Hasil untuk "Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering"

T. Ambaye, M. Vaccari, A. Bonilla-Petriciolet et al.

Due to increasing anthropogenic activities, especially industry and transport, the fossil fuel demand and consumption have increased proportionally, causing serious environmental issues. This attracted researchers and scientists to develop new alternative energy sources. Therefore, this review covers the biofuel production potential and challenges related to various feedstocks and advances in process technologies. It has been concluded that the biofuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, bio-oil, syngas, Fischer-Tropsch H2, and methane produced from crop plant residues, micro- and macroalgae and other biomass wastes using thermo-bio-chemical processes are an eco-friendly route for an energy source. Biofuels production and their uses in industries and transportation considerably minimize fossil fuel dependence. Literature analysis showed that biofuels generated from energy crops and microalgae could be the most efficient and attractive process. Recent progress in the field of biofuels using genetic engineering has larger perspectives in commercial-scale production. However, its large-scale production is still challenging; hence, to resolve this problem, it is essential to convert biomass in biofuels by developing novel technology to increase biofuel production to fulfil the current and future energy demand.

Yuhui Xu, Gaini Zhang, Jingqian Liu et al.

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as promising electrochemical energy storage devices owing to its low cost, intrinsic safety, abundant zinc reserves, and ideal specific capacity. Compared with other cathode materials, manganese dioxide with high voltage, environmental protection, and high theoretical specific capacity receives considerable attention. However, the problems of structural instability, manganese dissolution, and poor electrical conductivity make the exploration of high‐performance manganese dioxide still a great challenge and impede its practical applications. Besides, zinc storage mechanisms involved are complex and somewhat controversial. To address these issues, tremendous efforts, such as surface engineering, heteroatoms doping, defect engineering, electrolyte modification, and some advanced characterization technologies, have been devoted to improving its electrochemical performance and illustrating zinc storage mechanism. In this review, we particularly focus on the classification of manganese dioxide based on crystal structures, zinc ions storage mechanisms, the existing challenges, and corresponding optimization strategies as well as structure–performance relationship. In the final section, the application perspectives of manganese oxide cathode materials in AZIBs are prospected.

Samer K. Al-Mashharawi, Samer K. Al-Mashharawi, Susan C. Steele-Dunne et al.

Regular monitoring of plant development and soil moisture variations is essential for managing orchard systems and optimizing irrigation. Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensors (CRNS) are increasingly used for reliable, non-invasive soil moisture estimation. However, the potential of CRNS for monitoring plant development remains largely uninvestigated. The objective of this study is to assess the response of thermal (Nth) and epithermal (Nepi) neutron intensities to the seasonal changes in tree structure and water content. In particular, we aim to investigate whether the observed neutron responses can be used as an indicator of plant development in commercial orchard settings. A CRNS was installed at a cherry orchard site in southeastern France and operated continuously for 10 months in 2022. Observations were compared to several proxies for tree canopy characteristics. First, neutron intensity values were compared with monthly plant area index (PAI) estimates derived from images collected with a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). PAI in (m2 m−2) is defined as the total surface area of all above-ground canopy components, including leaves, stems, and branches per unit horizontal ground surface area. Second, Nth was compared with commonly used vegetation indices derived from multispectral satellite images acquired by PlanetScope and Sentinel-2. The results show a strong correlation between Nth and UAV-derived PAI with R2 = 0.86. Nth increased linearly by approximately 4.5% per 1 m2 m−2 increase in PAI. Of the vegetation indices, the Normalized Difference Red Edge (NDRE) index derived from PlanetScope images showed the highest correlation (R2 = 0.69) with Nth. The corresponding R2 with NDRE from coarser-resolution Sentinel-2 data was lower (R2 = 0.51). The correlation between Nth and PAI was higher than that between Nth and SM (R2 = 0.61). Results suggest that variations in Nth are potentially valuable for vegetation monitoring, provided the confounding effect of soil moisture can be taken into account.

Jie Yang, Jinsheng Sun, Ren Wang et al.

Lijun Chen, Zheng Li, Shangming Jiang et al.

Accurate dynamic assessment of water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) plays a pivotal role in urban sustainability governance. This study developed a comprehensive evaluation framework for regional WRCC, comprising an indicator system with standardized assessment criteria. We proposed an innovative methodology for computing dynamic difference coefficients by integrating semi-partial subtraction set pair potential with triangular fuzzy numbers, subsequently constructing a coupled dynamic evaluation model. Using Hefei City(Anhui Province, China) as a demonstrative case, our analysis reveals:(1) Compared with the level characteristic value method based on set pair analysis, the proposed method reduces the evaluation error of sample evaluation grade values by 1.6 %. Moreover, it is confirmed that the difference coefficient exhibits significant dynamic variation characteristics with both samples and time, which significantly enhances the dynamics, inclusiveness, and rationality of sample evaluation results. (2) From the temporal dimension, the overall WRCC of Hefei is in a state of equi-potential and partial anti-potential. The potential value decreased from −0.148(2012) to −0.196(2023), with an average annual decline rate of 2.95 %, indicating that the WRCC tends to deteriorate.(3) From the spatial distribution perspective, the WRCC of the Shixiaqu is the worst (moderate overload status), followed by Changfeng County, Feixi County, Feidong County, and Lujiang County (slight overloaded status), and then Chaohu City (critical status).This systematic approach provides multidimensional insights into Hefei's WRCC evolution, establishing a scientific foundation for adaptive water resource management strategies and water security enhancement in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Dina Rahayuning Pangestuti, Apoina Kartini, Suhartono Suhartono et al.

Introduction: Lead in the environment can be more easily absorbed by individuals with nutritional deficiencies, particularly breastfeeding mothers residing in agricultural areas near lead sources. Contaminated breast milk can disrupt infants' growth and development. This study aims to identify lead contaminants in the environment and assess the nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers to provide preventive measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the highland agricultural area of Semarang Regency in October 2021. Environmental samples, including air from agricultural land, settlements, groundwater, and raw food were carried out as environmental samples from 31 breastfeeding mothers. Dietary intake, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and lead levels in breast milk was carried out. Lead content was analysed using ICP-OES. Geographic information system (GIS) was used to compare spatial distribution lead status levels with identified exposure factors. Results and Discussion: Median age of breastfeeding mothers was 24 years, with 72% being housewives, having a senior high school education. Median age of the infants was 2.5 months, 32% being boys, and 48% were exclusively breastfed. Mean hemoglobin level of the mothers was 13 ± 1.4 g/dL (13.8% was anemic) and median lead level in breast milk was 0.019 ppm. None of the mothers met their recommended macro- and micronutrient intake. Lead content in foods was 0.02-0.180 ppm, groundwater 0.017-0.034 ppm, and air 0-1.56 μg/Nm3 over a three-hours. Conclusion: The environment surrounding breastfeeding mothers contains lead, particularly in the air, and these mother experiences nutritional deficiencies, thereby increasing the risk of lead absorption.

Guozhe Zhang, Yu Zhao, Zhiqiang Wu et al.

Lagerstroemia indica is popular for its bright flower colors and long bloom period. However, although L. indica has a long flowering period, the flowering time of a single flower is short, lasting only 1−2 d. Petal expansion is a key process that affects the length and ornamental quality of the flowering period. However, the molecular mechanism of petal expansion in L. indica remains unclear. The molecular mechanisms underlying flower opening in L. indica were investigated through transcriptome sequencing of flower buds and blooms at four developmental stages. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated enrichment in cellular processes, metabolic regulation, and biological signaling pathways. KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant roles for carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in the flowering process. Additional pathway analysis identified key genes and processes related to carbohydrate utilization, hormone signaling, water transport, and cell wall expansion that contribute to petal opening regulation. A comprehensive examination of the expansin gene family proteins, known for promoting cell wall loosening and extension, identified 27 expansin genes in L. indica, which were categorized into four subfamilies with conserved structures and motifs. Of these, LiEXPA10, LiEXPA19, LiEXLA1, and LiEXLA2 showed heightened expression in the later stages of flowering (S3−S4), suggesting a central role in petal expansion. Functional validation in Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated that LiEXLA1 and LiEXLA2 promote accelerated flowering and enhanced petal expansion in transgenic lines. These findings offer new insights into the genetic and molecular basis of flower opening in L. indica and provide a foundation for breeding strategies aimed at improving ornamental traits.

Sara Mahmoodian Younesi, Yazdan Alvari, R. Gavagsaz-Ghoachani et al.

Food systems face escalating challenges, driven by the pressures of a changing climate, resource scarcity, and limited arable land, putting our capacity to feed the growing global population at risk. In the face of these constraints, there is a critical need for advanced technologies that enhance food security while mitigating the environmental impact associated with modern agriculture. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) emerges as a promising cutting-edge technology capable of intensifying food production in an environmentally sustainable manner. In the context of this paper, Controlled Environment Agriculture involves cultivating crops in vertically stacked hydroponic beds under exclusive LED lighting within a controlled environment, encompassing vertical farms or plant factories. Such systems have the potential to yield significantly higher crop volumes using a fraction of the land, water, and nutrients compared to conventional field agriculture or even greenhouse production. In this research, a solution is proposed to create sustainable security in the four interconnected dimensions of water, environment, food, and energy, with a volumetric perspective. This solution is a kind of CEA with emphasis on energy security, as well as food and water security and environment preservation. this solution called “Energetic Dark Greenhouse,” which is a closed and controlled engineering system for agricultural production. In this study, a mathematical model is presented for artificial lighting and the required concentration of carbon dioxide for plant growth, and practical experimental results in the Energetic Dark Greenhouse validate this model. In the conducted experiment, the effect of light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration on plant growth is examined, and suitable values for these parameters are suggested. It can be concluded that the appropriate light treatment for this type of plant (leafy vegetables) is about $14\left(\mu \mathrm{mol}. \mathrm{m}^{-2} \cdot \mathrm{d}^{-1}\right)$. Furthermore, the research revealed that due to the substitution of artificial light containing only the visible spectrum, water consumption in Energetic Dark Greenhouse has been reduced by approximately 90% compared to traditional greenhouses.

A. U. Alka, U. A. Abubakar, S. B. Igboro

Sanitation is a basic human requirement with the primary aim of separating human waste from settlements to prevent the spread of diseases. This study presents a preliminary design of a centralized sewerage collection, transportation, treatment, and final disposal system for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Kaduna State (Site 1). The results of physico-chemical analysis of samples showed concentrations of Nitrates (2,550mg/l) and total suspended solids T.S.S. (1,778mg/l) were above the acceptable standard limits. The concentrations of Zinc (5.31mg/l) and Lead (2.78mg/l) were also above the acceptable limits. A sewerage system which comprised of 18 manholes, 22 junction chambers and 39 sewers covering a distance of 2,816m was designed for the college. The results of the design showed that 3 facultative and 3 maturation ponds were required. The capital cost for implementing the proposed sewerage system and WSPs for the college was determined to be ₦14,649,855.75 with an annual cost of operation and maintenance of ₦3,030,000.00. A comparison of the proposed sewerage and WSPs system with the existing septic tank and soak-away system revealed that the proposed sewerage and WSPs system had a higher cost-benefit ratio (0.94), longer lifespan (30 years), lower cost of annual desludging (₦30,000.00), and lower risks of groundwater contamination.

Yue Zheng, Xiaoming Jing, Yonggang Lin et al.

With the impact of global climate change and the urbanization process, the risk of urban flooding has increased rapidly, especially in developing countries. Real-time monitoring and prediction of flooding extent and drainage system are the foundation of effective urban flood emergency management. Therefore, this paper presents a rapid nowcasting prediction method of urban flooding based on data-driven and real-time monitoring. The proposed method firstly adopts a small number of monitoring points to deduce the urban global real-time water level based on a machine learning algorithm. Then, a data-driven method is developed to achieve dynamic urban flooding nowcasting prediction with real-time monitoring data and high-accuracy precipitation prediction. The results show that the average MAE and RMSE of the urban flooding and conduit system in the deduction method for water level are 0.101 and 0.144, 0.124 and 0.162, respectively, while the flooding depth deduction is more stable compared to the conduit system by probabilistic statistical analysis. Moreover, the urban flooding nowcasting method can accurately predict the flooding depth, and the R2 are as high as 0.973 and 0.962 of testing. The urban flooding nowcasting prediction method provides technical support for emergency flood risk management. HIGHLIGHTS A rapid nowcasting prediction method of urban flood based on data-driven and real-time monitoring.; The deduction model accurately estimates the global water depth.; The proposed urban flooding nowcasting model was observed to outperform the traditional machine learning model to predict.;

M. Amini Fasakhodi, H. Djuma, I. Sofokleous et al.

<p>Few studies have investigated the performance of land surface models for semiarid Mediterranean forests. This study aims to parameterize and test the performance of the Noah-MP land surface model for an eastern Mediterranean ecosystem. To this end, we calibrated the model for root zone soil moisture and transpiration of two conifer species, <i>Pinus brutia</i>, and <i>Cupressus sempervirens</i>, in a plantation forest on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The study area has a long-term average annual rainfall of 315 mm. Observations from 4 sap flow and 48 soil moisture sensors, for the period from December 2020 to June 2022, were used for model parameterization. A local sensitivity analysis found that the surface infiltration (REFKDT), hydraulic conductivity (SATDK), and stomatal resistance (RSMIN) parameters had the highest impacts on the water balance components (soil evaporation, tree transpiration, surface runoff, and drainage). The model performed better during the wetter 9-month validation period (379 mm rain) than during the drier 10-month calibration period (175 mm rain). Average soil moisture in the top 60 cm of the soil profile was reasonably well captured for both species (daily Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency <span class="inline-formula">&gt;</span> 0.80 for validation). Among the three soil layers, the second layer (20–40 cm) showed better simulation performance during both periods and for both species. The model exhibited limitations with respect to simulating transpiration, particularly during the drier calibration period. The inclusion of a root distribution function in the model, along with the monitoring of soil moisture below the 60 cm soil depth in the field, could improve the accuracy of model simulations in such water-limited ecosystems.</p>

Shefeng Hao, Yong-xiang Yu, Jing-lei Song et al.

H. Wainwright, Brian A. Powell, Megan Hoover et al.

A workshop was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on July 25th and 26th, 2022. The objective was to develop a blueprint for educating next-generation engineers and scientists about nuclear waste management and disposal, which requires knowledge from diverse disciplines, including nuclear, chemical, civil, environmental, and geological science and engineering. The 49 participants included university professors, researchers, industry experts, and government officials from different areas. First, we have developed a list of key fundamental knowledge on waste management and disposal across the nuclear fuel cycle. In addition, we discussed strategies on how to teach students with diverse backgrounds through innovative teaching strategies as well as how to attract students into this area. Through the workshop, we identified the critical needs to (1) develop community resources for nuclear waste education; (2) synthesize historical perspectives, including past contamination and the management of general hazardous waste; (3) emphasize a complete life-cycle perspective, including proper waste management as the key component for energy sustainability; (4) teach students how to communicate about the key facts and risks to technical and non-technical audiences; and (5) accelerate the use of the state-of-art-technologies to attract and retain a young workforce. Furthermore, we aim to build a diverse, inclusive community that supports students in developing their own narratives about nuclear waste, particularly in recognizing that antagonistic views have been important to improving safety and protecting public health and the environment.

Ediclê deSouza Fernandes Duarte, Vanda Salgueiro, Maria João Costa et al.

Abstract This study analyzed fire‐pollutant‐meteorological variables and their impact on cardio‐respiratory mortality in Portugal during wildfire season. Data of burned area, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 or 2.5 μm (μm) or less (PM10, PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, aerosol optical depth and mortality rates of Circulatory System Disease (CSD), Respiratory System Disease (RSD), Pneumonia (PNEU), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Asthma (ASMA), were used. Only the months of 2011–2020 wildfire season (June–July–August–September‐October) with a burned area greater than 1,000 ha were considered. Principal component analysis was used on fire‐pollutant‐meteorological variables to create two indices called Pollutant‐Burning Interaction (PBI) and Atmospheric‐Pollutant Interaction (API). PBI was strongly correlated with the air pollutants and burned area while API was strongly correlated with temperature and relative humidity, and O3. Cluster analysis applied to PBI‐API divided the data into two Clusters. Cluster 1 included colder and wetter months and higher NO2 concentration. Cluster 2 included warmer and dried months, and higher PM10, PM2.5, CO, and O3 concentrations. The clusters were subjected to Principal Component Linear Regression to better understand the relationship between mortality and PBI‐API indices. Cluster 1 showed statistically significant (p‐value < 0.05) correlation (r) between RSDxPBI (rRSD = 0.58) and PNEUxPBI (rPNEU = 0.67). Cluster 2 showed statistically significant correlations between RSDxPBI (rRSD = 0.48), PNEUxPBI (rPNEU = 0.47), COPDxPBI (rCOPD = 0.45), CSDxAPI (rCSD = 0.70), RSDxAPI (rCSD = 0.71), PNEUxAPI (rPNEU = 0.49), and COPDxAPI (rPNEU = 0.62). Cluster 2 analysis indicates that the warmest, driest, and most polluted months of the wildfire season were associated with cardio‐respiratory mortality.

Gopinathan R. Abhijith, Maddukuri Naveen Naidu, Sriman Pankaj Boindala et al.

A substantial number of water distribution systems (WDS) worldwide are operated as intermittent water supply (IWS) systems, delivering water to consumers in irregular and unreliable manners. The IWS consumers commonly adapt to flexible consumption behaviors characterized by storing the limited water available during shorter supply periods in intermediate storage facilities for subsequent usage during more extended nonsupply periods. Nevertheless, the impacts of such consumer behavior on the performance of IWS systems have not been adequately addressed. Toward this direction, this article presents a novel open-source Python-based simulation tool (EPyT-IWS) for WDS, virtually acting like an IWS modeling extension of EPANET 2.2. The applicability of EPyT-IWS was demonstrated by conducting hydraulic simulations of a typical WDS with representative IWS attributes. Different IWS operation cases were considered by varying the amount and consistency of the water availability to the consumers. EPyT-IWS outputs showed that domestic storage of water within underground tanks and subsequent pumping into overhead tanks allows consumers to cope with the intermittent water availability and suitably meet their demands. Besides the interval, the clock time of the water supply was predicted to influence IWS consumers’ ability to meet water demands. HIGHLIGHTS Intermittent water supply (IWS) consumers adapt to flexible consumption behaviors.; Store the water available during shorter supply periods for subsequent usage.; EPyT-IWS can simulate this typical consumer behavior more realistically.; Location of consumers controls water withdrawal and storage during supply hours.; Clock time of supply influences consumers’ ability to meet water demands.;

Haoyang Zhang, Maohuan Ran, Liping Jiang et al.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), as a common endocrine disrupting chemicals, can induce toxicity to reproductive system. However, the mechanism remains to be explored. In our study, DEHP exposure induced testicular injury in rats. The high throughput transcriptional sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the treatment and control groups. KEGG analysis revealed that DEGs were enriched in apoptosis, PPARα, and ER stress pathway. DEHP up-regulated the expression of PPARα, Bax, Bim, caspase-4. GRP78, PERK, p-PERK, eIF2α, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP. This view has also been confirmed in TM3 and TM4 cells. In vitro, after pre-treatment with GW6471 (an inhibitor of PPARα) or GSK (an inhibitor of PERK), the apoptosis was inhibited and mitochondrial dysfunction was improved. Moreover, the improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction decreased the expression of PERK pathway by using SS-31(a protective agent for mitochondrial function). Interestingly, ER stress promoted the accumulation of ROS by ERO1L (the downstream of CHOP during ER stress), and the ROS further aggravated the ER stress, thus forming a feedback loop during the apoptosis. In this process, a vicious cycle consisting of PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, ERO1L, ROS was involved. Taken together, our results suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress-ROS feedback loop caused by PPARα activation played a crucial role in DEHP-induced apoptosis. This work provides insight into the mechanism of DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity.

Olgun Konur, C. Colpan, O. Saatçioglu

ABSTRACT In the field of marine engineering, there is a strong motivation to increase the propulsion system efficiency, mainly due to rising fuel prices and the new environmental and technological regulations concerning worldwide shipping. In this regard, organic Rankine cycle (ORC) has been considered and adapted as a promising waste heat recovery technology to convert the main waste heat sources on marine applications into useful power. This study aims at presenting a comprehensive review of the marine ORC systems and the potential waste heat recovery options on marine vessels from the marine engineering point of view. The selection criteria of ORC equipment and working fluid type for any power range of marine applications are discussed. This review shows that ORC system configurations for marine vessels proposed in the literature have conversion efficiencies less than 20%, while LNG waste heat utilization might boost it up to 35.6%, and combined cycle arrangements with ORC could recover up to 58.4% of the delivered waste heat. The latest marine ORC demonstration project reports indicate that marine vessels could save at least 3% of their fuel consumption with the utilization of marine ORC systems. The payback time of these investments is stated to be around 4 years. As a result of the synthesis of the results and discussion found in the reviewed papers, this study shows that these systems propose many possibilities for reducing the environmental effects of marine vessels while increasing their energy efficiency and sustainability level; however, there are also several technical and economical challenges with the use of marine ORC systems.

N. Catbas, Onur Avcı

Structural damage is inherent in civil engineering structures and bridges are no exception. It is vital to monitor and keep track of damage on bridge structures due to multiple mechanical, environmental, and traffic-induced factors. Monitoring the formation and propagation of structural damage is also pertinent for enhancing the service life of bridges. Bridge Health Monitoring (BHM) has always been an active research area for engineers and stakeholders. While all monitoring techniques intend to provide accurate and decisive information on the remaining useful life, safety, integrity, and serviceability of bridges; maintaining the uninterrupted operation of a bridge highly relies on understanding the development and propagation of damage. BHM methods have been extensively researched on bridges over the decades, and new methodologies have started to be used by domain experts, especially within the last decade.  Emerging methods, as the products of the technology advancements, resulted in handy tools that have been quickly adopted by bridge engineers. State-of-the-art techniques such as LiDAR, Photogrammetry, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), Digital Twins, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning are now integrated part of the new-generation BHM operations. This paper presents a brief overview of these latest BHM technologies.

A. Dér, Alexander Kaluza, L. Reimer et al.

Recent years introduced process and material innovations in the design and manufacturing of lightweight body parts for larger scale manufacturing. However, lightweight materials and new manufacturing technologies often carry a higher environmental burden in earlier life cycle stages. The prospective life cycle evaluation of lightweight body parts remains to this day a challenging task. Yet, a functioning evaluation approach in early design stages is the prerequisite for integrating assessment results in engineering processes and thus allowing for a life cycle oriented decision making. The current paper aims to contribute to the goal of a prospective life cycle evaluation of fiber-reinforced lightweight body parts by improving models that enable to predict energy and material flows in the manufacturing stage. To this end, a modeling and simulation approach has been developed that integrates bottom-up process models into a process chain model. The approach is exemplarily applied on a case study of a door concept. In particular, the energy intensity of compression molding of glass fiber and carbon fiber sheet molding compounds has been analyzed and compared over the life cycle with a steel reference part.

Jordan Peccia, P. Westerhoff