Industrial Sites Research Articles

Research on the design of narrative space construction: a case study of the revitalization project of the Macau Lychee Bowl Shipyard

ABSTRACT This study investigates the revitalization project of the Macao Lychee Bowl Shipyard, an industrial heritage site, aiming to uncover the expressive mechanism of narrativity within public spaces and thereby forge a fresh understanding of contemporary narrative space creation. Employing qualitative research methods such as participatory observation, spatial photography, literature review, and historical data gathering, the study unveils practical approaches for crafting narrative spaces in design research. These encompass multiple aspects, including the preservation and innovation of heritage value, the integration of social issues, user engagement, symbolism and expressiveness, non-verbal narratives, cultural and skill reproduction. The findings reveal that through governmental steering, project strategizing, community involvement, design competitions, and educational initiatives, the Lychee Bowl Shipyard has undergone a successful transformation into a versatile public space. This endeavor not only ensures the preservation of industrial heritage but also rejuvenates the site’s charm and cultural dynamism. The study offers a suite of strategies and practical avenues grounded in narrative space creation for the revitalization of industrial heritage, serving as a guiding beacon for heritage conservation, urban development, and communal engagement.

Application of a new approach method to assess the hazard of complex legacy contaminated groundwater mixtures on fathead minnows in outdoor mesocosms

Assessing the environmental risks of contaminated groundwater presents significant challenges due to its often-complex chemical composition and to dynamic processes affecting exposure of organisms in receiving surface waters. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of groundwater collected from a legacy contaminated industrial site, in fish under environmentally relevant conditions. A 21-day fish short-term reproduction assay was conducted in outdoor wetland mesocosms by exposing adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to graded concentrations of groundwater (1 %, 3 %, and 6 %). Offspring were held in mesocosms up to four days post-hatch to apply a new approach method (NAM), the EcoToxChip™, to explore whether traditional apical endpoints could be predicted using an alternative mechanistic approach. None of the groundwater concentrations used in this study were lethal to fish. There was greater cumulative number of eggs produced at the highest concentration of exposure. However, no abnormal histological appearance was observed in the liver and gonads of fish and no significant effect was observed in the relative expression of genes, tubercle counts, and erythrocyte micronuclei counts compared to the negative control. Food availability in the mesocosms was also assessed and the abundance of zooplankton increased in all groundwater-treated mesocosms. Fathead minnow findings are in contrast to those obtained from previous controlled laboratory studies that revealed significant genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reprotoxicity of the same mixtures. Several factors could explain these observations, including the aging of groundwater in mesocosms before fish addition resulting in photo- and biodegradation and binding to sediments of toxic components. Our static exposure scenario likely underestimated realistic exposure scenarios where groundwater inflow to surface water is generally semi-continuous. Nevertheless, focused transcriptome analysis using EcoToxChips also observed greater toxicity during previous laboratory tests compared to mesocosm scenarios, and thus, our results support the use of this NAM in the ecological risk assessment of contaminated groundwater.

Spatio-temporal trends in microplastic presence in the sediments of the River Thames catchment (UK)

This study investigated the spatio-temporal variability of microplastics (MPs) in the sediments of the River Thames (UK) catchment over 30 months (July 2019 – Dec 2021). The average MP concentration was 61 items kg−1 d.w., with fragments <1 mm being dominant and polyethylene (PE) the most common polymer. Adjacent land use influenced MP concentrations and types, with industrial sites showing particularly high levels and a prevalence of small beads and industrial polymers. MP concentrations generally decreased after higher winter flows, likely due to sediment rearrangement or winnowing. This study describes the seasonal concentrations and characteristics of MPs present in sediment from the River Thames catchment, and attempts to identify their likely origin. Further, the study provides new insights into the mobility and fate of MPs in riverine settings under varying flow conditions, which is vital given the predicted increases in flooding under various global heating scenarios.

Экспериментальные исследования горения смесей водорода, кислорода и азота в частично ограниченном пространстве

Experimental studies of the peculiarities of combustion of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen mixtures in a partially confined space when changing the space limitation within the wide range from 12 to 81 % of the total space, e.g., premises, industrial sites, or stands where hydrogen and oxygen spills or their discharge in a gaseous state are potential, have been carried out. The experiments have been conducted on a stand with hydrogen and oxygen mixtures containing nitrogen 2Н2 + О2 + 2N2 and hydrogen and oxygen mixtures 2Н2 + О2. According to the results of the studies, partial limitation of the space does not significantly affect the combustion rate of such mixtures. At the same time, during combustion in a partially confined space, the pressure in the compression wave increases compared to the pressure in a free space. Increasing the space limitation during ignition caused pressure rise in the mixture compression waves. During the tests with 2Н2 + О2 + 2N2 with one wall of the stand space limitation, at the ignition of the mixture, pressure sensors placed opposite the wall registered, on average, a 50 % higher pressure compared with the sensors facing the open space. These sensors showed the same pressure values as for the mixture combustion in a free space. The increase of the installation space limitation with three walls during ignition led to further pressure rise in a partially confined space. The same effect has been registered for 2Н2 + О2 mixtures. During the experiments, the limitation of the installation’s free space with only one wall caused the double rise of blast wave compression pressure compared with experiments without a wall. The results of studies confirm that with the increase of the stand space limitation, the mixture ignition pressure increases, which is conditioned by the interaction of falling and reflected waves.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Dust Samples from Industrial and Non-Industrial Sites in Erbil Governorate

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Dust Samples from Industrial and Non-Industrial Sites in Erbil Governorate

Techno-economic assessment of hydrogen supply solutions for industrial site

In Austria, one of the highest priorities of hydrogen usage lies in the industrial sector, particularly as a feedstock and for high-temperature applications. Connecting hydrogen producers with consumers is challenging and requires comprehensive research to outline the advantages and challenges associated with various hydrogen supply options.This study focuses on techno-economic assessment of different supply solutions for industrial sites, mainly depicted in two categories: providing hydrogen by transport means and via on-site production. The technologies needed for the investigation of these scenarios are identified based on the predictions of available technologies in near future (2030). The transportation options analyzed include delivering liquid hydrogen by truck, liquid hydrogen by railway and gaseous hydrogen via pipeline. For on-site low-carbon hydrogen production, a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis was selected, as resent research suggests lower costs for PEM electrolysis compared to alkaline electrolysis (AEL). The frequency of deliveries and storage options vary by scenario and are determined by the industrial demand profile, transport capacity and electrolyser production capacity. The assessment evaluates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of each option, considering factors such as infrastructure requirements, energy efficiency and economic viability.At a hydrogen demand of 80 GWh, the transport options indicate hydrogen supply costs in the range of 14–24 ct/kWh. In contrast, the scenarios investigating on-site production of hydrogen show costs between 29 and 49 ct/kWh. Therefore, transport by truck, rail or pipeline is economically advantageous to own-production under the specific assumptions and conditions. However, the results indicate that as energy demand increases, on-site production becomes more attractive. Additionally, the influence of electricity prices and the hydrogen production/import price were identified as decisive factors for the overall hydrogen supply costs.

Levels of trace elements in the blood of chick gulls from the English Channel: Spatial and trophic implications

Anthropogenic activity has disturbed the natural distribution and circulation of trace elements in the environment. This has led to increased background levels of numerous elements, causing global pollution. In this context, seabirds are relevant bioindicators of environmental contamination. This study focuses on the ecological factors that influence the concentrations of 14 trace elements in the blood of the chicks of three sympatric gull species from the French coast of the English Channel. Between 2015 and 2017, 174 birds were sampled in the industrialised Seine Estuary (in the city of Le Havre and on Ratier Island) and in the remote Chausey Islands, 200 km to the west. We also considered the Se:Hg molar ratio using Hg concentrations in those birds. Ag and V concentrations were below the quantification limit in all cases, while the fraction of non-quantified samples was higher than 30 % for Cd, Cr and Ni. Among the elements quantified in the samples, the lowest concentrations were noted for Co and the highest for Fe, building the following order: Co < Cd < Ni < Mn ≤ Pb < Cr < Hg < Cu < Se < As < Zn < Fe. No unanimous scheme of concentrations among elements, species and sites existed. Similarly, different models were fitted and different factors were significant for different species and elements. We observed the biomagnification of As and the biodilution of Pb. Pb concentrations were also highest in the industrial site in the city of Le Havre. Despite the high proportion of non-quantified samples for Cd, Cr and Ni, we continued to notice higher concentrations in the marine environment of the Chausey Islands. Concentrations of some elements clearly revealed habitat dependence. In some cases the Se:Hg molar ratio was lower than 4, a threshold for diminishing Hg toxicity by Se.

Potentially Toxic Elements Uptake and Distribution in Betula middendorffii T. and Duschekia fruticosa R. Growing on Diamond Mining Area (Yakutia, Russia).

This study was conducted in the territory of the industrial site of the Udachny Mining and Processing Division (Yakutia, Russia). The objects of study were permafrost soils and two species of shrubs (Betula middendorffii T. and Duschekia fruticose R.). Soil and plant samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for the presence of potentially toxic elements (Pb, Ni, Mn, Cd, Co, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, and As). The bioaccumulation factor for each element was also calculated. In the studied plants, the investigated elements were arranged in the following descending row in terms of their content: Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > As > Co > Cd, but in terms of bioaccumulation degree, they decrease in the following row: Cr > Zn > Ni > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Co-for Betula middendorffii, Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Mn > Mn > Cd > Co-for Duschekia fruticose. The bioaccumulation factor results confirmed that Betula middendorffiii and Duschekia fruticosa are resistant to high concentrations of Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn elements coherent to kimberlites.

A comprehensive assessment of heavy metals, VOCs and petroleum hydrocarbon in different soil layers and groundwater at an abandoned Al/Cu industrial site

Compound pollution at industrial sites impedes urban development, especially when there is a lack of understanding about the spatial variations of internal pollution in industrial areas producing light-weight materials. In this study, spatial distribution and ecological risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and petroleum hydrocarbons (C10–40) in the soil and groundwater of an Al/Cu (aluminum/copper) industrial site have been analyzed comprehensively. Results revealed the progressive clustering of pollutants in different soil layers, which indicated varying levels of penetration and migration of pollutants from the surface downward. Furthermore, severity of pollution varied according to pollutant type, with Cu (5–10,228 mg kg−1) often exceeding the background levels significantly (>40). Cd (0.03–2.60 mg kg−1) and Hg (0.01–3.73 mg kg−1) were found at elevated concentrations in deeper soil layers, suggesting distinct variations of PTEs across different soil depths. Among the more hazardous VOCS, polychlorinated biphenyls (1.80–234 μg kg−1) were particularly prevalent in the deeper layers of soil. Petroleum hydrocarbons (C10–40) were widely detected (6–582 mg kg−1), showing significant migration potential from surface to deep soil. These findings suggest that prolonged industrial activities lead to deep-seated accumulation of pollutants, which also impacts the groundwater, contributing to long-term dispersion of contaminants. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis indicated certain positive correlations among the distribution of Cu, Pb and petroleum hydrocarbons, indicating possible coupling of these pollutants. Severe Cu pollution caused an ecological risk in the surface soil layer (covering >20 % area of high pollution site, contributing >40 % ecological risk). While the Hg and Cd posed significant risks in the deeper soil layers, showing higher risk coefficients and mobility. The study provides crucial insights into the transformation of urban areas with a history of industrial uses into community spaces and highlights the risks posed by the remaining pollutants.

The study on the relationship between perceived value, satisfaction, and tourist loyalty at industrial heritage sites

The legacy of industry reflects a city's journey and marks its cultural essence, highlighting the significance of preserving and promoting such historical assets. There is a noticeable gap in the discourse surrounding the intrinsic value of industrial heritage attractions and their impact on the fidelity of tourists. In light of this, the present investigation, rooted in the ABC attitude framework, examines the linkage between the perceived value, contentment, and allegiance of initial visitors to these sites. The study delves into the intermediary function of contentment and the variable influence of gender. Focusing on the Maoming Open-pit Ecological Park as a case in point, this research gathered and scrutinized 320 valid questionnaires. The outcomes demonstrate that the perceived value exerts a positive effect on both the satisfaction and the steadfastness of tourists. Satisfaction is identified as an intermediary between perceived value and tourist steadfastness. Additionally, gender plays a notable role in moderating specific aspects of the model. This inquiry aids in harnessing the potential of industrial heritage sites for the advancement of tourism, fostering economic prosperity and the rebirth of cultural practices. Furthermore, it lays down essential theoretical and practical building blocks for the evolution of industrial heritage as a tourism asset.

A Reusable Past. Opportunities for the Utilization of Industrial Heritage in Salgótarján, Hungary

AbstractIndustrial heritage is not just the industrial landscape, buildings, and material objects, but also the highly complex cultural heritage created by industrial society, with many unique features. The former industrial towns of East-Central European countries have little memory of their early capitalist industrial past, and their socialist legacy is mostly seen as an unwanted and unwelcome burden. Industrial heritage preservation in Hungary was also adversely affected by the ideology of de-industrialization in the late 1980s, and this was compounded by struggles over the politics of memory. Salgótarján, as the seat of Nógrád County, is a city with county rights that has one of the worst social and economic indicators in the country, with dozens of slums, many of them on former industrial sites. The number of sites suitable for greenfield investment in the valley town is low, while the proportion of under-utilized brownfields is high. The real turning point in the development of the settlement was the opening of the mines and the mining boom in the second half of the 19th century. The opening of the mines was soon followed by the construction of larger industrial plants: the steel mill, the hollow-glass and later flat-glass factory, and the ironworks (stove factory). Initially, skilled workers were recruited from abroad, which laid the foundations for a unique society, as much of the population had no ties to the settlement, or even to Hungary—only to the work and their employer. The industrial society of Salgótarján formed a well-defined local community with a sense of identity. The management of the companies and factories, the network of workers' welfare institutions, the managed leisure programs and facilities, and of course the built environment of the colonies played a major role in all this. Under state socialism, the factories continued to operate with an artificially inflated workforce, and after the political regime change in 1989, the privatized plants closed down with dramatic abruptness, leading to social trauma and high unemployment in the settlement. The preservation and presentation of industrial heritage is also important for the city's identity while the built environment is undergoing a radical transformation, which is why buildings that are deemed worthy of preservation should be given a new function as soon as possible so that they may remain an integral part of the settlement.

PROMOTION OF SMES ESTABLISHMENT AS PART OF THE INDUSTRIAL PARKS TRANSFORMATION

This study examines the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in transforming industrial parks into eco-industrial parks and focuses on strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises’ engagement. The relevance of the topic stems from the growing need to implement sustainable development principles, which are increasingly demanded by companies with international investments. These principles require industrial sites to balance economic and environmental indicators through the creation of eco-friendly industrial systems. SMEs are crucial to this process due to their flexibility, capacity for innovation, and efficient resource use. However, their integration into industrial parks faces significant barriers, such as limited financial resources, technical expertise, and infrastructure, making this issue critical for investigation. The study employs inductive analysis of scientific literature, case studies, and reports on eco-industrial parks development and small and medium-sized enterprises’ support. Findings indicate that small and medium-sized enterprises significantly enhance the economic vitality of industrial parks by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and expanding production capacity. However, in countries like Ukraine, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises is hindered by financial, regulatory, and technical challenges. The article proposes a methodology for developing strategies to attract small and medium-sized enterprises to industrial parks, which will enhance their alignment with eco-industrial standards and promote sustainable regional development.

A distributed and cooperative signature-based intrusion detection system framework for multi-channel man-in-the-middle attacks against protected Wi-Fi networks

A Multi-Channel Man-in-the-Middle (MC-MitM) attack is an advanced form of MitM attack, characterized by its ability to manipulate encrypted wireless communications between the Access Point (AP) and clients within a WiFi network. MC-MitM attacks can target any Wi-Fi client, regardless of the authentication method used with the AP. Notable examples of such attacks include Key Reinstallation Attacks and FragAttacks, which have impacted millions of WiFi systems worldwide, especially those involving Internet of Things devices. Current defense mechanisms are inadequate against these attacks due to interoperability challenges and the need for modifications to devices or protocols within the targeted Wi-Fi networks. This paper introduces a distributed and cooperative signature-based wireless intrusion detection mechanism designed for online passive monitoring to detect malicious traffic patterns during MC-MitM attacks in any environment, from apartments and houses to large areas like hotels, offices or industrial sites. We implemented the proposed framework on Raspberry Pis and evaluated it in real-world settings. Our evaluation demonstrates that this framework can effectively identify MC-MitM attacks with an average accuracy of 98% when deployed across different locations within our experimental testbed.

Premises for locating industrial and warehouse sites – Evidence from the backyard of Europe's Green Lungs

Premises for locating industrial and warehouse sites – Evidence from the backyard of Europe's Green Lungs

E-Fuels: A Comprehensive Review of the Most Promising Technological Alternatives towards an Energy Transition

E-fuels represent a crucial technology for transitioning to fossil-free energy systems, driven by the need to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels, which are major environmental pollutants. This study investigates the production of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, focusing on e-hydrogen (e-H2) generated from water electrolysis using renewable electricity and carbon dioxide (CO2) captured from industrial sites or the air (CCUS, DAC). E-H2 can be converted into various e-fuels (e-methane, e-methanol, e-DME/OME, e-diesel/kerosene/gasoline) or combined with nitrogen to produce e-ammonia. These e-fuels serve as efficient energy carriers that can be stored, transported, and utilized across different energy sectors, including transportation and industry. The first objective is to establish a clear framework encompassing the required feedstocks and production technologies, such as water electrolysis, carbon capture, and nitrogen production techniques, followed by an analysis of e-fuel synthesis technologies. The second objective is to evaluate these technologies’ technological maturity and sustainability, comparing energy conversion efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions with their electric counterparts. The sustainability of e-fuels hinges on using renewable electricity. Challenges and future prospects of an energy system based on e-fuels are discussed, aiming to inform the debate on e-fuels’ role in reducing fossil fuel dependency.

Deserts of the Real: Paris and the Algerian Sahara as Postmodern Simulacra in Malek Haddad’s Je t’offrirai une gazelle

This article revisits an overlooked foundational text of early Algerian Francophone literature: Je t’offrirai une gazelle by Malek Haddad (1959). Reading Haddad’s novel through postcolonial and postmodern lenses, I rely on Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation theory to explain the psychological exiles suffered by Haddad’s characters. The novel tells the story of an unnamed Algerian writer during the war of independence attempting to publish an exotic fable he wrote taking place in the Sahara, also titled “Je t’offrirai une gazelle.” Analyzing this metatextual interplay and the search for an Algerian collective consciousness, I argue that Haddad’s novel is postcolonial and postmodern in two ways: in the Parisian frame of the story by criticizing the moral wasteland of the city as a Baudrillardian desert of the real, and in the Saharan frame by responding to colonial and Orientalist literature through the construction of “Arabs” and Tuaregs as a single, noble people. Although Haddad tells stories of failures and shortcomings, his Sahara as a site of culture, fertility, and industry foreshadows his political commitment to a pan-African Arabic-speaking Algeria a decade later under the Boumédiène administration.

Screening of As-Resistant Bacterial Strains from the Bulk Soil and the Rhizosphere of Mycorrhizal Pteris vittata Cultivated in an Industrial Multi-Polluted Site

Arsenic (As) contamination poses significant environmental and health concerns globally, particularly in regions with high exposure levels due to anthropogenic activities. As phytoremediation, particularly through the hyperaccumulator fern Pteris vittata, offers a promising approach to mitigate arsenic pollution. Bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi colonizing P. vittata roots are involved in As metabolism and resistance and plant growth promotion under stressful conditions. A total of 45 bacterial strains were isolated from bulk soil and the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal P. vittata growing in an industrial As-polluted site. Bacteria were characterized by their plant-beneficial traits, tolerance to sodium arsenate and arsenite, and the occurrence of As-resistant genes. This study highlights differences between the culturable fraction of the microbiota associated with the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal P. vittata plants and the bulk soil. Moreover, several strains showing arsenate tolerance up to 600 mM were isolated. All the bacterial strains possessed arsC genes, and about 70% of them showed arrA genes involved in the anaerobic arsenate respiration pathway. The possible exploitation of such bacterial strains in strategies devoted to the assisted phytoremediation of arsenic highlights the importance of such a study in order to develop effective in situ phytoremediation strategies.

Assessment on the Impact of Mining and Industrial Activities in Groundwater Quality in Chandrapur, Maharashtra Through Remote Sensing and GIS Applications

This study evaluated the quality of groundwater in Chandrapur Taluka, Maharashtra, using geospatial techniques and data from 2014 and 2018. The study assessed various water quality parameters such as chloride, fluoride, pH, residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). The findings showed that chloride concentrations were mostly within acceptable limits, but there was a slight increase in areas near mining and industrial sites, which was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Fluoride levels were generally within permissible bounds, but there was a noticeable increase near industrial areas in 2018 compared to 2014, which was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) and raised environmental concerns. Variations in pH values were also observed, which could impact aquatic ecosystems, with a decrease noted from 2014 to 2018. RSC levels were higher near mining and industrial zones in 2018, exceeding recommended limits, indicating a potential threat to water quality. SAR levels in 2018 were higher, potentially impacting agriculture, but still within acceptable limits. Sulphate levels showed a reduction from 2014 to 2018. These comprehensive findings highlight the specific impacts of mining and industrial activities on groundwater quality and raise broader scientific questions. They can be used to develop evidence-based policies for effective mitigation measures and engage a wider readership.

Fluoride geochemistry in groundwater at regulated industrial sites.

Few studies apply geochemical concepts governing fluoride fate and transport in natural waters to geochemical conditions at contaminated industrial sites. This has negative implications for designing sampling and compliance monitoring programs and informing remediation decision-making. We compiled geochemical data for 566 groundwater samples from industrial waste streams associated with elevated fluoride and that span a range of geochemical conditions, including alkaline spent potliner, near-neutral pH coal combustion, and acidic gypsum stack impoundments. Like natural systems, elevated fluoride (hundreds to thousands of ppm) exists at the pH extremes and is generally tens of ppm at near-neutral pH conditions. Geochemical models identify pH-dependent fluoride complexation at low pH and carbonate stability at high pH as dominant processes controlling fluoride mobility. Limitations in available thermochemical, kinetic rate, and adsorption/desorption data and lack of complete analyses present uncertainties in quantitative models used to assess fluoride mobility at industrial sites. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Geochemical fundamentals of fluoride fate and transport in groundwater are communicated for environmental practitioners. Fluoride is a reactive constituent in groundwater, and factors that govern attenuation are identified. Geochemical models are useful for identifying fluoride attenuation processes, but quantitative use is limited by thermodynamic data uncertainties.

Global evaluation of current and future threats to drylands and their vertebrate biodiversity.

Drylands are often overlooked in broad conservation frameworks and development priorities and face increasing threats from human activities. Here we evaluated the formal degree of protection of global drylands, their land vertebrate biodiversity and current threats, and projected human-induced land-use changes to drylands under different future climate change and socioeconomic scenarios. Overall, drylands have lower protected-area coverage (12%) compared to non-drylands (21%). Consequently, most dryland vertebrates including many endemic and narrow-ranging species are inadequately protected (0-2% range coverage). Dryland vertebrates are threatened by varied anthropogenic factors-including agricultural and infrastructure development (that is, artificial structures, surfaces, roads and industrial sites). Alarmingly, by 2100 drylands are projected to experience some degree of land conversion in 95-100% of their current natural habitat due to urban, agricultural and alternative energy expansion. This loss of undisturbed dryland regions is expected across different socioeconomic pathways, even under optimistic scenarios characterized by progressive climate policies and moderate socioeconomic trends.