Gas Emissions Research Articles

Spatial Modelling Of Air Quality And Pollution Propagation Around An Active Dumpsite In Abeokuta, Nigeria

The dumpsite represents a notable sources of air pollutants because waste materials are openly burned there, resulting in the emission of harmful gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This study investigate the Air Quality Index (AQI) and spatial distribution of air pollution around the Saje dumpsite in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The concentrations of air pollutants of particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured using portable handheld gas detectors at the dumpsite and adjoining residential area. The pollutants concentration obtained were used to calculate the AQI. Spatial distribution analysis was performed using inverse distance weighted interpolation method in an ArcGIS environment to map the distribution of the air quality around Saje dumpsite and its environment. The AQI at the dumpsite was categorized as unhealthy highlighting a significant public health concern and in contrast, the surrounding residential areas showed comparatively lower pollution levels with AQI ranging from “good” to “moderate”. The spatial distribution of the pollutants shows a high concentration of the pollutants at the vicinity of the dumpsite and the concentrations fizzled out towards the residential areas. This study identified health risks, pollution hotspots and spatial air quality patterns near the dumpsite.

Sustainable Shipping: Modeling Technological Pathways Toward Net-Zero Emissions in Maritime Transport (Part I)

Maritime transport accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a figure projected to rise by 17% by 2050 without effective mitigation measures. Achieving zero-emission shipping requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates regulatory frameworks, alternative fuels, and energy-saving technologies. However, existing studies often fail to provide an integrated analysis of regulatory constraints, economic incentives, and technological feasibility. This study bridges this gap by developing an integrated model tailored for international maritime transport, incorporating regulatory constraints, economic incentives, and technological feasibility into a unified framework. The model is developed using a predictive approach to assess decarbonization pathways for global shipping from 2018 to 2035. A multi-criterion decision analysis (MCDA) framework, coupled with techno-economic modeling, evaluates the cost-effectiveness, technology readiness, and adoption potential of alternative fuels, operational strategies, and market-based measures. The results indicate that technical and operational measures alone can reduce emissions by up to 44%, while market-based measures improve the diversity of sustainable fuel adoption. Biofuels, particularly BISVO and BIFAME, emerge as preferred alternatives due to cost-effectiveness, while green hydrogen, ammonia, and biomethanol remain unviable without additional policy support. A strict carbon levy increases transport costs by 46%, whereas flexible compliance mechanisms limit cost increases to 14–25%. The proposed approach provides a robust decision-support framework for policymakers and industry stakeholders, ensuring transparency in evaluating the trade-offs between emissions reductions and economic feasibility, thereby guiding future regulatory strategies.

A Comparative Analysis of Life Cycle Costs and Emissions in Mae Sariang’s Microgrid Energy Scenarios

This study evaluates the life cycle costs, net present value (NPV), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of three energy scenarios for the Mae Sariang microgrid system to assess the economic and environmental impacts of different energy sources. The reliance on renewable energy has become increasingly vital in addressing energy sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. The analysis reveals that Scenario I, primarily utilizing solar energy, achieved the lowest life cycle cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at 6.18 and the highest NPV of 226,583,036 baht, while also producing the fewest GHG emissions at 21,239 kgCO₂e/year. In contrast, Scenario II, dependent on grid electricity, incurred the highest costs and emissions at 25,180 kgCO₂e/year, reflecting its reliance on higher-carbon sources. Scenario III, which incorporates diesel generation, demonstrated moderate emissions at 22,240 kgCO₂e/year but resulted in a negative NPV of -2,690,330 baht due to high fuel expenses. The findings highlight that prioritizing renewable energy sources not only enhances financial viability but also minimizes environmental impact. Therefore, the study concludes that adopting a renewable-focused approach in microgrid systems offers substantial economic and ecological benefits. Policy recommendations include incentivizing renewable energy integration, promoting energy efficiency measures, and developing supportive frameworks to reduce reliance on high-carbon electricity, ultimately enhancing the feasibility and sustainability of energy systems.

Enhancing Sustainability in Indian Rice–Wheat Agroecosystem: a Review and Analysis of Fertilizer Management Practices and Greenhouse Gas (N2O) Emission Mitigation

Enhancing Sustainability in Indian Rice–Wheat Agroecosystem: a Review and Analysis of Fertilizer Management Practices and Greenhouse Gas (N2O) Emission Mitigation

Assessment of biowaste potential for biogas and biofertilizer production in the Gedeo zone: a study of commercial, institutional, coffee, and wood processing industries

ABSTRACT Organic waste is both abundant and inevitable, making anaerobic digestion an effective method for converting it into valuable resources. This study aimed to highlight the potential advantages of organic waste from the Gedeo zone as a renewable source for biofuel and biofertilizer production. The research employed a systematic and comprehensive approach, combining various data collection and sampling techniques with mathematical models based on standard assessments. The Gedeo zone produces approximately 3.8 million tons of selected biowaste annually, which could potentially yield about 133 million m3 of biogas and 1.9 million tons of biofertilizer each year. This biogas could replace kerosene and coal for domestic cooking, reducing wood fuel consumption. Implementing an effective biogas program in Ethiopia could significantly mitigate environmental and public health issues, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. A key conclusion is that biodegradable waste, being a major fraction with suitable properties for recycling, can provide economic benefits while eliminating the need for disposal.

A Comprehensive Environmental Cost–Benefit Analysis of Using Reclaimed Water for Irrigation in Southern Spain

Water scarcity and pollution are critical challenges affecting agriculture and aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates the environmental benefits of using reclaimed water (RW) for irrigation in southern Spain by applying a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis (CBA) to a water reuse project. This method allows us to assess financial feasibility and environmental externalities of RW use for irrigation, with particular focus on the reduction in eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the proposed CBA highlights the potential of RW to provide essential nutrients for crops, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and mitigate the ecological impact of fertilizer manufacturing and transportation. Results indicate that, while the direct financial returns of RW are limited, the integration of environmental benefits significantly improves the overall economic viability of water reuse projects. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses suggest that policy measures, such as adjusted water pricing and financial incentives, could enhance the adoption of RW in agriculture. This study supports the role of RW as a sustainable alternative for irrigation, contributing to water conservation, pollution reduction, and climate resilience. Future research should focus on long-term agronomic impacts, optimized pricing models, and policy frameworks that promote water reuse as a key strategy in sustainable water management.

Mitigation justice

Mitigating climate change and social injustice are critical, interwoven challenges. Climate change is driven by grossly unequal contributions to elevated greenhouse gas emissions among individuals, socioeconomic groups, and nations. Yet, its deleterious impacts disproportionately affect poor and less powerful nations, and the poor and the less powerful within each nation. This climate injustice prompts a call for mitigation strategies that buffer the poorest and the most vulnerable against climate change impacts. Unfortunately, all emissions mitigation strategies also reshape social, economic, political, and ecological processes in ways that may create climate change mitigation injustices—i.e., a unique set of injustices not caused by climate change, but by the strategies designed to stem it. Failing to stop climate change is not an answer—this will swamp all adverse impacts of even unjust mitigation in terms of the scope and scale of disastrous consequences. However, mitigation without justice will create uniquely negative consequences for the more vulnerable. The ensuing analysis systematically assesses how climate change mitigation strategies can generate or ameliorate injustices. We first examine how climate science and social justice interact within and among countries. We then ask what there is to learn from the available evidence on how emissions reductions, well-being, and equity have unfolded in a set of countries. Finally, we discuss the intersection between emissions reduction and mitigation justice through actions in important domains including energy, technology, transport, and food systems; nature-based solutions; and policy and governance.

Virtual MOS Sensor Array Design for Ammonia Monitoring in Pig Barns

Animal welfare in barns is strongly influenced by air quality, with gaseous emissions like ammonia posing significant respiratory health risks. However, current state-of-the-art ammonia monitoring systems are labor-intensive and expensive. Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensors offer a promising alternative due to their compatibility with sensor networks, enabling high-resolution ammonia monitoring across spatial and temporal scales. While MOS sensors exhibit high sensitivity to various volatile compounds, temperature-cycled operation is commonly employed to enhance selectivity, effectively creating virtual sensor arrays. This study aims to improve ammonia detection by designing a virtual sensor array through a cyclic data-driven approach, integrating machine learning with solid-state sensor modeling. The results of a two-week dataset with measurements of four different pig barns demonstrate ammonia sensing with a sampling rate of about 2/min and a range of 1–30 ppm. The method is robust and exhibits a 10 increase in normalized RMSE when comparing testing results of an unseen sensor module with results of the training dataset. A filter membrane boosts accuracy and prevents data loss due to contamination, such as flyspecks. Overall, the used MOS sensor BME688 is effective and economical for widespread continuous ammonia monitoring and localization of ammonia sources in pig barns.

Sustainable soil and organic matter managements for reducing straw burning, greenhouse gas production and emission, and their influencing factors in Northwest India

ABSTRACT Rice-wheat cropping system in Northwest India has been established since green revolution starting in the 1960s, based on modern varieties of crops and sufficient supply of water and nutrients. However, due to decrease in water availability and intensive cropping, soil fertility and soil organic matter contents started to decline. Also, mismanagement (burning) of crop residue induces air pollution, affecting human health. To address the issue of burning straw, other sustainable straw management alternatives are being evaluated from agronomic viewpoint. As for mitigation of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from soil, crop residue can be converted to biochar for various applications. We conducted field and laboratory incubation experiments to investigate the effects of two kinds of biochar (made from rice husk and rice straw) on soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions from wheat fields. After two seasons of field experiments, soil total C were increased only by rice-husk biochar application as compared with no amendment, rice straw biochar and chemical fertilizers. Greenhouse gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) were sampled by chamber method, measured by gas chromatography, then calculated emissions as CO2eq using Global Warming Potentials (GWPs). We found CO2 emission as dominant among three gases in the field experiment, although this included root respiration, and were not significantly changed by biochar application, compared to the control (chemical fertilizer application only). The incubation experiment showed that N2O was dominant among the three gases and increased by biochar application as compared to the control, corresponding to 0.9 and 14% of GHGs increase by rice-husk and rice-straw biochar, respectively, while the latter was equivalent to 0.2% of total C from rice-straw biochar applied. Although wheat yield was not significantly increased, the co-benefit of reduction in crop residue burning by rice-husk biochar application and contribution to international efforts of GHG emission mitigation envisage for sustainable carbon neutrality in an agriculture system.

Greenhouse gas emissions under perennial bioenergy crops with various nitrogen fertilization rates.

Little information exists about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under perennial bioenergy crops (PBCs) with various N fertilization rates. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of PBCs receiving various N fertilization rates on N2O and CH4 emissions, GHG balance (GHGB), and yield-scaled GHGB (YSGB) and compare them with an annual crop from 2012-2013 to 2013-2014 in the northern Great Plains. The PBCs were intermediate wheatgrass (IW, Thinopyrum intermedium [Host] Barkworth and Dewey), smooth bromegrass (SB, Bromus inermis L.), and switchgrass (SG, Panicum virgatum L.), and N fertilization rates were 0, 28, 56, and 84kg N ha-1. The annual crop was spring wheat (WH, Triticum aestivum L.) with 80kg N ha-1. The N2O flux peaked immediately after planting, fertilization, intense precipitation (>15mm), and snowmelt. Cumulative N2O flux was greater for SG than IW and SB with 56kg N ha-1 in 2012-2013 and with 28-84kg N ha-1 in 2013-2014. The CH4 flux was not affected by treatments. Carbon sequestration rate at 0-30cm from 2009 to 2019 was greater for IW than other PBCs. The GHGB and YSGB were greater for SG and SB than IW with almost all N fertilization rates in both years. Comparing PBCs and an annual crop, cumulative N2O flux, GHGB, and YSGB were greater for SG than IW, SB, or WH in 2013-2014. The IW can reduce GHG emissions per unit area and per unit crop yield compared to other PBCs and WH.

Designing a dual-channel production-distribution network for reducing greenhouse gas emissions based on customer segmentation

ABSTRACT Growing environmental concerns call for supply chains that balance cost-efficiency with emission reduction, yet many models overlook customer behavior on distribution and recycling. This study introduces a dual-channel production-distribution network using customer segmentation to optimize costs, emissions, and recycling returns. A multi-objective model connects operational costs with environmental outcomes, compares online and intermediary sales, and includes recycling strategies with penalties. Results show that segmentation boosts channel efficiency, cutting emissions by 12–18%, while online sales reduce transport emissions by 9–15%. Exact algorithms outperform heuristics by 20–30% in speed and precision. This work fills a gap in sustainable supply chain research by integrating customer-centric strategies. Aligning channel choices with consumer behavior enhances sustainability without raising costs, providing actionable insights for eco-efficient operations. The study’s scientific value lies in validating behavioral segmentation’s role in green supply chains, advancing theory and practice in emission reduction.

Differential river-to-sea transfers and CH4 dominance of greenhouse gas emissions in urbanized and impounded estuaries.

Differential river-to-sea transfers and CH4 dominance of greenhouse gas emissions in urbanized and impounded estuaries.

Green FinTech: A Consumer Awareness Study

Environmental protection is a core component of the sustainable business practices of financial institutions. Previous research on green FinTech mainly relies on gas and dust emissions data to show its environmental impact, while consumer assessments of FinTech’s contribution to sustainability are rarely explored. This study aims to investigate the level of consumer awareness regarding the environmental impact of FinTech companies and to identify cross-country differences in these assessments. The empirical data were obtained from a survey conducted in mid-2023, involving 2000 respondents from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. This study employs descriptive statistics and selected statistical tests, which enabled the identification of two main findings. Firstly, the survey results reveal a generally low level of awareness of the green activities undertaken by FinTech companies across all four countries. Secondly, statistically significant differences were found in the assessment of the environmental impact of FinTech companies, with respondents from the United Kingdom and Poland being the most likely to perceive this impact as positive. Due to the benefits of sustainable development for both society and the environment, it is essential that the FinTech sector intensifies its pro-environmental efforts. The findings also highlight the need for FinTech companies to enhance communication regarding their environmental sustainability initiatives.

Agroforestry: A Sustainable Land-Use Practice for Enhancing Productivity and Carbon Sequestration in Madhupur Sal Forest, Bangladesh

This paper explores the role of agroforestry in sequestering atmospheric carbon in the tropics and subtropics, specifically in the Madhupur Sal forest of Bangladesh. Agroforestry, combining trees with crops on agricultural lands, is recognized for its potential to act as a carbon sink and enhance productivity. The study assesses various agroforestry practices, including acacia–pineapple–turmeric–papaya, acacia–pineapple–ginger–banana, and sal–pineapple–aroid combinations. This study innovatively assessed both the carbon sequestration and economic viability of agroforestry in the Madhupur Sal forest, presenting a sustainable land-use model that balances environmental benefits and farm profitability. The research reveals improved farm productivity in these agroforestry systems, with different tree species sequestering varying amounts of carbon. Acacia species, ranging from 12 to 25 ft in height, sequestered an average of 23.35 lbs/year, while sal species (Shorea robusta), with trees 45 to 61 ft tall, sequestered 49.80 lbs/year on average. Factors such as tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), number of leaves, and branches influence carbon sequestration. The paper suggests that the carbon sequestration (CS) potential of agroforestry results in greenhouse gas emission reduction in Bangladesh. By emphasizing the profitability of these practices alongside carbon sequestration, the study encourages the adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable and economically viable strategy.

Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impacts of Population-Wide Adoption of Dietary Guidelines in China.

This paper uses an optimisation model to quantifythe necessary food consumption adjustments for Chinese diets to fulfil the requirements in the health-based Chinese Dietary Guidelines (CDG) or WHO dietary guidelines. We further aim to determine whether adopting these guidelines could lead to lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) while maintaining diet affordability. Modelling outcomes under the CDG and WHO scenarios differ significantly from nutritional, GHGE and diet affordability perspectives: relative to observed eating patterns, diets following the WHO guidelines are equally emissionsintensive, while diets consistent with the CDG recommendations are less sustainable. Further optimisationsimposing significant reductions in GHGE indicate important environmental and nutritional co-benefits can be achieved through the WHO guidelines, while maintaining diet affordability. In the WHO scenario, the maximum diet-related GHGE reduction policymakers could aim for is 30%, since above this threshold, recommended diets would deviate considerably from observed patterns. The CDG model with a 20% emissions reduction does not converge for 64% of the initial data set, casting doubt on the affordability and compatibility of the CDG with China's decarbonisation goal. We recommend that future versions of the CDG be reformulated to closer align with WHO advice and explicitly include environmental considerations.

A recipe for a disaster: food, climate change, and cancer.

Climate change impacts each step of the cancer control continuum, from prevention to survivorship. Importantly, several human activities driving greenhouse gas emissions also impact cancer risk and outcomes. Therefore, there is significant overlap between climate and cancer control solutions. This article describes the connection between the current food system, climate change, and cancer; one realm of human activities with enormous potential for modifications and implementation of win-win solutions.

Fungal-mediated soil aggregation as a mechanism for carbon stabilization.

Soils can potentially be turned into net carbon sinks for atmospheric carbon to offset anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Occlusion of soil organic carbon (SOC) in soil aggregates is a key mechanism which temporarily protects it from decomposition by soil organisms. Filamentous fungi are recognized for their positive role in the formation and stabilization of aggregates. In this review we assess the current knowledge of the contribution of fungi to soil aggregation, and set a new research agenda to quantify fungal-mediated aggregation across different climates and soils. Our review highlights three main knowledge gaps: (1) the lack of quantitative data and mechanistic understanding of aggregate turnover under field conditions, (2) lack of data on the biochemical and biological mechanisms by which filamentous fungi influence soil aggregation, and (3) uncharacterized contribution of soil fungi across environments. Adopting a trait-based approach to increase the level of mechanistic understanding between fungal diversity and soil structure seems promising, but will need additional experiments in which fungal diversity is manipulated by either removal through sieving or dilution, or addition through using synthetic communities of cultured fungi. We stress the importance of integrating ecological and physicochemical perspectives for accurate modeling of soil aggregation and SOC cycling, which is needed to successfully predict the effects of land management strategies.

Economic Analysis of Fossil CO2 Emissions: A European Perspective on Sustainable Development

The economic assessment of CO2 emissions from fossil fuels is gaining importance in the context of sustainable development. Climate change, driven by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, poses a significant threat to humanity, requiring an integrated approach that considers both environmental and economic factors. The European Union (EU) plays a key role in global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainability. This study explores economic approaches to analyzing CO2 emissions in Europe, focusing on trends in fossil fuel use and their economic drivers. The research highlights the connection between economic activity, energy consumption, and emissions, contributing to a better understanding of climate change mitigation strategies. The findings emphasize the strong influence of demographic factors on carbon emissions, stressing the need for targeted policies to address the environmental impact of population growth. This study presents a literature-based assessment of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption in the context of sustainable development, with a focus on Europe. Recognizing the urgent threat posed by climate change, the paper explores how economic and demographic factors influence emissions trends and energy consumption. Through the synthesis of recent research and statistical data, it examines the relationship between economic activity and CO2 emissions across EU countries. Special attention is given to national policy frameworks, particularly Germany’s “Energiewende”, as a successful example of emission reduction through building-sector reform. The study highlights that while economic growth remains a driver of emissions, strategic investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sectoral transformation can decouple growth from environmental degradation. The findings support the need for country-specific mitigation strategies, emphasizing that uniform approaches may not address the diverse challenges faced by EU member states. This work contributes to the broader understanding of climate policy design by linking empirical evidence with policy implications in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Advancing crop resilience through nucleic acid innovations: rhizosphere engineering for food security and climate adaptation.

Advancing crop resilience through nucleic acid innovations: rhizosphere engineering for food security and climate adaptation.

Ecological Shifts and Functional Adaptations of Soil Microbial Communities Under Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contamination

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination has emerged as a significant global environmental issue, severely impacting soil microbial communities and their functions. This study employed high-throughput sequencing to systematically analyze the bacterial community structure and functional genes in soils with varying levels of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. The results demonstrated that petroleum contamination led to a significant decline in microbial diversity, while enhancing the abundance of specific functional genes, such as those involved in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation, methane production, and denitrification. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that microbial communities in highly contaminated soils tended to form highly clustered and specialized groups, while simultaneously promoting the coexistence of phylogenetically distant microorganisms. The Mantel test identified significant correlations between ammonium ion concentration, soil moisture content, and microbial metabolic pathways, particularly those related to petroleum hydrocarbon degradation and denitrification. These findings suggest that petroleum contamination not only disrupts the carbon and nitrogen metabolism balance but also has profound implications for greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen cycling, potentially destabilizing the ecosystem. This study provides novel insights into the ecological functions of microbial communities in petroleum-contaminated soils and highlights potential key factors for pollution management and ecological restoration.