Industrial Regions Research Articles

New Insights into Pollution Source Analysis using Receptor Models: Effects of Interaction between Heavy Metals and DOM on Source Identification and Apportionment in Rivers across Industrial City

To effectively control pollution and protect the ecosystem, it is essential to accurately analyze the potential pollution sources of heavy metals (HMs) in rivers. However, the traditional source apportionment methods based on HMs disregard the interaction between HMs and dissolved organic matter (DOM). In this study, data of HMs and DOM was combined for tracing sources and assessing the effect of interaction between HMs and DOM on source apportionment in urbanized rivers that cross urban (URR), industrial (INR), and rural (RUR) regions. Four types of fluorescent substances were extracted from DOM: tryptophan-like (TRLF), microbial byproduct (MB), fulvic-like (FLF), and humic-like (HLF) fluorescence substances. Anthropogenic activities (42.3%), microbial products (21.5%), and geogenic origin (23.7%) were respectively recognized as the dominant source in URR, INR, and RUR. Additionally, significant correlations were obtained between HMs and high molecular mass DOM. There was no direct effect pathway obtained between HMs and sources and distributional characteristics of HMs are influenced by both economic and social factors. HMs have been found to indirectly affect source apportionment through interaction with DOM. This work provided a comprehensive understanding of the effects mechanism of the interaction of HMs and DOM on source identification and offered an effective method for tracing pollution sources.

Development Trajectories of Two Industrial Regions in the EU Due to Different Transformation Paths—The Silesian Voivodeship in Poland and North Rhine–Westphalia in Germany

This article compares the socio-economic development of the two industrial EU regions, the Silesian Voivodeship Poland and the Düsseldorf District in North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany, in the last 20 years of the 21st century. The Ninth Cohesion Report, the EU Regional Competitiveness Index 2.0, and the two concepts of the regional development trap and just transition in the EU were used. It investigated whether the applied EU regional policy, cohesion policy, had the expected effect of strengthening sustainable growth in the regions. This article aims to compare development trajectories, identify development traps and barriers, consider the just transition in the analyzed regions, and provide recommendations for regional policy. Those heavily industrialized regions must respond to the demographic challenges of labor shortages and an aging population. In the case of the Silesia region, the indicated course of action includes labor activation of women and migration management. For both regions, improving productivity is the key. The vital economic challenges include: for the Silesian Voivodeship—strengthening innovation; for the Düsseldorf region—maintaining innovation momentum and increasing resilience. Developing skills that meet industries’ needs is essential. Regarding social cohesion, the Silesia region should focus on equality measures. On the other hand, the Düsseldorf region should strengthen social protection against poverty.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of NO2 and CO Production with Sentinel 5P Tropomy Time Series Images: The Case of Torbalı and Kemalpaşa Districts of Izmir Province in Türkiye

Air pollution is an environmental problem that seriously impacts human health and ecosystems and is associated with anthropogenic sources such as industry, traffic, and fossil fuel use. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) are the main air pollutants that cause respiratory diseases and contribute to climate change. This study combines Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite data with local air quality monitoring data provided by the National Air Quality Monitoring Network (UHKIA) of the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change to perform a spatial and temporal analysis of NO₂ and CO emissions in the Kemalpaşa and Torbalı districts of Izmir, Türkiye. For the 17 months between January 2022 and July 2023, analysis using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform revealed that emission concentrations increase in winter months due to industrial activities and domestic heating and decrease in summer months due to reduced traffic density and meteorological conditions. It was observed that CO emissions spread over a wider area, while NO₂ emissions are concentrated in industrial and traffic-oriented regions. Accuracy analyses between satellite and UHKIA data showed a general agreement, but small deviations were recorded due to atmospheric effects and resolution differences. These analyses emphasized the importance of the integrated use of satellite and ground data in air pollution monitoring. The results provide a valuable scientific basis for local governments and policymakers for air quality management and strategic decision-making, especially in the Kemalpaşa and Torbalı districts.

Twenty years of studying the origins and fate of atmospheric mercury over the Mediterranean Sea.

This study provides a review of 13 oceanographic campaigns between 2000 and 2017 to measure Hg in the Mediterranean, highlighting major findings from measurement and modelling activities during the Med-Oceanor program. The initial campaigns showed that high concentrations of RGM could be found far from industrial source regions and the observed daily variation in concentration, with peaks at midday and lower concentrations during darkness gave the first indications that photochemically mediated oxidation reactions were producing RGM in the MBL. Later atmospheric chemistry modelling studies showed the feasibility of Hg oxidation by bromine containing oxidants, which are released as a result of the acidification of sea salt aerosols in the Marine Boundary Layer (MBL). Spatial and seasonal variations of DGM were observed at different depths in the water column, with average DGM concentrations higher in the West and East Mediterranean deep and intermediate waters, than in overlaying Atlantic waters. DGM in water profiles typically increased with depth, together with nutrients and decreasing oxygen, indicating a possible bacterial and/or geogenic origin. Using measured DGM and meteorological variable values Hg fluxes can be calculated. When these are included in regional and global models they suggest that the net Hg evasion from the Mediterranean is around 30Mgyr-1. Repetition of these campaigns should be an extremely high priority, both to continue to monitor changes in atmospheric and aquatic Hg species concentrations, but also to perform RGM detection methodology intercomparisons so that the historical data is adequately contextualised and may be used to evaluate temporal trends.

A model of late economic socialization. The study on retirees of the industrial region of Russia

A model of late economic socialization. The study on retirees of the industrial region of Russia

Mercury wet deposition in the urban and industrialised region of Campinas, south-east Brazil

Environmental context Wet deposition is a primary mechanism for transferring atmospheric mercury (Hg) to Earth’s surface. In Brazil, as well as in the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, only limited data on wet Hg deposition are available. This article addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive dataset from nearly 2 years of monitoring, focusing on mercury concentrations in rainwater and wet Hg deposition in Campinas, one of the largest industrial and populated regions in São Paulo state (south-east Brazil). Rationale Data on mercury (Hg) wet deposition in Brazil, as well as in the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, are sparse. To fill this gap, this study presents a comprehensive dataset from a long-term monitoring effort (nearly 2 years) that focuses on Hg concentrations in rainwater and wet Hg deposition in Campinas, one of Brazil’s largest industrial and populated regions located in São Paulo state (south-east Brazil). Methodology A total of 66 rain events were captured from April 2019 to December 2020 using a manually operated rain collector. The total Hg concentration was determined using Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (CVAFS), and wet Hg deposition was calculated. Results The volume-weighted mean (VWM) Hg concentration ranged from 5.59 to 15.3 ng L−1, with the highest value recorded during the driest season; the overall average for the sampling period was 6.42 ng L−1. Annual Hg wet deposition varied from 6.5 to 7.1 µg m−2 year−1. Discussion These results indicate a clear seasonal variation in Hg deposition and suggest that precipitation depth is the primary influencing factor at our study site. Both the VWM and Hg deposition levels were comparable to those observed in many urban and industrial sites in the Northern Hemisphere. More long-term wet deposition monitoring is needed in urban and industrialised areas of the Southern Hemisphere to improve our understanding of the impacts of human activities on the Hg cycle.

Geochemical fractionation and bioavailability of heavy metals in the middle gangetic plain: Assessing ecological risks in water and sediment systems.

The Gangetic Plain, one of the world's most fertile regions, is vital to food and water security in densely populated areas. However, metal contamination in sediments and water poses significant challenges, owing to intensified industrial and agricultural activities and periodic flooding. The ecological risks imposed by metals in the Middle Gangetic Plain remain underexplored because of limited data on their bioavailability across varying sediment depths. This study examined the geochemical fractionation, bioavailability, and potential risks of metals in sediments using the sequential extraction (modified BCR) method and assessed pollution indices and health hazards in both groundwater and Ganga River. The results revealed a greater percentage of bioavailable fractions in younger alluvium deposits, which was attributed to elevated silt and organic matter. The metal concentrations in the groundwater were influenced by hydrogeochemical dynamics, sediment texture, and anthropogenic inputs. Fine-grained sediments enriched with organic matter facilitate metal leaching from sediments under redox conditions, serving as a key process controlling metal concentrations in groundwater. Pollution indices revealed that, although the average metal concentrations remained below background levels, As and Cr concentrations exceeded the recommended threshold levels within the upper sections of the core and at depths of 27-30m bgl. Most water samples were classified as having unacceptable pollution levels. Health risk assessments have highlighted ingestion as the primary exposure pathway, with children particularly vulnerable to toxicity and carcinogenic effects. This study offers a framework for identifying and assessing the risks of multi-metal contamination in industrial regions with shallow water bodies.

A systematic review on concentration of residential indoor air metals and health risk assessment

This review evaluates metal concentrations in indoor air within residential buildings, focusing on original research published in English from 2010 to 2022. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink, identifying 34 relevant studies measuring metal concentrations in various residential environments. Data extraction revealed significant regional variations, with urban homes exhibiting higher metal concentrations compared to rural and industrial areas. Chromium (Cr) levels in urban regions reached 116.00±170.00 mg/kg, compared to 63.40±34.80 mg/kg in rural areas and 30.90±16.90 mg/kg in industrial regions. Nickel (Ni) concentrations were also higher in urban homes at 86.10±126.00 mg/kg, versus 27.60±9.08 mg/kg in rural and 20.40±7.65 mg/kg in industrial settings. The living room showed the highest metal concentrations, with lead (Pb) at 170.00±NA mg/kg and nickel (Ni) at 174.00±144.00 mg/ kg, significantly higher than in bedrooms and kitchens (p<0.05). Seasonal variations indicated elevated warm season metal concentrations, with iron (Fe) measured at 11,200 ± 9830 mg/kg. Health risk assessments highlighted a total cancer risk (CR) of 1.59 × 10⁻³ in industrial areas, exceeding acceptable limits (10⁻5 to 10⁻⁶). The ingestion pathway was the primary route for both cancer and non-cancer risks, with copper (Cu) posing the highest potential cancer risk across all regions. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring and regulation of indoor metal concentrations, particularly in industrial areas.

The role of regional governance modes and system-level agency in evolutionary paths of regional industries

ABSTRACT In this paper, we posit that there is a relationship between the nature of the nexus comprising organisational- and system-level agency, organisational and regional assets, and the mode of governance of a regional innovation system (RIS), on one hand, and the evolutionary paths in which industries are likely to thrive, on the other. Therefore, we developed a fourfold typology of RIS governance modes based on the strength of public administration and the inclusiveness of the institutional set-up in the region. We argue that a well-developed RIS governance helps companies pursue more radical paths, and ambitious evolutionary paths of industries require vigorous system-level agency.

Leaves to Lifestyle: Raising Awareness of Responsible Production Through Eco-Print Training in Yosowilangun, Gresik

The dimension of Responsible Consumption and Production encompasses the conscientious manufacturing process of a product, with a focus on minimizing waste and residues that may pose environmental risks. Strategically situated within an industrial region, Gresik plays a pivotal role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This research endeavors to achieve a dual objective. Firstly, it aims to raise awareness about the significance of responsible production in Yosowilangun, Gresik, one of the busiest villages in the area. Additionally, the research seeks to economically empower women residing in this village. The Eco-Print fabrication employed in this study goes beyond utilizing random waste materials; instead, it leverages the recycling of dried leaves waste, a readily available resource in Gresik. Acknowledging certain limitations, such as the scale of prototype production and the ongoing nature of the study due to the gradual nature of awareness-raising efforts, this research introduces a novel aspect by uniquely applying recycled leaf waste in textile production. This approach, not extensively explored in the industry, opens a new avenue for sustainable manufacturing and women's empowerment in developing regions. The product resulting from this research is not only environmentally friendly but also holds the potential to improve the socio-economic well-being of women in Yosowilangun Village.

Assessing the tourism efficiency in the Caspian Sea region

ABSTRACT This research studies the operational effectiveness of the tourism industry in the Caspian regions of Kazakhstan, Russia and Azerbaijan during the 2003–2022 period, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the recent crises (COVID-19, Ukrainian war). To this end, the paper uses the data envelopment analysis meta-frontier model, the Simar and Wilson regression and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting technique. The findings indicate significant disparities in tourism regional performance, with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan particularly affected by the pandemic and the Ukrainian War. Forecasts indicate potential growth in the tourism industry of the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia, contingent on specific conditions.

Automated Tree Detection Using Image Processing and Multisource Data

This paper presents a method for the automatic detection and assessment of trees and tree-covered areas in Katowice, the capital of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region in southern Poland. The proposed approach utilizes satellite imagery and height maps, employing image-processing techniques and integrating data from various sources. We developed a data pipeline for gathering and pre-processing information, including vegetation data and numerical land-cover models, which were used to derive a new method for tree detection. Our findings confirm that automatic tree detection can significantly enhance the efficiency of urban tree management processes, contributing to the creation of greener and more resident-friendly cities.

Soil quality assessment in agricultural lands of an industrializing region of India.

Soil degradation due to industrialization is a growing global concern, emphasizing the importance of evaluating soil quality near industrial zones to ensure food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. This study compares soil quality across five industrial sites, including foundries, electroplating, paper mills, textile mills, and quarries and cement industries, in the Coimbatore district. Soil samples were collected via a purposive sampling approach from nearby agricultural fields via a 500 m2 grid. The soil quality was assessed by including all the soil parameters as soil quality indicators via principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation studies with a minimum data set followed by linear scoring and the weighted additive method. The soil quality was ranked as follows: reference soils (0.752) > foundry industrial sites (0.591) > quarry and cement industrial sites (0.554) > paper mill sites (0.552) > textile and dyeing industrial sites (0.500) > electroroplating industrial sites (0.482). The findings reveal that industrial activities significantly compromise soil quality in adjacent agricultural areas, with varying levels of impact.

New Approach to Regional Economic Policy in Vietnam

Regional development theory focuses on the study of the quality of the development structure of regional systems, based on the theoretical analysis of institutional factors (parameters) that determine the technological efficiency of the regional economy. The article aims to clarify the possibility of technological change and economic growth shifts in a specific regional system, especially in the context of strict limits on rapid development, mainly focusing on industrial regions. To achieve this goal, we build structural models to analyze the impact of technological factors on regional economic growth parameters and determine the conditions for industrial sector development. Correlation and regression analysis methods are applied to establish statistically significant relationships between relevant parameters. Econometric models are used to estimate growth parameters through control parameters, including technological factors. The structural aspect of regional economic growth is measured by classifying investments into two groups: old and new technologies. The technological efficiency of the regional economy can be improved by improving the results of old technologies and promoting the adoption of new technologies. This approach helps to refine the regional development priority algorithm and supports the selection of appropriate technology development strategies. However, if resources are only focused on the latest technologies, the imbalance in the development of the regional economic system can increase significantly. Parameters related to the redirection and creation of new resources will determine the regional growth rate.

Advancing energy efficiency: innovative technologies and strategic measures for achieving net zero emissions

To evaluate the essential role of energy efficiency in achieving net-zero emissions and combating climate change, this comprehensive review was conducted based on a thorough analysis of academic literature, diverse case studies, and industry reports, focusing on key energy efficiency sectors and technological advancements. It begins by outlining global efforts, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, which have driven initiatives to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors. The review examines key technological innovations, such as advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient building designs, transportation electrification, and smart grid integration contributing to energy savings and decarbonization. It also discusses policy frameworks, regulatory incentives, and financial mechanisms that encourage energy efficiency. The study provides the detailed outcomes of the different strategies and initiatives, showcasing successful case studies from different regions in transportation, urban planning, power generation, and industry. It illustrates how countries have effectively implemented energy efficiency measures to reduce emissions and meet climate goals. Additionally, the review explores the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain, to optimize energy management, enhance grid flexibility, and promote further efficiencies. Despite these advancements, the review identifies several key barriers - financial, technological, and behavioral challenges that impede the widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices. Finally, it offers strategies to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing the need for tailored policies, innovative business models, and greater consumer engagement. This review underscores the importance of energy efficiency in achieving a sustainable, net-zero future by synthesizing successful case studies and highlighting emerging solutions.

AI-based carbon peak prediction and energy transition optimization for thermal power industry in energy-intensive regions of China

AI-based carbon peak prediction and energy transition optimization for thermal power industry in energy-intensive regions of China

Rapid Formation of Acetaldehyde and Its Influence on Ozone Formation in a Petrochemical Industrialized Region

Rapid Formation of Acetaldehyde and Its Influence on Ozone Formation in a Petrochemical Industrialized Region

Analysis of Prediction Characteristics of GRP Change by the SCGE Model for the Linkage of Road Development and Regional Industrial Policy

Analysis of Prediction Characteristics of GRP Change by the SCGE Model for the Linkage of Road Development and Regional Industrial Policy

Spatial mapping and alignment of SHS, HEIs, and Industry in Northwestern Leyte

This study examines the spatial distribution and alignment of Senior High Schools (SHS), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and industries in Region VIII, focusing on the interconnections between geographic, educational, and economic factors. Key areas of analysis include Ormoc City, Albuera, Kananga, Isabel, and Palompon. Urban centers like Ormoc City host a high concentration of SHS offering diverse tracks such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), catering to the demands of Information Technology (IT) and business industries. In contrast, rural areas focus on technical-vocational (TVL) tracks aligned with agriculture and fisheries but often lack alternative career pathways. HEIs are concentrated in Ormoc City, creating accessibility challenges for rural students and limiting program diversity in industrial hubs such as Isabel and Palompon. Although there is strong alignment between TVL tracks and agro-industrial needs in Albuera and manufacturing demands in Isabel, significant gaps remain, including inadequate IT specialization to meet Ormoc City’s industry needs, limited HEI capacity for STEM graduates in rural areas, and insufficient business management programs in Palompon. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to address educational gaps and strengthen regional economic development.

The Impact of Climatic and Meteorological Factors on the Process of Distribution of Pollutants in the Atmosphere in Industrial Regions

A constructive system methodology is proposed to study the influence of the main climatic and metrological factors on the process of transfer and transport of harmful substances in the atmosphere. Based on the analysis of the collected data, the main factors affecting the spread of harmful substances in the atmosphere are determined. It is established that the fundamental importance in the formation of conditions for the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere is the recurrence of winds with a speed of 0.5–1.4 m/s, at which the processes of accumulation of these emissions in the ground layer of the atmosphere develop. Despite the small values of emissions of harmful substances from industrial facilities, it is determined that in some cases, when such winds are long in time, extremely high levels of pollution can form in the ground layer of the atmosphere. The conducted studies have shown that the frequency of weak winds in the territory of the cities of Angren, Almalyk, and Akhangaran can be characterized as unfavorable and complicating conditions for the transfer, diffusion, and transport of pollutants in the atmosphere, and it is confirmed that in the territory of the Tashkent region during the period with high values of the dynamic potential of atmospheric pollution, 88.5% of the annual precipitation falls, which, of course, helps to reduce the level of atmospheric pollution by washing out pollutants from it. It has been established that in the summer, the purification of the boundary layer of the atmosphere by washing out the pollutant with atmospheric precipitation is practically absent, and this factor, in combination with high values of the dynamic potential of atmospheric air pollution, affects the formation of the summer maximum of pollution. Statistical data processing shows that rain with an intensity of 1 mm of precipitation per hour for 15 minutes removes 28% of dust particles of 2 μm in size from the air, and the efficiency of aerosol capture by raindrops decreases with decreasing size of the aerosol particle and becomes practically equal to zero for particles with a diameter of less than 2 μm.