Environmental Impact Research Articles

An atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus PA67 from Shandong province exhibits potential in biocontrol against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium proliferatum

Peanuts and corn are susceptible to various soil-borne fungi, leading to significant economic losses. Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus have been widely used as biocontrol agents for managing aflatoxin contamination because of their minimal environmental impact, strong competitive ability, and sustained inhibition effect. After multiple identifications and cluster amplification pattern (CAP) analysis, three atoxigenic A. flavus PA04, PA10 and PA67 were isolated from peanut samples in Shandong Province, which can reduce aflatoxin levels by up to 90 %. Our study revealed that atoxigenic A. flavus also competed vigorously with Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium proliferatum for nutrition and space, achieving notable inhibition rates of up to 90.4 % and 90.6 %, respectively. The supernatants of atoxigenic A. flavus also inhibited the growth of S. rolfsii and F. proliferatum, with PA67 demonstrating the most significant effect. Whole genome sequencing revealed that PA67 contains multiple glycoside hydrolases and metabolites with antifungal activity. The kojic acid production of PA67 was higher than that of PA04 and PA10, reaching 17.48 g/L, which has a significant inhibition on sclerotia germination. PA67 supernatant significantly inhibited the hyphae growth of S. rolfsii and F. proliferatum, and down-regulated genes related to sclerotia and fumonisin formation. This study demonstrates the biocontrol potential of PA67 against three soil-borne fungi and is the first investigation of atoxigenic A. flavus to inhibit S. rolfsii and F. proliferatum.

Epoxy composite dust reinforced novel polypropylene composites: An eco‐friendly approach toward sustainable resource management

AbstractThis study presents an innovative technique for recycling leftover epoxy composites reinforced with natural fillers. The waste epoxy composites were successfully ground into a 75–150 μm fine powder. With the aid of extrusion injection molding, this powder was subsequently utilized to create polypropylene matrix‐based polymer composites with variable filler loadings ranging from 10% to 30%. The mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of the developed composites were assessed. The greatest tensile strength of the polypropylene composites produced with 10% filler loading was found to be 24.15 MPa. The addition of epoxy composite filler increased the thermal stability. During morphological investigations, it was discovered that pits, voids, and filler agglomerations predominated the fractured surface of the developed composites. Overall, it can be concluded that there is a lot of promise for value‐added recycling of thermosetting resin‐based composites using this low‐cost, high‐efficiency, and ecologically benign process, which would lessen the environmental impact of plastic.Highlights Novel polypropylene composites using epoxy composite dust was developed. Mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and morphological studies were performed. Toys, tableware, mementos, and furniture can be the potential applications. The developed composites can reduce plastic load on the environment.

Testing, Validation, and Simulation of a Novel Economizer Damper Control Strategy to Enhance HVAC System Efficiency

Buildings account for over 40% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with supply and return fans in air handling units consuming a significant portion of energy. To address this, researchers have explored innovative economizer damper control methods and identified the “split-signal” strategy, which optimizes supply airflow using a single damper as a promising approach. In this study, split-signal was further refined for practical application and energy simulation, aiming to demonstrate its effectiveness and encourage adoption in real-world building mechanical systems. Laboratory testing on chilled water variable air volume (VAV) system showed fan energy savings of 0.2–5% compared to traditional “three-coupled” control, depending on ventilation air proportions, and prevented reverse airflow. A statistical regression model, based on experimental data, was developed to predict energy savings and streamline comparisons. Energy simulations were conducted across various U.S. climate zones and revealed potential savings of 15–20% in energy use, operational costs, and CO2 emissions. With minimal financial investment, split-signal control offers a cost-effective solution to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, promoting its adoption in real-world building applications.

Analysis on temperature vacuum swing adsorption from wet flue gas carbon capture by using solid amine adsorbent with co-adsorption equilibrium models

Adsorption carbon capture has attracted extensive attention due to its low regeneration heat consumption, eco-friendly impacts and simplicity. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of its energy consumption, economy and environment impact of adsorption carbon capture. This study aims to investigate the working performance using temperature vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) from wet flue gas carbon capture utilizing co-adsorption equilibrium models for metal–organic framework (MOF) based amine materials. TVSA model is then carried out in terms of the continuous operational state, the dynamic changes in physical properties inside the bed, and the differences in properties at different positions within the bed layer. It is found that they often cannot simultaneously meet high CO2 recovery rates, productivity, and equivalent work. The analysis reveals that the optimal conditions, namely an adsorption temperature of 318 K and a CO2 component of 0.02 kmol during desorption, collectively result in reduced equivalent work and heightened productivity. The maximum productivity could reach 46.35 kg·m−3·h−1 for 5.6 v% water content and 308 K adsorption temperature. It is demonstrated that temperature vacuum swing adsorption for wet flue gas carbon capture using MOF based amine adsorbent is quite promising in terms of energy consumption and CO2 productivity in the future.

Application of thermal energy optimization based on improved neural network algorithm in green innovation capability evaluation of manufacturing enterprises

As the global focus on sustainable development continues to increase, manufacturing companies face the dual challenges of energy efficiency and environmental impact in the process of enhancing green innovation capabilities. The purpose of this study is to explore the application of improved neural network algorithm in thermal energy optimization, so as to improve the green innovation ability of manufacturing enterprises and promote their sustainable development. By constructing an improved neural network model and using big data analysis technology, this paper conducts in-depth analysis of thermal energy use in manufacturing enterprises, so as to identify and optimize energy consumption patterns. The study considered a variety of influencing factors, including equipment efficiency, production process and environmental policy, and evaluated the optimization effect through model training and testing. The experimental results show that the improved neural network algorithm can effectively identify thermal energy waste points, and put forward the corresponding optimization measures. After optimization, the energy use efficiency of manufacturing enterprises has been improved, carbon emissions have been significantly reduced, and the comprehensive evaluation score of green innovation ability has been improved, providing effective technical support for promoting the sustainable development of enterprises.

Comparative life cycle assessment of hospital waste management scenarios in Isfahan, Iran: Evaluating environmental impacts and strategies for improved healthcare sustainability

This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of hospital waste management scenarios in Isfahan, Iran. Daily hospital waste generation totals 20 tons, with 44 % infectious and 56 % non-infectious waste. The non-infectious stream comprises 40 % food waste. Pyrolysis, chemical disinfection, composting, and material recovery were evaluated across ten environmental impact categories using TRACI 2014 methodology. Composting and material recovery reduce smog-forming emissions by 126.79 kg O3 eq/ton and 129.02 kg O3 eq/ton, respectively, and fossil fuel depletion by 255.04 MJ surplus/ton and 471.97 MJ surplus/ton compared to incineration. Chemical disinfection of infectious waste shows lower global warming potential (859.89 kg CO2 eq/ton) than pyrolysis (1483.15 kg CO2 eq/ton). The third scenario, prioritizing composting and material recovery, minimizes ecotoxicity with lowest emissions of cadmium (0.33 g/ton) and nickel (16.23 g/ton) to air, and arsenic (0.003 g/ton) and chromium (0.28 g/ton) to water. This study addresses a rarely assessed system in LCA literature, offering valuable insights for improving waste management in similar contexts worldwide. Recommendations include developing regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, promoting collaboration, implementing training programs, and adopting circular economy principles. The research contributes to building life cycle thinking capability within the Iranian healthcare sector through stakeholder engagement, workshops, and public dissemination of findings.

Swapping Level of Service for Vehicle Miles Traveled in Project-Level Environmental Impact Analysis: Trends and Challenges in California

Automobile level of service (LOS) is the longest-standing and most commonly used performance metric in transportation impact analysis in the U.S. However, Senate Bill (SB) 743 upended that status quo for environmental impact review of land development projects in California, requiring that local governments analyze vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rather than LOS. In this study, we investigated how California’s local governments have responded to the mandated LOS-to-VMT switch. We obtained and analyzed information for 274 of the state’s 539 cities and counties, using expert interviews, documentary reviews, website searches, and communications with local government staff. We found that most jurisdictions had either adopted or were in the process of adopting their own VMT impact standards, though difficulties in implementing VMT-based standards were common and were more pronounced for smaller and more rural jurisdictions. In their standards, most jurisdictions hewed closely to the recommendations of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. Despite switching to VMT analysis for environmental review purposes, all respondent jurisdictions continued to use LOS outside the environmental review process. Overall, we found a consensus amongst our interviewees that swapping LOS for VMT could streamline development in urban areas but not in more suburban or rural jurisdictions. Our findings are specific to California, but they can provide useful guidance to other states or local governments outside of California that are considering adopting a VMT-based metric for transportation impact analyses.

Will e-consumers wait longer for a more sustainable on-demand food delivery? A choice experiment using green information

ABSTRACT The rapid growth of on-demand food delivery has sparked concerns about its societal and environmental impact. While alternative solutions like group ordering and electric bikes aim to address these issues, their adoption is hindered by inconveniences, mainly due to the longer delivery times, which are critical in food delivery. Price incentives such as discounts have traditionally been used as compensation, but questions about their long-term feasibility persist. This study assesses whether providing carbon footprint information can reduce the reliance on price incentives, especially when compensating for longer delivery times. Through a mixed-design experiment with 215 e-consumers in Greater Jakarta, we found that green information effectively encourages more sustainable delivery choices, similar to discounts. However, combining green information with discounts adds little value, suggesting that emphasizing green information alone could reduce financial costs and foster intrinsic motivation. Additionally, female and younger consumers are more responsive to green information, indicating the potential for targeted sustainability efforts in the on-demand food delivery sector.

Determinants of Indonesian fifth graders' learning motivation: A survey study

Motivation serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change, influencing various aspects of life such as health, employment, and societal well-being, particularly in the context of learning and academic achievement. This study aimed to describe the impact of school environment and teacher morale on the learning motivation of fifth graders in the elementary schools of Buleleng District, Bali, Indonesia. A quantitative research approach using a survey research design was employed to attain this objective. Research data were obtained from a total of 219 fifth graders at the elementary schools in the surveyed area. Obtained data were subjected to a rigorous statistical analysis using simple and multiple linear regression analysis techniques utilizing the SPSS software version 21. The results of the data analysis indicate that both the school environment and teacher morale have a significant and positive impact on the learning motivation of fifth graders in the surveyed elementary schools, whether considered individually or together. These findings underscore the importance of fostering a positive school environment and strong teacher-student relationships to enhance student motivation and academic success. This study contributes to the existing literature by emphasizing the crucial role that teacher-student relationships play in creating a supportive and motivating learning environment. Therefore, strengthening these relationships is essential for improving student motivation and academic performance.

Modeling the impact of noise and uncertain operational environment on software release decisions considering testing coverage-based SRGM

The operational environment of software differs from the debugging environment. Therefore, the study explores the impact of irregular consumption by diverse users on the development cost of software, reliability of software, and release decisions. To accomplish this, a release model has been formulated considering logistic testing coverage-based reliability growth model built as a stochastic process including the error generation. The stochastic nature has been captured by considering the noise factor due to irregular fluctuations occurring during testing while usage uncertainty has been captured by introducing a constant parameter in the cost function of the operational phase. It is assumed that the testing phase cost is affected by the noise and the operation phase cost is affected by the severity of noise which is the result of uncertain usage by users. The model was evaluated against a real failure dataset. The release model creates a trade-off between software development cost, release timing, and reliability aspirations. This study contributes to software reliability literature and provides insights to practitioners to make software release decisions. The sensitivity analysis results give information about various aspects during the operational phase that affect the overall development cost.

A numerical model for evaluating the long-term migration and phase transition behavior of foam-assisted injection of CO2 in saline aquifers

Geological Carbon Storage (GCS) is a rapidly developing technology with the potential to mitigate the environmental impact of excessive greenhouse gas emissions. Foam-assisted injection of CO2 can effectively alter fluid rheological properties, thereby enhancing sweep efficiency. In this paper, a numerical model to evaluate the long-term migration behavior of foam-assisted injected CO2 in saline aquifers is developed. It is found that foam-assisted injection improves storage efficiency and reduces the plume migration distance compared to direct CO2 injection. This creates higher demands on the injection pressure but minimizes the risk of leakage. The effects of injection strategy, volume fraction of foam, and reservoir heterogeneity were investigated. Modeling results show that the injection strategy with a high foam volume fraction enhances the sweep efficiency and improves the transition rate of injected CO2 to the dissolved state. This can effectively enhance the long-term security of the sequestration. Simulations of layered formations indicates that foams can potentially inhibit the rapid migration of plumes along high-permeability zones. Our study provides insights for foam-assisted injection to enhance reservoir storage efficiency and long-term safety for GCS.

Eco-Friendly Voltammetric Analysis of Flibanserin with Electropolymerized β-Cyclodextrin on Carbon Sensors

Abstract This study developed a cost-effective method to determine flibanserin (FLN) using a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with β-Cyclodextrin polymer (SPCE/β-CD). The electrode was modified in Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 5.0 to enhance FLN's electrochemical oxidation, with cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry used for detection. Characterization techniques included energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The method showed a linear response to FLN concentrations ranging from 5.2 to 80.0 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 0.004 μM and a quantitation limit of 0.014 μM. The modified electrode demonstrated good sensitivity, reproducibility, and was applied successfully to FLN analysis in spiked human serum and urine samples. An environmental impact assessment was conducted using the Green Analytical Procedure Index, which evaluates the green characteristics of the entire analytical methodology from sample collection to final determination. Additionally, the Analytical Eco-Scale, which assesses the use of organic preparations, procedures, and instruments, demonstrated a favorable green analysis profile. This modified electrode provides a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach for determining flibanserin in various matrices.

Development and comprehensive analyses of a hybrid solar–geothermal driven polygeneration system: Thermodynamic, exergoeconomic, and emergoenvironmental aspects

The present research proposed an innovative polygeneration system that uses solar, geothermal, and natural gas energy to produce power, heat, steam, and freshwater. The system consists of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, an organic Rankine cycle, and a multi-effect thermal desalination system. The study included thermodynamic, exergy, exergoeconomic, exergoenvironmental, emergy-based exergoeconomic, and emergy-based exergoenvironmental factors in its comprehensive evaluation of the system. Results underscored the financial aspect of the organic Rankine cycle and cogeneration system, incurring costs of 0.4518 $/s and 1.054 $/s respectively, while also highlighting the system's capability to produce 6 kg/s of freshwater. The environmental impact rates were quantified for the organic Rankine cycle and cogeneration system at 0.1417 and 0.4814 pts/s respectively, situating the system within its ecological context. Further, the study detailed the total efficiency and net power output of the organic Rankine cycle and cogeneration system, ranging between 32.45–33.51% and 43.25–45.83% for efficiency, and 56956–56322 kW and 50174–51898 kW for net power output r espectively, showcasing the system's operational capacity. A parametric analysis was also integral to the study, examining the impact of key parameters on the functionality of the proposed system, thereby providing a nuanced understanding of the system's performance under varying operational scenarios.

Exploring sustainable agricultural production models to coordinate system productivity, soil biological health and eco-efficiency in the semi-arid region

Designing sustainable agricultural models is imperative to enhance farm productivity, and soil health with minimum ecological footprints. Therefore, three cropping systems viz., maize-mustard (M-Mus), maize + cowpea-mustard (M + C-Mus), pigeon pea-wheat (PP-W) were tested under four production scenarios viz., integrated organic management (IOM), integrated crop management (ICM), conventional system (CS), and conservation agriculture (CA) for three consecutive years (2018–2021) to find out the productive, soil supportive, and eco-efficient production model. The ICM recorded significantly higher system productivity i.e. 12107, 12889, and 12866 kg ha−1 during 2018–19, 2019–20, and 20–21 over other production system, respectively. Among the cropping systems, the PP-W system registered the maximum system productivity of 12007.0 kg ha−1 during 2018–19, 11899 kg ha−1 in 2019–20, and 12247 kg ha−1 during 20–21. This led to ∼15% higher average system productivity over the maize-mustard system. Nutrient (N, P, and K) acquisition was the highest by the M + C-Mus system followed by the PP-W system. All soil biological indicators considerably improved under IOM followed by ICM across the soil profile after three years. Cultivation of the PP-W system under IOM registered the highest energy use efficiency (73.24). Concerning the eco-efficiency index (EEI), cultivation of PP-W under the IOM production scenario registered ∼ 2.85 times higher EEI (0.20 US$ MJ−1) over the M-Mus cropping under CS. Thus, findings inferred that legume-embedded systems under either IOM or ICM production scenarios are sustainable production models for fetching higher profitability with minimum environmental impact under semi-arid regions.

Jurisdictional imaginaries as contested geographies: A metaphor analysis of reference cases about Canada's Impact Assessment Act

Jurisdictional imaginaries, defined as constitutive and productive fictions with real world effects, serve a distinct purpose in the context of debates over Canadian environmental impact assessment. Metaphors are one way in which jurisdictional imaginaries are maintained and contested. In creating associations between entities, metaphors mark storytelling about jurisdiction with the imprints of history and place, and shape thinking about arrangements of authority within contested geographies. In Canadian reference cases (questions posed by governments to courts to seek advice on legislation), the judiciary settle conflicts over jurisdiction through case-by-case assessments based on interpretations of the Canadian constitution in which debates about federalism loom large. Our analysis of two reference cases on Canada's Impact Assessment Act (IAA) evidenced disagreements in court decisions about the scope and significance of provincial and federal authority, which hinged on metaphors of separation and conflict, and drew on two competing imaginaries: a classical imaginary which envisions dualist, hierarchical, and exclusionary orders of authority between provincial and federal governments; and a modern imaginary which emphasizes jurisdictional overlap and flexibility in constitutional interpretation. Reading these divergent imaginaries against a backdrop of legal pluralism and ongoing settler colonialism, we argue that both imaginaries normalize, rather than unsettle, colonial political logics predicated on the replacement of Indigenous sovereignty by European legal orders. The IAA reference cases, far from mere technical assessments of the constitutionality of legislation, highlight political questions about what kind of society Canada is and could become.

Enhanced degradation performance toward para-nitrophenol of adapted immobilized microbial community on coconut coir

Nitrophenol pollutants, including para-nitrophenol (p-NP), are known for their harmful environmental impact due to their persistence, toxicity, and widespread distribution in water sources. While biodegradation generally offers a more effective removal of organic pollutants compared to chemical or physical methods, degrading persistent and toxic compounds like p-NP remains challenging. In this study, a microbial community derived from food processing wastewater was immobilized on coconut coir and adapted to p-NP before being employed for p-NP biodegradation. The spectroscopic analysis demonstrates the effective biodegradation performance of the adapted microbial community, achieving 99% degradation of 50 mg L⁻1 p-NP in 38 min and 250 mg L⁻1 p-NP in 4.65 h. The degradation ability of immobilized cells was determined across a broad range of stirring speeds, temperatures, pH levels, and p-NP solution volumes. Complete mineralization of p-NP was confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements of the treated solution and in-situ CO2 generation. Notably, the p-NP degradation performance of the adapted immobilized microbial community remained stable for the first 40 days, with only a slight decrease observed after 47 days of cold preservation at 4 °C. An average p-NP degradation rate of 0.75 mg L⁻1 min⁻1 was maintained over 54 consecutive runs. Significant alterations in microbial diversity were identified through 16S metabarcoding analysis. The unadapted microbial community comprised a diverse range of genera, while the adapted community showed reduced diversity with an enrichment of specific genera known for p-NP degradation, such as unidentified members of the Micrococcaceae family, Paenarthrobacter spp., and Zoogloea spp.

Pricing and collection decisions of a closed-loop supply chain with remanufacturing under reciprocal preferences

This paper examines the effects of reciprocal preferences on the performances of a closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) with remanufacturing. Specifically, we incorporate reciprocal preferences into a two-echelon CLSC in which the manufacturer collects used products and then remanufactures the other parts except for key components as well as producing new products, and must purchase such key components from the supplier. Using a supplier-led Stackelberg game framework, the models are constructed with and without reciprocity, and then the effects of reciprocity on channel efficiency, consumers, environment and society are examined. We show that, (i) if the supplier reciprocates, the collection rate, the CLSC’s total profit, the channel efficiency and the consumer surplus enhance. Additionally, if only the manufacturer reciprocates, the CLSC’s profit remains constant; (ii) under certain conditions, the reciprocal preferences of both channel members aggravate environmental impact, while benefit social welfare; (iii) Pareto improvement can be achieved if the reciprocity parameters of both channel members are relatively high, and a simple procurement price contract can conditionally coordinate the CLSC. Finally, two extensions are studied by considering consumer heterogeneity and solving a two-period game problem, and the results characterize how reciprocal behaviors drive the performances of channel members.

Steel Structures in Context of Safety, Resilience & Sustainable Construction: Minimizing Environmental Impacts

The study analyzes a G+4 residential building subjected to seismic loads, comparing vertical base shears, material strengths, and foundation design requirements. The results reveal that RCC structures generate significantly higher vertical base shears due to their heavier loads, necessitating larger foundation areas, especially at critical points, and leading to increased construction costs. In contrast, Steel structures, with lower base shears, require smaller foundation areas, reducing both material use and environmental impact. The findings emphasize that Steel structures offer superior seismic performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability by minimizing foundation requirements and associated environmental burdens. This research highlights the importance of material choice in achieving resilient and sustainable construction, particularly in seismic zones, where Steel structures provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution compared to RCC structures.

Eco-friendly dentistry: Understanding the environmental impact in dental practice

Dental practices, akin to other branches of the healthcare industry, are vital for public health. However, they also play a part in environmental detriment via waste production, energy consumption, and the management of hazardous substances. This review endeavors to conduct a thorough analysis of the environmental impact stemming from dental facilities, precisely identifying main contributors to pollution and waste and will explore pragmatic approaches and remedies for fostering a greener, more sustainable dental sector focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable procurement. This article also underscores the significance of societal principles, community welfare, involving stakeholders, financial advantages, crafting policies, and demonstrating leadership to translate the idea of eco-friendly dentistry into tangible action. Green dentistry advocates for the utilization of biodegradable, non-toxic, and mercury-free materials and products to reduce both the quantity and harmfulness of dental waste. Concurrently, bio-dentistry embraces a holistic patient care approach while prioritizing environmentally conscious practices

Variability in Heating Demand Predictions: A Comparative Study of PHPP and Mc001-2022 in Existing Residential Buildings

The construction industry is a key driver of environmental change due to its extensive use of resources and high emissions, thus significantly burdening global efforts towards sustainable development targets. A large portion of the environmental footprint of buildings results from the energy required to sustain indoor comfort levels. Thus, enhancing the energy efficiency of existing buildings becomes critical in reducing their environmental impact. This study explores the impact of thermal performance improvements on the heating demand, employing numerical modeling and two energy performance methodologies, PHPP and Mc001-2022, across various climatic datasets and case studies in Romania. The results show substantial variability in heating demand predictions: Mc001-2022 predicts up to 27.2% higher continuous heating demands and 21.0% higher intermittent demands compared to PHPP in one case study. In the second case study, the differences range from 8.1% higher to 6.9% lower for continuous heating and from 3.3% higher to 9.9% lower for intermittent heating, depending on the scenario. These findings underscore the importance of the methodological choice and localized climatic data in heating demand assessments, highlighting the need for a tailored, context-specific approach to energy performance assessment, integrating multiple energy efficiency measures suited to the unique characteristics of each building.