Field Of Environmental Protection Research Articles

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.

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.

Economic policy of environmental protection facing modern challenges

Issues of environmental protection in the 21st century are becoming more and more crucial for leading countries and, therefore, for the whole world. This has led to growing the effects of global warming and the lack of certain resources, the reduction of which can cause incredible damage to the world economy. The reaction to the degradation of nature in the USA, Japan, Germany, France, Great Britain, and other economically developed countries was manifested by the creation of a legal system in the field of environmental protection. The public ecological movement was and is considered to be an essential impetus for the development of legislation in the field of environmental protection in the mentioned countries. Laws adopted in the field of environmental protection are mostly a reaction to an acute ecological problem. Environmental protection issues differ between countries. It is known that developed countries regulate environmental pollution, the processing of chemical waste, and the use of chemical materials at work with special legislative acts. Some developing countries do not have these laws, which allow multinational companies to pollute at higher levels than would be allowed in their own countries. Countries are trying to reach a consensus on many environmental issues, reduce emissions, and find new ways of production that will not cause damage to the environment. Keywords: Environmental protection, Economic policy, Environment pollution, Paris Green Agreement, National environmental programs, EU Climate and Energy Plan

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.

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT: THEORETICAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS OF CONDUCTING

The legal regulation of environmental audit in Ukraine are examined and the existing approaches to identifying the economic essence of environmental audit are highlighted. The main stages of environmental audit are analyzed as well as the total emissions of pollutants and groups of substances into the air from Obolon PrJSC in 2022. The efficiency of Obolon’s treatment facilities is investigated. The list of wastes generated by the studied enterprise is analyzed. Conclusions on the environmental impact of Obolon’s activities in order to determine the level of compliance with its environmental policy and the requirements of the legislation in the field of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources are drawn.

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.

Adsorption and Degradation of Zinc Metal-Organic Framework Materials in Environmental Pollution

Zinc metal-organic framework materials exhibit outstanding adsorption and degradation performance in the field of environmental pollution governance. Their porous structure and high surface area make them effective adsorbents capable of removing heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from water. Additionally, these materials possess photocatalytic and biodegradation functionalities, facilitating the degradation of organic pollutants and reducing environmental pollution. Therefore, zinc metal-organic framework materials hold significant promise for broad applications in the field of environmental protection.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from sandalwood (Santalum album L.) extract for efficient catalytic reduction, antioxidant and antibacterial activity

Metal nanoparticles that have been manufactured in a green environment have been recognized as potentially useful materials for the development of nanomedicine due to the fact that they are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and durable. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been demonstrated to be beneficial in a variety of applications, including those in the fields of biomedicine and environmental protection, according to research. Our study aims to prepare AgNPs using sandalwood (Santalum album L.) extract. Sandalwood-based silver nanoparticles (SW-AgNPs) that were characterized using a variety of techniques, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS) analysis. The antioxidant activity of the produced SW-AgNPs was examined in relation to the radical scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and showed a maximum of 80.21 ± 0.91% after the concentration of SW-AgNPs was set at 500 μg/mL. The antibacterial efficiency of SW-AgNPs was tested against infection causing bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) with zones of inhibition of 17.2 and 12.3 mm, respectively. The SW-AgNPs showed photocatalytic decolorization efficiency of around 71.3% and 92.14% for the Malachite green (MG), methylene blue (MB) dyes respectively, after a 150 min incubation. The results that were obtained therefore present a potential way for the green synthesis of SW-AgNPs utilizing S. album L. extract, which has significant applications in the fields of biopharmaceuticals and catalysis.

Recyclable and selective PVDF-based multifunctional molecular imprinted membranes for the removal of Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely detected in environmental and human products and has significant health and environmental impacts. Consequently, an innovative molecularly imprinted membrane was fabricated for the selective adsorption of BPA within water environment. Tannic acid (TA), abundant in plants, was employed to effectuate the reduction of AgNO3 in an environmentally friendly, and gentle manner, imbuing the membrane with antibacterial properties. A functional hydrophilic layer was created utilizing TA and polyimide (PEI), and mild and efficient imprinting was accomplished through dopamine (DA) self-polymerization. Compared with the blank membrane, the contact angle of the molecularly imprinted membranes (PVDF@Ag@P@MIMs) was reduced to 67.62°, and the optimal adsorption capacity was 33.41 mg g−1. The imprinting factor of the PVDF@Ag@P@MIMs membrane was 2.90, indicating that the membrane could effectively separate BPA. After 6 cycles of utilization, the adsorption loss was only 4.55 %. In addition, the synthesis of PVDF@Ag@P@MIMs is simple and free of pollutants. The experimental results and green synthesis process of the molecularly imprinted membranes indicate that these materials have potential applications in environmental protection, selective separation, chemical industry, and other fields.

Scenario analysis of hydrofluorocarbons consumption and emission reduction in China's mobile air-conditioning sector

The automobile air conditioning industry is an important consumption area of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and the analysis of the use and emission reduction of HFCs in this industry is of great significance for environmental protection. This study aims to measure and analyze the HFC consumption and emission reduction in China's MAC industry and the cost of emission reduction in automobile enterprises through an in-depth analysis, to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of relevant policies and to support the country in achieving HFC emission reduction targets in the field of environmental protection. In this study, the Gompertz model combined with the vehicle survival rate Weibull was used to predict the vehicle ownership and sales in China, and then the HFC consumption and emission reduction in China's MAC industry and the cost of emission reduction in automobile enterprises were measured and analyzed with reference to the experience of relevant domestic and foreign measurement models. The results show that under the four scenarios of R27-X29, R29-X29, R29-X29, and R29-X35, the cumulative use of HFCs will be reduced by 61.44%−73.19%, and the cumulative emission will be reduced by 51.85%−64.55% in the period of 2023–2060, while the cumulative abatement cost of the automobile enterprises in the period of 2023–2060 will be RMB 419.31–481.02 billion. 481.02 billion yuan. The adoption of a policy banning HFCs refrigerants in M1 and N1 vehicles has a significant effect on reducing HFCs consumption and emissions, and the abatement cost will decrease with the expiration of new refrigerant patents, increased demand, and technological advancements.

Hexakis(urea-O)iron Complex Salts as a Versatile Material Family: Overview of Their Properties and Applications.

Due to their Fe- and N-containing reactive urea ligand content, the hexakis(urea-O)iron(II) and hexakis(urea-O)iron(III) complexes were found to be versatile materials in various application fields of industry and environmental protection. In our present work, we have comprehensively reviewed the synthesis, structural and spectroscopic details, and thermal properties of hexakis(urea-O)iron(II) and hexakis(urea-O)iron(III) salts with different anions (NO3-, Cl-, Br- I-, I3-, ClO4-, MnO4-, SO42-, Cr2O72-, and S2O82-). We compared and evaluated the structural, spectroscopic (IR, Raman, UV-vis, Mössbauer, EPR, and X-ray), and thermogravimetric data. Based on the thermal behavior of these complexes, we evaluated the solid-phase quasi-intramolecular redox reactions of anions and urea ligands in these complexes and summarized the available information on the properties of the resulting simple and mixed iron-containing oxides. Furthermore, we give a complete overview of the application of these complexes as catalysts, reagents, absorbers, or agricultural raw materials.

Development and performance evaluation of re-crosslinkable preformed particle gel under high temperature and high salt conditions

Self-healable hydrogels have attracted significant interests in the fields of environmental protection, oil plugging and electronic sensors, etc. Benefiting from the synergistic contribution of hydrogen bonding and ligand chelation, in this work, we prepared a series of self-healable hydrogels via a simple and inexpensive approach, which overcame the limitations of the intrinsic nature of dynamic covalent bonds and non-covalent interactions under harsh conditions. Systematic study of the effect of temperature, salt concentration and particle size on the physicochemical performance of the re-crosslinking progress revealed that re-crosslinked gels using particles of 0.20–0.28 mm (in a solution with salt concentration of 10%) at 130 °C presented an elastic modulus of 62 Pa at a frequency of 10 Hz and remained elastic after 45 days of aging (elastic modulus: 18,170 Pa). Of particular interest, gel particles with a particle size of 0.125–0.28 mm can be reassembled at temperatures up to 150 °C or salt concentrations up to 20%, which is superior to a plethora of previous reports (self-healing temperature usually less than 130 °C, salt concentration <10%). Employment of the green inexpensive sodium D-gluconate instead of partial acrylamide makes the gel product a promising candidate material for oil plugging, targeting fractured reservoirs for consistent control.

Computational identification of 2D TlPt2X3 (X = S, Se, Te) for thermoelectric and photocatalytic applications

Thermoelectric (TE) device can convert heat into electricity, and suitable photocatalyst can split water to produce hydrogen, which makes them have great potential in the field of clean energy and environmental protection. In this paper, we investigated three 2D materials, TlPt2X3 (X = S, Se, Te), which are indirect semiconductors with band-gaps of 2.11 eV, 1.85 eV, and 1.14 eV, respectively. The three single-layers show moderate mobilities (102 – 103 cm2/Vs), large Seebeck coefficients (0.66 – 1.86 mV/K), and high TE power factor (13.73 – 25.20 mW/K2m) at 300 K. Besides, due to the weak bonding and “Rattling” vibrations caused by Tl atoms, the single-layers have strong phonon–phonon scattering, and thus possess low lattice thermal conductivities of 2.34 – 4.46 W/mK. As a result, they can deliver high TE figure-of-merit of 0.53/0.63/0.52 at 300 K, and rise even further to 2.72/3.05/2.38 at 700 K. They also have appropriate REDOX potential, which satisfy the band structure requirement for overall water splitting. Also, the three single-layers also have strong absorption coefficient of ∼ 105 cm−1 in vision-ultraviolet region, which can efficiently carry out photocatalytic water splitting to produce H2. Ultimately, 2D TlPt2X3 are suitable candidates for both TE and photocatalytic applications.

Pollution Production through Brick Kilns and Its Negative Impact on Environment

We all know that our living environment is full of different gases, both pure and mixed. In normal conditions, all these gases are present in appropriate and known amounts, either less or more. The environment is polluted or facing a threat to life so man needs to burn some materials as fuel to meet his needs. The bricks requirements which may harm the environment have been raised so one of these brick baking cases is done by humans, certainly the living environment will be threatened. Looking at this issue considered necessary and important for the physics department, we conducted this preliminary study in order to determine what type of fuel is used in bricks at the level of the entire country. Bricks baking materials usage issue is very important in terms of value because its results are shared with the authorities of environmental protection organizations. The purpose of this research was to find out about the kind of the fuel used in brick kilns in Nangarhar district of Sarkhrood and to know its effect on the environment. Regarding the topic, we also studied the articles written by professors of international universities from reliable websites in order to compare and discuss the situation of our country with other countries. From the research, it was found that more rubber and less coal are used for baking bricks in brick kilns. According to this study, we can draw the attention of the officials of the Environmental Protection Organization to end the existing problems in the field of environmental protection.

Drivers and Barriers for the Adoption of Circular Economy Principles towards Efficient Resource Utilisation

Contemporary societies, whether they have reached advanced levels of economic and social development or are still developing, need to prioritise the implementation of circular economy practices. This will facilitate the shift towards regenerative, sustainable, and closed-loop industrial systems. For now, there are some efforts to encourage patterns of production and consumption through changes in economic trends, development of institutional frameworks, harmonising regulations in the field of environmental protection, and raising the level of social awareness to achieve, above all, greater efficiency of resources. Extensive literature that deals with monitoring the implementation of the circular economy already indicates the existence of numerous barriers in this process but also notices some incentives for raising the degree of circularity of the observed systems. In this paper, the question of whether a single value can represent the level of circularity of the chosen material/product chain is researched. An overview of barriers and drivers for implementing circular economy strategies is given to structure a proper metric framework in correlation to the research question. The objective was to simplify the monitoring of circularity by developing a unique index for comparing material/product chains in similar systems. This was accomplished by using the circular material use (CMU) rate introduced in the European Union and modifying it for financial data calculation. As a result, the circular economy index, which covers all 9R strategies (CEIR), is obtained. The practical verification of model applicability was shown by determining the degree of circularity achieved for passenger cars in the four observed EU countries.