Industrial Pollution Research Articles

Does Green Finance Affect Economic Performance? Growth and Crowding-Out Consequences

ABSTRACT Green finance is crucial to the achievement of China’s dual-carbon goals and its sustainable economic development. Based on the data from 2011 to 2020, This paper employs a double-difference method to examine two effects of green finance on economic growth, namely, its growth and crowding-out effect. The empirical results show that, in general, green finance improves the level of economic growth and doesn’t impede the entry of new enterprises, while crowding out the contribution of heavy polluting industries to the economy. Green financial policies effect economic performance mainly through resource allocation and technological innovation. Specially, in comparison to the central and western regions, green finance exerts a more pronounced influence in the eastern region, potentially attributable to disparities in regional development levels, financial system efficiency, and degrees of marketization. In addition, both growth and crowding-out effect are more significant in resource-dependent cities.

Maternal residential exposure to solvents from industrial sources during pregnancy and childhood cancer risk in California

BackgroundMaternal solvent exposure has been suspected to increase offspring cancer risk. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between maternal residential exposure to solvents from industrial pollution during pregnancy and childhood cancer. MethodsThe present study included 15,744 cancer cases (aged 0–19 years at diagnosis) identified from California Cancer Registry and 283,141 controls randomly selected from California Birth Registry (20:1 frequency-matched by birth year: 1998–2016). We examined industrial releases of tetrachloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane within 3 km of the birth address, while we used a 5 km buffer for carbon disulfide. We calculated the total exposure from all linked Toxic Release Inventory sites during each index pregnancy and assigned “ever/never” and “high/low exposed/unexposed” exposure, using median values. We performed quadratic decay models to estimate cancer risks associated with maternal solvent exposure in pregnancy. Results1,1,1-Trichloroethane was associated with rhabdomyosarcoma (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.96; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.16, 3.32) in the “ever exposed” group. Ever exposure to carbon disulfide was associated with increased risks of medulloblastoma (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.01, 3.40) and ependymoma (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 0.97, 2.74). ConclusionsOverall, our findings suggested maternal residential exposure to solvents from industrial sources might be associated with elevated childhood cancer risks.

The influence of road traffic and industrial plant-induced air pollution on the physical, mechanical, chemical and morphological properties of the black pine wood

Road traffic pollution and industrial plant-induced pollution affect negatively the development of forest trees. How forest trees are affected by their growing environment is important for sustainable environment. The study aimed to investigate the physical, mechanical, chemical, and morphological properties of the Pinus nigra (black pine) tree which grows under different conditions. Tree samples were chosen from three different lands where were inside the forest (O), near the roadside (Y), and near the factory (F). It was studied whether there were any significant differences among the “O”, “Y” and “F” in terms of their wood properties such as physical, mechanical, chemical, and morphological. As a result, the “O” samples demonstrated more regular annual ring structure. On the other hand, it was observed that the “Y” samples had longer and wider tracheid cells. In addition, “Y” samples had better mechanical strength than “O” and “F”. Environmental pollution caused the presence of some different elements (chlorine and iron) in “Y” and “F”. As a result, it was determined that the trees growing near the roadside or near industrial plants have significant differences from forest trees which are far away from pollutions. It is possible to say that Pinus nigra (black pine) is resistant to environmental stress. For this reason, it can be recommended to use it as a barrier to reduce air pollution on the roadsides.

Modified diatomite for soil remediation and its implications for heavy metal absorption in Calendula officinalis

BackgroundAmong different adsorbents, natural and inorganic compounds such as diatomite are important and advantageous in terms of high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and function in stabilizing heavy metals in the environment. Calendula officinalis, a plant known as a high accumulator of heavy metals, was cultivated in soil treated with varying concentrations of modified diatomite to demonstrate the efficiency of modified diatomite in stabilizating of heavy metals in soils,ResultsThe modification of diatomite aimed to enhance Calendula officinalis adsorptive properties, particularly towards heavy metals such as lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Nickle (Ni), and Copper (Cu), common contaminants in industrial soils. The experimental design included both control and treated soil samples, with assessments at regular intervals. Modified diatomite significantly decreased the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in contaminated soils except Zn, evidenced by decreased DTPA extractable heavy metals in soil and also heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues. Using 10% modified diatomite decreased 91% Pb and Cu, 78% Cr, and 79% Ni concentration of plants compared to the control treatment. The highest concentration of Zn in plant tissue was observed in 2.5% modified diatomite treatment. Remarkably, the application of modified diatomite also appeared to improve the nutrient profile of the soil, leading to enhanced uptake of key nutrients like phosphorus (P) 1.18%, and potassium (K) 79.6% in shoots and 82.3% in roots in Calendula officinalis. Consequently, treated plants exhibited improved growth characteristics, including shoots and roots height of 16.98% and 12.8% respectively, and shoots fresh and dry weight of 48.5% and 50.2% respectively., compared to those in untreated, contaminated soil.ConclusionThe findings suggest promising implications for using such amendments in ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture, particularly in areas impacted by industrial pollution.

Eficiencia de los bioindicadores de toxicidad sobre contaminantes de aguas residuales industriales

In this paper, we present some important biological factors that modify the efficiency of toxicity bioindicators used to evaluate the harmful effect of industrial wastewater pollutants on biological organisms and processes, such as reproduction, growth and development. The Lactuca sativa model was analyzed and proposal for new biological parameters with fungi, bacteria, plants and animals that can be used as bioindicators of toxicity and ecotoxicity that do not directly compromise the survival of organisms in bioassays and environments contaminated with industrial wastewater effluents.

Transport infrastructure and the spatial distribution of CO[formula omitted] emissions

This study presents an analysis of transport infrastructure projects and their effect on greenhouse gas emissions. Causal inter-regional spillover effects are estimated for the launch of the China Europe Railway Express using a spatial difference in differences estimator. The preferred Spatial Durbin Model reveals a small negative direct effect of approximately -3.5 percent and a more substantial positive indirect effect of around 12.7 percent. These results suggest a crowding out of pollutant heavy industries from the nodal regions into the periphery. We provide further evidence for this hypothesis by testing the impact on the respective regions’ structural composition. A number of robustness checks support causality of benchmark findings.

Controlled synthesis of ZIF-11 with varied particle size: Effective adsorbent for industrial pollutants and host for storage of gaseous CO2, H2 and CH4

The present work focuses on the controlled synthesis of ZIF-11 at various temperatures to get different particle sizes having improved surface area and porosity for the storage of CO2/CH4/H2 gases and as an adsorbent for industrial pollutants. Toluene assisted method was employed to synthesize ZIF-11 samples at various temperatures such as 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 °C and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and tools. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis demonstrates that ZIF-11 synthesized at 10 °C (Z10) has highest surface area (1408 m2/g) while that at 100 °C (Z100) has lowest surface area (1027 m2/g). The surface area of ZIF-11 decreases with an increase of the reaction temperature, which may be due to fact that low nucleation rate at lower temperature gives more ordered crystals of ZIF-11. Due to the highest surface area, sample Z10 has been applied for the storage of CO2/CH4/H2 gases; Z10 exhibits 6.49 wt% uptake for CO2(g) and 0.91 wt% for CH4(g) (at 273 K, up to 1 bar), similarly for H2(g) 1.26 wt% uptake is observed at 77 K. Moreover, all samples of ZIF-11 (Z10, Z20, Z40, Z60, Z80 and Z100) have also been explored for the adsorption of congo red (CR) dye. Among them, Z10 shows excellent adsorption ≈100 % of [CR] = 50 ppm dye solution at pH 7.8, and is reusable up to five cycles.

Turning green through within‐firm adjustment: Evidence from environmental court in China

AbstractThis paper investigates how the setup of special environmental courts is accountable for firms' internal adjustment of production and export across industries with different pollution intensities. Inspired by a simple theoretical model, we find that, after the establishment of environmental courts, firms see a larger decrease in export value, export quantity, export variety as well as export destination in more polluting industries. We further find different impacts on firms with varying ownership and size. These findings imply that companies reallocate their available resources from more polluting varieties to less polluting ones, thus turning green through this within‐firm adjustment.

Impact of Industrial Solid Waste on Soil Geotechnical Properties

In this study, the issue of industrial solid waste-contaminated soil and its consequences on various geotechnical parameters is examined. Soil health and geotechnical properties are affected by the global discharge of pollutants from chemical industries, including water, air, oil, and solids. Herein, the specific issue of soil contamination in Peshawar, Pakistan, is discussed. The goals of this study included examining variations in the Atterberg limits, direct shear strength, sieving analysis, consolidation behavior, and unconfined compression strength in contaminated soil samples. The process entailed analyzing soil samples taken from polluted sites in a laboratory. In contrast to uncontaminated soil, the results showed that contaminated soil deviated from the standard grading and exhibited lower liquid and plastic limits, higher moisture content, and lower specific gravity. Interestingly, the unconfined compression strength of the polluted soil was higher, indicating complicated interactions between the contaminants. Overall, this study highlights the need to understand and efficiently mitigate such human impacts by highlighting the extensive alterations in soil properties caused by industrial waste pollution.

Subacute Use of Aqueous Extract of Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds Mitigates against Pyramidal Neuronal Toxicity of Lead Acetate in Adult Wistar Rats

Introduction: Lead exposure remains a significant public health burden across the globe, impacting millions of individuals and posing a major threat to nervous system development and function As a reported bio-toxic environmental and industrial pollutant, Lead (Pb) do accumulates in almost all body tissues to cause health complications with the cerebellar region of the central nervous system reported to be more susceptible to cellular distortions. As a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is associated with numerous medicinal properties. Aim: This study aim to investigate the possible neuroprotective potential of aqueous extract of citrulus lanatus seed on lead acetates-induced neurotoxicity in the Cerebral cortex of adult Wistar rats. Place of Study: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Twenty (20) healthy adult female wistar rats weighing 150±50g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5). The Control group received 2mls/kg of distilled water, Treatment group (T1) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate, Treatment group (T2) was administered 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus and Treatment group (T3) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate and 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus concomitantly orally for fourteen (14) days. H&E and Cresyl violet histological stains and Biochemical assays for SOD, CAT activities and MDA concentration was determined. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and subjected to Turkeys post hoc test from the multiple comparison. Results: Revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in body weight and brain weight changes across groups relatives to the control group while SOD and Catalase activities were increased significantly in the Treatment groups compared to control group. Histological findings in control group and T2 showed normal histoarchitectural appearance of cerebral cortex Pyramidal neurons while the lead exposed group (T1) revealed features of neurodegenerative changes evident by nuclear shrinkage with pyknosis and karryorrhexis. while T3 revealed near normal presentations. Conclusion: In summary, Citrullus lanatus mitigates against pyramidal neuronal cells distortions following lead acetate induced toxicity in Wistar Rats and also further affirms its antioxidative potential.

Microbial interactions facilitating efficient methane driven denitrification via in-situ utilization of short chain fatty acids

High nitrate pollution in agriculture and industry poses a challenge to emerging methane oxidation coupled denitrification. In this study, an efficient nitrate removal efficiency of 100 % was achieved at an influent loading rate of 400 mg-N/L·d, accompanied by the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with a maximum value of 80.9 mg/L. Batch tests confirmed that methane was initially converted to acetate, which then served as a carbon source for denitrification. Microbial community characterization revealed the dominance of heterotrophic denitrifiers, including Simplicispira (22.8 %), Stappia (4.9 %), and the high‑nitrogen-tolerant heterotrophic denitrifier Diaphorobacter (19.0 %), at the nitrate removal rate of 400 mg-N/L·d. Notably, the low abundance of methanotrophs ranging from 0.24 % to 3.75 % across all operational stages does not fully align with the abundance of pmoA genes, suggesting the presence of other functional microorganisms capable of methane oxidation and SCFAs production. These findings could facilitate highly efficient denitrification driven by methane and contributed to the development of denitrification using methane as an electron donor.

Developing a zero-waste pattern drafting method suitable for mass production

Developing a zero-waste pattern drafting method suitable for mass production

Does the Porter hypothesis hold in China? evidence from the “2+26” regional air pollution treatment policy

Abstract This study analyzed the impact of environmental regulation, specifically the “2+26” regional strategy for air quality improvement, on corporate research and development (R&D) investment in China. We developed a theoretical model based on the argument that R&D investment rises with regulation intensity. Using 2010–2019 data from China's listed companies located in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, we treated the $2+26$ policy as a quasi-natural experiment and adopted a difference-in-differences approach to explore its effect on firm R&D input. A positive association was observed between firm R&D intensity and the $2+26$ strategy's implementation in major polluting industries. Our results provide in-depth insights into the $2+26$ strategy's economic consequences, which are potentially of interest to both scholars and policymakers.

Design of novel FeSe2/ZnO composites and their application in photodegradation of methylene blue

Water pollution has become one of the major global issues, posing serious threat to both humans and aquatic life. The elimination of organic industrial pollutants from wastewater is currently a major area of research. Herein, we report for the first time a novel FeSe2/ZnO composite system for highly efficient removal of organic dyes under visible light. FeSe2/ZnO composites with varying mass ratios of FeSe2 were successfully prepared through simple and low-cost chemical method. The physiochemical properties of the prepared FeSe2/ZnO composites were carefully evaluated and compared with those of pure ZnO rods and FeSe2 flowers. UV–vis spectroscopy confirmed that the coupling of FeSe2 with ZnO caused a significant improvement in the optical absorption of ZnO. The bandgap energies of FeSe2/ZnO composites showed a red shift with increasing the ratio of FeSe2 flowers. The prepared samples were evaluated for their photocatalytic response against the removal of methylene blue dye. Compared to the pure FeSe2 and ZnO, the composites displayed impressive photocatalytic performance. Among the prepared samples, composite with an optimum ratio of 75 wt% FeSe2 revealed outstanding photocatalytic efficiency, making it a promising candidate for the removal of organic pollutants.

Could environmental regulation effectively boost the synergy level of carbon emission reduction and air pollutants control? Evidence from industrial sector in China

In response to the pressure of combating climate change and enhancing air quality, China has tightened environmental regulations. In China, reducing carbon emissions and air pollutants together has become a critical target for environmental protection. However, no literature explores the impact of environmental regulation on the synergy level of reducing CO2 and air pollutants in the industrial sector. Therefore, this study explores whether environmental regulation could effectively boost the synergy level of carbon emission reduction and air pollutants control in China's industrial sector. We first construct an evaluation indicator system for synergistic emission reduction of CO2 and air pollutants (SO2, NOx, PM), then employs the coupled coordination model to evaluate the synergy level of emission reduction. Furthermore, we explore the impact pathway of environmental regulation on the synergy level of emission reduction. The results indicate that: (1) On the whole, the synergy level shows a slow upward trend, but remains insufficient from 2011 to 2020. (2) Overall, environmental regulation significantly boosts the synergy level of carbon emission reduction and air pollutants control. Regarding the impact pathway, industrial structure has a completely promoting effect, while technical progress exerts a suppressing effect. (3) In regions with higher economic development, environmental regulation has a greater positive influence on synergy level, and the suppressing effect of technical progress is weaker than in less developed regions. These findings could provide helpful references for policy making on synergistic emission reduction of industrial CO2 and air pollutants in China.

Assessment of the impact of chemical pollution on endangered migratory fish in two major rivers of France, including spawning grounds

Water pollution is a one of the most contributors to aquatic biodiversity decline. Consequently, ecological risk assessment methods have been developed to investigate the effects of existing stresses on the environment, including the toxic effects of chemicals. One of the existing approaches to quantify toxic risks is called “Potentially Affected Fraction of species” (PAF), which estimates the potential loss of species within a group of species studied. In this study, the PAF method was applied to the Garonne catchment (southwest France) due to the limited information available on the involvement of water pollution in the decline of diadromous fish populations. This approach was used to quantify the potential toxic risk associated with chemical contamination of water for fish species. The objectives were to quantify this risk (1) in the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and (2) in the spawning grounds of two endangered anadromous fish species: the allis shad and the European sturgeon during the development period of their early life stages. Environmental pollution data was provided for 21 sites within the Garonne catchment between 2007 and 2022, and toxicity data was obtained specifically from freshwater toxicity tests on fish species. Then, for each site and each year, the potential toxic risk for a single substance (ssPAF) and for a mixture of substances (msPAF) was calculated and classified as high (>5 %), moderate (>1 % and < 5 %) or low (<1 %). Potential toxic risks were mostly moderate and mainly associated with: metals > other industrial pollutants and hygiene and care products > agrochemicals. In summary, this study highlights the probable involvement of water contamination on the decline, fate and restoration of diadromous fish populations in the Garonne catchment, focusing notably on the toxic effects on early life stages, a previously understudied topic.

The Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma Severity among Residents Living near the Main Industrial Complex in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Asthma is a widespread chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant public health challenge. The current study investigated the associations between air pollution and asthma severity among individuals residing near the Sohar industrial port (SIP) in Oman. Despite the presence of multiple major industrial complexes in Oman, limited knowledge regarding their impact on respiratory health is accredited. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to offer valuable insights into the respiratory health consequences of industrial air pollution in Al Batinah North. The state health clinics' records for patient visits related to asthma were collected for the timeframe spanning 2014 to 2022. Exposure was defined as the distance from the SIP, Majan Industerial Area (MIA), and Sohar Industerial Zone (SIZ) to determine high-, intermediate-, and low-exposure zones (<6 km, 6-12 km and >12 km, respectively). Exposure effect modifications by age, gender, and smoking status were also examined. The conducted cross-sectional study of 410 patients (46.1% males and 53.9% females) living in over 17 areas around SIP revealed that 73.2% of asthmatics were under 50 years old, with severity significantly associated with closeness to the port. Risk ratios were estimated to be (RR:2.42; CI95%: 1.01-5.78), (RR:1.91; CI95%: 1.01-3.6), and (RR:1.68; CI95%: 0.92-3.09) for SIP, MIP, and SIZ areas, respectively, compared to the control area. Falaj Al Qabail (6.4 km) and Majees (6 km) had the highest number of asthma patients (N 69 and N 72) and highest percentages of severe asthma cases among these patients (28% and 24%) with significant risk ratios (RR:2.97; CI95%: 1.19-7.45 and RR:2.55; CI95%: 1.00-6.48), correspondingly. Moreover, severe asthma prevalence peaked in the 25-50 age group (RR:2.05; CI95%: 1.26-3.33), and this linkage between asthma and age was much more pronounced in males than females. Smoking and exposure to certain contaminants (dust and smoke) also increased the risk of severe asthma symptoms, but their effects were less important in the high-risk zone, suggesting much more important risk factors. A neural network model accurately predicted asthma risk (94.8% accuracy), with proximity to SIP as the most influential predictor. This study highlights the high asthma burden near SIP, linked to port proximity, smoking, and wind direction as major risk factors. These findings inform vital public health policies to reduce air pollution and improve respiratory health in the region, prompting national policy review.

Impact of pollution prevention practices and green environmental practices on sustainable performance: Empirical evidence from Chinese SMEs

Adequate protection of the environment is one of the hot spots of concern for all sectors of society due to severe environmental pollution. The solution to this issue is friendly management of the environment. With the rapid growth of Chinese Manufacturing SMEs for economic development, environmental pollution and abuse of resources are arising. To resolve these issues, Chinese manufacturing SMEs are accelerating the implementation of green innovation in their industries. However, it is a complex task that involves enterprise, government, and social considerations. Therefore, it is essential to identify the green drivers for this implementation. With a focus on China's current situation from previous research and views from experts, this study aims to investigate how Chinese Manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are responding to resource misuse and environmental pollution by implementing green innovation, emphasising the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving environmental performance. This study primarily looks into the factors that influence the adoption of green innovations by analysing the growth paths of Chinese SMEs operating in highly polluting industries over a longer time frame than five years. Artificial Intelligence is a valuable tool for solving the issues of ecological degradation. A quantitative method has been implemented for the Chinese companies' samples from the deeply polluting industries for more than five years. The findings of this paper advise that the average board size, the governing board meetings, and organizational performance are positively connected with the Chinese firms' environmental process. Board independence and diversity of gender have irrelevant associations with ecological performance. A convenient threshold regression model has been used to accumulate the respondents' data. It also reveals that larger board sizes and more frequent governing board meetings are positively associated with improved environmental performance among these firms. The findings state the critical implications for the firm executives, policymakers, environmental activists, and regulators. This result supports the insight drained from the resource dependence, stakeholder, firm agency, and legitimacy theories.

PENGENDALIAN PENCEMARAN AIR UNTUK KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN YANG LEBIH BAIK DI KABUPATEN SUMENEP

The progress in the industrial sector has the potential to produce waste that can pollute and damage the environment. Wastewater is a major problem because it can have a negative impact on the environment and public health. Water pollution occurs because business owners does not manage wastewater at Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL). This research aims to analyze the implementation of water pollution control policy especially that caused by the shrimp pond industry in Sumenep Regency and solving the problems. This research is a normative juridical research, legal science approach and primary data as the main data is obtained from various legal materials related to research supported also by secondary and tertiary data as additional data. The results showed that the implementation of Sumenep Regency Regent Regulation No. 1 of 2016 concerning Water Quality Management and Water Pollution Control has not been implemented properly. It is necessary to create policies to control industrial wastewater pollution by the preparation of Regional Regulations, which contain criminal and/or administrative sanctions, and also contain the obligation for every shrimp pond owner must be equipped with IPAL so it’s more effective to protecting the environment and disciplining the society.

The charm of green finance: Can green finance reduce corporate carbon emissions?

The “dual carbon” approach, which emphasizes support for environmentally friendly development and green transition, has reignited passion for green finance. Simultaneously, green finance has progressively emerged as a pivotal approach for addressing climate challenges. The paper develops green finance indicators for Chinese provinces and carbon emission indicators for 2001–2020 A-share listed enterprises. Green financing has been proven to lessen carbon output by upgrading industrial constructure and technological advancement from macroscopical view. On the micro level, carbon emissions can be reduced through three channels: financing effect, innovation effect and external supervision effect. Further research shows that green finance has worse emission reduction results on enterprises in heavy polluting industries and resource-based industries. However, the reduction effect is better for enterprises with high capital intensity and high local marketization level. This conclusion has important guiding significance for the global government on how to achieve the “double carbon” goal through green finance reasonably and effectively.