Pollution Control Measures Research Articles

Geospatial Assessment of Environmental Impact of Urban Growth in Akure South, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Purpose: This comprehensive study examines the environmental impact of urbanization in Akure South, Ondo State, Nigeria, using a fusion of geospatial and microbiological analyses. Employing Landsat imagery from 2000, 2011, and 2022, processed through ArcGIS 10.8 and TERRSET software, the study maps and quantifies urban expansion and land use changes.Methodology: The research concurrently leverages, microbiological techniques to assess air pollution, as well as water and soil contamination levels. Findings: The result highlighted an increase in built up area from 9.31% in 2000 to 17.45% in 2011 and 29.54% in 2022, which is evident particularly in Akure township area, correlating with a notable decline in environmental quality. Pollution hotspots, identified through rigorous spatial analysis, point to areas severely impacted by urban growth and high level of air pollution, as well as water and soil contamination. In addition, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) prediction shows that built up area will likely cover about 30.09% by 2042. These findings underscore the urgent need for strategic urban planning and robust pollution control measures. Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: The study advocates for a balanced approach to urban development, integrating environmental sustainability to mitigate the adverse effects of rapid urban growth. This research contributes to the broader discourse on urbanization's environmental impact, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in similarly developing regions of the world.

The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease from Air Pollution in Rwanda.

Rwanda, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is still relatively early in development. Industrialization and urbanization are major drivers of the county's economic growth. Rwanda is also undergoing an epidemiological transition, from a pattern of morbidity and mortality dominated by infectious diseases to a pattern shaped by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The rise in NCDs is due, in part, to increasing exposures to environmental hazards. These include emissions from the growing number of motor vehicles and toxic occupational exposures. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now an increasingly important cause of death in Rwanda, and ambient air pollution is a CVD risk factor of growing importance. To quantify the burden of CVD attributable to air pollution in Rwanda and identify opportunities for prevention and control of air pollution and pollution-related disease. We relied on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study for information on levels, sources, and trends in household and ambient air pollution and the burden of pollution-related disease in Rwanda. Information on pollution sources was obtained from the Health Effects Institute State of Global Air 2019 report. An estimated 3,477 deaths (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI]: 2,500-4,600) in Rwanda in 2019 were attributable to air pollution-related CVD. Of these, 689 (UI: 283-1,300) deaths were from ambient air pollution-related CVD, while 2,788 (UI: 1,800-3,800) deaths were from household air pollution-related CVD. Rwanda is experiencing increased rates of disease and premature death from NCDs, including CVD, as the country grows economically. While household air pollution is still the top pollution-related cause of disease and premature death, rising levels of ambient air pollution are an increasingly important CVD risk factor. Actions taken now to curb rising levels of ambient air pollution will improve health, reduce CVD, increase longevity, and produce great economic benefit for Rwanda. The single most effective intervention against air pollution will be a rapid nationwide transition to renewable energy. We recommend additionally that Rwanda prioritize air pollution prevention and control, establish a robust, nationwide air monitoring network, support research on the health effects of air pollutants, and build national research capacity. The allocation of increased resources for rural and urban public health and health care will complement air pollution control measures and further reduce CVD. To incentivize a rapid transition to renewable energy in Rwanda and other nations, we recommend the creation of a new Global Green Development Fund.

An advection-diffusion equation-based approach to discern the meteorological factor effects on particle concentrations

The evaluation of the impact of meteorological conditions and anthropogenic emissions to PM2.5 concentrations is a subject of ongoing debetate, which holds significant importance in guiding the formulation and implementation of emission reduction policies. A new method, based on advection dispersion theory, has been developed to assess the impact of emission control measures and meteorological effects on the reduction of pollutant concentrations. This method involves classifying meteorological factors and utilizing the emission source intensity, which is characterized under various meteorological factors, to quantify the effects of meteorological factors and emission reduction on pollutant concentrations. Wind speed (WS), wind direction (WD), atmospheric stability (determined by cloud volume, solar radiation levels, surface wind speed) and mixed height are chosen as the key meteorological factors. Baoding City, situated within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, is taken as an example in this study and is characterized by severe particle pollution. Due to the implementation of air pollution control measures from 2016 to 2020, the particulate pollution in this city has significantly reduced. The result of our method showed that despite the unfavorable conditions for pollutant dispersion during 2018 and 2021, the aggressive policies were estimated to have contributed to reductions in PM2.5 concentration. Specifically, there were reductions of 35.7, 19.6, 28.6, and 107.9 μg/m3 in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively, from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, reductions of 8.2, 14.9, 30.0, and 50.7 μg/m3 were observed in the corresponding seasons from 2018 to 2021.

Long-term PM2.5 exposure and early-onset diabetes: Does BMI link this risk?

ObjectiveLimited studies investigated the association between high-level fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution and early-onset diabetes, leaving the possible metabolic mechanisms unclear. We assessed the association of cumulative PM2.5 exposure with diabetes, including early-onset, in high-pollution areas of China and explored whether metabolic factors mediated this association. Methods124,204 participants (≥18 years) from 121 counties in Hunan province, China, were enrolled between 2005 and 2020, with follow-up until 2021. The ground-level air pollution concentrations at each participant's residence were calculated using a high-quality dataset in China. The independent association of PM2.5 with incident diabetes and early-onset diabetes was assessed by Cox proportional hazards models. Restricted cubic splines were utilized to establish the exposure-response relationships. The role of metabolism-related mediators was estimated by mediation analysis. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 8.47 (IQR, 6.65–9.82) years, there were 3650 patients with new-onset diabetes. Each 1 μg/m3 increase in the level of cumulative PM2.5 exposure was positively related to an increased incidence of diabetes (HR 1.177, 95 % CI 1.172–1.181) among individuals in the PM2.5 > 50 μg/m3 group after adjusting for multiple variables. The relationship of the PM2.5 dose-response curve for diabetes was non-linear. Significant associations between PM2.5 exposure and early-onset diabetes risk were observed, with this risk showing an increase with the earlier age of early diabetes onset. Males, young individuals (≤45 years), and those with a lower body mass index (BMI <24 kg/m2) appeared to be more susceptible to diabetes. Moreover, change in BMI significantly mediated 31.06 % of the PM2.5-diabetes relationship. ConclusionsLong-term cumulative PM2.5 exposure increased the risk of early-onset diabetes, which is partially mediated by BMI. Sustained air pollution control measures, priority protection of vulnerable individuals, and effective management of BMI should be taken to reduce the burden of diabetes.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts of Quarrying in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Quarrying Practices and Innovative Technologies

The quarrying industry in Nigeria has far-reaching socioeconomic and environmental implications that demand careful consideration of sustainable practices and innovative technologies. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted impacts of quarrying on local communities and the environment, highlighting challenges such as habitat destruction, air, noise,water pollution, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic disparities. Furthermore, it accesses current sustainable quarrying practices and innovative technologies to mitigate these impacts and improve efficiency. To address these challenges, this paper also emphasizes the importance of implementing robust policies and regulations governing quarrying activities in Nigeria. Through analysis of real-world examples, case studies, and existing literature, this review uncovers promising solutions that can enhance quarrying operations’ sustainability and environmental performance in Nigeria and worldwide. This paper unveils that, while quarrying is an important industry in Nigeria, it is critical to ensure it is carried out sustainably and responsibly. This can be achieved through improved regulations, strengthening sustainable quarrying practices, conducting thorough environmental impact assessments, establishing buffer zones around quarries, enforcing stricter pollution control measures, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of new technologies such as advanced blasting techniques, dust suppression technologies, automation and robotics machinery, water recycling, and treatment systems, waste recycling management, and reforestation and restoration techniques.It is evident that there are gaps and inconsistencies in Nigeria’s policy and regulatory framework, and there is a lack of research on the effective implementation of sustainable practices and new technologies. Therefore, further research is recommended on areas such as the lasting impact of sustainable practices, the potential of new technologies, and the enhancement of policy and regulatory frameworks to improve the sustainability and efficiency of quarrying operations in Nigeria.

Gate-to-gate approach in life cycle assessment of steel pipe products

The iron and steel industry is of great strategic importance in Indonesia and is expected to continue its growth. One sector within this industry that is projected to see increased production is the steel pipe manufacturing sector. However, the significant emissions produced during steel pipe production have prompted many countries to seek ways to reduce these emissions. One such method is the implementation of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique, which assesses the environmental impact and serves as a valuable decision-making tool alongside other important methods. This approach aims to enhance sustainable production and consumption effectively and efficiently. In a specific case study, two types of steel pipe products were analyzed using LCA, focusing on various stages from material transportation to steel pipe production and delivery. The study assessed the environmental impact using the midpoint impact category, which includes factors like Global Warming Potential (GWP), Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP), Acidification Potential (AP), and Ecological Toxicity Potential (ETP) using the CML2001 characterization methods. The findings revealed that the production of SAWH pipes has a higher environmental impact in terms of GWP, AP, and POCP compared to HFW pipes, while HFW pipes had a greater ETP value. GWP was identified as the most significant potential impact for both products, with the pipeline production stage contributing the most to GWP. Overall, these results offer an initial understanding of the sustainability levels of steel pipe production, serving as a foundation for the development of pollution control measures to maintain the competitiveness of the industrial plant.

A 150 years record of polycyclic aromatic compounds in the Sihailongwan Maar Lake, Northeast China: impacts of socio-economic developments and pollution control.

The geochemical composition of sediment cores can serve as a proxy for reconstructing past human and nature-driven environmental and climatic changes. We investigated the temporal variation in the concentrations and fluxes of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) which include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxygenated PAHs, and azaarenes in the Sihailongwan Maar Lake and found that they remained low before 1950. The PAC concentrations and fluxes increased substantially since 1950, which was in good agreement with the fast socio-economic development, industrialization, and associated growth in fossil fuel consumption in China, particularly since the 1980s. After 2010, the PAC fluxes decreased, which was consistent with the implementation of air pollution control policies in China at that time. The concentration ratios of the sums of low to high molecular weight PAHs (LMW-PAHs/HMW-PAHs), benzo[e]pyrene/benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene-7,12-dione/benzo[a]anthracene all decreased from bottom to top of the sediment core, reflecting the rapidly increasing contribution of emissions derived from high-temperature fossil fuel combustion (energy, transport and industry) to the PAC emissions in recent times at the expense of biomass burning. In addition, these data reflect the increasing local sources of PACs in more recent times because of the enhanced human activities in the area surrounding the Maar lake. Our results demonstrate that PAC fluxes and concentrations in sediment cores reflect the regional and national economic development and the efficiency of pollution control measures.

Application of PETase in Plastic Biodegradation and Its Synthesis

As a versatile chemical material, plastic is widely used in all aspects of human society with its excellent performance, in the development process of plastics, due to its difficult to degrade characteristics, coupled with the initial formation of a control system, the harm of plastics to the environment is gradually revealed. The current global plastic crisis poses significant environmental challenges, impacting both human health and marine ecosystems. Plastic waste circulates worldwide, exacerbating the issue. Recent advancements in microbiological plastic degradation methods offer promising solutions. These approaches encompass modifying PETase enzymes, establishing a sustainable PETase synthesis platform, and reevaluating PETase variants for enhanced plastic degradation and heightened thermal stability within plant compost environments. Additionally, the implementation of pollution control measures across agriculture, industry, and governmental policies is crucial. This comprehensive study highlights strategies to bolster PETase efficiency, aligning with present environmental plastic degradation needs. It holds potential for combatting plastic pollution, promoting closed-loop plastic cycles, and charting a course for future research endeavors.

Improving the Quality of the Air and Implementing into Effective Pollution Mitigation Methods

This review paper explores the impact of air pollution on human health, focusing on indoor and outdoor air quality. It highlights the importance of pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. The paper also examines sources and types of air pollutants, including industrial activities, transportation, and natural events. It presents a comparative analysis of air quality issues across different regions, highlighting the complexities and severity of pollution. The paper examines pollution control technologies for industry and transport, innovative approaches like hydrogen fuel utilization and intelligent transportation systems. It also discusses the influence of regulatory standards on indoor environmental quality and the challenges posed by regional differences. The paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on air quality management and encourages the development of more robust pollution control measures.

Assessment of Some Selected Heavy Metals Concentration in the Organs of Two Different Fish Species (Clarias gariepinus and Mormyrus rume) of River Gidin Dorowa

This study was aimed to assess selected heavy metals concentration in the organs of Clarias gariepinus and Mormyrus rume from River Gidin Dorowa, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. The liver, muscles and Gills of the fish species and water were collected. During dry (September, October and November,) and wet (December, January and February) seasons. Cadmium, Lead, Zinc and Copper were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Sampling of fish was carried out monthly for six (6) months. The results showed that heavy metals mean were high in the muscles followed by the liver and low in the gills of Clarias gariepinus, while heavy metals were highest in the gills followed by the liver and lowest in the muscles of Mormyrus rume. High heavy metals concentration (1.900mg/kg) was recorded for Zinc (Zn) in the gills follow by copper (Cu) with a mean of (0.00917mg/kg) recorded in the liver of Mormyrus rume, Pb recorded the high mean of (0.2932mg/kg) in the liver while low lead (Pb) mean (0.1855mg/kg) was recorded in the muscle. However, Zn (1.6250mg.kg) and Pb (0.2882mg/kg) was high in the muscle than in other tissues of C. gariepinus. In other to avoid serious health hazards, there is need to institute effective fisheries pollution control measures and management of River Gidin Dorowa fisheries resources. Continuous monitoring of the pollution levels of the River Gidin Dorowa using fish species as bioindicators can provide adequate information necessary for its effective management.

Assessment of Selected Physicochemical Parameters of Selected Rivers around Umudim Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria and its Environs in 2024

Background: Water pollution poses a significant threat to public health globally, with negligent disposal of industrial effluents and waste contributing to water quality degradation, particularly in metropolitan regions like Umudim Nnewi, Nigeria. Aim: To evaluate the physicochemical parameters (Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity) of rivers surrounding the industrial estate in Umudim Nnewi. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study employed convenience sampling, collecting water samples from five rivers. Measurements were taken using a Four Parameter water quality analyzer to determine Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and paired sample t-tests analyzed the results (α = 0.05). Results: Total Dissolved Solids ranged from 9.50-59.50 mg/L, pH from 4.10-5.65, Temperature from 27.45°C-28.70°C, and Electrical Conductivity from 51.67 µS/cm. Physicochemical parameters significantly deviated from World Health Organization standards (p &lt; 0.05), with pH showing the most significant variation. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant variation in physicochemical parameters, emphasizing the need for effective wastewater management and pollution control measures to protect public health and the environment.

Assessing the disease burden of air pollution on children and adolescents in China from 1990 to 2019

&lt;p&gt;Air pollution is a pressing concern in China, particularly its adverse effects on vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. This study aimed to elucidate the disease burden in children and adolescents attributable to air pollution in geographical areas across China from 1990 to 2019. We used the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 methodology to estimate disease burden attributable to air pollution in 33 areas of China, including provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and special administrative regions. In 2019, approximately 10,511 childhood deaths and 932,095 disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were attributable to air pollution in China. The DALYs was higher for boys and infants &lt;1 year than it was for girls. Lower respiratory infections, neonatal preterm birth, and neonatal encephalopathy caused by birth asphyxia and trauma were the main air pollution-related diseases. The disease burden attributable to air pollution in children and adolescents decreased significantly from 1990 to 2019; with the average annual percent change (AAPC) of ?9.11% ([95%CI, ?9.61% to ?8.60%], P&lt;0.001) for death rate, and ?9.09% ([?9.59% to ?8.58%], P&lt;0.001) for DALYs rate. Disease burden attributable to air pollution in children and adolescents varied across provinces, with DALYs rate per 100,000 population ranged from 16.88 in Hong Kong to 2,152.54 in Tibet, peaking in the health area five. These findings highlight the necessity for province-specific research into the impacts of air pollution on childhood health in China, as well as improved air pollution control measures.&lt;/p&gt;

Exploring the spatiotemporal patterns of county-scale PM2.5 drivers in Shandong Province from 2000 to 2020.

In the rapid development of air pollution over the past two decades in Shandong Province, it has played a detrimental role, causing severe damage to regional ecological security and public health. There has been little research at the county scale to explore the spatiotemporal causes and heterogeneity of PM2.5 pollution. This study utilizes a Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression Model (GTWR) to environmentally model meteorological elements and socioeconomic conditions in Shandong Province from 2000 to 2020, aiming to identify the key driving factors of PM2.5 concentration changes across 136 counties. The results show that PM2.5 pollution in Shandong Province peaked in 2013, followed by a rapid decline in pollution levels. Geographically, counties in the western plains of Shandong generally exhibit higher pollution levels, while most counties in the central hills of Shandong and the Jiaodong Peninsula are in low pollution areas. Strong winds positively influence air quality in the southeast of Shandong; high temperatures can ameliorate air pollution in areas outside the southeast, whereas air pressure exhibits the opposite effect. Precipitation shows a significant negative correlation in the Laizhou Bay and central Shandong regions, while relative humidity primarily exerts a negative effect in coastal areas. The impact of fractional vegetation cover is relatively mild, with positive effects observed in southern Shandong and negative effects in other regions. Population density shows a significant positive correlation in the western plains of Shandong. Economic factors exhibit predominantly positive relationships, particularly in the northwest and the Jiaodong Peninsula. Electricity consumption in southern Shandong correlates positively, while industrial factors show positive effects province-wide. PM2.5 pollution in Shandong Province demonstrates significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity, aligning with governmental expectations for the effectiveness of air pollution control measures. The conclusions of this study can be utilized to assess the efficiency of air pollution abatement at the county level and provide quantitative data support for the revision of regional emission reduction policies.

A novel method of identifying estuary high-nutrient zones for water quality management

Coastal shallow waters are highly vulnerable to pollution, often leading to the development of intricate eutrophication zones. However, accurately determining these areas poses a significant challenge due to the complex interplay of estuarine hydrodynamics and nutrient transformation. To address such issue, a novel method was proposed to identify high-nutrient zones through calculating the continuous zonation of released tracers when their instantaneous concentrations declined to 1/e of their initial values. The method was well tested using idealized estuary models with varying shape parameters, water depths and river discharges. The results consistently revealed that the boundaries of high-nutrient zones fell within the mixed zone, characterized by salinity levels of 10– 20 psu. In Shenzhen Bay, a typical shallow bay, distinct differences were observed in the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and PO43−. Both the 20 psu isohaline and the proposed method effectively identified the partition boundary of high DIN and PO43− in 2001–2010, but only the newly proposed method demonstrated accuracy in delineating the actual high-nutrient zone during the continuous nutrient reduction period from 2010 to 2020. This study provides a practical and feasible approach that can serve as an auxiliary decision-making tool for managing estuarine water environments, and it has potential to facilitate the implementation of timely and effective measures for pollution control.

Variation characteristics, source analysis, and health risk assessment of carbonyl compounds in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of carbonyls in the atmosphere of Zhangjiajie Forest from May 2016 to January 2017 following the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TO-11 A guidelines, including pollution characteristics, human health risks, and sources. The dominant carbonyl compounds were formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone, with average concentrations of 5.94, 1.48, and 4.24 μg/m3, respectively. A seasonal variation was observed in the total carbonyl compound concentrations in the order summer > autumn > spring > winter. The diurnal patterns showed that the concentration of the main carbonyl compounds peaked in the afternoon. The ratios of formaldehyde/acetaldehyde (C1/C2) and acetaldehyde/propionaldehyde (C2/C3) ranged from 2.82 to 5.66 and 0.76–3.14; this indicates that compared with anthropogenic sources, volatile organic compounds emitted from natural sources contributed more significantly to atmospheric carbonyl compounds in the Zhangjiajie Forest. Correlation analysis of the three main carbonyl compounds with common air pollutants revealed that formaldehyde and acetaldehyde have similar secondary sources for photochemical reactions. In autumn and winter, acetaldehyde and acetone were affected by fuel combustion and vehicle exhaust emissions. Reverse trajectory, potential source contribution function, and concentration-weighted trajectory analyses revealed that carbonyl compounds in the atmosphere of Zhangjiajie Forest were mainly polluted locally in spring and autumn and influenced by the urban air mass from the northeast in summer and winter. The health risk assessment showed that the lifetime carcinogenic risk of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde exceeded the acceptable level and that long-term exposure to this concentration poses serious carcinogenic risks. The findings of this study shed light on the characteristics of atmospheric carbonyl compound pollution in subtropical forest areas, and provide scientific basis for formulating pollution control measures.

Influence of pollution control measures on the reduction of black carbon in an urban site of megacity, Tianjin, China based on ground-monitored and MERRA-2 reanalysis data

The concentration of particulate matter (PM) has been reduced significantly with the implementation of air pollution control plans in Tianjin. However, as an important component of PM that can lead to global warming and adverse health effects, the influence of pollution control measures (PCM) on black carbon (BC) has been less studied. In this study, ten years of BC concentration satellite-based reanalysis data were collected from MERRA-2 (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2), and their reliability was verified using ground-monitored BC data. Using the proposed Kolmogorov-Zurbenko and artificial neural network (KZ-ANN) model, the influences of meteorology and emission measures were separated. The results indicated that the overall meteorological conditions were not conducive to BC diffusion, especially in autumn and winter with low temperature, surface solar radiation, boundary layer height, and high atmospheric pressure, all of which increased the BC concentration. This study also found that although a significant reduction in BC emissions was observed in Tianjin (the total emissions of BC in 2020 dropped by 52 % compared with the level in 2013), the change in emission-influenced BC was relatively low (the concentration of emission-influenced BC in 2022 dropped by only 2.39 % compared to that in 2013). The reduction of emission-influenced BC concentration during the air pollution prevention control and action plan (APPC) was higher than the level during of the three-year action plan for winning the blue sky defense war (abbreviated as the Blue Sky Defense War). In addition, the lockdown measures during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) did not have beneficial effect on the reduction of emission-influenced BC concentration. This phenomenon can be explained by the long-range transport of BC from surrounding areas, which was also proven by the results of the backward trajectory analysis. Therefore, efforts on emissions reduction in Tianjin were diminished. It is necessary to cooperate with the governments in surrounding areas to implement joint BC control measures, especially in autumn and winter.

Response of soil fertility to soil erosion on a regional scale: A case study of Northeast China

Climate change and human activities have increased the risk of soil erosion, resulting in widespread soil degradation in many regions worldwide. In this study, our purpose was to estimate the spatial and temporal changes in the integrated fertility indexes (IFI) of Northeast China from the 1990s to the 2010s from a regional perspective. The soil erosion modulus, calculated using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, was combined with soil nutrient data for four nutrients in two time stages, and the response of soil fertility to soil erosion was analyzed under nine land-use patterns. The results indicated that soil fertility in Northeast China had decreased by 4.46% from the 1990s to the 2010s, with the IFI of cultivated land showing the smallest decline at 1.69%, followed by grassland at 4.81%, and forest land at 6.21%, in that order. The IFI of changed land-use decreased more than that of unchanged land-use. The △IFI (IFI in the 2010s minus IFI in the 1990s) was negatively correlated with the soil erosion modulus, particularly when the average soil erosion modulus exceeded 2 t/(ha/yr). Furthermore, △IFI was mostly negative, indicating obvious soil degradation. The contribution rate of nutrient loss in the 1990s averaged over 70%, which was significantly higher than that in the 2010s, indicating that non-point source pollution control and soil erosion interception measures implemented by most city governments after 2010 had been effective. In most cases, the contribution rates of the total potassium (TK) and soil organic carbon (SOC) in the 1990s were significantly higher than those of the other indicators, with the highest contribution rate of SOC loss being observed for cultivated land and the highest contribution rate of TK loss being observed for forest land and grasslands. Forest land is conducive to maintaining soil fertility, and when other types of land are converted into forest land, the contribution rate of nutrient loss decreases.

Navigating Smog: Legislation Addressing Children’s Right to Health in India and Pakistan

The negative consequences of air pollution on children’s health have reached a crisis in some South Asian countries, such as India and Pakistan, particularly in the sister cities of Delhi and Lahore. Urban air pollution poses unique dangers to the health of children. Children are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of smog since their organs and immune systems are still developing. Smog has been related to a variety of chronic health issues, including retarded lung development and cognitive impairment. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) emphasises that all children have the right to grow up in a secure and healthy setting. Governments are obligated to provide children with health care and a safe environment under the CRC. The health of children in heavily populated and industrialised cities like Delhi and Lahore needs legal safeguards. A nuanced picture emerges of the effectiveness of laws protecting children's health during smog in Delhi and Lahore. In Delhi and Lahore, there is a dire need for comprehensive laws to safeguard children's health during smog. Comprehensive legislation is essential to mandate pollution control measures, improve air quality, and ensure a healthier future for the region's children. There are several issues caused by smog, and this article advocates for reforms to the laws in Delhi and Lahore that aim to solve these issues.

The role of nutrient credit trading for total maximum daily load compliance by the urban stormwater sector: Evidence from Virginia's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems

AbstractWater quality credit trading has been advanced as a cost‐effective means of achieving regulatory compliance. However, the volume of trading activity in operational programs is typically less than estimated by empirical analysis. The compliance behavior of Virginia Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) is studied in response to the Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily load (TMDL) to understand the circumstances in which trading is adopted, the extent to which trading is adopted, and the factors contributing to trading's use or nonuse. Results indicate that MS4s generally prefer to install their own pollutant control measures rather than trade. Many MS4s, however, rely on trade as a backup compliance option. MS4s favor bay compliance options that help meet other local management objectives (erosion control, infrastructure protection, and reductions toward local water quality objectives) and provide long term pollutant control benefits. Low cost term credits do not provide such benefits. For perpetual credits, MS4s use a variety of strategies to substantially reduce the cost differences between trade and nontrade compliance options.

Pollution, governance, and women's work: Examining African female labour force participation in the face of environmental pollution and governance quality puzzles

In a rapidly changing world marked by environmental degradation and governance disparities, understanding their impact on African women's participation in the labour force remains a critical puzzle. This research seeks to unveil the intricate connections between pollution, governance quality, and women's economic engagement in Africa, shedding light on vital pathways to empower women, mitigate pollution's impact, and drive sustainable development in the region. Specifically, this study evaluates the impacts of governance quality and environmental pollution on gender economic outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using data from 28 nations spanning 1996 to 2020. The study employs the dynamic panel threshold model. The key results reveal a negative and significant influence of ecological footprint on female economic participation. Furthermore, the dynamic threshold analysis reveals that environmental degradation undermines female labour engagement irrespective of the threshold level. The study also showed that below the threshold level, the interaction between governance quality variables and the ecological footprint exacerbates the negative impact of the ecological footprint on women's economic participation. Above the threshold level, the interaction between governance quality variables and the ecological footprint mitigates the negative impact. Overall, key recommendations like improved pollution control measures, inclusive governance, and effecting targeted policies and programs to empower women economically, among others, are proffered to contribute to the improvement in governance, environmental sustainability, and gender economic outcomes in SSA.