Environmental Impact Research Articles

A critical analysis on synthesis of nanofluids and factors affecting thermal conductivity of nanofluids for heat transfer applications: a review

Abstract In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a field of study concerned with producing materials at the nanoscale and their usage for research and commercial purposes like nanoelectronics, biomedicals, energy storage, environmental remediation, heat transfer applications, etc. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of nanofluid synthesis methods, specifically the one-step and two-step approaches, with a focus on their scalability and industrial feasibility. The main aim of this review article is to provide a quick reference for researchers working on the synthesis of nanofluids for heat transfer applications in various thermal systems. The development of nanofluids as enhanced thermal fluids is a result of the obvious demand for fluids that are more efficient. The review systematically examines recent advancements in nanofluids, emphasizing key factors influencing their thermal conductivity, such as nanoparticle properties, base fluids, concentration, stability, and dispersion mechanisms. Additionally, the study explores the integration of nanofluid in heat transfer applications such as heat exchangers, internal combustion (IC) engines, convective boiling, and renewable energy systems. Furthermore, to address sustainability and potential ecological effects of nanofluids applications, a discussion on environmental impact of nanofluids is presented, highlighting the need for green synthesis methods and life cycle assessments. This review intends to provide useful information about the development and optimization of nanofluids for efficient thermal management in future energy systems.

Swine Farming in Brazil: an Analysis of Environmental Impact

Swine Farming in Brazil: an Analysis of Environmental Impact

Model for Assessing Efficiency of Processing Geo-Resources, Providing Full Cycle for Development—Case Study in Russia

The environmental impact and occurrence of frequent ecological disasters have prompted a reassessment of societal values in the modern era. There has been a shift in the economic model, moving away from the pursuit of extensive growth towards a sustainable development model that prioritizes the preservation of the natural balance. This issue is of particular relevance in regions where mining activities are prevalent. In such regions, mining enterprises exert a considerable burden on the ecosystem, acting as significant sources of industrial waste. In light of the aforementioned considerations, the objective of this study is to develop a model for assessing the efficiency of industrial geo-resource recycling, taking into account both environmental and economic factors. The methodology is founded upon the principles of the efficient and comprehensive exploitation of natural and industrial geo-resources, in alignment with the tenets of sustainable development and the theoretical tenets of a cyclic economy. The methodology for assessing the efficiency of geo-resource recycling is based on the following three principal analytical approaches: economic and statistical, structural and logical, and comparative. The article examines the genesis of industrial waste, delineates the divergent patterns of the accumulation and utilization of mining waste, and classifies categories of industrial waste. The principal stages of the feasibility study are delineated, an algorithm is devised, and a model for evaluating the efficacy of industrial raw material recycling is proposed. The enumerated factors facilitate the recommendation of the model in the selection of the most optimal investment project in industrial geo-resource recycling.

Molecular insights into supercritical water gasification process of polyoxymethylene plastics

Effective plastic management is crucial in addressing the growing environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution. Among various plastics, polyoxymethylene (POM) stands out as a widely used engineering thermoplastic with significant applications in industries . Innovative recycling solutions are essential to mitigate its environmental impact. This study investigates the supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of POM plastics at a molecular level using reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The research aims to provide insights into the factors influencing the SCWG process. Key findings reveal that temperature significantly affects reaction mechanisms, while the primary syngas products include hydrogen , carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. A notable trend observed is the increase in activation energy as water content increases, highlighting the importance of optimizing hydration levels for efficient conversion. The calculated activation energies range from 106 to 135 kJ/mol, aligning well with experimental findings (160 kJ/mol). The study validates the computational approach by demonstrating excellent agreement between simulation results and experimental findings on the molar fraction of gas and activation energy, underscoring its reliability as a predictive tool for process design and optimization. Furthermore, the research contributes to sustainable waste management by offering strategies to enhance SCWG efficiency.

Toward eco-friendly menstrual products: a comparative life cycle assessment of sanitary pads made from bamboo pulp vs. a conventional one.

The predominant menstrual products utilized by women are sanitary pads. The majority of disposable sanitary pads are comprised of plastics and bleached wood pulp, often accounting for as much as 90% of their composition by weight. Nevertheless, the overall environmental footprint of production to disposal of disposable sanitary pads is often overlooked due to the cultural stigma associated with menstruation and the lack of chemical information. This study aims to evaluate the potential environmental impact of the life cycle of sanitary pads and provide insights for decision-making and driving improvements in product design and production processes. It is important to note that this study does not aim to assess the health and safety of the products for consumer use. A case study was conducted at Hempur in Stockholm, Sweden, to assess the environmental impacts of a disposable pad made from bamboo pulp and polylactic plastic. The study applied life cycle assessment to compare the life cycle of Hempur disposable sanitary pads with conventional ones made of polymers and bleached wood pulp. The research findings reveal that Hempur sanitary pads made from plant-based materials have lower adverse environmental impacts than the conventional ones considered in the study. The upstream operations of Hempur sanitary pads were identified as the least environmentally friendly phase of the product due to the use of unbleached wood pulp and polylactic plastic, which together account for between 40 and 80% in every impact category, most notably water scarcity and abiotic element depletion. Hempur can improve its environmental performance by switching from coal to hydropower for electricity generation in bamboo pulp manufacturing, leading to a decrease in global warming and acidification. Finally, we recommend alternatives for PLA, and the use of bamboo in the core part of the Hempur sanitary pad should be considered and assessed.

The Sustainable Development of Economic Entities and its Significance in Reducing the Impact on the Environment

Economic entities influence the environment significantly. Economic activity in the EU lacks skills, experience and financial and management tools. Innovation is a key element of sustainable economic activity, but economic activity needs a complex approach to cover economic, social and environmental aspects. The most common measure for environmental improvement is the reduction of energy and material consumption. This article analyses the development of economic entities using the Innovation and Small Business Act (SBA) approach. The research objective is to analyse how economic entities in EU countries develop their activities to achieve sustainability by reducing their environmental impact. A comparison of the sustainability aspects of economic entities was carried out. The contribution of innovations was analysed to assess the level of sustainability of economic entities in EU countries. The results show that the impact of the activities of economic entities needs to be assessed along the entire value chain, which assesses the social environment of economic entities. EU countries such as Finland, Germany, Slovenia and Sweden are leading the way in investing in innovation and sustainability measures. However, EU countries face challenges in implementing sustainability goals, because of the complexity of the system and a lack of attention from responsible institutions. Nevertheless, innovation is essential to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Hub-and-Spoke regional system supported by telehealth for managing coeliac disease in Liguria: a mixed-methods survey followed by an observational pilot study

BackgroundDue to the need to reorganize the care network for the national screening mandated by law, a new healthcare model was required for the management of coeliac disease. The hub-and-spoke model is a new healthcare organizational system, here we describe its application (supported by telehealth), in the management of pediatric coeliac disease (CD) in Liguria. The results of the pilot phase are presented and the system's strengths and weaknesses discussed.MethodsA mixed-methods survey followed by an observational pilot study was performed. A multiphase approach was used including preparation setting, operative planning and application. The pilot phase involves a single primary center. The reduction of families’ expenditure and environmental impact was assessed using the Viamichelin calculator.ResultsA regional meeting followed by a survey (specifically developed for this study) and a needs analysis highlighted the priority to have an efficient, up to date and homogeneous model of care assistance throughout the network. A diagnostic and therapeutic care pathway (PDTC) was developed by the regional working group. The project involved 986 Ligurian families and allowed a 90% reduction in the distance traveled by families residing within the pilot center’s catchment area, saving €177 and 113 kg of CO2 on average per family per year.ConclusionsThe Gaslini Diffuso hub-and-spoke system for managing CD in Liguria exemplifies a commitment to enhancing healthcare efficiency and patient care, reducing environmental impact and cost for both family and healthcare system.

Dual-layer scheduling coordination algorithm for power supply guarantee using multi-objective optimization in spot market environment

As the global electricity market continues to evolve, power dispatch in the spot market environment faces unprecedented challenges. Price fluctuations, the intermittency and uncertainty of renewable energy sources, and stringent environmental constraints make traditional dispatch methods inadequate. To address this, this work proposes a two-layer scheduling strategy based on a multi-objective enhanced genetic algorithm. This strategy aims at balancing multiple objectives such as cost efficiency, environmental impact, and system stability to optimize power dispatch in the spot market. The upper-layer scheduling of this strategy focuses on strategic decisions at the macro level, including generation planning and electricity market transactions. Its lower-layer scheduling concentrates on operational execution at the micro level, specifically power transmission and distribution. To validate the model’s effectiveness, this work designs a regional grid model that includes wind, solar, and several conventional generation units. The experimental results show that, compared to the benchmark strategy, the proposed algorithm achieves a cost savings of 8.33% while ensuring a reliable power supply. Additionally, the algorithm reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 15.1% and significantly increases the average utilization rate of renewable energy to 93.4%. The algorithm is iterated 100 times, each simulating a 24-hour scheduling cycle. The experiment demonstrates its excellent performance in high-dimensional decision spaces and multi-objective optimization problems. This work not only provides an innovative multi-objective optimization solution for power dispatch in the spot market environment but also achieves significant improvements in terms of economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and long-term viability. Through this two-layer scheduling strategy, the dispatch efficiency of the power system is significantly enhanced, and this provides strong support for the development of a green, low-carbon power supply system.

Sustainable Additive Manufacturing of IN718 Blades: Powder Recycling Strategies for Reduced Carbon Footprint

With the growing demand for aero-engine turbine blades, the resource consumption and environmental impact of superalloy powder in the manufacturing process have become increasingly significant. This study focuses on IN718 nickel-based superalloy powder and establishes a recycling method based on powder mixing. By mixing sieved recycled powder with new powder at a 1:1 mass ratio, comprehensive characterization tests, including powder morphology analysis, particle size distribution, blade printability evaluation, mechanical property tests (tensile strength at both 25 °C and 650 °C), and microhardness measurements, demonstrated that the blended powder maintained performance characteristics comparable to new powder, with no statistically significant differences observed. Furthermore, this study introduces the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology into the field of superalloy powder recycling, providing a novel technical approach for sustainable development in aerospace manufacturing. A quantitative analysis of environmental impacts throughout the blended powder recycling process indicates that this method can reduce carbon emissions by 45% and energy consumption by 48%.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticles in Transforming Biodiesel into a Sustainable Fuel

Biodiesel is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering environmental benefits but facing challenges such as low energy density, poor oxidative stability, and high emissions. Nanotechnology has emerged as a solution, with nanoparticles improving biodiesel properties. This review examines the synthesis, characterization, and application of metal-based, carbon-based, and hybrid nanomaterials in biodiesel. Notable enhancements include an 18% increase in brake thermal efficiency with aluminum oxide and a 20% reduction in NOx emissions with cerium oxide. Hybrid nanoparticles, like graphene oxide with carbon nanotubes, have achieved a 25% decrease in hydrocarbon emissions. Despite these advancements, concerns regarding nanoparticle toxicity, environmental impact, and stability remain. Future research should focus on eco-friendly synthesis, integration with second-generation biodiesel, and multifunctional hybrid nanomaterials. This review highlights the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing biodiesel performance, paving the way for cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

Agrivoltaics: Integration of Reused PV Modules

This study evaluates the integration of reused PV modules within an agrivoltaic system designed for sustainable horticultural production, focusing on energy performance and agricultural outcomes. The experimental setup included both new and partially repaired PV modules, installed over tomato crops under real operating conditions. The results demonstrate that reused PV modules exhibit a strong and consistent energy performance, achieving correlations between irradiance and energy output comparable to new panels. Despite slightly lower performance ratios, reused modules maintained stable efficiency and operational viability, emphasizing their potential for sustainable applications. On the agricultural side, shading provided by PV panels protects the crop yield. This study highlights the environmental and economic advantages of incorporating reused PV modules into agrivoltaic systems, including reductions in raw material extraction, electronic waste generation, and overall environmental impact. By leveraging the circular economy principles, agrivoltaics with reused PV modules provide a sustainable pathway to balance energy production and food security while optimizing land use efficiency. These findings establish the potential of agrivoltaics as a key technology in advancing the sustainable energy transition.

The Environmental Impact of Collecting and Processing Abandoned Shopping Trolleys in the UK

Significant numbers of shopping trolleys are taken out of service through abandonment each year, leading to negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. These impacts have been discussed qualitatively in the literature; however, quantitative analysis of the environmental impacts is lacking. We performed a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the manufacturing and subsequent abandonment, collection through diesel vans, and refurbishment of shopping trolleys in the Canley suburban area of Coventry city, UK. We found that manufacturing one shopping trolley had a global warming impact of 65.14 kg CO2 equivalent. The impact of collecting one trolley and returning it to the originating supermarket was 0.69 kg CO2 equivalent. Finally, the impact of transporting and refurbishing one trolley was 5.50 kg CO2 equivalent. These results show the major benefits of either collection or refurbishment over manufacturing new trolleys to replace abandoned ones. An observation is made that one trolley would have to be collected 93 times to offset its own manufacturing impact. The work also highlights the impact of abandonment. An estimated 520,000 abandoned trolleys in the UK every year lead to 343 tons CO2 equivalent through van collection only. If 10% of these trolleys required refurbishment, the impact would increase to 652 tons CO2 equivalent.

Global Warming Assessment of Dairy Farms: A Case Study of Organic and Conventional Fluid Milk in Thailand

The international trade in organic food has obviously increased potential in the past decade. The present study was conducted to assess and compare the first global warming impact of fluid milk production in Thailand associated to two systems, namely organic and conventional farms, by applying LCA for a case study approach. The assessment was based on a cradle-to-farm gate, with 1 kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) as a functional unit (FU). The environmental impact was evaluated according to International Dairy Federation or biological allocation. The results showed that the global warming values of organic farms (2.366–2.783 kg CO2 equivalent/kg FPCM) were 47% moderately higher than those of conventional farms (1.253–1.474 kg CO2 equivalent/kg FPCM). The main contributors to the global warming impact were feed consumption and CH4 emission, accounting for 33.41% and 33.19%, respectively. The highest global warming impact was found in the stages of lactating cow. Another interesting finding was lack of local organic feed with a relatively high impact on transportation stage. Based on biological allocation, the global warming impact was increased over 12.652–13.107% by the mass allocation method, whereas economic allocation exhibited no effect on the global warming impact. A sensitivity analysis result indicated that the organic farm was economically feasible as an alternative to conventional farm. The substitution of conventional farming with organic farming of 10–50% led to an annual global warming impact in Thailand of 8–30% higher than that of conventional farms.

Sustainable Tourism through Coexistence with Natural Capital with a Focus on Hokkaido

Utilizing Hokkaido as a case study, this study explores the potential for sustainable tourism through coexistence with natural capital. Excessive tourism activity often damages natural capital. This study discusses methods for assessing natural capital and strategies for sustainable tourism. Specifically, through case studies of Otaru City and Biei-cho in Hokkaido, the research aims to understand the relationship between natural capital and tourism, proposing concrete steps toward achieving sustainable tourism. Otaru City is renowned for its picturesque canals and historical architecture, attracting numerous tourists. However, increased tourism has led to challenges such as environmental impact and congestion. Similarly, Biei-cho is celebrated for its spectacular natural landscapes and seasonal beauty, yet this scenery is potentially vulnerable to tourism-related impacts. This research investigates the content of tourism websites as a representation of local community perspectives on maintaining tourism sustainability through natural capital stewardship. Furthermore, social media data reflecting tourist sentiments regarding Otaru City and Biei-cho are analyzed. Positive and negative aspects are extracted from tourist emotional expressions concerning natural capital, and the evaluation and utilization of natural capital are discussed. Consequently, in addition to evaluating current tourism industry practices, this study offers a new perspective on how tourism can be harmonized with natural capital to contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

Clearing the air: Assessing inhaler usage and associated greenhouse gas emissions in a health system.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. The transition from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) has significantly reduced the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). However, HFAs still have a high global warming potential (GWP) compared to other alternatives such as dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers (SMIs). This transition has significantly impacted GHG emissions, underscoring a need to evaluate the environmental impact of medication delivery via MDIs. This study quantifies the GHG emissions, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq), from the use of HFAs in MDIs within our health system. The healthcare system includes 13 hospitals with over 2,000 staffed beds and approximately 100,000 annual patient admissions. It also examines the broader environmental impacts of the packaging materials associated with these inhalers. A retrospective analysis of the use of albuterol and inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA) MDIs over a 1-year period, assessing their CO2e emissions and the environmental impact of their packaging. The total weight of propellant was determined by calculating the difference in canister weight before use and after all contents were expelled. A total of 17,589 albuterol and 20,563 ICS/LABA MDIs were dispensed during the study. The total propellant weight led to CO2e emissions of 116 metric tons (MT) for albuterol MDIs and 506 MT for ICS/LABA MDIs. Including resource use and emissions from inhaler components led to an environmental impact that totaled 117 MT of CO2e for albuterol MDIs and 512.5 MT for ICS/LABA MDIs. Our study emphasizes the necessity of integrating environmental stewardship into healthcare practices. By fostering awareness and initiating discussions on sustainable practices, particularly in the context of pharmacy operations, we can contribute to a more environmentally responsible healthcare system while continuing to meet the clinical needs of our patients.

Environmental impact assessment before and after implementing mitigation and prevention measures on two final waste disposal sites. Case study: Zacatecas, Mexico

In Mexico, municipal governments have material, economic, and human resource limitations, as well as a lack of cooperation with state authorities, causing the solid waste management system to neglect environmental protection. This circumstance has adverse environmental impacts that must be addressed. This project shows two impact assessments, before and after the implementation of an environmental management plan (EMP) in two final waste disposal sites in Cuauhtémoc, Zacatecas, Mexico, following the specifications of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-083-SEMARNAT-2003. The results from the first environmental impact assessment (before the EMP) showed that non-compliance with the control, together with the lack of compaction and coverage of waste in the two final disposal sites and the inappropriate closure, were the issues with the highest impact in the study area. The second assessment (after the EMP) showed an increase in positive impacts and a decrease in the magnitude and importance of the negatives, considering the implementation of prevention and mitigation measures. The new conformation and final use of the closed site, entry control, and compaction of waste, along with proceedings for waterproofing the soil during the construction of a new cell in the active site, were the activities with beneficial impacts. The results proved that with the EMP, the final disposal sites could be improved and restored, bringing positive impacts within the municipality through the actions performed.

Expanding the STEM integration model introducing the learning environment

The increasing demand for a future-ready workforce, driven by rapid technological advancements, has positioned STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education as a global priority. Despite its recognized importance, integrating STEM within traditionally monodisciplinary educational systems poses significant challenges. These include rigid curricula, subject compartmentalization, and institutional constraints that hinder interdisciplinary collaboration. This study aims to address these challenges by proposing an expansion of the existing STEM integration model developed by Seidelin and Larsen in 2021, which originally includes four approaches: content integration, overlapping methods integration, overlapping concepts integration, and context integration. The proposed expansion introduces a fifth element focused on the learning environment, recognizing the critical role that physical spaces, local contexts, and materials play in shaping integrated STEM education. The study draws on insights from the Danish LabSTEM+ project, where educators utilized what the project calls a laboratory model to explore the impact of the learning environment on STEM teaching. Methods included field observations, interviews, and the analysis of four case studies involving diverse educational contexts. The results demonstrate that the learning environment serves as a new way of integrating STEM. This addition of a fifth element to the integration model by Seidelin and Larsen offers a more comprehensive framework for STEM integration. The study concludes that the learning environment can be seen as a core component of developing integrated STEM teaching.

The impact of nursing work environment, emotional intelligence, and empathy fatigue on nurses' presenteeism: a structural equation model

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the impact of the work environment, emotional intelligence, and empathy fatigue on nurse presenteeism and to examine the mediating roles of emotional intelligence and empathy fatigue.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional research design and conducted a questionnaire survey from April to July 2024 among 1,375 nurses (aged 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, and ≥ 45 years) from six tertiary hospitals in Henan Province. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, the Nursing Practice Environment Scale, the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Empathy Fatigue Scale, and the Stanford Presenteeism Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 26.0. A structural equation model was constructed, and the Bootstrap method was employed to assess the mediating effects.ResultsThe average presenteeism score among nurses was 19.49 ± 5.910. A partial mediation effect exists among the four variables: work environment, emotional intelligence, empathy fatigue, and nurse presenteeism. Specifically, the nursing work environment not only directly negatively influences nurse presenteeism but also indirectly affects it through the mediating roles of emotional intelligence and empathy fatigue. Furthermore, emotional intelligence and empathy fatigue serve as a chain mediator between the work environment and nurse presenteeism.ConclusionThe results indicate that the nursing work environment not only directly affects nurse presenteeism but also indirectly influences their presenteeism through emotional intelligence and empathy fatigue. These findings provide theoretical support and guidance for reducing nurse presenteeism rates, emphasizing the importance of optimizing the nursing work environment, enhancing emotional intelligence, and alleviating empathy fatigue in nursing practice.

Effect of environmental conditions on wear resistance of lithium silicate glass-ceramic materials.

To compare the impact of neutral and acidic environments on wear resistance of lithium silicate glass-ceramics (LSGCs), with and without crystallization firing after manufacturing. Fifty-six specimens were tested in a two-body wear simulator and divided into seven groups. Four groups consisted of commercially available LSGC materials, each opposed to steatite antagonists. A fifth group included an LSGC material tested additionally in its fired state. A sixth group involved another LSGC material opposed to zirconia antagonists. A seventh group comprised zirconia specimens, opposed to steatite antagonists. All specimens underwent a two-body wear test with 250,000 cycles, a 5 kg load, and 1 mm lateral movement, while immersed in either neutral (pH 7) or acidic (pH 3) buffer solutions. Laser scanning microscopy, optical profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify and/or investigate the wear. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. LSGC materials exhibited significantly higher wear at pH 7 compared to pH 3 (p < 0.001). The greatest volume loss was observed in an unfired LSGC material (0.138 ± 0.039 mm³ at pH 3 vs. 0.495 ± 0.092 mm³ at pH 7). Steatite antagonists also suffered significantly greater wear at pH 7, with the highest antagonist wear recorded at 1.718 ± 0.068 mm³ . The wear mechanism caused by steatite antagonists differed from zirconia antagonists. Environmental conditions play a major role in the wear performance of LSGCs. Fully crystallized LSGC materials show similar susceptibility to environmental changes compared to LSGC materials requiring crystallization firing.

The Psychology of Altruism: Insights from Evolutionary and Social Psychology

Altruism, a fundamental aspect of human behavior, has been extensively studied from both evolutionary and social-psychological perspectives. This article provides a comprehensive review of the concept of altruism, exploring its definitions, historical development, and significance in psychology. Evolutionary theories, including kin selection, reciprocal altruism, and inclusive fitness, offer explanations for altruistic behavior as an adaptive mechanism shaped by natural selection. In contrast, social psychological approaches highlight the influence of situational factors, social norms, and empathy on altruistic actions. The integration of these perspectives, along with insights from neuroscience and anthropology, provides a holistic understanding of altruism. Emerging trends in the field, such as the impact of digital environments and cross-cultural variations, are discussed, along with practical implications for society and policy. The review also addresses ongoing challenges and controversies, emphasizing the need for continued research. This article contributes to a deeper understanding of altruistic behavior and offers valuable insights for fostering a compassionate and supportive society.