Sustainable Health Research Articles

Sustainable Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Biochar for the Sorptive Removal of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) from Water

The unregulated discharge of synthetic dyes from various anthropogenic and industrial activities has resulted in the contamination of different environmental compartments. These dyes can contaminate water bodies, soil, and even the air, resulting in many environmental and health issues. True colors may persist for long periods, thereby affecting the aesthetics and ecology of dye-contaminated areas. Furthermore, they pose potential risks to aquatic life and human health through the ingestion or absorption of dye-contaminated water or food. Acid orange 7 (AO7) is a synthetic azo dye used in the textile, tanning, food, pharmaceutical, paint, electronics, cosmetics, and paper and pulp industries. AO7 can have various human health implications, such as dermatitis, nausea, severe headache, respiratory tract irritation, and bone marrow depletion, due to its high toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. Efforts to regulate and mitigate dye pollution (AO7) are crucial for environmental sustainability and public health. Therefore, this study aimed to remove AO7 from water using sustainable biochar. This objective was accomplished by pyrolyzing dried Napier grass at 700 °C to develop affordable and sustainable Napier grass biochar (NGBC700). The developed biochar was characterized for its surface morphology, surface functional groups, surface area, and elemental composition. The yield, moisture content, and ash content of the NGBC700 were approximately 31%, 6%, and 21%, respectively. The NGBC700’s BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area was 108 . Batch sorption studies were carried out at different pH levels (2–10), biochar dosages (1, 2, 3, and 4 ), and AO7 concentrations (10, 20, and 30 . The kinetic data were better fitted to the pseudo-second-order (PSO) equation (R2 = 0.964–0.997) than the pseudo-first-order (PFO) equation (R2 = 0.789–0.988). The Freundlich isotherm equation (R2 = 0.965–0.994) fitted the sorption equilibrium data better than the Langmuir equation (R2 = 0.788–0.987), suggesting AO7 sorption on heterogenous NGBC700. The maximum monolayer AO7 adsorption capacities of the NGBC700 were 14.3, 12.7, and 8.4 at 10, 25, and 40 °C, respectively. The column AO7 sorption capacity was 4.4. Fixed-bed AO7 sorption data were fitted to the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson column models. The NGBC700 efficiently removed AO7 from locally available dye-laden wastewater. NGBC700 was regenerated using different NaOH concentrations. Possible interactions contributing to AO7 sorption on NGBC700 include hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and π–π electron donor–acceptor attractions. The estimated total preparation cost of NGBC700 was US$ 6.02 kg−1. The developed sustainable NGBC700 is potentially cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and it utilizes waste (Napier grass) to eliminate fatal AO7 dye from aqueous media.

Organic amendments improved soil properties and native plants’ performance in an Australian degraded land

Context Land degradation poses a substantial threat to both the sustainable environment and human health. Efforts towards rehabilitation and remediation often require addition of soil amendments and careful selection of plant species. Aims We assessed the effect of recycled organic amendments on improvement of soil physicochemical properties and performance of native plant species in an Australian degraded soil. Methods A glasshouse pot experiment investigated the effects of compost (CO), biochar (BC), and compost-biochar (COBC) mixture on performance of three native Australian plant species (Eucalyptus tereticornis (EU), Acacia leiocalyx (AC), and Banksia integrifolia (BA)) in a degraded soil. Key results Application of CO, BC, and COBC organic amendments increased soil dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon contents compared to the control treatment. COBC amendment increased nutrient retention and reduced CO2 emissions compared to CO amendment. BC amendment also resulted in low CO2 emissions similar to the control treatment, where no significant differences were observed. AC outperformed the EU and BA species in biomass production due to its leguminous nature, with amendment application had an insignificant effect on AC performance. Within the EU treatments, the COBC:EU demonstrated the highest biomass production, followed by CO:EU, BC:EU, and CK:EU, respectively. Conclusion All amendments exhibited overall improvements in soil and plant parameters, with more significant outcomes observed with COBC application. However, the observed improvements from biochar application were minimal in this short-term experiment, which may not have allowed for the manifestation of long-term benefits. Implications Further research is warranted to investigate the effects of compost and biochar amendments on diverse soil types and native plant species.

Sustainable Health Practices: Ethnobotanical Insights into Seasonal Plants of Kalahandi, Western Odisha, India for Food and Medicine

Sustainable Health Practices: Ethnobotanical Insights into Seasonal Plants of Kalahandi, Western Odisha, India for Food and Medicine

Public Health Expenditure and Sustainable Health Outcomes in 45 Sub-Saharan African Countries: Does Government Effectiveness Matter?

This paper examines the interaction between health expenditure and health outcomes with due consideration for government effectiveness across developing African economies. The rich data for this study draw from forty-five Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries covering the period 1960 to 2022. The analysis follows a country-specific comparative manner using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model as the major estimation technique. The results indicate that poor health outcomes are not due to inadequate budgetary allocations alone. Specifically, this study found a cointegrating relationship and strong adjustment of health outcomes deriving from the shocks and dynamics of not just health expenditures, but also government effectiveness. It is therefore recommended that strong institutions and safety nets be created to guard against corruption and leakages that derail the beneficial impact of public health spending. Also, government expenditures should be focused more on cottage and primary health dimensions to better mitigate adverse health conditions in SSA countries.

The public health benefits of implementing environmental policies: A comprehensive review of recent studies

This comprehensive review explores the public health benefits of implementing environmental policies, focusing on recent studies from 2018 to 2024. The study aimed to systematically review and analyze the impact of environmental regulations on public health outcomes, identifying key benefits, challenges, and future directions. Utilizing a systematic literature review and content analysis methodology, the research involved a detailed examination of peer-reviewed articles and reports from academic databases and reputable organizations. The inclusion criteria targeted studies explicitly evaluating the impact of environmental policies on public health, published in English within the specified timeframe. Key findings reveal significant public health benefits associated with environmental policies, particularly those targeting air and water quality improvements. These policies have led to notable reductions in morbidity and mortality rates associated with pollution-related diseases. The analysis also highlights the critical role of governance and regulatory frameworks in facilitating effective policy implementation and stakeholder engagement. However, challenges such as the evolving nature of environmental threats and the complexity of stakeholder interests pose obstacles to policy effectiveness. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers and environmental health practitioners, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthened governance, leveraging technology, community engagement, and investment in research and education. Future research directions include longitudinal studies to assess long-term policy impacts, exploration of emerging environmental threats, and evaluation of innovative policy interventions. This review underscores the importance of environmental policies in promoting public health and outlines a roadmap for future policy-making at the intersection of environmental sustainability and public health. Keywords: Environmental Policies, Public Health, Governance and Regulatory Frameworks, Systematic Literature Review.

Digitizing Traditional Health in Indonesia Unlocks Community Potential

This study addresses the digital gap in administration and marketing within traditional health practices, focusing on the asman as-shihah group in Jumputrejo Village. Traditional health practices like Family Medicine Gardens (TOGA) and acupressure are vital for community health but often lack digital integration.Employing a participatory approach with stages of preparation, implementation, and evaluation, we explored the adaptation of digital tools for administration and ICT for marketing. The program showed that digital skills significantly enhance the efficiency and reach of traditional health practices, suggesting that digital integration can promote sustainable community health initiatives. Future research should further investigate the long-term impacts of digitalization across other regions. Highlights: Digital Tools Boost Efficiency: Enhances administration and outreach. Community-Based Approach: Tailored, practical solutions. Sustainability: Digital adoption promotes long-term community health. Keywords: Digitalization, Traditional Health Practices, Community Health, ICT, Sustainable Development

Empowering Namibia's Fight against Malaria: Drawing Inspiration from China's Remarkable Malaria Elimination Journey

Malaria is a debilitating parasitic disease that has been prevalent in various parts of the world, including China and Namibia. China’s successful elimination of Malaria offers valuable lessons for Namibia in its ongoing efforts to control the parasitic disease. This paper explores the historical context of Malariamalaria in Namibia and its fight towards elimination of malaria, as well as China, the strategies employed by the Chinese government in the elimination of malaria, and the key lessons that Namibia can learn from China’s success. The discussion highlights the importance of political commitment, multisector collaboration, tailoring control strategies to local contexts, adopting a comprehensive approach, and emphasizing health education and community mobilization. By adopting these lessons and fostering a robust national strategy, engaging diverse stakeholders, and ensuring active community involvement, Namibia can work towards achieving eliminating Malaria, improving the public health system, and promoting sustainable health development.

Optimizing enhanced heavy metal detoxification by novel hybrid fungal hyphae-nano-biocomposite functionalized with graphene oxide: Unravelling process parameters & adsorption modelling

Heavy metal pollution poses significant environmental and health risks, demanding efficient novel remediation strategies. This paper presents a fungal hyphae-based nano-biocomposite integrated with graphene oxide (FHGO) for the efficient removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The successful formation of nanoparticles was investigated by morphological characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) & X-ray diffraction (XRD). Through comprehensive exploration of process parameters, including pH, initial concentration, and contact time, the nano-biocomposite demonstrated exceptional removal efficiencies exceeding 90% for both heavy metals i.e. chromium (Cr6+) & nickel (Ni2+). The optimum pH conditions for Cr (VI) removal was 4,whereas it was 9 for Ni (II) removal. The equilibrium data were well-fitted to Langmuir isotherm models, suggesting monolayer adsorption onto a homogeneous surface with adsorption capacities of 38.89 mg/g & 42.88 mg/g for Ni (II) & Cr (VI), respectively, with value of R2=0.997. Additionally, biocompatibility assessments via (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assays on Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cell line cultures revealed a low IC50 value of FHGO nano-biocomposite, affirming the efficiency of the composite for biomedical applications. Furthermore, seed germination assays indicated comparatively minimal hindrance to plant growth in the treated sample, highlighting the composite's potential for environmental remediation without compromising plant health. These findings underscore the promising potential of the fungal hyphae-based nano-biocomposite with GO as an effective and environmentally safe adsorbent for heavy metal removal, with implications for sustainable environmental management and public health protection.

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant through wastewater irrigation

The present investigation focuses on the identification of popular PhACs in roots, leaves and rice grains, which are cultivated in soil irrigated with waters and wastewater. The present study reveals the presence of PhACs in rice grains from different brands which are available in the current market, which has thus motivated these experiments. The rice plants were cultivated in garden containers and irrigated with three different water sources. All PhAC compounds were recovered within an 89–111 % range using the extraction technique, reproducibility, and sensitivity (LOQ <25 µg/g). Further, PhAC compounds were identified using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QqTOF-MS). Interestingly, several PhAC compounds were detected in rice grains, aligning with hypotheses and findings from published literature. A total of ten (10) PhACs were found in the root, leaf, and rice grain of the 20 popular PhACs that were targeted. The annual exposure and medical dose equivalent for individual PhACs was negligible. According to our knowledge, this study is the first to show the accumulation of several categories (cocktail) of PhACs in rice grains and show the approximate human health risk assessment by its consumption. The study's results provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners working on sustainable agriculture and public health.

Prevalence of opportunistic pathogens and anti-microbial resistance in urban aquaculture ponds

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant concern worldwide. The microbial community profile and potential AMR level in aquaculture ponds are often undervalued and attract less attention than other aquatic environments. We used amplicon and metagenomic shotgun sequencing to study microbial communities and AMR in six freshwater polyculture ponds in rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Amplicon sequencing revealed different community structures between rural and urban ponds, with urban ponds having a higher bacterial diversity and opportunistic pathogens including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium. Despite proteobacterial dominance, Firmicutes was the most interactive in the community network, especially in the urban ponds. Metagenomes showed that drug resistance was the most common type of AMR found, while metal resistance was only observed in urban ponds. AMR and metal resistance genes were found mainly in beta and gamma-proteobacteria in urban ponds, while AMR was found primarily in alpha-proteobacteria in rural ponds. We identified potential pathogens with a high profile of AMR and metal resistance in urban aquaculture ponds. As these ponds provide a significant source of protein for humans, our results raise significant concerns for the environmental sustainability of this food source and the dissemination of AMR into the food chain.

The origin and water quality of spring systems in Monchique, Portugal: A focus on Long-Term sustainability and elevated sodium levels

Spring water systems in Monchique, SW Portugal, not only serve diverse local utilities–from thermal baths to bottled water–but also represent a microcosm of a global concern: elevated sodium levels in spring-sourced bottled waters. This research employs hydrogeochemical and isotopic analyses to investigate the origin, hierarchy and quality of the springs offering a new focus on elevated sodium concentrations, a known global cardiometabolic risk factor. The springs arise from a complex hydrogeological system formed by extensive faulting between argillaceous country-rocks and intruded Cretaceous syenites. Here we show that thermal springs with temperatures of 23–31 °C, have a groundwater age of 5000 years, indicative of extended water–rock interactions and recharge at elevations of 450 to 650 m revealing a hitherto unreported resilience in regional groundwater hydraulics. Conversely, cold springs recharging from 200 m to the area’s peak at 900 m follow shorter paths within the regolith influenced by shallow geological features. The study detects nitrate contamination from surface sources in the cold springs and relatively high sodium levels in the geothermal springs that approach or surpass guideline values. Elevated sodium is attributed, for the first time, to long-term interactions and cation exchange with Na-rich syenites, possibly intensified by heat-induced dissolution at depth. This study informs current perspectives on the long-term sustainability and public health implications of spring water systems. The ion chemistry and isotopic evidence suggest that thermal springs, due to their longer circulation times, are less vulnerable to climatic shifts compared to the more susceptible cold springs. While offering specific insights into the Monchique springs, the research has broad implications to similar high-sodium thermal springs across the Iberian Peninsula and potentially worldwide.

Mewujudkan Generasi Bebas Polio: Program Sub PIN Polio Di Puskesmas Mojolangu Kota Malang

The eradication of polio has become a global priority. Through the synchronized Sub-PIN Polio immunization program, the aim is to enhance human welfare and achieve a polio-free generation. The target is to reach 95% immunization coverage in the Mojolangu Health Center, Malang City. Immunization activities in the Mojolangu Health Center's area cover several schools, integrated health posts (Posyandu), and early childhood education centers (Pos PAUD), targeting children aged 0-7 years. The first round took place from January 15th to 20th, 2024. The immunization coverage has reached the target, with 95.3% of children vaccinated. This synchronized immunization effort aligns with the vision of a polio-free generation and sustainable community health achievement.

PERCEIVED EXERCISE BELIEFS AND BARRIERS AMONG BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Since the importance of the benefit of physical activity and exercise has been understood especially for cancer patients, efforts are taken to assess belief in exercise to adapt patients to a more physically active environment to create a sustainable health outcome. Thus, this study aimed to assess exercise beliefs and barriers by using a validated metric tool (Exercise Beliefs/Barriers Scale-EBBS) to evaluate beliefs in exercise in breast cancer survivors (BCS). In addition, it was also aimed to assess the relationships among EBBS, sociodemographic, and clinical variables of BCS. A total of 112 BCS were screened and invited to participate in this study. Clinical (type of surgery, adjuvant treatments, etc.), demographic data (age, medication use, etc.), and total sitting time were collected through a simple data form and 7th of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively. All patients were requested to fill out EBBS.96 BCS completed this study. Weak but significant correlations were found between time spent after surgery and perceived belief (r=. -273, p=0.009), and perceived barriers (r=-.239, p=0.022), respectively. Perceived barriers were also significantly correlated with age (r=-.212, p=0.042). No significant effects of the type of breast surgery and axillary procedure as well as medications (Tamoxifen) on perceived beliefs and barriers were found. Factors should be thoroughly investigated to provide a sustainable exercise behavior among BCS. Older BCS should be thoroughly monitored to gain regular exercise behavior. This study also highlighted the emerging need for sensitive, specific, and focused tools to assess beliefs in exercise among the cancer population.

Non-Performing Assets: A Study on Indian Banking

This article attempts to study an existing literature on NPA by reviewing fifty articles and thus highlight the root causes of NPAs, their economic implications, and suggests viable remedial measures to mitigate the rising NPA crisis. This research work may propose a roadmap for future research and policy considerations, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative efforts to fortify the resilience of Indian banks and foster sustainable financial health

Analyzing Sustainable Design in Post-Pandemic Business Space Planning from Consumer Perspective

The pandemic brought transformations in daily life and societal structures. It has impacted the design and planning of commercial spaces. Commercial spaces, serving as the direct interface with consumers, have played a more pivotal role recently. Consumer viewpoints and demands have been changed beyond comfort and convenience to mitigate concerns related to sustainable development and health. From the consumer perspective, we explored the key factors for the sustainable design of commercial spaces in the post-pandemic era. Kansei engineering, factor analysis, and the Kano model were used to identify dimensions, namely safety and comfort, community engagement and sustainability, environmental conservation and resource efficiency, as well as technological integration and waste management. Consumers expect commercial spaces to provide safety measures, adequate ventilation, hygiene and cleanliness, green landscapes, personalized services, and social distancing arrangements to create a pleasant and secure environment. Additionally, they are concerned about whether commercial spaces actively engage with the community, promote sustainable development, and prioritize energy efficiency. The result contributes to the optimization and sustainable development of commercial spaces. By comprehending consumer perspectives, companies can overcome the challenges of the post-pandemic era, innovate in the design of commercial spaces, and create business environments that are more appealing and aligned with consumer expectations.

Sports and public health - collaboration for social sustainability and equal health

Debate article - no abstract

Strategy to Accelerate Sustainable Development in the Health Field in Bengkulu Province

This research aims to determine a strategy to accelerate the reduction of maternal mortality, infant mortality and stunting and to describe the acceleration of sustainable health development in Bengkulu Province. This research was designed as descriptive research with a correlational investigation and intervention study; namely, the research wanted to find significant variables related to the problem with minimum intervention. The sample in this study used a clustering technique (Cluster Random Sampling), using primary and secondary data. Primary data in this research uses a questionnaire. Meanwhile, the collected data will be tested using validity and reliability tests on research instruments. Meanwhile, to achieve the objectives of this research, data analysis will be carried out using the SWOT test. The research results found that strategies to accelerate the reduction of maternal mortality can be carried out by providing training or education to health cadres, adding skilled health workers, providing supporting facilities related to accelerated access to health services, providing education about the benefits of nutritious and balanced food to improve health. Meanwhile, the strategy to accelerate the reduction in child mortality is to assist in processing drinking water suitable for consumption, provide fast access to services with a community pick-up program, and create a health service program with early detection of diseases in pregnant women. Meanwhile, strategies to accelerate the reduction in stunting rates include providing assistance to treat stunting, providing education about nutritious and balanced food, and health service programs with early disease detection in expectant mothers. There are still many shortcomings; it is recommended that further researchers add research indicators to the variables studied and use the AHP and FGD analysis methods.

Evaluating Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria to Improve the Productivity of Forage Pearl Millet.

India's livestock industry is grappling with a shortage of green fodder, necessitating concerted efforts to boost organized production and ensure a sufficient supply of high-quality forages, crucial for formulating nutritionally balanced, cost-effective, and rumen-healthy animal diets. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the plant growth-promoting characteristics of liquid microbial inoculants and their impact on the yield of forage pearl millet. The bacterial cultures utilized included Sphingobacterium sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and an isolate from vegetable cowpea, subsequently identified as Burkholderia seminalis. These cultures were initially characterized for their plant growth-promoting traits at different temperature and physiological conditions. All the bacterial cultures were found promising for PGPR traits over varied temperature conditions and the optimum activity was recorded at 40°C, with tolerance to saline and drought stresses as well as wide pH and temperature ranges. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, involving combinations of liquid microbial inoculants along with 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF). It was observed that the treatment including B. seminalis + S. maltophilia along with RDF yielded the highest green fodder and dry matter yield, In conclusion, it is evident that the utilization of these liquid microbial inoculants holds significant potential for playing a pivotal role in the integrated nutrient management of forage pearl millet, thereby contributing to heightened productivity and sustained soil health.

Environmental sustainability and government health expenditure in Africa: is there a nexus?

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of environmental sustainability on government health expenditure in Africa for the period 2000–2021.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique and utilizes a sample of 43 African countries.FindingsThe study reveals that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and renewable energy consumption have a positive relationship with health expenditure. For the control factors, we demonstrate that economic growth, urbanization and industrialization have a significant negative influence on health expenditure, while the impact of education on health expenditure is positive.Practical implicationsThe study proposes several policy recommendations, including prioritizing investment in renewable energy sources and promoting the use of cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power. These measures would help improve environmental quality and reduce government health expenditure.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the limited research on the relationship between environmental quality and health expenditure in Africa. Moreover, it goes beyond previous studies that only considered CO2 emissions and explores the impact of adopting cleaner energy sources on health expenditure.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity as a Pathway to Sustainable Living: Insights on Health, Environment, and Green Consumerism.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the intricate relationship between health and the environment has emerged with unparalleled significance. This investigation examines the effect of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on health and environmental consciousness and its influence on attitudes towards green/sustainable products among 533 individuals. Utilizing linear structural modeling and regression analysis, the findings reveal that participation in sports and leisure activities significantly mediates the connection between individual well-being and eco-responsible consumer behaviors. Highlighting LTPA's crucial role in enhancing environmental awareness, this study offers invaluable perspectives for the green product sector. It advocates for the development of strategies that align with consumers' environmental values, underscoring the essential function of sports and leisure in fostering sustainable consumer practices. Crucially, this underscores the intertwined nature of environmental sustainability and individual health, highlighting their mutual dependence.