Abstract Green finance is a new financial pattern to integrate environmental protection with economic profits, emphasizing “green” and “finance”, two of which are controversial issues. This paper probes into the status quo of green finance in the field of renewable energy and finds out some inadequacies. We devote attention to development of market mechanism and formulation of policies. By revealing the internal contradictions between green finance and environmental protection, we propose solutions intrinsically for better achievement of ecological balance.
Md. Abdul Moktadir, S. Ali, Simonov Kusi‐Sarpong
et al.
Abstract Researchers and practitioners are giving significant attention to Industry 4.0 due to its numerous benefits to manufacturing organizations. Several aspects of Industry 4.0 have been studied in the literature. However, studies on the challenges for implementing Industry 4.0 in manufacturing operations have received less attention. To address this gap, this study identifies a set of challenges (framework) for implementing Industry 4.0 in manufacturing industries. This framework is evaluated in the leather industry of Bangladesh aided by a novel multi-criteria decision-making method named Best-Worst method (BWM). The findings of the study showed that ‘lack of technological infrastructure’ is the most pressing challenge that may hurdle the implementation of Industry 4.0 whereas ‘environmental side-effects’ is the less among the challenges that may hinder implementation of Industry 4.0 in the Bangladeshi leather industry. This result may help decision makers, industrial managers and practitioners in the Bangladeshi leather industry to realize the actual challenges confronting them when attempting to implement Industry 4.0 and focus their attention on how to address these challenges to pave ways for a successful implementation of Industry 4.0.
Abstract Among the admired photocatalysts, metal sulphide-based semiconductors are most prominent photocatalysts for the degradation or decomposition of dyes in wastewater industries with low cost, environment-friendly and sustainable treatment technologies for the environmental protection. In recent years, the environmental pollution poses a serious threat to the environment and public health. To overcome the environmental pollution, doped and heterojunction based semiconductor metal sulfide nanostructures (MSNSs) are developed as photocatalysts for the purpose of photocatalytic degradation or removal of large organic dyes in an eco-friendly and sustainable fashion. This comprehensive review starts with a brief overview on dyes as pollutants, dyes classification, dyes decolorization or degradation strategies and focuses on the mechanisms involved in comparatively well understood MSNSs photocatalysts such as ZnS, CdS, CuS, Ag2S, Bi2S3, CoS, FeS, and PbS etc. It particularly discusses the recent advancements to enhance photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes by using various MSNSs to make it a flexible and cost-effective commercial dye treatment technology. In addition, we have focused on the treatment of organic dyes using different types of MSNSs by photocatalysis and the effects of various parameters such as dopants, heterojunctions, band gap, size, light intensity, surface area, reaction time, and degradation efficiency, etc., are highlighted.
Background Biobanks are critical infrastructures for biomedical research but are energy- and cost-intensive due to reliance on ultra-low temperature (ULT) storage and redundant systems. The challenge is reducing environmental impact without compromising specimen quality or continuity. Service centers are well positioned to address this challenge, operating at scale and providing governance beyond the capacity of individual laboratories. Methods The Johns Hopkins Biobank, a CAP-accredited service-center repository, partnered with the School of Medicine Energy and Sustainability Committee to conduct a freezer audit across 34 departments and two campuses. Inventories were assessed for age, utilization, and efficiency, and policies were implemented to encourage migration of biospecimens into centralized storage. Strategies prioritized vapor-phase liquid nitrogen (LN2) for viable collections and incorporated MVE Variō systems as energy-efficient alternatives for ULT needs. Governance required investigators to evaluate centralized options before acquiring new freezers, reinforced through outreach at faculty meetings and symposia. Results The audit identified nearly 1,300 ULT freezers, with over 70% beyond their median life expectancy of 8.5 years. Consolidation of specimens into a Biobank-managed freezer farm reduced institutional energy demand and improved monitoring. LN2 provided stability for viable specimens, while Variō units offered adjustable storage (–20 °C to –150 °C) with minimal electricity use and no facility cooling load. Governance helped to curb uncontrolled expansion of departmental freezers, while the Biobank functioned as an emergency response resource with at-temperature backup capacity. Adoption of centralized storage has been gradual but continues to expand. Conclusions This case study demonstrates how an academic service center can integrate sustainability, quality, and contingency planning. The Johns Hopkins Biobank illustrates that shared resources, supported by institutional governance, provide a practical framework to reduce environmental impact while ensuring uncompromising specimen protection. As an institutional case study, this report is intended to illustrate operational strategy within a defined governance and infrastructure environment rather than to function as a universally prescriptive implementation model.
The management of irrigation water systems has become increasingly complex due to competing demands for agricultural production, groundwater sustainability, and environmental flow requirements, particularly under hydrologic variability and climate uncertainty. Addressing these challenges requires optimization frameworks that can jointly determine optimal crop allocation, groundwater pumping, and environmental flow releases while maintaining economic and hydrological feasibility. However, existing hydro-economic models, including the widely used Lewis and Randall formulation, may overestimate net benefits by allowing infeasible negative pumping and surface water allocations. We extend the Lewis and Randall framework by reformulating groundwater pumping and surface water use as non-negative, demand-driven decision variables and by explicitly incorporating environmental flow and canal capacity constraints. Three models are developed to maximize economic benefit, minimize environmental deficits, and a multiobjective model that evaluates the trade-offs between these two objectives. An illustrative test case examining optimal crop area allocation and environmental flow management across dry, average, and wet years, using data from the Rajshahi Barind Tract in northwestern Bangladesh, is presented. The results show that the proposed formulation produces economically and hydrologically consistent solutions, identifying optimal strategies when either net benefits or environmental protection is prioritized, as well as Pareto-optimal trade-offs when both objectives are considered together. These findings provide practical insights for balancing farm income, groundwater sustainability, and ecological protection, offering a robust decision-support tool for irrigation management in water-limited river basins.
Abstract In this study, we introduce a highly effective non-metallic iodine single-atom catalyst (SAC), referred to as I-NC, which is strategically confined within a nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) scaffold. This configuration features a distinctive C-I coordination that optimizes the electronic structure of the nitrogen-adjacent carbon sites. As a result, this arrangement enhances electron transfer from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to the active sites, particularly the electron-deficient carbon. This electron transfer is followed by a deprotonation process that generates the peroxymonosulfate radical (SO5 •−). Subsequently, the SO5 •− radical undergoes a disproportionation reaction, leading to the production of singlet oxygen (1O2). Furthermore, the energy barrier for the rate-limiting step of SO5 •− generation in I-NC is significantly lower at 1.45 eV, compared to 1.65 eV in the NC scaffold. This reduction in energy barrier effectively overcomes kinetic obstacles, thereby facilitating an enhanced generation of 1O2. Consequently, the I-NC catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic efficiency and unmatched reactivity for PMS activation. This leads to a significantly accelerated degradation of pollutants, evidenced by a relatively high observed kinetic rate constant (k obs ~ 0.436 min− 1) compared to other metallic SACs. This study offers valuable insights into the rational design of effective non-metallic SACs, showcasing their promising potential for Fenton-like reactions in water treatment applications.
Laura Nistor, Cătălin Lisa, Tsuyoshi Michinobu
et al.
Background: 2-[4-(Dimethylamino)phenyl]-3-([4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]ethynyl)buta-1,3-diene-1,1,4,4-tetracarbonitrile (DDMEBT) is a thermally robust organic material of interest for applications requiring controlled volatility. Understanding its thermal stability, decomposition mechanism, and sublimation behavior is critical for optimizing deposition conditions in industrial processes. Methods: A comprehensive set of techniques was employed, including thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy (TG/MS/FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analysis, polarized light microscopy (POM), and molecular modeling. Sublimation kinetics were investigated under isothermal conditions (130–150 °C) using anthracene as reference. Significant findings: DDMEBT exhibits a sequential three-step degradation mechanism, independent of heating rate, with high thermal stability (final residue ∼77 %) attributed to its nonplanar architecture and intermolecular π–π/dipole–dipole interactions. Thermal analysis revealed melting at ∼190 °C, structural rearrangements (196–230 °C), and an amorphous-to-crystalline transition at 270 °C. Sublimation proceeds via zero-order kinetics with low volatility (0.178 μg/min at 130 °C) and an activation energy of 66.5 kJ/mol. The determined vapor pressure (1998–4000 Pa) and transport coefficients confirm a thermally activated, hydrodynamically stable process. These findings establish a reliable basis for sublimation modeling and provide guidelines for optimizing material processing in high-temperature, low-volatility applications.
Abstract Arsenic contaminants exist in different chemical forms with varying toxicity and mobility, making on-site analysis challenging. Here, a fluorogenic method is developed for the efficient detection of arsenite and arsenate ions using a portable platform directly in an aqueous phase. During sensing, the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probe TPE-Cys/TPE-2Cys exhibits low fluorescence when dissolved, but reacts with the As(III) to form organic arsenic complexes with low solubility, inducing a turn-on fluorescence for quantitative analysis. Using a prior reduction strategy, the As(V) can be converted to As(III) and further analyzed in a sequential detection. Using a specialized laser-induced fluorescence instrument, this strategy allows on-site analysis of As(III) and As(V) species with sensitivity down to 0.14 ppb in environmental samples, showing that As(III) dominates while the As(V)/As(III) ratio varies in a constitutional equilibrium. The system has potential for the practical analysis of complex arsenic, revealing the dynamic arsenic transformations in the environment.
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected global society, influencing public health, economies, and the environment. This study examines the environmental impact of the pandemic on Alexandria Port, a key maritime hub in Egypt. By analyzing Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from the port area and multi-temporal satellite imagery from the Sentinel-5 Precursor (Sentinel-5p) satellite, the study investigates the changes in shipping activities and pollution emissions from 2018 to 2022. The aim was to assess the effect of the COVID-19 preventive measures on air quality in the vicinity of Alexandria Port, using satellite data provided by the European Space Agency’s geospatial processing engine. The study focused on several air quality parameters, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), and aerosol properties such as Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Absorbing Aerosol Index (AAI). The results revealed varying degrees of reduction in air pollutants during the COVID-19 lockdown, with each pollutant showing a distinct change in levels. Specifically, the AAI and AOD reached their lowest mean values in 2020, recording -1.2 and 214 mol/m2, respectively, which represents a significant reduction. Likewise, NO₂ and SO₂ concentrations dropped to their lowest mean values of 0.000048 and 0.000125 mol/m2 during the lockdown period, reflecting a decrease of approximately 30% compared to pre-lockdown levels in 2018–2019. Notably, CO and O₃ levels showed considerable reductions as well, with CO decreasing to 0.015 mol/m2 and O₃ reaching 0.125 mol/m2, both of which represented decreases of around 10% and 15%, respectively, compared to their 2019 levels. However, following the resumption of full-capacity maritime operations at Alexandria Port, pollution levels returned to pre-lockdown values, indicating that the environmental benefits of the lockdown were short-term. The study concludes that the COVID-19 lockdown had a positive short-term impact on air quality, particularly in reducing harmful pollutants like NO₂, SO₂, and aerosols. However, these improvements were transient, with pollution levels rebounding to pre-lockdown levels once maritime activities resumed. This highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure long-term improvements in air quality. Effective pollution management strategies must be implemented to sustain the environmental gains observed during the pandemic lockdown.
Chayasmita Deka, Chayasmita Deka, Mrinal Kanti Dutta
et al.
Amidst escalating challenges concerning extreme climatic events, the transition to low-carbon lifestyles has emerged as a significant policy priority. To that end, adoption of low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) is critical. This study is a novel examination of the socio-psychological mechanisms shaping intentions to adopt EVs in Assam, a fast-developing region in northeast India, characterized by collectivist cultural norms. While existing research has primarily focused on economic, technical, and volitional factors such as perceived behavioral control, environmental awareness and attitudinal variables, this study examines the combined effect of norm and fear-based drivers of intention to adopt EVs. Utilizing the Norm Activation Model (NAM) and the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), this study identifies subjective norms and perceived vulnerability as the most significant norm-based and fear-based predictor of intention respectively. Structural equation modeling reveals a parallel rather than sequential operation of norm and fear-based constructs, with mediated intention pathways featuring a complex interplay of affect-cognition mechanisms shaping intention. Unlike findings in Western contexts, personal moral norms have less direct impact in shaping intention in a collectivist setting where social validation and group norms weigh higher. Awareness and environmental concern is also found to be ineffective unless it is accompanied with fear cues indicating personal vulnerability and a belief in the possibility of its mitigation. The findings highlight the need for localized, tailored, affect-filled communication strategies over nation-wide financial incentives alone to accelerate EV adoption. The limitations and directions for further research on evolving EV ecosystems are discussed.
Against the macro-background of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" goals, eco-environment protection regulations are increasingly stricter. Facing high government regulatory risks and frequent environment lawsuits, corporate environmental compliance starts to play a vital role in healthy corporate operation. Law fulfillment routes constitute a critical part in corporate environmental compliance. Few academic scholars have conducted a profound analysis or discussion of legal accomplishment routes for corporate environmental compliances. As a matter of fact, legal routes for accomplishing corporate environmental compliance should be based proper theories concerning corporate environmental rights and obligations as well as dual layer nested governance structure (government environmental power and corporate environmental liabilities). Under the guidance of environmental jurisprudence, enterprises are responsible for setting up practical legal fulfillment routes for their environmental compliance-related rights and obligations. A diversified environmental governance layout composed of government regulation, enterprise self-discipline and social participation should be established. Within enterprises, effective legal routes should be developed for dealing with government regulatory risks and environment lawsuit risks at the same time.
Sonia Bujok, Tomasz Pańczyk, Kosma Szutkowski
et al.
To clean or not to clean? The solution to this dilemma is related to understanding the plasticiser migration which has a few practical implications for the state of museum artefacts made of plasticised poly(vinyl chloride) - PVC and objects stored in their vicinity. The consequences of this process encompass aesthetic changes due to the presence of exudates and dust deposition, an increase in air pollution and the development of mechanical stresses. Therefore, this paper discusses the plasticiser migration in PVC to provide evidence and support the development of recommendations and guidelines for conservators, collection managers and heritage scientists. Particularly, the investigation is focused on the migration of the ortho-phthalates representing the group of the most abundant plasticisers in PVC collections. The predominance of inner diffusion or surface emission (evaporation) determining the rate-limiting step of the overall migration process is considered a fundament for understanding the potential environmental and mechanical risk. According to this concept, general correlations for various ortho-phthalates are proposed depending on their molar mass with the support of molecular dynamics simulations and NMR diffusometry. The study reveals that for the majority of the PVC objects in collections, the risk of accelerated migration upon mild removal of surface plasticiser exudate is low. Thus, surface cleaning would allow for diminishing dust deposition and air pollution by phthalate-emitting objects in a museum environment. Bearing in mind simplicity and the need for fast decision-supporting solutions, the step-by-step protocol for non-destructive identification and quantification of plasticisers in objects made of or containing plasticised PVC, determination of the physical state of investigated artefacts and rate-limiting process of plasticiser migration is proposed.