Hasil untuk "Environmental Science"

Muhammad Hasan Imaduddin, Soumya Basu, Hideyuki Okumura

This study examines global econo-environmental capability for 118 countries over 1995 to 2024 using a five-lens framework covering productive capacity (PC), developmental momentum (DM), resource efficiency (RE), degradation and depletion ratio (DDR), and remaining development potential (RDP). Using pooled k-means, a stable four archetype typology is identified and shown to persist over time. The analysis assesses how archetypes characterize country–year outcomes (RQ1), whether cross-sectional fairness is changing and relates to frontier slowdown (RQ2), and how archetypes, distance, and regional context shape transition probabilities and club convergence (RQ3). Inequality in five-dimensional capability declines slightly over the period (Gini from 0.109 to 0.092 and Palma from 1.563 to 1.464), implying modest convergence rather than increasing polarization. Average capability also improves, with larger gains for initially distant countries and smaller gains near the frontier, which is consistent with mild club convergence. Regionally, high capability cases are concentrated in Western Europe and North America, while sustained upgrading is observed in parts of Eastern Europe, mixed stability is observed in East and Central Asia, and selective advances are observed in ASEAN. Policy implications should be based on a country’s archetype and its distance to the capability ideal. Lagging countries should prioritize diffusion of proven high efficiency options and basic capability building, while frontier countries should priorities innovation, structural change, and deeper decarbonization. Policy emphasis should be updated as countries move within the capability space over time.

Youssef Gharnit, Aboubakre Outourakhte, Abdelaziz Moujane et al.

The Moroccan High Atlas ecosystems, particularly the Geopark M’goun, face increasing threats from demographic and environmental pressures, necessitating urgent assessment. The habitat mapping is carried out using remote sensing and GIS techniques, along with fieldwork and Google Earth records. Habitat ecology is established using climate data, bioclimatic levels, vegetation levels, substrate types, and elevation data. Additionally, NDVI, change detection, and supervised classification are combined to assess habitat change. As a result, the M’goun Geopark exhibits an outstinding habitat diversity; Quercus ilex (27.53%) dominates up to 3000 m, favoring limestone and dolomites in subhumid zones, while Juniperus phoenicea (14.78%) occupies lower altitudes (up to 2000 m) and semi-arid regions. Pinus halepensis (1.38%) flourishes between 1100 and 2000 m, mainly in detrital formations and limestone, adaptable to semi-arid and subhumid bioclimates. Juniperus thurifera (1.33%) and xerophyte cushions (6.84%) thrive at high elevations in limestone terrains within subhumid cold bioclimate variants. Secondary habitats, including Chamaerops humilis, Buxus, and Euphorbia resinifera, thrive within the primary habitats. Furthermore, Juniperus thurifera and Pinus halepensis forests are severely degraded, while Quercus ilex and Juniperus phoenicea forests, though degraded, are more resilient. This funding supports conservation initiatives in Mediterranean ecosystems, addressing the urgent preservation and restoration policies.

Ahmed Fotouh, Nady Khairy Elbarbary, Said Elshafae et al.

ABSTRACT Feral birds pose a significant concern to many authors, as they can serve as long‐distance vectors for various microorganisms that may be transmissible to animals and poultry. This study aimed to identify bacterial infections in feral pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica), their potential role in spreading bacterial pathogens to various Egyptian livestock and the zoonotic significance of this bird species. We conducted the study on 80 healthy feral pigeons, collected from a non‐urban area (Ismailia city) in Egypt during the hunting season from October 2022 to July 2023. We kept the birds in the lab for 72 h, conducting a thorough clinical examination and collecting tissue specimens from various organs of the body. The observed histological lesions were various and numerous, with variable incidences in different body organs. Bacteriological examination revealed the isolation of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Salmonellae, Shigella, Proteus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas. We concluded that feral pigeons could significantly contribute to transmitting some bacterial pathogens to humans, poultry farms and other farm animals.

Keliang Chen, Bo Chen, Wanqing Chen

High-quality growth of the construction industry and an improved human settlements environment are essential to sustainable urbanization. Existing studies have paid limited systematic attention to the spatial and temporal dynamics of the coordinated development between the construction industry and human settlements, as well as the underlying factors driving regional disparities. This gap restricts the formulation of precise, differentiated sustainable policies tailored to regions at different development stages and with varying resource endowments. Southern China, characterized by pronounced spatial heterogeneity and unique development trends, offers a natural laboratory for examining the spatio-temporal interaction between these two dimensions. Using panel data for 15 southern provinces (2013–2022), we applied the entropy method, coupling coordination model, Dagum Gini coefficient, spatial trend surface analysis, gravity model, and grey forecasting to evaluate current conditions and predict future trends. The main findings are as follows. (1) The coupling coordination degree rose steadily, forming a stepped spatial pattern from the southwest through the center to the southeast. (2) The coupling coordination degree appears obvious polarization effect, presenting a spatial linkage pattern with Jiangsu-Shanghai-Zhejiang, Hubei-Hunan-Jiangxi, and Sichuan-Chongqing as the core of the three major clusters. (3) The overall Dagum Gini coefficient declined, but intra-regional disparities persisted: values were highest in the southeast, moderate in the center, and lowest in the southwest; inter-regional differences dominated the total inequality. (4) Forecasts for 2023–2027 suggest further improvement in the coupling coordination degree, yet spatial divergence will widen, creating a configuration of “eastern leadership, central catch-up acceleration, and differentiated southwestern development.” This study provides an evidence base for policies that foster high-quality construction sector growth and enhance the living environment. The findings of this study indicate that policymaking should prioritize promoting synergistic regional development, enhancing the radiating and driving role of core regions, and establishing a multi-level coordinated governance mechanism to bridge regional disparities and foster more balanced and sustainable development.

Yuanfang Lin, Ying Wang, Zongling Weng et al.

Abstract Coordination engineering of high-valent Fe(IV)-oxo (FeIV=O) is expected to break the activity-selectivity trade-off of traditional reactive oxygen species, while attempts to regulate the oxidation behaviors of heterogeneous FeIV=O remain unexplored. Here, by coordination engineering of Fe-Nx single-atom catalysts (Fe-Nx SACs), we propose a feasible approach to regulate the oxidation behaviors of heterogeneous FeIV=O. The developed Fe-N2 SACs/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system delivers boosted performance for FeIV=O generation, and thereby can selectively remove a range of pollutants within tens of seconds. In-situ spectra and theoretical simulations suggest that low-coordination Fe-Nx SACs favor the generation of FeIV=O via PMS activation as providing more electrons to facilitate the desorption of the key *SO4H intermediate. Due to their disparate attacking sites to sulfamethoxazole (SMX) molecules, Fe-N2 SACs mediated FeIV=O (FeIVN2=O) oxidize SMX to small molecules with less toxicity, while FeIVN4=O produces series of more toxic azo compounds through N-N coupling with more complex oxidation pathways.

Yue Wu, Jian Kang, Fangfang Liu et al.

Sicong Zhu, Yongdi Qiao, Wenjie Peng et al.

To estimate traffic facility-oriented particulate matter (PM) emissions, emission factors are both necessary and critical for traffic planners and the community of traffic professionals. This study used locally calibrated laser-scattering sensors to collect PM emission concentrations in a tunnel. Emission factors of both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles were found to be higher in autumn compared to summer. Based on this study’s data analysis, PM emissions, in terms of mass, have a strong seasonal effect. The study also conducted a PM composition test on normal days and during haze events. Preliminary results suggested that the transformation of gaseous tailpipe emissions to PM is significant within the tunnel during a haze event. This study, therefore, recommends locally calibrated portable devices to monitor mobile-source traffic emissions. The study suggests that emission factor estimation of traffic modeling packages should consider the dynamic PM formation mechanism. The study also presents traffic policy implications regarding PM emission control.

Shambhavi Sharma, Ahtesham Bakht, Muhammad Jahanzaib et al.

Public transportation facilities, especially road crossings, which raise the pathogenic potential of urban environments, are the most conducive places for the transfer of germs between people and the environment. It is necessary to study the variety of the microbiome and describe its unique characteristics to comprehend these relationships. In this investigation, we used 16 S rRNA gene sample sequencing to examine the biological constituents and inhalable, thoracic, and alveolar particles in aerosol samples collected from busy areas in the Gangnam-gu district of the Seoul metropolitan area using a mobile vehicle. We also conducted a comparison analysis of these findings with the previously published data and tested for antibiotic resistance to determine the distribution of bacteria related to the human microbiome and the environment. Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were the top five phyla in the bacterial 16 S rRNA libraries, accounting for >90 % of all readings across all examined locations. The most prevalent classes among the 12 found bacterial classes were Bacilli (45.812 %), Gammaproteobacteria (25.238 %), Tissierellia (13.078 %), Clostridia (5.697 %), and Alphaproteobacteria (5.142 %). The data acquired offer useful information on the variety of bacterial communities and their resistance to antibiotic drugs on the streets of Gangnam-gu, one of the most significant social centers in the Seoul metropolitan area. This work emphasizes the relevance of biological particles and particulate matter in the air, and it suggests more research is needed to perform biological characterization of the ambient particulate matter.

Fábio Eid Morooka, Adalberto Manoel Junior, Tiago F. A. C. Sigahi et al.

Applications of deep learning (DL) in autonomous vehicle (AV) projects have gained increasing interest from both researchers and companies. This has caused a rapid expansion of scientific production on DL-AV in recent years, encouraging researchers to conduct systematic literature reviews (SLRs) to organize knowledge on the topic. However, a critical analysis of the existing SLRs on DL-AV reveals some methodological gaps, particularly regarding the use of bibliometric software, which are powerful tools for analyzing large amounts of data and for providing a holistic understanding on the structure of knowledge of a particular field. This study aims to identify the strategic themes and trends in DL-AV research using the Science Mapping Analysis Tool (SciMAT) and content analysis. Strategic diagrams and cluster networks were developed using SciMAT, allowing the identification of motor themes and research opportunities. The content analysis allowed categorization of the contribution of the academic literature on DL applications in AV project design; neural networks and AI models used in AVs; and transdisciplinary themes in DL-AV research, including energy, legislation, ethics, and cybersecurity. Potential research avenues are discussed for each of these categories. The findings presented in this study can benefit both experienced scholars who can gain access to condensed information about the literature on DL-AV and new researchers who may be attracted to topics related to technological development and other issues with social and environmental impacts.

Syed Hasan Khuld, Babar Jamal Naqvi, Naeem Samoon et al.

This era is all about energy, humans cannot survive without energy. Conventional energy resources are not enough to fulfill the needs of energy that’s why it is necessary to find alternate energy resources that will be efficient and environment friendly. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is one of the reasonably low costs and is considered as environment friendly It degrades the harmful substance during production of electricity. This technology helps out for the producing of electricity by using the microbes. The generation of electricity is the new form of non-renewable energy by treating of the waste water from different types of effluent. The purpose of this technology is to produce the electricity that is environment friendly and sustainable. This review is also the part of research which is also to make a comparison of different MFC feeds which have unique chemical composition and are rich of various biological species and designing. This report also contains the discussion of MFC principle, necessary components, bacteria that are responsible for electricity production. This MFC contain the different batch type of reactor and in each reactor anode and cathode are dipped for time to check the response of flow of electron. Electrodes are used for drawing the comparison data of the MFC and giving new direction for the researchers. Salt bridge or membrane is connected between the reactor for the flow of proton to the cathode side and oxygen is supplied in the cathode compartment.

Waseem Ishaque, Mudassir Mukhtar, Rida Tanvir

Pakistan is blessed with abundant water resources but facing a critical water shortage due to a lack of storage facilities, poor water governance, and the adverse impacts of climate change. The burgeoning population at present 225 million, which is expected to cross 250 million by 2025 is creating an additional burden on water resources, as per capita availability is depleting sharply from 5,000 m3 in 1951 to 1,100 m3 in 2005, which is expected to fall to 800 m3 by 2025. Pakistan’s water demand is increasing at an average yearly rate of 10% which in terms of the area will increase to 338 km3 by 2025, against the availability of 240–258 km3. Out of the available surface water, approximately 74% is extracted, while 83% of the groundwater is used for agricultural and other uses, which is an exceptionally high ratio for a water-scarce country like Pakistan. The adverse impacts of climate change are also causing extreme weather conditions, resulting in drought and floods almost every year. Inadequate water reservoirs, water wastage in agriculture and households, negligible wastewater recycling, and contamination of drinking water are causing health risks that have turned serious national security challenges for Pakistan. This research article argues that surface and subsurface water in Pakistan is depleting sharply, and if not addressed in time, has the potential of becoming the biggest national security problem. The article investigates the available water status in Pakistan covering surface and subsurface resources in detail, including reservoirs for storage, and sectoral utilization, to draw conclusions on water availability and usage requirement. The policy recommendations highlight the effective integration of smart technology in addressing multidimensional water issues and efficient water governance for ensuring water security for the sustainable development of Pakistan.

Paul Jankowski, Jaydon Gan, Tri Le et al.

Abstract Background Wastewater treatment plants are an essential part of maintaining the health and safety of the general public. However, they are also an anthropogenic source of antibiotic resistance genes. In this study, we characterized the resistome, the distribution of classes 1–3 integron-integrase genes (intI1, intI2, and intI3) as mobile genetic element biomarkers, and the bacterial and phage community compositions in the North End Sewage Treatment Plant in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Samples were collected from raw sewage, returned activated sludge, final effluent, and dewatered sludge. A total of 28 bacterial and viral metagenomes were sequenced over two seasons, fall and winter. Integron-integrase genes, the 16S rRNA gene, and the coliform beta-glucuronidase gene were also quantified during this time period. Results Bacterial classes observed above 1% relative abundance in all treatments were Actinobacteria (39.24% ± 0.25%), Beta-proteobacteria (23.99% ± 0.16%), Gamma-proteobacteria (11.06% ± 0.09%), and Alpha-proteobacteria (9.18 ± 0.04%). Families within the Caudovirales order: Siphoviridae (48.69% ± 0.10%), Podoviridae (23.99% ± 0.07%), and Myoviridae (19.94% ± 0.09%) were the dominant phage observed throughout the NESTP. The most abundant bacterial genera (in terms of average percent relative abundance) in influent, returned activated sludge, final effluent, and sludge, respectively, includes Mycobacterium (37.4%, 18.3%, 46.1%, and 7.7%), Acidovorax (8.9%, 10.8%, 5.4%, and 1.3%), and Polaromonas (2.5%, 3.3%, 1.4%, and 0.4%). The most abundant class of antibiotic resistance in bacterial samples was tetracycline resistance (17.86% ± 0.03%) followed by peptide antibiotics (14.24% ± 0.03%), and macrolides (10.63% ± 0.02%). Similarly, the phage samples contained a higher prevalence of macrolide (30.12% ± 0.30%), peptide antibiotic (10.78% ± 0.13%), and tetracycline (8.69% ± 0.11%) resistance. In addition, intI1 was the most abundant integron-integrase gene throughout treatment (1.14 × 104 gene copies/mL) followed by intI3 (4.97 × 103 gene copies/mL) while intI2 abundance remained low (6.4 × 101 gene copies/mL). Conclusions Wastewater treatment successfully reduced the abundance of bacteria, DNA phage and antibiotic resistance genes although many antibiotic resistance genes remained in effluent and biosolids. The presence of integron-integrase genes throughout treatment and in effluent suggests that antibiotic resistance genes could be actively disseminating resistance between both environmental and pathogenic bacteria.

Musiba Masamba Musiba, Mwemezi J. Rwiza

This study used the hydrochemical properties of water to reveal the causes of water quality degradation. The results showed that most samples located downstream of the mine tailings dam were slightly acidic with pH as low as 4.6. Samples with high levels of Na+, Cl−, and could not be isotopically linked to the local geochemistry, but the anthropogenic activities and evaporation were probably responsible for the observed water chemistry. The Piper diagram indicated cations were dominated by Ca and Mg, while anions were dominated by bicarbonates and sulphates. Pb and Hg levels (mean 70.29 and 17.95 μg/L, respectively) were all higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) and Tanzanian drinking water guidelines. Mining activities probably contributed to the observed low pH values and elevated concentration of cyanides, heavy metals, and metalloids. Stable isotope results indicated a vulnerability of the water to recent contamination that could be attributed to anthropogenic activities. Moreover, isotopic studies indicated a flow pattern from the eastern to the western side of the mine study site. Lowland samples were more 3H-enriched than highland ones. The present study concludes that groundwater recharge from recent local precipitation may have an impact on the sources studied. HIGHLIGHTS Slightly acidic groundwater in Tanzania.; Levels of Pb and Hg higher than Tanzanian WHO standards.; Vulnerability of groundwater to recent contamination.; Contamination could be linked to local anthropogenic activities.; Contamination increased from east to west, towards Lake Victoria.;

Nutchanart Sriwongsitanon, Thienchart Suwawong, Sansarith Thianpopirug et al.

Study region: Annual and monthly ET values from seven global remote sensing products (ALEXI, CMRSET, ETMonitor, GLEAM V3.3b, MOD16A2, SEBS V3 and SSEBop) were validated for 172 sub-basins in Thailand. Study focus: This study describes a generalised validation procedure that uses rainfall (P), streamflow (Q) and storage change data (from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment - TWSCGRACE) and land use information. For each sub-basin, bulk ET was computed using the water balance framework and compared to estimates by ET products. Inverse water balance computations were applied to infer the storage change estimates from each product (ΔS = P – Q - ETRS), which were compared to TWSCGRACE to assess their monthly scale performances. New hydrological insights for the region under study: All products performed very well on the annual basis (mean NSE > 0.96) and satisfactorily on the monthly scale (mean NSE > 0.65). Land use classifications from the Land Development Department were used to examine the ability of four candidates (CMRSET, MOD16A2, GLEAM V3.3b and ETMonitor) to provide ET estimates with correspondence to physical land use conditions. By also considering product resolutions and data accessibility, MOD16A2 was consensually shown to be the most promising product to be used for water resources management in Thailand. In addition to local applications, the outcomes emanate the potential for utilisation on the global scale which should be further investigated.

Jennifer Ish, David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras, Kristina W. Whitworth

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to examine the mental wellbeing of self-employed, Hispanic female domestic cleaners in San Antonio, Texas. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study and administered a short questionnaire to 56 participants. Mental wellbeing was assessed using The World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). We calculated the age-adjusted prevalence of poor mental wellbeing, both overall and stratified by socioeconomic, neighborhood, and health characteristics. Results Almost half of the participants screened positive for poor mental wellbeing (47.3%) with a mean WHO-5 score of 68.9 [standard error (SE) = 3.1]. We observed a high prevalence of poor mental wellbeing among participants with less than a high school education (56.0%), who worked less than 30 h per week (57.0%) and who sometimes or always felt unsafe at her cleaning job (69.1%). Conclusions Female domestic cleaners, particularly those who work in the informal sector, are an overburdened and understudied population. This is particularly true regarding their mental wellbeing, which has largely been considered as an afterthought in epidemiologic studies of cleaning workers in general. Our results suggest that this group of domestic cleaners faces several psychosocial stressors, both in and outside of the workplace, and may have a high risk of poor mental health outcomes.