Environmental Protection Issues Research Articles

A Theoretical Study of the Impact of ESG Performance on the Cost of Corporate Debt Financing

With the increasing global attention to environmental protection, social responsibility and corporate governance (ESG) issues, the ESG performance of enterprises has become an important indicator for creditors to assess their non-financial performance. This paper analyzes the development status quo of ESG ratings in China and the situation of corporate debt financing, combines information asymmetry theory, principal-agent theory, contract theory and other in-depth discussion of the impact of corporate ESG performance on its debt financing costs, so as to put forward targeted recommendations to further enhance the attention of China's listed enterprises to ESG ratings, as well as to reduce the cost of corporate debt financing measures put forward to lay a more solid theoretical foundation, to help enterprises better achieve high-quality and high quality of corporate governance. It lays a more solid theoretical foundation for further improving China's listed enterprises' attention to ESG ratings and proposing measures to reduce the cost of corporate debt financing, and helps enterprises better realize high quality and sustainable development.

Effective adsorptive removal of heavy metal anion Cr(Ⅵ) and dye cation methylene blue by the novel 2D material TiVCTx MXene

With the increasingly serious industrial pollution, the effective removal of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from wastewater has become a key issue of environmental protection. In this paper, a new MXene material, TiVCTx, was prepared by in situ etching, and its adsorption capacity of heavy metal anion Cr(Ⅵ) and methylene blue (MB) dye cation was studied. The effect of adsorption time, pH values, temperatures, initial concentrations of adsorbent and adsorbate, interfering ions on the Cr(Ⅵ) and MB adsorption of TiVCTx was systematically investigated. It is found that TiVCTx has excellent Cr(Ⅵ) and MB adsorption property, the adsorption capacity can be as high as 600mg/g and 1430mg/g, respectively. The adsorption experiments revealed that the adsorption process of Cr(Ⅵ) conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model and the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which indicated that the Cr(Ⅵ) adsorption was a heat-absorbing monolayer chemisorption. In contrast, the adsorption process of MB is in accordance with the Freundlich isotherm model and the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that the MB adsorption was an exothermic multilayer chemisorption. The results of X-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further confirmed that the reductive adsorption and electrostatic adsorption can account for the outstanding Cr(VI) and MB adsorption capacity of TiVCTx, respectively.

Consequence modeling and analysis of ethanol leakage from storage tank using the ALOHA program

Chemical spills pose a significant threat to the safety of people living nearby, as well as to air quality and occupational safety. Therefore, preventing chemical spills has become a key issue in environmental protection and process safety. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ethanol released from a tank at a chemical plant in Istanbul, Türkiye. The Areal Location of Hazardous Atmospheres model (ALOHA) version 5.4.7 estimates the storage tank's leakage radius and spread risk under three scenarios. ALOHA can assess the area affected by chemical hazards. The model shows that if the spill occurs 10 centimeters from the base of the tank, the toxic concentration of ethanol exceeds the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) threshold (i.e., 3300 parts per million) at a distance of 31 meters from the place of release. In addition, when the ethanol concentration exceeds 60% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) (i.e., 19800 parts per million), the flammable vapor cloud extends up to 31 meters from the place of release. For a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE), the mass of the fireball is assumed to be 100%, resulting in the worst possible scenario. During BLEVE, it is estimated that the fireball's diameter and time duration, determined by the amount of Ethanol present, would be 141 meters and 10 seconds, respectively. The results show that the thermal radiation effects caused by Ethanol BLEVE are extremely dangerous.

Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on Environmental Protection and that Ideology’s Significance of Environmental Protection Awareness Education for Students

During the process of leading the country, Ho Chi Minh soon outlined strategic directions for the country’s development, including the issue of environmental protection. Educating environmental protection awareness for all classes of people, especially the young generation, is of great significance. The young generation, including youth and students, is a part of society that the Communist Party of Vietnam always pays attention to training and nurturing; they will become the core force shouldering the responsibility of the country’s future. The purpose of this study is to clarify Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on environmental protection, and the significance of that Ideology in educating environmental protection awareness for students today. To achieve this goal, the study uses disciplinary and interdisciplinary research methods in social sciences and humanities. Research results have shown that Ho Chi Minh’s ideology on environmental protection is still valuable today. At the same time, inheriting those values for environmental protection education activities for students will bring about great changes in the awareness and actions of Vietnamese students. Proposing necessary solutions will help universities improve the quality of environmental protection education for students at present and in the future.

Investing in green, sustaining the planet: The role of fintech in promoting corporate green investment in the Chinese energy industry

In recent years, fintech has rapidly developed on a global scale, bringing about significant transformations across various industries. Particularly in the energy sector, the potential of fintech to promote corporate green investment has increasingly become a focus. As the energy industry accounts for a significant proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions, guiding companies in implementing green investment has become an important issue for environmental protection and sustainable development. However, previous studies have rarely systematically investigated the influence of fintech on corporate green investment in the energy industry and the mechanisms involved. Hence, this study aims to bridge this research gap within the context of China. By utilizing valid survey data from 466 corporations in the Chinese energy industry and the method of structural equation modeling, the results indicate that: (1) Fintech can promote corporate green investment in the energy industry. (2) Fintech can promote corporate data-driven decision-making capability, information transparency, and sustainable development strategy. (3) Data-driven decision-making capability, information transparency, and sustainable development strategy can also promote corporate green investment in the energy industry. (4) Mediation analysis reveals that data-driven decision-making capability, information transparency, and sustainable development strategy each play a mediating role in the impact of fintech on corporate green investment. (5) Comparative analysis of the mediation effects indicates that there is a certain degree of difference among these three variables’ mediating effects, but it did not reach a statistically significant level. This study provides rich insights for business practices, encouraging companies to strengthen their focus on green investment in the fintech era and offer guidance and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, thereby providing practical guidance for corporate green transformation and sustainable development. Finally, this research also contributes to policy development and optimization.

Research on the Evolutionary Law of Fracture Formation in Loose Seams Under High-Intensity Mining with Shallow Depth

The western mining regions of China, known for shallow-buried and high-intensity mining activities, face significant ecological threats due to damage to loose strata and the surface. The evolution of fissures within the loose layer is a critical issue for surface ecological environment protection in coal mining areas. The study employed field measurements, mechanical experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis, using the ‘triaxial consolidation without drainage’ experiment to assess the physical and mechanical properties of various strata in the loose layer. Additionally, the PFC2D numerical simulation software was employed to construct a numerical model that elucidates the damage mechanisms and reveals the evolution of loose layer fissures and the development of ground cracks. The research findings indicate that during shallow-buried high-intensity mining loose layer fissures undergo a dynamic evolution process characterized by “vertical extension-continuous penetration-lateral expansion”. As the working face advances, these fissures eventually propagate to the surface, forming ground cracks. The strong force chains within the overlying rock (or soil) layers develop in the form of an “inverted catenary arch”. As the arch foot and the middle of the arch overlap, fissures propagate along these strong force chains to the surface, resulting in ground cracks. The study elucidates the surface damage patterns in shallow-buried, high-intensity mining, offering theoretical insights for harmonizing coal mining safety with ecological conservation in fragile regions.

Water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Enteromorpha prolifera/PVA composite film functionalized as ε-polylysine with improved mechanical and antibacterial properties

The issue of environmental protection has received sustained and widespread attention. In order to reduce environmental pollution related to traditional plastics, it is an incessant demand to design novel environment-friendly food packaging materials with excellent performance. Sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the “green tide” marine pollution Enteromorpha prolifera (SPE) has been innovatively transformed into a film-forming material for better utilization. The insufficient mechanical properties and limited functionalities, however, hinder its wide application. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was blended to enhance its mechanical properties and ε-polylysine (ε-PL) was incorporated to endow it with antimicrobial performance. A novel and biodegradable film composed of SPE, PVA, and ε-PL was fabricated by casting method. We further determined the physicochemical properties of composited films. Mechanical performance test revealed the tensile strength of SPE-PVA-PL films increased from 5.56 MPa to 6.65 MPa and the E% increased from 128.8 % to 246.9 % compared with that of SPE-PVA films. Antimicrobial tests showed the excellent antibacterial activity of SPE-PVA-PL films against representative microbial species, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results of this study suggested that the SPE-based composite film has the potential to be used as a potential food packaging and wound dressing materials.

Effect of Solid Particles in Polymer Waste Liquid on Grinding Tool Wall Erosion

Abstract With the continuous accumulation of polymer waste liquid in the third oil recovery process, the treatment of wellhead return waste liquid has become a key issue in oilfield exploitation and environmental protection. In this paper, the erosion failure of the cutter caused by sand-containing particles in the waste liquid during the shear grinding process is studied. The influence of the main structural parameters of the grinding tool and the erosion failure is studied by using the comprehensive numerical simulation method to reduce the erosion rate of the polymer flooding waste liquid on the cutter. Firstly, the flow field model of the solid-liquid fluid is established, and the erosion phenomenon on the tool wall is studied by combining the model with field experiments. In addition, the relationship between the different cutters structure and erosion rate of the grinding tool is studied, and the mathematical model is established. The optimized structural parameters are given to enhance the erosion resistance of the grinding tool in the process of polymer flooding wellhead waste liquid treatment and prolong its service life.

A Review of Industrial Water Resources Efficiency

With the acceleration of China 's industrialization process and industrial upgrading, the efficient use and fine management of industrial water resources have become an increasingly important issue of industrial development and environmental protection. Industrial production activities not only consume a large amount of water resources, but also may lead to water pollution. Improving the efficiency of industrial water resources not only helps to save the total amount of water resources, but also reduces the harm of pollution emissions to the natural environment. This paper summarizes the current situation of industrial water resources efficiency and effective management strategies, including policy support and technological innovation.

Effective Connection between Criminal Law and Administrative Law Protection in Environmental Crimes

With the increasing emphasis on ecological environment protection, it has become a consensus of the whole society to use the strictest system and the most rigorous rule of law to protect the ecological environment. Due to its unique severity and deterrence, criminal law is becoming a trend to construct and improve protection for environmental crimes through criminal law. Many countries in the world have environmental crimes in their criminal codes or subsidiary criminal laws, and China is no exception. However, criminal law always relies on administrative law in regulating environmental crimes, and seeking a balance between the application of criminal law and administrative law in order to maximize the environmental protection and punishment functions of criminal law is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. The article analyzes and studies the basic theory of environmental crime and its administrative attributes, pointing out the appropriate mechanism for criminal law intervention in environmental protection, in order to achieve effective connection between administrative law and criminal law in environmental protection issues.

Law on environmental protection in tourist villages in the context of sustainable development of the tourism industry: A qualitative case study in Vietnam

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam's tourism industry welcomed 1.37 million international visitors. For the whole year 2023, the total number of international visitors will reach 12.6 million, nearly 3.5 times higher than in 2022, exceeding 57% of the original target (8 million) and reaching the adjusted target (12 -13 million views). In Vietnam, which a country which is undergoing economic development, this is a good sign for many workers and businesses, but it can create great pressure on environmental protection in many localities with tourist destinations. For example, as a destination attracting foreign tourists in Hoi A City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, the average amount of waste per day is nearly 100 tons; of which single-use plastic waste accounts for 15 - 23% (Thu Huong 2022). In order to prevent and minimize environmental pollution in tourist villages, the Goverment of Vietnam has issued many different documents such as: Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP orienting no circulation after 2025 and using single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic packaging in tourist areas and destinations; Decision No. 1316/QD-TTg Project to strengthen plastic waste management in Vietnam also points out that by 2025, 100% of tourist resorts and accommodation establishments will not use single-use plastic products and plastic bags which are so hard to decompose. In addition, the Government has also issued a set of criteria guiding environmental protection for tourism establishments and services in tourist areas and destinations, with instructions on minimizing plastic waste...However, around the issue of environmental protection in tourist villages in Vietnam, there are still problems that need to be solved. Through qualitative analysis method, the authors will analyze and propose solutions to remove regulations related to environmental protection mechanisms in tourist villages, aiming at sustainable development of the tourism industry towards a circular economy in the current period.

Preparation and anticorrosion properties of Co-Ti-Zr composite conversion coating on 6061 aluminium alloy of the scooter profile

The traditional Cr conversion process is limited in industrial application due to environmental protection issues. The relationship between the morphology, composition and corrosion resistance of the Co-Ti-Zr composite conversion coating was systematically studied by dropping test, electrochemical test, SEM, EDX and XPS. The results show that the best conversion temperature and conversion time of CoTiZrCC is 40 ℃ and 18 min, respectively. The CoTiZrCC formed under the optimal conversion parameters is continuous and compact with the main elements of Co, Ti, Zr and Al on the surface, and its main phases are TiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3 and a small amount of fluoride. Additionally, the CoTiZrCC has lower self-corrosion current and higher film resistance, thereby greatly improving the corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloy substrate.

Кризові екологічні комунікації в контексті збройного конфліктуяк предмет соціологічного аналізу

The purpose of the studyis to analyze the sociological discourse in the field of crisis environmental communications in the context of crisis (armed conflict).Research methods:the basic research method was case and content analysis, which are suitable for studying previous research on the achievements of scientists on environmental threats and crises, crisis communications, as well as further understanding of the importance of crisis environmental communications during armed conflicts.Results:The war in Ukraine is a crisis that significantly affects the environment and deepens the environmental crisis. Crisis environmental communications and crisis management are important forovercoming such crises. Having a communication plan and a professional team in place in a crisis is the basis for preventing and overcoming it. The author examines the impact of previous armed conflicts, in particular, the war in Yugoslavia, on the region’s ecology, as well as its experience in bringing to justice for environmental damage. In particular, it was found that the experience of prosecution under international humanitarian lawisminimal, and the issue of environmental protection during armed conflict is practically unregulated and extremely difficult to prosecute. Ukraine’s previous environmental crisis communications before and after the Russian army blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam indicates the lack of thorough prior communication training.Conclusions:the analysis shows that understanding and acceptance of environmental risks is important for their prevention and response to crisis situations. Learning from its own experience and analyzing previous crises in other countries, Ukraine should conduct environmental crisis communications in compliance with the rules of conducting such communications, sharing this experience with other countries. This is an important tool for preventing environmental disasters and reducing their consequences. Keywords: crisis environmental communications, crisis communications, Yugoslavia, crisis, war in Ukraine, armed conflict, ecology, Russian Federation.

Synthesis of alginate capped aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract In the presence scenario, dye pollution has become a serious issue in present environment protection which need extensive attention of the scientific community. Methylene blue (MB) has been known for its toxic nature and widely used in various industries. In the present work, we reported the green synthesis of alginate capped alumina (Al2O3) nanocomposite (NC). The synthesized Alg@Al2O3 NC have been verified by various sophisticated characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, EDX, UV–vis TEM, FTIR, and XPS). The synthesized Alg@Al2O3 NC have been used as photocatalyst for the degradation of MB dye. Furthermore, photocatalytic activity of the Alg@Al2O3 NC has been studied under ultraviolet (UV) light. The obtained results exhibited excellent photocatalytic properties of the Alg@Al2O3 NC. The effect of photocatalyst doses (0.1–5 g l−1), pH−1 (1–10), MB dye concentration (50–120 ppm), and irradiation time (5–135 min) of UV light were also optimized. The highest efficiency of 99.2% has been observed for MB degradation via Alg@Al2O3 NC. The investigations of kinetics demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation proceeded along a pseudo-first-order pathway in accordance with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The Alg@Al2O3 NC also exhibited excellent reusability for 4 cycles and suggested that Alg@Al2O3 NC can be used for various cycles. In this study, we proposed the cost-effective green synthetic method for the preparation of Alg@Al2O3 NC and its application as photocatalyst for the removal of MB dye under UV light.

Study on Reverse Logistics System Issues

In this information age, competition is fierce in all sectors, and the logistics industry is no exception. Numerous enterprises enjoy the great benefits brought by the advanced logistics system, and at the same time must respond to the call of the times, the sustainable development strategy and green logistics is imperative. Therefore, the establishment of a reasonable reverse logistics system is able to reduce the economic development of the ecological environment brought about by pollution, and effectively solve the rapid economic development and environmental protection issues between the special contradictions, but also appropriate to reduce the pressure on the supply of resources in the community, while easing the constraints on the contradiction of resources. The construction of low-cost, high-efficiency reverse logistics network can not only greatly enhance the efficiency of the logistics chain but also promote the synchronized and coordinated sustainable development of society, economy and environment.

Measuring the performance of Antarctic Treaty decision-making.

Agreements reached at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) are among the primary means for addressing Antarctic conservation and environmental protection issues. However, according to contemporary scholars, Antarctic Treaty decision-making is becoming increasingly unresponsive to the rising environmental challenges in the region. We assessed the performance of Antarctic Treaty decision-making by measuring the rate and diversity of decision-making over the last 6 decades. To measure the rate, we counted the number of inputs and outputs of ATCMs and calculated the time taken for legally binding outputs to enter into force. To measure diversity, we calculated the range of topics addressed by the inputs and outputs of ATCMs. The average number of agreements reached per ATCM increased from 1961 to 2022. Although the diversity of Antarctic topics discussed at ATCMs remained consistently high, the diversity of topics on which legally binding agreements were adopted declined significantly. Antarctic issues-including those of highest priority-are now almost entirely dealt with through nonbinding, soft-law agreements. It is plausible that this move away from binding decisions reflects a dynamic governance institution evolving to respond to new pressures. However, we suggest that the change reveals a concerning shift in decision-making behavior and performance, unique to the treaty's history. Soft law is beneficial in some cases, but its overuse diminishes accountability and transparency, significantly reducing the parties' abilities to understand and measure their performance, including the outcomes and impacts of decisions. Although the rate and diversity of ATCM inputs and outputs provide only a partial view of decision-making performance, the exploration of these metrics provides a foundation for asking essential questions about the impacts of Antarctic Treaty governance on the region's environmental protection and conservation.

Degradation Efficiency and Mechanism of Tetracycline in Water by Activated Persulfate Using Biochar-Loaded Nano Zero-Valent Iron.

Tetracycline (TC) contamination in water is one of the key issues in global environmental protection, and traditional water treatment methods are difficult to remove antibiotic pollutants.Therefore, efficient and environmentally friendly treatment technologies are urgently needed. In this study, activated persulfate (PS) using a biochar-loaded nano zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) advanced oxidation system was used to investigate the degradation effect, influencing factors, and mechanism of TC. BC-nZVI was prepared using the liquid-phase reduction method, and its structure and properties were analyzed by various characterization means. The results showed that nZVI was uniformly distributed on the surface or in the pores of BC, forming a stable complex. Degradation experiments showed that the BC-nZVI/PS system could degrade TC up to 99.57% under optimal conditions. The experiments under different conditions revealed that the iron-carbon ratio, dosing amount, PS concentration, and pH value all affected the degradation efficiency. Free radical burst and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments confirmed the dominant roles of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals in the degradation process, and LC-MS experiments revealed the multi-step reaction process of TC degradation. This study provides a scientific basis for the efficient treatment of TC pollution in water.

Study on the motivation of enterprise greenwashing behavior based on the perspective of environmental commitment implementation

With the rapid economic growth, the issue of ecological environmental protection has been widely concerned by the public, and has triggered diversified discussions. As the main participants in social and economic activities, enterprises play a pivotal role in this issue, not only bearing social responsibility, but also playing a decisive role in environmental protection practices. In the context of consciously undertaking social responsibilities and responding to institutional requirements, enterprises often express their firm position and commitment to environmental protection and compliance with laws and regulations through information disclosure. In practice, some enterprises run counter to their environmental protection commitments, choosing to "low investment, high return" as the goal of greenwashing behavior. Taking Hegang as the research object, this paper summarizes the process of implementing environmental commitment as the result of the joint action of two factors: implementation ability and implementation motivation. Then, the paper analyzes the major environmental pollution cases of Hesteel, analyzes the motivation of Hesteel's greenwashing behavior from the perspective of the implementation ability and implementation motivation of environmental commitment, and finally puts forward corresponding suggestions for the shortcomings of the enterprise itself and external regulatory departments in preventing greenwashing behavior, in order to optimize the governance mechanism and improve regulatory efficiency.

Green Marketing: Opportunity for Innovation and Sustainable Development

In the time of escalating environmental concerns and growing consumer consciousness, the concept of green marketing has emerged as a vital strategy for businesses to earn profitability with sustainability. the consumers now a days are more concerned about the health and environmental protection issues. This research paper aims to focus on sustainable development and green marketing with its impact on society and its opportunity for innovation. The paper explains how green marketing strategies, product design, packaging, promotion, and distribution, not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes innovation within organizations. Moreover, it highlights the role of consumer behavior and market dynamics in shaping the adoption of green products and services. Furthermore, the paper examines the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing green marketing initiatives, this research paper underscores the transformative potential of green marketing as a driver of innovation and sustainable development

Implementation responsiveness: linking public opinion to policy implementation

There has been considerable research progress in understanding how governments adapt public policies in response to public opinion. We propose a new concept, ‘implementation responsiveness’, which refers to the extent to which policy implementation is adapted in response to public opinion. By examining documented texts about the actions of Chinese city executive bureaus in response to online public opinions on environmental protection issues, we provide insight into implementation responsiveness. The coding results reveal that implementation responsiveness is widespread in the responses of Chinese city administrations and is manifested as an increase in intensity or expanded scope of implementation. Based on the sandwich model, we also compare the impact of top-down and bottom-up pressure on implementation responsiveness by testing variables such as written directives, repeated complaints, and intensity of public sentiment. The results show that only written directives have a significant and stable positive effect on implementation responsiveness, which implies that leadership authority affects implementation responsiveness more significantly than social pressure. The findings offer novel perspectives on responsiveness theory and have practical implications for grassroots governments facing the challenge of balancing scarce policy resources with the need to make changes in response to public opinion.