Reduce Pollution Levels Research Articles

Mitigating pollutants in textile dye wastewater with Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench: A study on treatment efficacy

Textile wastewater, particularly those containing dyes, presents significant threats to environmental quality and human health. This study assessed the efficacy of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra) in removing pollutants from textile dye effluent collected in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. The effluent samples were treated with varying doses of phyto-coagulants (0.02g, 0.04g, 0.06g, 0.08g, 0.10g, and 0.12g), as well as isolated polysaccharides from Aloe vera and Okra, to identify optimal strategies for reducing color, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The findings revealed that the phyto-coagulants, particularly Okra polysaccharides, significantly reduced pollution levels, achieving a 90% reduction in color, 96% reduction in TDS, and 82% reduction in COD. To further understand the mechanism of pollutant removal, GC-MS, FTIR, and Zeta potential analyses were conducted. This study highlights the effectiveness of natural coagulants in mitigating environmental pollution and preventing the entry of harmful chemical contaminants into the food chain. The study supports the potential of Aloe vera and Okra as sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for addressing the environmental challenges posed by textile wastewater pollution.

Clearing the Air to Address Pollution's Cardiovascular Health Crisis.

Air pollution is a critical global health issue that significantly impacts cardiovascular health. The air pollutant PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less) has been positioned as a leading environmental risk factor for morbidity and mortality, especially from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Using data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Global Health Observatory, and the United Nations Environment Programme, we explored global trends in air pollution, with a focus on PM2.5 levels, the implications for cardiovascular health, and the policy measures aimed at reducing their impact. Despite progress in reducing pollution levels in high-income countries, global trends show a limited annual reduction in PM2.5 concentration. The analysis highlights disparities between regions, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of air pollution-related CVDs. In 2019 alone, ambient air pollution was responsible for approximately 4.2 million deaths worldwide. Of these, 70% were caused by CVDs, with approximately 1.9 million deaths from ischemic heart disease and 900,000 deaths from stroke. Policy gaps remain a challenge, with many countries lacking adequate legally binding air quality standards. We recommend the adoption of WHO air quality guidelines, enhanced monitoring of air pollution levels, and increased investment in interdisciplinary research to understand the full scope of air pollution's effects on cardiovascular health. Addressing the global cardiovascular crisis linked to air pollution will require coordinated efforts from policymakers, healthcare systems, and global health organisations.

Water pollution: causes, impacts and current efforts to address the issues of water pollution along river Meizimera-kihihi, Kanugu District,Uganda.

Pollution refers to the addition of harmful substances to that level where they cause an effect on the environment, it has three major categories such as water, soil, and air pollution but this report is on water pollution. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies such as, groundwater, rivers, lakes, and oceans rendering them unfavorable for various purposes for example drinking, recreation, and support to aquatic life. Globally, over 80% of wastewater worldwide is discharged into the water bodies without adequate treatment. In Africa, lack of clean water and sanitation is a significant challenge in many countries, affecting approximately 319 million people. Thus, water pollution is one of the types of pollution that has been threatening the lives of living organisms. Implementing effective policies and strategies can have a profound impact on the environment and local communities. By reducing pollution levels and improving water quality, we can create a healthier environment and decrease the incidence of waterborne diseases, leading to improved health and well-being for residents. The research on water pollution in the River Meizimera Kihihi has important implications for future research, policy and governance, human health, the environment, and communities and society. In conclusion, effective policies can foster community involvement, raise awareness, and promote collective action to address water pollution. By achieving clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), we can contribute to the broader sustainable development goals. This research has important ramifications for future research, policy and governance, human health, the environment, communities, and society. This study investigated the problems of water pollution, its causes, its impact, and the current effort to address the issues along the river of Meizimera-kihihi, Kanugu district, Uganda. Recommendations were made, which included encouraging the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, industrial processes, and waste management strategies to minimize pollution.

Air quality improvement at urban bus stops: Optimal air purification placement using CFD

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels are often elevated near roadways due to vehicle emissions, while sulfur dioxide (SO2) is predominantly found near petrochemical complexes as a result of industrial activities such as oil refining and chemical manufacturing. Considering the detrimental effects of these emissions on the environment and human health, the optimal placement of air purification systems at two bus stops in Ulsan, a heavily industrialized city in South Korea, was investigated in this study to reduce NO2 and SO2 concentrations. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to identify strategic installation locations, resulting in a significant reduction in pollutant levels. The largest impact was noted for the Deokha Market bus stop, whereby the added health risk (AR) decreased by 1.93 % and the exposure reduction effectiveness (ERE), a measure of air purification system efficiency, increased by 13.8 %. Similarly, at the Hyomun Intersection bus stop, placing the system near the sidewalk led to a significant reduction in AR by 1.60 % and an increase in ERE by 11.63 %. Additionally, air purification systems at Ulsan bus stops are expected to reduce NO2 levels by 9.1 ppb, decreasing mortality risk by 1.44 %, saving 7 lives annually, and yielding an economic benefit of 33.06 million USD.

Has the Anti-Corruption Campaign Decreased Environmental Pollution? Evidence from China

Whether anti-corruption efforts help reduce environmental pollution is a hot topic in academia. This paper analyzes the impact of anti-corruption on the emissions of environmental pollutants using panel data from 31 provinces (municipalities) in China from 2015 to 2022. By using the 2018 supervision system reform as an exogenous policy shock, a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model is employed to examine the impact of the anti-corruption campaign on environmental pollutant emissions. The results show that the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures has strengthened over time, especially after the 2018 system reform, although these reforms exhibit a lag effect before significantly reducing pollution levels. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis indicates that due to the high-pollution, high-energy-consumption industrial structure, the pollution reduction effect of anti-corruption measures is more pronounced in resource-based provinces than in non-resource-based provinces. Our findings emphasize the importance of strengthening anti-corruption measures and establishing a sound legal framework to effectively curb corruption and enhance environmental protection.

Peran Wajib Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor Atas Kebijakan Pemutihan Pajak dan Pajak Emisi Karbon di Kabupaten Karawang

Tax whitening policies and motor vehicle carbon emission policies are one of the things that need to be considered, where the tax whitening policy must be seen as to the effectiveness of the policy and the carbon emission tax must be structured so that it can be accepted by the public. This research was conducted with the aim of knowing, analyzing and explaining the tax whitening policy and vehicle carbon emissions tax policy in Karawang Regency. This research uses a qualitative research approach with descriptive analysis methods. Research data was taken through field observations, interviews and literature studies. Based on the results and discussion, it was found that the effectiveness of the Vehicle Tax Reduction Program in Karawang, which is carried out regularly every year and socialization is carried out through various media, has succeeded in creating enthusiasm and community participation. This positive response can be seen from the increase in tax revenue and active taxpayer participation during the tax whitening period. If the vehicle carbon emissions tax policy is implemented in Karawang Regency, it has the potential to reduce pollution levels by 10%. However, taxpayers have had little response to this policy because it will increase the amount of responsibility for paying vehicle tax. The conclusion confirms that the tax whitening program is effective in achieving tax revenue objectives and stimulating community participation. The carbon emissions tax policy still needs to be thoroughly disseminated to the public so that the main objectives of the policy are conveyed well.

Sustainable environmental management impact on tourist areas Anza and Cap Ghir in Agadir (Center of Morocco) between 2010 and 2022: Integrated Biomarker response

This research investigates the effects of environmental interventions on pollution levels along the Anza coast of Morocco from 2010 to 2022 through the analysis of biomarkers in Perna perna. Historically, the Anza area has been highly polluted compared to the nearby Cap Ghir coast. Following the relocation of a cement factory and the establishment of wastewater treatment facilities, notable environmental improvements were noted in Anza. Pollution biomarkers such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed to assess these changes. The findings indicated an increase in catalase and AChE levels at Anza, suggesting reduced contamination, while GST activity declined, indicating lower exposure to pollutants. In contrast, Cap Ghir showed an increase in oxidative stress biomarkers, suggesting worsening environmental conditions. The Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) index demonstrated a significant reduction in pollution levels in Anza, with a corresponding increase at Cap Ghir. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) supported these outcomes, revealing a positive correlation between catalase activity and reduced oxidative stress at Anza, whereas Cap Ghir showed elevated oxidative stress markers linked to variations in temperature and salinity. These results underscore the effectiveness of the interventions in enhancing marine health at Anza and highlight the necessity for protective actions at Cap Ghir. This study emphasizes the importance of biomonitoring in shaping environmental policies for coastal areas of Agadir city.

Changes in Anthropogenic Aerosols during the First Wave of COVID-19 Lockdowns in the Context of Long-Term Historical Trends at 51 AERONET Stations

A quasi-consensus has steadily formed in the scientific literature on the fact that the prevention measures implemented by most countries to curb the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic have led to significant reductions in pollution levels around the world, especially in urban environments. Fewer studies have looked at how these reductions at the ground level translate into variations in the whole atmosphere. In this study, we examine the columnar values of aerosols at 51 mainland European stations of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). We show that when considered in the context of the long-term trend over the last decade, the columnar aerosol levels for 2020, at the regional level, do not appear exceptional. Both the yearly means and the number of episodes with extreme values for this period are within one standard deviation of the long-term trends. We conclude that the spatially and temporally localized reductions do not add up to statistically significant reductions at the global levels of aerosols. Furthermore, considering that pandemic lockdowns can be thought of as a simulation of a climate change mitigation scenario, we conclude that such lifestyle-based changes present a very low potential as a global climate change mitigation strategy.

Digitalization and Automation and AI: A Theoretical Framework of rethinking the Pollution Haven Hypothesis

This theoretical paper investigates the impact of digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) on environmental regulations, specifically through the lens of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH). It explores how these advancements influence pollution intensity and environmental compliance costs, challenging the traditional understanding of the PHH. Methodology. The study employs a Cobb-Douglas production function to model the relationship between technological innovations and environmental regulations. By integrating digitalization, automation, and AI into the model, the paper examines how these factors affect the economic incentives for firms to relocate to regions with lenient environmental standards. Findings. The analysis reveals that advancements in digitalization and automation reduce pollution intensity and lower the costs of complying with strict environmental standards. As a result, the economic incentive to relocate to pollution havens diminishes. In an open economy, the combination of stringent environmental policies and technological innovations leads to reduced pollution levels and a shift toward cleaner production processes. Practical Implication. The findings suggest that integrating technological innovations into environmental policy can make adherence to stricter regulations more economically viable, thereby weakening the appeal of pollution havens. This has significant implications for global sustainability efforts, as it highlights the potential for technology to support more effective and equitable environmental regulations. Originality. This study introduces a novel perspective by directly linking technological innovations to shifts in capital allocation and the efficacy of environmental policies. It offers a fresh understanding of the PHH in the context of modern advancements, providing new understanding into the relationship between innovation and environmental regulation.

Emerging Epidemic: Non-Smoker Lung Cancer in India\'s Urban Centres

Abstract: Recent research has revealed a concerning trend in the incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers in India, particularly within urban centers. Contrary to the traditional association of lung cancer with smoking, a significant proportion of cases in India are now emerging in individuals with no history of tobacco use. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to severe air pollution, which has become a critical public health issue in many Indian cities. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to increased exposure to airborne pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and other carcinogens, which are now recognized as significant risk factors for lung cancer. Genetic predispositions further exacerbate this risk, with studies indicating that certain populations are more susceptible to developing lung cancer due to genetic mutations influenced by environmental exposures. These mutations and biomarkers, such as EGFR and ALK gene rearrangements, have been increasingly identified in Indian non-smoker lung cancer patients, providing critical insights into the disease's etiology and potential targeted therapies. India currently ranks fourth globally in lung cancer prevalence, with urban areas experiencing the highest growth rates. Projections suggest that the incidence of lung cancer will continue to rise, potentially reaching alarming levels by 2025. This emerging epidemic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies to address air pollution and its associated health risks. Efforts must be directed towards reducing pollution levels through stringent regulatory measures, promoting cleaner technologies, and enhancing public awareness about the health impacts of air pollution. Additionally, implementing widespread screening programs and advancing research on genetic and environmental interactions can aid in early detection and personalized treatment approaches for affected individuals. In conclusion, the rising incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers in urban India signifies a shifting landscape in the disease's epidemiology. Addressing this public health challenge requires an integrated approach that combines environmental, genetic, and healthcare interventions to mitigate the growing burden of lung cancer in non-smoking populations.

중국 환경보호정책의 효과성 분석: 시(市) 단위 패널자료를 중심으로

This study explores the effect of China's environmental protection policies on environmental pollution. In order to investigate the actual effect of environmental policies implemented in 31 provincial capitals of China and explore the relationship between environmental pollution and economic growth, panel analysis was carried out. The Panel's analysis shows that environmental policies can reduce pollution levels and economic growth can increase pollution levels. These results suggest that China should strengthen its environmental protection policy in the future. For example, in the field of industry, the focus is on upgrading governance equipment and technology, and strengthening supervision and punishment. In terms of transportation, strict emission standards are established, public transportation and new energy tools are developed, and path planning is optimized. In the economic field, preferential policies should be adopted to promote green industries and eliminate industries with serious pollution. Urban planning should be rationalized and green areas should be increased. At the same time, raise awareness of environmental protection and encourage the public to participate in environmental protection activities.

Courting a Blue Sky? Understanding the Constrained Judicialization of Environmental Governance in China

ABSTRACT This paper studies the constrained judicialization of environmental governance in China. It starts by quantitatively describing the judicialization of environmental protection in China over the past decade, including both its progresses and the suppressions that it faced, and shows that environmental courts have had virtually no tangible impact on reducing pollution levels. It then attempts to rationalize the observed patterns by answering two questions. First, why does the government choose to empower the courts when it possesses a rich set of other regulatory tools in environmental protection? This choice can be attributed to both the central government’s needs to curb local protectionism, as well as the local governments’ incentives to promote legitimacy. Second, to the extent that courts can contribute to environmental governance, why does the government impose tight controls over environmental litigation? This can be explained by the government’s deep-rooted wariness of class lawsuits and other collective actions, as well as the judiciary’s inherent conflicts with the flexibility required by a regulatory regime. In addition, the judiciary’s limited capacity also impedes the judicialization of environmental governance.

Subsidizing residents or companies? An equilibrium-based analysis of subsidy strategies for EV charging facilities

This study examines the charging location choice behavior of residents in relation to employer-provided charging facilities and investigates the impact of different government subsidy strategies for charging facility construction on urban spatial structure and traffic-related air pollution. Using a monocentric two-zone city model, we analyze the residential distribution and travel mode choice of urban residents under various subsidy strategies from the perspective of social planners. The government can optimize urban resource allocation through transport infrastructure investments and implementation of emission taxes to maximize the so-called residents’ utility. We observe that despite the distorting effect of employer-provided charging facilities on travel mode choice, residents still experience an enhanced utility due to the positive environmental impact resulting from reduced pollution levels associated with electric vehicles (EVs) compared to gasoline vehicles (GVs). We provide numerical evidence to show that government subsidies, whether directed towards companies or residents, can effectively enhance the adoption of EVs and improve utility. In low-density cities, it is advisable for the government to encourage and subsidize residents in building charging facilities. Conversely, in high-density cities, prioritizing subsidies for companies would be more beneficial in improving utility and expanding the coverage of charging facilities. Furthermore, in cities where resident environmental awareness is relatively low, it is recommended that the government increase subsidies to promote EV adoption.

Assessing seasonal changes in water quality using various indices in Chenab River and its tributaries (J&K)

The present study involves the analysis of thirteen physiochemical parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, calcium, magnesium, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, sulphate and nitrate) and five heavy metals (chromium, zinc, arsenic, lead and cadmium) from Chenab River and its tributaries (Neeru and Bichleri) at Ramban and Doda district, J&K. The analysis was done for two different seasons i.e. summer (June) and winter (December), 2022. The current investigation indicated that all the physiochemical parameters were in the permissible limit in both the seasons except few parameters (Ca, Mg, turbidity). In the analysis of heavy metals in both the seasons, it was found that there was no heavy metal contamination in all sampling sites except the Cr concentration which was found to be higher in all sites (except SXII) in summer season. The detailed analysis involved the calculation of various water quality indices which graded water quality under ‘good’ category as per WQI value whereas CPI and HPI value showed moderate to high pollution level in water during summer season. The study showed the seasonal variation in water quality parameters and thus encourage the need for regular monitoring of water quality to reduce pollution level.

Does Chinese Environmental Policy Affect Income Inequality? Evidence from the Central Environmental Protection Inspection

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of environmental policy on income inequality. It focuses on the central environmental protection inspection led by the central government in China. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, it finds evidence that environmental regulation decreased the per capita income and enlarged the gap between urban and rural income while showing an insignificant effect on employment. Although the policy can reduce pollution levels and bring environmental benefits in aggregate, the findings of this study suggest that the regulations appear to have reduced the proportion of manufacturing industry and hindered general innovation and investment from entrepreneurs, which resulted in greater inequality. Rural residents suffered more from environmental regulation due to relatively high migration costs and their disadvantaged human resources on the aspects of health, education level, and skills. The local government's execution incentive can also play a key role in the effectiveness of environmental policy. Regions with lower GDP growth targets and younger government leaders were affected significantly with regard to the income growth of local residents and the urban–rural income gap.

Influence of tree planting pattern coupled with wall thermal effect on pollution dispersion within urban street canyon

Among the factors influencing the flow field and dispersion characteristics of pollutants in street canyons, trees not only act as obstacles that impede canyon ventilation but also contribute to non-uniform temperature distributions on its walls through transpiration and shading effects. The coupling effects, however, have not been given adequate attention. This study employed numerical simulations validated by wind-tunnel experiments to investigate the coupling effects of tree planting patterns (crown density Cd, planting density Pd) and wall heating conditions on airflow and pollutant diffusion within urban street canyons. Results show that the variations in Cd or Cd of the tree planting configurations studied have no significant impact on flow structure and pollutant dispersion in the isothermal street canyons. When Pd is 0.25, all three monitoring planes exhibit relatively high net escape velocity (NEV*) and notably reduced overall pollutant concentrations, indicating that this planting configuration is optimal for reducing pollution levels under leeward wall heating. When the windward wall is heated, the pollutant concentration is reduced more significantly under Pd of 0.25 and 0.75 while NEV* on the windward side is about 48. The average NEV* is minimized to approximately 21 at a Cd of 80 % when crown density or planting density is increased for all wall heating scenarios. Moreover, the other configurations of tree planting had little impact on ventilation and dispersion of pollutants in street canyons. The findings can offer technical guidance for the optimal design of urban green facilities to improve local microclimate environment and air quality.

Digitalizing and Greening the Built Environment

The paper investigated issues of greening and digitalizing the built environment with a view to identifying applications of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in it and prospects of smart cities development. The paper adopted qualitative research method, with its design based on archival materials in the subject investigated as contained in the literatures reviewed on it as a mono-method. Google search engine was employed to scout through Google Scholar, Science Direct, among other relevant websites for open-access materials. Qualitative data obtained were subjected to content/thematic analyses. Findings revealed that digitalizing and greening the built environment have great prospects in smart cities development, one of which is the creation of sustainable environment resulting in reduction of carbon emissions from the built environment, lowering of global warming, increase of user participation in buildings and lowering the cost of building lifecycle. Although green building design strategies and digitalization have advanced, full adoption in the built environment particularly in developing nations is required, hence the need to take steps in the right direction. Digitalizing and greening the built environment can enhance the quality of life of people by increasing availability of green spaces, improving air quality, creating healthy living spaces, and reducing pollution levels. The study sensitizes architects, planners, and other designers in considering sustainability and digitalization from predesign phase (incorporating required or special features into the design of future cities, towns, and microenvironments) to postconstruction phase making the environment sustainable.

Pesticide loaded nanohydrogel based on attapulgite and gelatin with improved foliar adhesion.

Pesticides have been widely applied to promote plant growth due to their high insecticidal efficiency. However, most pesticides easily slip from the leaf surface due to the low foliar adhesion, leading to significant damage to the environment and human health. Increasing foliar adhesion of pesticides has been a major challenge. Nanomaterial technology, which can deliver pesticide active ingredients, offers a new opportunity to increase pesticides efficacy with higher foliar adhesion. In this study, we prepared the pesticide loaded nanohydrogel ALP@Ge-g-P(AA-co-AM)/ATP by grafting attapulgite and gelatin onto P(AA-co-AM), and loading the pesticide alphacypermethrin synchronously via the emulsion solvent evaporation method. The size of the new nanohydrogel was 20.5 nm and the pesticide loading capacity was 21.5%. Compared to P(AA-co-AM), the water absorbency of Ge-g-P(AA-co-AM)/ATP increased by 54.3% in 120 min, while the water retention increased from 4.27% to 38.7% after 48 h. Washout experiments and contact angle results suggested that the nanohydrogel, with a contact angle of 44.8° indicating good wettability, can resist rain flush and increase foliar adhesion naturally. Overall, the preparation of pesticide loaded nanohydrogel is simple. Experiments demonstrated the pesticide loaded nanohydrogel has high efficiency and strong foliar adhesion. This makes it a promising candidate for spraying application and reducing pollution levels. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The impacts and instruments of energy transition regulations on environmental pollution

This study examines the influence of energy transition regulations on environmental pollution, exploring both the impact and instruments employed in regulatory frameworks. Focusing on the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, the research evaluates the effectiveness of regulations in reducing pollution levels. Through a concise analysis of literature and regulatory mechanisms, the study highlights the dual role of regulations as both mitigators of environmental harm and potential sources of unintended consequences. Over the past 17 years, there has been a notable and consistent reduction in average environmental pollution levels, indicating positive trends in environmental quality. The average environmental pollution decreased significantly from 0.0135 in 2005 to 0.0045 in 2021. The energy transition regulation (coal resource tax reform) proves to be effective in reducing environmental pollution. In detail, the energy transition regulation can effectively reduce environmental pollution in the western region, while it has no significant impact on environmental pollution in the eastern and central regions. The optimization of industrial structure, innovation level, and fiscal surplus are crucial pathways through which energy transition regulation inhibits environmental pollution. We provide a brief overview of the study's contribution to understanding the dynamic relationship between energy transition policies and environmental sustainability.

New energy vehicles and the political geoecology of China’s Ecological Civilisation

Ecological Civilisation has been China’s policy concept to frame its environmental sustainability strategy. While it lacks a clear definition, its multiple practices show a reliance on the development and implementation of technologies that reduce pollution levels and beautify the country. One of those technologies are New Energy Vehicles (NEV), which stand at the centre of an e-mobility transition across urban China. I engage with the growing debate on China’s Ecological Civilisation and e-mobility transition by reflecting on the critical junctions between this policy concept and the NEV industry. I suggest that the New Energy requirements of China’s Ecological Civilisation rely on power relations that enhance state capacity domestically and transnationally. In this sense, the pursuit of New Energy to build China’s Ecological Civilisation relies on moral and sovereign forms of power. In a context of increasing tensions between China and countries in the North Atlantic, my contribution shows that these forms of power enhance China’s state capacity through its economic infrastructure, re-producing old dependencies and inequalities.