Reduction Plan Research Articles

The dynamic effect of environmental regulation on firms’ energy consumption behavior-Evidence from China's industrial firms

To mitigate the climate change and reduce energy consumption, the Chinese government has applied a variety of polices during the last two decades. Based on data from Industrial enterprises emission and pollution database (IEPED) and Annual Survey of Industrial Firms (ASIF), this study takes Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Plan (ESER) since 2006 as a policy shock to explore the impact of the ESER on industrial firms' energy consumption behavior. The result shows: Firstly, ESER encourages industrial firms to consume less coal, petroleum and natural gas on average. Secondly, by dividing the firms into several groups by the ownership structure, the firm size and the firm age, this paper finds different firms have different strategies in terms of changing their energy consumption to respond ESER. For example, public firms work harder on reducing coal and petroleum consumption per production while private firms prefer to use more natural gas per production. Thirdly, the dynamic effect analysis portrays that traditional fossil fuel intensity declines immediately after energy conversation policy, while the negative effect on industrial firms’ natural gas intensity could occur with some delay. Lastly, in terms of total energy consumption, average coal and petroleum consumption of polluted industries and that of non-polluted industries have no difference after the policy. In addition, ESER only has a short-term effect on energy consumption. These results are helpful in understanding how to design an efficient environmental regulation system and protect the environment simultaneously.

Spatial Characteristics of Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions of Water Deer in Korea Expressway

In recent decades, rapid industrial growth has accelerated the construction of new roads, which has led to the destruction and isolation of wildlife habitats. Newly constructed roads affect wildlife in many ways. In particular, fatal wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) have a direct impact on wildlife. A substantial number of WVCs occur every year on expressways, where vehicle speeds and vehicle traffic are significant. However, our understanding of the relative importance of the factors associated with areas in which large numbers of WVCs occur on the expressway remains poor. Therefore, herein, we analyze the spatial characteristics of WVCs. The effect of spatial distribution on the occurrence of WVCs was analyzed using the types of land cover in the areas where water deer appear (Cheongju, Boeun, and Sangju) and the areas in which WVCs occur along the Cheongju–Sangju Expressway (CSE). We identified the WVC hotspots by using CSE patrol data recorded between January 2008 and December 2019, and we analyzed the corresponding distribution patterns and land cover characteristics. Along the CSE, a total of 1082 WVCs occurred, out of which collisions involving water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) accounted for 91%. Water deer appear frequently in Forested Areas and Agricultural Land, but the WVC distribution in the Hotspots followed a highly clustered pattern, with a higher proportion of WVCs occurring in Used Areas (areas including buildings such as residential facilities, commercial and industrial facilities, and transportation facilities). Used Areas have a smaller cut slope compared to Forested Areas, and Used Areas are open terrains. Therefore, the occurrence of WVCs will be high given that wildlife can easily access the expressway. Based on these results, we can infer that the landscapes near the expressway influence the occurrence of WVCs. To establish an effective policy for reducing WVCs on a road, the WVC characteristics and spatial distribution of the road should be considered together. Further research on the wildlife ecology and land-use status of WVC hotspots is required to mitigate WVCs on expressways and protect human and animal life. Therefore, if the characteristics of WVC hotspots are analyzed considering the characteristics of various ecosystems, an appropriate WVC reduction plan can be established.

Waste management planning toward zero waste in Hotel XYZ Bandung with circular economy principles (case study: room service facility’s solid waste)

Hotel XYZ is a commercial area in the city of Bandung which still applies the traditional linear economic cycle. The 61.61% of ±9000 m2 building area is used for room service facilities. The hotel has not paid attention to its waste management so all the waste generated from this hotel end up at the landfill area. This study aims at improving the waste management in Hotel XYZ to meet the principle of circular economy. Using SNI 19-3964-1994 approach to measure the generation of waste composition, the amount of waste generated from room service facilities is 0.03 kg/m2/day or 0.41 liter/m2/day. The zero waste index (ZWI) calculation was used for the evaluation of waste management in the hotel. The waste generated at Hotel XYZ has the potential to achieve substitute material savings by 63.16 kg, substitution of energy by 775.79 MegaJoule (MJ), greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction by 49.36 kg/CO2e, -164.06 L/kg of water saving. The most waste generated by hotel room service facilities is recyclable waste consisting of single-use packaging from hotel equipments. Waste reduction plan for the room service facilities is carried out by replacing single-use packaging with refillable packaging so the hotel is able to save their shopping expenditure costs up to Rp. 844,691.00 per day.

Identification of Flood-prone Areas using HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS, the Case of Ciberang River Basin, Lebak District of Banten Province

It is common practice that flood hydrograph simulations help to provide better flood prediction and flood damage reduction planning. These efforts require information on flood-prone areas identification from the hydrological and hydraulic analysis results. Historically, the Ciberang River Basin has experienced floods. Those floods cause the loss of human life and damage some houses along the river’s channels, especially in Lebak District, Banten Province, Indonesia. The main objective of this study is to identify flood-prone areas based on the simulation result of a hydrologic and hydraulic model of catchment response due to several extreme rainfall events using HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS software. Rainfall and discharge data measured at the Ciberang-Sabagi water level gauge on 10 January 2013 were used to calibrate hydrological watershed parameters. The hydraulics channel routing is started from the planned location of the Sabo dam to the downstream control point. The next stage was the simulation of rainfall-runoff transformation and 1D unsteady flow channel routing for the 2, 5, and 10-years floods return periods. The main result of this study is a flood hazards map that shows the spatial distribution of the area and inundation depth for each return period of the flood.

Waste Reduction Plan for Cut-Edge Private Limited: A Case Study

Waste Reduction Plan for Cut-Edge Private Limited: A Case Study

Flood Risk Analysis by Building Use in Urban Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

In this study, focusing on buildings as the smallest unit of urban space, the distribution characteristics of risk factors were examined by building use as an adaptable measure for urban flooding disasters. Flood risk is calculated as a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The flood risk for a building was classified into five classes, and the distribution characteristics of buildings were examined according to England’s flood risk vulnerability classification system, known as Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25). After analyzing the risk of flooding in Ulsan Metropolitan City, one of Korea’s representative urban areas, it was found that while Dong-gu District can be considered relatively safe, districts of Jung-gu and Nam-gu, as well as Ulju-gun, have highly vulnerable buildings with red and orange ratings, which include motor vehicles-related facilities, education and welfare facilities, and residential facilities. There has been evidence to prove that urban flood disaster affects topography and the environment, in addition to having a significant effect on adaptability depending on the facility groups that resulted from urbanization. This study is expected to serve as a scientific database for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to floods during land-use planning, which would eventually allow for systematic management of high-risk buildings through verification of location suitability of buildings by facility group.

The urban governance of autonomous vehicles – In love with AVs or critical sustainability risks to future mobility transitions

Increasingly guided by the use of ICT, the flow of humans and materials, smart cities and autonomous mobility amalgamate into a game changer in urban planning. This paper critically explores the role of autonomous (driverless) vehicles in plans for urban futures. By looking into the urban plans of 10 European capitals, we investigate the anticipated promises and hazards of autonomous vehicles. Theoretically, the paper draws upon critical urban mobilities studies that invite interlinking carbon reduction, smart cities and mobility planning. By examining these plans, the paper critically evaluates current urban planning for autonomous vehicles by asking whether one can identify any links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of sustainable cities and communities. A practice-based view on automation is then suggested as a pathway to promote a thorough sustainable mobility transition. It is concluded that none of the plans of the 10 capitals studied require AVs to integrate with public means of transport or to be fuelled by renewable energy sources. Hence, AVs are likely to individualise and intensify the existing automobility regime further and emissions are likely to increase, according to the comparative urban analysis. We therefore conclude that urban policy-making needs to contest the existing techno-centric conception of autonomous vehicles if these are to support the sustainable development goals of cities.

이산사건 모델링 방식 비교를 통한 상호보완과 활용가능성에 관한 연구 - 건강검진센터를 대상으로 하는 스페이스 마크업 모델링 방식을 중심으로 -

Discrete event simulation modeling for spatial analysis consists of a space markup model and a sequence model (flowchart). Space markup models are constructed in the form of network-based NbM and pedestrian-based PbM. Although PbM is the modeling method for spatial analysis, this study intended to identify that applying the conventional NbM developed for production systems to spatial analysis may have a functional utility value to complement PbM. Therefore, this study used NbM and PbM to build the same model of a health examination center and obtained the following conclusions by comparing the simulation analysis results. 1) NbM and PbM did not show significant differences in the time required to examine 50 people and the time required per person, which means that the two modeling methods are compatible with each other. 2) The occurrence of queues, the primary cause of time delays, can be predicted by measuring resource utilization, which is a major clue in establishing optimal resource allocation and queue reduction plans. 3) NbM has advantages in the early stage of projects, such as space programming, and PbM is more advantageous for validation and analyzing the use of common spaces at the end of projects.

Tsunami hazard, warning, and risk reduction in Italy and the Mediterranean Sea: state of the art, gaps, and future solutions

Historical catalogues show evidence for about 300 tsunamis in European coastal waters since 1600 BC, and tsunami hazard models like the NEAMTHM18 provide the probability of future inundation from earthquake-induced tsunamis. A recent wake-up call came from the 2020 Mw7.0 Samos-İzmir earthquake and the following moderate, damaging tsunami. Five accredited Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs) run by IPMA (Portugal), CENALT (France), INGV (Italy), NOA (Greece), and KOERI (Turkey), and several national centers monitor the seismicity and provide tsunami alerts in the framework of the UNESCO Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System in the North-eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and connected seas (NEAMTWS). In this paper, we focus on the state of the art of earthquake-induced tsunami risk reduction and coastal planning in Italy from the perspective of the Centro Allerta Tsunami (CAT), the INGV NTWC (National Tsunami Warning Center) and TSP. We will emphasize some limitations to draw future directions for better preparation and towards the full implementation of the tsunami warning "last-mile".

A drug utilization study of antiepileptic drugs uses in a tertiary care teaching hospital of India

Background: Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by repeated seizures due to the disorder of the neurons. Epilepsy needs life-long medical therapy. It is managed by polytherapy. Drug utilization studies help to determine rational combinations of drug use in epilepsy. Aims and objectives of the study were to analyses the drug utilization pattern of anti-epileptics and common types of epileptic seizures and to determine the safety of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).Methods: It was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Patients attending neurology epilepsy OPD with h/o seizures and taking at least one antiepileptic were recruited. Data was collected by taking demographic details including brief history of disease, clinical examination and reviewing OPD prescription. Details were recorded in case record form.Results: We recruited 102 participants (57 male and 45 females) of mean age 29.68±10.52. Mean age of onset of epilepsy was 18.9±10.5 years. Among them 77 (75.4%) were diagnosed as generalized tonic clonic seizures and 18 (17.6%) were diagnosed as focal seizures. Monotherapy was given in 31 (30.3%) patients while polytherapy was given in 71 (69.7%) patients. Valproic acid was most commonly used monotherapy (12 patients). No fixed drug combinations were used. Clobazam in 55 (53.9%) patients and valproic acid in 53 (51.9%) patients were prescribed. The other AEDs prescribed were lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, lacosamide, zincosamide, perampanel, and phenytoin. All antiepileptics were prescribed in brand name. The prescribed daily dose (PDD) was less than defined daily dose (DDD) as per anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification. Two adverse effects were reported during study period. They were mood change and blurring of vision in two different patients.Conclusions: The PDD was less than DDD as per ATC classification. Awareness should be created among neurologists to prescribe more generic drugs because of their cost effectiveness. Studies are needed with larger sample size to analyze the drug utilization patterns which helps in the planning of reduction of expenditure for the patient without compromising efficacy.

Scattered accumulation hotspots of macro-litter on the seafloor: Insights for mitigation actions

Marine litter is an ever-increasing problem that demands immediate reduction plans and mitigation actions that should act synergically to efficiently meet ambitious goals. Since the seafloor has been recognized as the major sink for marine debris, the study of litter accumulation dynamics represent a fundamental tool to evaluate possible removal actions. We analysed a 7 years (2013–2019) standardized data series collected along Sardinian fishing grounds through MEDiterranean International Trawl Survey, for which estimates of density and weight of seafloor macro-litter were calculated for over 707 hauls. Results show the absence of any temporal trend in seafloor macro-litter density and weight, but rather indicate a spatial and bathymetric segregation of different litter categories. Our data showed how different sources and physical features of macro-litter items (i.e., plastic and fishing gear, rubber, glass, metals, and cloth) led to spatially segregated accumulation hotspots. We also point out here how the identification of seafloor macro-litter hotspots using aggregated data that include plastic items could obscure the identification of other segregated but yet relevant hotspots of other macro-litter categories accumulated in the marine environment. These hotspots often occurred at shallower depths and closer to coastlines, thus representing potential spots where eventual future litter removal action could be prioritized.

Identifying Suitable Supplements to Improve Piglet Survival during Farrowing and Lactation.

Simple SummaryThe death of piglets during birth and prior to weaning is a concern for welfare and affects the profitability of production systems. Four distinct parameters can be identified as having a direct impact on the survival of piglets to weaning. These parameters are stillbirth rate, birth weight and weight variation, daily gain and weaning weight, and colostrum and milk quality. These four parameters were found to benefit from different supplements provided to the sow around the time of farrowing (giving birth). For example, stillbirth could be reduced by supplements in late pregnancy, including forms of arginine, alpha-tocopherol-selenium, uridine, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, whereas average daily weight gain and weaning weight of the piglets were closely related to supplements which improved colostrum and milk quality. Therefore, an effective supplement plan to improve piglet survival must consider the circumstances of the individual system and target one or more of the highlighted parameters. It is unlikely that any one supplement will successfully target all four parameters discussed.Piglet mortality during parturition and prior to weaning is an ongoing economic and welfare issue. This review collates the current literature describing the effects of specific dietary supplements on key parameters affecting piglet survival. Four distinct parameters were identified as having a direct impact on the survival of piglets to weaning: stillbirth rate, birth weight and weight variation, daily gain and weaning weight, and colostrum and milk quality. In the primary stage, relevant literature from the past 5 years was reviewed, followed by a secondary review of literature older than 5 years. The focal parameters benefitted from different supplements. For example, stillbirth may be reduced by supplements in late gestation, including forms of arginine, alpha-tocopherol-selenium, uridine, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, whereas average daily gain and weaning weight were related closely to supplements which improved colostrum and milk quality, most commonly fats and fatty acids in the form of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, soybean oil, and fish oil, and polysaccharides, such as ginseng polysaccharide. Therefore, an effective supplement plan for piglet mortality reduction must consider the circumstances of the individual system and target one or more of the highlighted parameters.

Knowledge and implementation gaps in disaster risk reduction and spatial planning: Palu City, Indonesia

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the involvement of various actors in the preparation of Palu City's spatial plan before the multi-hazard events of 2018. In addition, it evaluates the extent to which disaster risk reduction (DRR) is mainstreamed in the spatial plan.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses qualitative methods of analysis with a risk-based planning approach and stakeholder analysis.FindingsIt is critical that DRR is mainstreamed in spatial planning from the preparation to the implementation. Disasters can take place when there is a knowledge gap in the planning process. This results in developments in disaster-prone areas and even in high-risk areas. Therefore, mainstreaming DRR into spatial planning requires national guidelines that offer planners at the local level clear and detailed guidance on what they must prepare, consider and do in a risk-based spatial planning process.Practical implicationsSpatial planning that does not mainstream DRR can lead to catastrophic consequences in the form of casualties and losses when multi-hazards occur.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence-based findings on the importance of mainstreaming DRR into spatial planning, particularly in areas prone to multi-hazards, which can be optimized through a risk-based planning approach.

Continental patterns in marine debris revealed by a decade of citizen science

Anthropogenic marine debris is a persistent threat to oceans, imposing risks to ecosystems and the communities they support. Whilst an understanding of marine debris risks is steadily advancing, monitoring at spatial and temporal scales relevant to management remains limited. Citizen science projects address this shortcoming but are often critiqued on data accuracy and potential bias in sampling efforts. Here we present 10-years of Australia's largest marine debris database - the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI), in which we perform systematic data filtering, test for differences between collecting groups, and report patterns in marine debris. We defined five stages of data filtering to address issues in data quality and to limit inference to ocean-facing sandy beaches. Significant differences were observed in the average accumulation of items between filtered and remaining data. Further, differences in sampling were compared between collecting groups at the same site (e.g., government, NGOs, and schools), where no significant differences were observed. The filtering process removed 21% of events due to data quality issues and a further 42% of events to restrict analyses to ocean-facing sandy beaches. The remaining 7275 events across 852 sites allowed for an assessment of debris patterns at an unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. Hard plastics were the most common material found on beaches both nationally and regionally, consisting of up to 75% of total debris. Nationally, land and sea-sourced items accounted for 48% and 7% of debris, respectively, with most debris found on the east coast of Australia. This study demonstrates the value of citizen science datasets with broad spatial and temporal coverage, and the importance of data filtering to improve data quality. The citizen science presented provides an understanding of debris patterns on Australia's ocean beaches and can serve as a foundation for future source reduction plans.

GIS-based study of tsunami risk in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Central Java, Indonesia)

The island of Java is located above a plate boundary within the Indonesian archipelago as part of the volcanic arc resulting from the subduction of the Indo–Australian plate beneath the Eurasian plate. Due to its emplacement, it is exposed to several geohazards, including active volcanoes and earthquakes, and its secondary effects (e.g., landslides, tsunamis). Tsunamis have repeatedly hit Java; for example, the 17th of July 2006 caused by an Mw 7.8 earthquake off the coast of western Java, or the 22nd of December 2018 triggered by the collapse of the flank of Anak Krakatau during its eruption. In most cases, tsunamis have a destructive coastal impact and can cause a significant loss of lives. Therefore, it is of high importance to determine areas situated in tsunami risk zones and estimate plans for risk reduction and prevention. We present an ArcGIS-based method to calculate tsunami risk zones for the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Central Java), including the calculation of hazard zones, vulnerability zones, and the estimation of highly exposed areas. The final risk map reflects the current risk zones in the occurrence of a tsunami and should be recalculated and re-evaluated if the environmental and socio-economic conditions change. The results can be used as a base for tsunami evacuation plans and site planning.

미세먼지 저감을 위한 그린인프라 계획요소 도출† - 텍스트 마이닝을 활용하여 -

Green infrastructure planning represents landscape planning measures to reduce particulate matter. This study aimed to derive factors that may be used in planning green infrastructure for particulate matter reduction using text mining techniques. A range of analyses were carried out by focusing on keywords such as ‘particulate matter reduction plan’ and ‘green infrastructure planning elements’. The analyses included Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) analysis, centrality analysis, related word analysis, and topic modeling analysis. These analyses were carried out via text mining by collecting information on previous related research, policy reports, and laws. Initially, TF-IDF analysis results were used to classify major keywords relating to particulate matter and green infrastructure into three groups: (1) environmental issues (e.g., particulate matter, environment, carbon, and atmosphere), target spaces (e.g., urban, park, and local green space), and application methods (e.g., analysis, planning, evaluation, development, ecological aspect, policy management, technology, and resilience). Second, the centrality analysis results were found to be similar to those of TF-IDF; it was confirmed that the central connectors to the major keywords were ‘Green New Deal’ and ‘Vacant land’. The results from the analysis of related words verified that planning green infrastructure for particulate matter reduction required planning forests and ventilation corridors. Additionally, moisture must be considered for microclimate control. It was also confirmed that utilizing vacant space, establishing mixed forests, introducing particulate matter reduction technology, and understanding the system may be important for the effective planning of green infrastructure. Topic analysis was used to classify the planning elements of green infrastructure based on ecological, technological, and social functions. The planning elements of ecological function were classified into morphological (e.g., urban forest, green space, wall greening) and functional aspects (e.g., climate control, carbon storage and absorption, provision of habitats, and biodiversity for wildlife). The planning elements of technical function were classified into various themes, including the disaster prevention functions of green infrastructure, buffer effects, stormwater management, water purification, and energy reduction. The planning elements of the social function were classified into themes such as community function, improving the health of users, and scenery improvement. These results suggest that green infrastructure planning for particulate matter reduction requires approaches related to key concepts, such as resilience and sustainability. In particular, there is a need to apply green infrastructure planning elements in order to reduce exposure to particulate matter.

Mapping Heat Vulnerability Index Based on Different Urbanization Levels in Nebraska, USA

Heatwaves cause excess mortality and physiological impacts on humans throughout the world, and climate change will intensify and increase the frequency of heat events. Many adaptation and mitigation studies use spatial distribution of highly vulnerable local populations to inform heat reduction and response plans. However, most available heat vulnerability studies focus on urban areas with high heat intensification by Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). Rural areas encompass different environmental and socioeconomic issues that require alternate analyses of vulnerability. We categorized Nebraska census tracts into four urbanization levels, then conducted factor analyses on each group and captured different patterns of socioeconomic vulnerabilities among resultant Heat Vulnerability Indices (HVIs). While disability is the major component of HVI in two urbanized classes, lower education, and races other than white have higher contributions in HVI for the two rural classes. To account for environmental vulnerability of HVI, we considered different land type combinations for each urban class based on their percentage areas and their differences in heat intensifications. Our results demonstrate different combinations of initial variables in heat vulnerability among urban classes of Nebraska and clustering of high and low heat vulnerable areas within the highest urbanized sections. Less urbanized areas show no spatial clustering of HVI. More studies with separation on urbanization level of residence can give insights into different socioeconomic vulnerability patterns in rural and urban areas, while also identifying changes in environmental variables that better capture heat intensification in rural settings.

Recommendations for Effective Operation of the Voluntary Submission Regulation for the Chemical Reduction Plan

Recommendations for Effective Operation of the Voluntary Submission Regulation for the Chemical Reduction Plan

Удосконалення методів формування прогнозного балансу палива для ТЕС генеруючих компаній при формуванні прогнозного балансу електроенергії ОЕС України

One of the important tasks in the short-term forecasting of the work of the united energy system (UES) of Ukraine is to ensure grid balance reliability, one of the key elements of which is the reliability of fuel supply. Today in Ukraine to solve this task the forecast of the electricity balance (FBE) is developed, within which balance of fuel for TPPs is formed, but the methodology of its development has certain shortcomings which are analyzed in article. The article proposes an approach to improving the development of FBE by the introduction into practice a specialized optimization mathematical model to calculate the required total change in fuel stocks at TPP. The developed mathematical model takes into account the modes of TPPs operation, requirements for limiting emissions to the air according to National Emission Reduction Plan, restrictions on the possibility of fuel supply. The article provides a detailed description of the developed mathematical model, and also presents the results of test calculations and comparison with the official data of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine on the need for total fuel reserves for TPPs. The results show: 1. It is expedient that the methodology of FBE formation should be improved taking into account a number of factors, in particular, to take into account the restrictions on air pollutant emissions volumes while determining electricity generation capacity at different groups of power units, the opportunities for general fuel supply for all TPPs, more reliable forecast of electricity production at individual TPPs provided by FBE than according to retrospective data. Improving the methodology of FBE formation can be based on the developed mathematical model of optimal monthly national electricity balances calculation which operates with separate groups of TPP power units with similar technical and economic parameters. 2. Comparisons of the obtained results with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine’s actual forecasted data about accumulation of fuel stock indicated significant difference. The latest forecast is unrealistic in terms of its feasibility - the need to ensure a sharp increase in fuel stocks in the short term against the background of growing electricity production at TPPs, while the previous forecast had an underestimation of the need for fuel reserves. 3. The results of calculations for FBE 2021 showed that the accumulation of fuel reserves should be carried out in April - June. 4. The introduction of the proposed mathematical model will ensure taking into account the number of important factors in the context of providing TPPs with fuel, which are not taken into account by the existing Procedure for its development. This will increase the reliability of electricity supply to consumers by minimizing the risks of lack of necessary fuel stocks at TPPs. Keywords: electric power system, thermal power plants, fuel balance, forecast electricity balance, fuel reserves

Traceability and Emission Reduction of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen in Minjiang Estuary, China.

The accumulation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in estuaries has become a global environmental problem. A two-dimensional, hydrodynamic water quality model was constructed in this study to investigate the sources of DIN pollution in the Minjiang Estuary. The concentration response field between the stream input and DIN in the estuary was established by using the surveyed source data of the study area. A sharing coefficient method was used to calculate the contribution percentage of each outfall to derive and propose a reasonable nitrogen reduction plan. The results showed that the input of land-based nitrogen into the Minjiang River contributed more than half of the DIN in the near-shore sea; the middle and upper reaches of the Minjiang River largely influenced the estuary area (38.57%). Conversely, the estuary and the coastline accounted for a smaller proportion of only 5.24%, indicating that an integrated DIN reduction should be implemented in the estuary area of the whole river basin. The model calculations showed that the reduction results, after remediation according to the current national standards for wastewater discharge in rivers, were not satisfactory. Thus, a new scheme is proposed in this paper—the total nitrogen (TN) input from land-based sources into the Minjiang Estuary and from the Shuikou Dam to the Min’an section should be reduced to below 31.64%; simultaneously, the DIN concentration discharged from the Shuikou Dam should be controlled and maintained below 0.5 mg·L−1 (TN = 0.8 mg·L−1). These results will provide guidelines for developing strategies for the improvement of DIN and water quality in similar estuaries.