Hasil untuk "Environmental effects of industries and plants"

P. C. Nagajyoti, K. Lee, T. Sreekanth

Kun Wang, Taotao Zhuang, Zhaoxin Su et al.

Shams Forruque Ahmed, Nafisa Islam, Nuzaba Tasannum et al.

Discharging microplastics (MPs) into the environment with treated wastewater is becoming a major concern around the world. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) release MPs into terrestrial and aquatic habitats, mostly from textile, laundry, and cosmetic industries. Despite extensive research on MPs in the environment, their removal, and WWTP management strategies, highlighting their environmental effects, little is known about MPs' fate and behaviour during various treatment processes. MPs interact with treatment technologies differently due to their diverse physical and chemical characteristics, resulting in varying removal efficiency. MPs removed from WWTPs may accumulate in soil and harm terrestrial ecosystems. Few studies have examined the cost, energy use, and trade-offs of large-scale implementation of modern treatment methods for the removal of MPs. To safeguard aquatic and terrestrial habitats from MPs' contamination, focused and efficient management techniques must bridge these knowledge gaps. This review summarizes MP detection, collection, removal and management strategies. A compilation of treatment process studies on MPs' removal efficiency and their destiny and transit paths shows recent improvement. Bioremediation, membrane bioreactor (MBR), electrocoagulation, sol-gel technique, flotation, enhanced filtering, and AOPs are evaluated for MP removal. The fate and behaviour of MPs in WWTPs suggest they may be secondary suppliers of MPs to receiving ecosystems. Innovative MP removal strategies and technologies such as nanoparticles, microorganism-based remediation, and tertiary treatment raise issues. These new WWTP technologies are examined for feasibility, limitations, and implementation issues. Pretreatment modifies MPs size, adsorption potential, and surface morphology to remove MPs from WWTPs. Membrane bioreactors (MBR) can remove MP 99.9% more efficiently than other approaches. MBR systems require membrane cleaning and fouling control, which raises operational and capital costs. To reduce MPs, plastic alternatives and strict controls, including MP waste transformation, should be prioritized. MPs must be controlled through monitoring policy execution and awareness.

Fahrudi Ahwan Ikhsan, Sumarmi Sumarmi, Sugeng Utaya et al.

Controlling land degradation in conservation areas requires improvement, especially given the spatial impacts of human-environment interactions within the Meru Betiri National Park Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia. Drawing upon geosystem theory, this study investigated land change issues stemming from human-environment interactions within Meru Betiri National Park's conservation area. This study adopted a mixed-methods design that incorporated field observations, surveys, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were obtained from observations of the degradation landscape and a survey of forest farmers, while qualitative data were collected through interviews with key observer participants. Data analysis was triangulated through a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) involving forest farmers and policymakers. The findings indicate that forest farmer conservation practices influence knowledge transformation, environmental education, and funding mechanisms. These elements are integral to a sustainable "translation approach" to restore the conservation area's ecological landscape. The impact of ecosystem restoration leads to significant spatial and contextual changes within the biosphere reserve's geosystem landscape. This study highlights the implications of the interplay among farmer thinking patterns, funding, and policies for enhancing welfare through a sustainable critical land conservation model. Applying this "translation approach" offers valuable spatial and temporal conservation insights in protected areas.

Dario Cottafava, José R. Nicolás-Carlock, Marcel Llavero-Pasquina

This study investigates the interconnectivity of firms and Environmental Justice Organizations (EJOs) involved in socio-environmental conflicts worldwide, using data from the Environmental Justice Atlas (EJAtlas). By constructing a multilayer network that links firms, conflicts, and EJOs, the research applies social network analysis to evaluate the simultaneous involvement of these actors across multiple disputes. Both projected networks of firms and EJOs have been analysed by aggregating nodes by categories and countries to reveal structural differences. Findings reveal a stark contrast between the interconnectedness of firms and EJOs. Multinational corporations form a cohesive global network, enabling them to coordinate strategies and exert influence across regions. Conversely, EJOs are fragmented, often operating in isolated clusters with limited interconnection but forming a robust, decentralized and self-organized global network. Firms network present a strong dependence on pertaining conflict category while EJOs network does not depend on conflict category. This structural difference suggests a risk of systemic and structural coordination for firms towards exploitative expansion while EJOs dynamics seems to be led by a white blood cells defense-like mechanism. While fragmentation may represents a critical challenge for social movements, decentralization and self-organization show a more diffuse global networks supported by a limited number of central hub able to build stronger global alliances to effectively counter the power dynamics of transnational corporations. By providing robust evidence of these networks, this research contributes to discuss how structural differences in global coordination for companies and EJOs directly derives as emergent properties depending on the purpose of the network itself, sectorial expansion for firms while ecosystem preservation for EJOs.

Noemi Luna Carmeno, Tiago Domingos, Daniel W. O'Neill

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world, but its impacts on the environment and human well-being remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic literature review of 1,291 studies selected from 6,655 records, identifying the main impacts of AI and how they are assessed. The evidence reveals an uneven landscape: 72% of environmental studies focus narrowly on energy use and CO2 emissions, while only 11% consider systemic effects. Well-being research is largely conceptual and overlooks subjective dimensions. Strikingly, 83% of environmental studies portray AI's impacts as positive, while well-being analyses show a near-even split overall (44% positive; 46% negative). However, this split masks differences across well-being dimensions. While the impacts of AI on income and health are expected to be positive, its impacts on inequality, social cohesion, and employment are expected to be negative. Based on our findings, we suggest several areas for future research. Environmental assessments should incorporate water, material, and biodiversity impacts, and apply a full life-cycle perspective, while well-being research should prioritise empirical analyses. Evaluating AI's overall impact requires accounting for computing-related, application-level, and systemic impacts, while integrating both environmental and social dimensions. Bridging these gaps is essential to understand the full scope of AI's impacts and to steer its development towards environmental sustainability and human flourishing.

Olivier Vincent

It is well known that a solid (e.g. wood or rubber) can be put under tensile stress by pulling on it. Once a critical stress is overcome, the solid breaks, leaving an empty space. Similarly, due to internal cohesion, a liquid can withstand tension (i.e. negative pressure), up to a critical point where a large bubble spontaneously forms, releasing the tension and leaving a void (the bubble). This process is known as cavitation. While water at negative pressure is metastable, such a state can be long-lived. In fact, water under tension is found routinely in the plant kingdom, as a direct effect of dehydration, e.g. by evaporation. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of occurrences of water stress and cavitation in plants, then use a simple thermodynamic and fluid mechanical framework to describe the basic physics of water stress and cavitation. We focus specifically on situations close to those in plants, that is water at negative pressure nested within a structure that is solid, but porous and potentially deformable. We also discuss insights from these simple models as well as from experiments with artificial structures mimicking some essential aspects of the structures found within plants.

Jaya Vinny Eapen, Sweety Thomas, Shelmi Antony et al.

The presence of high-quality water is essential not only for human survival but also for the well-being of plants and animals. This research aimed to examine studies investigating the occurrence of antibiotics, endocrine disruptors, and other pharmaceutical products in water, sediments, and organisms within aquatic ecosystems. These substances have been linked to numerous adverse health effects on both humans and aquatic life, including reproductive issues and neurotoxic effects. The pervasive utilization of antibiotics in medical and agricultural domains has precipitated their ascension as formidable environmental contaminants. Effluents discharged from pharmaceutical industries constitute significant contributors to aquatic ecosystems’ contamination with antibiotics. These pharmacological agents permeate diverse environmental niches, spanning groundwater, surface water, soils, and wastewater treatment facilities, exhibiting concentrations ranging from nanograms to grams per liter. Concurrently, the indiscriminate and excessive application of antibiotics worldwide has engendered escalating apprehensions pertaining to antimicrobial resistance—a formidable global health exigency. This review also delves into the impact of pharmaceutical pollutants on aquatic environments, particularly as endocrine-disrupting compounds. Analysis of surface water in River Taff and River Ely reveals a consistent discharge of approximately 6 kilograms of pharmaceuticals per day. The study examines particular pharmaceuticals, such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), chlorotriazines, chloroquine, and antineoplastic drugs, elucidating their varied effects on reproductive cycles. Pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, originating from sources like wastewater, agriculture, and improper disposal, persist and adversely affect organisms through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. These contaminants pose significant ecological and health risks, necessitating effective mitigation strategies.

Steve Dann Camargo Hinostroza, Carmen Andrea Taza Rojas, Diana Lizet Poma Limache and Camila Jimena Poma Romero

The objective of the research was to determine the water quality index of Lake Chinchaycocha, which has faced pollution problems for several years. To do this, we worked with data from ten water quality monitoring points collected by the National Water Authority (ANA) during the period 2019-2023, after which the water quality index (ICA-PE) was calculated by analyzing a total of 12 parameters, using the Water Quality Standard (ECA) for water category 4 E1 (lagoons and lakes). The results of the physicochemical parameters indicated that the values of total nitrogen exceed the limits established in the ECA in 82% of the data obtained, pH in 13%, and phosphorus in 1%. In the evaluation of inorganic parameters, data from the LChin1S monitoring point showed that lead and zinc levels exceeded the values established in the ECA by 8% and 3%, respectively. Regarding the ICA-PE of the dry and wet seasons, it was determined that both present a good quality according to their averages and with the results obtained from the ICA-PE in a general way, it is concluded that Lake Chinchaycocha has a good water quality having total nitrogen as the main pollutant.

I. Made Wahyu Wijaya, I. G. D. Yudha Partama, I. Ketut Sumantra, Kailas Deoram Ahire and Fransiskus Vebrian Kenedy

This study explores the spatiotemporal variations in nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in the Tukad Badung River, an essential water source for Bali’s communities, increasingly impacted by agricultural, domestic, and industrial discharges. Bi-daily sampling at six strategically selected sites along the river’s 18-kilometer stretch revealed substantial fluctuations in water quality, with downstream sites consistently exhibiting elevated pollutant concentrations. Ammonia concentrations varied from 1.5 to 4.2 mg.L-1, nitrate levels ranged from 5.0 to 11.6 mg.L-1, and total phosphorus concentrations spanned 0.5 to 2.5 mg.L-1, all of which were highest during afternoon sampling, likely due to reduced flow and increased anthropogenic inputs. Total suspended solids (TSS) exhibited temporal and spatial variability, ranging from 80 to 127 mg.L-1, with the highest concentrations observed at midstream sites, suggesting localized sedimentation from human activities. The nutrient dynamics displayed marked temporal variations, with concentrations rising during afternoon hours, reflecting shifts in human activity and changes in river flow conditions. Furthermore, the study assessed nutrient recovery technologies, such as precipitation and adsorption, which were able to recover up to 80% of extractable nutrients. These findings not only characterize the pollution trends but also highlight the potential of nutrient recovery techniques in reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers. This research emphasizes the need for integrated watershed management and adaptive recovery strategies to mitigate nutrient pollution and enhance the sustainability of river ecosystems for future generations.

Kibebework Getachew, Wuletawu Abera, Tefera Belay et al.

Land degradation in Ethiopia is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Although various sustainable land management options have been introduced through top-down approaches, farmers have shown low adoption rates. The objective of this research was to assess the community prioritization of landscape restoration technologies and the appropriation of ecosystem services in the Basona-Worena and Doyo-Gena woredas of Ethiopia. The evaluation of land management option tool was used to survey farmers' preferences and compare different land management options based on input, cost, perceived advantages, and potential drawbacks.Data from 64 participants revealed that farmers were interested in a wide range of benefits. However, their top three preferences were increased food supply, enhanced soil fertility, and improved water supply. The study emphasized the need for site-specific land management measures. Farmers in Basona-Worena favored terrace and bund practices, while farmers in Doyo-Gena preferred exclosure and agroforestry practices. Conversely, the propensity of terracing to attract rodents and pests, the lengthy time takes to see results from bunding, and the cost of gabions were among the shortcomings that farmers identify in conservation techniques. Terracing was the first option for supplying fundamental ecosystem services in both locations, followed by biological measures, water percolation pits, and bunds. All farmers ranked the business-as-usual option as their least preferred option because they perceived it to have limited potential for yielding desired benefits. These findings provide a robust model for informed decision-making on suitable restoration technologies, holding promise for landscape restoration initiatives in Ethiopia and similar locations worldwide.

Hind Barghash, Zuhoor AlRashdi, Kenneth E. Okedu et al.

The drive to reduce global warming through the mitigation of carbon emissions from fossil fuels is on the rise. Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) contribute to Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) production. In order to achieve low GHGs emissions, this study presents two strategies for STPs. The first strategy involves generating hydrogen gas through Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis using treated effluent, while the second strategy is based on the adoption of a solar energy system. The study aims to conduct the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the STPs to determine the effects of the source of energy in hydrogen gas production from wastewater. In addition, a LCA for the STPs was carried out using the OpenLCA software for hydrogen gas production via electrolysis and solar energy integration. The findings reveal that climate change impact, fossil fuel depletion, and human toxicity, would reduce by 14,800 kg CO2-Eq. Hydrogen production with solar energy integration exhibits considerable reduction in environmental consequences with considerable improvements in Human Toxicity (550.11 kg 1,4-DCB-Eq), Climate Change (2711.70 kg CO2-Eq), and Fossil Fuel Depletion (1541.11 kg oil-Eq). The solar-powered hydrogen production strategy demonstrates how STPs can help produce hydrogen in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Based on the findings of this paper, employing solar energy to produce hydrogen from STPs is a viable and effective approach to less environmental hazards and sustainability of energy for major water treatment industries.

Xiangyu Lyu, Hongyu Chen, En-Kun Li et al.

The space-borne gravitational wave detectors such as TianQin offers a new window to test General Relativity by observing the early inspiral phase of stellar-mass binary black holes. A key concern arises if these stellar-mass binary black holes reside in gaseous environments such as active galactic nucleus accretion disks, where environmental effects imprint detectable modulations on the gravitational waveform. Using Bayesian inference on simulated signals containing both environmental and dipole deviation, we have assessed the extent to which the presence of environmental effects affects the detectability of dipole radiation. Our results demonstrate that even in the presence of strong environmental coupling, the dipole parameter can be recovered with high precision, and the evidence for dipole radiation remains distinguishable. Crucially, we find that the existence of environmental effects does not fundamentally impede the identification of dipole radiation, provided both effects are simultaneously modelled in the inference process. This study establishes that future tests of modified gravity with space-borne observatories can remain robust even for sources in astrophysical environments.

Nahshon Mokua Obiri, Kristof Van Laerhoven

This paper presents a comprehensive dataset of LoRaWAN technology path loss measurements collected in an indoor office environment, focusing on quantifying the effects of environmental factors on signal propagation. Utilizing a network of six strategically placed LoRaWAN end devices (EDs) and a single indoor gateway (GW) at the University of Siegen, City of Siegen, Germany, we systematically measured signal strength indicators such as the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) under various environmental conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) concentration, barometric pressure, and particulate matter levels (PM$_{2.5}$). Our empirical analysis confirms that transient phenomena such as reflections, scattering, interference, occupancy patterns (induced by environmental parameter variations), and furniture rearrangements can alter signal attenuation by as much as 10.58 dB, highlighting the dynamic nature of indoor propagation. As an example of how this dataset can be utilized, we tested and evaluated a refined Log-Distance Path Loss and Shadowing Model that integrates both structural obstructions (Multiple Walls) and Environmental Parameters (LDPLSM-MW-EP). Compared to a baseline model that considers only Multiple Walls (LDPLSM-MW), the enhanced approach reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) from 10.58 dB to 8.04 dB and increased the coefficient of determination (R$^2$) from 0.6917 to 0.8222. By capturing the extra effects of environmental conditions and occupancy dynamics, this improved model provides valuable insights for optimizing power usage and prolonging device battery life, enhancing network reliability in indoor Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, among other applications. This dataset offers a solid foundation for future research and development in indoor wireless communication.

Bo Wu

In order to explore whether environmental liability insurance has an important impact on industrial emission reduction, this paper selects provincial (city) level panel data from 2010 to 2020 and constructs a two-way fixed effect model to analyze the impact of environmental liability insurance on carbon emissions from both direct and indirect levels. The empirical analysis results show that: at the direct level, the development of environmental liability insurance has the effect of reducing industrial carbon emissions, and its effect is heterogeneous. At the indirect level, the role of environmental liability insurance is weaker in areas with developed financial industry and underdeveloped financial industry. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that in the industrial developed areas, the effect of environmental liability insurance on carbon emissions is more obvious. Based on this, countermeasures and suggestions are put forward from the aspects of expanding the coverage of environmental liability insurance, innovating the development of environmental liability insurance and improving the level of industrialization.

Waqar Muhammad Ashraf, Vivek Dua, Ramit Debnath

Machine learning and optimisation techniques (MLOPT) hold significant potential to accelerate the decarbonisation of industrial systems by enabling data-driven operational improvements. However, the practical application of MLOPT in industrial settings is often hindered by a lack of domain compliance and system-specific consistency, resulting in suboptimal solutions with limited real-world applicability. To address this challenge, we propose a novel human-in-the-loop (HITL) constraint-based optimisation framework that integrates domain expertise with data-driven methods, ensuring solutions are both technically sound and operationally feasible. We demonstrate the efficacy of this framework through a case study focused on enhancing the thermal efficiency and reducing the turbine heat rate of a 660 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant. By embedding domain knowledge as constraints within the optimisation process, our approach yields solutions that align with the plant's operational patterns and are seamlessly integrated into its control systems. Empirical validation confirms a mean improvement in thermal efficiency of 0.64\% and a mean reduction in turbine heat rate of 93 kJ/kWh. Scaling our analysis to 59 global coal power plants with comparable capacity and fuel type, we estimate a cumulative lifetime reduction of 156.4 million tons of carbon emissions. These results underscore the transformative potential of our HITL-MLOPT framework in delivering domain-compliant, implementable solutions for industrial decarbonisation, offering a scalable pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of coal-based power generation worldwide.

Ali Amiri, I. Toor, Afaque Shams

Honghao Liu, Jinjiang Yang, Yaqi Jiang et al.

Plastics are extensively utilized across various industries due to their affordability, chemical stability, insulation properties, durability, and resistance to water. Nowadays, plastics have become an integral part of modern society, while microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are rapidly accumulating in soil, which could have detrimental effects on both ecosystems and human health. This review first analyzes the latest literature on MPs, soil and plant, and analyzes the future research trends. The review encompasses the latest findings on the effects of MPs and NPs on higher plants, elucidating the mechanisms of MPs and NPs absorption by plants from the soil and their resulting phytotoxicity. Furthermore, the review underscores the imperative for further investigations aimed at comprehending the long-term repercussions of MPs and NPs on plant growth, physiology, reproduction, and their potential entry into the food chain. Notably, NPs exhibit a unique propensity to translocate via the xylem to various plant organs, including seeds, raising concerns for human health, given their heightened uptake by plant roots compared to MPs. In addition, the impacts of MPs and NPs in conjunction with other environmental contaminants might be amplified. Finally, important concerns and potential future research initiatives in the area are considered. The authors call for urgent action to address the problem of plastic pollution and suggest that a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to find solutions to this global problem.

A. Rasool, Abdul Y. Ghani, Rab Nawaz et al.

Industries play a significant role in the improvement of lifestyle and in the development of a country. However, the byproducts from these industries are a source of environmental pollution. The proper use of the byproducts of these industries can help to cope with environmental pollution. Some byproducts have high nutritional content and are good for crop plants. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of different rates of poultry manure on the soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. A pot experiment was conducted in the botanical garden of the Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Pakistan to investigate the effect of various treatments of poultry manure (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/pot) on the morphological, physiological, and yield attributes of two maize varieties, Pearl and MMRI. Treatment T1 was a mixture of soil and 75 g/pot poultry manure, T2 was a mixture of soil and 50 g/pot poultry manure, T3 was a mixture of soil and 25 g/pot poultry manure, and T4 was 100 g/pot poultry manure. Soil without any industrial byproduct (100% soil only) was used as the control (T0). The results revealed that the use of poultry manure enhanced the physical properties of the soil. Available P and soil organic matter were improved in soil amended with poultry manure. It is evident from the results that the vegetative growth of both maize varieties was significantly enhanced by growing in soil amended with poultry manure as compared to their respective control. Similar responses were also recorded for the physiological attributes of leaf area, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency of both varieties. Yield and yield-contributing traits of both maize varieties were significantly improved by growing plants in soil amended with 50 and 75 g/pot of poultry manure. It is also inferred that the use of 50 g/pot poultry manure in soil amendment is an eco-friendly and economically effective option for maize growers of arid and semiarid regions to enhance the kernel yield and profit per annum. Poultry manure could be useful to ameliorate the adverse effects of salinity stress on all parameters, particularly the grain yield. Furthermore, this would be a useful and economical method for the safe disposal of byproducts.

P. Dutta

Wastewater discharged by dye manufacturing and textile finishing industries has become an environmental concern. The textile dyeing plants utilize a variety of synthetic dyes and dump massive amounts of dyeing effluent because the uptake of these dyes by fabrics is very low. The plant’s photosynthetic activity is significantly harmed by this highly colored textile dyeing effluent, impairs aquatic life because of its low light penetration and oxygen consumption. Owing to the presence of heavy metallic materials and chlorine in synthetic dyes, it could also be harmful to some aquatic creatures. Therefore, these textile wastewaters need to be treated before their discharge. Various techniques for dealing with textile dyeing effluent have been discussed in this paper. Treatment techniques presented in this study include oxidation methods, physical methods, and biological methods. Also, the paper is prepared to compile all the updated data on textile dyeing effluents’ characterization and their impact on the environment from various journals and websites and some from personal communication with some factories. Since an extensive range of synthetic dyes, namely, azo dye, vat dye, reactive dye, disperse dye, is widely used in the textile industry, some of the dyeing effluents’ physicochemical parameters surpassed their standard limits. Hence, these days, the proper monitoring and corrective steps such as the elimination process have become the most thoughtful tasks globally, particularly the developing and transition economies. It is crucial to take immediate action to minimize environmental emissions due to the discharge of untreated textile dye waste.