Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Ecological Resilience in Ecologically Fragile Areas and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Wuling Mountains Area, China
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093671 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The ecological environment of the Wuling Mountains region has been impacted by climate change and economic development, necessitating immediate reinforcement of ecological protection and restoration measures. The study utilized the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy for ecological resilience. NDVI data from
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The ecological environment of the Wuling Mountains region has been impacted by climate change and economic development, necessitating immediate reinforcement of ecological protection and restoration measures. The study utilized the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy for ecological resilience. NDVI data from 2000 to 2020 were employed to compute the ecological resilience index of the Wuling Mountains area and to examine its spatial and temporal evolution as well as the factors influencing it. The findings indicate that: (1) The ecological resilience index increased in the Wuling Mountains area and Guizhou, Chongqing, and Hunan sub-areas but decreased in the Hubei sub-area. (2) The ecological resilience varies significantly in the Wuling Mountains area and the Guizhou, Hubei, and Hunan sub-regions, whereas it varies less in the Chongqing sub-region. (3) The primary elements influencing the ecological resilience capability of the Wuling Mountains area and its four sub-areas are climate conditions and socio-economic factors, respectively. The study can offer a scientific foundation for ecological conservation and restoration efforts in the Wuling Mountains area, as well as serve as a benchmark for measuring ecological resilience in other environmentally vulnerable regions.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Water Resource Management of Salalah Plain Aquifer Using a Sustainable Approach
by
Mahaad Issa Shammas
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3670; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093670 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
A sustainable approach is proposed for managing the effects of salinity ingression in Salalah coastal aquifer, Oman. This paper aims to analyze and compare the groundwater levels and salinity of the aquifer from 1993 to 2027, considering both predictive and actual transient scenarios.
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A sustainable approach is proposed for managing the effects of salinity ingression in Salalah coastal aquifer, Oman. This paper aims to analyze and compare the groundwater levels and salinity of the aquifer from 1993 to 2027, considering both predictive and actual transient scenarios. Two novel scenarios were proposed, established, and examined in this study to bring back the aquifer to steady-state condition. The first scenario entails ceasing groundwater pumping from both Salalah and Saada wellfields, while compensating for the groundwater supply from these sources with surplus desalinated water. This scenario is projected to occur during the predictive period spanning from 2023 to 2027, denoted Scenario A. The second scenario is business as usual and involves continuing pumping from both wellfields during the same predictive period, denoted Scenario B. A numerical model for 3D flow simulation and advective transport modeling showed that on the eastern side of the Salalah coastal aquifer, the extent of seawater intrusion (SWI) was identified stretching from the shoreline to a distance of 1800 m, 1200 m, 0 m, and 600 m, in years 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2022 under the transient period, whereas SWI was delineated in land up to 0 m and 700 m in the predictive year 2027 under Scenarios A and B, respectively. In the western side of Salalah coastal aquifer, SWI was delineated in land up to 2000 m, 1700 m, 0 m, and 800 m, in years 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2022 under the transient period, whereas SWI was delineated in land up to 0 m and 750 m in the predictive year 2027 under Scenarios A and B, respectively. This study claims that Scenario A effectively pushed the seawater interface back to the coastline, projecting its reach to the shoreline (0 m) by 2027. In contrast, in baseline Scenario B, the wedge of saline intrusion in the Salalah coastal aquifer was delineated from the shoreline, up to 800 m inland, which accounted for continuation of pumping from both wellfields during the predictive period. The study concludes that Scenario A has the capability to efficiently reduce the impact of saline inflows from the coast, while Scenario B results in a more pronounced impact of salinity intrusion.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Hydrology and Water Resources Management)
Open AccessArticle
Performance Evaluation and Cycle Time Optimization of Vapor-Compression/Adsorption Cascade Refrigeration Systems
by
Mahmoud Badawy Elsheniti, Hany Al-Ansary, Jamel Orfi and Abdelrahman El-Leathy
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3669; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093669 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The reliance on more sustainable refrigeration systems with less electricity consumption attracts a lot of attention as the demand for refrigeration increases due to population growth and global warming threats. This study examines the use of a cascade vapor-compression/adsorption refrigeration system in hot
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The reliance on more sustainable refrigeration systems with less electricity consumption attracts a lot of attention as the demand for refrigeration increases due to population growth and global warming threats. This study examines the use of a cascade vapor-compression/adsorption refrigeration system in hot weather, focusing on condensing temperatures of 50, 55, and 60 °C, whereas an air-cooled condenser is in use due to practical considerations. A fully coupled transient model is developed using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the integrated system, considering the practical limitations of the vapor compression system (VCS) and the dynamic nature of the adsorption system (ADS). The model combines a lumped model for the ADS with the manufacturer’s data for a VCS compressor at different condensing and evaporating temperatures. It was found that the VCS is more sensitive to the change in the ADS’s condensing temperature, since when the temperature is raised from 50 °C to 60 °C, the VCS’s COP decreases by 29.5%, while the ADS’s COP decreases by 7.55%. Furthermore, the cycle time of ADS plays an important role in providing the cooling requirements for the bottoming cycle (VCS), and it can be optimized to maximize the energy conversion efficiency of the VCS. At optimum cycle time and compared to the conventional VCS, the cascade system can boost the cooling capacity of the VCS by 18.2%, lower the compressor power by 63.2%, and greatly enhance the COP by 221%. These results indicate that the application of the cascade VCS/ADS in such severe conditions is a more sustainable and energy-efficient solution to meet the growing need for refrigeration.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Driven Sorption Cooling and Desalination)
Open AccessArticle
Optimization of a Hybrid Solar–Wind Microgrid for Sustainable Development: A Case Study in Antofagasta, Chile
by
Carlos Merino and Rui Castro
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3668; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093668 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
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This paper introduces a genetic algorithm designed to optimize the sizing of a hybrid solar–wind microgrid connected to the main electric grid in Chile, serving a simulated town of 2000 houses. The goal is to promote sustainable development by using renewable energy sources
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This paper introduces a genetic algorithm designed to optimize the sizing of a hybrid solar–wind microgrid connected to the main electric grid in Chile, serving a simulated town of 2000 houses. The goal is to promote sustainable development by using renewable energy sources (RES) to supply a small village. The model, considering local meteorological conditions, aggregated load, and Chilean electrical regulations, establishes the optimal number of photovoltaic modules and wind turbine generators and allows for the monitoring of the microgrid’s operation, whose operating strategy is proposed herein. Adhering to Chilean regulations, a maximum exporting power of 9 MW is analyzed, with no restrictions on importing power, which is needed when the renewable resources are not enough to meet the demand. The optimization algorithm, aimed at sizing the RES supply, identified an optimal solution composed of 5 photovoltaic modules of 500 Wp each (2.5 kWp in total) and 123 wind turbines of 100 kW each (total of 12,300 kW), meeting around 85% of the demand through renewable generation. Due to time mismatches between generation and load patterns, the remaining energy was imported. The project’s net present value is approximately EUR 25 M, with a levelized cost of energy at 37 EUR/MWh. A comparison with HOMER grid simulations validates the efficacy of the developed model.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Numerical Multifield Coupling Model of Stress Evolution and Gas Migration: Application of Disaster Prediction and Mining Sustainability Development
by
Xiangguo Kong, Tianshuo Zhao, Yuchu Cai and Di He
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3667; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093667 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
At present, coal mining is gradually shifting towards deep areas, and coal mines under deep mining conditions are more prone to coal and gas outburst accidents. In this research, we aim to explain the causes and mechanisms of dynamic disasters, which are caused
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At present, coal mining is gradually shifting towards deep areas, and coal mines under deep mining conditions are more prone to coal and gas outburst accidents. In this research, we aim to explain the causes and mechanisms of dynamic disasters, which are caused by the combined action of static load, gas, and dynamic load on tectonic regions in complex stress field environments. Through numerical simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics software, based on the geological conditions of a mine in Jilin Province, it was found that faults lead to abnormal stress in tectonic regions. The combined action of dynamic and static loads results in excessive stress, causing the fragmentation and displacement of the coal body, leading to coal mine disasters, thus disrupting sustainability. Additionally, the coal matrix gas entering fractures raises the gas pressure and leads to the accumulation of methane near earthquake sources. Dynamic loads accelerate gas desorption in coal and increase porosity and permeability, facilitating rapid gas migration. This influx of gas into the roadways exceeds safety limits. Then, based on these findings and on-site conditions, a set of sustainable measures for coal mines has been proposed. This research offers theoretical guidance for enhancing safety, stability, and sustainability in coal mining processes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Mine Hazards Identification, Prevention and Control)
Open AccessArticle
Sector-Level Inter-Provincial Virtual Water Trade in China: Implications for Regional Water Stress
by
Bo Zhou, Yu Li and Tariq Ali
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3666; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093666 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
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China faces severe water resource shortages due to the uneven distribution of water resources and ever-increasing water demand driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization. The virtual water trade (VWT) is a potential solution to conserve water resources by transferring water from water-abundant/water-productive regions
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China faces severe water resource shortages due to the uneven distribution of water resources and ever-increasing water demand driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization. The virtual water trade (VWT) is a potential solution to conserve water resources by transferring water from water-abundant/water-productive regions to water-scarce/less water-productive regions. Based on the inter-provincial input-output model, the provincial VWT of China was estimated at the sectoral level. The relationship of VWT with water resources in 30 provinces was analyzed in relation to the water stress index (WSI). It was found that (1) total inter-provincial VW trade showed a downward trend during the study period, with 363.91 km3 in 2002, 283.72 km3 in 2007, and 285.23 km3 in 2012. Overall, the primary industry dominated the VWT for most provinces. (2) China’s virtual water flowed from the relatively underdeveloped central and western regions to the east with a relatively developed economy from the inter-provincial level. This trend became increasingly prominent. (3) In many instances, VW was transferred from water-poor to water-rich areas. These results imply that China needs to improve its water use efficiency and optimize its regional industrial structure. Additionally, establishing an ecological compensation mechanism is considered a valuable measure for China to alleviate regional water resource pressure.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Satisfaction Analysis of Urban Rail Transit Based on the Personal Characteristics of Passengers
by
Fuquan Pan, Shuai Cheng, Haitao Pan, Shiwei Li, Lixia Zhang and Jinshun Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093665 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The influence of passenger gender, age, educational background, and other personal characteristics on satisfaction with an urban rail transit was studied. In total, 6340 valid questionnaires were completed, and basic data about the passengers were statistically analyzed. Based on AHP and the fuzzy
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The influence of passenger gender, age, educational background, and other personal characteristics on satisfaction with an urban rail transit was studied. In total, 6340 valid questionnaires were completed, and basic data about the passengers were statistically analyzed. Based on AHP and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, 94.594 percent of passengers reported overall satisfaction with the Qingdao rail transit; the data for subgroups based on gender, age, and other aspects were also calculated. An independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the correlations between passenger satisfaction and the following parameters: gender, age, education, occupation, income, ride frequency, and private car availability. The results show that women attach more importance to the caring they feel in the process of travel than men, and no significant difference exists in travel satisfaction between passengers with private cars and those without private cars (p > 0.05). Older passengers report more satisfaction than younger passengers. Additionally, for passengers with high education and high income, satisfaction is lower in terms of safety, convenience, and comfort and caring. There are also significant differences in the safety, convenience, comfort, and caring experienced across different occupational groups. These research results provide a theoretical basis for understanding how passengers with different backgrounds perceive the operational services of an urban rail transit with regard to service defects, the weaknesses in the operation process, and passenger satisfaction.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Towards Sustainable Metal-to-Polymer Joining: A Comparative Study on Friction Stir Welding, Self-Piercing Riveting, and Adhesive Bonding
by
Ali A. Barakat, Aser A. Ahmed, Basil M. Darras and Mohammad A. Nazzal
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3664; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093664 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Friction stir welding (FSW) has gained increasing prominence in the realm of metal–plastic hybrid joints, yet its long-term sustainability remains a subject of uncertainty. This research investigates the sustainability aspect of FSW, positioning it against conventional techniques like adhesive bonding (AB) and self-piercing
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Friction stir welding (FSW) has gained increasing prominence in the realm of metal–plastic hybrid joints, yet its long-term sustainability remains a subject of uncertainty. This research investigates the sustainability aspect of FSW, positioning it against conventional techniques like adhesive bonding (AB) and self-piercing riveting (SPR). A comprehensive evaluation framework encompassing environmental, social, economic, and physical factors was employed, through which specified criteria were applied to select pertinent sustainability indicators across all dimensions to ensure a thorough assessment. In this study, two advanced multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM) were deployed for data normalization and aggregation. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the robustness of the results. The outcomes yielded a sustainability rating system, facilitating a direct and insightful comparison with traditional methods. Based on the results of this study, SPR outperforms both FSW and AB in terms of overall sustainability with comparative average sustainability scores of 75.3%, 54.2%, and 35.3%, respectively. This study not only sheds light on the current state of FSW sustainability but also provides a valuable benchmark for decision-makers in selecting environmentally conscious methods for metal–plastic hybrid joints.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Tourists’ Willingness to Adopt AI in Hospitality—Assumption of Sustainability in Developing Countries
by
Tamara Gajić, Alireza Ranjbaran, Dragan Vukolić, Jovan Bugarčić, Ana Spasojević, Jelena Đorđević Boljanović, Duško Vujačić, Marija Mandarić, Marija Kostić, Dejan Sekulić, Marina Bugarčić, Bojana D. Drašković and Sandra R. Rakić
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3663; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093663 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on customer perceptions and behavior in restaurants, airline companies, and hotel sectors within the hospitality industry of Iran. The primary objective is to analyze how AI affects customer trust, brand engagement, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM),
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This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on customer perceptions and behavior in restaurants, airline companies, and hotel sectors within the hospitality industry of Iran. The primary objective is to analyze how AI affects customer trust, brand engagement, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), and tourists’ readiness to use AI technologies. Using a comparative analysis approach and surveys, this research tests hypotheses about the effects of artificial intelligence on various dimensions of customer interaction. The findings highlight significant relationships between the quality of artificial intelligence and customer engagement metrics, such as trust and brand loyalty, which are crucial for understanding and predicting customer behavior in response to technological advancements. This study lays the groundwork for theoretical assumptions about sustainability in these sectors in developing countries, providing a basis for future empirical research that could validate these assumptions and explore broader implications of AI integration in enhancing sustainable practices within the hospitality industry.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies and Sustainable Development in Hospitality and Tourism)
Open AccessReview
Can Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Crop Productivity and Quality in Hydroponics? A Meta-Analysis
by
Yahia A. Othman, Kholoud M. Alananbeh and Monther M. Tahat
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3662; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093662 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Finding environmentally friendly solutions for crop growth and productivity has been gaining more attention recently. This meta-analysis aims to understand the combined application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and hydroponic systems compared to AMF in conventional (soil) systems. The analysis of up-to-date studies
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Finding environmentally friendly solutions for crop growth and productivity has been gaining more attention recently. This meta-analysis aims to understand the combined application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and hydroponic systems compared to AMF in conventional (soil) systems. The analysis of up-to-date studies revealed that the root colonization, calculated as the proportion of colonized root segments relative to the total root length, by AMF in conventional (soil-based) culture exceeded hydroponic (or soilless) culture systems by 16.8%. The mean root colonization by AMF was determined to be 52.3% in hydroponic systems and 61.1% in conventional systems. Within hydroponic systems, the root colonization ranged from 2% to 20% after 10 days of inoculation, and notably, it exceeded 50% after 30 to 65 days, depending on the growing substrate and species. Under hydroponics, AMF application had a higher (compared to none-inoculated) positive effect on crop biomass and yield than fruit and leaf quality (antioxidants, phenols, and sugars) as well as leaf nutrients. However, AMF do not always have the potential to improve crop growth, quality and productivity in hydroponics. Among the studies analyzed in this review, approximately 34% (no effect: 29%; negative: 5%) reported no discernible positive effect on biomass or yield, 37% (no effect: 16%; negative: 21%) on fruit or leaf quality, and 60% (no effect: 47%; negative: 13%) on nutrient levels within plant tissues. To improve the performance of AMF in hydroponic systems, the meta-analysis recommended maintaining phosphorus levels in the nutrient solution within the range of 0.15 to 15.5 mg L−1 as elevated levels (40–75 mg L−1) were found to significantly reduce AMF colonization. Additionally, it was observed that certain hydroponic techniques, such as the presence of air bubbles generated by air pumps in floating hydroponic systems (Deep Flow technique) and continuous circulation of the nutrient solution (Ebb and Flow systems), may create dynamic conditions that could potentially hinder the introduction of AMF spores into hydroponic systems and potentially compromise the integrity of the spores and hyphae.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture for Crop Cultivation)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Mechanism of Strength Improvement in Acid–Base-Activated Low Carbon Oil Absorbent Concrete
by
Dongli Wang, Zeyu Yang, Haojie Zheng, Ke Li, Huimin Pan and Tong Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3661; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093661 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study is to improve the compressive strength of oil absorbent concrete (OAC) and to encourage its use in slope protection projects. This study used fly ash and slag produced in thermal power plants to substitute cement in significant amounts
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The aim of this study is to improve the compressive strength of oil absorbent concrete (OAC) and to encourage its use in slope protection projects. This study used fly ash and slag produced in thermal power plants to substitute cement in significant amounts to prepare oil absorbent concrete (OAC). The water–cement ratios were set at 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 and the sand rates were set at 30%, 35%, and 40% to investigate the effects of these factors on the oil absorption properties of the concrete, the variation of the oil absorption rate over time, and the compressive strengths at 28 days, 60 days, and 90 days. The compressive strength of oil absorbent concrete was improved by incorporating seashell powder (SC), alkali-modified seashell powder (SSC), and acid–base-modified seashell powder (CSC). The results showed that the optimal water–cement ratio for comprehensive oil absorption performance and compressive strength was 0.5, while the optimal sand ratio was 0.35. Compared with ordinary concrete, the oil absorption performance improved by 58.69%. The oil absorption rate decreased gradually over time. However, the oil absorption time could be effectively extended and the oil absorption performance could be improved by the addition of a silane modifier. The best method for seashell modification was acid–base modification. The compressive strength reached 14.32 Mpa at 28 days and 17.45 Mpa at 90 days, which was 19.62% higher than that of OAC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the microstructure of OAC. It was discovered that the inclusion of CSC caused a reaction with hydrocalumite in the concrete, resulting in the formation of alumohydrocalcite. Additionally, Ca(OH)2 in CSC facilitated the hydration reaction of mineral admixtures like fly ash and slag. At 28 days, more amorphous gels (C-S-H, C-(A)-S-H) and Aft were produced. The three components were combined to enhance the bonding between the cementitious materials and the aggregates, resulting in a denser internal structure of the OAC and improving its strength. This study promotes the use of OAC in slope protection projects.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Materials for Sustainable Futures)
Open AccessArticle
Cellulose-Based Waste in a Close Loop as an Adsorbent for Removing Dyes from Textile Industry Wastewater
by
Marija Vukčević, Marina Maletić, Biljana Pejić, Ana Kalijadis, Mirjana Kostić, Katarina Trivunac and Aleksandra Perić Grujić
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3660; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093660 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
In an attempt to reuse fibrous textile waste and, at the same time, to address dye pollution in textile wastewater, waste cotton-based yarn was utilized as a cheap and sustainable adsorbent, as well as a row material for carbon adsorbent production. Unmodified yarn
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In an attempt to reuse fibrous textile waste and, at the same time, to address dye pollution in textile wastewater, waste cotton-based yarn was utilized as a cheap and sustainable adsorbent, as well as a row material for carbon adsorbent production. Unmodified yarn and cotton-based carbon adsorbents were used as adsorbents for dye removal from water. Cotton and cotton/polyester yarn samples underwent thermal modification through carbonization followed by chemical activation with KOH. Various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and surface charge determination, were employed to analyze the morphological and surface characteristics of the cotton-based adsorbents. Adsorption properties were evaluated by testing the removal of selected cationic and anionic dyes from water. The impact of temperature, initial pH and concentration of the dye solution, and contact time on adsorption were investigated, and experimentally obtained data were analyzed using theoretical models. While carbonization alone did not significantly enhance adsorption properties, activated samples exhibited high efficacy in removing both cationic and anionic dyes from water. Despite the negative influence of the polyester component in the carbon precursor on the efficiency of activated samples in removing methyl orange, the results indicated that activated cotton and cotton/polyester yarn could be used to prepare highly efficient adsorbents for the rapid removal of methylene blue from real wastewater samples.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Adsorption Processes for Sustainable Water Treatment)
Open AccessArticle
Impact of Ship Emission Control Area Policies on Port Air Quality—A Case Study of Ningbo Port, China
by
Siling Lu and Fan Zhou
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3659; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093659 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The implementation effectiveness of ship emission control area (ECA) policies can be effectively evaluated using econometric models. However, existing studies mainly focus on changes in SO2 concentrations in the air. In order to comprehensively assess the impact of ECA policies on air
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The implementation effectiveness of ship emission control area (ECA) policies can be effectively evaluated using econometric models. However, existing studies mainly focus on changes in SO2 concentrations in the air. In order to comprehensively assess the impact of ECA policies on air quality, this study takes Ningbo Port in China as an example and uses a regression discontinuity (RD) model to analyze the influence of ship emissions around the wharf on concentrations of SO2, NO2, and particulate matter (PM) in the air. The results indicate that individual ships’ activities within the monitoring area (within 300 m) make a relatively small contribution to the concentration of SO2 in the air and do not form a significant breakpoint. However, there is a noticeable breakpoint in the concentration of NO2 around the monitoring point as the ship approaches. At the same time, the variation range of PM2.5 is significantly greater than that of PM10, which aligns with the characteristics of PM emitted by ships. The experimental results have passed three robustness tests, demonstrating that the current policy on ship ECAs has a positive limiting effect on SO2 emissions and, to some extent, reduces PM emissions. However, further reductions in ship emissions may require more restrictions in nitrogen oxide emissions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)
Open AccessArticle
Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Communications and Mobility: Perspectives from the Kolyma Road, Northeast Russia
by
Daria Burnasheva, Viktoria Filippova, Mariia Kuklina, Vera Kuklina and Antonina Savvinova
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3658; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093658 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
In northeast Russia, the famous historic Kolyma Road spans two thousand kilometers across two federal subjects of the Russian Federation: the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and Magadan Oblast. Thousands of people live along and in close proximity to the road, depending on it for
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In northeast Russia, the famous historic Kolyma Road spans two thousand kilometers across two federal subjects of the Russian Federation: the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and Magadan Oblast. Thousands of people live along and in close proximity to the road, depending on it for communication, mobility, goods, and life support. As the major transportation infrastructure in the entire region, it should be reliable and stable for local communities’ well-being. One strategic approach to ensure its reliability is to acknowledge the role of Indigenous knowledge, which has been neglected despite being established long before the emergence of existing formal systems of communication. Based on data collected through fieldwork, personal observations, and conversations, this paper aims to demonstrate that Indigenous knowledge regarding ways of living, moving, and communicating along and on the road is the key to sustainability in the region. As a result, we claim that this realization should be manifested in designing and implementing communication and mobility systems based on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the long term, it is necessary to develop a sustainable road management system for the Kolyma Road to ensure the security and well-being of local communities and for everyone visiting and working on the road.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Coupling and Coordination between Tourism, the Environment and Carbon Emissions in the Tibetan Plateau
by
Jiayuan Wang, Lin Yi, Lingling Chen, Yanbing Hou, Qi Zhang and Xuming Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3657; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093657 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Studying the relationships among tourism, the environment and carbon emissions is key to understanding how tourism activity affects the sustainable development of tourism in the Tibetan Plateau. Using Lhasa, Tibet, as a case study, the coupling and coordination relationships among the three systems
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Studying the relationships among tourism, the environment and carbon emissions is key to understanding how tourism activity affects the sustainable development of tourism in the Tibetan Plateau. Using Lhasa, Tibet, as a case study, the coupling and coordination relationships among the three systems were analysed to explore the impact of tourism behaviour on sustainable tourism development. Utilising panel data from 2010 to 2020, the carbon emissions of tourism activities were calculated using a bottom-up approach. The coupling coordination model was employed to examine the interrelationship of the economy, the ecological environment and carbon emissions. Additionally, the Tapio model was utilised to further analyse the dependency relationship between economic development and carbon emissions. This assessment of the sustainability of Lhasa’s tourism industry revealed that (1) the economy, the environment and carbon emissions are indeed closely intertwined with sustainable development and that (2) there has been a significant increase in the coupling coordination among the economy, the environment and carbon emissions from 2010 to 2020, coupled with a gradual decrease in economic dependency on carbon emissions. Despite providing favourable conditions for sustainable development, there remains considerable disparity among the three subsystems, with relatively low overall coordination. Accordingly, some practical low-carbon tourism policies are recommended to guide tourism practices and promote long-term sustainability.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Quantitative Assessment of the Impact of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program on Vegetation Net Primary Productivity over the Past Two Decades and Its Environmental Benefits in China
by
Junling Zhang and Yifei Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3656; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093656 - 26 Apr 2024
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Vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) is a crucial indicator for assessing the carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. Qualitative and comparative research on the NPP influenced by human activities, climate change, and their interactions remains insufficient. The Three-North Shelter Forest Program (TNSFP), initiated in
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Vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) is a crucial indicator for assessing the carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. Qualitative and comparative research on the NPP influenced by human activities, climate change, and their interactions remains insufficient. The Three-North Shelter Forest Program (TNSFP), initiated in 1978, provides a valuable reference for such investigations. This study employs an improved residual trend method to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns, trends, and driving factors of vegetation NPP during the second phase of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program (2001–2020), as well as TNSFP’s contribution to vegetation NPP. The results indicate that (1) from 2001 to 2020, overall vegetation NPP exhibited a significant fluctuating upward trend at a rate of 3.69 g C/m−2 annually; and (2) precipitation, accounting for 1.527 g C/m−2, had a more significant impact on vegetation net productivity compared to temperature (0.002 g C/m−2). Climate factors (76%) significantly influenced vegetation NPP in the Three-North Shelter Forest region more than human activities (24%). In the last decade (2011–2020), the climate contribution rate decreased to 67%, while the human activity contribution rate increased by seven percentage points compared to the previous decade (2001–2010); (3) during 2001–2020, TNSFP contributed 10.9% to the total human activity contribution to vegetation net primary productivity, approximately 2.6% of the overall contribution; (4) After the second phase of TNSFP was enacted, PM2.5 levels decreased by an average of −0.57 μg/m−3/a−1. Concurrently, soil conservation improved from 6.57 t/km2 in 2001 to 14.37 t/km2 in 2020.
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Open AccessArticle
Incremental Green Investment Rule Induction Using Intelligent Rough Sets from an Energy Perspective
by
Chun-Che Huang, Wen-Yau Liang, Horng-Fu Chuang, Tzu-Liang (Bill) Tseng and Yi-Chun Shen
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3655; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093655 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda has stated the importance of green investment. Energy-related green investment involves intricate economic behavior and ecological objectives. Green investment definitely requires agile decisions, e.g., rule-based decisions, to respond to changes outside the country. The identification
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The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda has stated the importance of green investment. Energy-related green investment involves intricate economic behavior and ecological objectives. Green investment definitely requires agile decisions, e.g., rule-based decisions, to respond to changes outside the country. The identification of significant rules with numerous result features and the assurance of the stability and robustness of the rules in decision-making are crucial for green energy investment. The rough set (RS) methodology works well for processing qualitative data that are difficult to examine with traditional statistical methods in order to induce decision rules. The RS methodology starts with the analysis of the limits of discernibility of a subset of objects belonging to the domain to induce rules. However, traditional RS methods cannot incrementally generate rules with outcome features when new objects are added, which frequently occurs in green energy investment with the inclusion of big data. In this paper, an intelligent RS approach is proposed. This approach effectively identifies the rules that either stay the same or are altered based on four classified cases after a new object is introduced; it is novel because it can deal with a complicated investment environment by imposing multiple outcome features, specifically when it is required to flexibly extract new decision rules via adding new data sets.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Going Smart: Integrating Artificial Neural Network in the Energy Domain)
Open AccessArticle
Dynamic Response of Steel–Timber Composite Beams with Varying Screw Spacing
by
Małgorzata Abramowicz, Marcin Chybiński, Łukasz Polus, Piotr Szewczyk and Tomasz Wróblewski
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3654; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093654 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Steel–timber composite beams are a relatively new type of composite structure. They have many important advantages, owing to which they may be considered a sustainable solution. Their connectors may be demountable, which makes it possible to separate steel girders from LVL panels at
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Steel–timber composite beams are a relatively new type of composite structure. They have many important advantages, owing to which they may be considered a sustainable solution. Their connectors may be demountable, which makes it possible to separate steel girders from LVL panels at the end of their service life. After disassembly, the structural elements can be recycled. One of their advantages is that they are lighter than steel–concrete composite beams. However, this may result in the poor performance of floors with steel–timber composite elements subjected to dynamic loadings. For this reason, the dynamic characteristics of floors should be investigated to verify the serviceability limit state of human-induced vibrations. In this study, the dynamic response of the three steel–timber composite beams with varying screw spacing was captured and used to validate their numerical models. The frequencies obtained from the numerical analyses correspond to the experimental results. A very high agreement between the vibration mode shapes was obtained because the MAC index values were close to 1. The validated numerical model of a single steel–timber beam may be used in future studies to create a complex numerical model of a steel–timber composite floor.
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Geomorphological and Bioclimatic Relationships in the Occurrence of Species of Agro-Extractivist Interest in the Cerrado Biome
by
Renan Augusto Miranda Matias, Alba Valéria Rezende, Anderson Cássio Sevilha, Aldicir Osni Scariot, Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi and Levi Carina Terribile
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3653; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093653 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The distribution of species of agro-extractivist interest and their ecological relationship with the physical environment geomorphological and bioclimatic allow supporting strategies aimed at socioeconomic and environmental development. We evaluated the contribution of high spatial resolution topographic variables in ecological niche models and the
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The distribution of species of agro-extractivist interest and their ecological relationship with the physical environment geomorphological and bioclimatic allow supporting strategies aimed at socioeconomic and environmental development. We evaluated the contribution of high spatial resolution topographic variables in ecological niche models and the relationship of the distribution of five tree species with the geomorphological units and bioclimatic variables. The variables related to temperature variation and water availability proved to be important in predicting the areas of occurrence of the target species, with increased suitability of occurrence in regions with higher isothermality, located in the plateau and table geomorphological units. The predictions showed a significant difference when high spatial resolution variables were used, generating a more conservative scenario in the indication of suitable regions for the occurrence of species, important for local scale studies. The geomorphological units of plateau and tableland showed high suitability of occurrence, while the fluvial plains and dissected depressions did not present suitability for the occurrence of the species. The results allow us to strategically define areas with the greatest productive potential and prioritize areas for conservation, management, ecological restoration of forests, and targeting areas for the implementation of community agro-industries, essential for territorial planning within traditional communities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability for Social Community Impact)
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Open AccessArticle
The Importance of Resilient, Health-Promoting, and Accessible Cultural Landscapes Using the Example of One Suburb of Gdańsk, Poland
by
Monika Trojanowska
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3652; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093652 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The urban green public spaces “UGSs” provide a place for everyday contact with nature to humans. Green and blue infrastructure is important for urban heat mitigation. This study focuses on the relationship between satisfaction with the place of living and quality of life
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The urban green public spaces “UGSs” provide a place for everyday contact with nature to humans. Green and blue infrastructure is important for urban heat mitigation. This study focuses on the relationship between satisfaction with the place of living and quality of life indexes, accessibility, and the quality of public green spaces in one of the suburbs of Gdańsk in Poland. Even though there are award-winning public parks and a large-scale Tri-city Landscape Park, the individual indexes measuring the satisfaction of local inhabitants with accessibility to public parks and their quality were well beyond the average in Gdańsk. The research question was to explain such low satisfaction with green public parks and spaces in Gdańsk-Osowa. The results of the evaluation of available “UGSs” against the universal standard for health-promoting urban places confirmed their recreational value but also demonstrated limited spatial and physical accessibility and possible overcrowding. Thus, the possibilities for everyday contact with nature for numerous inhabitants are limited and that condition may influence the life quality indexes. The results suggest that increasing urban density and the further development of residential neighborhoods requires careful planning of new public parks in consideration of proximity to public open green spaces. The accessibility of public parks within walking distance is crucial when planning new developments.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Cultural Landscapes—Methods, Applications and Patterns)
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