Rapid Urbanization Research Articles

Mapping the anthropogenic zinc cycle in China from 2000 to 2021: A dynamic material flow analysis

Zinc is one of strategic metals for economic advancement owing to its extensive utilization in various sectors. China is the largest zinc producer and consumer in the world and plays an important role in the global zinc supply chain. However, a clear picture of zinc metabolism, including its flows and stocks, remains unclear in China. This study investigates the anthropogenic zinc cycle within China's mainland for a period of 2000–2021 by employing a dynamic material flow analysis approach. Our results indicate that the demand for zinc ores increased from 1.86 Mt (megatons) in 2000 to 7.77 Mt in 2021, while the domestic zinc consumption increased from 1.51 Mt in 2000 to 6.39 Mt in 2021. In the use stage, galvanized zinc products dominated zinc consumption with a proportion of 62.49%, with the construction sector serving as the largest end-user with a proportion of 44.17%. However, the average zinc recycling rate was only 49.4%, primarily from new scraps collected in the manufacturing stage. In order to respond to the ambitious carbon neutrality target and rapid urbanization, the Chinese government has implemented mining restriction policies to curb domestic emissions, which induced more zinc imports. Consequently, the reliance on international trade increased from 27.57% in 2013 to 46.77% in 2021. Based upon these findings, several policy recommendations are proposed, including preparing regulatory frameworks, promoting technological advancements, and applying various economic instruments. These recommendations can facilitate sustainable zinc resource management.

Local Government Reform and the Urban-Rural Relation: A Comparison of Leicester, the United Kingdom and Weihai, China

Since the twentieth century, urban expansion has gradually become a global issue. As the first country to urbanize, Britain faced tense urban-rural relations caused by urban expansion after World War II. Similarly, in the twenty-first century, China, as the world’s largest urban entity, faces the same issue due to its rapid urbanization. Both countries have undertaken local government reforms to address this problem, achieving similar results at certain points in time. However, due to differing national contexts and political traditions, their processes and directions vary significantly. This article examines Leicester and Leicestershire in the United Kingdom, and Weihai and Wendeng in China, as cases for comparative study. It aims to analyze the similarities and differences in local government reforms and the evolution of urban-rural relations in these two countries, as well as the reasons behind the differences.

Heavy metals in core sediments from the western Bay of Bengal: implications on historical pollution, eco-environmental risks, and potential sources

The western Bay of Bengal is particularly susceptible to the harmful impacts of increasing coastal pollution, as coastal population and urban development are occurring at unprecedented rates. The rapid urbanization and industrialization along the east coast of India coupled with the transfer of contaminants into the Bay of Bengal through riverine systems, causing a direct impact on marine ecosystems. In the present study, an attempt has been made to understand the heavy metal distribution on shelf sediments in the western part of the Bay of Bengal to infer their source, processes, and historical changes in marine pollution. Three short sediment core samples were collected and analysed for sediment texture, organic matter, and heavy metals. Cores 1 and 2 contain a high amount of sand content, representing shallow marine with moderate to high-energy conditions, and were deposited at a recent time. Core 3 was dominated by muddy sand to sandy mud, which denotes calm sedimentation without any turbulence, and these sediments were deposited under relatively low-energy conditions. The higher concentration of organic matter in the top layers of the core indicates both marine and terrestrial input. The heavy metal contents show quite heterogeneous and variable distributions from one element to another and from one core to another. The calculated pollution indices such as Contamination Factor (CF), and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) values indicate that all the core sub-samples are severely enriched and highly polluted by Cd and moderately polluted by Pb. The increased heavy metal concentration in the upper portion of the sediment cores and moderate to considerable ecological risks indicate that these metals have been deposited in the study area for the past few decades.

A new probabilistic model with simulation study: Its practical implementations using the energy consumption in urban planning

Methods based on probability make use of data sets to recognize patterns, evaluate potential outcomes, and predict various scenarios. These methods are often empirically utilized to analyze data sets, with a particular focus on data sets related to energy. The rapid urbanization in China has led to an increase in the share of residential energy consumption in the overall energy consumption. Given the importance of probability-based methods in the energy sector, this paper introduces the weighted very flexible Weibull (WVF-Weibull) distribution as a novel probability distribution. We provide the point estimators and simulation studies carried out under various parameter settings. Finally, the WVF-Weibull distribution is implemented to examine the energy consumption data collected from the urban regions of China. Through the examination of six statistical tools, it has been established that the WVF-Weibull distribution is the optimal model among various probability distributions for energy consumption data.

Optimization of Ecological Dispatch and Hydrodynamic Improvements in Tidal River Channels Using SWMM Modeling: A Case Study of the Longjin Yangqi Area in Kurama Mountain

Being tidal-sensitive, the river channel in the Longjin Yangqi area of Cangshan, Fuzhou City, is challenged further because of rapid urbanization. Thus, resultant remediation efforts are crucial. This study aims analyzes hydrodynamic characteristics of the area and, secondly, proposes an ecological dispatch solution with evaluation of its effectiveness through the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The chief tasks cover imitating rainfall runoff, optimizing sluice gate activities, reorganizing pump management, and reshaping river morphology to bolster flood control and water quality. Improvements were shown through ecological dispatch strategies, which suggested increasing the channel width for the river and deepening the riverbed, thereby increasing the flood duration, lowering water levels, and less frequent flood occurrences. Optimizing sluice gate settings improved efficiency in the regulation of water flow and reduced scour or siltation problems. Various adjustments to pumping operations scattered over various times were based on live-data analysis, therefore enhancing water flow and the self-purification capacity of the water body. The SWMM was directly applied in this tidal river for urban water resource management with data processing from over 100,000 points in simulations. Wherever needed, changes to model parameters were made to improve its capability and enhance its appropriate use in future urban settings. As a whole, this study presents a plan for sustainable water resource management paired with environmental conditions for the benefit of over 500,000 urban residents in the Longjin Yangqi area.

Metagenomic insights into microbial community, functional annotation, and antibiotic resistance genes in Himalayan Brahmaputra River sediment, India.

The Brahmaputra, a major transboundary river of the Himalayas flowing predominantly through Northeast India, particularly Assam, is increasingly endangered by contamination due to rapid urbanization and anthropogenic pressures. These environmental changes pose significant risks at the microbial level, affecting nutrient cycling and productivity, and thereby impacting river ecosystem health. The next-generation sequencing technology using a metagenomics approach has revolutionized our understanding of the microbiome and its critical role in various aquatic environments. The present study aimed to investigate the structure of the bacterial community and its functional potentials within the sediments of the Brahmaputra River, India, using high-throughput shotgun metagenomics. Additionally, this study sought to explore the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in the river's sediment. Shotgun metagenomics revealed a diverse bacterial community comprising 31 phyla, 52 classes, 291 families, 1,016 genera, and 3,630 species. Dominant phyla included Pseudomonadota (62.47-83.48%), Actinobacteria (11.10-24.89%), Bacteroidetes (0.97-3.82%), Firmicutes (0.54-3.94%), Cyanobacteria (0.14-1.70%), and Planctomycetes (0.30-0.78%). Functional profiling highlighted significant involvement in energy metabolism, amino acid and central carbon metabolism, stress response, and degradation pathways, emphasizing the microbial community's role in ecosystem functioning and resilience. Notably, 50 types of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected, with resistance profiles spanning multidrug, aminoglycoside, β-lactam, fluoroquinolone, rifampicin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline classes. Network analysis underscored the intricate relationships among ARG subtypes, suggesting potential mechanisms of resistance propagation. Furthermore, plasmid-related genes and 185 virulence factor genes (VFGs) were identified, indicating additional layers of microbial adaptation and potential pathogenicity within the river sediments. This comprehensive microbial and functional profiling of the Brahmaputra's sediment metagenome provides crucial insights into microbial diversity, resistance potential, and ecological functions, offering a foundation for informed management and mitigation strategies to preserve river health and mitigate pollution impacts.

Electrochemical recycling of recycled concrete powder: Selective recovery of calcium and silica to enable sustainable construction materials

Rapid urbanization produces billions of tons of concrete waste annually, with recycled concrete powder (RCP) posing significant challenges due to its high porosity and limited reusability. To overcome RCP’s inherent limitations and maximize resource utilization, we developed a novel “Recycled Concrete Powder Electrolyzer” for selective recovery of key components. This electrochemical method efficiently extracted Ca2＋ ions from RCP, achieving a 96% calcium extraction efficiency comparable to acid leaching. The process produced high-purity portlandite (94% purity; 65.58% yield) with crystal sizes below 30μm, ideal for cement manufacturing, while also recovering fine sand powder and silica-containing products. A Ca(NO3)2 electrolyte enhanced Ca2＋ migration and prevented membrane fouling, resulting in lower energy consumption compared to the NaNO3 system. By converting RCP into a carbon-free cement precursor and recovering valuable components, this approach demonstrates the feasibility of transforming problematic waste into sustainable construction materials. It offers a circular economy solution for concrete waste recycling, reducing landfill burden while providing a low-emission alternative for cement production.

Diurnal variation in an amplified canopy urban heat island during heat wave periods in the megacity of Beijing: roles of mountain–valley breeze and urban morphology

Abstract. Against the background of global warming and rapid urbanization, heat waves (HWs) have become increasingly prevalent, amplifying canopy urban heat island intensity (CUHII). The megacity of Beijing, characterized by rapid urbanization, frequent high-temperature events, and exceptionally complex terrain, presents a unique case to study the synergies between HWs and canopy urban heat islands (CUHIs). However, research exploring the formation mechanisms of the amplified CUHII (ΔCUHII) during HW periods in the megacity of Beijing from the perspectives of mountain–valley breeze and urban morphology remains scarce. This study found that compared to non-heat-wave (NHW) periods, the average daily CUHII during HW periods significantly increased by 59.33 %. On the urban scale, the wind direction reversal of the mountain–valley breeze might contribute to the north–south asymmetry in the ΔCUHII. On the street scale, wind speed was inversely proportional to the ΔCUHII. In addition, the ΔCUHII was closely related to urban morphology, particularly the three-dimensional indicators of buildings. During the mountain breeze phase, high-rise buildings with lower sky view factors (SVFs) had a more pronounced effect on amplifying CUHII compared to low-rise buildings with higher SVFs. Conversely, during the valley breeze phase, high-rise buildings exerted a dual influence on amplifying CUHII. Our findings provide scientific insights into the driving mechanisms of urban overheating and contribute to mitigating the escalating risks associated with urban excess warming.

Water, Ecosystem Services, and Urban Green Spaces in the Anthropocene

As urban centers worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing water scarcity, the need for sustainable water management practices to enhance urban resilience in the Anthropocene has become critical. This study explores how ancient water management practices—including Roman aqueducts, Maya rainwater harvesting systems, and ancient Chinese flood control techniques—can be adapted to address contemporary water challenges in modern cities. We evaluate these historical practices through a lens of contemporary environmental pressures, including climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity. By integrating ancient methods with modern technologies, we propose adaptive solutions to enhance urban water resilience. Case studies from five cities (Singapore, Copenhagen, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia) illustrate how modern green infrastructure, inspired by ancient techniques, is being successfully implemented to manage stormwater, mitigate urban flooding, and improve water conservation. By integrating historical practices with modern technologies—such as advanced filtration systems and water recycling—these cities are enhancing their water resilience and sustainability. The findings suggest that urban planners can draw valuable lessons from historical systems to design adaptive, climate-resilient cities that balance human needs with ecological sustainability. This paper concludes with actionable recommendations for future urban planning, emphasizing the importance of decentralized water systems, nature-based solutions, and community engagement to ensure sustainable urban water management in the Anthropocene.

INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL NO TRÂNSITO

This study examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in urban traffic management, considering the growing challenges arising from the increase in the vehicle fleet and rapid urbanization. These factors contribute to frequent traffic congestion, increased pollutant emissions and a higher accident rate, which generates an urgent need for innovative solutions that promote safer, more efficient and sustainable traffic. The main objective is to evaluate how AI can be used to optimize urban mobility, reduce the frequency of accidents and minimize traffic-related pollution, in addition to identifying the main challenges and opportunities in the implementation of such technologies in modern urban contexts. The research was carried out through a literature review, analyzing scientific articles, publications and specialized documents. This survey sought to synthesize the existing knowledge on advances in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and explore the practices and technologies that interconnect data and communication applied to traffic. The sources consulted included databases such as Google Scholar and recognized publications in the area, with a focus on developing countries, where the adoption of AI in urban mobility is still incipient. The use of AI-powered ITS can not only improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, but also contribute to a more sustainable urban environment. The research suggests that investment in infrastructure and capacity building will be crucial to the successful implementation of AI in traffic systems, especially in developing countries.

Experimental and numerical investigation of the properties of concrete with ceramic tile waste and stone dust as substitutes for natural aggregates

Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development around the world have led to the overexploitation of natural aggregates and increased industrial waste disposal, posing significant environmental challenges. Utilizing daily-generated, non-recyclable waste materials in concrete production can address these issues while promoting sustainability. Therefore, this paper focuses on adapting ceramic tile waste and stone dust in concrete as partial replacements for natural aggregates, since they are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, coarse aggregate was replaced with ceramic tile aggregate at 10%, 20%, and 30% levels, while fine aggregate was substituted with stone dust at 30%, 40%, and 50% levels. The mechanical properties of concrete at 28 days, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and bond strength, were experimentally investigated for all mixes. Afterward, finite element models were developed using ABAQUS, and comparisons were made between experimental and numerical results. The test results indicated that replacing aggregates with tile waste and stone dust increased the overall strength of the concrete compared to conventional concrete, with the maximum compressive, tensile, and bond strengths achieved in the 30% ceramic tile aggregate and 30% stone dust mix. The numerical results showed that the proposed finite element models in this study agreed well with the experimental results.

Users’ Satisfaction with the Urban Design of Nature-Based Parks: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia

Rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia has reshaped land use and increased the demand for public spaces to enhance residents’ well-being, support quality of life, and strengthen cities’ resilience to global warming and climate change. In this study, an evaluation of user satisfaction with the design of nature-based parks in Saudi Arabia was conducted, using Wadi Hanifa Park in Riyadh city as a case study. To this end, direct observation alongside a questionnaire survey of park users was employed. The findings indicate that users are generally satisfied with the design of the park, with a weighted mean overall satisfaction score of 3.38 out of 5 observed. High satisfaction ratings were reported for various features, with visual quality receiving the highest rating. In contrast, lower satisfaction levels were recorded for some aspects, with the lowest rating given to lighting levels at night. The most frequently cited issue needing attention was the limited presence of greenery. This suggests that users tend to report a higher satisfaction in parks that incorporate diverse plant life and create a harmonious blend of natural and built environments. Accordingly, this study recommends the planting of native species, which require less water, enhance visual appeal, and strengthen place identity. Enhancing these aspects could further increase the effectiveness of nature-based parks in enhancing the quality of life in Saudi cities. This study recommends developing a national evaluation framework for public parks in Saudi Arabia to guide designers and policymakers in implementing the best design practices.

Effects of health expenditure, death rate, and infant mortality rate on life expectancy: A case study of the United States

Understanding the factors that influence life expectancy (LEXP) is crucial for promoting economic development, as a nation's prosperity depends on the health of its population. Various socioeconomic, nutritional, lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors can significantly impact a nation’s health and longevity. Our study investigates these drivers of LEXP, focusing on the United States as a case study. Using quarterly data from 2000 to 2022, we examined the relationship between LEXP and multiple determinants, including environmental degradation, income levels, inflation dynamics, educational attainment, birth and death rates, health expenditure patterns, urbanization trends, and infant mortality rates. Employing advanced analytical methodologies, we accounted for the nonlinear nature of the time series data by utilizing approaches such as quantile-on-quantile Kernel Regression Least Squares and quantile-on-quantile Granger causality. The study revealed that factors such as inflation rate, rapid urbanization, high birth rates, CO2 emissions, death rates, and infant mortality negatively affect LEXP. On the other hand, higher income levels, educational attainment, food production, and health expenditure positively influence LEXP. Based on these findings, we have proposed significant policy recommendations.

Latest Research on the Theme of “Sustainability, Challenges, and Opportunities to Optimize Building Performance”

In the face of escalating climate change, rapid urbanization, and dwindling natural resources, the imperative for sustainable practices within the construction and architectural sectors has never been more critical [...]

Visual Pollution: Causes, Health Impacts, And Mitigation Strategies for Enhancing Environmental Aesthetics and Public Well-Being – A Review

This review paper examines visual pollution, its causes, and impacts on human health and well-being, defined as unattractive and disruptive visual elements in the environment that degrade aesthetic quality. It explores sources such as billboards, litter, industrial structures, and poorly planned urban development. The paper discusses how rapid urbanization, industrialization, and excessive advertising exacerbate visual clutter, particularly in urban areas. The impacts of visual pollution on health are significant, including increased stress, anxiety, and diminished quality of life. Vulnerable populations, such as lower-income communities, children, and the elderly, face heightened risks due to greater exposure. The review highlights disparities in exposure and health outcomes, emphasizing that the cumulative effects of visual pollution and socio-economic disadvantages intensify its negative impact. The paper also evaluates strategies for mitigation, including urban planning measures like green spaces and zoning regulations, as well as regulatory approaches to manage outdoor advertising and waste. By addressing visual pollution through comprehensive planning and regulation, the paper aims to inform policies that enhance environmental aesthetics and improve public well-being.

Linkages between the Availability of Basic Services Supporting Urban Settlements and Settlement Land Use (Case Study: Rangkasbitung District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province)

Rapid urbanization has become a significant global phenomenon, affecting major cities and suburban areas and profoundly impacting urban life. This article explores the correlation between the increase in population as an effect of urbanization and the availability of essential services in Rangkasbitung, which consists of 16 villages. This research aims to determine the impact of the availability of crucial daily services on the amount of residential land use in Rangkasbitung. Essential services are assessed using the 20-minute neighborhood parameter, representing an area designed to provide essential services within a short walk for residents. This research uses a quantitative descriptive methodology with spatial and descriptive statistical analysis. The study is limited to the availability of residential land use, essential services, and public transportation as the three main components in the development of urban residential areas based on the 20-Minute Neighborhood parameter. The 20-minute neighborhood is a city planning concept defined as an area where residents can access most activities necessary for a good life without traveling outside the area. The results indicate that the availability of essential services in an area affects residents' decisions on where to live.

The Pakistan-China FTA: legal challenges and solutions for marine environmental protection

Marine ecosystems play a vital role in development, human life, and health, thereby promoting sustainable development. However, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, as well as intense exploitation of marine resources, among other phenomena, both Pakistani and Chinese marine ecosystems face severe challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. In particular, the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement, which aims to boost economic growth, exacerbates these environmental issues due to the increased trade volume. The purpose of this article is to discuss the challenges of legal standards regulating marine environmental protection within the context of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement. By examining the current state of the mentioned agreement as well as regional judicial practice, the current study demonstrates the need to adopt a number of legal measures, such as including specific teeth provisions within the Free Trade Agreement, establishing a special joint environmental commission, increasing public participation, and boosting national environmental law, in order to reduce the adverse effect on marine ecosystems and properly mitigate such effects with a view to achieving sustainability.

Study on the Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Building Carbon Emissions and Influencing Factors in the Urban Agglomeration of the Yangtze River Economic Belt

With the rapid urbanization process, the construction industry has become a significant source of urban carbon emissions in China. The carbon emissions from buildings in the urban clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, a crucial region for China’s economic development, have attracted considerable attention. This study focuses on urban buildings and aims to investigate the primary influencing factors of building carbon emissions in the urban clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The study highlights the innovative use of nighttime light remote sensing data to analyze urban carbon emissions and provides an in-depth exploration of the spatiotemporal characteristics of building carbon emissions in the urban clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Utilizing nighttime light remote sensing data similar to DMSP-OLS and provincial-level building carbon emissions, combined with spatial autocorrelation and spatiotemporal geographically weighted regression models, the study estimates and analyzes the building carbon emissions from 2012 to 2021 in 71 prefecture-level and above administrative regions within the three major urban clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The results indicate a continuous increase in total building carbon emissions in the three major urban clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, with an accelerating growth rate. Spatially, urban building carbon emissions exhibit enhanced convergence but decreasing correlation over time, demonstrating evolving spatiotemporal patterns. Furthermore, the study identifies economic development level, population size, built-up area, and industrial structure as the main factors influencing building carbon emissions, with industrial structure showing significant impact.

Analysis of Sustainable Smart Cities in India: Demographical and Financial aspect

India is poised to become the world’s most populous country by 2030, presenting an unprecedented market for global manufacturers and service providers. This demographic shift is also spurring rapid urbanization, with a growing population migrating to top-tier cities and emerging megacities expected to drive 80% of the nation’s economic growth. These urban centers have significant potential to implement advanced technologies and infrastructure, optimizing scarce resources for sustainable development. The Government of India’s Smart City Mission is a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing quality of life by advancing local development through smart technologies. The mission seeks to create cities that provide essential infrastructure, a high standard of living, and a clean, sustainable environment. The approach centers on market-driven strategies to meet both supply and demand, aiming to raise awareness and optimize resources across sectors—residential, industrial, transportation, commercial, and recreational. This study explores the demographic and financial dimensions of sustainable smart cities and their contributions to economic development and societal well-being.

Flood Risk Analysis of Urban Agglomerations in the Yangtze River Basin Under Extreme Precipitation Based on Remote Sensing Technology

Flooding is the most pervasive hydrological disaster globally. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of torrential rain and flood characteristics across three major urban agglomerations (CY, MRYR, and YRD) in the Yangtze River Basin from 1991 to 2020. Utilizing satellite-derived microwave SSM/I data and CHIRPS precipitation datasets, this study examines the impacts of urbanization and climate change on flood risk patterns. The results showed: (1) In 1998, the MRYR had the highest flood risk due to heavy rainfall and poor flood control, but by 2020, risk shifted to the CY with rapid urbanization and more rainfall, while the YRD maintained the lowest risk due to advanced flood control. (2) The relationship between impervious surface area and flood risk varied by region. The CY showed a negative correlation (−0.41), suggesting effective flood mitigation through topography and infrastructure; the MRYR had a slight positive correlation (0.12), indicating increased risks from urban expansion; and the YRD’s weak negative correlation (−0.18) reflected strong flood control systems. This research underscores the imperative of strategic urban planning and effective water resource management to mitigate future flood risks and contributes valuable insights to ongoing efforts in flood disaster prevention and control within the Yangtze River Basin.