Abstract The intermeshing of disciplines from the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and management has become essential to addressing today's environmental challenges. Yet, this can be a daunting task because experts from different disciplines may conceptualize the problems in very different ways and use vocabularies that may not be well understood by one another. This paper explores three alternative environmental concepts used in transdisciplinary research, and outlines some of the epistemological and practical problems that each one poses. It pays particular attention to the increasingly popular concept of “circular economy”, and contrasts it with the more commonly-used concepts of “environmental sciences” and “sustainable development”. In clarifying the nature, meaning and inter-relationship of these alternative concepts, the paper helps trans-disciplinary researchers to understand the opportunities and challenges associated with each one.
In recent years, with the continuous development of industry and agriculture, the content of organic pollutants in the environment has been increasing, which has caused serious pollution to the environment. Adsorption has proven to be an effective and economically viable method of removing organic contaminants. Since biochar has many advantages such as various types of raw materials, low cost, and recyclability, it can achieve the effect of turning waste into treasure when used for environmental treatment. This paper summarizes the source and production of biochar, points out its research status in the removal of organic pollutants, expounds its adsorption mechanism on organic pollutants, introduces the relevant adsorption parameters, summarizes its regeneration methods, studies its application of engineering, and finally analyses of benefits and describes the development prospects.
Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is a promising photo–thermo–electric‐responsive semiconductor material for environmental applications, owing to its various favorable properties. However, the unsatisfactory environmental purification efficiency of this material has limited its further applications. Fortunately, in the last few years, significant efforts have been undertaken for improving the environmental purification efficiency of this material and understanding its underlying mechanism. Here, the aim is to summarize the recent experimental and computational research progress in the modification of MnO2 single species by morphology control, structure construction, facet engineering, and element doping. Moreover, the design and fabrication of MnO2‐based composites via the construction of homojunctions and MnO2/semiconductor/conductor binary/ternary heterojunctions is discussed. Their applications in environmental purification systems, either as an adsorbent material for removing heavy metals, dyes, and microwave (MW) pollution, or as a thermal catalyst, photocatalyst, and electrocatalyst for the degradation of pollutants (water and gas, organic and inorganic) are also highlighted. Finally, the research gaps are summarized and a perspective on the challenges and the direction of future research in nanostructured MnO2‐based materials in the field of environmental applications is presented. Therefore, basic guidance for rational design and fabrication of high‐efficiency MnO2‐based materials for comprehensive environmental applications is provided.
Abstract Waste tyres and their accumulation is a global environmental concern; they are not biodegradable, and, globally, an estimated 1.5 billion are generated annually. Waste tyres in landfill and stockpiles are renowned for leaching toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment, acting as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and fuelling inextinguishable fires. The properties of waste tyre rubber and engineering applications have been previously reported in a range of publications with respect to the environmental, economic, and technical factors. This study compiles and reviews this research with a focus on geotechnical engineering applications, such as earthworks and infrastructure construction. The applications of waste rubber in construction materials includes cementitious concrete, asphalt concrete, and granular materials for earth structures. Crumb rubber, when used as a sand replacement in flowable concrete fill, improved ductility and strength-to-weight ratio. A 40 MPa concrete mix with 0.6% rubber crumb content exhibited optimal strength and air entrainment capabilities, displaying minimal damage after 56 freeze/thaw cycles. Rubber, as a partial replacement for aggregate in road base and sub-base layers, adversely affected the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the graded aggregate base course. Rubber-soil mixtures as the interface of foundation and structure yielded a 60–70 % reduction in vertical and horizontal ground accelerations when subjected to earthquake simulation modelling. There is concern regarding the toxicity of waste rubber incorporated products due to leachates of heavy metals and other chemicals common in tyres. Further comprehensive studies in this area are needed. Leachate studies should be conducted under different pH and liquid to solid ratios.
The microbial‑induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), as an emerging biomineralization technology mediated by specific bacteria, has been a popular research focus for scientists and engineers through the previous two decades as an interdisciplinary approach. It provides cutting-edge solutions for various engineering problems emerging in the context of frequent and intense human activities. This paper is aimed at reviewing the fundaments and engineering applications of the MICP technology through existing studies, covering realistic need in geotechnical engineering, construction materials, hydraulic engineering, geological engineering, and environmental engineering. It adds a new perspective on the feasibility and difficulty for field practice. Analysis and discussion within different parts are generally carried out based on specific considerations in each field. MICP may bring comprehensive improvement of static and dynamic characteristics of geomaterials, thus enhancing their bearing capacity and resisting liquefication. It helps produce eco-friendly and durable building materials. MICP is a promising and cost-efficient technology in preserving water resources and subsurface fluid leakage. Piping, internal erosion and surface erosion could also be addressed by this technology. MICP has been proved suitable for stabilizing soils and shows promise in dealing with problematic soils like bentonite and expansive soils. It is also envisaged that this technology may be used to mitigate against impacts of geological hazards such as liquefaction associated with earthquakes. Moreover, global environment issues including fugitive dust, contaminated soil and climate change problems are assumed to be palliated or even removed via the positive effects of this technology. Bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and enzymatic approach are three feasible paths for MICP. Decision makers should choose a compatible, efficient and economical way among them and develop an on-site solution based on engineering conditions. To further decrease the cost and energy consumption of the MICP technology, it is reasonable to make full use of industrial by-products or wastes and non-sterilized media. The prospective direction of this technology is to make construction more intelligent without human intervention, such as autogenous healing. To reach this destination, MICP could be coupled with other techniques like encapsulation and ductile fibers. MICP is undoubtfully a mainstream engineering technology for the future, while ecological balance, environmental impact and industrial applicability should still be cautiously treated in its real practice.
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a promising low carbon and economic biological nitrogen removal technology. Considering the anammox has been easily restricted by environmental factors in practical engineering applications, it is necessary to understand the metabolic response characteristics of anammox bacteria to different environmental factors, and then guide the application of the anammox process. This review presented the latest advances of the research progress of the effects of different environmental factors on the metabolic pathway of anammox bacteria. The effects as well as mechanisms of conventional environmental factors and emerging pollutants on the anammox metabolic processes were summarized. Also, the role of quorum sensing (QS) mediating the bacteria growth, gene expression and other metabolic process in the anammox system were also reviewed. Finally, interaction and cross-feeding mechanisms of microbial communities in the anammox system were discussed. This review systematic summarized the variations of metabolic mechanism response to the external environment as well as cross-feeding interactions in the anammox process, which would provide an in-depth understanding for the anammox metabolic process and a comprehensive guidance for future anammox-related metabolic studies and engineering applications.
Zakia H. Alhashem, Hasna Abdullah Alali, Shehab A. Mansour
et al.
The process of hydrogen peroxide decomposition, facilitated by copper oxide nanoparticles, produces reactive oxidants that possess the ability to oxidize multiple pollutants. CuO/Cu<sub>2</sub>O hybrid nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a thermal decomposition route and applied as a heterogeneous catalytic oxidant for a fluorescent dye, namely Basic Violet 10 (BV10) dye. The microstructure and morphology of the prepared catalyst were evaluated via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), respectively. The produced nanoparticles (NPs) were induced through ultraviolet light as a green photodecomposition technology. The system parameters were investigated, and the optimal initial NP concentration, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration, and pH were assessed. The highest removal rate corresponding to 82% was achieved when 40 and 400 mg/L of NPs and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> were introduced, respectively. The system could operate at various pH values, and the alkaline pH (8.0) was efficient in proceeding with the oxidation system that overcomes the limitation of the homogeneous acidic Fenton catalyst. The introduced catalyst demonstrated consistent sustainability, achieving a notable removal rate of 68% even after six consecutive cycles of use. This innovative technique’s accomplishment examines the feasibility of utilizing copper as a replacement for iron in the Fenton reaction, demonstrating efficacy over an extended pH range. Finally, the temperature effectiveness of the reaction showed that the reaction is exothermic in nature, working at a low energy barrier (20.4 kJ/mol) and following the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
Cíntia Cármen de Faria Melo, Danilo Silva Amaral, Renato de Mello Prado
et al.
Abstract Inadequate nitrogen (N) fertilization management in pastures is common and can lead to N deficiency or excess, resulting in physiological imbalances in forage grasses across different regions of the world. Silicon (Si) fertigation is a promising strategy to mitigate these issues due to its anti-stress properties. However, its effects on the morphogenic growth processes of grasses and their influence on forage nutritional value remain unclear. This study investigated the detrimental effects of low, adequate, and excessive N-urea supply on the morphogenesis, production, and chemical-bromatological composition of Zuri grass in two tropical soils (Ferralsol and Arenosol), with a focus on the mitigating role of nanosilica in these parameters. Low N levels inhibited leaf growth and tillering, whereas excessive N led to excessive increases in morphogenic activity, compromising leaf lifespan and dry matter (DM) production. Si fertigation balanced morphogenesis under both low and excessive N conditions, reducing dead material and lignin content in forage grown in Arenosol. Well-nourished plants exhibited higher DM production in both soils when supplemented with Si. Fertigation with silicon is beneficial for the morphogenesis of grass under low or high N, mitigating DM production losses under N excess, but not under N deficiency. Silicon can optimize forage production in adequately fertilized systems without compromising forage digestibility.
Benaissa Chaimae, Rossi Abdelhamid, Bouhmadi Belkacem
et al.
This study aims to investigate the physical, chemical, and bacteriological quality of water derived from both a well and a spring across three distinct periods (2008, 2012, and 2021) in both summer and winter. These sampling points are situated within the urbanized area of Al Hoceima and serve as crucial sources of drinking water for a substantial portion of the city's population due to their proximity to the city center. The water hardness values observed at these natural points ranged from 5.9 to 82 (°F), categorizing the water from these sources as very hard. Furthermore, the Piper diagram revealed chemical facies characterized by chlorinated sodium and calcium magnesium sulfate. The elevated concentrations of sodium and chloride were attributed to the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea shoreline. Analysis of bacteriological parameters in these waters uncovered notable contamination by fecal germs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the water samples identified two primary groups, elucidated by two factors that collectively account for 79.37% of the variance. The first factor (50.11%) is linked to gypsum dissolution and marine intrusion, while the second factor (29.26%) is associated with external contributions such as anthropogenic pollution.
Cheng-Hong Yang, Chih-Hsien Wu, Kuei-Hau Luo
et al.
Air pollution has become a major global threat to human health. Urbanization and industrialization over the past few decades have increased the air pollution. Plausible connections have been made between air pollutants and dementia. This study used machine learning algorithms (k-nearest neighbors, random forest, gradient-boosted decision trees, eXtreme gradient boosting, and CatBoost) to investigate the association between cognitive impairment and air pollution. Data from the Taiwan Biobank and 75 air-pollution-monitoring stations in Taiwan were analyzed to determine individual levels of exposure to air pollutants. The pollutants examined were particulate matter with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. The results revealed that the most strongly correlated with cognitive impairment were ozone, PM2.5, and carbon monoxide levels with adjustment of educational level, age, and household income. The model based on these factors achieved accuracy as high as 0.97 for detecting cognitive impairment, indicating a positive association between air pollutions and cognitive impairment.
Risnadi Irawan, Mustafa Kamal, Hanif Muchdatul Ayunda
et al.
Seiring dengan peningkatan pertumbuhan ekonomi pasca bencana gempa dan tsunami aceh tahun 2004 mempengaruhi tingkat pertumbuhan warung kopi di kota Meulaboh. Hal ini juga menjadi pendorong meningkatnya jumlah konsumen dan berbagai karakter serta sejumlah latar belakang konsumen penikmat kopi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengelompokan konsumen ke dalam beberapa kategori yang didasari faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi keputusan konsumen dalam memilih warung kopi arabika. Penggunaan teknik analisis multivariate dari Principle Component Analysis (PCA) dalam analisis data penelitian dengan tahapan seperti perhitungan matriks korelasi, analisis faktor dan mengestimasi muatan setiap faktor dengan metode estimasi maksimum. Hasil penelitian menunjukan persentase kelima kelompok konsumen warung kopi arabika di Kota Meulaboh ialah penikmat kopi 17,1%, konsumen umum/konvensional 14,2%, konsumen sosialita 13,4%, konsumen trendi 12,8%, konsumen gaya hidup 12,2%. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa banyak konsumen memilih warung kopi arabika dikarenakan cita rasa dan kualitas dari kopi yang disajikan, kelompok ini termasuk kedalam orang yang mengerti kopi. Selain kelompok penikmat kopi, warung kopi arabika di Kota Meulaboh juga dikunjungi dari 4 kelompok lainnya seperti konsumen umum yang memilih warung kopi arabika dikarenakan rekan kerja, konsumen sosialita karena hubungan sosial, konsumen trendi karena gengsi dan konsumen gaya hidup dengan alasan brand dan status sosial.
Abstract Background A balanced and optimized amount of nutrients in bread, which is the main food in many countries, is necessary to maintain human health. Considering the importance of nutritional values of bread in the food basket of Iranian households, the purpose of this study was to determine the nutrients and their concentrations in breads consumed in Iran. Methods This systematic review study was performed to determine the types of nutrients in breads consumed in Iran by searching reputable international databases including Scopus and Google scholar, PubMed, Science direct, ISI (Web of Science). Data were collected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and by searching for relevant keywords, emphasizing the types of nutrients in breads consumed in Iran. Qualitative data were collected using the standard PRISMA checklist (preferential reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis). After verifying the quality of the articles, the information was entered into a checklist such as the name of the first author and year of publication of the research, type of study, number of samples, type of nutrition, type of bread and amount of nutrition measured. Results After reviewing the information and quality of articles, 10 articles were qualified for systematic review. The review of the articles showed that different breads were experimented, including: Sangak, Barbari, Taftoon, Lavash, French and local bread. The highest number of experimented bread samples was Sangak. Examination of the articles showed that 6 nutrients were experimented in different breads such as Fe, K, Mg, Ca, Cu and Zn. The highest number of experimented in breads was related to the amount of Zn (13 times) and Cu (10 times), respectively. The results of quality assessment of articles showed that most of the studies were of good quality. The results of articles on the amount of nutrients measured in different breads showed that only in two articles the amount of nutrients was reported to be desirable. In most articles, the amount of nutrients in breads was reported to be lower or higher than standard. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the concentration of nutrients in most articles was undesirable. It is suggested that optimal methods of enrichment of breads and flours be done with interdisciplinary cooperation between food hygiene, environmental health, nutrition, farmers and bakers. It is recommended that food hygiene and environmental health researchers investigate other nutrients (including phosphorus, selenium, manganese, boron and molybdenum) in breads and other staple foods used by people to constructive and practical measures to increase public health.
Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases, Public aspects of medicine
The increased risks of storm flood occurrences in large cities are the result of land use changes due to rapid urbanization. This study examines the influence of land use changes in Khulna City Corporation (KCC) area on surface runoff over a period of 15 years, from 2005 to 2020. Land use–land cover (LULC) maps for 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were created employing support vector machine (SVM)-based supervised image classification using time-series satellite data, and the surface runoff was determined using Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number model. The major land use change drivers of surface runoff were determined through a correlation analysis. Surface runoff was observed to follow a similar trend as that of impervious urban areas, which went up by 5.44% from 2005 to 2020 (17.00 mm increment in average runoff) and the opposite trend was found in vegetation land cover, which declined by 13.34% in areal extent throughout the study period. In comparison with other types of land use, surface runoff changes were most significantly associated with the changes in urban impervious areas and vegetation land use-land cover (LULC) class. In fast-growing cities across the world, and especially in developing nations, the results of this study may serve as a guide for urban storm flood management and urban planning efforts. HIGHLIGHTS
Between 2005 and 2020, the urban area increased by 9.82%, while vegetation cover dropped by 13.24%.;
During 2005–2020, the relative degree of average runoff depth on a particular day with a 100-year rainfall event rose by 5.44% (17.00 mm).;
The increase in runoff depth was found to be positively and negatively correlated with the expansion of urban impervious areas and changes in vegetation land cover class, respectively.;
The upstream of bioenergy industry has suffered from unreliable operations of granular biomass feedstocks in handling equipment. Computational modeling, including continuum-mechanics models and discrete-particle models, offers insightful understandings and predictive capabilities on the flow of milled biomass and can assist equipment design and optimization. This paper presents a benchmark study on the fidelity of the continuum and discrete modeling approaches for predicting granular biomass flow. We first introduce the constitutive law of the continuum-mechanics model and the contact law of the coarse-grained discrete-particle model, with model parameters calibrated against laboratory characterization tests of the milled loblolly pine. Three classical granular material flow systems (i.e., a lab-scale rotating drum, a pilot-scale hopper, and a full-scale inclined plane) are then simulated using the two models with the same initial and boundary conditions as the physical experiments. The close agreement of the numerical predictions with the experimental measurements on the hopper mass flow rate, the hopper critical outlet width, the material stopping thickness on the inclined plane, and the dynamic angle of repose, clearly indicates that the two methods can capture the critical flow behavior of granular biomass. The qualitative comparison shows that the continuum-mechanics model outperforms in parameterization of materials and wall friction, and large-scale systems, while the discrete-particle model is more preferred for discontinuous flow systems at smaller scales. Industry stakeholders can use these findings as guidance for choosing appropriate numerical tools to model biomass material flow in part of the optimization of material handling equipment in biorefineries.
The impact of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the ecological environment has aroused widespread concern in coal mining areas. Coal mining and solid waste accumulation are among the main reasons for the widespread occurrence of PAHs in groundwater in mining areas. In this study, the PAH content in groundwater in a coal mining area in northern Anhui, China, was determined via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The seasonal variation, composition, spatial distribution and sources of PAHs were analyzed, and their potential ecological risks were evaluated. The concentration of ∑PAHs in groundwater ranged from 15.04 to 449.13 ng/L, mainly including 2- and 3-ring PAHs. There were obvious differences in the PAH distribution in groundwater, and higher PAH concentrations were detected in groundwater near industrial parks and solid waste dumping areas. Diagnostic ratio analysis indicated that the PAHs mainly originate from the combustion of coal, biomass and petroleum. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) results revealed that coal and biomass combustion, traffic emissions, coking emissions and oil leakage contributed 46.59%, 20.06%, 18.70% and 14.65%, respectively, to the detected PAHs. The ecological risk assessment results indicated that this area experienced a moderate ecological risk, and the mean ecological risk values during the wet season were lower than those during the dry season.