Land use transformations in Sonipat District,Haryana,driven by urbanization,industrialization,and land acquisitions,have posed significant ecological and socio-economic challenges,particularly concerning food security...Land use transformations in Sonipat District,Haryana,driven by urbanization,industrialization,and land acquisitions,have posed significant ecological and socio-economic challenges,particularly concerning food security.This study investigates the interplay between these land use changes and their environmental implications at macro(district)and micro(village)levels,focusing on agricultural productivity and resource sustainability.The study employs a mixed-method approach,integrating secondary data from official datasets and primary data gathered through structured household surveys,focus group discussions,and visual analysis techniques.Data from 20 villages,selected based on predominant land use characteristics,were analysed using statistical and geospatial tools,including ArcGIS and STATA,to quantify food grain losses and evaluate environmental degradation.Findings of this study reveal a 19%reduction in agricultural land over two decades(2000-2024),correlating with increased residential and industrial areas.Groundwater resources face severe overexploitation,with pollution from industrial clusters further degrading water and soil quality.The study estimates a total food grain loss of 1.5 million kilograms across surveyed villages due to land acquisitions.A strong positive correlation(R^(2)=0.98)between land acquisition and food loss underscores the direct impact of urbanization on agricultural output.The research underscores the urgency of sustainable land management practices,including preserving agricultural lands,optimizing groundwater usage,and enhancing community involvement in planning.By addressing these challenges,the study advocates for balanced urban expansion and food security to ensure ecological and economic resilience in the region.展开更多
During times of war, it is rare to find a government willing and able to require the military to fund and support environmental impact studies. In the 1960s, many United States scientists expressed concerns about the ...During times of war, it is rare to find a government willing and able to require the military to fund and support environmental impact studies. In the 1960s, many United States scientists expressed concerns about the use of herbicides during the Vietnam War. This protest was led by Dr. Arthur Galston and eventually included scientists with the National Academy of Science. By 1970, the Department of Defense (DoD) was ordered to permit the scientists to visit South Vietnam during the war to document these impacts. In all 1500 scientist days were spent in South Vietnam. In addition, the US government and military funded research studies on the impact of herbicides on animals. The goal of military use of herbicides, as chemical weapons, was to defoliate jungle forests and destroy food crops as a strategy to win battles and the war. The primary objective of this research study is to describe how it is possible for a country to fund and carry out scientific studies during the conduct of a war rather than decades later. The environmental impact study findings often lack boots on the ground validation and can be inaccurate or misleading in some situations. The United States (US) and other countries, including Russia and Ukraine, need to learn the historical lessons from the US use of herbicides, containing dioxin TCDD and/or arsenic (As), as chemical weapons during the Vietnam War.展开更多
Lithium iron phosphate(LFP)has found many applications in the field of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.However,the increasing volume of end-of-life LFP batteries poses an urgent challenge in terms of envi...Lithium iron phosphate(LFP)has found many applications in the field of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.However,the increasing volume of end-of-life LFP batteries poses an urgent challenge in terms of environmental sustainability and resource management.Therefore,the development and implementation of efficient LFP battery recycling methods are crucial to address these challenges.This article presents a novel,comprehensive evaluation framework for comparing different lithium iron phosphate relithiation techniques.The framework includes three main sets of criteria:direct production cost,electrochemical performance,and environmental impact.Each criterion is scored on a scale of 0–100,with higher scores indicating better performance.The direct production cost is rated based on material costs,energy consumption,key equipment costs,process duration and space requirements.Electrochemical performance is assessed by rate capability and cycle stability.Environmental impact is assessed based on CO_(2)emissions.The framework provides a standardized technique for researchers and industry professionals to objectively compare relithiation methods,facilitating the identification of the most promising approaches for further development and scale-up.The total average score across the three criterion groups for electrochemical,chemical,and hydrothermal relithiation methods was approximately 60 points,while sintering scored 39 points,making it the least attractive relithiation technique.Combining approaches outlined in publications with scores exceeding 60,a relithiation scheme was proposed to achieve optimal electrochemical performance with minimal resource consumption and environmental impact.The results demonstrate the framework’s applicability and highlight areas for future research and optimization in lithium iron phosphate cathode recycling.展开更多
This study developed a pilot-scale process feeding with two different materials resulting from a column leaching process and acid mine drainage(AMD)streams to recover rare earth elements(REEs).A life cycle assessment(...This study developed a pilot-scale process feeding with two different materials resulting from a column leaching process and acid mine drainage(AMD)streams to recover rare earth elements(REEs).A life cycle assessment(LCA)study was done to evaluate the environmental impacts of rare earth production from deleterious material in the form of highly contaminated leachate(HCL)and low-contaminated leachate(LCL).The results indicate that the main contributors to environmental categories that produce RE-hydroxide stages are NaOH and electricity.Also,oxalic acid,Na_(2)CO_(3),and hydrochloric acid significantly contribute to the production stage of individual rare earth oxides(REOs),including solvent extraction(SX)and precipitation steps.The HCL route has higher environmental impacts than LCL due to higher chemical/energy and H_(2)SO_(4)usage,so 468 and 292 kg of carbon dioxide are generated to produce1 t of individual REOs from HCL and LCL routes,respectively.Moreover,the carbon dioxide emitted from the process,including the RE-hydroxide production,SX,and REOs production,is less than 10 t CO_(2).A sensitivity analysis was also performed to assess the changeability of the environmental footprints of the main inputs in the SX process,as the main stage has a higher contribution to the whole process.This LCA study is the first step toward understanding the environmental influence of new processing methods to produce REEs from coal by-products through a developed pilot-scale process.展开更多
The NdFeB scrap,as a representative solid waste of rare earths,possesses significant recyclable value.This study focused on NdFeB waste and investigated the environmental impacts of pyro-and hydro-metallurgical proces...The NdFeB scrap,as a representative solid waste of rare earths,possesses significant recyclable value.This study focused on NdFeB waste and investigated the environmental impacts of pyro-and hydro-metallurgical process(PH-M process)and its improved version,the pyro-and hydro-metallurgical improvement process(PH-Mi process).The results demonstrate that,although the PH-Mi process consumes higher amounts of energy,electricity,and chemicals compared to the PH-M process,it is more environmentally friendly and economically efficient(i.e.,net profit increased by 34.12%).To quantify and compare the environmental performance of the two scenarios,life cycle assessment methodology was applied.It is concluded that the PH-Mi process is superior to the PH-M process for eutrophication potential(EP)and the total environmental impacts.In comparison with PH-Mi process,PH-M process exhibits a certain advantage in terms of carbon footprint due to increased consumption of electricity and chemicals after the technological upgrade.展开更多
The well-facilitated farmland projects(WFFPs)involve the typical sustainable intensification of farmland use and play a key role in raising food production in China.However,whether such WFFPs can enhance the nitrogen(...The well-facilitated farmland projects(WFFPs)involve the typical sustainable intensification of farmland use and play a key role in raising food production in China.However,whether such WFFPs can enhance the nitrogen(N)use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts is still unclear.Here,we examined the data from 502 valid questionnaires collected from WFFPs in the major grain-producing area,the Huang-Huai-Hai Region(HHHR)in China,with 429 samples for wheat,328 for maize,and 122 for rice.We identified gaps in N use efficiency(NUE)and N losses from the production of the three crops between the sampled WFFPs and counties based on the statistical data.The results showed that compared to the county-level(wheat,39.1%;maize,33.8%;rice,35.1%),the NUEs for wheat(55.2%),maize(52.1%),and rice(50.2%)in the WFFPs were significantly improved(P<0.05).In addition,the intensities of ammonia(NH3)volatilization(9.9-12.2 kg N ha–1),N leaching(6.5-16.9 kg N ha–1),and nitrous oxide(N2O)emissions(1.2-1.6 kg N ha–1)from crop production in the sampled WFFPs were significantly lower than the county averages(P<0.05).Simulations showed that if the N rates are reduced by 10.0,15.0,and 20.0%for the counties,the NUEs of wheat,maize,and rice in the HHHR will increase by 2.9-6.3,2.4-5.2,and 2.6-5.7%,respectively.If the N rate is reduced to the WFFP level in each county,the NUEs of the three crops will increase by 12.9-19.5%,and the N leaching,NH3,and N2O emissions will be reduced by 48.9-56.2,37.4-42.9,and 46.0-66.5%,respectively.Our findings highlight that efficient N management practices in sustainable intensive farmland have considerable potential for reducing environmental impacts.展开更多
With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how ...With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how it responds to demographic dynamics,particularly in emerging economies like China.Using the two-stage Quadratic Almost Demand System(QUAIDS)model,this study empirically examines the impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes based on the provincial data from 2000 to 2020 in China.Under various scenarios,according to changes in demographics,we extend our analysis to project the long-term trend of food consumption and its environmental impacts,including greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,water footprint(WF),and land appropriation(LA).The results reveal that an increase in the proportion of senior people significantly decreases the consumption of grain and livestock meat and increases the consumption of poultry,egg,and aquatic products,particularly for urban residents.Moreover,an increase in the proportion of males in the population leads to higher consumption of poultry and aquatic products.Correspondingly,in the current scenario of an increased aging population and sex ratio,it is anticipated that GHG emissions,WF,and LA are likely to decrease by 1.37,2.52,and 3.56%,respectively.More importantly,in the scenario adhering to the standards of nutritional intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in 2022,GHG emissions,WF,and LA in urban areas would increase by 12.78,20.94,and 18.32%,respectively.Our findings suggest that changing demographics should be considered when designing policies to mitigate the diet-environment-health trilemma and achieve sustainable food consumption.展开更多
Micro-energy systems contribute significantly to environmental improvement by reducing dependence on power grids through the utilization of multiple renewable energy sources.This study quantified the environmental imp...Micro-energy systems contribute significantly to environmental improvement by reducing dependence on power grids through the utilization of multiple renewable energy sources.This study quantified the environmental impact of a micro-energy network system in an industrial park through a life cycle assessment using the operation of the micro-energy network over a year as the functional unit and“cradle-to-gate”as the system boundary.Based on the baseline scenario,a natural gas generator set was added to replace central heating,and the light pipes were expanded to constitute the optimized scenario.The results showed that the key impact categories for both scenarios were global warming,fine particulate matter formation,human carcinogenic toxicity,and human non-carcinogenic toxicity.The overall environmental impact of the optimized scenario was reduced by 68%compared to the baseline scenario.A sensitivity analysis of the key factors showed that electricity from the power grid was the key impact factor in both scenarios,followed by central heating and natural gas.Therefore,to reduce the environmental impact of network systems,it is necessary to further optimize the grid power structure.The research approach can be used to optimize micro-energy networks and evaluate the environmental impact of different energy systems.展开更多
Because of environmental constraints,beef cattle was for more than a century the only viable farming option in the extensive semiarid and subhumid lands of Argentina and the main source of nutrients for humans as well...Because of environmental constraints,beef cattle was for more than a century the only viable farming option in the extensive semiarid and subhumid lands of Argentina and the main source of nutrients for humans as well.However,a growing concern and criticism have risen today about its possible negative impact on the climate and the environment.These worries tend to affect current public opinions,national policies,and international trade.Based on 40 beef cattle farms scattered across different semiarid and subhumid regions of Argentina,here we evaluated the impact of extensive cattle production on carbon,water,and nutrient pollution.Life-Cycle Assessment(LCA)and Land-Based Assessment(LBA)were the two approaches we used here to compare the environmental impact of beef production.While the environmental footprint(EF)resulting from LCA expresses the impact per unit of food,the environmental balance(EB),derived from LBA,aims at quantifying the impact per unit of land.As such,the EB considers both negative and positive impacts on the farm as an integrated system.Following standardized procedures,we evaluated EF and EB up to the farm gate,leaving aside delocalized post-farm impacts such as those of processing,packaging,and transportation that occur beyond the farm gate.In agreement with previous evidence,our results show that the EF tends to decrease as per-head production increases.Correlation coefficients and statistical significance were the following for carbon(R=−0.574;p<0.01),water(R=−0.561;p<0.01),and N(R=−0.704;p<0.01)and Phosphorus(P)pollution(R=−0.802;p<0.01)footprints.On the contrary,the EB seems to be highly sensitive,and as per-hectare beef production increases.Correlations were the following for carbon emissions(CE:R=0.955;p<0.01),water consumption(WC:R=0.822;p<0.01),nitrogen excretion(NE:R=0.948;p<0.01)and phosphorus excretion(PE:R=0.945;p<0.01).What our results suggest is that the notion of EF is useful to evaluate the environmental impact in intensive beef production systems,and the EB is suitable to assess the impact of the extensive ones.In practice,both approaches provide different perspectives on the environmental-impact problem and they should be complementary used.We concluded that the methodological rigidity of EF does not allow proper discrimination among farms in the extensive systems.On the contrary,the EB approach tended to be highly sensitive to detecting differences between individual farms and farmers,thus allowing the identification of successful options for extensive beef production in terms of public image,policy-making,and commercial opportunities.展开更多
Wind energy is one of the most basic forms of renewable energy,which shows an increasing rate of development worldwide and also at the European level.However,this rapid deployment of wind farms makes the need for an i...Wind energy is one of the most basic forms of renewable energy,which shows an increasing rate of development worldwide and also at the European level.However,this rapid deployment of wind farms makes the need for an impact assessment of this type of projects on the natural and man-made environment imperative.The present paper aims to identify and assess the environmental impacts of wind farm projects in the Region of Central Greece.A modified Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix(RIAM)method is used for this purpose.The methodology includes the identification of the existing onshore wind farm projects in the study area,the appropriate modifications of the RIAM method to respond to the characteristics of the projects and the study area,the qualitative assessment of their potential impacts during construction and operational phases and the computation of the Environmental Performance Grade(EPG)of projects based on the pro-posed modified RIAM method.The results reveal that although there are some slight negative impacts on the natural environment of the study area,the examined wind farms contribute positively both to the atmosphere and to the socio-economic environment of the study.This study extends the potential for using RIAM as a tool in environmental impact assessment studies of renewable energy projects.展开更多
Follow-up of environmental impacts is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, closely related to the effectiveness of the instrument. EIA follow-up has been receiving a lot of interest f...Follow-up of environmental impacts is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, closely related to the effectiveness of the instrument. EIA follow-up has been receiving a lot of interest from scientists and practitioners, though it is recognized as one of the weakest points of EIA systems globally. Also, EIA follow-up is influenced by the context, mainly in terms of the types of projects or activities and their related impacts on the environment. Therefore, the present paper is focused on the investigation of the follow-up stage applied to the activity of seismic survey coupled with offshore oil & gas exploitation in Brazil. Research was based on a qualitative approach that included document analysis and semi-structured interviews with analysts involved in EIA processes, and sought to generate evidence of effectiveness of the EIA follow-up as conducted by the Federal Environment Agency (Ibama) in order to situate the practice of follow-up in the broader context of international best practice principles. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, due to the peculiarities of offshore seismic survey, it is necessary to promote adaptations in the procedures for monitoring impacts in order to ensure proper alignment with the principles and conceptual foundations that guide EIA practice. Specifically, the timing of the execution of the activity imposes challenges for its integration into the “conventional” cycle that has guided the monitoring of the impacts in the EIA of projects.展开更多
A good quality Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is key for the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes and consequently to the acceptability of projects subject to EIA. The international l...A good quality Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is key for the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes and consequently to the acceptability of projects subject to EIA. The international literature has contributed to the understanding of the essential aspects to be verified regarding the quality of EIS, offering a wide spectrum of good practice examples related to the content of the studies. Even so, there is a need for empirical studies that allow the identification of specific aspects related to the context of application of the EIS, which could lead to the identification of opportunities to improve both the quality of the reports and also the effectiveness of EIA. Therefore, the present paper is focused on the quality review of a number of EIS submitted to the Brazilian Federal Environmental Agency (Ibama) to instruct the assessment of electric power transmission systems. Based on the application of the EIS quality review package as proposed by Lee and Colley (1992), the outcomes reveal opportunities for improving the scope of EIA, analysis of alternatives, prediction of magnitude and the assessment of impact significance. Finally, the development and/or adaptation of a similar tool for the systematic review of the quality of EIA reports is recommended.展开更多
This study aims to determine the environmental aspects and impacts of the phase relating to the operation of Manantali’s hydroelectric structures and facilities according to the requirements of the ISO 14001 version ...This study aims to determine the environmental aspects and impacts of the phase relating to the operation of Manantali’s hydroelectric structures and facilities according to the requirements of the ISO 14001 version 2015 standard. To do this, the mapping of the different work areas made it possible to identify all the activities within the framework of the farm. Based on the mapping, environmental measurements made including noise level, brightness, electric and magnetic fields, total particles, PM10, PM2.5, PM1 showed the work areas with the exposure limit values exceeded. The inventories of the waste produced show eighteen (18) types of waste, 67% of which are special industrial waste (SIW), 28% are ordinary industrial waste (OIW) and 5% are inert industrial waste (IIW). The identification and assessment of environmental aspects and impacts made it possible to determine sixteen (16) positive and negative significant environmental aspects (ESAs). The positive AES must be maintained, and for the negative ones, mitigation and mitigation measures must be put in place in order to manage them effectively. This will ultimately improve environmental management in the operation of hydroelectric structures and facilities.展开更多
The Lancang-Mekong River in China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam is the soul and heart of mainland Southeast Asia. Over 60 million people depend on the river and its tributaries for food, transportati...The Lancang-Mekong River in China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam is the soul and heart of mainland Southeast Asia. Over 60 million people depend on the river and its tributaries for food, transportation, water, and other necessities of life. The river supports one of the world’s most diverse fisheries, second only to Brazil’s Amazon River. Lancang-Mekong and tributaries are already heavily dammed primarily in China, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, with many more dams planned or under construction. Dams can worsen the impact of periodic droughts in the Lancang-Mekong basin and block the river’s “pulse effect” that spreads water and nutrients needed for fishing and farming onto the floodplains and delta. The headwaters of the Lancang are in China and its waters are considered a national resource. China regards the Lancang, Yangtze and Yellow rivers as a free resource rather than a shared resource. The primary difference between these rivers is the Lancang flows from China into and through other countries and not directly into a sea or ocean. China and Myanmar have not joined the Mekong River Commission (MRC) as full members but have been Dialogue Partners since 1996. Over the past thirty years, China’s Lancang policies and actions have reflected its national resource interests. China has actively engaged with individual transboundary countries at various levels including environmental, conservation, and economic agreements. The primary objective of this study is to assess the environmental and human impacts of all Lancang-Mekong mainstem and tributary dams and the plans by many countries for more hydropower utilizing the potential of the river as the continent’s energy lifeline. Future dams need to include fish ladders and navigation locks to reduce the environmental impacts on fish populations, natural resources, navigation, and livelihoods. Strengthening of international collaboration via the MRC or by individual or multiple country agreements to address Lancang-Mekong’s sustainable transboundary development goals is recommended. When new Lancang-Mekong and tributary dams are built within any of the transboundary watershed countries, additional communities will need to be resettled. Significant environmental and human impacts are observed. Steps will have to be taken by all the concerned countries to prevent these problems and to ensure that people’s livelihoods are restored after resettlement.展开更多
The recently confirmed Hapcheon impact crater in Korea is a complex impact structure 7 km in diameter,with clear rims and impact-driven underground lacustrine sedimentary features.We investigated the lithological feat...The recently confirmed Hapcheon impact crater in Korea is a complex impact structure 7 km in diameter,with clear rims and impact-driven underground lacustrine sedimentary features.We investigated the lithological features of deposits within the impact crater using drilled sedimentary cores(23HIC01,20CR05,20CR09,and 20CR10),which consisted of an ascending order of impact breccias,lake sediments,and subaerial(e.g.,wetland)sediments.The impact breccia deposits in the 20CR05 and 23HIC01 cores contain shatter cones,which are a macroscopic indication of a meteorite impact.The overlying lake sediments were divided into three stages.The early stage of the post-impact lake environment corresponded to the lowermost lake sediments with frequent microfaults and slump-turbidite events.This stage is characterized by high calcite content of up to 13%.The middle stage showed a stable depositional environment,with silty to sandy lamination and bedding,and fewer microfaults.The final stage of the post-impact lake environment appears to have been very short and dramatic.This ended with the final slumping event,which appears to have been triggered by an abrupt outburst of lake water.This study demonstrates early post-impact lake sedimentation processes and crater instability in terms of soft-sediment deformation structures(e.g.,microfaults and slumps).展开更多
Arctic shipping poses environmental risks due to the region’s fragile ecosystems and rapid climate changes.Effective risk assessment tools are needed to ensure sustainable expansion and to carry out environmental imp...Arctic shipping poses environmental risks due to the region’s fragile ecosystems and rapid climate changes.Effective risk assessment tools are needed to ensure sustainable expansion and to carry out environmental impact assessments.This paper explores applications of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis(FMEA)and Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis(STPA)coupled with the consequences of a“Dynamic baseline approach”for Arctic shipping environmental impact assessment.Shipping entails complex interactions between environmental,technical,human,and organizational factors.FMEA identifies failure modes and their effects through component-level analysis.STPA examines how unsafe control actions can emerge from interactions between system components.Combining these techniques with a dynamic(variable)baseline,accounting for inherent ongoing changing Arctic conditions,offers a robust methodology.A qualitative case study shows that prioritizing hazards by risk,yields highest concerns,as increased greenhouse gas emissions,black carbon deposition on ice and snow,and response delays to accidents represent some of the most important identified threats to the environment.The use of FMEA and STPA are complementary,and differences are highlighted.The methodology applied,should be representative for the qualitative risk analysis methodology,and while the findings are impacted by the perspectives of the authors,the process followed is intended to identify and rank risks in a consistent manner.Mitigations measures must be in place to target these issues.Constant monitoring of the changing ecological and socioeconomic Arctic baselines supports the responses.This methodology offers a starting point for systematically addressing environmental impact risks in the data-limited Arctic.Integrating failure modes and effect analysis,system theories and dynamic baselines,account for identification of the complex interactions,influencing environmental risks in this rapidly evolving region.展开更多
Bangladesh is an agricultural country facing severe natural hazards in recent times. This results in agricultural damage, ecological damage, economic damage and human health damage. Keshabpur upazilla, Jashore distric...Bangladesh is an agricultural country facing severe natural hazards in recent times. This results in agricultural damage, ecological damage, economic damage and human health damage. Keshabpur upazilla, Jashore district is considered one of the most arsenic prone areas in Bangladesh. However, there was no research data found regarding presence of arsenic in ground water and its transfer to crops and impacts on human health. A questionnaire-based research was conducted to evaluate the present scenario of this area. However, two representative water samples were collected and analyzed. The data showed that 24% people didn’t know about As, 27% people didn’t know about arsenic effects on human health, 61% people depends on neighbor’s deep tubewell (600 - 750 feet depth) for drinking water, 40% people depend on government-provided deep tubewell for irrigation water, 19% peoples are suffering water scarcity in dry season because groundwater level decreased at that time and people mostly suffered with fever. The other diseases were headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, allergy, water pox and asthma. Doctors are providing general treatments but never try to find out the reasons based on As. Therefore, it is still unknown to them about which diseases are caused by As. Water analysis data showed that free CO2, EC, BOD, NH4+, NO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, As and Fe for drinking water and NH4+, NO3-, As and Fe for irrigation water were found to be higher than the DoE permitted safe water standards. The soil data collected from SRDI also supported the present research data. Continuous irrigation with water builds higher concentration of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Mn in the soil. Unfortunately, no data on As was found from SRDI. This research might work as a baseline research for policy makers and researchers to apply proper management plan in this area.展开更多
In this comprehensive review,the evolution and progress of bioplastics are examined,with an emphasis on their types,production methods,environmental impact,and biodegradability.In light of the increasing global effort...In this comprehensive review,the evolution and progress of bioplastics are examined,with an emphasis on their types,production methods,environmental impact,and biodegradability.In light of the increasing global efforts to address environmental degradation,bioplastics have emerged as a highly potential substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics.This review classifies various categories of bioplastics,encompassing both biodegradable and bio-based variations,and assesses their environmental consequences using life cycle evaluations and biodegradability calculations.This paper analyzes the technological advancements that have enhanced the mechanical and thermal characteristics of bioplastics,hence increasing their feasibility for extensive commercial applications in diverse sectors.This review critically examines the possible uses of bioplastics in important industries including packaging,aerospace,and healthcare,emphasizing both achievements and current obstacles.In addition,the assessment addresses the economic and technical obstacles to expanding bioplastic manufacturing,namely concerns about cost,material efficiency,and waste disposal.Moreover,the article forecasts the future potential of bioplastics in furthering a sustainable circular economy and suggests methods to address existing constraints,such as improvements in recycling technology and the establishment of more economically efficient manufacturing methods.The findings are intended to educate policymakers,industry stakeholders,and researchers on the crucial contribution of bioplastics in attaining sustainability objectives and promoting innovation in the field of material science.展开更多
The study aims to identify and analyze the perceptions and expectations of tourists regarding tourism development in the Sharr Mountains Region.In the Sharr Mountains Region,sustainable tourism is another opportunity ...The study aims to identify and analyze the perceptions and expectations of tourists regarding tourism development in the Sharr Mountains Region.In the Sharr Mountains Region,sustainable tourism is another opportunity for economic growth,cultural integrity,and environmental conservation.Public investments are vital in enhancing this investment as they help to develop infrastructure,promote businesses,and even promote environment-friendly activities.The research seeks to understand the relationship between public investments and investments in sustainable tourism in the Sharr Mountains region,focusing on the direct and indirect relational aspects of the economy,conservation,and the people.Key questions,address their expectations from public investment,infrastructure improvements,involvement of local authorities and the community,as well as concerns regarding the potential negative impact of tourism on the natural environment and local culture.The methodology of this study includes in-depth research through the quantitative method.Based on the results of data analysis,recommendations include improving tourism infrastructure,increasing awareness of environmental impact,and developing environmental education programs for tourists.Among the proposed actions is the improvement of cooperation between local authorities,the local community,and the private sector for the sustainable development of tourism in the Sharr Mountains Region.Finally,this study provides an essential contribution to the understanding of the expectations,evaluations,and impacts of tourists in this region,defining the key points of sustainable tourism development.展开更多
Renewable energy technologies, while often labeled as clean or net-zero alternatives to fossil fuels, involve substantial use of critical minerals in products like electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and b...Renewable energy technologies, while often labeled as clean or net-zero alternatives to fossil fuels, involve substantial use of critical minerals in products like electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. This aspect is frequently underappreciated, yet studies indicate it could be a significant area of environmental impact. For instance, research has shown that a typical electric vehicle needs around six times the mineral resources of a conventional vehicle, while an onshore wind turbine requires nine times the mineral input compared to a gas power plant of similar capacity. This paper seeks to analyze the environmental effects linked to the critical minerals required by certain renewable energy technologies. The study begins with an estimation of the future megawatt capacities for each type of renewable technology. Next, it calculates the specific mineral quantities necessary for each model, followed by an assessment of the environmental repercussions tied to their extraction and processing. The results highlight the unique environmental challenges posed by the rising demand for minerals in solar and wind energy systems, taking into account various adoption scenarios.展开更多
文摘Land use transformations in Sonipat District,Haryana,driven by urbanization,industrialization,and land acquisitions,have posed significant ecological and socio-economic challenges,particularly concerning food security.This study investigates the interplay between these land use changes and their environmental implications at macro(district)and micro(village)levels,focusing on agricultural productivity and resource sustainability.The study employs a mixed-method approach,integrating secondary data from official datasets and primary data gathered through structured household surveys,focus group discussions,and visual analysis techniques.Data from 20 villages,selected based on predominant land use characteristics,were analysed using statistical and geospatial tools,including ArcGIS and STATA,to quantify food grain losses and evaluate environmental degradation.Findings of this study reveal a 19%reduction in agricultural land over two decades(2000-2024),correlating with increased residential and industrial areas.Groundwater resources face severe overexploitation,with pollution from industrial clusters further degrading water and soil quality.The study estimates a total food grain loss of 1.5 million kilograms across surveyed villages due to land acquisitions.A strong positive correlation(R^(2)=0.98)between land acquisition and food loss underscores the direct impact of urbanization on agricultural output.The research underscores the urgency of sustainable land management practices,including preserving agricultural lands,optimizing groundwater usage,and enhancing community involvement in planning.By addressing these challenges,the study advocates for balanced urban expansion and food security to ensure ecological and economic resilience in the region.
文摘During times of war, it is rare to find a government willing and able to require the military to fund and support environmental impact studies. In the 1960s, many United States scientists expressed concerns about the use of herbicides during the Vietnam War. This protest was led by Dr. Arthur Galston and eventually included scientists with the National Academy of Science. By 1970, the Department of Defense (DoD) was ordered to permit the scientists to visit South Vietnam during the war to document these impacts. In all 1500 scientist days were spent in South Vietnam. In addition, the US government and military funded research studies on the impact of herbicides on animals. The goal of military use of herbicides, as chemical weapons, was to defoliate jungle forests and destroy food crops as a strategy to win battles and the war. The primary objective of this research study is to describe how it is possible for a country to fund and carry out scientific studies during the conduct of a war rather than decades later. The environmental impact study findings often lack boots on the ground validation and can be inaccurate or misleading in some situations. The United States (US) and other countries, including Russia and Ukraine, need to learn the historical lessons from the US use of herbicides, containing dioxin TCDD and/or arsenic (As), as chemical weapons during the Vietnam War.
基金state assignments of Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry,Russian Academy of Sciences(No.124013000692-4 and 122112100037-4).
文摘Lithium iron phosphate(LFP)has found many applications in the field of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.However,the increasing volume of end-of-life LFP batteries poses an urgent challenge in terms of environmental sustainability and resource management.Therefore,the development and implementation of efficient LFP battery recycling methods are crucial to address these challenges.This article presents a novel,comprehensive evaluation framework for comparing different lithium iron phosphate relithiation techniques.The framework includes three main sets of criteria:direct production cost,electrochemical performance,and environmental impact.Each criterion is scored on a scale of 0–100,with higher scores indicating better performance.The direct production cost is rated based on material costs,energy consumption,key equipment costs,process duration and space requirements.Electrochemical performance is assessed by rate capability and cycle stability.Environmental impact is assessed based on CO_(2)emissions.The framework provides a standardized technique for researchers and industry professionals to objectively compare relithiation methods,facilitating the identification of the most promising approaches for further development and scale-up.The total average score across the three criterion groups for electrochemical,chemical,and hydrothermal relithiation methods was approximately 60 points,while sintering scored 39 points,making it the least attractive relithiation technique.Combining approaches outlined in publications with scores exceeding 60,a relithiation scheme was proposed to achieve optimal electrochemical performance with minimal resource consumption and environmental impact.The results demonstrate the framework’s applicability and highlight areas for future research and optimization in lithium iron phosphate cathode recycling.
文摘This study developed a pilot-scale process feeding with two different materials resulting from a column leaching process and acid mine drainage(AMD)streams to recover rare earth elements(REEs).A life cycle assessment(LCA)study was done to evaluate the environmental impacts of rare earth production from deleterious material in the form of highly contaminated leachate(HCL)and low-contaminated leachate(LCL).The results indicate that the main contributors to environmental categories that produce RE-hydroxide stages are NaOH and electricity.Also,oxalic acid,Na_(2)CO_(3),and hydrochloric acid significantly contribute to the production stage of individual rare earth oxides(REOs),including solvent extraction(SX)and precipitation steps.The HCL route has higher environmental impacts than LCL due to higher chemical/energy and H_(2)SO_(4)usage,so 468 and 292 kg of carbon dioxide are generated to produce1 t of individual REOs from HCL and LCL routes,respectively.Moreover,the carbon dioxide emitted from the process,including the RE-hydroxide production,SX,and REOs production,is less than 10 t CO_(2).A sensitivity analysis was also performed to assess the changeability of the environmental footprints of the main inputs in the SX process,as the main stage has a higher contribution to the whole process.This LCA study is the first step toward understanding the environmental influence of new processing methods to produce REEs from coal by-products through a developed pilot-scale process.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2020YFC1909005).
文摘The NdFeB scrap,as a representative solid waste of rare earths,possesses significant recyclable value.This study focused on NdFeB waste and investigated the environmental impacts of pyro-and hydro-metallurgical process(PH-M process)and its improved version,the pyro-and hydro-metallurgical improvement process(PH-Mi process).The results demonstrate that,although the PH-Mi process consumes higher amounts of energy,electricity,and chemicals compared to the PH-M process,it is more environmentally friendly and economically efficient(i.e.,net profit increased by 34.12%).To quantify and compare the environmental performance of the two scenarios,life cycle assessment methodology was applied.It is concluded that the PH-Mi process is superior to the PH-M process for eutrophication potential(EP)and the total environmental impacts.In comparison with PH-Mi process,PH-M process exhibits a certain advantage in terms of carbon footprint due to increased consumption of electricity and chemicals after the technological upgrade.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB3903505)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72221002)。
文摘The well-facilitated farmland projects(WFFPs)involve the typical sustainable intensification of farmland use and play a key role in raising food production in China.However,whether such WFFPs can enhance the nitrogen(N)use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts is still unclear.Here,we examined the data from 502 valid questionnaires collected from WFFPs in the major grain-producing area,the Huang-Huai-Hai Region(HHHR)in China,with 429 samples for wheat,328 for maize,and 122 for rice.We identified gaps in N use efficiency(NUE)and N losses from the production of the three crops between the sampled WFFPs and counties based on the statistical data.The results showed that compared to the county-level(wheat,39.1%;maize,33.8%;rice,35.1%),the NUEs for wheat(55.2%),maize(52.1%),and rice(50.2%)in the WFFPs were significantly improved(P<0.05).In addition,the intensities of ammonia(NH3)volatilization(9.9-12.2 kg N ha–1),N leaching(6.5-16.9 kg N ha–1),and nitrous oxide(N2O)emissions(1.2-1.6 kg N ha–1)from crop production in the sampled WFFPs were significantly lower than the county averages(P<0.05).Simulations showed that if the N rates are reduced by 10.0,15.0,and 20.0%for the counties,the NUEs of wheat,maize,and rice in the HHHR will increase by 2.9-6.3,2.4-5.2,and 2.6-5.7%,respectively.If the N rate is reduced to the WFFP level in each county,the NUEs of the three crops will increase by 12.9-19.5%,and the N leaching,NH3,and N2O emissions will be reduced by 48.9-56.2,37.4-42.9,and 46.0-66.5%,respectively.Our findings highlight that efficient N management practices in sustainable intensive farmland have considerable potential for reducing environmental impacts.
基金This work was supported by the Qinchuangyuan Project of Shaanxi Province,China(QCYRCXM-2022-145)the Major Project of the Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education,China(22JJD790052)+1 种基金the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund(Z1010422003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72373117).
文摘With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how it responds to demographic dynamics,particularly in emerging economies like China.Using the two-stage Quadratic Almost Demand System(QUAIDS)model,this study empirically examines the impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes based on the provincial data from 2000 to 2020 in China.Under various scenarios,according to changes in demographics,we extend our analysis to project the long-term trend of food consumption and its environmental impacts,including greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,water footprint(WF),and land appropriation(LA).The results reveal that an increase in the proportion of senior people significantly decreases the consumption of grain and livestock meat and increases the consumption of poultry,egg,and aquatic products,particularly for urban residents.Moreover,an increase in the proportion of males in the population leads to higher consumption of poultry and aquatic products.Correspondingly,in the current scenario of an increased aging population and sex ratio,it is anticipated that GHG emissions,WF,and LA are likely to decrease by 1.37,2.52,and 3.56%,respectively.More importantly,in the scenario adhering to the standards of nutritional intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in 2022,GHG emissions,WF,and LA in urban areas would increase by 12.78,20.94,and 18.32%,respectively.Our findings suggest that changing demographics should be considered when designing policies to mitigate the diet-environment-health trilemma and achieve sustainable food consumption.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Project[Grant No.2019YFC1903900]Key R&D Province[Grant No.2023SFGC0101]Taishan Scholar Project[Grant No.tsqn202103010].
文摘Micro-energy systems contribute significantly to environmental improvement by reducing dependence on power grids through the utilization of multiple renewable energy sources.This study quantified the environmental impact of a micro-energy network system in an industrial park through a life cycle assessment using the operation of the micro-energy network over a year as the functional unit and“cradle-to-gate”as the system boundary.Based on the baseline scenario,a natural gas generator set was added to replace central heating,and the light pipes were expanded to constitute the optimized scenario.The results showed that the key impact categories for both scenarios were global warming,fine particulate matter formation,human carcinogenic toxicity,and human non-carcinogenic toxicity.The overall environmental impact of the optimized scenario was reduced by 68%compared to the baseline scenario.A sensitivity analysis of the key factors showed that electricity from the power grid was the key impact factor in both scenarios,followed by central heating and natural gas.Therefore,to reduce the environmental impact of network systems,it is necessary to further optimize the grid power structure.The research approach can be used to optimize micro-energy networks and evaluate the environmental impact of different energy systems.
文摘Because of environmental constraints,beef cattle was for more than a century the only viable farming option in the extensive semiarid and subhumid lands of Argentina and the main source of nutrients for humans as well.However,a growing concern and criticism have risen today about its possible negative impact on the climate and the environment.These worries tend to affect current public opinions,national policies,and international trade.Based on 40 beef cattle farms scattered across different semiarid and subhumid regions of Argentina,here we evaluated the impact of extensive cattle production on carbon,water,and nutrient pollution.Life-Cycle Assessment(LCA)and Land-Based Assessment(LBA)were the two approaches we used here to compare the environmental impact of beef production.While the environmental footprint(EF)resulting from LCA expresses the impact per unit of food,the environmental balance(EB),derived from LBA,aims at quantifying the impact per unit of land.As such,the EB considers both negative and positive impacts on the farm as an integrated system.Following standardized procedures,we evaluated EF and EB up to the farm gate,leaving aside delocalized post-farm impacts such as those of processing,packaging,and transportation that occur beyond the farm gate.In agreement with previous evidence,our results show that the EF tends to decrease as per-head production increases.Correlation coefficients and statistical significance were the following for carbon(R=−0.574;p<0.01),water(R=−0.561;p<0.01),and N(R=−0.704;p<0.01)and Phosphorus(P)pollution(R=−0.802;p<0.01)footprints.On the contrary,the EB seems to be highly sensitive,and as per-hectare beef production increases.Correlations were the following for carbon emissions(CE:R=0.955;p<0.01),water consumption(WC:R=0.822;p<0.01),nitrogen excretion(NE:R=0.948;p<0.01)and phosphorus excretion(PE:R=0.945;p<0.01).What our results suggest is that the notion of EF is useful to evaluate the environmental impact in intensive beef production systems,and the EB is suitable to assess the impact of the extensive ones.In practice,both approaches provide different perspectives on the environmental-impact problem and they should be complementary used.We concluded that the methodological rigidity of EF does not allow proper discrimination among farms in the extensive systems.On the contrary,the EB approach tended to be highly sensitive to detecting differences between individual farms and farmers,thus allowing the identification of successful options for extensive beef production in terms of public image,policy-making,and commercial opportunities.
文摘Wind energy is one of the most basic forms of renewable energy,which shows an increasing rate of development worldwide and also at the European level.However,this rapid deployment of wind farms makes the need for an impact assessment of this type of projects on the natural and man-made environment imperative.The present paper aims to identify and assess the environmental impacts of wind farm projects in the Region of Central Greece.A modified Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix(RIAM)method is used for this purpose.The methodology includes the identification of the existing onshore wind farm projects in the study area,the appropriate modifications of the RIAM method to respond to the characteristics of the projects and the study area,the qualitative assessment of their potential impacts during construction and operational phases and the computation of the Environmental Performance Grade(EPG)of projects based on the pro-posed modified RIAM method.The results reveal that although there are some slight negative impacts on the natural environment of the study area,the examined wind farms contribute positively both to the atmosphere and to the socio-economic environment of the study.This study extends the potential for using RIAM as a tool in environmental impact assessment studies of renewable energy projects.
文摘Follow-up of environmental impacts is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, closely related to the effectiveness of the instrument. EIA follow-up has been receiving a lot of interest from scientists and practitioners, though it is recognized as one of the weakest points of EIA systems globally. Also, EIA follow-up is influenced by the context, mainly in terms of the types of projects or activities and their related impacts on the environment. Therefore, the present paper is focused on the investigation of the follow-up stage applied to the activity of seismic survey coupled with offshore oil & gas exploitation in Brazil. Research was based on a qualitative approach that included document analysis and semi-structured interviews with analysts involved in EIA processes, and sought to generate evidence of effectiveness of the EIA follow-up as conducted by the Federal Environment Agency (Ibama) in order to situate the practice of follow-up in the broader context of international best practice principles. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, due to the peculiarities of offshore seismic survey, it is necessary to promote adaptations in the procedures for monitoring impacts in order to ensure proper alignment with the principles and conceptual foundations that guide EIA practice. Specifically, the timing of the execution of the activity imposes challenges for its integration into the “conventional” cycle that has guided the monitoring of the impacts in the EIA of projects.
文摘A good quality Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is key for the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes and consequently to the acceptability of projects subject to EIA. The international literature has contributed to the understanding of the essential aspects to be verified regarding the quality of EIS, offering a wide spectrum of good practice examples related to the content of the studies. Even so, there is a need for empirical studies that allow the identification of specific aspects related to the context of application of the EIS, which could lead to the identification of opportunities to improve both the quality of the reports and also the effectiveness of EIA. Therefore, the present paper is focused on the quality review of a number of EIS submitted to the Brazilian Federal Environmental Agency (Ibama) to instruct the assessment of electric power transmission systems. Based on the application of the EIS quality review package as proposed by Lee and Colley (1992), the outcomes reveal opportunities for improving the scope of EIA, analysis of alternatives, prediction of magnitude and the assessment of impact significance. Finally, the development and/or adaptation of a similar tool for the systematic review of the quality of EIA reports is recommended.
文摘This study aims to determine the environmental aspects and impacts of the phase relating to the operation of Manantali’s hydroelectric structures and facilities according to the requirements of the ISO 14001 version 2015 standard. To do this, the mapping of the different work areas made it possible to identify all the activities within the framework of the farm. Based on the mapping, environmental measurements made including noise level, brightness, electric and magnetic fields, total particles, PM10, PM2.5, PM1 showed the work areas with the exposure limit values exceeded. The inventories of the waste produced show eighteen (18) types of waste, 67% of which are special industrial waste (SIW), 28% are ordinary industrial waste (OIW) and 5% are inert industrial waste (IIW). The identification and assessment of environmental aspects and impacts made it possible to determine sixteen (16) positive and negative significant environmental aspects (ESAs). The positive AES must be maintained, and for the negative ones, mitigation and mitigation measures must be put in place in order to manage them effectively. This will ultimately improve environmental management in the operation of hydroelectric structures and facilities.
文摘The Lancang-Mekong River in China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam is the soul and heart of mainland Southeast Asia. Over 60 million people depend on the river and its tributaries for food, transportation, water, and other necessities of life. The river supports one of the world’s most diverse fisheries, second only to Brazil’s Amazon River. Lancang-Mekong and tributaries are already heavily dammed primarily in China, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, with many more dams planned or under construction. Dams can worsen the impact of periodic droughts in the Lancang-Mekong basin and block the river’s “pulse effect” that spreads water and nutrients needed for fishing and farming onto the floodplains and delta. The headwaters of the Lancang are in China and its waters are considered a national resource. China regards the Lancang, Yangtze and Yellow rivers as a free resource rather than a shared resource. The primary difference between these rivers is the Lancang flows from China into and through other countries and not directly into a sea or ocean. China and Myanmar have not joined the Mekong River Commission (MRC) as full members but have been Dialogue Partners since 1996. Over the past thirty years, China’s Lancang policies and actions have reflected its national resource interests. China has actively engaged with individual transboundary countries at various levels including environmental, conservation, and economic agreements. The primary objective of this study is to assess the environmental and human impacts of all Lancang-Mekong mainstem and tributary dams and the plans by many countries for more hydropower utilizing the potential of the river as the continent’s energy lifeline. Future dams need to include fish ladders and navigation locks to reduce the environmental impacts on fish populations, natural resources, navigation, and livelihoods. Strengthening of international collaboration via the MRC or by individual or multiple country agreements to address Lancang-Mekong’s sustainable transboundary development goals is recommended. When new Lancang-Mekong and tributary dams are built within any of the transboundary watershed countries, additional communities will need to be resettled. Significant environmental and human impacts are observed. Steps will have to be taken by all the concerned countries to prevent these problems and to ensure that people’s livelihoods are restored after resettlement.
基金supported by the Basic Research Project of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources(GP2022-006[24-3111-3]and GP2022-005[24-3807])。
文摘The recently confirmed Hapcheon impact crater in Korea is a complex impact structure 7 km in diameter,with clear rims and impact-driven underground lacustrine sedimentary features.We investigated the lithological features of deposits within the impact crater using drilled sedimentary cores(23HIC01,20CR05,20CR09,and 20CR10),which consisted of an ascending order of impact breccias,lake sediments,and subaerial(e.g.,wetland)sediments.The impact breccia deposits in the 20CR05 and 23HIC01 cores contain shatter cones,which are a macroscopic indication of a meteorite impact.The overlying lake sediments were divided into three stages.The early stage of the post-impact lake environment corresponded to the lowermost lake sediments with frequent microfaults and slump-turbidite events.This stage is characterized by high calcite content of up to 13%.The middle stage showed a stable depositional environment,with silty to sandy lamination and bedding,and fewer microfaults.The final stage of the post-impact lake environment appears to have been very short and dramatic.This ended with the final slumping event,which appears to have been triggered by an abrupt outburst of lake water.This study demonstrates early post-impact lake sedimentation processes and crater instability in terms of soft-sediment deformation structures(e.g.,microfaults and slumps).
基金supported in parts by funds provided by“The Program for Maritim Competence(MARKOM II),”(https://www.markomii.no/om-markomii/),project 10039funds made available to UIT,The Arctic University of Norway。
文摘Arctic shipping poses environmental risks due to the region’s fragile ecosystems and rapid climate changes.Effective risk assessment tools are needed to ensure sustainable expansion and to carry out environmental impact assessments.This paper explores applications of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis(FMEA)and Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis(STPA)coupled with the consequences of a“Dynamic baseline approach”for Arctic shipping environmental impact assessment.Shipping entails complex interactions between environmental,technical,human,and organizational factors.FMEA identifies failure modes and their effects through component-level analysis.STPA examines how unsafe control actions can emerge from interactions between system components.Combining these techniques with a dynamic(variable)baseline,accounting for inherent ongoing changing Arctic conditions,offers a robust methodology.A qualitative case study shows that prioritizing hazards by risk,yields highest concerns,as increased greenhouse gas emissions,black carbon deposition on ice and snow,and response delays to accidents represent some of the most important identified threats to the environment.The use of FMEA and STPA are complementary,and differences are highlighted.The methodology applied,should be representative for the qualitative risk analysis methodology,and while the findings are impacted by the perspectives of the authors,the process followed is intended to identify and rank risks in a consistent manner.Mitigations measures must be in place to target these issues.Constant monitoring of the changing ecological and socioeconomic Arctic baselines supports the responses.This methodology offers a starting point for systematically addressing environmental impact risks in the data-limited Arctic.Integrating failure modes and effect analysis,system theories and dynamic baselines,account for identification of the complex interactions,influencing environmental risks in this rapidly evolving region.
文摘Bangladesh is an agricultural country facing severe natural hazards in recent times. This results in agricultural damage, ecological damage, economic damage and human health damage. Keshabpur upazilla, Jashore district is considered one of the most arsenic prone areas in Bangladesh. However, there was no research data found regarding presence of arsenic in ground water and its transfer to crops and impacts on human health. A questionnaire-based research was conducted to evaluate the present scenario of this area. However, two representative water samples were collected and analyzed. The data showed that 24% people didn’t know about As, 27% people didn’t know about arsenic effects on human health, 61% people depends on neighbor’s deep tubewell (600 - 750 feet depth) for drinking water, 40% people depend on government-provided deep tubewell for irrigation water, 19% peoples are suffering water scarcity in dry season because groundwater level decreased at that time and people mostly suffered with fever. The other diseases were headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, allergy, water pox and asthma. Doctors are providing general treatments but never try to find out the reasons based on As. Therefore, it is still unknown to them about which diseases are caused by As. Water analysis data showed that free CO2, EC, BOD, NH4+, NO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, As and Fe for drinking water and NH4+, NO3-, As and Fe for irrigation water were found to be higher than the DoE permitted safe water standards. The soil data collected from SRDI also supported the present research data. Continuous irrigation with water builds higher concentration of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Mn in the soil. Unfortunately, no data on As was found from SRDI. This research might work as a baseline research for policy makers and researchers to apply proper management plan in this area.
基金the financial support given by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia(MOHE)under the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence(HICOE2.0/5210004)at the Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products.
文摘In this comprehensive review,the evolution and progress of bioplastics are examined,with an emphasis on their types,production methods,environmental impact,and biodegradability.In light of the increasing global efforts to address environmental degradation,bioplastics have emerged as a highly potential substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics.This review classifies various categories of bioplastics,encompassing both biodegradable and bio-based variations,and assesses their environmental consequences using life cycle evaluations and biodegradability calculations.This paper analyzes the technological advancements that have enhanced the mechanical and thermal characteristics of bioplastics,hence increasing their feasibility for extensive commercial applications in diverse sectors.This review critically examines the possible uses of bioplastics in important industries including packaging,aerospace,and healthcare,emphasizing both achievements and current obstacles.In addition,the assessment addresses the economic and technical obstacles to expanding bioplastic manufacturing,namely concerns about cost,material efficiency,and waste disposal.Moreover,the article forecasts the future potential of bioplastics in furthering a sustainable circular economy and suggests methods to address existing constraints,such as improvements in recycling technology and the establishment of more economically efficient manufacturing methods.The findings are intended to educate policymakers,industry stakeholders,and researchers on the crucial contribution of bioplastics in attaining sustainability objectives and promoting innovation in the field of material science.
文摘The study aims to identify and analyze the perceptions and expectations of tourists regarding tourism development in the Sharr Mountains Region.In the Sharr Mountains Region,sustainable tourism is another opportunity for economic growth,cultural integrity,and environmental conservation.Public investments are vital in enhancing this investment as they help to develop infrastructure,promote businesses,and even promote environment-friendly activities.The research seeks to understand the relationship between public investments and investments in sustainable tourism in the Sharr Mountains region,focusing on the direct and indirect relational aspects of the economy,conservation,and the people.Key questions,address their expectations from public investment,infrastructure improvements,involvement of local authorities and the community,as well as concerns regarding the potential negative impact of tourism on the natural environment and local culture.The methodology of this study includes in-depth research through the quantitative method.Based on the results of data analysis,recommendations include improving tourism infrastructure,increasing awareness of environmental impact,and developing environmental education programs for tourists.Among the proposed actions is the improvement of cooperation between local authorities,the local community,and the private sector for the sustainable development of tourism in the Sharr Mountains Region.Finally,this study provides an essential contribution to the understanding of the expectations,evaluations,and impacts of tourists in this region,defining the key points of sustainable tourism development.
文摘Renewable energy technologies, while often labeled as clean or net-zero alternatives to fossil fuels, involve substantial use of critical minerals in products like electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. This aspect is frequently underappreciated, yet studies indicate it could be a significant area of environmental impact. For instance, research has shown that a typical electric vehicle needs around six times the mineral resources of a conventional vehicle, while an onshore wind turbine requires nine times the mineral input compared to a gas power plant of similar capacity. This paper seeks to analyze the environmental effects linked to the critical minerals required by certain renewable energy technologies. The study begins with an estimation of the future megawatt capacities for each type of renewable technology. Next, it calculates the specific mineral quantities necessary for each model, followed by an assessment of the environmental repercussions tied to their extraction and processing. The results highlight the unique environmental challenges posed by the rising demand for minerals in solar and wind energy systems, taking into account various adoption scenarios.
