Công bố quốc tế lĩnh vực môi trường số 46-2023

Về quản lý môi trường

– Những thách thức và cơ hội để xử lý lượng khí thải carbon thấp ở Đồng bằng Niger: Hướng tới quản lý môi trường bền vững.

– Tác động của tin tức liên quan đến carbon đối với lượng khí thải carbon và chuyển giao carbon từ góc độ toàn cầu: Bằng chứng từ mô hình STIRPAT mở rộng.

– Dự báo bụi mịn dựa trên LSTM và thuật toán tối ưu hóa.

– Hướng tới một tương lai bền vững: Đổi mới ngành giao thông vận tải, biến đổi khí hậu và phúc lợi xã hội.

– Khám phá vai trò của các loại hình dựa trên thiên nhiên và kế hoạch quản lý trong việc tăng cường không gian xanh đô thị: Nhận thức của người dân về các kịch bản thiết kế cảnh quan và dịch vụ hệ sinh thái.

– Ảnh hưởng của du lịch đến ô nhiễm vi nhựa tại các nhà máy xử lý nước thải ở đô thị ven biển Chiclana de la Frontera.

– Cân nhắc xanh trong mô hình chuỗi cung ứng khép kín với hoạt động kiểm tra không hoàn hảo dưới tác động học tập.

– Khám phá sự khác biệt giữa các cách tiếp cận từ trên xuống và từ dưới lên về lượng phát thải CO2 theo không gian-thời gian trong mạng lưới đường đô thị.

– Một bước hướng tới sự bền vững sinh thái: Năng lực sản xuất, chính sách tài chính xanh và sự không chắc chắn có ý nghĩa như thế nào? Tập trung vào các quốc gia có mức thu nhập khác nhau.

Về môi trường đô thị

– Làm sạch không khí thực vật của nước thải sinh hoạt đô thị.

– Ô nhiễm PM2.5 vượt quá tiêu chuẩn Ấn Độ tại khu vực bán đô thị ở phía đông IGP: Hóa học, tác động khí tượng và vận tải tầm xa.

– Mô hình cấu thành nhựa đàn hồi cho chất thải rắn đô thị (MSW) kết hợp giữa nén hạt rắn và hiệu ứng gia cố sợi.

– Các phép đo nitrat đồng thời tại các khu vực thành thị và ngoại ô xác định sự hình thành nitrat cục bộ là nguyên nhân gây ra ô nhiễm PM2.5 từng đợt ở đô thị.

– Định lượng tuần tự số lượng và khối lượng hạt vi nhựa trong nước thải đô thị bằng phương pháp quang phổ hồng ngoại biến đổi Fourier và sắc ký khí nhiệt phân-khối phổ.

– Dấu hiệu quá mức của thuốc trừ sâu và dược phẩm trong chất thải rắn đô thị (MSW): Những hiểu biết mới lạ thông qua phân tích rủi ro, động lực hòa tan và xác định nguồn dựa trên mô hình.

– Phát thải VOC từ hệ thống che phủ bãi rác cuối cùng do nhiệt độ không khí trên mặt đất và biến động áp suất khí quyển gây ra.

– Ảnh hưởng của 66 năm quản lý nước và thay đổi khí hậu thủy văn đối với thủy văn đô thị và chất lượng nước của lưu vực Panke, Berlin, Đức.

– Truyền các dòng vô tính Escherichia coli kháng carbapenem giữa bệnh viện và nhà máy xử lý nước thải đô thị.

Về môi trường khu công nghiệp

– Thảo luận về các vấn đề chính về tính toán lượng khí thải carbon đối với hàng dệt may từ sợi libe.

– Tầm quan trọng của tính đặc hiệu và độ ổn định của enzyme đối với việc ứng dụng protease trong chế biến công nghiệp xanh hơn- đánh giá.

– Xác định các yếu tố kinh tế xã hội quyết định việc phát sinh chất thải nguy hại công nghiệp: Hàn Quốc là một trường hợp nghiên cứu.

– Đánh giá tác động của tự do hóa nhập khẩu trung gian đối với đổi mới xanh trong các ngành dễ gây ô nhiễm: Nghiên cứu về các công ty giao dịch đại chúng.

– Hỗn hợp từ bậc bốn chức năng làm chất xúc tác quang dị thể hiệu quả để phân hủy đồng thời ánh sáng nhìn thấy bằng xúc tác quang của các chất ô nhiễm thuốc nhuộm và thuốc diệt cỏ từ nước và khử trùng vi khuẩn.

– Động lực thời gian trong tác động của việc công bố thông tin carbon đến giá trị doanh nghiệp.

– Sự xuất hiện đồng thời của este axit phthalic (PAE) và methylsiloxan dễ bay hơi vòng (cVMS) trong bụi mịn (PM0.5 và PM0.1) thu gom từ một khu công nghiệp ở Việt Nam.

– Điện khí hóa Cracking hơi nước như một giải pháp giảm tác động của ngành hóa dầu đến biến đổi khí hậu.

– Các yếu tố chính để giảm bớt vật chất dạng hạt ở khu vực công nghiệp hóa cao ở Bắc Tây Ban Nha: Khí thải phát tán và tiền chất khí dung thứ cấp.

CHUYÊN TRANG QUẢN LÝ MÔI TRƯỜNG
Tạp chí Môi trường và Đô thị Việt Nam
Xin trân trọng giới thiệu!

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT / QUẢN LÝ MÔI TRƯỜNG

1. Shifts bidirectional dependency between vegetation greening and soil moisture over the past four decades in China

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 897, 1 November 2023, 166388

Abstract

Soil moisture (SM) has changed significantly over the past 40 years in China, while NDVI has varied dramatically, leading to increasing regional conflict between vegetation growth and water resource use. Quantifying the bidirectional dependency between SM and NDVI is essential for understanding the balance between land vegetation and water resources. However, few studies have reported their mutual feedback and spatiotemporal bidirectional dependency.

This paper aims to reveal the bidirectional dependency between SM and NDVI using Granger causality test to show spatiotemporal tendency coupling patterns through trend coupling analysis, wavelet transform, and lag correlation.

The Results indicated that a coupling relationship existed between SM and NDVI over most of China. The unidirectional Granger effect between SM on NDVI was 58 %, the unidirectional Granger effect of NDVI on SM was 26 %, and the bidirectional Granger relationship between SM and NDVI was 16 %. The Granger relationship is different for different soil layers or land cover types. SM and NDVI increased together in 36 % of the land cover areas, but SM increased and NDVI decreased in 12 %, and the SM decreased and NDVI increased in 27 %.

The trend coupling between SM and NDVI has spatial heterogeneity. There is no change rule of coupling relationship with drought variation, but SM and NDVI increased together with more overlapping ecological restoration projects. SM decreased with the increase of NDVI from 1982 to 2010 but has reversed since 2011.

NDVI and SM co-increased significantly with the implementation of ecological restoration projects during 2011–2022. The coupling relationship has a time lag effect of 1–3 months, and the time lag of NDVI to SM of deep soil layers mainly occurred in Southern China. This study illustrated the coupling framework and feedback analysis between SM and vegetation greening, which is helpful for the scientific implementing ecological restoration projects and the management of ecosystem carbon and water cycles.

2. Synergistic effects of heat and carbon on sustainable urban development: Case study of the Wuhan Urban Agglomeration

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138971

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization has resulted in pressing climatic challenges, notably an escalation in carbon emissions and rising urban temperatures. Urban expansion frequently coincides with heightened carbon emissions, releasing substantial quantities of greenhouse gases such as CO2. This exacerbates the urban heat island (UHI) effect and poses a threat to urban living conditions.

To shed light on the intricate relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and carbon emissions and provide novel insights into the synergistic regulation of “heat” and “carbon” in sustainable urban development, we conducted an in-depth investigation of the Wuhan Urban Agglomeration spanning from 2003 to 2018. Employing data on impervious surface fraction (ISF), LST, and carbon emissions, we harnessed weighted center and standard deviation ellipse analyses to explore the spatiotemporal expansion patterns of ISF, LST, and carbon emissions. We examined the relationship between LST and carbon emissions using spatial correlation analysis.

The results revealed that regions with high carbon emissions and elevated LST were predominantly concentrated in the central urban areas of each city, aligned with the distribution of high-density impervious surfaces. The weighted centers of ISF, LST, and carbon emissions exhibited a progressive shift toward the central region of Wuhan, intensifying spatial clustering effects. The global Moran’s I index for LST and carbon emissions increased from 0.33 in 2003 to 0.48 in 2018, signifying a strong positive correlation between LST and carbon emissions.

In the clustering maps of LST and carbon emissions, the high-high clustering trend persistently expanded, signifying a shift from “dispersion” to “agglomeration” in urban heat and carbon effects. In regions marked by consistent carbon emission growth, the correlation coefficient (R) between carbon emissions and LST was 0.4, and the Pearson coefficient was 0.64, both higher than those in areas with gradual carbon emission growth. Within stable carbon emission growth areas, every 0.1-ton increase in carbon emissions has a 40% probability of a 1.33 °C temperature rise. As the rate of carbon emissions increased, the positive synergistic effect between carbon emissions and LST continued to increase. This study provides empirical support and academic groundwork to reduce urban emissions and mitigate the effects of UHIs.

3. Challenges and opportunities for low-carbon remediation in the Niger Delta: Towards sustainable environmental management

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 900, 20 November 2023, 165739

Abstract

There is increasing demand for low-carbon remediation strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development in the management of environmental contamination. This trend is within the broader context of sustainable remediation strategies that balance environmental, economic, and social aspects.

This article critically reviewed existing literature to evaluate and compare various low-carbon remediation methods, such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, in situ chemical oxidation, soil vapour extraction, and electrokinetic remediation, to identify suitable techniques for the remediation of oil-contaminated sites in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. We analysed the UK sustainable remediation frameworks (SuRF-UK) to glean lessons for the Nigerian context. Our findings indicate that bioremediation and phytoremediation are particularly promising low-carbon remediation technologies for the Niger Delta region due to their cost-effectiveness and adaptability to local conditions.

We proposed a framework that deeply considers opportunities for achieving multiple goals including effective remediation and limited greenhouse gas emissions while returning net social and economic benefit to local communities. The proposed framework will help decision makers to implement effective remediation technologies that meet sustainability indices, integrates emissions considerations return net environmental benefit to local communities.

There is a need for policymakers to establish and enforce policies and regulations that support sustainable remediation practises, build the capacity of stakeholders, invest in research and development, and promote collaboration among stakeholders to create a regulatory environment that supports sustainable remediation practises and promotes environmental sustainability in the region. This study provides insights for achieving low-carbon remediation in regions addressing land contamination by different contaminants and facilitates the adoption of remediation technologies that consider contextual socio-economic and environmental indices for sustainable development.

4. The effects of carbon-related news on carbon emissions and carbon transfer from a global perspective: Evidence from an extended STIRPAT model

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138974

Abstract

Climate change poses an enormous challenge to countries across the world. News is a crucial channel to draw society’s attention to this issue and strengthen climate governance initiatives, such as carbon emission reduction. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of carbon-related news on carbon emissions and carbon transfer. First, we analyzed the topics of carbon-related news from media outlets such as ABC, CNN, and The Guardian from 2009 to 2019.

Then, we calculated the carbon emissions from both production- and consumption-based perspectives and constructed the carbon transfer network of major countries around the world. Finally, we examined the direct and lag effects of carbon-related news attention and contents on carbon emissions and carbon transfer by using the extended population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) model as the analytical framework. The results showed the following. First, countries are paying increasing attention to carbon-related issues with the rise of global carbon emissions, and they mainly focus on the social aspects of carbon emissions.

Second, there are differences in production- and consumption-based carbon emissions by country. The amount of embodied carbon transfer between countries has increased over time and the carbon transfer network has become tighter. Finally, carbon-related news has a positive impact on improving carbon emissions and carbon transfer worldwide. Different news topics have also shown varying effects on carbon emissions and carbon transfer. In summary, this study further revealed the impacts of carbon-related news on carbon emissions and transfer and accordingly provided policy implications in carbon emission reduction for the government.

5. Evaluating emission reduction potential at the “30-60 Dual Carbon targets” over China from a view of wind power under climate change

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 900, 20 November 2023, 165782

Abstract

Large-scale wind energy development is one of the main paths to achieving China’s carbon peak and neutrality goals. How will the wind power and corresponding carbon abatement potential (CAP) in China change when China reaches the timing of its reduction carbon targets? This issue has not been well addressed. In this paper, a weighted multi-model ensemble with 14 global climate models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) is used to evaluate the spatio-temporal characteristics of wind speed over China during the baseline period (2004–2014).

Then, we further analyze the changes in wind power and corresponding CAP due to the climate change over China in the two-level years (2030 and 2060) under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The results show that the wind capacity factor over China will have a trend of decreasing in most regions of China and increasing in the southeast in 2060. Overall, climate change will have a slight impact on the CAP of wind power in 2030, with an increase in some southern provinces.

However, the CAP of wind power will decrease significantly in most regions of China in 2060 under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, especially in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Liaoning, by more than 5 %. Under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, the CAP will decrease significantly in the southwest and northwest regions, such as Sichuan and Qinghai, by 9.86 % and 8.19 % respectively. Central and South provinces such as Hunan and Hubei will increase by about 5 %. In terms of seasonal changes, the CAP of wind power will decrease significantly in summer under the SSP2-4.5 scenario (about −5.24 %) and SSP5-8.5 scenario (about −6.50 %).These findings can help policymakers make decisions as they establish plans for wind power expansion while taking the effects of climate change into account as they work toward China’s carbon neutrality goal.

6. Forecasting of fine particulate matter based on LSTM and optimization algorithm

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 427, 15 November 2023, 139233

Abstract

Accurate air pollution forecasting may provide valuable information for urban planning to maintain environmental sustainability and reduce mortality risk due to health problems. The city with higher industrial activities, traffic congestion, population density, and energy consumption is most likely to produce higher pollution than the other cities.

Therefore, this study uses hybrid deep learning models to forecast air pollution based on the concentration of particulate matter with diameter size of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) for two air quality monitoring stations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The proposed models predict the hourly air pollutant concentration based on 4-h historical input based on six air pollutant data, meteorology parameters, and PM2.5 concentration data from the neighboring air quality monitoring stations.

Long short-term memory based on metaheuristic algorithms, namely particle swarm optimization and sparrow search algorithm (PSO-LSTM and SSA-LSTM), are first developed and applied to determine the significance input combination to the changes of PM2.5 concentration at respective target stations. Then, the input configuration that gives the best forecasting accuracy was selected for subsequent experiments using enhanced approaches based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD-PSO-LSTM and EEMD-SSA-LSTM).

Subsequently, this study also analyzed the contributions of the neighboring PM2.5 dataset to the fluctuation of PM2.5 concentration at target stations. It is found that EEMD-SSA-LSTM model of M5 improves other models in Batu Muda and Cheras by 2.65% and 20.00% for RMSE and 9.31% and 25.30% for MAE, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed model yields the highest forecasting accuracy compared to the other models, and additional information on neighboring PM2.5 significantly improves the forecasting accuracy at both target stations. Besides that, comparing the performance of the two optimization approaches, SSA provides better performance compared to PSO in optimizing LSTM hyperparameters to forecast PM2.5 concentration.

7. Mapping high-resolution energy consumption CO2 emissions in China by integrating nighttime lights and point source locations

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 900, 20 November 2023, 165829

Abstract

High-resolution CO2 emission inventories are essential to accurately assess spatiotemporal patterns of carbon emissions, analyze factors affecting carbon emissions, and develop sound emission reduction policies. The top-down approach is often used to map CO2 emissions from energy consumption due to its simplicity. However, the spatial proxy variables commonly used in this method, such as nighttime light (NL), land use, and population, are difficult to reflect the spatial distribution of CO2 emissions from large point sources. Therefore, this study uses the active fire product provided by Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensors on Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (Suomi-NPP) satellite to extract the location of industrial heat sources in China, and then develops an improved CO2 emission estimation model by integrating industrial heat sources, Global Energy Monitor (GEM) power plant location and nighttime lights.

The model is used to map CO2 emissions from energy consumption at a resolution of 1 km*1 km from 2012 to 2019 in China. It is found that the overall accuracy of the model is greatly improved at the provincial level, the R2 value is >0.75, and RMSE is distributed in 40–110 Mt. At the grid level, the improved model allocates more carbon emissions to the grid where the point source is located, which makes the spatial distribution of CO2 emissions more reasonable.

8. Driving towards a sustainable future: Transport sector innovation, climate change and social welfare

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 427, 15 November 2023, 139250

Abstract

The growing population and rising need for transportation amplify emissions, elevating the corresponding welfare costs. This research examines the effect of transportation sector Innovation in mitigating emissions and decreasing welfare costs. The study selected the 15 most polluted European economies from 1994 to 2020 and employed second-generation econometric approaches.

The study used the Westerlund panel co-integration technique and pooled mean group estimate strategy to examine the long and short-term relationships. Additionally, a fixed and random-effects model is employed to assess the consistency of the results.

The research utilized the Granger causality methodology to investigate the outcomes specific to each country. The findings indicate that the implementation of new technologies for transport has a restraining effect on demand, transportation, and overall emissions in both the long and short term. Moreover, the interaction of renewable technologies with green energy profoundly impacts the European economies.

The results show that environmental degradation increases temperature and rainfall uplift welfare costs. The country-specific results demonstrate a significant causal association among variables in the major economies, endorsing the effect of innovation in mitigation efforts and climate change on surging the welfare cost. The results suggest that green transport using renewable energies is the way to achieve carbon neutrality, decrease welfare costs, and 2050 sustainable transport targets.

9. Exploring the role of nature-based typologies and stewardship schemes in enhancing urban green spaces: Citizen perceptions of landscape design scenarios and ecosystem services

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 346, 15 November 2023, 118944

Abstract

This research investigates the UK citizens’ perceptions of the ecosystem services (ES) created using a range of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in urban green spaces (UGS). The longevity of the ES derived from UGS is dependent on the effective on-going maintenance of urban landscapes, therefore this paper also gathers data on direct UGS participation specifically through the lens of civic stewardship to assess the impact of such schemes upon ES.

NBS typologies were created and used, in the mixed methods study, to gauge perceptions of and preferences for alternative urban landscape design. The UGS survey collected data from 345 respondents on ES and the NBS typologies. Twelve semi-structured interviews provide qualitative data on NBS typology preferences, perceptions, and understanding of ES as well as motivations behind civic engagement in UGS in the UK. Stewardship programmes were found to increase community resilience by providing additional ES.

The results showed a preference for integrating complex, multifunctional UGS into the fabric of urban centres to ensure accessibility and to maximise engagement. More complex NBS typologies were perceived to provide additional ES when compared with traditional monoculture mown grass and shrub amenity planting. Mixed native planting and Tiny Forest NBS typologies were perceived as providing more provisioning, cultural, regulating, and supporting ES. Considering both UK citizens’ perceptions of the ES gained from alternative NBS and stewardship schemes in UGS represents a holistic approach that can improve the design and management of NBS in cities. This study is the first to explore both concepts in the UK and suggests a holistic UGS approach to address urban challenges, including those related to Climate Change.

10. Influence of tourism on microplastic contamination at wastewater treatment plants in the coastal municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 900, 20 November 2023, 165573

Abstract

The tourism is one of the most important sources of the economy in the Bay of Cadiz. Specifically, the municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera, with a population lower than 90,000 citizens, located in the southeast of Spain. During the summer season the population duplicates leading to an increment in flow at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

These facilities have been reported as a source of microplastics (MPs) into marine ecosystems, therefore the aim of the present study is to investigate if the tourism affects the presence, discharge and in the receiving environment. Samples were taken at the influent and effluent of the municipal WWTPs (one located at the urban area and other located at resort area) during 2021 (including low and high season).

MPs were collected and extracted from wastewater matrixes following the method recommended by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and UTS treatment to reduce organic matter and cellulose, respectively. The analysis of the samples was performed according to their abundance, shape, size, and type of polymer, along with the removal rates of MPs at WWTPs. The results showed heterogeneous MPs abundance ranging from 1246.4 to 345.7 MPs/L and 72.9 to 4.2, in the influent and effluent, respectively, increasing the presence of MPs at resort WWTP during high season.

Fibers were the predominant shape within all the samples. A total of 17 polymers were identified, by ATR-FTIR, where Acrylates, PE and PA were the largest polymers found. Despite the high MPs retention performance of the WWTPs analyzed (84.1–99.3 %), a combined contribution of approximately 1.4 × 107–5.9 × 108 MPs/d to the aquatic environment was estimated. Finally, these results indicate that the increase of MPs in the wastewater at WWTP-B was related with the population increase as a consequence of summer tourism.

11. Green consideration in a closed-loop supply chain model with imperfect inspection under learning impact

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 428, 20 November 2023, 139201

Abstract

This study investigates a multi-echelon closed-loop supply chain model integrating learning impact with a single producer, single retailer, and single collector. Retail pricing, green innovation, and marketing efforts are assumed to have a linear relationship with end-user demand. The return of rejected goods occurs at random and is subject to an imperfect inspection procedure that is vulnerable to two different types of classification error. An S-shaped learning curve is considered to soothe the inspection process which is subject to inaccuracy.

Numerical examples are used to illustrate the implications of the suggested model in order to achieve a goal that benefits both the consignor and the consignee. It is investigated whether the learning effect can outweigh the loss even when the inspection error has a detrimental effect on supply chain earnings. To identify the crucial parameters that can spark some truly exceptional managerial ideas, a sensitivity analysis is carried out.

12. Exploring the discrepancy between top-down and bottom-up approaches of fine spatio-temporal vehicular CO2 emission in an urban road network

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 901, 25 November 2023, 165827

Abstract

Road transport emissions of high spatial and temporal resolution are useful for greenhouse gas emission assessment in local action plans. However, estimating these high-resolution emissions is not straightforward, and different indirect approaches exist. The main aim of this study is to examine the differences in CO2 emissions obtained with different methods within a street canyon network in Helsinki, Finland, where a mobile laboratory campaign to quantify traffic emissions has been conducted. We compared three aerodynamic resistance based top-down methods (MOST1, MOST2 and BHT) and three activity based bottom-up microscopic emission models (NGM, HBEFAv4.2 and PHEMlight).

The resulted CO2 fluxes using different methods could vary a few orders of magnitude. The combination of MOST1 and NGM model leads to the smallest discrepancy (sMAPE = 16.90 %) and the highest correlation coefficient (= 0.78) among the rest. We evaluated the discrepancies in terms of different spatial (microenvrionments, local climate zones LCZs and grid sizes) and temporal features (seasons and periods of day).

Measurements taken in LCZs of open high-rise regions and microenvironments of main road tend to have larger discrepancies between the two approaches. Using a coarser grid would lead to a relatively small discrepancy and high correlation in the wintertime, yet a loss in distinctive spatial variation. The discrepancies were also elevated on winter evenings. Among all explanatory variables, relative humidity shows the strongest relative importance for the discrepancy of the two approaches, followed by LCZs.

Therefore, we stress the importance of choosing a suitable model for vehicular CO2 emission calculation based on meteorological conditions and LCZs. Such model comparison made on a local scale directly supports environmental organisations and cities’ climate action plans where detailed information of CO2 emissions are needed.

13. Different types of environmental concerns and heterogeneous influence on green total factor productivity: Evidence from Chinese provincial data

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 428, 20 November 2023, 139295

Abstract

Environmental issues have been the focus of attention worldwide, and achieving green development is crucial for solving such issues. This study uses the panel data of 30 Chinese provinces (municipalities and regions) for the period 2010–2020 to examine the general, long-term, short-term, and threshold effects of public environmental concerns and government environmental concerns on the development of green total factor productivity (GTFP).

The method of GML index based on SBM-DDF is employed to measure and analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of China’s GTFP. Text mining in Python is adopted to estimate the index of these two different types of environmental concerns. The empirical results show that: (1) GTFP demonstrates a distinct pattern of “down – up – down” during the period 2011–2020. (2) Public environmental concern is essential in accelerating the development of GTFP, and it is more significant in areas with higher industrialization and lower environmental pollution.

Government environmental concern plays a crucial role in accelerating the development of GTFP, and it is especially significant in areas with lower levels of industrialization and reduced environmental pollution. (3) In terms of long-term and short-term effects, both public environmental concerns and government environmental concerns are essential long-term drivers for enhancing GTFP, rather than short-term ones.(4) Public and government environmental concerns are more effective in promoting GTFP in more economically developed regions.

Furthermore, as the intensity of environmental regulation increases, the impact of public environmental concern on GTFP strengthens. Government environmental concerns should be aligned with a higher level of environmental regulation to maximize their contribution to GTFP. The findings above clarify the relationship among public environmental concerns, government environmental concerns, and GTFP, providing a realistic basis for achieving green, low-carbon, and sustainable economic development.

14. A step towards ecological sustainability: How do productive capacity, green financial policy, and uncertainty matter? Focusing on different income level countries

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 426, 10 November 2023, 138846

Abstract

Different from previous studies which examine the relationship between either separate parameters or drivers of economic development and ecological sustainability, this study employs the productive capacity index to provide a holistic understanding into the ecological impacts of improving the productive sources of a nation. It also considers the increasingly importance role of green financial policy in lessening the ecological degradation under an uncertain economic and political environment.

We adopt advanced panel quantile regression to three samples of 34 high-, 17 upper middle-, and 17 lower middle-income countries from 2000 to 2018. The empirical results show the existence of N-shaped, inverted N-shaped, and U-shaped relationship between productive capacity and ecological footprint in high-, upper middle-, and lower middle-income country groups, respectively. Meanwhile, green financial policy is found to generate beneficial effect on the quality of the ecology in all panels. Uncertainty reduces ecological degradation in high- and upper middle-income countries but intensifies ecological ruin in lower middle-income countries.

This complicated relationship between variables of interest warns policymakers to adopt suitable economic and political policies that can deal with both severe ecological degradation and raising uncertainty. Finding the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) at different levels of development and the presence of the turnaround points within the sample ranges also validates the EKC hypothesis to be a policy benchmarking tool for developing effective environmental policies at the global level. This study outcomes have been utilized to develop Sustainable Development Goals oriented policy framework.

15. How environmental regulation imperatives introduce innovation in firm financing choice among selected asian economies

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 427, 15 November 2023, 139194

Abstract

Green resources have gained substantial scholarly, and policy attention over the last few decades, and are considered as an effective phenomenon to resolve rising pollution and energy crises in under-analyzed economies. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the impact of environmental regulation imperatives (carbon tax rate, green energy intensity, and green productivity) on financing priorities (debt financing and equity financing). For this purpose, we use 10 years of data from the non-financial sector of 6 Asian Economies (China, India, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, and South Korea), by employing a two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for analysis purposes.

The findings postulate that carbon tax is inversely and significantly associated with equity and debt financing due to over coating of cost. However, green energy intensity has a direct and significant connection with debt and equity financing. It means an increment in green energy sources leads to boost and strengthen the confidence of the stakeholders in investment and lending decisions. Similarly, green productivity directly and significantly affects debt and equity financing.

It further means that firms achieving their goals while mitigating environmental impact leads to an improved resource efficiency, cleaning waste and pollution, and apt sustainable operations. In addition, it attracts stakeholder’s intentions optimistically while making investing and lending decisions. Moreover, the analysis outputs reveal that this study brings innovation in the firm financing choice while considering environmental impact. This arrangement of variables has never been discussed before in the literature of financial economics and environmental economics.

16. How does public concern about climate change affect carbon emissions? Evidence from large-scale online content and provincial-level data in China

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 426, 10 November 2023, 139137

Abstract

Micro-level concerns about climate change can not only affect individual low-carbon behaviors but also exert intense pressure on carbon emission reduction strategies and policy design. However, whether public concern about climate change can affect per capita carbon emission is still unclear. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China and 188,943 climate change-related blogs from 2012 to 2019, this research investigates the impact of public concern on per capita carbon emissions.

Results show that, in general, public concern about climate change has a significant negative impact on per capita carbon emissions in China, indicating that climate crisis awareness has a supervisory effect on greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, the effects of different public concerns on per capita carbon emissions are different, with the topics of “low-carbon appeal” and “concern for future” have significant positive impacts on per capita carbon emissions, while the topics of “carbon governance performance” and “climate change mitigation strategies” have significant negative impacts on per capita carbon emissions. The findings yield new opportunities to delve into the relationship between the externality of people’s will and governmental behaviors and provide in-depth insights for decision-makers to develop tailor-made solutions towards carbon reduction and sustainable development.

URBAN ENVIRONMENT/ MÔI TRƯỜNG ĐÔ THỊ

1. Concurrent measurements of nitrate at urban and suburban sites identify local nitrate formation as a driver for urban episodic PM2.5 pollution

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 897, 1 November 2023, 165351

Abstract

Nitrate (NO3−) is often among the leading components of urban particulate matter (PM) during PM pollution episodes. However, the factors controlling its prevalence remain inadequately understood. In this work, we analyzed concurrent hourly monitoring data of NO3− in PM2.5 at a pair of urban and suburban locations (28 km apart) in Hong Kong for a period of two months. The concentration gradient in PM2.5 NO3− was 3.0 ± 2.9 (urban) vs. 1.3 ± 0.9 μg m−3 (suburban) while that for its precursors nitrogen oxides (NOx) was 38.1 vs 4.1 ppb. NO3− accounted for 45 % of the difference in PM2.5 between the sites. Both sites were characterized to have more available NH3 than HNO3.

Urban nitrate episodes, defined as periods of urban-suburban NO3− difference exceeding 2 μg m−3, constituted 21 % of the total measurement hours, with an hourly NO3− average gradient of 4.2 and a peak value of 23.6 μg m−3. Our comparative analysis, together with 3-D air quality model simulations, indicates that the high NOx levels largely explain the excessive NO3− concentrations in our urban site, with the gas phase HNO3 formation reaction contributing significantly during the daytime and the N2O5 hydrolysis pathway playing a prominent role during nighttime. This study presents a first quantitative analysis that unambiguously shows local formation of NO3− in urban environments as a driver for urban episodic PM2.5 pollution, suggesting effective benefits of lowering urban NOx.

2. The impact of fintech on carbon efficiency: Evidence from Chinese cities

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138984

Abstract

Increasing carbon efficiency can slow climate warming. The role of financial technology (fintech) in carbon efficiency has become a concern. Based on data from 276 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2019, we discuss fintech’s direct impact on carbon efficiency. We also discuss the impact mechanism, the heterogeneous impact, and the spatial spillover effect using panel fixed effects, mediated effects, and spatial regression models.

We offer the following findings: (1) Fintech can directly and significantly improve carbon efficiency in Chinese prefecture-level or above cities. (2) The mechanism analysis indicates that fintech can improve carbon efficiency by increasing financial science expenditure or green innovation. (3) The heterogeneity analysis indicates that fintech significantly impacts carbon efficiency in the eastern regions and cities with higher market potential. (4) Spatial regression models using economic distance or inverse distance matrices reveal that the role of fintech in enhancing carbon efficiency in cities is spatially significant. These findings may have profound implications for Chinese cities’ fintech development and carbon-efficiency targets.

3. Effects of indoor air quality and home environmental characteristics on allergic diseases among preschool children in the Greater Taipei Area

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 897, 1 November 2023, 165392

Abstract

Indoor air quality and home environmental characteristics are potential factors associated with the onset and exacerbation of allergic diseases. Our study examined the effects of these factors on allergic diseases (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis) among preschool children. We recruited a total of 120 preschool children from an ongoing birth cohort study in the Greater Taipei Area.

A comprehensive environmental evaluation was conducted at each participant’s residence and included measurements of indoor and outdoor air pollutants, fungal spores, endotoxins, and house dust mite allergens. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the allergic diseases and home environments of participants. Land-use characteristics and points of interest in the surrounding area of each home were analyzed. Other covariates were obtained from the cohort data.

Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between allergic diseases and covariates. We observed that all mean indoor air pollutant levels were below Taiwan’s indoor air quality standards. After adjustment for covariates, the total number of fungal spores and the ozone, Der f 1, and endotoxin levels were significantly associated with increased risks of allergic diseases.

Biological contaminants more significantly affected allergic diseases than other pollutants. Moreover, home environmental characteristics (e.g., living near power facilities and gas stations) were associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases. Regular and proper home sanitation is recommended to prevent the accumulation of indoor pollutants, especially biological contaminants. Living away from potential sources of pollution is also crucial for protecting the health of children.

4. An elastoplastic constitutive model for municipal solid waste (MSW) incorporating solid particle compression and fibrous reinforcing effect

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138926

Abstract

The failures in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills could result in considerable ecological as well as social problems. Numerical simulations are widely employed to analyze MSW deformation and stability. These methods require an appropriate stress-strain characterization of MSW, which is crucial. Different from soils, the extremely complicated constituents of MSW contain a large number of fibrous reinforced and particle compressible materials. The findings of numerous tests suggest that the fiber reinforced phase and the basic phase are solely responsible for determining the mechanical properties of MSW.

On the basis of the double-phase assumption, a new plastic potential function of MSW is developed considering that the reinforcement of fibrous materials only relates to plastic shear strain and the particle compression only affects plastic volumetric strain. According to the associate flow rule, a constitutive model based on elastoplasticity is developed for MSW. The strain hardening behaviour of MSW is well predicted by the model, and this behaviour is in good agreement with experimental evidence. Effects of confining pressure and fibre content are modelled, together with the mechanical and deformation behaviour of MSW.

The accurate calculation of effective stresses is obtained through considering the MSW particle compression under the undrained conditions. Parametric investigations calibrate the model and show its properties by comparing them to data from triaxial tests. Moreover, incorporating the proposed model, finite-element numerical simulation was conducted, and the results of finite-element numerical simulation were compared with field monitoring results.

5. PM2.5 pollution exceeding Indian standard over a semi-urban region at eastern IGP: Chemistry, meteorological impact, and long-range transport

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 898, 10 November 2023, 165415

Abstract

A year-long study (January–December 2019) on the chemical characterization and meteorological impact on PM2.5 was conducted over a semi-urban station, Shyamnagar, in the easternmost part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). PM2.5 concentrations (Mean = 81.69 ± 66.27 μgm−3; 7.10–272.74 μgm−3), the total carbonaceous aerosols (TCA) (Mean = 22.85 ± 24.95 μgm−3; 0.77–102.97 μgm−3) along with differential carbonaceous components like organic carbon (OC) (Mean = 11.28 ± 12.48 μgm−3; 0.48–53.01 μgm−3) and elemental carbon (EC) (Mean = 4.83 ± 5.28 μgm−3; 0.1–22.13 μgm−3) exhibited prominent seasonal variability with the highest concentrations during winter, followed by post-monsoon, pre-monsoon and lowest during monsoon. A similar seasonal variation was observed for the total water-soluble ionic species (Mean = 31.91 ± 20.12 μgm−3; 0.1–126.73 μgm−3).

We observed that under the least favorable conditions (low ventilation coefficient), high PM2.5 pollution (exceeding Indian standard) was associated with a high increase in secondary components of PM2.5. Eastern, central and western parts of IGP, as well as Nepal, were the major long-distant source regions whereas the northern part of West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh were the major regional source region for high PM2.5 pollution over Shyamnagar. The ratios like char-EC/soot-EC, non-sea-K+/EC and non-sea-SO42−/EC strongly indicated the dominance of fossil fuel burning over biomass burning. Compared with other studies, we observed that the PM2.5 pollution over this semi-urban region was comparable (and even higher in some cases) with other parts of IGP. The high exceedance of PM2.5 over the Indian standard in Shyamnagar strongly demands an immediate initiation of systematic and regular based air pollution monitoring over semi-urban/non-urban regions in India, especially IGP, in addition to the polluted cities.

6. Phytosphere purification of urban domestic wastewater

Environmental Pollution, Volume 336, 1 November 2023, 122417

Abstract

Industrialization and overpopulation have polluted aquatic environments with significant impacts on human health and wildlife. The main pollutants in urban sewage are nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals and organic pollutants, which need to be treated with sewage, and the use of aquatic plants to purify wastewater has high efficiency and low cost. However, the effectiveness and efficiency of phytoremediation are also affected by temperature, pH, microorganisms and other factors.

The use of biochar can reduce the cost of wastewater purification, and the combination of biochar and nanotechnology can improve the efficiency of wastewater purification. Some aquatic plants can enrich pollutants in wastewater, so it can be considered to plant these aquatic plants in constructed wetlands to achieve the effect of purifying wastewater. Biochar treatment technology can purify wastewater with high efficiency and low cost, and can be further applied to constructed wetlands. In this paper, the latest research progress of various pollutants in wastewater purification by aquatic plants is reviewed, and the efficient treatment technology of wastewater by biochar is discussed. It provides theoretical basis for phytoremediation of urban sewage pollution in the future.

7. Does urban growth mean the loss of greenness? A multi-temporal analysis for Chinese cities

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 898, 10 November 2023, 166373

Abstract

Urban growth is recognized as the conversion of vegetated surface to built-up surface. However, there is still no consensus about the urbanization-induced dynamic of vegetation greenness in view of existing literatures. In this study, we aimed to empirically investigate whether urban growth mean the loss of vegetation greenness. We selected 340 Chinese cities as the study areas, relied on consistent multi-temporal remotely sensed data and adopted linear regression analysis, annual growth area, Tail-Sen slope and Mann-Kendall models.

Results show that although vegetation greening generally lagged behind urban growth in the monitoring period, a tendency of their consistent speeding up can be observed over time. By categorizing four forms and four trends of vegetation greenness dynamics related to urban growth, we revealed the diversity of Chinese cities. The former focused on the velocity of urban growth and vegetation greenness dynamics within newly urbanized area in three phases, i.e., 2003–2008, 2008–2013 and 2013–2018.

The latter focused on the interannual trends of vegetation greenness dynamics among the previously existing and newly urbanized areas. The key finding is that, in over 85 % of the cities, we measured an increase of vegetation greenness along with urban growth. In addition, our detailed results allow quantifying the impact of urbanization in Chinese cities on vegetation protection and sustainable development.

8. Sequential quantification of number and mass of microplastics in municipal wastewater using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Environmental Pollution, Volume 336, 1 November 2023, 122452

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern because microplastics (MPs) accumulate in various ecosystems; therefore, the accurate identification and quantification of MPs in environmental samples is crucial. This study presents a new sequential analytical method that combines Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) to characterize and quantify MPs. FTIR with a microscope allows the identification of the polymer type and physical dimensions of MPs, whereas Pyr-GC/MS enables determining the chemical composition of MPs with plastic additives.

Pretreated wastewater influent samples spiked with reference MPs were filtered through an Al2O3 disk for FTIR analysis, and the surface contents were collected and subjected to Pyr-GC/MS analysis. The mass of the reference MPs estimated using FTIR were in good agreement but were slightly lower than those obtained using Pyr-GC/MS. This finding supports the notion that the proposed sequential method can be used to determine both the number and the mass of MPs in environmental samples.

9. Exorbitant signatures of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in municipal solid wastes (MSWs): Novel insights through risk analysis, dissolution dynamics, and model-based source identification

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 900, 20 November 2023, 165855

Abstract

Studies on the occurrence and fates of emerging organic micropollutants (EOMPs) like pharmaceuticals and pesticides in MSWs are scarce in the literature. Therefore, MSWs were sampled from 20 Indian landfills and characterized for five widely consumed EOMPs (chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, carbofuran, carbamazepine, and sodium diclofenac), physicochemical, and biological properties. The pesticide (median: 0.17–0.44 mg kg−1) and pharmaceutical (median: 0.20–0.26 mg kg−1) concentrations significantly fluctuated based on landfill localities. Eventually, principal component and multi-factor (MFA) models demonstrated close interactions of EOMPs with biological (microbial biomass and humification rates) and chemical (N, P, K, Ca, S, etc.) properties of MSWs.

At the same time, the MFA resolved that EOMPs’ fates in MSWs significantly differ from bigger cosmopolitan cities to smaller rural townships. Correspondingly, the concentration-driven ecological risks were high in 15 MSWs with EOMP-toxicity ranks of diclofenac > carbofuran = chlorpyrifos > cypermethrin > carbamazepine. The EOMPs’ dissolution dynamics and source apportionments were evaluated using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model for the first time on experimental data, extracting four anthropogenic sources (households, heterogeneous business centers, agricultural, and open drains). The most significant contribution of EOMPs to MSWs was due to heterogeneous business activity. Notably, the aging of soluble chemical fractions seems to influence the source characteristics of EOMPs strongly.

10. VOCs emission from a final landfill cover system induced by ground surface air temperature and barometric pressure fluctuation

Environmental Pollution, Volume 336, 1 November 2023, 122391

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission flux and their concentration profiles were measured at a final municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill cover in Hangzhou, China.

The influencing parameters, especially ground surface air temperature and pressure were monitored concomitantly. Furthermore, a numerical model incorporating coupled thermo-hydro-chemical interaction to assess VOCs emission from this final landfill cover (LFC) system was developed and validated with the field test results. The tested total VOC emission flux from the final cover is 0.0124 μg/m/day and occurred in spring. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the impact of atmospheric temperature and pressure fluctuation on the emission of VOC from final covers is non-negligible when reasonably assessing the risks of landfill and landfill gas emission budget.

11. Effects of 66 years of water management and hydroclimatic change on the urban hydrology and water quality of the Panke catchment, Berlin, Germany

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 900, 20 November 2023, 165764

Abstract

Long-term records of combined stream flow and water chemistry can be an invaluable source of information on changes in the quantity and quality of water resources. To understand the effect of hydroclimate and water management on the heavily urbanized Panke catchment in Berlin, Germany, an extensive search, collation and digitization of historic data from various sources was undertaken. This integrated a unique 66-year spatially distributed record of stream water quality, a 21-year record of groundwater quality and a 31-year stream flow record. These data were analysed in the context of hydroclimatic variability, as well as the history and technological evolution of water resource management in the catchment. To contextualize the effect of droughts, “average” and wet years the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) was applied. As upstream sites have been less regulated by human impacts, the flow regime is most sensitive to changes in hydroclimatic conditions, while downstream sites are more influenced by wastewater effluents, urban storm drains and inter-basin transfers for flood alleviation.

However, at all sites, a general increase in maximum event discharge was observed until a recent drought, starting in 2018. In general, water quality in the catchment has gradually improved as a result of management change and increasingly effective wastewater treatment, though in some places legacy and/or contemporary urban and rural groundwater contamination may be affecting the stream.

Hydroclimatic changes, particularly drought years can affect water quality classes, and alter the chemostatic/dynamic behaviour of catchment export patterns. These insights from the Panke catchment underline the importance of strategic adaptation and improvement of water treatment and water resource management in order to enhance the quality of urban water courses. It also demonstrates the importance of long-term integrated data sets.

12. Transmission of clones of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli between a hospital and an urban wastewater treatment plant

Environmental Pollution, Volume 336, 1 November 2023, 122455

Abstract

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) constitute an urgent threat to worldwide public health. The spread of CRE is facilitated by transmission via the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be important sources of antibiotic resistance and hot spots of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) which can facilitate dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. In this study, water samples were collected over one year from a WWTP in Jinan, Shandong province, China, from different functional sites in the wastewater treatment process. Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) were isolated by selective cultivation and whole-genome sequenced to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of CREC in the WWTP. A total of 77 CREC isolates were included in the study and the detection rate of CREC in the WWTP water inlet was found to be 85%.

An additional 10 CREC were isolated from a nearby teaching hospital during the sampling period and included for comparison to the environmental isolates. Susceptibility testing showed that all CREC were multidrug-resistant. 6 different carbapenem resistance genes (CRGs) were detected, including blaNDM-5 (n = 75), blaNDM-1 (n = 6), blaNDM-4 (n = 3), blaNDM-6 (n = 1), blaNDM-9 (n = 1), and blaKPC-2 (n = 4). 42 CREC isolates were whole-genome sequenced with Illumina short-read sequencing. 11 of these were also sequenced with Nanopore long-read sequencing.

Plasmids carrying CRGs were found to belong to IncX3 (n = 35), IncFII (n = 12), IncFIA (n = 5), IncFIB (n = 2), IncC (n = 1), and IncP6 (n = 1). Clonal dissemination of CREC belonging to ST167, ST448, and ST746 was observed between different parts of the WWTP. Furthermore, isolates from the WWTP, including an isolate belonging to the high-risk ST167 strain, were found to be clonally related to CREC isolated at the hospital. The spread of CRGs is of considerable concern and strategies to prevent environmental dissemination of this contaminant urgently needs to be implemented.

13. Wastewater surveillance of pharmaceuticals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City and the Mezquital Valley: A comprehensive environmental risk assessment

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 900, 20 November 2023, 165886

Abstract

This study tracked five pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in Mexico City’s sewage, namely, famotidine, indomethacin, dexamethasone, azithromycin, and ivermectin, which were used to treat COVID-19. The monitoring campaign was carried out over 30 months (May 2020 to November 2022), covering the five COVID-19 waves in Mexico. In the Central Emitter, the main sewage outflow, famotidine displayed levels of 132.57 ± 28.16 ng L−1 (range from < LOQ to 189.1 ng L−1), followed by indomethacin (average 672.46 ± 116.4 ng L−1, range from 516.7 to 945.2 ng L−1), dexamethasone (average 610.4 ± 225.7 ng L−1, range from 233.4 to 1044.5 ng L−1), azithromycin (average 4436.2 ± 903.6 ng L−1, range from 2873.7 to 5819.6 ng L−1), and ivermectin (average 3413.3 ± 1244.6 ng L−1, range from 1219.8 to 4622.4 ng L−1).

The concentrations of dexamethasone, azithromycin and ivermectin were higher in sewage from a temporary COVID-19 care unit, by a factor of 3.48, 3.52 and 2.55, respectively, compared with those found in municipal wastewater. In the effluent of the Atotonilco Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWWTP), which treats near 60 % of the Mexico City’s sewage, famotidine was absent, while concentrations of indomethacin, dexamethasone, azithromycin and ivermectin were 78.2 %, 76.7 %, 74.4 %, and 88.1 % lower than those in the influent, respectively.

The occurrence of PhACs in treated and untreated wastewater resulted in medium to high environmental risk since Mexico City’s wastewater is reused for irrigation in the Mezquital Valley. There, PhACs were found in irrigation canals at lower levels than those observed in Mexico City throughout the monitoring. On the other hand, famotidine, indomethacin, and dexamethasone were not found in surface water resulting from the infiltration of wastewater through soil in Mezquital Valley, while azithromycin and ivermectin sporadically appeared in surface water samples collected through 2021. Using an optimized risk assessment based on a semi-probabilistic approach, the PhACs were prioritized as ivermectin > azithromycin > dexamethasone > famotidine > indomethacin.

14. Characterization of the sources and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 and their relationship with black carbon: A case study in northern Taiwan

Environmental Pollution, Volume 336, 1 November 2023, 122427

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and black carbon (BC) often coexist in PM2.5 because both form during the incomplete combustion of organic matter. These compounds are regarded as hazardous air pollutants with potential health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular effects. In this study, to evaluate the health risks of PAHs and BC at an urban site in northern Taiwan, 16 priority PAHs and BC, identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, were analyzed and quantified in PM2.5 to determine their concentrations, their relationship with each other, and their likely sources. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of total PAHs and BC were 0.91 ng m−3 and 0.97 μg m−3, respectively, with a significant positive correlation between them, indicating the same emission sources.

The results also indicated that fossil fuel combustion and traffic emissions were primary contributors to PAHs, with wood and biomass combustion playing a less prominent role. Among these 16 priority PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene served as major carcinogenic compounds, accounting for 89.0% of the total carcinogenic toxicity. Thus, the lifetime excess cancer risk resulting from PAH exposure was estimated as 8.03 × 10−6, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk to human health at the sampling site. Overall, this study highlights the need for future mitigation policies for traffic emissions and fossil fuel combustion for reducing the local emissions of BC and co-produced PAHs in northern Taiwan.

15. Abundance and sources of organic nitrogen in fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5–10) particulate matter in urban Hong Kong

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 901, 25 November 2023, 165880

Abstract

Organic nitrogen (ON) in atmospheric particles is much less monitored compared to inorganic nitrogen (IN), despite its significant contribution to atmospheric N deposition budget. In this study, we expanded a newly developed instrumental method for IN and ON in PM2.5 samples to PM10 samples. We determined the quantities of ON and IN for paired PM2.5 and PM10 samples collected at an urban coastal site in Hong Kong, southern China over a year. These measurements also allowed the determination of IN and ON abundance in the coarse PM (i.e., PM2.5–10) by taking the difference between PM10 and PM2.5. The measurement results show that ON accounted for 27.6 % and 21.1 % of total N in fine and coarse particles, respectively, and was mainly (87.7 %) distributed in the fine mode at the site.

The seasonal variation of ON/total N was relatively small in PM2.5 (23.6–30.4 %) while considerably larger in coarse PM (4.3–42.1 %). Analysis aided by concurrently measured source indicators revealed that sea spray, biological particle emissions, and dust mixed with anthropogenic pollutants are potentially significant sources of ON in coarse particles. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) source apportionment further revealed that industrial emissions/coal combustion (43.6 %), soil dust emission (16.3 %), fresh sea salt emission (15.2 %), and aged sea salt (24.9 %) are major sources of PMcoarse-bound ON at the site.

The contributions of industrial emissions/coal combustion and soil dust emission to ON were significantly higher in autumn and winter. Fresh sea salt emissions contributed greater proportions to ON in spring and summer, while ON associated with the aged sea salt source was higher in spring and autumn. These findings have advanced our quantitative understanding of the sources of PMcoarse-bound ON, which was scarcely determined in the past. Furthermore, the ON measurement data in fine and coarse particles helps estimate ON deposition, which has been previously under-evaluated.

16. Association of land urbanization and type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence and mediation of greenness and physical activity in Chinese adults

Environmental Pollution, Volume 337, 15 November 2023, 122579

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is higher in urban than in rural areas. Limited information is available on the association between T2D and Land urbanization (LU) while LU influences not only greenness and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) but also inhabitant behavior. We aimed to explore the association between the LU level and T2D prevalence, as well as whether greenness, PM2.5, or conscious physical activity mediated any of the observed associations.

This study encompassed 27,633 adult participants from Shandong Province who completed the sixth National Health Service Survey in 2018. Ambient LU exposure was estimated by spatial characteristics, including the existing impervious surface area (ISA), road density (RD), and annual night light (NL). Exposures were estimated using satellite images and OpenStreetMap, with 1000 m used as the main analysis buffer.

Two-level logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between the LU metrics and T2D. Additionally, we explored potential mechanisms of the association through mediation analysis. The prevalence of T2D among participants was 5.14%, with average exposures to ISA_1000m of 1.441 km2, RD_1000m of 3.856 km/km2, and NL_1000m of 9.821 nW/cm2/sr. Higher levels of LU exposure were associated with higher T2D ORs [for each interquartile of ISA_1000m, RD_1000m, and NL_1000m, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for the T2D prevalence were 1.29 (1.19–1.4), 1.25 (1.15–1.36), and 1.25 (1.15–1.36), respectively]. This relationship persisted in several sensitivity analyses including use of different buffer sizes. We observed stronger associations among participants younger than 65 years or in men. Greenness mediated a 20.78%–65.36% of the estimated associations, conscious physical activity mediated a 10.35%–15.85%, while PM2.5 mediated insignificantly. These results suggest a deleterious association between higher levels of LU and T2D among adult residents in a developing country. Greenness and conscious physical activity mediate the association.

17. Journal of Cleaner Production

Volume 428, 20 November 2023, 139392 Journal of Cleaner Production

The green innovation effect of urban energy saving construction: A quasi-natural experiment from new energy demonstration city policy

Abstract

Energy-saving construction has promoted the sustainable development of cities and is an important measure to achieve carbon neutrality and peak carbon. This paper uses the synthetic control method(SCM), propensity score matching difference-in-difference model(PSM-DID), spatial Durbin difference-in-difference model (SDM-DID) and other methods to explore the policy effect of energy-saving policy on the green innovation efficiency of Chinese cities based on the New Energy Demonstration City(NEDC) policy as a quasi-natural experiment.

The paper has found that establishing NEDC can significantly improve the green innovation efficiency of pilot cities, and its positive impact continues to increase over time. The effect of energy-saving policy has regional heterogeneity, and NEDC can promote the improvement of urban green innovation efficiency more in eastern and central China. The results of PSM-DID further verify the robustness of the previous conclusion. The results of SDM-DID show that NEDC has a positive spatial spillover effect on the improvement of urban green innovation efficiency. NEDC policy can effectively promote the improvement of green innovation efficiency in neighboring cities of pilot cities. Mechanism analysis shows that NEDC affects urban green innovation efficiency by optimizing industrial structure, reducing resource dependence and gathering innovative elements. This paper enriches the research on the effect of urban energy-saving policies and provides policy references for improving urban green innovation capabilities.

INDUSTRIAL AREA ENVIRONMENT / MÔI TRƯỜNG KHU CÔNG NGHIỆP

1. Discussion on key issues of carbon footprint accounting for bast fiber textiles

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 897, 1 November 2023, 166272

Abstract

Bast fiber textiles have become increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative in recent years. Although the carbon emissions of bast fiber textiles have been studied using life cycle assessment method, there is a lack of comprehensive literature analyzing and summarizing the results.

This study reviews the current state of research on the carbon emissions of bast fiber textiles. Compared to other plant fibers, there are fewer studies on the carbon footprint or life cycle assessment of bast fiber textiles, and these studies lack a comprehensive “cradle to grave” or “gate to grave” analysis. In addition, inconsistencies exist in the allocation methods used for carbon footprint assessments.

This study suggests a combination of physical and economic allocation to conduct a more accurate environmental impact assessment of bast fiber textiles. On the basis of the above review, this study modularizes the process of the entire life cycle of textiles and analyzes the carbon sequestration and emission characteristics to determine the main considerations for carbon footprint assessment.

The carbon sequestration effect of bast fiber textiles should be analyzed at the raw material extraction stage and at the end-of-life stage. Oxygen release and consumption are also considered as additional factors to be quantified and analyzed in this study. In the future, the modular method should be used for all carbon footprint evaluation reports for bast fiber textiles. This method helps to comprehensively quantify and evaluate the carbon footprint of bast fiber textiles throughout their entire life cycle. It can provide recommendations for green design, green production and sustainable consumption.

2. Importance of enzyme specificity and stability for the application of proteases in greener industrial processing- a review

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138915

Abstract

Industries are in great need for process-apt proteases due to environmental concerns. But the major bottlenecks in the use of enzymes in industrial processes are their lack of specificity for a particular application on one hand and their insufficient stability on the other. Moreover, the high diversity and complexity of proteases create new challenges on the analytical front necessitating the utilization of distinct techniques.

This review paper attempts to provide a comprehensive perspective on the significance of protease specificity and stability with respect to various industrial contexts. An overview of the relevant progressive experimental characterization approaches along with predictive computational tools to profile protease specificity and stability with illustrative examples has also been attempted.

Furthermore, it explores the efforts on the utilization of enzyme engineering and immobilization techniques to optimize the performance of industrial proteases based on specific process demands with case studies. Finally, the specific areas warranting attention in their enzyme production sector and the utilization of various technical domains in enzyme technology have been highlighted.

Thorough characterization of protease specificity and stability is crucial for designing and optimizing industrial process-apt proteases; resulting in improved product quality with enhanced functionality and process efficiency with reduced waste generation and better energy efficiency. Such improved proteases would enable the targeted industries in greening their production methods in a sustainable manner. Concisely, the review highlights the underexplored perspectives of protease specificity and stability in industrial contexts and thereby addressing the gaps in existing literature as well.

3. Identifying the socioeconomic determinants of industrial hazardous waste generation: South Korea as a case study

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 901, 25 November 2023, 166525

Abstract

The South Korean government has set an ambitious target to reduce industrial hazardous waste (IHW) as part of its transition towards a circular economy. Moreover, effective management of IHW within the country has become crucial, given that IHW trade is regulated by the Basel Convention.

Despite the urgent need for well-founded environmental policies, there is a lack of essential information on the characteristics and determinants of IHW generation, which hinders the effectiveness of existing IHW policies. To address this information gap, this study developed a South Korean extended IHW input-output model for 2008 and 2018 to characterize IHW generation and applied structural decomposition analysis to identify the socioeconomic determinant of change of IHW generation.

The results reveal that consumption, export, and direct IHW intensity change of ‘Chemical’, ‘Electronic and electrical equipment’, ‘Basic metal’, and ‘Other service’ emerge as dominant determinants for IHW growth. Conversely, technology change, including technological structure change and direct IHW intensity change, of ‘Basic metal’ and ‘Other service’ is the key driver for IHW reduction. In addition, an intriguing aspect of the study relates to the supply chain’s influence on IHW generation.

The indirect growth of IHW resulting from expanding exports and consumption contributes nearly twice as much to the overall increase in IHW as direct IHW growth. These valuable insights pave the way for the South Korean government to establish holistic and customized environmental policies regarding IHW. It emphasizes the importance of considering expanded global system boundaries, technological advancements, and purchasers’ consumption patterns as dominant factors in formulating these policies. Furthermore, this study not only provides crucial guidance for the government’s decision-making but also suggests strengthening environmental management and monitoring practices.

4. Assessing the impact of intermediate import liberalization on green innovation in pollution-prone industries: A study on publicly traded companies

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138933

Abstract

Against the backdrop of mounting concerns about the environmental degradation stemming from heavily polluting industries in China’s manufacturing sector, this study aims to investigate the effects of intermediate import liberalization during the period 2000–2016 on green innovation. By examining this relationship, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into potential strategies for fostering sustainable development and promoting environmentally friendly practices within the sector.

This study underscores the significant and positive impact of intermediate import liberalization on the green innovation of listed companies operating in heavily polluted industries. Our benchmark regression analysis demonstrates this influence. Notably, this effect is particularly pronounced for state-owned enterprises and those with high import intensity. Additionally, the study reveals that the beneficial impact of intermediate goods import liberalization on green innovation is evident primarily in high-tech industries and within the eastern region. These findings underscore the essential role played by positive spillover effects and competition in shaping the influence of intermediate import liberalization on environmentally conscious innovation.

Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of both countries and enterprises leveraging the benefits derived from the liberalization of intermediate goods imports. Firms should proactively seek advanced foreign knowledge and technology, while actively engaging in market competition to drive their own green innovation and expedite the process of transitioning to environmentally sustainable practices. These findings have significant policy implications for enhancing green innovation in the manufacturing sector and promoting sustainable development.

5. Do governance patterns of environmental regulation affect firm’s technological innovation: Evidence from China

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138767

Abstract

In China, the environmental governance patterns of local governments differ significantly. This study explores the possible relationship between environmental governance patterns and firm’s technological innovation. It firstly develops a quantitative method to describe environmental governance patterns by decomposing the environmental regulation intensity index into Normalized Governance Index (NGI) and Passive Governance Index (PGI). Then, this study employs Chinese city-level datasets in 2011–2015 to estimate High-Dimensional Fixed Effect model with instrumental variable (IV).

The results show that, first, environmental regulations of governments positively affect technological innovation. Second, NGI has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between environmental regulation and technological innovation, whereas PGI has a negative moderating effect. Third, two opposite forces induced by governance patterns can explain the inverted U-shaped Porter effect. The results suggest energy, environmental, and technological innovation policy implications, as stable and expectable environmental regulation can better promote industrial sector technological innovation given the Porter effect.

6. Bifunctional quaternary magnetic composite as efficient heterojunctions photocatalyst for simultaneous photocatalytic visible light degradation of dye and herbicide pollutants from water and bacterial disinfection

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 345, 1 November 2023, 118656

Abstract

In the present study, the magnetic Fe3O4/Ag2C2O4/Ag3PO4/Ag nanocomposite were prepared through a simple co-precipitation method by using calendula officinalis seed extract as a stabilizer. The fabricated quaternary photocatalyst was applied for to degrade food dye Brilliant Blue FCF (BB) and herbicide Paraquat (PQ) as contaminants at binary mixture in a batch and continuous flow-loop photoreactor under visible light irradiation and also the antibacterial properties was investigated.

The fabricated nanocomposite was determined by XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET&BJH, UV-DRS, FT-IR and VSM methods to gain insight about structure, morphology, purity, surface area, optical, functional group and magnetic properties. The photoelectrochemical experiments, PL and DRS indicate the successful coupling of the active semiconductors. The degradation efficiency of BB and PQ was announced to be 88.9% and 92.72% under optimal conditions with a high reaction rate constant value (0.03 and 0.0326 min−1), respectively.

The quaternary photocatalyst exhibited superior photocatalytic performance compared with Ag3PO4/Ag2C2O4 and Ag2C2O4. Various scavengers were used to explore the mechanism of photocatalytic performance and supports that main active species in the degradation process of BB and PQ, respectively. Furthermore, the Fe3O4/Ag2C2O4/Ag3PO4/Ag also demonstrated bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as gram-negative bacteria.

7. Time dynamics in the effect of carbon information disclosure on corporate value

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138858

Abstract

It is crucial to examine whether carbon information disclosure (CID) can truly enhance corporate value (CV), which motivates companies to reduce carbon emissions endogenously. Given that the dynamic impact of CID on CV evolves over time, this paper continuously investigates this time-varying relationship within the functional framework. Based on the continuous curves smoothed from 65 companies in the Shanghai Stock Exchange Social Responsibility Index, we construct an evaluation index using functional entropy weight to continuously measure the level of CID.

Furthermore, to quantify the time-varying effect of CID on CV, we use functional regression to visualize its dynamics in symbol, strength, and statistical significance from 2009 to 2021. Finally, the real-time moderating effects of nature of ownership and industry attributes are also examined, revealing how the impact of CID on CV varies across different companies and periods.

The results suggest the following: (1) CID adversely affected CV initially but favored later. (2) The initial negative impact and the subsequent positive impact of CID on CV are stronger in non-state-owned companies than in state-owned companies. (3) These impacts are also stronger in low-polluting companies than in high-polluting companies. In summary, this paper expands the research toolset for exploring the dynamic effect of CID on CV and offers practical implications for companies to make informed disclosure decisions.

8. Assessment of source-oriented health risk associated with the oral ingestion of heavy metals in dust within an iron/steel smelting-affected area of the North China Plain

Environmental Research, Volume 237, Part 2, 15 November 2023, 117101

Abstract

Heavy metals (HMs) from iron/steel smelting activities pose notable risks to human health, especially to those living around industrial facilities of North China Plain, the base of China’s steel production. In this study, 78 outdoor windowsill dust samples were collected around a large-scale iron/steel smelter with more than 65 years of production history in the western North China Plain.

Nine HMs were analysed to comprehensively assess the health risks by integrating Monte Carlo simulation, oral bioaccessibility, and source apportionment. Results showed serious pollution with Cd, Pb, and Zn based on their geo-accumulation index values and concentrations. Four potential sources including industrial sources (49.85%), traffic sources (21.78%), natural sources (20.58%), and coal combustion (7.79%) were quantitatively identified by multivariate statistical analysis.

The oral bioaccessibilities of HMs determined by the physiologically based extraction test ranged from 0.02% to 65.16%. Zn, Mn, Cd, and Pb had higher bioaccessibilities than other HMs. After incorporating oral bioavailability adjustments, noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were significantly reduced, especially for adults. The mean hazard index (HI) for children and adults was below the safety threshold (1.0), whereas the mean of the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) based on HM bioaccessibilities in the gastric phase remained above the acceptable level (1.0E-06) (children: 5.20E-06; adults: 1.16E-06). Traffic sources warranted increased concern as it substantially increased TCR. Cd was identified as the priority pollution in iron/steel smelting areas. Assessing source-oriented health risks associated with oral ingestion exposure can guide the management and control of HM contamination within iron/steel smelting-affected areas.

9. Why does “green” matter in supply chain management? Exploring institutional pressures, green practices, green innovation, and economic performance in the Chinese chemical sector

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 427, 15 November 2023, 139182

Abstract

There is a growing concern over the depletion of natural resources caused by rapid industrialization and its impact on the environment. As a response to these concerns, many companies are now focusing on implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and green innovation (GI) as part of their environmental strategies to improve their economic performance (EP). Empirical evidence regarding the actual effects of these practices on the economic performance of Chinese chemical companies is still limited, warranting further investigation.

To close the gap, this study utilizes the resource-based view and Institutional Theory to explore how three types of institutional pressures influence GSCM practices in Chinese chemical companies. Additionally, it examines the role of top management support (TMS) in shaping the relationship between GSCM practices and economic performance. The PLS-SEM approach was used to analyze the data gathered from 414 samples from listed Chinese chemical companies.

The findings of the study revealed four key outcomes: First, institutional pressures have a positive influence on the adoption of GSCM practices by companies. Second, both GSCM practices and GI have a positive impact on economic performance, indicating that companies can enhance their economic performance by incorporating environmentally friendly practices. Third, GI acts as a mediator between GSCM practices and economic performance, indicating that the implementation of GI plays a crucial role in improving companies’ economic outcomes through GSCM practices. Lastly, the relationship between GSCM practices and economic performance is strengthened when top management provides strong support for these initiatives.

Overall, these findings not only have an academic impact on the supply chain domain but also provide effective environmental management practices to the top managers in Chinese chemical sector, allowing them to make decisions that benefit organizational efficiency, innovation, and performance. By identifying the factors that drive the adoption of GSCM practices and their influence on economic performance, the study offers valuable guidance for companies to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

10. Co-occurrence of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMSs) in fine particulate matter (PM0.5 and PM0.1) collected from an industrial area in Vietnam

Environmental Research, Volume 237, Part 2, 15 November 2023, 117018

Abstract

Distribution patterns of 10 phthalic acid diesters (PAEs) and four cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMSs) were investigated in fine particulate matter (PM0.1 and PM0.5) collected from Bac Ninh, an industrial province in Vietnam during September–October in 2021. Total concentrations of PAEs found in PM0.1 and PM0.5 were in the ranges of 1.76–372 (median: 34.0 ng/m3) and 2.23–895 ng/m3 (median: 15.4 ng/m3), respectively. Among PAEs, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) was the most abundant compound found in PM0.1, whereas, di-2-(ethyl)hexyl phthalate (DEHP) was measured at the highest concentration in PM0.5. Total concentrations of cVMSs measured in PM0.1 and PM0.5 were in the ranges of method quantification limit (MQL)–203 (median: 2.10 ng/m3) and MQL–537 ng/m3 (median: 0.389 ng/m3), respectively.

Among cVMSs, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) was found at the highest concentration in both PM0.1 and PM0.5 fractions of particulate matter. The concentration ratios between PAEs and cVMSs in PM0.1/PM0.5 were greater than 1 (except di-n-octyl phthalate: DnOP), suggesting that these chemicals tend to sorb to PM0.1 more preferentially than PM0.5. Among sampling locations, high concentrations of PAEs and cVMSs were found at traffic intersections (Que Vo district) and a craft village (Tu Son city). Relatively stronger correlations existed between cVMSs pairs in PM0.1 and PM0.5 (correlation coefficient: 0.73–1) than those of PAEs (−0.83–0.90). The human exposure doses to PAEs and cVMSs through inhalation of particulate matter were estimated based on the measured concentrations in PM0.1 and PM0.5 fractions. The estimated exposure doses of PAEs and cVMSs for infants (7.1 ng/kg-bw/d and 2.5 ng/kg-bw/d) were higher than those for adults (2.6 ng/kg-bw/d and 0.9 ng/kg-bw/d).

11. Electrification of steam cracking as a pathway to reduce the impact of the petrochemical industry on climate change

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 427, 15 November 2023, 139208

Abstract

In the Chemical Process Industry (CPI) only hydrogen production from steam methane reforming produces more greenhouse gas emissions than light olefins production. Various solutions have been proposed to reduce the CO2 emissions from olefins production. It is not clear which solution is best, particularly when you consider other sustainability factors. In this paper we report the results of our cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of three highly promising solutions: a so-called low-emission steam cracking furnace, the electrically driven RotoDynamic reactor (RDR), and a blue hydrogen-fired furnace. Life cycle inventory data is obtained from a first principles model for steam cracking, validated with industrial data, and combined with data obtained from process simulation. Our study shows that if the electrical supply is grey then the RDR-based cracking process has a 41% higher impact on climate change than the reference base case, a conventional plant with state-of-the-art furnaces.

The low-emission furnace is only 7.2% higher. When using a mixed electrical grid, like Belgium’s, the climate change impact for the RDR is 1.5% higher and the low emission furnace is 6.6% lower. With a grid that uses fully renewable power generation the RDR solution is an impressive 27% lower than the base case and the low-emission furnace 17% lower. We also analysed the impact of firing the furnaces with blue hydrogen from (a) a conventional steam-methane reformer and (b) an innovative gas-heated reformer: both (a) and (b) using carbon capture and storage (CCS). The climate change impact is reduced by 8% and 18% respectively compared to the base case. Since the blue hydrogen solution uses very little electricity, the climate change impact is insensitive to the method of electrical power generation.

12. Key factors for abating particulate matter in a highly industrialized area in N Spain: Fugitive emissions and secondary aerosol precursors

Chemosphere, Volume 341, November 2023, 139959

Abstract

In highly industrialized areas, abating particulate matter (PM) is complex owing to the variety of emission sources with different chemical profiles that may mix in the atmosphere. Gijón—an industrial city in northern Spain—was selected as a case study to better understand the key emission sources and improve air quality in highly industrialized areas. Accordingly, the trends of various air quality indicators (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and O3) during the past decade (2010–2019) were analyzed. Additionally, the inorganic and organic PM10 compositions were analyzed for source apportionment studies and to assess the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on PM10 levels.

The results revealed that over the past decade, PM10 concentrations decreased, whereas PM2.5 concentrations dominated by secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA) remained relatively constant. Notably, during the COVID-19 lockdown, the PM10 concentration increased by 9.1%, primarily owing to an increase in regional SIA (>65%) due to specific meteorological conditions that favor the formation of secondary PM from gaseous precursors. Overall, eight key PM10 sources were identified: “industrial fugitive PM resuspension” (FPM, 28% of mean PM10 concentration), “aged sea spray” (SSp, 16%), “secondary nitrate” (SN, 15%), “local diffuse source” (LPM, 12%), “solid fuel combustion” (SFC, 7.8%), “biomass burning” (BB, 7.4%), “secondary sulphate” (SSu, 6.0%), and “sinter” (SIN, 4.5%). The PM10 concentration in Gijón is significantly influenced by the integrated steel industry (FPM, SFC, and SIN; 41% of PM10) and fugitive primary PM emissions were the main source (FPM and LPM; 40%). To reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, industrial fugitive emissions, which are currently poorly regulated, and SIA precursors must be abated.

This study provides a methodological approach that combines trend analysis, chemical speciation, and source apportionment for assessing pollution abatement strategies in industrialized areas with a complex mix of emission sources.

13. Green conversion of waste PET into magnetic Ni0·4Fe2·6O4/(Fe,Ni)@carbon nanostructure for adsorption and separation of dyes from aqueous media

Chemosphere, Volume 342, November 2023, 140172

Abstract

A nanostructured core-shell composite (Ni0·4Fe2·6O4/(Fe,Ni)@carbon, NFC) comprising magnetic nano-cores encapsulated with graphitic shells (≈80 wt%) is prepared by facile and clean mechanochemical-molten salt processing approach using waste PET; providing a specific surface area of 201.9 m2 g−1, well-developed mesopores, and ferromagnetic behavior characterized by the coercivity value of 149 Oe. NFC is utilized as a high-performance adsorbent for the removal of organic dyes from their aqueous solutions. Moreover, the magnetic performance of NFC enables the facile collection of the exhausted adsorbent out of the purified water.

Performances of NFC for the removal of crystal violet dye (CV), methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine B (Rh B) from their aqueous solutions are systematically investigated under different environmental conditions including the adsorbent dosage and dye concentration, as well as the solution pH and temperature, where an impressive CV removal capacity of 201.6–243.8 mg g−1 is recorded for a wide pH range of 2–10. Mechanism and kinetics involved in the adsorption process are investigated by studying the adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics. The dye adsorption of the nanocomposite material is confirmed to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model combined with the Langmuir isotherm model, exhibiting an excellent spontaneous and exothermic monolayer adsorption capacity of around 153 mg g−1 (for MO) for the fresh adsorbent and around 89 mg g−1 after three adsorption-regeneration cycles

14. Green means long life – green competencies for corporate sustainability performance: A moderated mediation model of green organizational culture and top management support

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 427, 15 November 2023, 139174

Abstract

Drawing on ability, motivation, opportunity (AMO) theory, this study seeks to contribute to the burgeoning scholarly discourse encompassing the instrumentality of green competencies (GCs) in catalyzing corporate sustainability performance (CSP). This study seeks to examine direct effect of GCs on CSP, the mediating effects of top management support (TMS) in the relationship between GCs and CSP, the moderating effect of green organizational culture (GOC), and finally the moderated mediation of GOC and TMS in causing GCs to affect CSP.

To ascertain the associations among these constructs, three-wave time-lagged and multi-sourced data has been gathered from ISO-14001 certified Saudi firms. The empirical results confirm the hypothesized direct, mediating, moderating, and moderated mediation associations among the subject constructs. While concluding that a requisite accumulation (or cultivation/curation) of GCs, especially in green cultures, can impel top management to enthusiastically bolster green initiatives for superior sustainability performance. In addition, the authors suggest some mechanisms and boundary conditions through which GCs could be astutely deployed to boost CSP.

15. Environmental impacts of Indian coal thermal power plants and associated human health risk to the nearby residential communities: A potential review

Chemosphere, Volume 341, November 2023, 140103

Abstract

Worldwide, harmful emissions from coal power plants cause many illnesses contribute to premature deaths burden. Despite its high impact on human health and being a major source of toxic pollutants, coal has been considered a component of global energy for decades. Hence, this work was envisaged to understand the rising environmental and multiple health issues from coal power plants. Studies on the adverse impacts of coal power plants on the environment, including soil, surface water, groundwater and air, were critically evaluated.

The health risk from exposure to different pollutants and toxic metals released from the power plant was also demonstrated. The study also highlighted the government initiatives and policies regarding coal power operation and generation. Lastly, the study focused on guiding coal power plant owners and policymakers in identifying the essential cues for the risk assessment and management.

The current study found an association between environmental and human health risks due to power generation, which needs intervention from the scientific and medical fields to jointly address public concerns. It is also suggested that future research should concentrate on exposure assessment techniques by integrating source-identification and geographic information systems to assess the health effects of different contaminants from power plants and to mitigate their adverse impact.

16. Assessing the demand for carbon credits from the most polluting and hard-to-abate sectors in India

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 425, 1 November 2023, 138825

Abstract

Carbon pricing has emerged as a highly effective tool in the pursuit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Empirical evidence underscores its capacity to incentivize gradual reductions in emissions. Given the imperative for Indian industries to embrace decarbonization, this research delves into the potential of carbon markets to drive this transition. The study’s focal point is to unravel emission intensity trajectories within the Indian industrial landscape and project the demand for carbon credits emanating from the most challenging and highly polluting sectors.

Employing a blend of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this study introduces methodological innovations in the existing literature. Statistical modelling is at the core, encompassing factors such as technological feasibility, policy frameworks, and voluntary industry benchmarks aimed at realizing net-zero emissions. This study’s distinctive contribution lies in its holistic approach to investigating Indian industry decarbonization through market mechanisms. The extensive case corpus analysis holds substantial significance by furnishing practical reference cases for Indian industries and policymakers navigating this transformative journey.

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