Field Of Environmental Protection Research Articles

Research advances in Zein-based nano-delivery systems

Zein is the main vegetable protein from maize. In recent years, Zein has been widely used in pharmaceutical, agriculture, food, environmental protection, and other fields because it has excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. However, there is still a lack of systematic review and research on Zein-based nano-delivery systems. This paper systematically reviews preparation and modification methods of Zein-based nano-delivery systems, based on the basic properties of Zein. It discusses the preparation of Zein nanoparticles and the influencing factors in detail, as well as analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods and summarizing modification methods of Zein nanoparticles. This study provides a new idea for the research of Zein-based nano-delivery system and promotes its application.

Quantyfing the impact of the water security index on socio-economic development in EU27

The issue of environmental security in the context of sustainable development is a highly topical one, being intensively studied by specialists both in terms of its impact on biodiversity and on the protection of non-renewable resources, and in terms of its economic and social impact. The authors aim to quantify the impact of water security on economic and social development based on a new structural equation model and identify changes in the latent variable Water Security Index. (WSI), economic development (ED) and social development (SD) dynamics over the period 2000–2022 for the 27 EU Member States. The methodology is based on the use of structural equation systems and the use of the Independent-Samples Kruskal-Wallis Test to identify the influences of water security measures on economic and social indicators and to assess regional disparities of environmental policy development in relation to economic and social development. The research results will highlight the level of homogeneity of regional water security clusters in Europe and the influence of this approach on economic and social disparities. The results of the study highlight the significant correlation between population density, pollution levels and the costs associated with maintaining water quality. The study shows that high population density and high pollution levels disproportionately increase the financial burden of water quality management. In addition, the analysis highlights the social ramifications of neglecting the sustainability of water sources, particularly in regions experiencing low economic growth. In such scenarios, the negative social impact intensifies, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. The results allow the formulation of the following public policies: Standardization of the national water quality management framework in line with the European framework; Establishment of organizations to monitor the safety of water sources and the health of the local population; Continuation of innovations in the field of water environment protection; Promotion of social responsibility towards the aquatic environment; Continuation of the process of improving water management governance. The results are useful for economic, environmental and social policy makers to optimise European sustainable development strategies.

The Legal Challenges in Environmental Protection and Accountability: A Study in Saudi Law

Objective: The research delves into legal challenges regarding environmental protection and accountability in Saudi Arabia, aiming to understand the governing legal frameworks and practical implementation hurdles. It seeks to identify steps to improve the effectiveness of environmental law and enhance protection and accountability.   Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this research is based on the concept of legal liability in environmental protection and its fundamentais role in any legal system. The study also discusses the relationship between the effectiveness of the legal system and its feasibility.   Method: The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, by describing and analyzing the actual reality of the legal challenges in the field of environmental protection and accountability. The study relies on a range of primary and secondary sources, as well as scholarly publications.   Results and Discussion: Saudi's environmental strategy prioritizes sustainable development and preserving resources for future generations. Laws enforce environmental responsibilities and promote sustainable practices, aiming to reduce pollution and ensure accountability. This underscores the vital role of environmental protection laws in achieving sustainability and safeguarding the environment.   Research Implications: Enhancing awareness of the importance of legal responsibility in environmental protection is crucial, as it supports efforts to update environmental laws and enhance international cooperation in the environmental field.   Originality/Value: This research offers a comprehensive analysis of legal responsibility in Saudi Arabia's environmental protection, addressing challenges in law implementation and suggesting practical recommendations for updating laws and enhancing international cooperation.

Implementation of the Environmental Goods and Services Accounting into the Statistical Practice of the Russian Federation

The article discusses the main characteristics of the international statistical standard «System of Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 – Central Framework» (SEEA) in terms of the Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS) developing as well as the provisions of the Eurostat methodological guidelines which are designed to facilitate the monitoring of progress in the EU policy priorities implementation in the field of environmental protection, rational resource management and «green» growth economy. The authors presented a brief overview of publications made by Rosstat specialists and Russian scientists in the field of environmental protection.The body of article defines practical recommendations on the EGSS implementation into statistical practice in Russia: both the justified approach for compilation the list of environmental goods and services, and the identified statistics sources for calculation the EGSS indicators, as well as an algorithm for their calculation developed by the authors. The recommendations provided in this article are the methodological framework for environmental goods and services accounting.According to the authors, the study findings will permit further development of methodological guidelines for the EGSS compilation accordance with the Action Plan («Roadmap») for the Implementation of Priority Accounts of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Implementation of the Environmental Goods and Services Accounting into the Statistical Practice of the Russian Federation

The article discusses the main characteristics of the international statistical standard «System of Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 – Central Framework» (SEEA) in terms of the Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS) developing as well as the provisions of the Eurostat methodological guidelines which are designed to facilitate the monitoring of progress in the EU policy priorities implementation in the field of environmental protection, rational resource management and «green» growth economy. The authors presented a brief overview of publications made by Rosstat specialists and Russian scientists in the field of environmental protection.The body of article defines practical recommendations on the EGSS implementation into statistical practice in Russia: both the justified approach for compilation the list of environmental goods and services, and the identified statistics sources for calculation the EGSS indicators, as well as an algorithm for their calculation developed by the authors. The recommendations provided in this article are the methodological framework for environmental goods and services accounting.According to the authors, the study findings will permit further development of methodological guidelines for the EGSS compilation accordance with the Action Plan («Roadmap») for the Implementation of Priority Accounts of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Unlocking sustainable resource management: A comprehensive SWOT and thematic analysis of FinTech with a focus on mineral management

The mining sector faces growing demands for sustainable and responsible mineral management practices in light of the changing global economy and growing environmental concerns. This sector plays a role in economic growth in both developed and developing nations, which in turn contributes to the nation's overall social and economic well-being. The goal of sustainable mineral management is to achieve a balance between the need to reduce harmful effects on ecosystems and communities and the economic benefits of mineral resources. The integration of Financial Technology (FinTech) into organizations' workflow has gained attention in the field of sustainability and environmental protection. In order to acquire the requisite knowledge for informing strategic planning, decision-making processes, and strategy development, a comprehensive review of pertinent literature is imperative. This study aims to address this issue by conducting a thematic analysis of the literature in the context of sustainability and Fintech. Following that, an in-depth Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis of FinTech in sustainable mineral management is deployed. The study investigates FinTech's integration into sustainable mineral management to advance responsible resource extraction practices and sheds light on effective FinTech utilization while highlighting implementation challenges.

Research Progress of Microplastics

Microplastics ( MPs ) pollution has become a global persistent pollution problem and endangers human health, so it has received widespread attention from the public. Therefore, it is of great significance to find accurate and efficient microplastic pollution detection methods in the field of environmental protection. In this paper, the common processing and detection methods of microplastics are described, which provides a reference for future research on microplastics.

Oxygen Vacancy-Rich Bimetallic Au@Pt Core-Shell Nanosphere-Functionalized Electrospun ZnFe2O4 Nanofibers for Chemiresistive Breath Acetone Detection.

Sensitive and selective acetone detection is of great significance in the fields of environmental protection, industrial production, and individual health monitoring from exhaled breath. To achieve this goal, bimetallic Au@Pt core-shell nanospheres (BNSs) functionalized-electrospun ZnFe2O4 nanofibers (ZFO NFs) are prepared in this work. Compared to pure NFs-650 analogue, the ZFO NFs/BNSs-2 sensor exhibits a stronger mean response (3.32 vs 1.84), quicker response/recovery speeds (33 s/28 s vs 54 s/42 s), and lower operating temperature (188 vs 273 °C) toward 0.5 ppm acetone. Note that an experimental detection limit of 30 ppb is achieved, which ranks among the best cases reported thus far. Besides the demonstrated excellent repeatability, humidity-enhanced response, and long-term stability, the selectivity toward acetone is remarkably improved after BNSs functionalization. Through material characterizations and DFT calculations, all these improvements could be attributed to the boosted oxygen vacancies and abundant Schottky junctions between ZFO NFs and BNSs, and the synergistic catalytic effect of BNSs. This work offers an alternative strategy to realize selective subppm acetone under high-humidity conditions catering for the future requirements of noninvasive breath diabetes diagnosis in the field of individual healthcare.

Criminal Protection against Environmental Pollution in Omani and UAE Legislation

The article analyses the role of the criminal legislator in the field of environmental protection guaranteed by both Omani and UAE legislators. The problem of the study was the extent to which the Omani and UAE legislators contributed to the criminal protection of the environment. The study aimed to indicate and determine the content, elements, and penalties imposed by the Omani and UAE legislators for environmental offences. The study found several conclusions and recommendations, the most important of which being that the Omani and UAE legislature has ensured the criminal protection of the environment by criminalizing acts that pose a serious threat to one or more elements of the environment either by an explicit provision in the Penal Code or by special laws relating to the protection of the environment or within the special law on environmental protection and pollution control. The penalties prescribed for the offence of environmental pollution must be reviewed by establishing penalties for deprivation of liberty and not only a fine.

Metal Ion‐Mediated Optical Biosensors with Signal Amplification: Recent Advances

Signal amplification is critical for the detection of meaningful trace targets in the field of biomedicine, food analysis, and environmental protection. A growing number of signal amplification techniques for biosensors that involved metal ions have been reported in recent years, due to the merits of simplicity, low cost, and high efficiency. This review summarizes the recent advancement and outlines the signaling methods (i.e. metal‐responsive probes, metal‐catalyzed reactions, regulating catalysis, and atom spectrometry) that metal ions play in biosensing as well as their applications. Besides, the potential and challenges to be addressed in the field are discussed.

Research tools for studying modern trends in the implementation of ESG practices in Russian companies

   Purpose: is to test the research tools for studying modern trends in the implementation of ESG practices and their effectiveness in Russian companies.   Methods: this article examines the applicability of the research tools for analyzing the activities of organizations in the direction of the ESG agenda. We analyzed such tools as comparative analysis of fi nancing ESG projects, content analysis of report texts, regression analysis of the relationship between the ESG ratings and the fi nancial performance of the company. A comparative analysis of methods was carried out based on the results of appropriation of instruments.   Results: the main result of the reporting analysis is the identifi cation of a trend towards reducing disclosure of information on the financing of ESG projects. We can identify main areas of investment in requests from external and internal stakeholders based on available financing information. The conclusion about the increase in mentions of social projects and initiatives in the fi eld of environmental protection based on a content analysis results. We also identifi ed the highest priority areas for each of the ESG components. The main priorities are: the social agenda – "employee welfare"; responsible attitude to the environment – "reduction of greenhouse gas emissions", "energy–efficient materials and technologies", "waste management" and "water consumption"; corporate governance – "observance of shareholders' rights". The hypothesis about the positive impact of ESG rating on company value confi rmed. There was a positive relationship between a company's environmental performance and value, as well as a negative relationship between value and social performance.   Conclusions and Relevance: despite the challenges and sanctions restrictions, Russian companies continue to be active in the ESG field. For a more complete analysis of the ESG projects and their coverage in non-financial reporting, it is preferable to use a combination of research tools.

Recent Advances in Microrobots Powered by Multi-Physics Field for Biomedical and Environmental Applications.

Microrobots powered by multi-physics fields are becoming a hotspot for micro-nano manufacturing. Due to the small size of microrobots, they can easily enter small spaces that are difficult for ordinary robots to reach and perform a variety of special tasks. This gives microrobots a broad application prospect in many fields. This paper describes the materials, structures, and driving principles of microrobots in detail and analyzes the advantages and limitations of their driving methods in depth. In addition, the paper discusses the detailed categorization of the action forms of microrobots and explores their diversified motion modes and their applicable scenarios. Finally, the article highlights the wide range of applications of microrobots in the fields of biomedicine and environmental protection, emphasizing their great potential for solving real-world problems and advancing scientific progress.

Study on the adsorption performance of Cu2+ in wastewater by red mud

The treatment of copper-nickel wastewater has consistently posed a challenging problem in the field of environmental protection. In this experimental study, the adsorbent used was prepared from Bayer's method-derived red mud (RM). The adsorption characteristics of RM adsorbent on Cu2+ in copper-nickel wastewater, as well as the impact of Ni2+ on the removal effectcy of Cu2+, were investigated. The adsorption performance of Cu2+ in copper-nickel wastewater by adsorbent dosage, adsorption time and pH were investigated, and the adsorption mechanism was discussed. The adsorption process conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2=0.986) and the Langmuir model (R2=0.989), indicating that it was a monolayer chemical adsorption process. The raw materials were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results indicated that the adsorption process of Cu2+ and Ni2+ on RM was primarily influenced by surface chemical groups such as O-H, C-O-C, Si-C, and Si-O, among others. The adsorption rate of Cu2+ by RM could achieve 100% when the concentration of Cu2+ solution was 100mg/L, with an optimal dosage of adsorbent at 0.20mg/L and the best adsorption effect observed after 240minutes. The adsorption of Cu2+ and Ni2+ by RM exhibits unidirectional competitive adsorption behavior. Furthermore,in competitive adsorption experiments, RM exhibits good selectivity towards Cu2+, with Ni2+ exhibiting minimal inhibitory effect on Cu2+ when the two elements coexist. Therefore, this paper offers potential research value for the large-scale application of RM in copper-nickel wastewater treatment processes.

The impact of patentees assessment based on the heterogeneous

As a vital factor in technological innovation, patentee plays a significant role in the process of scientific and technological innovation, researching patentee has attracted the attention of experts and scholars. Previously, scholars have mainly quantified patent indicators or constructed homogeneous information networks to analyze patentees, but these methods cannot objectively measure the impact of patentees. Therefore, this study proposes a novel approach to assessing patentee impact based on a heterogeneous information network. The proposed method distinguishes the weight of different types of nodes using a weighted mechanism and extracts three types of fine-grained characteristics of network nodes. This approach results in the construction of a heterogeneous patent innovation network and the development of a new patentee impact assessment algorithm called CWAPN. Using Chinese green patents in the field of energy conservation and environmental protection as an example, experimental results show that the CWAPN algorithm can effectively assess the impact of patentees. Thereby identifying patentees who have made outstanding contributions to sustainable development in China.

УПРАВЛЕНИЕ ПРОЕКТАМИ КАК ЭФФЕКТИВНАЯ МОДЕЛЬ РАЗВИТИЯ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ

Environmental problems (air and water pollution, decline in biodiversity, noise pollution, etc.) that humanity faces today are partly related to the need to increase basic literacy of the population in the field of environmental protection and conservation. Existing environmental education in higher educational institutions often does not correspond to the principle of connection between theory and practice. Students are told about existing problems as a given, and not about what can and should be changed. However, in future professional activity, each student will have to “present” not knowledge in its pure form, but the ability to apply it in specific practical situations. In this regard, the article presents a project method of working with students, which allows them to be involved in active environmental activities. The authors examined an important environmental problem, using the example of a decline in the number of sterlet, and presented its relevance. The article also illustrates an effective step-by-step mechanism that must be included in the educational environment of higher educational institutions that train qualified personnel, ensure people's safety, a technosphere comfortable for human life and activity, and also minimize the technogenic impact on the environment. Based on the study, the authors came to the conclusion that design allows students to switch from passive consumers of knowledge to active creators who can analyze problems, find the optimal result and prove its correctness. The article is intended for further application of the method by the pedagogical community in the educational process in order to improve the existing educational system.

Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Phytase Enzyme from Lactobacillus brevis Isolated from Fresh Kashar Cheese

In the last 20 years, phytase enzyme has attracted the attention of scientists in the fields of environmental protection, nutrition and biotechnology. Myo-inositol hexaphosphate phosphohydrolase (phytase), which is a type of phosphatase enzyme, catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytate into less phosphorylated inorganic phosphates and phytate. Phytases of microbial origin are widely used in biotechnological applications (paper industry, feed industry, food industry and soil improvement).
 In the present study, phytase enzyme was partially purified from Lactobacillus brevis NM-34 strain isolated from fresh kashar cheese and the pH and temperature values at which the enzyme showed optimum activity were determined. L. brevis NM-34 showed a phytase activity of 243.80 U/mL as a result of ammonium sulfate precipitation. In the ammonium sulfate range (40-60%), where the highest phytase activity was observed, the protein concentration was measured as 0.989 mg/mL. Km and Vmax values of phytase enzyme were determined as 0.0146 mM and 1.6 µmol/min, respectively. The pH and temperature values at which the partially purified phytase showed optimum activity were found to be pH 5 and 50 °C, respectively. Based on the findings from our research, the enzyme purified from this bacterium was found to have unique properties that make it suitable for use in industrial applications.

Financial assessment of the implementation of state policy measures in the field of environmental protection: macroeconomic aspect

   In the current article, financial aspects of the state environmental policy in Russia at the present stage are observed. The authors study the scale of financial resources allocated for environmental protection at the macroeconomic level in the context of ensuring environmental safety. The review of periodical press materials allowed us to highlight the most pressing issues of eco-investment. When processing statistical data to conduct an analysis of the costs of implementing environmental measures and assessing dissipation of funds in the main categories of expenses, the authors used dyna mic and structural methods of economic analysis with determination of absolute and relative difference. A comparative method was implied in comparing retrospective information to monitor annual budget allocations for the needs of ecology alongside with the table method combined with the graphical one. The assessment of expenditures for environmental protection in Russia for 2017–2021 showed an annual stable growth with an almost twofold increase in the whole five years. A structural analysis in the context of environmental protection activities allowed us to identify the dominant cost items as the most significant in the implementation of state environmental policy. A comparative analysis of the unit costs of environmental protection in percentage of gross domestic product through international comparisons indicates the underfunding of this area by Russian state authorities. The limited amount of finance to ensure rational use of natural resources requires implementing principal measures in accordance with the main priorities of state policy in the field along with application of the most effective ecological and economic tools.

Municipal Financing of Environmental Protection Activities as Part of the Sustainable Development Strategy of Local Governments in Poland (Selected Issues)

Local government units are obliged to implement sustainable local development strategies in the field of environmental protection. This article presents the scope of pro-environmental tasks incumbent on the municipality and the principles of their financing. For this purpose, an analysis of the provisions of the law was carried out with simultaneous reference to the literature, and court decisions and decisions of supervisory bodies were presented. The work established that the currently applicable regulations regarding the financing of environmental protection tasks by local government units constitute a legal barrier to the implementation of these tasks, and changes to the law in this area are proposed.

Organizational and legal aspects of combating crimes against the environment in the conditions of war in Ukraine

The scientific article is devoted to the analysis of organizational and legal aspects of combating crimes against the environment in the conditions of war in Ukraine at the national and international legal levels. Arguments are presented regarding the relevance in the global, international dimension: criminalization of environmental damage at the level of the European Union and its member states; detailing the shortcomings of international legislation and revising the relevant directive on environmental crimes; creation of functioning of the International Registry of Losses. It was emphasized that the introduction of appropriate changes to international legislation will allow creating a comprehensive system of measures to combat environmental crime, ensure the unification of national legislative systems in terms of terminology, composition of crimes, as well as sanctions applied for their commission in armed conflicts. It was concluded that at the national level, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures to combat ecocide, develop a unified state policy in this area, establish an effective system for monitoring the state of the environment and fix the amount of damages, in particular, for the systematic presentation of legal claims for the payment of reparations. The national post-war recovery plan should include measures to restore and preserve ecosystems, in particular based on the analysis of regulatory legal acts in the field of environmental protection. It is justified that the ecological direction should include the development and implementation of a holistic, comprehensive plan for the ecological recovery of Ukraine from the consequences of the war. It is noted that the relevant mechanisms should be universal in nature and effectively prevent crimes against the environment in the world, be reflected in relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and other documents of the international law system.

The Meloni government and the challenge of ecological transition

ABSTRACT During 2023, the Meloni government had to face the difficult management of the emergencies caused by the calamitous events that hit Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, which brought the long-lasting issue of hydrogeological instability back onto the public agenda. More generally, in the environmental and land protection fields, the government inherited the implementation of the measures associated with the strategic axis of the Ecological Transition, contained in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). However, the position of the government and that of the parliamentary majority not always fitted with the contents of the existing programming, nor with the policies promoted by the European institutions. By adopting a qualitative approach and combining original and secondary sources, in this work we will analyse the actions undertaken by the Meloni government in the environmental field in light of the “responsiveness-responsibility dilemma”. Particular attention will be paid to the points in continuity and to the breaks with the legacies of the past. The analysis shows how the government has progressively deviated from consolidated policy directions and planning, favouring the responsiveness pole to the detriment of responsibility.