Potential Environmental Impact Research Articles

Element mobility during basalt-water-CO2 interaction: observations in natural systems vs. laboratory experiments and implication for carbon storage

Today, carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere is the most ambitious challenge to mitigate climate changes. Basalt rocks are abundant on the Earth’s surface (≈ 10%) and very abundant in the ocean floors and subaerial environments. Glassy matrix and minerals constituting these rocks contain metals (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+) that can react with carbonic acid to form metal carbonates (CaCO3, MgO3 and FeCO3). Here, we present a data compilation of the chemical composition of waters circulating in basalt aquifers worldwide and the results of simple basalt-water-CO2 experiments. Induced or naturally occurring weathering of basalts rocks release elements in waters and elemental concentration is closely dependent on water CO2 concentration (and hence on water pH). We also performed two series of experiments where basaltic rock powder interacts with CO2-charged waters for one month at room temperature. Laboratory experiments evidenced that in the first stages of water-rock interaction, the high content of CO2 dissolved in water accelerates the basalt weathering process, releasing in the water not only elements that can form carbonate minerals but also other elements, which depending on their concentration can be essential or toxic for life. Relative mobility of elements such as Fe and Al, together with rare earth elements, increases at low pH conditions, while it decreases notably at neutral pH conditions. The comparison between experimental findings and natural evidence allowed to better understand the geochemical processes in basaltic aquifers hosted in active and inactive volcanic systems and to discuss these findings in light of the potential environmental impact of CO2 storage in mafic and ultramafic rocks.

Phytoremediation of Grey Water

Greywater, generated from domestic activities excluding toilet waste, presents a significant challenge for water management due to its diverse contaminants and potential environmental impact. Conventional treatment methods often fall short in addressing the complex composition of greywater while maintaining sustainability. Phytoremediation, a green technology that utilizes plants and their associated microorganisms, offers a promising and ecofriendly alternative for greywater treatment. This paper reviews the principles, mechanisms, and applications of phytoremediation in the context of greywater treatment. Various phytoremediation techniques such as rhizofiltration, phytoextraction, and phytodegradation are discussed, highlighting their efficacy in removing pollutants such as organic matter, nutrients, pathogens, and heavy metals from greywater. The role of specific plant species with remediation potential and their physiological mechanisms in contaminant uptake and transformation are examined. Case studies and experimental findings from greywater phytoremediation projects around the world are presented to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of this approach. Factors influencing phytoremediation performance, including plant selection, hydraulic conditions, nutrient availability, and system design, are analysed to optimize greywater treatment efficiency.

Accounting for product recovery potential in building life cycle assessments: a disassembly network-based approach

Abstract Purpose Existing life cycle assessment (LCA) methods for buildings often overlook the benefits of product recovery potential, whether for future reuse or repurposing. This oversight arises from the limited scope of such methods, which often ignore the complex interdependencies between building products. The present paper, backed by its supplementary Python library, introduces a method that addresses this gap, emphasizing the influence of product interdependencies and future recovery potential on environmental impact. Methods Implementing the proposed method requires adding a phase, the recovery potential assessment, to the four phases that constitute an LCA according to the ISO 14040/14044 guidelines. Given the disassembly sequence for each product, in the first step of the recovery potential assessment, a disassembly network (DN) is created that displays structural and accessibility dependencies. By calculating the average of the disassembly potential (DP) of each structural dependency (second step) associated with that product, we obtain the DP (0.1–1) at the product level in a third step. Because there is no empirical data available to support a specific relationship between product disassembly potential and recovery potential (RP) (0–1), we employ, in a fourth step, a flexible model specification to represent scenarios of how this relationship may look like. Ultimately, for each scenario, the resulting RP is used to enable a probabilistic material flow analysis with a binary outcome, whether to be recovered or not. The resulting product-level median material flows are then used to quantify the building’s environmental impact for a given impact category in the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). The results are interpreted through an uncertainty, hotspot, and sensitivity analysis. Results and discussion Our results show that not considering the interdependencies between building products in building LCAs results in underestimating the embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 28.29%. This discrepancy is primarily attributed to a failure to account for additional material flows stemming from secondary replacements owing to the interdependencies during the life cycle. When accounting for end-of-life recovery benefits, a zero-energy building (ZEB) design incorporating some DfD principles demonstrated up to 45.94% lower embodied GHG emissions than the ZEB design with low disassembly potential when assuming that recovered products will be reused. Conclusions Our approach provides first-of-a-kind evidence that not accounting for recovery potential may significantly distort the results of an LCA for buildings. The method and its supporting code support the semi-automated calculation of the otherwise neglected potential environmental impact, thus helping to drive the transition towards a more sustainable built environment. The supporting code allows researchers to build on the proposed framework if more data on the relationship between DP and RP become available in the future. Finally, while applied to buildings in this paper, the proposed framework is adaptable to any complex product with limited modifications in the supporting code.

Voltage Optimization on Low Voltage Distribution Transformer Zones Using Batteries in Uganda

In the context of Uganda's rapidly growing energy demands and the need for sustainable solutions, this study explores the implementation of voltage optimization techniques in Low Voltage (LV) distribution transformer zones. The research focuses on the innovative integration of batteries to optimize voltage levels, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the electrical distribution system. By analyzing real-time data from various LV transformer zones in Uganda, this study investigates the impact of voltage fluctuations on the overall power distribution network. The research methodology involves the design and deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) strategically placed within LV distribution transformer zones. These BESS units are utilized to store excess energy during periods of low demand and release it during peak hours, ensuring consistent voltage levels and minimizing losses in the distribution network. The study evaluates the effectiveness of this approach through extensive simulations and on-site experiments, considering factors such as battery capacity, charging/discharging rates, and load variations. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is conducted to evaluate the potential financial savings and environmental impact associated with this sustainable energy solution. The findings of this research indicate significant improvements in voltage regulation, reduced system losses, and enhanced reliability in LV distribution transformer zones. Additionally, the study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating batteries into the existing infrastructure, thereby contributing to the optimization of the energy distribution system in Uganda. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights for policymakers, utility companies, and researchers, emphasizing the importance of embracing innovative technologies to address the energy challenges faced by developing nations like Uganda.

Does online high-volume hemodiafiltration offer greater efficiency and sustainability compared to high-flux hemodialysis? A detailed simulation analysis anchored in real-world data

Abstract Recent findings, including the CONVINCE study report, suggests the superiority of high-volume hemodiafiltration over high-flux hemodialysis in improving patients’ outcomes. Despite positive patient outcomes, concerns have arisen about the potential negative environmental impact of high-volume hemodiafiltration, as it may lead to increased water and dialysis fluid consumption and higher waste production. In this manuscript, we address the environmental impact of high-volume HDF, focusing on three key factors: water treatment consumption, dialysis fluid consumption, and solute efficiency markers of HD and HDF. By optimizing HDF prescription through adjustments in operational capabilities, such as reducing the QD/QB ratio to 1,2 rather than 1,5 and incorporating automated ultrafiltration and substitution control, it has been demonstrated that HDF delivers a higher dialysis dose for small and middle-molecule uremic compounds with the same dialysis fluid consumption and at equal dialysis doses dialysis fluid consumption is reduced. This finding is supported by real-world data from 26 031 patients who underwent high-volume postdilution hemodiafiltration at a reduced dialysis flow (550 ml/min) and achieved an effective OCMKt/V of 1.70. In addition, simulation modeling calculations, using blood extraction coefficient, dialysate saturation coefficient, and solute clearances with urea (small MW) and ß2M (middle MW), consistently show postdilution HDF's superiority to HD. This holds true even with a significant reduction in dialysis flow down to 440 ml/min reflecting QD/QB ratio of 1,2. Postdilution HDF generates high ultrafiltrate flow (up to 35% of blood flow), delivering saturated ultrafiltrate to the lower solute concentration containing effluent dialysate, thus enhancing solute clearance which opens the way to reduce the dialysis flow. In conclusion, our analysis, combining simulation and real-world data, suggests that postdilution HDF could be a more environmentally friendly treatment option compared to conventional hemodialysis. Additionally, automated user-friendly functions that minimize dialysis fluid use, can further strengthen this environmental benefit while enhancing efficiency.

Environmental impact assessment of hemp cultivation and its seed-based food products

Introduction: Hemp is a crop cultivated in Europe since ancient times, with a variety of purposes and products. Despite being known for its positive environmental effects on ecosystems, the impacts of hemp-based food products have not been sufficiently investigated yet. This paper contributed to deepen the knowledge of the hemp industry by focusing on the potential environmental impact of the cultivation phase (under three different agronomic practices in Italy: organic outdoor and conventional outdoor, and indoor) and the production of selected hemp-based goods (seed oil and flour for food purposes and flowers for therapeutic uses).Methods: The impact was quantified utilizing the life cycle assessment within different impact categories, such as carbon footprint (CF), eutrophication (EP), acidification (AP), and water footprint (WF). For a carbon offset assessment, the carbon storage capability (i.e., the carbon fixed in crop residues left in the field) of hemp was also investigated through the guidelines provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).Results and Discussion: The cultivation phase contributed to a CF that ranged from 1.2 (organic outdoor) to 374 (indoor) kg per kg of grains (conventional outdoor). These results were in line with the literature. Sensitivity scenarios based on hotspot analysis were also presented for CF mitigation for each kind of cultivation. On the other hand, the ability of hemp to sequester carbon in the soil due to crop residues left in the field (i.e., carbon storage) was evaluated (−2.7 kg CO2 (ha year)−1), showing that the CF was fully compensated (−0.27 kg CO2 (ha year)−1 for conventional outdoor and −1.07 kg CO2 (ha year)−1 for organic outdoor). Regarding hemp-based products, only dried flowers showed a negative balance (−0.99 kg CO2 per kg dry flower), while hemp oil and flour reported 31.79 kg CO2 per kg flour) when carbon storage was accounted. The results support the idea that the production chain can be sustainable and carbon-neutral only when all the different parts of the plant (flowers, seeds, fibers, leaves, and all residues) were used to manufacture durable goods according to the framework of the circular economy.

Point-source tracking of microplastics in sewerage systems. Finding the culprit

Prior microplastic (MP) research has focused more on the efficiency of removal techniques within wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), with comparatively less emphasis placed on identifying and understanding the sources of MPs. In this study, the presence of MP in wastewater from various sources and their associated WWTPs was investigated. Utilising focal plane array micro Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FPA-μFTIR), the chemical composition, size distribution, and mass of MPs were quantified. Notably, wastewater generated from an industrial laundry facility exhibited the highest MP concentration of 6900 counts L−1 or 716 μg L−1. Domestic sewage contained MP levels (1534 counts L−1; 158 μg L−1) similar to those at the WWTPs (1640 counts L−1; 114 μg L−1). Polyester was identified as a significant component in most of the sources, predominantly originating from the shedding of fibres during textile washing. Additionally, a post-processing software was employed to compare two methods for fibre identification: aspect ratio and elongation ratio. These findings underscore the potential environmental impact of domestic activities and laundry washing on wastewater MP content.

Tribological properties of pickering emulsion constructed with ZnO nanoparticles modified by magnetic surfactants

To fulfill the requirements of long-term stable lubrication and corrosion protection, conventional industrial emulsion lubricants often involve complex formulations with multiple components, posing challenges in terms of preparation, recycling, and potential environmental impact. In order to address the problems, a Pickering emulsion with a simple composition and excellent anti-corrosion properties is prepared by incorporating magnetic surfactant ((C18H37)2N+(CH3)2[CeCl4]-) modified ZnO nanoparticles as a multifunctional additive into colza oil and water. The results demonstrate that Pickering emulsions exhibit excellent stability. Moreover, their magnetic responsiveness makes them promising candidates for intelligent lubricants. Furthermore, effective recycling and sustainability are achieved through reversible emulsification and demulsification. Tribological test results reveal that the addition of modified ZnO enhances the emulsions’ anti-friction and anti-wear properties due to nanoparticle rolling and repairing effects, generation of tribofilms, and deposition of ZnO nanoparticles. We anticipate that the Pickering emulsion could find widespread applications in various sectors, including metalworking and industrial manufacturing, owing to its uncomplicated composition, environmentally friendly nature, excellent anti-corrosion capabilities, and superior lubricating properties.

Biodegradation of e-waste microplastics by Penicillium brevicompactum

Electronic and electric waste (e-waste) management strategies often fall short in dealing with the plastic constituents of printed circuit boards (PCB). Some plastic materials from PCB, such as epoxy resins, may release contaminants, but neither potential environmental impact has been assessed nor mitigation strategies have been put forward.This study assessed the biodegradation of microplastics (1–2 mm in size) from PCB by the fungus Penicillium brevicompactum over 28 days, thus contributing to the discussion of mitigation strategies for decreasing the environmental impact of such plastics in the environment. The capacity of P. brevicompactum to induce microplastic fragmentation and degradation has been determined by the increased the number of smaller-sized particles and microplastic mass reduction (up to 75 % within 14 days), respectively. The occurrence of chain scission and oxidation of microplastics exposed to P. brevicompactum when compared with the control conditions (which occurred only after 28 days of exposure) can be observed. Furthermore, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy performed in dried biomass put in evidence an increase in the absorption intensities in regions that could be attributed to functional groups associated with carbohydrates.The results underline the potential role of the genus Penicillium, particularly P. brevicompactum, in the biodegradation of microplastics from PCB, thus providing the basis for further exploration of its potential for e-waste bioremediation and research on the underlying mechanisms for sustainable approaches to mitigate e-waste pollution.

Perovskite photovoltaics for aerospace applications − life cycle assessment and cost analysis

In the past few years, we have witnessed a rapid evolution of perovskite solar cells. In this study, we employ life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify the potential environmental impacts of perovskite solar cells (PSC) optimised for aerospace applications but could be used in conventional terrestrial applications too. One PSC module is manufactured by spin coating equipped with ITO glass and gold cathode. The other PSC module is manufactured by slot-die coating with a PET layer and carbon cathode and gold cathode respectively. Life cycle assessment is employed to compare potential environmental impact of two manufacture methods by impact method of Recipe(H), as well as the fabrication cost of PSC module. The primary data of material and energy used for fabricating PSCs are collected from spin coating with lab scale and slot-die coating with pilot scale. The life cycle impact assessment of the PSC module in the pilot scale shows much lower in all the assessed 18 impact categories than in the lab scale thanks to the material use efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Gold as a conduct electrode has the highest impacts in both spin coating and slot-die coating modules. Calculating with a two-year lifetime (typical of aerospace applications), the impact of global warming potential from the PSC module with carbon electrode with pilot scale used in a terrestrial application is calculated to be 12 g/kWh.

The study of environmental impact from fabric dyeing process in Lahanam area, Songkhone district, Lao PDR

The aim of this research was to examine water contamination resulting from the fabric dyeing process in the Lahanam area, located in Songkhone district, Lao PDR. Lahanam is a famous village known for its fabric dyeing and weaving activities, utilizing both natural and chemical dyes which result in the discharge of colors into local water resources. Water samples were collected from three different sources: household dyeing water (HD), community wastewater (CW) and the nearby river, Xebanghieng (XR). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on the water samples. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was employed to measure the presence of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). Additionally, tests were conducted to determine the biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia contents and pH in the water of Xebanghieng. The results revealed that HD samples contained significantly higher amounts of all four heavy metals (lead 0.217 mg L–1, cadmium 0.105 mg L–1, arsenic 0.029 mg L–1 and mercury 0.0014 mg L–1), with lead, cadmium and arsenic exceeding standard limits. These data indicate potential environmental impact of chemical dyeing in the village in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the current dyeing process with more sustainable alternatives, such as natural dyes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS The water quality of the river in the dyeing village in Lao PDR Heavy metals in wastewater after dyeing process. The impact of chemical dyeing.

Unravelling psychoactive substances and their metabolites and transformation products: High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry approaches for comprehensive target and suspect screening in wastewater

Untangling the consumption rates of psychiatric drugs and their metabolites/ transformation products-(TPs) through wastewater gains attention lately. However, the potential environmental impact caused by their release remains ambiguous. As it follows, the monitoring of this class of pharmaceuticals as well as the evaluation of their potential toxicity is a matter of high concern. In the light of the above, here, wastewater samples, were collected in a 1-year and a half sampling campaign (2020−2021) and were further subjected to solid phase extraction. A Q Exactive Focus Orbitrap mass analyzer was employed for the analysis of the samples. For the data curation, except of the monitoring of targets, a comprehensive suspect screening workflow was developed and slightly optimized based on a lab made HRMS database for the investigation of legally or illegally prescribed psychiatric drugs and their relevant metabolites/TPs in influents and effluents. Carbamazepine and amisulpride were quantified at the highest mean concentrations 243 and 225 ng/L respectively, in influents. In effluents, the highest mean concentrations were calculated for carbamazepine (180 ng/L) and venlafaxine (117 ng/L). The implementation of suspect screening approach enhanced the comprehensiveness of analysis by detecting 29 compounds not included in the target list. O-Desmethylvenlafaxine was the predominant metabolite in influents presenting a mean concentration equal to 87 ng/L while the same pattern was also noticed in effluents where the mean concentration was up to 91 ng/L. From the group of suspect compounds for which no analytical standards were available, the predominant compounds with detection frequency 100 % were norephedrine and codeine in influents while in effluents, oxazepam was detected in 81 % of the analyzed samples. Finally, in silico and mathematical tools were employed for the assessment of the risk posed to environmental systems. Most of the detected compounds present high risk in all trophic levels.

Environmental assessment of an innovative adhesive for the footwear industry: road map for product development

Abstract Purpose This work presents an environmental assessment of two adhesives to evaluate the replacement of the traditional adhesive (PU) used in the footwear industry by a novel adhesive based on a microencapsulation approach (PUMC) which is more favorable from the safety and technical perspectives. The PU adhesive is polyurethane-based, while the PUMC adhesive is polyurethane-based but with its isocyanate compounds microencapsulated, increasing storage life and reducing risks related to the exposure of workers with the adhesives. Methods The potential environmental impact of the adhesives was evaluated using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. A detailed process model was developed (both for laboratory and for a pilot-scale implementation) to investigate the environmental impacts associated with these processes. The functional unit was one kilogram of adhesive (PU and PUMC adhesives) produced. A cradle-to-customers’ gate approach was defined. The system boundary starts from extraction of resources, through material production, until adhesive use. This includes microcapsule production in the case of the PUMC adhesive. This study investigates the important drivers behind the environmental impacts to help guide commercialization efforts. A scenarios study/sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the response of the PUMC adhesive system to the variability of the model, scenarios, and parameters. Results The results show that the PU adhesive environmental impact is due to acetone and polyol consumption in the production stage. In the PUMC adhesive system, acetone consumption and microcapsule production are the major factors responsible for the environmental impact. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), dichloromethane (DCM), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) consumption are the major factors responsible for the environmental impact of the microcapsules’ production. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using three alternative scenarios focused on the reduction in material consumption and increase in material recuperation, as well as using an alternative renewable energy source. Although the traditional PU adhesive has a lower impact, it was found that the three alternative PUMC adhesive systems can become comparable to the traditional PU adhesive. Conclusions This study shows the advance and development of a new technology for microencapsulation of isocyanate in adhesives and its environmental advantages and disadvantages with respect to a traditional product that uses non-encapsulated isocyanate. Finally, it was shown that there is significant potential for minimizing some environmental impacts of the PUMC adhesive, such as optimizing the microcapsules’ production stage, increasing the production efficiency to decrease the required material consumption.

Mechanistic evaluation of contrasting modulation in conformation and catalytic performance of urease by surface interaction of graphene oxide and amine- functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets

The increasing use of graphene-based nanomaterials raises concerns about their potential environmental impact as ecotoxicants. This article examines the interaction and effects of graphene oxide (GO) and its amine-derived (GONH2) 2-D nanosheets on urease dynamics, a crucial enzyme in soil nutrient cycling, through spectroscopic, microscopic, and computational analyses. The findings reveal the distinct interaction mechanisms: GO formed ground - and excited-state complexes with urease; thus, fluorescence quenching was static and dynamic via hydrophobic interaction. In contrast, GONH2 nanosheets formed a ground-state complex by static quenching involving Van der Waals and hydrogen bonding. These interactions were energetically favored and altered tryptophan (Trp) residues’ microenvironment more than tyrosine (Tyr). The average exciton lifetime of urease in the presence of GO have decreased from 4.34 ns to 3.647 ns at the mere concentration of 7.11 µM, while for GONH2, no discernable change (4.16 ns) was observed even at the concentration of 16.75 µM. Primarily, the strong interaction of GO leads to the rearrangement of polypeptide structure, reduced α-helices to 12 %, and increased β-sheets by six times. In contrast, with GONH2, α-helices were reduced to 79 %, and β-sheets were increased by 1.8 times at the similar concentration. Molecular docking revealed that neither GO nor GONH2 interacted with the active site of urease, and binding was primarily via hydrophobic, Van der Waals, and hydrogen bonding, concurrent with in-vitro incubation results. Positive total energy (3.85 kJ mol−1) during molecular docking analysis of urease-GO interaction and inhibition in enzyme activity to 62 %, altered Vmax value (0.04606 ± 0.001 mM/s), without affecting the Km (4.78045 ± 0.12 mM) suggested that inhibition was noncompetitive and steric clashes due to disruptive binding might drove the inhibition. Meanwhile, negative total internal energy (-3.97 kJ mol−1) during urease + GONH2 binding and enhanced enzymatic activity by 32 % in-vitro without altering Vmax (0.063091 ± 0.003 mM/s) and Km (4.953943 ± 0.2 mM) values suggested that urease's binding site was well-complemented by GONH2 nanosheets, serving as a redox-mediator and radical-quencher.

Potential Environmental Impacts of Coastal Desalination Intake Structures: Urgent Data Gaps and Policy Needs

Potential Environmental Impacts of Coastal Desalination Intake Structures: Urgent Data Gaps and Policy Needs

The hydrometallurgical recovery of critical and valuable elements from WEEE shredding dust: Process effectiveness in a life cycle perspective

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling stands as a crucial opportunity to get critical resources while managing a waste stream in accordance with the circular economy principles. Recently, a two-step hydrometallurgical process has been successfully investigated to treat the dust originating from the mechanical processing of WEEE. The best operating conditions selected in this study were used to further investigate the recovery of precious metals and critical elements, achieving extraction yields of approximately 77.7 % and 53.1 %, respectively; base metals (i.e. aluminum, zinc, copper, ..) were also leached from dust up to 96 %. A life cycle approach was also applied to preliminary assess and compare the potential environmental impact of the proposed process with respect to the manufacturing process of the virgin material. The analysis focused on standard environmental indicators (i.e. global warming potential, acidification, …), human toxicity and eco-toxicty and a set of five different characterisation models for abiotic depletion of resources. Four scenarios, differing for allocation criteria (mass/economic) and the possible recovery of metals along with REEs, were compared. Among the recovered products, the greates potential benefits were found in the case of rare earth elements, in the scenario considering the complete recovery of base and precious metals and performing an economic allocation. Impacts on abiotic depletion and toxicity account for the highest benefits from maerial recovery. Nevertheless, the recovery of sulphuric acid would allow a further reduction also in other impacts, strengthening the potential competitiveness of REE recovery against the manufacturing of virgin materials.

Comparative environmental analysis of sugar beet production using a solar-driven robot and conventional systems from a sustainability perspective

In the context of rapid global population growth and climate change, balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability has never been more important. Precision farming technologies, including robotics, are touted as having huge potential to increase farm productivity, reduce energy and resource use and compact soil, while reducing the overall environmental impact of on-farm production. This comprehensive study presents, for the first time, a detailed analysis and environmental benchmarking of two organic sugar beet production (SBP) systems, conventional (CONV) and robotic (RBT), based on field experiments in Lithuanian conditions where a solar-powered robot is integrated into the production system to carry out sowing and weeding operations. In order to reduce the potential environmental impact and to understand the consequences of using the robot in agriculture, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the entire SBP process up to the factory gate was carried out. The results of the analysis show that the conventional system has higher total GHG emissions than the robotic system, 36.98 and 27.18 kg CO2eq t−1, respectively, with poultry manure being the largest contributor. The higher beet yield in the RBT system, mainly due to effective weed control, resulted in a higher GHG emissions ratio (14.72) and a higher sustainability index (13.72). The LCA results showed that the CONV system had a higher negative environmental impact than the RBT in all eleven environmental impact categories assessed, with the most pronounced difference in the Ozone Depletion (OD) category. Diesel fuel was identified as the most important environmental factor for organically growing sugar beet in all considered impact categories, with the most notable environmental impact (about 94%) in the terrestrial ecotoxicity category in both systems. Normalization of the results showed that marine aquatic ecotoxicity (ME) had the greatest (78%) influence of all exposure categories for both cultivation systems, CONV – 22079.82, and RBT 18121.61 kg 1.4-DBeq per ton of produced sugar beet. The study found that increasing yields and reducing fossil fuel use in organic farming are the two most promising strategies for achieving sustainability and efficiency in food production.

The Circularity of Materials from the Perspective of the Product Life Cycle: A Case Study of Secondary Fence Board, Part 2 (Scenario Analysis)

Recycling strategies demonstrate different life cycle environmental performance. In order to assess this performance, a life cycle assessment may be used. In such studies, the recycling should be linked with multifunctionality and allocation. This requires it to be modelled accordingly, especially in terms of environmental burdens and credits. The paper presents a case study of open-loop recycling. A flow of mixed post-consumer multi-material waste was reprocessed into another product with a new application—a fence board made of recycled material (secondary fence board). Although many allocation-related case studies are provided in the literature, no example of a comparison between different substitution scenarios for open-loop recycling has been found. In order to fill the gap, various hypothetical market-mix-based alternatives related to the virgin production and durability of products have been examined. The goal of the study is to assess the potential environmental impact of 1 m2 of secondary fence board modelled in different substitution scenarios. The paper is the second part of a two-part study. In Part 1, life cycle assessment results were presented for a baseline scenario (1A). Part 2 focuses strongly on allocation considerations. In order to ensure a consistency between the results of Part 1 and Part 2, the entire life cycle of the fence board has been taken into account in both calculations. The case study has shown that the results may be highly sensitive to the choice of substitutes and the choice of quality attributes impacting the reference flows (in our example, the durability of products).

Enhancing drilling operations: prioritizing wellbore integrity, formation preservation, and effective mud waste control (case study)

This study examined the issues of wellbore instability encountered during the drilling of the vertical exploration Al-Rateena-1 well, Block 25D, Al-Rawat Field, Sudan. Measurements of the wellbore diameter revealed significant damage to the formation interval between 2775 and 2925 m. This damage released approximately 800 barrels of drill cuttings from the affected zone and overlying formations. A comprehensive wellbore stability assessment was conducted to identify the root causes of instability and develop strategies to mitigate future occurrences. The assessment involved a thorough analysis of the pore, vertical, effective vertical, and minimum and maximum horizontal pressures. All of these parameters play a crucial role in maintaining wellbore integrity. This study also evaluated the potential impact of these parameters on groundwater and soil quality, leading to the development of an efficient waste management system. The safe mud weight range for the well was determined to be between 13.5 and 15.5 pounds per gallon (PPG). However, the drilling fluid used during the operation had a significantly lower density of only 10 PPG. This ultimately leads to the collapse of the wellbore wall. Examination of drilling cuttings revealed elevated levels of various heavy metals. These heavy metals included Lead (94.12 ppm), Mercury (62.87 ppm), Nickel (1403 ppm), Copper (343 ppm), Calcium (23132.72 ppm), Magnesium (3700 ppm), and Barium (16000 ppm). These elements pose a significant threat to both surface water and groundwater quality. It is possible that they also contributed to the wellbore wall collapse. It was hypothesized that the interaction between these elements and the water-based drilling fluid or its additives could have triggered the collapse event. The findings of this study highlight the importance of conducting comprehensive wellbore stability assessments before drilling. Such assessments should incorporate detailed investigations, modelling, calculations, and simulations of various parameters that influence wellbore stability. In addition, careful consideration must be given to the potential environmental impacts of drilling fluids and cuttings, particularly in areas with sensitive ecosystems. The wellbore instability in the vertical exploration Al-Rateena-1 well was primarily caused by the use of an underweight drilling fluid. This underweight drilling fluid results in the collapse of the wellbore wall. Elevated levels of heavy metals in drill cuttings suggest a potential impact on groundwater quality. It is also possible that they contributed to the wellbore instability. Comprehensive wellbore stability assessments are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. This study provides a detailed account of wellbore instability. This includes the identification of root causes and the development of preventive measures. This study also highlights the potential environmental impact of drilling fluids and cuttings. The findings of this study can help improve drilling practices and environmental protection in the oil and gas industry.

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXEMPLIFIED TERRITORIES

The paper explores the risks associated with exempted and liberated territories that were previously used for certain industrial, commercial, agricultural or other activities. Such territories were captured or used by military forces during the war and then liberated or abandoned and left unattended, or were disturbed by natural disasters, man-made accidents, etc. The aim of the article is to analyze the possibility of their further use and rehabilitation. The following indicators of risk sources can be identified in such areas: presence of explosive objects; level of soil and water contamination; presence of chemical, biological or radiation contamination; degree of damage to infrastructure and building structures; risk of dangerous situations and accidents; impact on the health and safety of the local population; possibility of spreading infectious diseases; presence of unexploded or uncontrolled explosive materials; risk of re-invasion by enemy forces; potential environmental damage; and potential environmental impact. Based on the analysis of these indicators, they were summarized and grouped into six main risk indicators: demining of territories; efficiency of demining and disposal of remnants of military equipment, mines, etc.; safety and efficiency of demining and disposal technologies; degree of contamination of the demined territories after demining and disposal; level of safety assessment of the population living in these territories; return of vital infrastructure. An expert assessment methodology was applied, which includes an analysis of the severity of the consequences and the likelihood of their occurrence. The risks were ranked using the method of pairwise comparisons. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the further use and rehabilitation of the affected areas. The results of the study indicate the need for systematic monitoring and control of the exempted and liberated territories in order to prevent possible environmental and socio-economic problems. To ensure sustainable development and conservation of natural resources, due attention should be paid to the issues of environmental safety and rehabilitation of these territories. Further research in this area will allow developing more effective strategies for the use and rehabilitation of exempted areas, taking into account current environmental and socio-economic challenges.