Sustainable Management Research Articles

Leveraging deep learning for coastal monitoring: A VGG16-based approach to spectral and textural classification of coastal areas with sentinel-2A data

Coastal ecosystems are vital for the planet's health, providing essential habitats for diverse species and supporting human communities. However, these complex environments face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. Effective monitoring of these areas requires large-scale, efficient, and accurate methods. This study explores the potential of deep learning for automated coastal land cover classification using Sentinel-2A satellite imagery on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. We investigate the impact of transfer learning and spectral band combinations on classification accuracy for five coastal types: artificial, bedrock, sandy, muddy, and vegetation-covered. Our findings demonstrate that a pre-trained VGG16 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with transfer learning significantly improves classification accuracy (average 19.3% increase) compared to using default weights. Notably, including the near-infrared (NIR) band in training data leads to superior results, particularly for artificial and bedrock coastlines, where the NIR band's effectiveness in separating land-water boundaries enhances classification accuracy. These results highlight the potential of deep learning for large-scale, automated coastal monitoring, informing applications in sustainable fisheries management, coastal vulnerability assessment, and marine ecosystem conservation.

Can Culinary Medicine Training Provide Sustained Nutrition Knowledge and Food Resource Management Skills for Medical Education Students? Marshall Dietetics’ One-year Follow up Evaluation

Can Culinary Medicine Training Provide Sustained Nutrition Knowledge and Food Resource Management Skills for Medical Education Students? Marshall Dietetics’ One-year Follow up Evaluation

Cement modified and copper oxide enriched ferric sludge as oxygen carrier for chemical looping combustion

This study focuses on enhancing the performance of water treatment sludge as an oxygen carrier (OC) for chemical looping combustion (CLC) of municipal solid waste (MSW) syngas. High aluminate cement was introduced to augment the OC’s mechanical strength, concurrently preventing inter-particulate agglomeration, resulting in a commendable and low agglomeration rate of 3.44% after 50 cycles. The inclusion of CuO proves to be instrumental in boosting the OC’s reactivity, mitigating the loss of active components due to the addition of cement support. Notably, FSCuO10 (Ferric sludge with 10% CuO addition) demonstrates over 92% CO efficiency throughout 50 cycles, affirming the success of the dual modification of FS. The investigation also delves into comprehending the reduction process, agglomeration pathways, and the impact of varied CuO percentages has on OC performance. Extensive characterizations were conducted to elucidate OC transformations and their consequential effects on reactivity, physical characteristics, and overall performance. A noteworthy observation includes the outward migration of iron and copper during CLC, contributing to the stabilization of reactivity. In summary, the modifications implemented on FS, yield an improved OC for CLC purposes, maintaining its novelty and cost-effectiveness. The novelty stems from the interactions between CuO and FS, leading to improved reactivity and stability, as well as the extended CLC, which demonstrates the longevity of the OCs. This research contributes to the circularity of waste-derived products by effectively repurposing water treatment sludge and improving sustainable waste management practices.

Evaluating Groundwater Vulnerability and Assessing its Quality for Sustainable Management

Evaluating Groundwater Vulnerability and Assessing its Quality for Sustainable Management

Tailoring the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land-Improved (SEBALI) Model using High-Resolution Land/Use Land Cover for Monitoring Actual Evapotranspiration

Access to accurate near real-time actual evapotranspiration (ETa) data is crucial for monitoring and planning water uses, contributing to the sustainable management and development of water resources. However, ongoing ETa modeling efforts need to be improved when applied to small-sized farmlands in rugged landscapes like in the upper Blue Nile Basin. This study aimed to customize the Google Earth Engine-based Surface Energy Balance for the Algorithm Land–Improved (SEBALIGEE) model using high-resolution land use and land cover data. Additionally, the model, originally based on JavaScript, was updated to Python (SEBALIGEEpy), thereby enhancing its accessibility to a broader range of users and modelers. The ETa simulated with an updated version of the model was validated over croplands using publicly available AmeriFlux eddy covariance data. Furthermore, the SEBALIGEEpy-based ETa was evaluated over the Koga smallholder irrigation scheme in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia, by comparing it with the ETa obtained from the remote sensing-based Water Productivity Open-Access Portal (WaPOR) over seven seasons (2015/16 to 2022/23). The validation results show that the updated model provides more accurate ETa estimates with fewer missing records, with 9–11% using the updated model compared to 14–29% using the original SEBALIGEE model. The customized model has the potential to be used for agricultural water management in areas with fragmented land parcels like the Upper Blue Nile basin and beyond.

Quantitative prediction of water quality in Dongjiang Lake watershed based on LUCC

Land Use/ Cover Change (LUCC) plays a crucial role in influencing hydrological processes, nutrient cycling, and sediment transport in watersheds, ultimately impacting water quality on both spatial and temporal scales. Accurately predicting changes in watershed water quality is beneficial for the sustainable management of water resources. Current models often lack the ability to effectively predict water quality changes in a dynamic spatio-temporal context, particularly in complex watershed environments. The overall purpose of the study is to establish a comprehensive and dynamic modeling framework that links LUCC with water quality, allowing for accurate predictions of future water quality under varying land use scenarios. The model, which uses water quality as the dependent variable and LUCC as the independent variable, was developed to quantitatively predict changes in watershed water quality. To achieve this, annual multi-period remote sensing images from Landsat-5, Landsat-8 or Sentinel-2 satellites spanning from 1992 to 2022 were analyzed. Random Forest (achieving a Kappa coefficient of 0.9468) were employed to classify land use within the watershed. Based on classification results, a Cellular Automata-Markov chain model (CA-Markov) was constructed to simulate and predict the spatio-temporal patterns of land use, incorporating driving factors such as proximity to water systems, roads, elevation, and slope. Validation of the model using LUCC data from 2020 yielded a high prediction accuracy with a Kappa coefficient of 0.9505. The CA-Markov model was further utilized to project LUCC under three different scenarios—natural development, ecological protection, and arable land protection—between 2023 and 2033. Based on these projections, the coupled water quality and LUCC model was employed to predict water quality changes in the watershed over the same period. Key findings indicate that water quality is likely to improve under ecological protection scenario, while deterioration is expected under natural development scenario and cropland protection scenario due to urban expansion, agricultural practices, and water diversion for irrigation. This study provides a robust framework for watershed management, offering scientific guidance for source management and water purification efforts, thereby contributing significantly to the sustainable development of water resources.

Leveraging tokenization in blockchain-based circular economy: A paradigm shift towards sustainable resource management

Utilizing blockchain technology and circular supply chain management can bring about significant changes in achieving sustainability and enhancing resource utilization. This study highlights the significant role of tokenization in promoting sustainable resource management within blockchain-based circular supply chains. Tokenization provides a secure and efficient way to digitize assets, creating incentives, and facilitating efficient exchange within these supply chains. The paper explores in detail the benefits of tokenization, including faster transaction settlement, cost savings, democratization of access, transparency enhancement, and reduced infrastructure costs. It emphasizes that tokenization is a pivotal tool for promoting the transition towards a circular economy model. The study also acknowledges the challenges and limitations of tokenization, including regulatory issues, interoperability, and standardization challenges, among others, and provides recommendations for effective implementation. Overall, the paper highlights the potential of tokenization to revolutionize how we exchange ideas, information, and money through blockchain-based circular supply chains and emphasizes its significance in promoting sustainable resource management.

Review of Plastic Waste Recycling: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Plastic waste recycling is pivotal for sustainable waste management, offering solutions to mitigate environmental impacts and conserve resources. This thesis reviews technological advancements, challenges, and future prospects in recycling various plastic types. It begins with an overview of plastic pollution’s global impact and the imperative to manage plastic waste responsibly amidst rising production. Recycling processes are explored, detailing collection, sorting, cleaning, and reshaping methods that extend plastic life cycles while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The review highlights challenges such as plastic type variability, recycling infrastructure limitations, and market demand discrepancies, affecting recycling effectiveness. Technological advances, including mechanical and chemical recycling innovations, are analyzed for their potential to improve plastic recycling rates. Economic and environmental implications underscore the benefits of effective recycling, contributing to a circular economy and minimizing landfill waste. Future directions advocate for enhanced recycling technologies, standardized labeling, and policy interventions like extended producer responsibility schemes. By addressing these facets, stakeholders can collaboratively advance sustainable plastic waste management globally, fostering a future where environmental stewardship aligns with economic viability.

The role of technology in sustainable project management

Technology is increasingly being integrated within project management, which in turn is redefining approaches to sustainable practices. Resource effectiveness, along with increased stakeholder engagement and project process are being enhanced through technology which is really enabling the sustainability agenda to be taken on board. In this article, the focus is on how technology has been contributing towards sustainable project management and degree of focus on environmental, social and economic. The research provided useful insights in the advantages and obstacles related to implementing technology, as well an outlook on future trends that allow a more precise analysis of how technology can be used to further sustainability goals in project management.

Coastal Chronicles: Journey into the World of Coastal Systems

Coastal systems are complex and dynamic settings where the atmosphere, sea, and land combine to create a variety of landscapes, including coral reefs, beaches, and estuaries. These areas contribute to global sustainability initiatives delineated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustain biodiversity, and play crucial ecological and economic roles. For sustainable management and protection of coastal environments, it is imperative to possess an understanding of the physical attributes, biological constituents, and mechanisms that dictate their dynamics. The natural processes of tides, waves, and currents impact the geomorphology of coastal systems, resulting in the formation of features including dunes, beaches, estuaries, and deltas. Coastal vegetation that stabilizes sediments and supports a variety of habitats, like seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes, further enriches these landscapes. Fish, crabs, mollusks, and birds are among the coastal fauna that flourish in these habitats and add to the diversity of coastal life. However, human activities that accelerate natural processes like erosion, accretion, and sea-level riseuch as industrialization, pollution, and climate change pose an increasing threat to coastal systems. Thus, it is essential to use sustainable management techniques that strike a balance between development objectives and conservation initiatives. Coastal ecosystems must be protected and enhanced through the implementation of policies like Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), habitat restoration, and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). A combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies, such as building coastal fortifications and promoting nature-based solutions, are also necessary for climate change adaption. We can ensure the resilience and vitality of coastal systems for present and future generations, as well as their sustained ecological and economic significance in the global environment, by tackling these intricate concerns cooperatively and comprehensively.

Review on advanced techniques in zero liquid discharge water desalination via humidification-dehumidification within thermally-driven transport reactors

The article examines an advanced zero liquid discharge (ZLD) desalination method focusing on humidification-dehumidification (HDH) in thermally driven transport reactors. The limited availability of water, particularly in dry locations, has prompted the advancement of several desalination techniques. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a prevalent membrane technology in the market; however, it has restrictions regarding brine disposal. ZLD technologies strive to mitigate environmental consequences by transforming saltwater into drinkable water and precious salts while minimizing waste. Membrane Distillation and Crystallization (MD-C) is notable as a highly efficient Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technique. Despite its high energy consumption, it can combine MD-C with renewable or waste energy sources to improve sustainability. Freeze Desalination (FD) was reviewed for its economic efficiency, especially when utilizing cold energy from liquefied natural gas (LNG). Hybrid systems that combine Forward Osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation with condensation (MD-C) can potentially improve water recovery and decrease energy usage. The HDH desalination process imitates the natural precipitation process, examines its ability to operate at low temperatures, and highlights its potential for integration with renewable energy sources. The review discusses the HDH design, the effect of salinity on its performance, and the different dehumidification technologies. It emphasizes the significance of creative methods in achieving sustainable water management.

Climate smart agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa: Role of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi

Climate change affects many areas of human lives, including agriculture. Interestingly, agriculture contributes to climate change, necessitating climate smart approaches to ensure a win-win situation; wherein agricultural production is sustainable and meets current and future needs. Climate smart agriculture is a collection of agricultural practices that increase productivity, adaptation, and mitigation of climate change contribution to agriculture. While many global regions depend on agriculture directly and indirectly, the sub-Saharan Africa region is directly dependent on agriculture. Existing “climate smart” activities in this region must be better defined and strengthened to achieve its objectives – increasing agricultural productivity, adapting agricultural systems, and mitigating emissions from agricultural activities. Among these climate smart activities are the significance of soil microorganisms, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sustainable agricultural systems, where they provide limited plant nutrients, control pests and diseases, aid drought adaptation, improve soil structure, reduce nutrient loss during leaching, leading to sustainable soil management.

Sustainable waste management practices in the informal sector: Towards industrial symbiosis

Industrial pollution is considered to be routed in the waste and byproducts of the production process. Traditional pollution control approaches try to eliminate and/or treat the pollutants which are often technically complicated and expensive. In this regard, industrial ecology and industrial symbiosis have emerged as effective strategy to eliminate industrial pollution. This principle requires the generated waste/by-products absorbed in the same or other industrial process cycles and thus the material cycle remains closed. Industrial pollution appears as a big problem in the global south countries, where industrialization is considered as the main thrust of economic development. Usually, in such countries formal pollution control approaches are primarily directed to the formal sectors (such as state owned and legally registered industries), informal sectors are often left behind. Although the role of informal sector is increasingly being recognized for sustainable development, their significance in pollution abatement is a less discussed topic. This article attempts to investigate the informal industrial sector in Dhaka, Bangladesh with empirical evidence. Adopting a qualitative approach with field investigation of the informal industries and detail interviews, this study identified that the informal industries are closely linked in clusters according to the manufacturing process and continue material/byproduct/waster exchange primarily from the need to minimize cost. The studied patterns of waste management practice indicate existence of industrial symbiosis without adequate academic/technical knowledge and designed efforts. This suggests that the informal sector can meaningfully contribute to sustainable development offering insights for the application of similar approaches in the formal sector.

Conservation value and carbon sequestration potential of urban green spaces in a growing city: Case of the city of Bouaflé

Faced with the effects of climate change, green spaces are very determining in the provision of ecosystem services, particularly in carbon sequestration. This is why, from a perspective of sustainable management of these high-value spaces, this study was carried out. Surface and itinerant survey methods were combined to collect floristic data. At the end of the inventories, 99 species distributed between 33 families and 75 genera including 24 species with special status were recorded in eight (08) types of development. The total biomass of all the species inventoried at Bouaflé is 4385.78 t, corresponding to a carbon rate of 2192.91 t for a CO2 equivalent of 8047.99 t. The economic value of the rate of CO2 sequestered by all types of development varies from 24143.97 Euros, or 15814274 FCFA according to the CDM carbon price to 112671.86 Euros, or 73800068 FCFA according to the REDD+ carbon price. Social and educational establishments recorded the highest biomass (1841.88 t) while the lowest biomass (5.53 t) was estimated in sports equipment. The average biomass estimated in all types of development is of the order of 232.02±185.64 t/ha, which corresponds to a carbon rate of 116.01±92.82 t/ha and an equivalent CO2 of 425.76±340.65 t/ha. Considering each type of development, the average value of biomass varies between 24.83 t/ha in sports facilities and 468.79 t/ha in cemeteries.

The existing conditions of distribution parameters of physical and chemical factors of salt pond land on the Coast of Palang District, Tuban Regency, Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution value of physical and chemical factors that affect salt pond land. We employed a method to assess the current state of salt ponds in coastal regions. We conducted this study in Palang District, Tuban Regency, from May 1 to June 1, 2024. This research method involves various methods, including remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), to map and analyze land conditions. We will use data from satellite imagery and field measurements to evaluate the physical and chemical parameters for the development of salt ponds. Based on the research data, we have established that the physical and chemical parameters of salt pond land on the coast of Palang District, such as salt table height, seeding place, main embankment, intermediate embankment, pH, and pond bottom, are in good condition and meet the requirements for salt pond land development. In conclusion, the chemical parameters show that the quality of water and soil in salt ponds is still within acceptable limits, although there are several locations that show values approaching the standard quality threshold. We recommend implementing sustainable management practices in the development of salt ponds, which include periodic monitoring of physical and chemical parameters, further research on the impacts of climate change, and collaboration between government, academics, and communities in managing sustainable salt ponds and formulating policies that support the development of the salt industry in coastal areas.

Smart Packaging for Sustainable Food Waste Management: A Review

Smart Packaging for Sustainable Food Waste Management: A Review

Enhancing Global Food Security through Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Review

As the global population rises, addressing food security becomes more critical, particularly in developing regions struggling with hunger and malnutrition. Fisheries and aquaculture provide a vital solution by offering essential nutrition, employment, and economic benefits to millions worldwide. This study conducts an in-depth review of how capture fisheries and aquaculture contribute to global food security, emphasizing ten key areas: sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture growth, nutritional advantages, economic empowerment, climate adaptability, post-harvest loss reduction, policy and governance, technological advancements, biodiversity preservation, and global market access. The review evaluates the strength and consistency of evidence regarding the positive impact of these sectors on food security and poverty alleviation. The findings highlight the importance of cohesive policy and governance, technological improvements, and broader market access to fully leverage the role of fisheries and aquaculture in addressing global food challenges. Additionally, this review identifies research gaps that need to be addressed to maximize the sectors' potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability

The assessment of groundwater reserves, quality, and balance in Quang Nam region, Vietnam: using MIKE BASIN and MODFLOW models

Abstract This comprehensive study examines the groundwater reserves and quality within the Quang Nam region, Vietnam, utilising the integrated MIKE BASIN and MODFLOW models. The research systematically analyses the coastal and key economic zones, covering 259,039 hectares, including urban and rural districts. The study delineates the region's hydrogeology, revealing a significant volume of groundwater reserves with a static water level, suggesting robust aquifer systems, particularly in the Dien Ban and Thang Binh districts. Furthermore, hydrogeochemical analysis assessed groundwater quality, indicating suitability for agriculture, which accounts for 81% of the region's water demand and other uses. The study's novelty lies in its dual approach of quantifying groundwater reserves and evaluating their quality, addressing a critical regional water resource management gap. The findings present an optimistic scenario for the current and future sustainability of water resources, with the calculated groundwater reserves demonstrating ample capacity to support the varied needs of the region. This research establishes a foundational understanding of Quang Nam's hydrological system. It provides strategic insights for sustainable water management in response to socio-economic development and climate change projections up to 2030. Climate projections for Quảng Nam province under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios indicate significant increases in rainfall, temperature, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion, highlighting the critical need for adaptive strategies to protect local ecosystems and communities from these escalating climate threats.

Mahseer conservation in Asia: trends and insights from scientometric analysis

Context Mahseer fish, listed as Data Deficient with a decreasing population trend in The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018, is regarded as a valuable organism. Aims This study aims to evaluate the current state of mahseer research in Asia through scientometric analysis. Methods We utilised the Web of Science (WOS) database, initiated in 1970, which began collecting scientific articles on mahseer research in Asia in 1978. Key results Analysis of data from 1976 to 2024 showed a progressive trend in scientific publications on mahseer, with a notable increase in the number of papers published. Notably, from one publication in 1978, the number rose to 22 papers in 2021, constituting 10.63% of total scientific publications in this domain. The analysis identified 559 authors from 200 affiliations actively participating in mahseer research in Asia, accumulating 3661 citations. Cluster analysis showed eight co-citation clusters of research. Conclusions Mahseer research in Asia shows significant potential to emerge as an important field of study in future scientific-research endeavours. Implications Understanding the current state and trends of mahseer research is crucial for conservation efforts and sustainable management of this species in Asia.

Environmental Fragility in Commercial Forest Plantations Aiming at Sustainable Management

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the environmental fragility of two landscapes in which there is a predominance of commercial forest plantations, with the aim of analyzing this fragility through multicriterial evaluation, focusing on the planning of forest roads. Theoretical Framework: The theory of environmental fragility, multi-criteria evaluation methods, and principles of landscape management stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. These frameworks are crucial for analyzing the impact of forest roads on environmental variables such as water dynamics, sediment production, and soil erodibility. The integration of these theories allows for a comprehensive assessment of environmental fragility, essential for effective forest planning and road maintenance in forested areas Method: The methodology adopted involves a multi-criteria evaluation approach to assess environmental fragility in forest landscapes. Key criteria, including slope, distance from water bodies, soil erodibility, and topographic humidity, were integrated to create fragility maps. Data were collected through geographical and environmental analysis, processed with spatial analysis tools, and supplemented by principal component analysis to identify influential criteria. This approach enabled a detailed assessment of forest roads' environmental impact, supporting informed decisions in road planning and landscape management. Results and Discussion: The results revealed notable variations in environmental fragility. The analysis of forest roads highlighted their varying impact on environmental fragility. These results are framed within the context of environmental fragility and multi-criteria evaluation, emphasizing the role of criteria such as slope, proximity to water bodies, soil erodibility, and topographic humidity in assessing landscape degradation. The study underscores the need for careful forest road planning to mitigate environmental impacts and promotes the use of comprehensive evaluation methods in sustainable landscape management. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of forest management and environmental conservation. These implications could encompass forest road planning, sustainable landscape management, and the development of environmental policies aimed at mitigating the impact of infrastructure on natural ecosystems.The study's findings emphasize the need for incorporating multi-criteria evaluation methods into forest planning processes to identify and mitigate areas of high environmental fragility. This approach can guide decision-makers in prioritizing areas for road maintenance, rehabilitation, or even rerouting to minimize ecological damage. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of integrating environmental fragility assessments into broader forest management strategies, enhancing the sustainability of commercial forestry operations while preserving essential ecosystem services. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by introducing an innovative application of multi-criteria evaluation in assessing environmental fragility within forest landscapes, specifically in the context of forest road planning. The research combines various environmental criteria into a comprehensive fragility map, offering a nuanced understanding of landscape vulnerability that is less commonly addressed in existing studies. Notably, this methodology focused on forest roads has not been previously explored in the literature, highlighting the unique contribution of this research to the field.The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its potential to influence forest management practices, particularly in the sustainable planning and maintenance of forest roads.