adaptive feature fusion strategy that combines local high-frequency and global low-frequency features to obtain comprehensive feature information. Finally, CTAFFNet employs an encoder–decoder structure to facilitate the flow of fused local–global information between different stages, ensuring the model’s generalization capabilities. Results from the experiment conducted on the large and challenging KITTI dataset demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed network. Compared with other mainstream networks, it achieves an average precision of 91.17%, particularly excelling in the detection of small objects at longer distances with a remarkable 70.18% accuracy, while also providing real-time detection capabilities.

Emergence of microplastics in African environmental drinking water sources: A review on sources, analysis and treatment strategies

The emergence of microplastics (MPs) as microcontaminants in environmental drinking water sources is a problem in Africa that requires immediate action. Therefore, this review focused on understanding the sources of MPs in African water systems, treatment strategies, analytical methods for identification and quantification, and Africa's pollution index. From the findings, the source of MPs in African water systems was attributed to unregulated importation of plastic products, poor waste management, lack of awareness, poor environmental value system and the inability of local polymer industries to adjust to new policies on plastic management. Most studies identified microfibers and microbeads to be the primary sources of plastics that break down to MPs in African drinking water sources, with polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) being frequently detected. Current methods for identification, and quantification of MPs in most studies conducted in Africa were not developed in Africa but was adopted from developed countries and, in some cases, modified to meet specific analytical requirements. More studies are necessary for in-depth understanding of the fate and pollution index of MP in African environmental water systems. Furthermore, the interaction between MP and other pollutants in the water system still needs to be better understood. This review suggests membrane and rapid sand filtration methods as promising methods that may be considered for removing MPs from water systems in Africa.

Distribution characteristics of microplastics in the surface mixed layer of the western Indian Ocean

The abundance, characteristics, and distribution of microplastics in almost all aquatic environments have been well documented. However, the distribution of microplastics in open oceans, especially in the western Indian Ocean, is rarely studied. Hence, for the first time, we determined the meridional distribution characteristics of microplastics in the surface mixed layer of the western Indian Ocean during the boreal summer monsoon in 2017. We used the multiple opening and closing nets and environmental sampling system to collect microplastics from 11 stations between 5°N and 16°S along 67°E in the western Indian Ocean; the surveyed stations with similar temperature and salinity profiles were clustered into four groups. Microplastics were detected at all sampling stations. The mean abundance of microplastics in the study area was 0.23 ± 0.04 particles/m3, and black-colored polyester fibers 1.0–5.0 mm in size were the most abundant type of microplastics among the samples collected. However, the mean abundance of microplastics differed among the clustered groups due to the influence of different ocean currents associated with each group, indicating meridional heterogeneity in the distribution of microplastics in the surface mixed layer of the western Indian Ocean. These findings provide reliable information for a better understanding of the characteristics of microplastics in the surface waters of the western Indian Ocean.

Designing sustainable healthy diets: Analysis of two modelling approaches

There is an urgent need for a transition to healthy diets that can be produced in a sustainable food system. Different modelling approaches are used to understand what constitutes such sustainable healthy diets. Diet optimization and environmental food system optimization are modelling approaches that are developed from different angles, i.e. either starting from dietary changes or from food system changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of using a diet optimization model or an environmental food system optimization model on the healthiness, the environmental impact, the cultural acceptability, and the composition of modelled diets. To illustrate these consequences we used CiFoS (Circular Food System) and SHARP (Sustainable, Healthy, Affordable, Reliable, and Preferable diets) as case models. CiFoS is a biophysical environmental food system optimization model that allows to redesign the food system to produce a (healthy) diet for the current or future population within planetary boundaries. SHARP is a diet optimization model that is based on benchmarking and aims to calculate healthier and more sustainable diets that are acceptable for consumers. We found that both optimization approaches have unique applications in time scale (long vs short term solutions), geographic scale (national vs continental scale) and an individual versus a population approach. However, due to different approaches in calculating environmental impacts, accounting for co-products and biophysical boundaries in the food system, translating commodities into realistic diets, and considering cultural acceptability, modelled diets from these two approaches are not comparable. These findings show that, when used in the right context, both models provide unique insights in how sustainable healthy diets may be achieved, but also stress the need to understand the methodology behind models. This paper is an important step in strengthening the integration of different disciplines to make well informed decisions for healthy diets within planetary boundaries.

Environmental monitoring system design based on STM32 platform

This study addresses the current societal demand for environmental monitoring by designing an environmental monitoring system based on the STM32 platform. This system assesses and monitors environmental conditions in real-time by tracking parameters such as CO, PM2.5, temperature, humidity, and light intensity. It holds significant value in preventing air pollution and improving indoor air quality. The system employs four types of sensors: the DHT11 digital temperature and humidity sensor, the BH1750FV light sensor, the GP2Y1010AUOF optical dust sensor, and the MQ-7 CO sensor to collect environmental data, which is then processed by the STM32F103C8T6 controller. This system is characterized by its real-time capabilities, high precision, and low power consumption, making it highly practical and valuable for widespread application. The paper provides a detailed discussion of sensor selection, measurement algorithms, and system design and implementation, offering valuable insights for research and applications in related fields.

Towards green development: does business strategy affect enterprise green total factor productivity?

This study investigates the influence of business strategy on green total factor productivity (GTFP), focusing on the mediating effect of digital transformation and the moderating effect of organizational legitimacy. Leveraging micro-data from China’s listed industrial enterprises spanning from 2011 to 2021, findings reveal: (1) Prospector strategies exhibit a greater propensity to enhance GTFP compared to defender strategies. (2) Digital transformation partially mediates between business strategy and GTFP. (3) Organizational legitimacy moderates between business strategy and GTFP. Specifically, when a company possesses robust financial standing (pragmatic legitimacy), a better environmental track record (moral legitimacy), and establishment of Environmental Management System certification (cognitive legitimacy), the positive relationship between business strategy and GTFP is strengthened. (4) Further research indicates that business strategy exerts a more pronounced effect on enhancing GTFP for companies with larger scales and weaker political connections, as well as those situated in regions characterized by high fiscal revenue and favorable legal environments.

Environmental monitoring system design based on STM32 platform

This study addresses the current societal demand for environmental monitoring by designing an environmental monitoring system based on the STM32 platform. This system assesses and monitors environmental conditions in real-time by tracking parameters such as CO, PM2.5, temperature, humidity, and light intensity. It holds significant value in preventing air pollution and improving indoor air quality. The system employs four types of sensors: the DHT11 digital temperature and humidity sensor, the BH1750FV light sensor, the GP2Y1010AUOF optical dust sensor, and the MQ-7 CO sensor to collect environmental data, which is then processed by the STM32F103C8T6 controller. This system is characterized by its real-time capabilities, high precision, and low power consumption, making it highly practical and valuable for widespread application. The paper provides a detailed discussion of sensor selection, measurement algorithms, and system design and implementation, offering valuable insights for research and applications in related fields.

Re-inventing through re-finding. Riparian agriculture for environmental system revitalization marking a new identity for lower shrinkage and isolation in Finiq

The paper is a focused exploration of strategies aimed at revitalizing Finiq Municipality's environmental and cultural landscape, with a particular emphasis on riparian agriculture. Located in the southern region of Albania, Finiq possesses remarkable natural, historical, and culinary assets. However, the region grapples with persistent challenges such as population decline, economic stagnation, and cultural identity erosion. This study's core objective is to present innovative strategies centered around riparian agriculture, which can lead to the revitalization of Finiq's environmental systems, foster economic growth, mitigate isolation, and renew the region's cultural identity. The primary aim of this study is to introduce and advocate for riparian agriculture as a transformative force capable of rejuvenating Finiq Municipality's environmental systems, thereby stimulating economic revitalization, reducing isolation, and rekindling the region's cultural identity. This study employs a comprehensive research methodology that encompasses an in-depth examination of Finiq's environmental and cultural assets, an assessment of the challenges facing the region, and an exploration of successful riparian agriculture practices. Insights gained from local engagement and case studies form the basis for the development of strategic recommendations tailored to Finiq's unique context. In terms of the main conclusions derived from the paper, we should highlight the need for the adoption of riparian agriculture which can catalyze environmental restoration, economic growth, and cultural revival in Finiq. Encouraging community-based agricultural initiatives, including cooperatives and farmer markets, can enhance local engagement, promote economic development, and strengthen social bonds. Implementing terrace farming practices in hilly and mountainous areas has the potential to optimize land use, prevent environmental degradation, and support agro-tourism, offering unique products and experiences. Improvements in irrigation and drainage systems are essential to sustain agricultural growth and mitigate flooding concerns. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, with agriculture can create additional income streams, enhance energy sustainability, and contribute to Finiq's environmental regeneration.

Origin of the Campinaranas and Ecological Resilience Patterns: Analysis in Silves-Amazonas-Brazil

The research addresses the origin of the Campinaranas and the primary characteristics of this Amazonian landscape. The results presented herein are part of a doctoral thesis entitled: The Relationship between the Campinaranas Forests and the Ecological Resilience Process (Amazon, Brazil). The Campinaranas are atypical landscapes in the Amazon, dispersed in the Dense Ombrophilous Forest. They have sandy soils and small-scale vegetation. Various methodological procedures were used to evidence the Campinaranas' origin, based on field research, in which five sample collection points were selected in the Sanabani river basin in Silves, Amazonas -Brazil. These samples enabled an understanding of the main particularities of the Campinaranas (soil, vegetation, and human interventions) through soil analysis (soil chemistry and physics), comparative analysis, a vegetation inventory, and classification of the environment. The main objectives were: 1) To quantify the soil and vegetation variables of the Campinaranas in the study area; 2) To identify the fundamental interventions in the Campinaranas areas and the origin of this environmental system. The results demonstrate that the Campinaranas are diverse environments resulting from the forest's ecological resilience after an intervention event. The analyses verify that environmental changes modify the soil granulometry and, consequently, the entire ensuing structure.

Development of an Internet of Things-based Environmental Information System for Realtime Monitoring of Air Conditions

This study aims to develop an environmental information system called the Environmental Monitoring System (EENNOS) to monitor air environmental conditions. ENNOS is an Internet of Things (IoT) based system that monitors air environmental conditions in the form of temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. The research was conducted using the 4D development method which consisted of the Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate stages. EENNOS was developed using a DHT 22 sensor for DHT 22 temperature and humidity and a carbon dioxide sensor with MQ-135. The controller used is Arduino uno ESP8266 with output sending using the internet to the database and presented on the dashboard and displayed on a 16x2 liquid crystal screen. The output is in the form of dashboard innovations that are registered with copyrights and scientific publications in the form of articles in the Journal of Environmental Sciences.

The evolution of tire-road wear particles and road surface texture under rolling friction

Traffic-related non-exhaust emissions are an important part of air pollution, which can adversely affect human health when inhaled. Tire-road wear is a significant source of these emissions and originates from tire-road friction. To gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between tire-road wear particles and road surface texture under rolling friction, this study conducted long-term durability experiments using a Model Mobile Load Simulator at 1/3rd scale to form a closed environmental test system. The experiments were conducted under 30°C, 50 % relative humidity, 0.7 MPa tire-ground pressure, and 5.4 km/h rolling speed. Based on an analysis of asphalt concrete-13 Marshall samples’ British Pendulum Number (BPN) value, Mean Texture Depth (MTD), wear particle size distribution, particulate matter (PM) concentration, and thermogravimetric analysis during 1600,000 rolling times, this study draws the following conclusions: This indoor research has indicated that the weight ratio of tire and asphalt wear to aggregates and mineral fillers is approximately 4.5:5.5 (after stabilization). When the tire contacts the aggregate exposed after asphalt film peeling, it significantly increases PM10 concentration. Under the rolling friction of the tire-road contact, the quality loss of asphalt concrete follows an exponential decay curve with an R2 of 0.99. Road (asphalt concrete pavement) wear per square meter of tire-road contact was 5.32×10^−4 g and 2.13×10^−4 g (before and after asphalt film peeling). It is hoped that this study will contribute to the field of tire-road wear, including non-exhaust emissions, and provide methods and theoretical support for mitigating re-suspension dust.

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.