Ozone Depletion Research Articles

Low cost small scale recycling aluminium cans for energy conservation and environmental sustainability

ABSTRACT A smart, low-cost small-scale aluminium (Al) beverage cans recycling technology is needed to solve the problem of abandoned cans around the world. In this research, a small-scale Al recycling system which is clean, safe, sustainable, easy to use and low cost, has been developed. It uses natural solar energy as the power source, a smart induction furnace to quickly melt the Al cans and two filters to purify the generated gas during the melting. High value-added products can be obtained by direct casting. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to evaluate the environmental performance of the newly developed system compared with the traditional Al recycling technology. Results have shown that the low-cost small-scale Al recycling technology performs better in environmental categories such as climate change, ozone depletion and eutrophication, while the traditional recycling method shows advantage in acidification, eutrophication (terrestrial), and eutrophication (marine). This low cost small-scale Al recycling system is easy to duplicate and to operate. It is a promising sustainable technology to support the large-scale recycling technology by low cost and easy processing, engaging and empowering more people in communities, households and small enterprises, in undeveloped areas.

Machine-Learning-Based Estimation of Marine CHBr3 Emissions around Asia and the Implication on Bromine Radicals and Ozone Depletion

Machine-Learning-Based Estimation of Marine CHBr₃ Emissions around Asia and the Implication on Bromine Radicals and Ozone Depletion

Solar-blind ultraviolet imaging with a diamond metalens

Imaging in the solar blind ultraviolet (UV) region offers significant advantages, including minimal interference from sunlight, reduced background noise, low false-alarm rate, and high sensitivity, and thus has important applications in early warning or detection of fire, ozone depletion, dynamite explosions, missile launches, electric leakage, etc. However, traditional imaging systems in this spectrum are often hindered by the bulkiness and complexity of conventional optics, resulting in heavy and cumbersome setups. The advent of metasurfaces, which use a two-dimensional array of nano-antennas to manipulate light properties, provides a powerful solution for developing miniaturized and compact optical systems. In this study, diamond metalenses were designed and fabricated to enable ultracompact solar-blind UV imaging. To prove this concept, two representative functionalities, bright-field imaging and spiral phase contrast imaging, were demonstrated as examples. Leveraging diamond’s exceptional properties, such as its wide bandgap, high refractive index, remarkable chemical inertness, and high damage threshold, this work not only presents a simple and feasible approach to realize solar-blind imaging in an ultracompact form but also highlights diamond as a highly capable material for developing miniaturized, lightweight, and robust imaging systems.

Adaptive threshold selection for extreme value analysis to predict return levels of ozone layer depletion

Adaptive threshold selection for extreme value analysis to predict return levels of ozone layer depletion

Widespread surface ozone reduction triggered by dust storm disturbance on ozone production and destruction chemistry.

Natural dust storms are associated with changes to atmospheric photochemical processes, including changes in surface ozone, a critical global air pollutant. Here, we quantified the change in surface ozone during dust storms for regions in China by using a synthesis of measurements and modeling approaches. Our results showed that notable reductions of the average ozone concentration (2.0 to 12.2 parts per billion by volume) were observed during the 12 dust storm events from 2016 to 2023, relative to predust storm levels. The chemical interactions of dust particles with ozone production processes played crucial roles in explaining approximately 13 to 35% of the observed ozone reduction, alongside the impact of intense meteorological disturbances on transport and formation of ozone. Among these interactions, the uptake of ozone, reactive nitrogen, and hydroperoxyl radical by dust particles could substantially contribute to the ozone suppression. This study highlighted the importance of interactions between severe dust pollution and atmospheric photochemistry.

Agro-Allied Expansion: The Green Climate Finance Perspectives

Research projections indicate persistent agricultural strain as rainfall levels are set to continue declining while temperatures increase due to ozone layer depletion and climate change. There is food shortage for the teeming populace in Nigeria thus having its negative effects on the people and the economy. The shortfall in food supply could be adduced to climate change, insecurity, poor agricultural credit facility, poor government policy roadmap e.t.c. This paper tends to x- ray the possibility of channeling the grant for agro- allied expansion by designing and fabricating farm tools for farming purposes, increase yield, food sufficiency and promotion of indigenous technology via the Green Climate Fund (GCF) supports. A weekly climate data were collected from two geographical zones (Southwest and North East) in Nigeria and their seasonal variation in land tilling actions were taken with appropriate financing mechanism of the United Nations (UN) which provided a grant of 2.5 million dollars to the Bank of Industry (BOI) through the French Development Agency (FDA) being one of the entities accredited by the Green Climate Fund. This technical assistance grant strengthens Bank of Industry’s capacity by providing funds for agro- allied tools and development of eligible climate-related projects financed with commensurable annual yields of grains in tons. It is concluded that the overall agricultural framework has solved the perennial acute shortage of food and revamp the economy.

Characterizing full-phase chlorine species emissions from domestic coal combustion in China: Implications for significant impacts on air pollution and ozone-layer depletion.

Characterizing full-phase chlorine species emissions from domestic coal combustion in China: Implications for significant impacts on air pollution and ozone-layer depletion.

Geodesic vortex detection on curved surfaces: Analyzing the 2002 austral stratospheric polar vortex warming event.

Geodesic vortex detection is a tool in nonlinear dynamical systems to objectively identify transient vortices with flow-invariant boundaries that defy the typical deformation found in 2D turbulence. Initially formulated for flows on the Euclidean plane with Cartesian coordinates, we have extended this technique to flows on 2D Riemannian manifolds with arbitrary coordinates. This extension required further formulation of the concept of objectivity on manifolds. Moreover, a recently proposed birth-and-death vortex framing algorithm, based on geodesic detection, has been adapted to address the limited temporal validity of 2D motion in otherwise 3D flows, like those found in the Earth's stratosphere. With these adaptations, we focused on the Lagrangian, i.e., kinematic, aspects of the austral stratospheric polar vortex during the exceptional sudden warming event of 2002, which resulted in the splitting of the vortex. This study involved applying geodesic vortex detection to isentropic winds from reanalysis data. We provide a detailed analysis of the vortex's life cycle, covering its birth, splitting process, and eventual death. In addition, we offer new kinematic insights into ozone depletion within the vortex.

Life Cycle Assessment of Sustainable Building Materials in The Nigerian Construction Industry

This study presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of sustainable building materials in the Nigerian construction industry, focusing on bamboo, recycled steel, and low-carbon concrete. It evaluates the environmental impacts of these materials across their entire life cycles—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. A mixed-methods approach was employed: primary data were collected via interviews and surveys with industry professionals, while secondary data came from credible literature and databases. Results revealed bamboo as the most environmentally friendly, with the lowest impacts on global warming, ozone depletion, eutrophication, and resource depletion. Low-carbon concrete also offered significant environmental advantages, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recycled steel supported circular economy goals but had higher energy demands and emissions due to its intensive recycling process. Key barriers to adoption in Nigeria included high upfront costs, limited local availability, and inadequate regulatory support. The study recommends strengthening regulatory frameworks, offering financial incentives, boosting local production, and promoting awareness through education and training. These findings underscore the potential of sustainable materials to reduce the environmental footprint of construction in Nigeria and offer practical guidance for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers committed to advancing sustainability in the built environment.

Quantifying the environmental impacts of reduced temperature chemical warm-mix asphalt with life cycle assessment

This manuscript presents findings from a research study focussed on using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify the environmental impacts of chemical Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) during mix production, and over a pavement’s service life. One Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), and two WMAs were considered. Based on data collected from multiple asphalt plants, an average reduction of 19.2% in fuel consumption was attributed to reduced mix production temperatures. This led to reduced global warming and smog formation potentials during WMA production. However, the WMA mixes had increased ozone depletion and eutrophication potentials. Published data on the performance of in-service pavements constructed with chemical WMA technology were used to select an achievable improvement in pavement service life over similar HMA sections, and this was incorporated into the LCA framework. WMA pavements were found to have lower yearly environmental impacts than the HMA pavement in four out of five impact categories considered.

Mpact of Ultraviolet Radiation with Alpha-terthienyl on the Aphids Pea Aphid (Acyrothosiphon pisum) and Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi)

Background: Due to ozone depletion, the potential threat of rising solar UV radiation levels at the Earth’s surface has led to demand for worldwide measurement of solar UV radiation. UV is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength ranging from 200 nm - 400 nm and constitutes about 10% of the light output of sun. It is the most photochemically reactive wavelength of solar radiation and important critical abiotic stressor for organisms, particularly in their early stages of life. UV radiation directly regulates insect life processes and indirectly changes in insect biochemistry and morphogenesis. Methods: In this study, measurement of solar UV-B was performed in the Haridwar and Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand with the help of radiometer having UV-B sensor. Artificial UV-B provided with UV-B lamp. Mortality rate, Protein content and GSH level were observed in mustard and pea crop aphids species after exposure to solar and artificial UV-B irradiation separately and with alpha-terthienyl photosensitizer. Result: The data of measurement of UV-B showed that the maximum intensity of UV-B was found in during month of June and minimum in the month of January. Mortality rate of aphids that artificial UV-B radiation with alpha-terthienyl shows a highly toxic effect on aphids population diversity and dispersal. Protein and GSH level decreased in all groups compared to control. Maximum reduction in protein and GSH level was found in after treatment of artificial UV-B with alpha-terthienyl. Exposure of artificial UV-B radiation with alpha-terthienyl shows stunted growth, morphological changes, low reproduction and high mortality in aphids. Artificial UV-B was found to be more toxic than solar UV-B. Mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) was found to be more sensitive than pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum). Climate change and increase in UV-B levels affect aphid development and population growth.

Comparison of the Chemical Composition of the Middle Atmosphere During Energetic Particle Precipitation in January 2005 and 2012

We compare enhancements of mesospheric volume mixing ratios of hydroperoxyl radical HO2 and nitric acid HNO3, as well as ozone depletion in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) polar night regions during energetic particle precipitation (EPP) in January of 2005 and 2012. We utilize mesospheric observations of HO2, HNO3, and ozone from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS/Aura). During the second half of January 2005 and 2012, the GOES satellite identified strong solar proton events with virtually the same proton flux parameters. Geomagnetic disturbances in January of 2005 were stronger, with Dst decreasing up to 100 nT compared to January 2012 while the Dst drop did not exceed 70 nT. Comparison of observations made with the MLS/Aura shows the highest change of HO2 and HNO3 concentrations and also the deepest ozone destruction at the latitudinal range from 60∘ NH to 80∘ NH inside the north polar vortex right after the spike in energetic particle flux registered by GOES satellites. MLS/Aura observations show HNO3 maximum enhancements of about 1.90 ppb and 1.66 ppb around 0.5 hPa (about 55 km) in January 2005 and January 2012, respectively. The HOx increases lead to short-term ozone destruction in the mesosphere, which is seen in MLS/Aura ozone data. The maximum HO2 enhancement is about 1.05 ppb and 1.62 ppb around 0.046 hPa (about 70 km) after the onset of EPP in the second half of January 2005 and January 2012, respectively. Ozone maximum depletion is observed around 0.02 hPa (about 75 km). Ozone recovery after EPP was much faster in January 2005 than in January 2012.

Environmental Cost Disclosure in Responsibility Accounting Concept

Indonesia has long relied on coal as the largest source of energy from 2000 - 2022, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). In line with this, this study aims to analyze the disclosure of environmental costs within the framework of responsibility accounting in coal mining sector companies in Indonesia. This study highlights the extent to which companies follow the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 305 standard in reporting Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions as well as transparency and accountability. The four companies that became the object of research were PT Adaro Energy Tbk, PT Bukit Asam Tbk, PT Berau Coal Energy Tbk, and PT Indika Energy Tbk. The research method used is qualitative analysis with a descriptive approach, based on secondary data from the company's sustainability report for the period 2021 - 2023. The results show that most companies have implemented the GRI 305 standard, but there are still variations in the level of information disclosure, especially in reporting scope 3 GHG emissions and ozone-depleting substances. PT Bukit Asam Tbk has the highest level of conformity, while PT Adaro Energy Tbk has a medium level of conformity. PT Berau Coal Energy Tbk and PT Indika Energy Tbk have a low level of conformity.

Stratospheric ozone depletion has contributed to the recent tropical La Niña-like cooling pattern

Despite the continuous global warming, over the past several decades, the tropical East Pacific has experienced a cooling trend whose origin remains an area of active research. Mounting evidence has linked tropical sea-surface temperature (SST) patterns to changes in the Southern Ocean via remote teleconnections. Using a fully-coupled global climate model, we demonstrate that stratospheric ozone depletion can produce a La Niña-like tropical SST trend pattern resembling recent observations. This tropical response initially arises from mid-latitude ocean adjustments to ozone-driven surface wind anomalies, which then enhance in the tropics via positive cloud feedback and wind-evaporation-SST feedback. Our finding suggests that the observed La Niña-like tropical SST trend pattern may have been, in part, caused by the formation of the ozone hole in the late 20th century. It also implies that ozone recovery in the coming decades will likely contribute to a future weakening or reversal of the observed tropical SST trends.

Environmental Degradation and Economic Growth in West Africa: A Fixed-Effects Panel Analysis of the WAMZ Region

This study investigated the impact of environmental degradation on economic growth among the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) member countries between 1990 and 2022. Utilizing a panel regression model with fixed effects, the analysis focuses on key environmental indicators, including nitrogen emissions, particulate matter, solid fuel consumption, and ozone layer depletion, to assess their influence on economic performance. The findings revealed that certain environmental indicators, particularly nitrogen emissions and solid fuel consumption, exhibit a positive and statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the WAMZ region. This suggests that policy efforts aimed at reducing excessive solid fuel use and maintaining an optimal level of nitrogen in the atmosphere could contribute positively to economic expansion. However, particulate matter emissions remain a major concern, with their negative externalities necessitating stronger environmental regulation. Interestingly, ozone layer depletion was found to have no significant predictive power over economic growth in the region. Given these outcomes, the study advocates for a multipronged policy framework that addresses not only energy-related environmental degradation but also other sources such as bush burning, agricultural practices, and improper household waste disposal. A comprehensive regulatory system is recommended to minimize particulate emissions, safeguard public health, and ensure environmentally sustainable economic growth across the WAMZ countries.

Viscosity and Phase State of Wildfire Smoke Particles in the Stratosphere from Pyrocumulonimbus Events: An Initial Assessment.

Understanding the viscosity and phase state of biomass-burning organic aerosol (BBOA) from wildfires and pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) events in the stratosphere is critical for predicting their role in stratospheric multiphase chemistry and ozone depletion. However, the viscosity and phase state of BBOA under stratospheric conditions, including interactions with sulfuric acid (H2SO4), remain largely unquantified. In this study, we combine laboratory data with a thermodynamic model to predict the viscosity and phase state of BBOA under stratospheric conditions. Our results suggest that BBOA with a H2SO4-to-BBOA mass ratio of 0.37─an estimated upper limit for pyroCb smoke in the lower stratosphere after two months of aging─is highly viscous and frequently exists in a glassy state. Even at a higher H2SO4-to-BBOA mass ratio of 0.79─an estimated upper limit after nine months of aging─BBOA can still transition to a glassy state under certain stratospheric conditions. In the glassy state, bulk reactions are suppressed, and multiphase chemistry may be limited to the particle surfaces. We also highlight key areas for future research needed to better constrain the viscosity and phase state of BBOA in the stratosphere and its subsequent impact on ozone.

Simultaneous Capture of N2O and CO2 from a N2O/N2/CO2/O2 Mixture with a Ni(II)-Pyrazolecarboxylate Framework.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to ozone depletion. Its primary industrial emission source is tail gas from adipic acid production, which typically comprises a mixture of N2O, CO2, N2, and O2. Current technologies for the removal of N2O and CO2 from tail gas are energy-intensive and operationally complex. Herein, for the first time, simultaneous capture of N2O and CO2 from the quaternary mixture is achieved using a Ni(II)-pyrazolecarboxylate framework, BUT-167. This material demonstrated an exceptional adsorption capacity (135.8 cm3 cm-3 at 40 kPa) and a high packing density (790 mg cm-3) for N2O, outperforming reported sorbents. Moreover, BUT-167 also exhibits a remarkable CO2 adsorption capacity (101.5 cm3 cm-3 at 4 kPa), achieving simultaneously high selectivity values of 257.6 for CO2/N2 (4:96, v/v) and 135.7 for N2O/N2 (40/60). Importantly, BUT-167 exhibits robust and outstanding dual-gas removal performance across multiple adsorption-desorption breakthrough cycles under both dry and humid conditions. The strong affinity toward CO2 and N2O could be attributed to multiple hydrogen bonding interactions facilitated by its highly confined channel structure, as confirmed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Scaling up Seaweed Production for Enteric Methane Reduction: A Systematic Literature Review on Environmental and Ozone Impacts in the Case of Asparagopsis Macroalgae

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a global warming potential over 84 times greater than carbon dioxide over its relevant lifespan. Current atmospheric methane concentrations are at a record high, significantly contributing to near-term climate warming. Agriculture, particularly livestock, is a major methane emitter, accounting for 40% of global total emissions, with enteric fermentation in ruminants accounting for 90% of agricultural methane emissions. The recent interest in mitigating these emissions has centered on seaweeds, such as Asparagopsis taxiformis, which contain bromoform, a bioactive compound shown to significantly reduce enteric methane production. However, bromoform raises environmental concerns including its potential carcinogenicity and ozone-depletion effects. This study systematically reviews the environmental and ozone-related impacts of scaling up seaweed production for enteric methane reduction in livestock. Key challenges include sustainability, biodiversity risks, and upstream emissions possibly offsetting the methane reduction gains. Animal health concerns, such as reduced weight gain and mucosal irritation, also warrant attention. Additionally, supply chain logistics, cultivation and harvesting practices, and bromoform retention remain underdeveloped. The limited assessment of the ozone depletion potential underscores the need for further research. These findings highlight the need for techno-feasibility and life cycle assessment before scaling up seaweed-based solutions. A broader approach to methane mitigation, beyond feed additives, is essential to ensure sustainable outcomes for livestock agriculture.

Synergistic Effects of UVB and Ionizing Radiation on Human Non-Malignant Cells: Implications for Ozone Depletion and Secondary Cosmic Radiation Exposure.

The ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere filters solar radiation and limits the unwanted effects on humans. A depletion of this ozone shield would permit hazardous levels of UV solar radiation, especially in the UVB range, to bombard Earth's surface, resulting in potentially significant effects on human health. The concern for these adverse effects intensifies if we consider that the UVB solar radiation is combined with secondary cosmic radiation (SCR) components, such as protons and muons, as well as terrestrial gamma rays. This research aims to delve into the intricate interplay between cosmic and solar radiation on earth at the cellular level, focusing on their synergistic effects on human cell biology. Through a multidisciplinary approach integrating radiobiology and physics, we aim to explore key aspects of biological responses, including cell viability, DNA damage, stress gene expression, and finally, genomic instability. To assess the impact of the combined exposure, normal i.e., non-malignant human cells (skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes) were exposed to high-energy protons or gamma rays in combination with UVB. Cellular molecular and cytogenetic biomarkers of radiation exposure, such as DNA damage (γH2AΧ histone protein and dicentric chromosomes), as well as the expression pattern of various stress genes, were analyzed. In parallel, the MTS reduction and lactate dehydrogenase assays were used as indicators of cell viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. Results reveal remaining DNA damage for the co-exposed samples compared to samples exposed to only one type of radiation in all types of cells, accompanied by increased genomic instability and distinct stress gene expression patterns detected at 24-48 h post-exposure. Understanding the impact of combined radiation exposures is crucial for assessing the health risks posed to humans if the ozone layer is partially depleted, with structural and functional damages inflicted by combined cosmic and UVB exposure.

A Comparative Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment of the Four Framing Systems of the Bakers Place Building Using the Tally LCA Tool

The urgent need for climate change mitigation has increased the focus on reducing embodied carbon and energy, particularly in the construction sector. Utilizing sustainably sourced mass timber products provides a low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete and steel structural systems in buildings. These carbon impacts can be quantified by evaluating the total environmental impact of a building, from material extraction and product manufacturing to construction, operation, and demolition. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of a 14-storey mass timber–steel hybrid building in Madison, USA, through a Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) using the Tally LCA tool integrated with Autodesk Revit. The hybrid design was compared to full mass timber, full steel, and post-tensioned concrete structures, which are common structural systems for high-rise buildings, enabling meaningful comparisons of their environmental performance. The results showed that the full mass timber design had the lowest global warming potential (GWP), reducing emissions by 16% compared to the concrete structure. The hybrid design achieved a 14% reduction, with both timber-based systems demonstrating about 30% lower non-renewable energy use. In addition, they provided significant biogenic carbon storage during the building’s lifespan. However, the mass timber and hybrid systems showed higher impacts in categories such as acidification, eutrophication, ozone depletion, and smog formation.