Environmental Resources Research Articles

Selective electrosorption of silver ions from wastewater by biomass-derived N, S co-doped hierarchical porous carbon

The recovery of precious silver (Ag) from wastewater, a dual pursuit of environmental sustainability and economic benefits, faces a formidable challenge in the selective extraction of Ag+ ions amidst a matrix of other metal ions. To address this, we developed a novel N, S co-doped hierarchical porous carbon (NSPC) derived from a renewable precursor of Camellia oleifera shell. As the electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI), the NSPC exhibited a high electrosorption capacity of 480.5 mg g−1 for Ag+ ions under an operating voltage of 1.2 V. Owing to the strong reaction between Ag+ and S functional groups and the synergistic effect from a hierarchical porous structure and N doping, the formation of Ag2S and elemental Ag is facilitated, and the NSPC cathode could selectively remove nearly 100 % of Ag+ ions from saline water and a solution containing Ni2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ ions. Furthermore, the NSPC cathode showed a high anti-interference ability in the presence of anions (C10H14N2O82−, C4H4O62−, C5H7O5COO− and HCO3−) and excellent reusability until 9 cycles. The impressive results show that the biomass-derived NSPC has the potential for rapid and selective recovery of silver from wastewater and offers a solution for environmental remediation and metal resource recovery.

Enhancing Women Education for a Sustainable Environmental Development

Women represent a good proportion of any society’s Population and they have been known to have contributed in very many ways to the development and betterment of the society of most nations, notably the developed nations. In Nigeria, Women are the Primary environment mangers, extractors and the users of environmental resource, so they have close affinity with the environment. The rural women relate with nature to provide the basis for their day-to-day struggle for survival. They have an essential role to play in the development of sustainable and ecological sound consumption, Production Patterns and approaches to natural resources management. This paper focuses on strategies that will aid women to better cope with maintaining the environment in their multi-faceted roles. It is the view of this paper that, urgent attention should be given to the education of women if true and Sustainable environmental development is to be achieved. Keywords: Women Education, Sustainable Environmental Development, Consumption. Production Aims Research Journal Reference Format: Ibhafidon-Momodu, G.O. (2024): Enhancing Women Education for a Sustainable Environmental Development Advances in Multidisciplinary and Scientific Research Journal Vol. 10. No. 3. Pp 7-12 www.isteams.net/aimsjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/V10N3P12

Ecological-economic assessment of environmental quality as a natural basis for territorial sustainable development: conceptual-categorical analysis

In the context of growing global problems of resource using and environmental protection the development of a sustainable environmental-economic development strategy, including at the territorial level is becoming increasingly actual. The purpose of the research is conceptual-categorical analysis of ecological-economic assessment of environmental quality as a natural basis for territorial systems of different levels sustainable development, elaboration and justification of the conceptual assessment model and methods of its implementation. Methodological issues focus on how to comprehensively assess the environmental quality of the territory and how this assessment can be taken into account in the formation of a strategy for environmentally sustainable development of spatial-economic systems. The scientific novelty of the research results lies in the consolidation of the theories of territorial development sustainability and environmental quality environmental-economic assessment in the conceptual model, as well as in the substantiation of tools for quantitative measurement of environmental quality, increasing the accuracy and reliability of the obtained environmental-economic assessments. The significance of the research results lies in providing decision-makers with comprehensive information on the long-term consequences of environmental-economic decisions and facilitating the transition to environmentally sustainable economic development of territories. This information can be obtained as a result of systematic application of multi-dimensional environmental-economic assessment tools that take into account not only the full socio-economic value of natural environmental resources, but also the spatial characteristics of territories.

Research Factors Affecting Green Economic Development and Some Policy Implications

Vietnam is one of the countries heavily affected by climate change and rising sea levels. According to the World Bank, it is estimated that climate change will reduce Vietnam's GDP by 3.5% by 2050. Therefore, developing a green economy is the most effective and fastest way to adapt. and minimize the impact of climate change. The goal of the research is to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on Vietnam's green economic development. Through a survey of 215 samples from different subjects such as managers, businesses, residential communities, etc., the study pointed out 5 main influencing factors, including: government’s regulatory policies, engineering technology, environmental resources, human resources, and residential community. The research results provide a premise for suggesting a number of policy implications for the goverment as well as relevant ministries and branches in the process of completing the policy framework to develop a green economy for Vietnam in the coming time.

A theoretical analysis of philosophical dimensions in engineering education

This article presents a theoretical analysis of the philosophical dimensions embedded in engineering education, highlighting the importance of integrating ethical, social, and environmental considerations into the development of future engineers. As engineering increasingly shapes society through technological innovation, philosophical inquiry becomes crucial in addressing contemporary challenges such as sustainability, technological ethics, and social justice. The paper explores how philosophical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, provide engineers with tools to critically evaluate the broader impact of their designs and decisions. By embedding these ethical perspectives within the engineering curriculum, educators can prepare students to navigate the moral complexities inherent in technology and innovation. Moreover, the analysis underscores the role of philosophy in promoting sustainability in engineering, encouraging students to adopt a long-term view of environmental stewardship and resource management. The discussion also highlights the importance of addressing issues related to technological ethics, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence, automation, and biotechnology, where ethical challenges are becoming increasingly prominent. In addition, the paper examines the contribution of philosophy in fostering critical thinking and social responsibility, ensuring that engineers consider the societal implications of their work, especially in marginalized communities. Ultimately, this theoretical analysis argues that integrating philosophy into engineering education is essential for preparing engineers who are not only technically proficient but also ethically conscious, socially responsible, and capable of addressing the complex global challenges that define modern society.

Well-Being and Sustainable Utilization of Forest Environment with Diverse Vegetation Distributions

Forest landscape space is the basic unit of forest landscape resources. Healthy forest landscape resources can not only improve the sustainable cycle of forest ecological service function, but also have a positive impact on human health and well-being. Evidence supports the view that the forest environment is beneficial to people’s health, and further discussion of the dose response between environmental attributes and physical and mental recovery has been widely carried out by scholars. As an important component of environmental attributes, it is necessary to clarify the relationship between vegetation distribution and users’ health in order to better plan, design, and utilize forest environmental resources. This study mainly used the virtual immersive forest environment video in VR, and used the difference test in SPSS 23.0 to clarify whether the distribution of vegetation in the forest environment will affect the physiological and psychological recovery effect of users. The main results are as follows: (1) Experiencing the forest environment can promote users’ physiological and psychological health, and its recovery effect is significantly better than the indoor environment (p < 0.05). (2) The distribution of vegetation in the forest environment will affect users’ physiological and psychological recovery effect. Among them, in the cluster and randomly distributed forest environments, the relaxation and concentration of users can be improved mainly by alleviating their negative emotions. In the evenly distributed forest environment, users mainly achieve the purpose of relaxation by improving their vitality and positive emotions. These results show that the distribution of vegetation is one of the factors for the restoration of forest environment. In the future design and management of the forest environment, the health and well-being of users can be effectively enhanced by getting involved with the vegetation distribution in the site, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the promotion of the rehabilitation function of forest landscape space and its sustainable utilization, thus promoting the sustainable development of forest resources and improving people’s quality of life.

Converting Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate to High Value Monomers by Synergistic Catalysts.

Waste plastics accumulation, such as commonly used polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has caused serious environmental pollution and resource squander. Glycolysis is a reliable closed-loop PET recycling method, which limited by the high cost and complex catalysts preparation processes. Here we report a simple synergistic catalytic strategy by premixing zinc acetate and cheap alkalis in ethylene glycol, which could achieve complete glycolysis at 180 ℃ within 2 hours, and a bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) yield of 86.4%. This may be attributed to the free hydroxide ions not only enhancing the nucleophilicity of oxygen in ethylene glycol and making it easy to attack carbonyl groups, but also accelerating the swelling and dissolution of PET. Meanwhile, the in-situ generated Zn-glycolate and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) activated the oxygen in the carbonyl group, making the carbon cations more electropositive. Further recycling experiments and techno-economic analysis indicated that our synergistic strategy significantly reduced industrial costs and expected to achieve large-scale industrial applications.

Evaluation of Water Quality and Scarcity Issues for Sustainable Water Management Strategy in Twin Cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, Pakistan.

Today's water world is pebbledashed with two main trepidations of water security/ scarcity, which need in-depth elaboration. Developing countries are particularly facing the impacts of water contamination and scarcity but lack the required impetus and technical infrastructure, thus necessitating swift actions to evaluate the effects of water security/ scarcity on the environment and water resources. In this study, an effort has been made to assess the water security/ scarcity situation in the twin cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, elucidating the water quality/ quantity parameters in the Rawal Lake reservoir in Pakistan by analysing the contamination. The samples were collected/ tested during spring/ monsoon seasons to analyse temporal/fluvial impacts on water discharge. The results were compared with Pakistan's and WHO's drinking water standards before and after the water treatment. Almost all the testing parameters of the raw water samples from the Rawal Lake reservoir feeding streams exceeded the standard limits or fell close to the upper threshold limits, suggesting that this water was unsuitable for drinking without extensive treatment and an efficient distribution system. The contamination, untreated sewage disposal, non-regulated water utilisation, drawdown and supply/ demand gaps are the grave factors causing the water security/ scarcity in the capital/ twin cities of Islamabad/ Rawalpindi. Pakistan has already entered the water scarcity threshold of 1014 m3/ person/ annum in 2018, reduced from water availability of 5260 m3/ person/ annum in 1950 and will likely reach a drought level by 2050 due to increased population and reduced water resources. The study proposes an organisational implementation model for catchment-level river management to ensure good quality of water, construction of 5-10 small dams, and the provision of water from Terbella Dam suggested as the long-term strategy to prevent water scarcity.

Does Confucian culture affect the efficiency of corporate green investments? Evidence from heavily polluting enterprises

ABSTRACT Against the backdrop of increasingly intensified conflicts between the development of heavily polluting enterprises and the resource environment, Confucian culture, which advocates environmental protection, has gradually penetrated into management decisions and has become an important tool for promoting green investment and transformation of enterprises. This study investigates the impact of Confucian culture on green investment efficiency using the SBM-DEA model and a multidimensional fixed-effects model (time, year, and region) with Chinese heavy polluting enterprises as a sample from 2016 to 2020. The findings of the study indicate that Confucian culture can enhance the efficiency of firms’ green investments. This is achieved by fostering human capital and managerial capabilities. This relationship is more pronounced among firms in regions with fewer environmental regulations and among state-owned enterprises. It is therefore recommended that heavily polluting enterprises, with the support of the government, should give play to the guiding role of Confucian culture and integrate the spirit of Confucianism into their operation and management. The results of this paper verify the effectiveness of Confucian culture, which is very important for accelerating the green development of heavy polluting enterprises and enriching and expanding related research.

Exploring Water Quality Assessment through AHP and Picture Fuzzy PROMETHEE - II: An In-Depth Investigation

Effective analysis of water quality is crucial for the well-being of ecosystems and human populations, notably in rivers like Thirumanimutharu. This study advances current methodologies by integrating the picture fuzzy PROMETHEE II approach with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), offering a robust solution to the challenges posed by data ambiguity and imprecision. Born from the fusion of PROMETHEE II with picture fuzzy sets, this innovative method adeptly represents qualitative criteria and linguistic notions inherent in water quality assessment. A practical case study, utilising real water quality data, demonstrates the superior accuracy and durability of the combined picture fuzzy PROMETHEE II and AHP approach compared to traditional methods. These results significantly contribute to our understanding of water quality assessment, providing essential insights for environmental experts and decision-makers. The approach�s efficacy is particularly highlighted in the management and conservation of water resources in the Thirumanimutharu river, emphasising the need for advanced methodologies in environmental conservation and resource management. This research underscores the importance of adopting sophisticated techniques for more informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to the water resources and the preservation of ecological balance in the Thirumanimutharu river and similar water bodies.

Enhanced phosphate anion flux through single-ion, reverse-selective mixed-matrix cation exchange membrane

Phosphate recovery from wastewater is vital for both environmental sustainability and resource conservation, offering the dual benefit of reducing phosphate pollution while providing a valuable source of this essential nutrient. We previously reported an approach for synthesizing hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) nanoparticles within a polymeric cation-exchange membrane (CEM) to achieve a phosphate-selective mixed-matrix membrane (PhSMMM); however, the phosphate flux was lower than desired. Herein, we demonstrate a next-generation PhSMMM membrane with enhanced phosphate flux and selectivity. Experimental results confirm the successful incorporation of up to 28 wt% HMO nanoparticles into the polymeric CEM. The new PhSMMM exhibits a phosphate flux of 1.57 mmol∙m–2.hr–1 (an 8.5X enhancement), with selectivity over chloride, nitrate, and sulfate ions of 9, 11, and 104, respectively. This significant enhancement in phosphate flux marks a promising advancement in a sustainable solution for phosphate removal and recovery from wastewater.

Fabrication of a ZIF-8/PVA Membrane on PVDF Fiber by Spray for the Highly Efficient Separation of Oil-in-Water Emulsions.

In human life and production, excessive oily wastewaters containing detergents are produced and discharged, causing severe environmental pollution and water resource problems. A metal-organic framework (MOF)-based membrane is an economical and environmentally friendly tool for emulsion separation but is limited by a complex preparation process and poor flexibility. Herein, we developed a simple method to synthesize a MOF-based mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) by spray and fabricated the membrane on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibers via postdeposition and in situ growth manners. The prepared ZIF-8/PVA MMMs have uniform distribution of ZIF-8 particles and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on the PVDF fibers. PVA improved the adhesion between the ZIF-8 particles and between the MOF layer and PVDF fiber, endowing the separation membrane with high flexibility and bendability. The prepared ZIF-8/PVA membrane exhibited hydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity, which showed high separation efficiency and considerable water flux for emulsions, emulsion containing dye, and surfactant-stabilized emulsion. In addition, the fabricated ZIF-8/PVA/PVDF fibers exhibited good antifouling property and flexibility and can maintain stable separation efficiency after working several times and even under bending, demonstrating the stability and potentiality of the ZIF-8/PVA/PVDF fibers in practical applications. This work paves a new avenue for the synthesis and application of MOF-based MMMs.

Decision making and benefit analysis of closed-loop remanufacturing supply chain considering government subsidies

Remanufacturing closed-loop supply chain can effectively deal with the deterioration of environmental resources and the limited supply of resources as a part of circular economy. Government subsidies are an important factor to promote its development. In this paper, we consider a two-stage remanufacturing closed-loop supply chain, where the retailer is responsible for recycling, and the manufacturer will innovate in remanufacturing technology based on the extended producer responsibility system. The study constructs a Stackelberg game model with the manufacturer as a leader, and compares the different impacts of the two subsidy strategies on supply chain decisions (i.e., subsidies for investment in remanufacturing technology innovation and subsidies for the cost of remanufactured products). Numerical analyses are conducted to visualize the effects of subsidies on the decision-making of closed-loop supply chain members, environmental benefits, and social welfare. The findings indicate that when the level of subsidy is low, government subsidies for investment in remanufacturing technology innovation can accelerate the upgrading of remanufacturing technology, leading to higher environmental benefits and social welfare compared to subsidising the cost of remanufactured products. The results show that when the level of subsidy is high, government subsidies for remanufactured product costs, while yielding greater environmental benefits and social welfare compared to subsidies for investment in remanufacturing technology innovation, have a lesser impact on the advancement of remanufacturing technology.

Assessing climate trends in the Northwestern Himalayas: a comprehensive analysis of high-resolution gridded and observed datasets

Climate change poses significant challenges to the Himalayas, a region characterised by its fragile ecosystems and vulnerable communities dependent on environmental resources. Accurate climate data are crucial for understanding regional climatic variations and assessing climate change impacts, particularly in areas with limited observational networks. This study represents a pioneering effort in evaluating climatic fluctuations in the Jhelum basin, located in the North Western Himalayas, by utilising a diverse range of gridded meteorological datasets (APHRODITE, CHIRPS, CRU, and IMDAA) alongside observed climate data from the Indian Meteorological Department. The primary goal is to identify the most effective gridded climate data product for regions with limited data and to explore the potential of combining gridded data sets with observed data to understand climatic variability. Findings indicate a consistent upward trend in temperature across all datasets, with varying rates of increase. CRU records a rise of 1 °C in Tmax and 1.6 °C in Tmin, while APHRODITE shows a Tmean increase of approximately 1 °C. IMDAA reports increases in Tmax and Tmin. Observed mean annual Tmax and Tmin show net increases of 1 °C and 0.6 °C, respectively. Regarding precipitation, all datasets except IMDAA exhibit an increasing trend, contrary to observed data, which decreases from 1266 mm to 1068 mm over 40 years. CHIRPS, CRU, and APHRODITE display increasing trends, while IMDAA aligns closely with observed data but tends to overestimate precipitation by about 30%. Our research identifies IMDAA as the most suitable gridded climate data for the Jhelum basin in the North-western Himalayas. Despite some discrepancies in precipitation trends, IMDAA closely aligns with observed data, providing valuable insights for scholars and policymakers navigating climate data uncertainties in complex environments. Our findings contribute to informed decision-making and effective climate change mitigation strategies in the region.

Designing a framework to analyze the impact of watershed development on socioeconomic development: integrating literature, theory, and practice

Watershed development initiatives have emerged as key tools for achieving sustainable rural development, especially in countries experiencing environmental degradation and resource constraints. Despite the increasing acknowledgment of the significance of watershed development interventions, there remains a dearth of comprehensive frameworks for evaluating their effects on the socioeconomic progress of communities, particularly concerning rural livelihoods and household food security outcomes. Hence, this study addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive impact analysis conceptual framework tailored to assess the impact of watershed development on socioeconomic aspects. This study designed the framework by incorporating existing theoretical perspectives (the sustainable livelihoods framework, political ecology, theory of change, and community-based natural resource management) and making essential adjustments. This novel conceptual framework offers a multifaceted approach to assess the socioeconomic impacts of watershed development projects, particularly on rural livelihoods and household food security. Employing a mixed methods approach, the framework sheds light on how interventions affect the livelihood assets and strategies of rural communities, ultimately influencing their food security and well-being. Furthermore, it examines how community involvement and national policy affect these efforts. By providing a holistic understanding of watershed development dynamics, this framework allows researchers and practitioners to assess impacts, identify trade-offs, and evaluate interventions. This informs policymakers about evidence-based interventions to promote sustainable socioeconomic development in rural communities.

Insights and challenges of sustainable project management implementations in construction sectors: Systematic literature analysis

The construction industry is a significant contributor towards global environmental degradation and resource depletion, with developing economies facing unique challenges in adopting sustainable construction practices. This systematic review aims to investigate the gap in sustainable construction implementation among global counterparts. The study utilizes the P5 (People, Planet, Prosperity, Process, Products) Standard as a framework for evaluating sustainable construction project management based on environmental, social, and economic targets. A Systematic Literature Review from a pool of 994 Sustainable Construction Project Management (SCPM) papers is conducted utilizing the PRISMA methodology. Through rigorous Identification, Screening, and Eligibility Verification, an analysis is synthesized from 44 relevant literature discussing SCPM Implementations worldwide. The results highlight significant challenges in three main categories: environmental, social, and economic impacts. Social impacts are found as the most extensively researched, while environmental and economic impacts are less studied. Further analysis reveals that social impacts are a major concern in sustainable construction, with numerous studies addressing labor practices and societal well-being. However, there is a notable gap in research on human rights within the construction industry. Environmental impacts, such as resource utilization, energy consumption, and pollution, are less frequently addressed, indicating a need for more focused studies in these areas. Economic impacts, including local economic impact and business agility, are further substantially underrepresented in the literature, suggesting that economic viability is a critical yet underexplored aspect of sustainable construction. The findings underscore the need for further research in these areas to address the implementation challenges of sustainable project management effectively. This research contributes towards the overall research of global sustainable construction through the utilization of the P5 Standards as a new lens of determining sustainability performance for construction projects worldwide.

Ecological vulnerability assessment and spatial-temporal variations analysis in typical ecologically vulnerable areas of China

Ecological vulnerability assessment is crucial for environment protection, ecological restoration and resource utilization. However, many former studies have limitations in the indicator system of the assessment, which were not comparable for different types of ecologically vulnerable areas. It is difficult to apply directly to the ecological vulnerability assessment of different types and in various regions. Aiming to solve these problems, the study proposed a well-established and comprehensive indicator system for ecological vulnerability assessment and conducted ecological vulnerability assessment application of five types of typical ecologically vulnerable areas of China based on remote sensing, meteorological, geographic and other data. The results show that the average EVIs value of Zhangbei County ranging from 0.525 to 0.559 are the highest among the five research areas during the four periods, followed by Zoige region and Xiamen bay. However, the region with the lowest average EVI value varies. In 2005 and 2015, it was Taihe County, while in 2010 and 2020, it was the Sanjiangyuan region. The variation of average EVIs in the five typical areas presents slight fluctuation and remains generally stable from 2005 to 2020. It indicates that the environmental protection measures and projects undertaken by the Chinese government in recent years have had a striking effect, curbing the trend of ecological environment deterioration.

Understanding Nonprofit Financial Health: Exploring the Effects of Economic Recession and Environmental Factors (2007–2012)

During an economic recession, the gaps between community service demands and available resources for nonprofits widen. Nonprofits with financial vulnerability cut back on their services or activities when facing a turbulent economic downturn. To make sense of such situations, drawn from organizational ecology theory, we examine the relationships between environmental factors and a nonprofit’s financial health and the moderating role of the Great Recession of 2008 on their relationship. Employing IRS 990 and US census data (2007–2012) on counties, our longitudinal analysis finds that: 1) nonprofits’ county-level environmental factors, i.e., service demand and available resources, are associated with their financial health; 2) the impact of economic recession on nonprofits’ financial health is particularly severe in communities with greater racial diversity; and 3) nonprofits located in communities with more resources are more likely to be financially healthy and are less affected by the economic recession in the long term.

Soil Water Flow Affected by Vegetation Root Water Uptake in the Semiarid Region of Mu Us Sandy Land, China

ABSTRACTVegetation plays an important role in the management of water resources and of the terrestrial vegetation degradation in semiarid regions of China. Detailed descriptions of the actual hydrological process of vegetation root water uptake (RWU) are lacking, and the dynamics of interfaces involved in the process of RWU have not received enough attention. A field in situ experiment with bare land and vegetated land was implemented to investigate soil water flow in vadose zones affected by vegetation RWU. The results revealed that, with the influence of RWU, the soil moisture content was redistributed and impacted evaporation and infiltration; therefore, even the roots were driven to utilize groundwater under intense potential evapotranspiration and water stress. Notably, the thicker vadose zones were beneficial for preserving water resources for bare land, but Salix reduced soil water storage by 1191.13 L compared with bare land, which was adverse for water resource development in semiarid regions. The results provide the basis for the protection of the vegetation environment and water resource management in arid regions.

Factors Influencing the Translation of Evidence Into Clinical Practice for Hospital Allied Health Professionals in Terms of the Domains of Behaviour Change Theory: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review provides an overview of the unique challenges allied health professions face in the translation and implementation of evidence into practice, which remain relatively under reported and uninformed by a theoretical basis of behaviour change. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus databases from 2010 to 2022 were searched for primary study designs resulting in 21 articles included in this review (PROSPERO: 2022 CRD42022314996). Allied health disciplines reported in the review were mainly from occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and speech pathology. The most frequently reported implementation determinants across the Theoretical Domains Framework were identified as 'environmental context and resources', and 'knowledge'. The results also identified a greater influence of 'social influences' and 'beliefs about consequences' in implementation. Implementing evidence into clinical practice is a multifaceted, complex process, and the use of the Theoretical Domains Framework provided a systematic approach to understanding the drivers behind the target behaviours. However, there is a paucity of studies across the allied health professions that describe implementation strategies used and their impact. Many of the studies focused on implementation by the individual clinician rather than the role organizations can play in the translation of evidence into practice.