Abstract The peatlands in Kalimantan exhibit diverse geomorphological characteristics, but their initiation timing and drivers remain unclear due to limited chronological data. Using 55 radiocarbon ages and Bayesian age‒depth modeling of 15 peat cores, we reconstructed the development and carbon accumulation histories of inland and coastal peatlands in West and East Kalimantan. Coastal peat initiation occurred during the middle Holocene, coinciding with postglacial sea-level high stands, whereas inland peat formation began in the late Pleistocene. Carbon accumulation rates peaked in the middle Holocene (coastal: 63–72 g C m −2 yr −1 ; inland: 53–89 g C m −2 yr −1 ) under stable hydrological conditions but declined in the late Holocene (coastal: 49–55 g C m −2 yr −1 ; inland: 58–63 g C m −2 yr −1 ). The total decline rate was insignificant, at approximately 0.68 Mt C yr −1 . These findings indicate that a sustained water balance is crucial for long-term peat growth and carbon sequestration and that hydrological disruption reduces the carbon storage. The current decline in the carbon sequestration capacity of drained tropical peatlands in Kalimantan is 32.4 Mt C yr −1 (118 Mt CO 2 -eq yr −1 ) over a 40-year period, representing approximately 47.5 times the natural decline in carbon sequestration over the past 4000 years.

ABSTRACT The sustainability of community‐based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions is essential for achieving sustainable global public health outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from WASH‐related studies across South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) on factors affecting intervention sustainability, including facilitators, barriers, and contextual effectiveness. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted for English‐language studies published between 2014 and 2024. From an initial 22,933 records, 75 studies met the inclusion criteria, which focused on community‐based WASH interventions in South Asian countries. Institution‐based and emergency WASH programs were excluded. This review employed the Saunders and colleagues' process evaluation framework to examine implementation factors affecting WASH intervention sustainability. The findings indicate that interventions combining infrastructure and behavior change had more sustainable outcomes in the form of maintained behavioral changes, continued infrastructure functionality, and persistent health improvements beyond the intervention period. Interventions based on existing models and frameworks generally had better outcomes but require adaptation to contexts. Well‐monitored interventions (those with regular feedback loops) achieved higher fidelity (implementing the program as intended). However, many studies seemed to lack a sustainability‐focused design, leading to a decline in desired sustainable outcomes. Also, bottom‐up community engagement was absent in a majority of the studies despite claims of high engagement. The persistent challenges include cultural resistance, limited resources, limited equity, and inadequate local capacity. Success factors include community ownership, participatory monitoring, and alignment with government programs. These insights highlight the need for context‐sensitive, community‐driven, multi‐component strategies to achieve lasting behavioral change toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

This study examines the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in Sarangani Province and analyzes the capacity gaps that limit their full participation in governance and advocacy. Anchored on Pitkin’s (1967) Theory of Representation, Morgan’s (1998) Capacity-Building Framework, and the Good Governance model of Kaufmann, Kraay, and Mastruzzi (2010), the research explores how IPMRs perform their mandated roles, the challenges they encounter within local governance structures, and the institutional support systems required to strengthen their representational functions. The study employed a descriptive qualitative research design and gathered data through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis involving municipal and provincial IPMRs, local officials, Indigenous leaders, and relevant stakeholders. Findings reveal that while IPMRs possess strong cultural legitimacy and community support, their governance participation remains constrained by limited training opportunities, weak institutional backing, political interference, and inadequate access to resources. These barriers affect their ability to influence policy, implement Indigenous programs, and integrate community priorities into local development planning. However, IPMRs also demonstrate resilience through culturally grounded strategies such as consensus-building, unity through customary laws, and partnership-based advocacy. The study concludes that strengthening Indigenous representation requires institutionalized capacity-building, sustainable resource support, improved legal and policy literacy, and reforms that ensure consistent recognition of IPMR mandates across LGUs. This study aligns with SDG 16 by supporting inclusive and accountable governance, SDG 10 by addressing structural inequalities in political participation, and SDG 11 by strengthening culturally responsive local development processes. By promoting empowered Indigenous participation and stronger governance mechanisms, the research contributes to institutional and community sustainability through more inclusive policy-making and culturally grounded development planning.

This study examines the impact of climate-related risks—specifically, physical, regulatory, and reputational risks—on corporate water disclosure (CWD) in water-intensive industries in Indonesia, one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Grounded in legitimacy theory, the research explores how companies enhance transparency in water management to maintain social acceptance amid external pressures. Using 780 firm-year observations from sustainability and annual reports covering 2021–2023, this study developed the CWD index based on three leading indicators: water efficiency targets, policies, and total water withdrawal. The regression results show that physical and reputational risks positively and significantly impact the level of water disclosure. Firms experiencing operational disruptions or reputational pressure tend to enhance their disclosure efforts to sustain legitimacy. On the other hand, regulatory risk shows a significant negative relationship with disclosure, suggesting that stringent regulations may lead to symbolic rather than substantive reporting. Company size was also found to be the strongest predictor of water disclosure, affirming that larger companies have greater capacity and pressure for sustainability reporting. This research provides a theoretical contribution by integrating the climate risk dimension into sustainability disclosure studies and a practical contribution for regulators. These findings highlight the need for incentive-based regulatory frameworks encouraging genuine corporate transparency and sustainable water management practices.

Objective – To design and implement a rainwater harvesting and irrigation automation system for food plant beds located in a community garden under an impermeable roof, reducing dependence on manual irrigation by volunteers and promoting sustainable water management. Methodology – This applied research, with an exploratory and experimental approach, included bibliographic and technical surveys on rainwater harvesting systems, irrigation automation, and sustainable urban agriculture. The project was developed through field measurements, hydraulic efficiency tests, and component adjustments, resulting in the installation of an automated irrigation system at Horta das Flores, located in the eastern region of São Paulo, Brazil. Relevance – The proposal integrates engineering, automation, and urban sustainability by applying accessible technology for rainwater reuse in a community and educational context. The studied garden functions as a pedagogical space, hosting events and educational activities on sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thus reinforcing the connection with the 2030 Agenda. It stands out for its replicability in small-scale urban gardens and its direct contribution to SDGs 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, and 13. Results – The system proved technically and operationally feasible, ensuring regular water supply and reducing manual effort. Field evaluation enabled hydraulic improvements and automation adjustments, confirming the potential for optimizing water use and increasing efficiency in urban water management. Methodological contributions – The study broadens the debate on the application of sustainable technologies and automated systems in urban agriculture, providing technical and academic foundations for replication in other urban contexts. Social and environmental contributions – The project strengthened the integration between university and community, encouraging environmental education, social participation, and shared water governance. By promoting rational water use and local food production, it reinforces the importance of integrated solutions for sustainable cities.

ABSTRACT This study presents an ecological and geochemical assessment of trace element contamination in the Huyva River (Ukraine), a right tributary of the Teteriv River that supplies drinking water to Zhytomyr and nearby settlements. The research involved monitoring key physicochemical parameters, including pH, mineralization, hardness, and major ion composition, to evaluate seasonal and spatial hydrochemical variations. Concentrations of trace elements in water and bottom sediments were analyzed for 2014 and 2024, covering Ba, Pb, Ti, Mn, Cr, Ni, V, Cu, Ag, Li, Cd, Co, and Zn. Pollution was quantified using Contamination Factor (CF), Contamination Degree (CD), Overall Pollution Index (Zc), and Geo‐accumulation Index (I geo ). The results revealed an increase in Mn, Cu, Pb, and Co levels in sediments and a general rise in overall pollution, attributed to anthropogenic activities, hydrological alterations, and climatic factors—notably higher temperatures and lower oxygen levels that enhance metal mobility. The study also evaluated potential stabilization strategies for heavy metals, including physicochemical, biological, and engineering methods. Among them, natural carbonate materials were identified as the most effective due to their environmental compatibility, affordability, and ability to operate near water intake areas without disturbing water treatment systems, supporting sustainable water quality management.

This study examines village financial governance and the competence of village officials in implementing the Village Financial System (SISKEUDES) based on the Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 20 of 2018. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research focuses on how human resource capacity and task distribution influence the effectiveness of SISKEUDES implementation. The findings indicate that although the application has supported orderly budgeting, administration, and reporting, operational practices remain highly dependent on the village financial officer as the main system operator. Village heads and secretaries generally understand financial procedures conceptually but lack sufficient technical skills to operate SISKEUDES independently. This imbalance creates administrative vulnerability, particularly during periods of high workload or technical disruption. The study also shows that limited competency distribution affects accountability, efficiency, and continuity of village financial management. Strengthening technical capacity across officials, improving internal coordination, and optimizing task allocation are essential to enhance SISKEUDES performance. Efective implementation of SISKEUDES requires not only regulatory compliance but also sustainable human resource development to ensure transparent, accountable, and resilient village financial governance..

Integrated Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Recharge Potential for Sustainable Water Resource Management using Hydrogeochemical Analysis, GIS And AHP Techniques

At present, the global shortage of water resources has led to serious challenges, and traditional water production technologies such as seawater desalination and atmospheric water harvesting have certain limitations due to inflexible operation and environmental conditions. This study proposes a novel water production system (called “NeWater” system in this paper), which combines saline water desalination with atmospheric water-harvesting technologies to simultaneously produce freshwater from brackish water or seawater and ambient air. To evaluate its performance, an integrated thermodynamic and mathematical model of the system was developed and validated. The NeWater system consists of a vapor compression refrigeration unit (VRU), a direct evaporation unit (DEU), up to four heat exchangers, some valves, and auxiliary components. The system can be applied to areas and scenarios where traditional desalination technologies, like reverse osmosis and thermal-based desalination, are not feasible. By switching between different operating modes, the system can adapt to varying environmental humidity and temperature conditions to maximize its freshwater productivity. Based on the principles of mass and energy conservation, a performance simulation model of the NeWater system was developed, with which the impacts of some key design and operation parameters on system performance were studied in this paper. The results show that the performances of the VRU and DEU had a significant influence on system performance in terms of freshwater production and specific energy consumption. Under optimal conditions, the total freshwater yield could be increased by up to 1.9 times, while the specific energy consumption was reduced by up to 48%. The proposed system provides a sustainable and scalable water production solution for water-scarce regions. Optimization of the NeWater system and the selection of VRUs are beyond the scope of this paper and will be the focus of future research.

MXenes as multifunctional catalysts in Fenton-like reactions for water purification: Mechanisms, applications, and perspectives.

Abstract Water sustainability in developing countries is challenged by pollution and inadequate infrastructure, necessitating decontamination strategies for resource-limited settings. Plasma technology has emerged as a decentralised approach, enabling generation of reactive species to degrade heterogeneous contaminants without chemical additives. Reactor modularity supports compatibility with renewable power. Translation remains limited by mechanistic uncertainty, inefficient species utilisation, by-product formation, and scaling and maintenance constraints. This Perspective outlines pathways to advance plasma-enabled water decontamination.

Abstract Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) are vital for Europe’s more environmentally acceptable development and digital transitions, but their supply is heavily dependent on imports from outside the EU. To strengthen strategic autonomy and reduce supply chain risks, the EU is increasingly exploring sustainable domestic sourcing options. Reprocessing historical mining waste could be one such opportunity, which can lead to the recovery of valuable materials previously left behind and also contribute to environmental remediation in contaminated historic mining districts. This article presents an overview of the ongoing progress within the EU-funded project SCIMIN-CRM, with a particular focus on the activities led by multiple departments within the Montanuniversität Leoben, (MUL). Within SCIMIN-CRM, the possibilities of extracting CRMs from mine waste sites across four locations in Europe are investigated, with one pilot site being a historic copper-gold mining district in the vicinity of Spielberg, Austria. The mine waste sites in focus are the result of mining activities from two to three centuries ago and consist of small, scattered piles that are fragmented and partially processed—making them relatively easily accessible for re-extraction. The project is based on field investigations and literature reviews, aiming to develop guidelines for material extraction and handling. While the small scale and scattered nature of the piles presents a logistical challenge, they also offer environmental and economic advantages. This article describes the current findings, methodologies, and potential implications for sustainable resource recovery in Europe.

ABSTRACT Amidst the global biodiversity crisis, conserving endangered species like musk deer ( Moschus spp.) is crucial. China holds the highest musk deer diversity worldwide, with abundant populations, wide distribution, and significant musk production. We reviewed the morphology, population trends, distribution, conservation status, captive breeding, and related challenges of musk deer to inform targeted conservation strategies. Currently, wild musk deer populations are primarily distributed in western, central, and northeastern regions of China. Over the past seven decades, illegal hunting and habitat fragmentation have caused severe population declines, reducing most populations by over 97% since the 1950s. To alleviate pressure on wild populations and promote sustainable resource use, China initiated captive breeding of musk deer in 1958, resulting in a 5.6‐fold increase in captive musk deer from the 1990s to the 2020s. However, challenges like serious diseases hinder further expansion of artificial musk production. Given the limitations of both in situ and ex situ conservation, it is advised to establish or optimize natural reserves in musk deer habitat. Strengthening law enforcement, population monitoring, ecological research, captive breeding, reintroduction, and public awareness is essential for global musk deer conservation.

The continuous degradation of mangrove ecosystems, considered among the most vulnerable worldwide, reveals multiple threats driven by human activities and climate change. In the Peruvian context, particularly in the Tumbes Mangrove ecosystem, these pressures are intensified by the absence of integrated spatial and educational infrastructures capable of supporting conservation efforts while engaging local communities. In response, this research proposes a Sustainable Interpretation Center for Conservation and Environmental Education in Ecologically Sensitive Areas of the Tumbes Mangrove, Peru. The methodology includes climate data analysis, identification of local flora and fauna, and site topography characterization, supported by digital tools such as Google Earth, AutoCAD 2025, Revit 2025, and 3D Sun Path. The results are reflected in an architectural proposal that incorporates sustainable materials compatible with sensitive ecosystems, including eco-friendly structural solutions based on algarrobo timber, together with resilient strategies addressing climatic variability, such as lightweight structures, elevated platforms, and passive environmental solutions that minimize impact on the mangrove. Furthermore, the proposal integrates a photovoltaic energy system consisting of 12 solar panels with a unit capacity of 450 W, providing a total installed capacity of 5.4 kWp, complemented by a 48 V LiFePO4 battery storage system designed to ensure energy autonomy during periods of low solar availability. In conclusion, the proposal adheres to principles of sustainability and energy efficiency and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, 12, 14, and 15, reinforcing the use of clean energy, responsible tourism, sustainable resource management, and the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Sustainable water management in agriculture is a major challenge, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and the growing impacts of climate change. The lack of efficiency of traditional irrigation methods often leads to water waste, reduced productivity, and increased pressure on natural resources. In this context, it is imperative to develop innovative solutions to optimize water use while maintaining agricultural performance. This paper proposes a smart irrigation system based on the internet of things (IoT) and cloud computing. The system incorporates several sensors to measure key environmental parameters, such as temperature, air humidity, soil moisture, and water level. An embedded ESP32 microcontroller collects and transmits the data to the thingsBoard cloud platform, where it is analyzed in real time to determine precise irrigation needs. The system's algorithm automatically makes the necessary decisions to activate or deactivate the irrigation pump, ensuring optimal and accurate water management. Experimental results demonstrate that the system significantly reduces water waste while optimizing irrigation based on the actual needs of the soil and crops. Real-time measurements and automated decision-making ensure accurate and efficient irrigation that adapts to fluctuations in environmental conditions. Performance analysis shows that the proposed approach significantly improves water resource management compared to traditional methods. The integration of cloud computing and the IoT facilitates remote monitoring and automated decision-making, making the system adaptable to a variety of crops and agricultural lands. The estimated cost of implementing the smart irrigation system is approximately $44.00, confirming its economic feasibility and appeal to small and medium-sized farms seeking to optimize water use. This solution also helps to build farmers' resilience to climate change and water scarcity. The system presented represents a significant advance in the field of smart and sustainable irrigation. By optimizing water use and improving agricultural productivity, the system directly contributes to food security, water resource conservation, and climate resilience. Thus, this study provides a replicable and adaptable model for the development of large-scale smart and sustainable agricultural solutions.

Household greywater from laundry, kitchen, and bathing activities poses growing environmental and public health challenges in peri-urban areas with limited sanitation infrastructure. This study quantified and characterized greywater from 10 households in Kotei, a peri-urban community in Kumasi, Ghana, over a 10-week period in 2023. Daily greywater volumes were measured using a bucket-based method using a cross-sectional design, and physicochemical, bacterial, and chemical parameters were analyzed for laundry, kitchen, and bathroom sources. The mean daily greywater generation was 110 ± 64.2 liters per household, with bathing accounting for 58%, laundry for 23%, and the kitchen for 19%. Laundry greywater exhibited the highest organic and ionic loads (BOD₅: 5431 ± 3440 mg/L; COD: 12469 ± 7325 mg/L; EC: 3825 ± 2635 µS/cm), while kitchen greywater showed the highest bacterial contamination (total coliforms: 136 ± 66 cfu/mL; E. coli: 34 ± 24.70 cfu/mL). Phosphate levels exceeded Ghana EPA standards across all sources, and trace metals (Pb, Fe) and triclosan were detected, indicating potential ecological risks. MANOVA confirmed significant differences in greywater characteristics among sources (p < 0.001). This study advances understanding by integrating source-specific quality data from low-income households within a peri-urban context. The findings reinforce the need for cost-effective, decentralized treatment options such as household-scale biochar filters, gravel–sand filtration systems, or constructed wetlands, that can be adapted to varying socioeconomic conditions.

Precision technologies are crucial for sustainable water management, as water scarcity and ineffective irrigation techniques continue to pose significant challenges in agriculture. One of the bases of plant-based irrigation scheduling is plant canopy temperature, which has become a reliable indicator of crop water status. The primary sensor technologies used to measure the temperature of leaves and canopies are discussed in this review, including integrated circuit sensors, thermistors, thermocouples, infrared thermometers, and infrared thermal imaging systems. Thermistors and thermocouples provide precise and affordable point-based measurements, but their scalability and installation are limited. For real-time canopy monitoring, infrared thermometers and thermal imaging provide non-contact options. Despite their higher price, thermal cameras enable the analysis of spatial variability. Low-cost irrigation system automation is made feasible by integrated circuit (IC) sensors, like the LM35, which combine accuracy and affordability. Research confirms that under deficit irrigation strategies, canopy temperature-based indices, notably the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), improve water use efficiency and enhance yield responses. However, sensor calibration, environmental variability, and the balance between accuracy and cost continue to be ongoing challenges.

Consumption inequalities in material use undermining resources sustainability

This study investigates the influence of sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on employee well-being and organizational sustainability, highlighting leadership’s mediating role. The study is designed to investigate the ways in which sustainable HRM improves employee well-being and the organization’s outcomes, as well as how leaders’ actions moderate these effects. Data were collected from 489 workers employed in chemical processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare using a formal questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was chosen as the study’s statistical method to test five hypotheses about the relationships between sustainable HRM, leadership, employee well-being, and the sustainability of the organization. Key findings indicate significant direct effects of sustainable HRM on employee well-being ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), leadership ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), and organizational sustainability ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Leadership was found to significantly mediate the relationship between sustainable HRM and employee well-being (indirect effect [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and organizational sustainability (indirect effect [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The model demonstrated strong explanatory power with [Formula: see text] values of 0.53, 0.60, and 0.48 for employee well-being, leadership, and organizational sustainability, respectively, along with a good model fit ([Formula: see text]).Challenges faced include ensuring broad industry representation and controlling for confounding demographic variables. The study contributes to HRM literature by empirically validating leadership’s crucial role in translating sustainable HRM into positive employee and organizational outcomes. Future research should explore longitudinal designs and qualitative insights to deepen understanding of these relationships over time and in varying cultural contexts.

The construction sector generates a substantial proportion of Australia’s total solid waste, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and circular resource management approaches to mitigate environmental impacts. This study evaluates the environmental performance and circularity potential of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) management across five Australian states. Three representative building cases were modelled using both national-average and state-specific recycling rates and electricity generation mixes. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare two end-of-life pathways: landfill and recycling. Key parameters, including transport distance and substitution ratio, were also examined to assess their influence on carbon outcomes. The results show that regional variations in electricity generation mix and recycling rate have a strong influence on the total Global Warming Potential of C&DW management. States with cleaner electricity grids and higher recycling rates, such as South Australia, exhibited notably lower recycling-related emissions than those relying on fossil-fuel-based power. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating regional characteristics into sustainability assessments of C&DW management and provide practical insights to support Australia’s transition toward a circular and low-carbon construction industry.