Environments

12 pages, 2161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel eDNA-Based Approach for the Monitoring and Management of the Endangered Beluga (Huso huso, Linnaeus, 1758) and Adriatic (Acipenser naccarii, Bonaparte, 1836) Sturgeon

by Caterina Maria Antognazza, Fausto Ramazzotti, Antonia Bruno, Andrea Galimberti, Monica Di Francesco and Serena Zaccara

Environments 2024, 11(8), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11080160 - 23 Jul 2024

Abstract

Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758, acipenseridae) and Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii, Bonaparte, 1836, acipenseridae) within the Po River basin have been recently assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and were found to be Extinct in the [...] Read more.

Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758, acipenseridae) and Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii, Bonaparte, 1836, acipenseridae) within the Po River basin have been recently assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and were found to be Extinct in the Wild and Critically Endangered, respectively. Significant declines in both species’ abundance have spurred major research efforts and management actions in recent decades. Recently, specific actions have been conducted to recover habitat connectivity through projects of river defragmentation and reintroduction plans have been implemented for both sturgeon species. To manage effective conservation efforts, knowledge of a species’ distribution and abundance is critical, especially for adult sturgeon that are able to move hundreds of kilometers away from release sites. Here, two new quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to detect beluga sturgeon and Adriatic sturgeon environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples have been developed with the goal of providing an alternative method to monitor their presence. Two Taqman-based assays targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b region were developed and showed no amplification of other related and co-occurring fishes. A mesocosm within the Ticino Park on the Ticino River (a main tributary of the Po River), where both species are bred, was used to develop and validate the assays. The LOQ for H. huso assay corresponded to C_t = 41 (7.33 × 10⁷ DNA counts/µL of reaction) and for A. naccarrii it was Ct = 37 (2.23 × 10¹⁶ DNA counts/µL of reaction). Additionally, water samples were taken from the discard drainage, which flows directly into the Ticino River, testing positive detection of eDNA within a distance of up to 2 km. Overall, the results suggested that the two assays developed in this study could represent a promising new tool for monitoring both beluga and Adriatic sturgeon. Full article

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15 pages, 1945 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Grease Trap Waste Management in the US and the Upcycle as Feedstocks for Alternative Diesel Fuels

by Andres Mata, Junsong Zhang, Joshua Pridemore, Kevin Johnson, Nathan Holliday, Art Helmstetter and Mingming Lu

Environments 2024, 11(8), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11080159 - 23 Jul 2024

Abstract

As byproducts generated by commercial and domestic food-related processes, FOGs (fats, oils, and grease) are the leading cause of sewer pipe blockages in the US and around the world. Grease trap waste (GTW) is a subcategory of FOG currently disposed of as waste, [...] Read more.

As byproducts generated by commercial and domestic food-related processes, FOGs (fats, oils, and grease) are the leading cause of sewer pipe blockages in the US and around the world. Grease trap waste (GTW) is a subcategory of FOG currently disposed of as waste, resulting in an economic burden for GTW generators and handlers. This presents a global need for both resource conservation and carbon footprint reduction, particularly through increased waste upcycling. Therefore, it is critical to better understand current GTW handling practices in the context of the urban food–energy–water cycle. This can be accomplished with firsthand data collection, such as onsite visits, phone discussions, and targeted questionnaires. GTW disposal methods were found to be regional and correspond to key geographical locations, with landfill operations mostly practiced in the Midwest regions, incineration mainly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, and digestion mainly in the West of the US. Select GTW samples were analyzed to evaluate their potential reuse as low-cost feedstocks for biodiesel or renewable diesel, which are alternatives to petroleum diesel fuels. Various GTW lipid extraction technologies have been reviewed, and more studies were found on converting GTW into biodiesel rather than renewable diesel. The challenges for these two pathways are the high sulfur content in biodiesel and the metal contents in renewable diesel, respectively. GTW lipid extraction technologies should overcome these issues while producing minimum-viable products with higher market values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environments: 10 Years of Science Together)

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20 pages, 3581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Dominant Stages at Which Gas Flaring Is Introduced: Impacts and Policy Options to Ameliorate Them

by Nwabueze Emekwuru

Environments 2024, 11(7), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070158 - 22 Jul 2024

Abstract

Information on associated gas flaring in the Niger Delta is analyzed to characterize the various stages in the lifecycle of an oil exploration and production facility through which gas flaring is introduced into an area, leading to ecological, health, and economic impacts, and [...] Read more.

Information on associated gas flaring in the Niger Delta is analyzed to characterize the various stages in the lifecycle of an oil exploration and production facility through which gas flaring is introduced into an area, leading to ecological, health, and economic impacts, and possible policies and implementation strategies for the reduction of the flared gas are offered. Gas flaring is currently occurring at a rate of 5318 million m³ per year in the Niger Delta region. The impacts of gas flaring on the ecological, human, and economic systems include poor air quality, acid rain, and soil degradation. Other impacts include decreased crop yield, increased incidences of respiratory diseases amongst inhabitants in the area, and losses of billions of USD yearly in economic costs. Three dominant stages in the introduction of gas flaring are characterized in this study, using the concept of the management of the invasion of non-native species into an ecosystem and it is determined that the cheapest method of minimizing gas flaring is to incorporate mitigation measures during the design stage of the oil exploration/production facility, rather than after flaring has commenced, as is the common emphasis. During the early periods of oil production, gas flaring is largely localized, and the gas utilization measures can still be implemented to good effect. However, once the facility is established, gas flaring becomes pervasive, stretching kilometers beyond the flare points. Current policies like the imposition of flare-out years on the oil producers have helped, but they have been insufficient as the intensity of gas flaring in the region continues at double the average global levels. Working with relevant stakeholders, a realistic flare-out deadline should be agreed upon, clear and specific gas flaring legislation should be drawn up that includes measures to mitigate gas flaring for each proposed oil facility, and proper data collection and management services would enable the implementation of the policies to be based on robust evidence. These policies would shift the costs of gas flaring away from the inhabitants of the region back to the operators of the facilities that are the sources of the flares. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Green Energy Utilization)

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22 pages, 944 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Air Pollution from Industrial Fires in Urban Settings: Monitoring, Modelling, Health, and Environmental Justice Perspectives

by Michael E. Deary and Simon D. Griffiths

Environments 2024, 11(7), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070157 - 21 Jul 2024

Abstract

Industrial fires at facilities including waste management sites, warehouses, factories, chemical works, and fuel storage depots are relatively frequent occurrences. Often, these fires occur adjacent to urban communities and result in ground-level airborne pollutant concentrations that are well above guideline values. Land, water, [...] Read more.

Industrial fires at facilities including waste management sites, warehouses, factories, chemical works, and fuel storage depots are relatively frequent occurrences. Often, these fires occur adjacent to urban communities and result in ground-level airborne pollutant concentrations that are well above guideline values. Land, water, livestock, and crops may also be contaminated by the emissions and by firefighting activities. Moreover, impacted communities tend to have a higher proportion of minority ethnic populations as well as individuals with underlying health vulnerabilities and those of lower socio-economic status. Nevertheless, this is an aspect of air quality that is under-researched, and so this review aims to highlight the public health hazards associated with industrial fires and the need for an effective, coordinated, public health response. We also review the range of monitoring techniques that have been utilised in such fires and highlight the role of dispersion modelling in predicting plume trajectories and in estimating population exposure. We recommend establishing 1 h guideline values for particulate matter to facilitate timely public health interventions, and we highlight the need to review regulatory and technical controls for sites prone to fires, particularly in the waste sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)

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14 pages, 5170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Photocatalytic Reactor for Sustainable Industrial Water Decontamination: Utilizing 3D-Printed Components and Silica-Titania Trilayer Coatings

by George V. Theodorakopoulos, Michalis K. Arfanis, Tadej Stepišnik Perdih, Simos Malamis, Dimitrios Iatrou, George Em. Romanos and Polycarpos Falaras

Environments 2024, 11(7), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070156 - 20 Jul 2024

Abstract

Industrial activities generate enormous quantities of polluted effluents, necessitating advanced methods of wastewater treatment to prevent potential environmental threats. Thus, the design of a novel photocatalytic reactor for industrial water decontamination, purification, and reuse is proposed as an efficient advanced oxidation technology. In [...] Read more.

Industrial activities generate enormous quantities of polluted effluents, necessitating advanced methods of wastewater treatment to prevent potential environmental threats. Thus, the design of a novel photocatalytic reactor for industrial water decontamination, purification, and reuse is proposed as an efficient advanced oxidation technology. In this work, the development of the active reactor components is described, utilizing a two-step sol–gel technique to prepare a silica-titania trilayer coating on 3D-printed polymeric filters. The initial dip-coated SiO₂ insulator further protects and enhances the stability of the polymer matrix, and the subsequent TiO₂ layers endow the composite architecture with photocatalytic functionality. The structural and morphological characteristics of the modified photocatalytic filters are extensively investigated, and their performance is assessed by studying the photocatalytic degradation of the Triton X-100, a common and standard chemical surfactant, presented in the contaminated wastewater of the steel metal industry. The promising outcomes of the innovative versatile reactor pave the way for developing scalable, cost-effective reactors for efficient water treatment technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalytic Applications in Wastewater Treatment)

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13 pages, 3433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heated Aeration for Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB) Control in Anammox-Integrated Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABR)

by Natalia Shiu, Hui Guo and Younggy Kim

Environments 2024, 11(7), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070155 - 19 Jul 2024

Abstract

Nutrient removal in conventional wastewater treatment systems is expensive due to the high aeration costs. An alternative method for effective and sustainable nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment is anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) implemented with other innovative technologies, such as membrane-aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs). [...] Read more.

Nutrient removal in conventional wastewater treatment systems is expensive due to the high aeration costs. An alternative method for effective and sustainable nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment is anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) implemented with other innovative technologies, such as membrane-aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs). A major challenge associated with the Anammox process is effective control of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). High temperature operation in wastewater treatment systems can promote Anammox bacterial growth and inhibit NOB activity. This research aims to investigate the feasibility of integrating Anammox processes with a lab-scale MABR and to examine the effects of high temperature aeration supplied to MABR systems on Anammox bacterial growth and NOB suppression. Experimental results indicate that the membrane’s air permeability was a critical parameter for the successful operation of Anammox-integrated MABR systems due to its influence on the system’s dissolved oxygen concentration (0.41 ± 0.39 mg O₂/L). The ammonia removal by AOB and Anammox bacteria was determined to be 7.53 mg N/L·d (76.5%) and 2.12 mg N/L·d (23.5%), respectively. High temperature aeration in MABRs with the Anammox process shows a promising potential for improving energy consumption and sustainable nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment systems. Full article

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14 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Vinegar Bottles’ Environmental Footprint Using the Life Cycle Approach: A Preliminary Analysis

by Maria D. Karvounidi, Alexandra P. Alexandropoulou, Andreas E. Fousteris and Dimitrios A. Georgakellos

Environments 2024, 11(7), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070154 - 18 Jul 2024

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing glass and PET vinegar bottles in the Greek market to determine the more eco-friendly option. The analysis covers a 500 mL glass bottle and a 390 mL PET bottle, examining eleven subsystems from [...] Read more.

This paper provides a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing glass and PET vinegar bottles in the Greek market to determine the more eco-friendly option. The analysis covers a 500 mL glass bottle and a 390 mL PET bottle, examining eleven subsystems from raw material acquisition to recycling. The initial findings indicate that glass bottles require more resources and have a greater environmental impact than PET bottles across several factors, despite the traditional perception of glass as being environmentally superior. This difference is partly due to the heavier weight of glass bottles than PET bottles. The results highlight the complexity of LCA studies. While LCA methodology has limitations, such as data collection quality, system boundary definitions, assessment challenges, and costs, it provides valuable indicators. This study underscores the need for more extensive data collection and systematic LCA application. By integrating LCA methodology through pilot projects and developing internal expertise, companies can make more accurate assessments, leading to sustainable industrial practices and growth. Full article

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18 pages, 2209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Resource-Bound Critical Analysis of the Decarbonisation Roadmaps for the UK Foundation Industries by 2050

by Hisham Hafez, Michal P. Drewniok, Anne P. M. Velenturf and Phil Purnell

Environments 2024, 11(7), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070153 - 18 Jul 2024

Abstract

The foundation industries in the UK were responsible for emitting 42 Mt CO_2eq in 2020, which is approximately 10% of the yearly territorial greenhouse gas emissions. The UK government decarbonisation roadmap issued in 2015 predicted that high-tech strategies such as carbon capture [...] Read more.

The foundation industries in the UK were responsible for emitting 42 Mt CO_2eq in 2020, which is approximately 10% of the yearly territorial greenhouse gas emissions. The UK government decarbonisation roadmap issued in 2015 predicted that high-tech strategies such as carbon capture and utilisation, hydrogen and biofuels, as well as electrification of processes are key for achieving the climate mitigating targets by 2050. In this study, a critical assessment was performed on the limitations to achieve these high-tech strategies such as biomass availability, capital investment, and technology readiness. The study is the first to use the UK carbon budget values as the resource limit for the high-tech decarbonisation strategies. The findings show that the significant uncertainty associated with the high-tech scenarios limits their decarbonisation potential by 2050. More importantly, to stay within the mid-century carbon budget for the foundation industries, 20–40% reduction in production, through circular economic strategies such as material efficiency and/or changes in product specifications, is required in order to achieve the decarbonisation targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Green Energy Utilization)

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20 pages, 4092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal and Interannual Variability of the Trophic State in the Marano and Grado Lagoon (Adriatic Sea, Italy) during the 2011–2021 Period

by Alessandro Acquavita, Nicola Bettoso, Oriana Blasutto, Federico Pittaluga and Claudia Orlandi

Environments 2024, 11(7), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070152 - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

The Marano and Grado Lagoon (Adriatic Sea, Italy) is an important transitional environment that furnishes numerous ecosystem services and is under protection as Site of Community Importance. It suffers from an excess of nutrients, especially nitrate (NO₃⁻), and has been [...] Read more.

The Marano and Grado Lagoon (Adriatic Sea, Italy) is an important transitional environment that furnishes numerous ecosystem services and is under protection as Site of Community Importance. It suffers from an excess of nutrients, especially nitrate (NO₃⁻), and has been designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone. In this work, sixteen water bodies were seasonally monitored for physicochemical parameters and nutrients, to elucidate the trophic state of the lagoon and to check the occurrence of significant temporal trends in a time series from 2011 to 2021. Steep gradients of spatial and seasonal distribution were observed for all parameters with elevated concentration of N-NO₃⁻ (up to 360 µM) in the western sector. The whole lagoon was in phosphorous limitation (P-PO₄³⁻ mean ± s.d. = 0.15 ± 0.22 µM) with a mean Redfield ratio of 1130. The concentration of nutrients was significantly correlated with the degree of both freshwater inputs and precipitation. The calculation of trophic indices shows that the lagoon is in an oligotrophic to hypertrophic condition (i.e., TRIX 1.9–6.8). The analysis of the temporal series showed that despite some significant trends, the time span considered is too short to detect significant changes in the trophic state of this dynamic environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems Volume III)

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18 pages, 3885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Endangered Marine Species in the Mediterranean Sea: An Analysis Based on IUCN Red List Criteria Using Statistical and Soft Computing Methodologies

by Dimitris Klaoudatos, Teodora Karagyaurova, Theodoros G. I. Pitropakis, Aikaterini Mari, Dimitris R. Patas, Maria Vidiadaki and Konstantinos Kokkinos

Environments 2024, 11(7), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070151 - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is the second largest biodiversity hotspot on earth, with over 700 identified fish species is facing numerous threats. Of more than 6000 taxa assessed for the IUCN Red List, a minimum of 20% are threatened with extinction. A total of [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean Sea is the second largest biodiversity hotspot on earth, with over 700 identified fish species is facing numerous threats. Of more than 6000 taxa assessed for the IUCN Red List, a minimum of 20% are threatened with extinction. A total of eight key factors that affect vulnerability of marine fish species in the Mediterranean Sea were identified using the scientific literature and expert-reviewed validated databases. A database of 157 teleost fish species with threat status ranging from least concern to critically endangered was compiled. Nominal logistic curves identified the factor thresholds on species vulnerability, namely, age at maturity, longevity, and asymptotic length at 8.45 years, 36 years, and 221 cm, respectively. A second-degree stepwise regression model identified four significant factors affecting the threat category of Mediterranean fish species, namely, overfishing, by-catch, pollution, and age at maturity according to their significance. Predictive analysis using supervised machine learning algorithms was further employed to predict the vulnerability of Mediterranean marine fish species, resulting in the development of a framework with classification accuracy of 87.3% and 86.6% for Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gradient Boosting machine learning algorithms, respectively, with the ability to assess the degree of variability using limited information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems Volume III)

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16 pages, 4827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) Temperature on Hydrochar and Process Liquid for Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Manure

by Bilash Devnath, Sami Khanal, Ajay Shah and Toufiq Reza

Environments 2024, 11(7), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070150 - 14 Jul 2024

Abstract

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising technology for wet manure treatment by converting animal manure into valuable fuels, materials, and chemicals. Among other HTC process parameters, the temperature influences HTC products the most. As various animal manures have different compositions, it is not [...] Read more.

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising technology for wet manure treatment by converting animal manure into valuable fuels, materials, and chemicals. Among other HTC process parameters, the temperature influences HTC products the most. As various animal manures have different compositions, it is not certain how the HTC temperature influences the hydrochar and HTC process liquid. To evaluate the temperature’s effect on HTC, three different manures (poultry, swine, and dairy) were hydrothermally carbonized at three different temperatures (180, 220, and 260 °C), and solid and liquid products were characterized for their morphology, elemental compositions, and ions. The carbon contents of the hydrochar reached as high as 38.98 ± 0.36% and 40.05 ± 0.57% for poultry and swine manure, respectively, when these manures were treated at 260 °C. Ammonium showed an around 30% increase in poultry manure hydrochar with the increase in the HTC temperature. In contrast, in swine manure, it decreased by around 80%, and in dairy manure, the HTC temperature did not have any remarkable effect on the ammonium content. The process liquids from HTC of dairy manure at 220 °C showed the most balanced distribution of different ions, with 4970 ± 673 ppm of sodium, 4354 ± 437 ppm of ammonium, 2766 ± 417 ppm of potassium, 978 ± 82 ppm of magnesium, 953 ± 143 ppm of calcium, 3607 ± 16 ppm of chloride, and 39 ± 7 ppm of phosphate. These results emphasize the manure-specific effects of the HTC temperature on both solid and liquid products, indicating the need for optimized strategies to enhance HTC processes for various types of animal manures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermochemical Treatments of Biomass)

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24 pages, 4558 KiB

Open AccessReview

Air-Polluting Emissions from Pyrolysis Plants: A Systematic Mapping

by Alberto Pivato, Hamad Gohar, Diogenes L. Antille, Andrea Schievano, Giovanni Beggio, Philipp Reichardt, Francesco Di Maria, Wei Peng, Stefano Castegnaro and Maria Cristina Lavagnolo

Environments 2024, 11(7), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070149 - 12 Jul 2024

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the use of pyrolysis plants for the conversion of solid waste into useful products (e.g., oil, gas, and char) and the analysis of air-polluting emissions associated with such a process is an emerging research field. This study [...] Read more.

There is a growing interest in the use of pyrolysis plants for the conversion of solid waste into useful products (e.g., oil, gas, and char) and the analysis of air-polluting emissions associated with such a process is an emerging research field. This study applied a systematic mapping approach to collating, describing, and cataloging available evidence related to the type and level of air pollutants emitted from pyrolysis plants, the factors affecting emissions, and available mitigation strategies that can be adopted to reduce air pollution. The scientific literature indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar, as well as available industry reports, was interrogated to document the evidence. A database comprising 63 studies was synthesized and cataloged from which 25 air pollutants from pyrolysis plants were considered, including volatile organic compounds and persistent organic pollutants. Air pollutant levels varied depending on the scale of the pyrolysis plants, their operating conditions, and the feedstock used. Various technologies, such as wet scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and baghouse filters, are available and have been utilized to reduce emissions and comply with the existing EU regulations for waste incineration (2010/75/EU). The systematic mapping identified several knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to inform relevant environmental policymaking, technology development, and the adoption of best practices for the mitigation of emissions from pyrolysis plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermochemical Treatments of Biomass)

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26 pages, 2828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Svalbard Fjord Sediments as a Hotspot of Functional Diversity and a Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistance

by Gabriella Caruso, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Giovanna Maimone, Giuseppe Zappalà, Alessandro Cosenza, Marta Szubska and Agata Zaborska

Environments 2024, 11(7), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070148 - 12 Jul 2024

Abstract

The sea bottom acts as a key natural archive where the memory of long-term timescale environmental changes is recorded. This study discusses some ecological and chemical features of fjord sediments that were explored during the AREX cruise carried out in the Svalbard archipelago [...] Read more.

The sea bottom acts as a key natural archive where the memory of long-term timescale environmental changes is recorded. This study discusses some ecological and chemical features of fjord sediments that were explored during the AREX cruise carried out in the Svalbard archipelago in the summer of 2021. The activity rates of the enzymes leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), beta-glucosidase (GLU), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) and community-level physiological profiles (CLPPs) were studied with the aim of determining the functional diversity of the benthic microbial community, while bacterial isolates were screened for their susceptibility to antibiotics in order to explore the role of these extreme environments as potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance. Enzyme activity rates were obtained using fluorogenic substrates, and CLPPs were obtained using Biolog Ecoplates; antibiotic susceptibility assays were performed through the standard disk diffusion method. Spatial trends observed in the functional profiles of the microbial community suggested variability in the microbial community’s composition, presumably related to the patchy distribution of organic substrates. Complex carbon sources, carbohydrates, and amino acids were the organic polymers preferentially metabolized by the microbial community. Multi-resistance to enrofloxacin and tetracycline was detected in all of the examined samples, stressing the role of sediments as a potential reservoir of chemical wastes ascribable to antibiotic residuals. This study provides new insights on the health status of fjord sediments of West Spitsbergen, applying a dual ecological and biochemical approach. Microbial communities in the fjord sediments showed globally a good functional diversity, suggesting their versatility to rapidly react to changing conditions. The lack of significant diversification among the three studied areas suggests that microbial variables alone cannot be suitable descriptors of sediment health, and that additional measures (i.e., physical–chemical characteristics) should be taken to better define environmental status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems Volume III)

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30 pages, 2848 KiB

Open AccessReview

Life Cycle Assessment in Renewable Energy: Solar and Wind Perspectives

by Francisco Portillo, Alfredo Alcayde, Rosa Maria Garcia, Manuel Fernandez-Ros, Jose Antonio Gazquez and Nuria Novas

Environments 2024, 11(7), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070147 - 12 Jul 2024

Abstract

The growing urgency for sustainable energy solutions necessitates a deeper understanding of the environmental impacts of renewable technologies. This article aims to synthesize and analyze Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) in this domain, providing a comprehensive perspective. We systematically categorized 2923 articles into four [...] Read more.

The growing urgency for sustainable energy solutions necessitates a deeper understanding of the environmental impacts of renewable technologies. This article aims to synthesize and analyze Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) in this domain, providing a comprehensive perspective. We systematically categorized 2923 articles into four sectors: (1) photovoltaic systems, (2) wind energy systems, (3) solar thermal systems, and (4) materials for auxiliary industry supporting these systems. A comparative analysis was conducted to identify methodological consistencies and disparities across these sectors. The findings reveal diverse methodological approaches and a range of environmental impacts, highlighting the complexities in assessing renewable energy systems. The article underscores the significance of material selection in photovoltaic, solar, and wind systems, providing a critical overview of the current state of LCA research in renewable energy and stressing the need for standardized methodologies. It also identifies gaps in recent research, offering insights for future studies focused on integrating environmental, economic, and social considerations in renewable energy assessments. Integrating environmental assessments provides a robust framework for making informed decisions on sustainable technologies. The findings are critical for projects that balance technological needs with sustainability goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Balancing Energy and Environment: A Life Cycle Assessment Perspective)

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18 pages, 5327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a Consensus Method for the Isolation of Microplastics from Freshwater Sediments

by Daniel E. Enenche, Christine M. Davidson and John J. Liggat

Environments 2024, 11(7), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070146 - 12 Jul 2024

Abstract

Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is of global concern. There is growing interest in the study of microplastics in freshwater systems. However, the lack of harmonized analytical methodology makes it difficult to compare results obtained by different laboratories. This work compared methods [...] Read more.

Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is of global concern. There is growing interest in the study of microplastics in freshwater systems. However, the lack of harmonized analytical methodology makes it difficult to compare results obtained by different laboratories. This work compared methods for the recovery of microplastics from freshwater sediments based on density separation by flotation followed by digestion of organic matter. Simulated sediment was spiked with virgin polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) pellets, and post-consumer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fragments. Density separation was carried out using distilled water and NaCl, CaCl₂, ZnCl₂, and NaI solutions, both for intact pellets/fragments and following grinding and sieving to three size fractions (<1 mm, 1–2 mm, and >2 mm). Digestions with HNO₃, NaOH, and Fenton’s reagent were compared. Only NaI quantitatively recovered all types of polymers. However, CaCl₂ and ZnCl₂ recovered all but PVF and PTFE. Different flotation patterns were observed for different size fractions of the same polymer, highlighting the fact that density is not the only factor affecting recovery. Digestion efficiencies were 6–78% in HNO₃, 4–45% in NaOH, and 49–80% in Fenton’s reagent. Overall, CaCl₂ is recommended for density separation and Fenton’s reagent for organic matter removal. Full article

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12 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simple Sugars Alter the Odorant Composition of Dairy Cow Manure

by John H. Loughrin, Getahun E. Agga and Nanh Lovanh

Environments 2024, 11(7), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070145 - 9 Jul 2024

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine if the odor profile of Bos taurus manure could be altered by the addition of the simple saccharides glucose, lactose, and sucrose. Sucrose was added to manure slurry at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, or 125 g L [...] Read more.

A study was conducted to determine if the odor profile of Bos taurus manure could be altered by the addition of the simple saccharides glucose, lactose, and sucrose. Sucrose was added to manure slurry at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, or 125 g L⁻¹, while glucose and lactose were added at 0, 6.45, 13.2, 26.4, or 65.8 g L⁻¹. One hundred mL slurries were incubated in capped bottles at 30 °C for four weeks. Biogas production was measured throughout the incubations, and the pH and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were measured at the end of the incubations. Odor compounds of the final manure slurries were isolated by stir bar sorptive extraction and identified by stir bar gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Unamended manure had high concentrations of the typical manure malodorants phenol, p-cresol, p-ethylphenol, indole, and skatole. The addition of the sugars decreased these malodors in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of sugars shifted odor production to aliphatic esters including ethyl butyrate and propyl propanoate. The sugar-amended manure therefore had a different odor profile than the unamended manure did. The addition of sugar also caused the accumulation of short-chain fatty acids and, thus, decreased the pH of the manure. The production of lactic acid was particularly enhanced at high concentrations of sugar, suggesting that lactic acid bacteria could be responsible for changes in the odor profile. Future research will investigate if the addition of lesser concentrations of sugars or agricultural and food wastes rich in carbohydrates can reduce manure malodor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environments: 10 Years of Science Together)

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22 pages, 2841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Biodiversity Index for Trees: A Climate Adaptation Measure for Cities Based on Tree Inventories

by Nefta-Eleftheria Votsi, Orestis Speyer, Danai-Eleni Michailidou, Athanasios Koukoulis, Charalampos Chatzidiakos, Ine Vandecasteele, Christiana Photiadou, Jose Miguel Rubio Iglesias, Jean-Philippe Aurambout and Evangelos Gerasopoulos

Environments 2024, 11(7), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070144 - 8 Jul 2024

Abstract

A historically large percentage of the world’s population has moved to urban areas in the past few decades, causing various negative effects for the environment, such as air, noise, water, and light pollution; land degradation; and biodiversity loss. Under the current climate crisis, [...] Read more.

A historically large percentage of the world’s population has moved to urban areas in the past few decades, causing various negative effects for the environment, such as air, noise, water, and light pollution; land degradation; and biodiversity loss. Under the current climate crisis, cities are anticipated to play an essential part in adaptation strategies to extreme atmospheric events. This study aims at developing indicators at an urban scale that can highlight adaptation progress by investigating relevant data (especially in situ) and statistics at a pan-European level in support of the EU’s strategy for adapting to the impacts of climate change. The proposed indicator, Urban Biodiversity Indicator for Trees (UBI4T), which can be derived from city tree inventories, assesses one essential component of urban biodiversity by computing the proportion of native, alien, invasive, and toxic tree species spatially across a city. According to our findings (applying the UBI4T for Amsterdam and exploring its policy potential for Barcelona), the UBI4T can offer crucial information for decision and policy makers, as well as stakeholders of a city, with the aim of conducting dedicated and effective strategic initiatives to restore, improve, and protect nature in the urban environment, thus contributing to adaptation and resilience to extreme atmospheric events in cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Science and Technologies for the Management of Natural Ecosystems and the Sustainable Development of Urban Areas II)

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15 pages, 3628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Sustainable Recycling Systems for Industrial Waste in South Korea via Hazardous Characteristics Analysis

by Su-Han Jang, Na-Hyeon Cho, Tae-Woo Kim, Young-Yeul Kang, Young-Sam Yoon and Heung-Min Yoo

Environments 2024, 11(7), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070143 - 8 Jul 2024

Abstract

The South Korean government has implemented an acceptance system to promote the high-quality recycling of waste. Industrial waste generators must provide “hazardous characteristics data” to recycling operators. Nonetheless, ~80% of industrial safety accidents in South Korea occur during recycling, most involving fire or [...] Read more.

The South Korean government has implemented an acceptance system to promote the high-quality recycling of waste. Industrial waste generators must provide “hazardous characteristics data” to recycling operators. Nonetheless, ~80% of industrial safety accidents in South Korea occur during recycling, most involving fire or explosions. Moreover, a gap in safety management exists during ‘Circular Resource’ acceptance if the target substance is not regarded as waste. In this study collected data on hazardous waste characteristics. From 62 waste generators, 72 waste samples were collected, accounting for most of the resources accepted for recycling, including waste synthetic polymers, slag, dust, waste sand, and waste foundry sand. Then, the hazardous characteristics, as stated in the Ministry of Environment notifications, were assessed. Leaching toxicity was detected in one slag sample and six dust samples. The Cd, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Hg, F, and CN levels dissatisfied the Soil Contamination Warning Standard in 31 samples. Explosivity was not detected in any sample, whereas flammability was detected in one waste synthetic polymer sample. The results revealed 15 cases of potential flammability. Flammability is legally defined as below the criteria if the combustion speed criterion is not met. However, in the case of flame ignition, which could cause large fires and safety accidents, the relevant notification should be revised. In this study, we aimed to improve the gap between the hazardous waste management systems and industrial fields through actual measurements of hazardous characteristics. By doing so, we seek to contribute to the prevention of environmental and safety accidents. By continuously accumulating data and utilizing actual measurements, we aim to revise and enhance relevant regulations, ultimately improving the hazardous characteristics of waste management systems. Full article

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25 pages, 2846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Small Decentralized Technologies for High-Strength Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

by Khaja Zillur Rahman, Shamsa Al Saadi, Mohamed Al Rawahi, Manfred van Afferden, Katy Bernhard, Jan Friesen and Roland A. Müller

Environments 2024, 11(7), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070142 - 5 Jul 2024

Abstract

Rural and semi-urban areas in arid/semi-arid regions are facing severe water scarcity and a series of environmental challenges nowadays, specifically due to rapid urbanization and economic development, climate change, population growth, increasing water demand, influxes of refugees caused by war and regional political [...] Read more.

Rural and semi-urban areas in arid/semi-arid regions are facing severe water scarcity and a series of environmental challenges nowadays, specifically due to rapid urbanization and economic development, climate change, population growth, increasing water demand, influxes of refugees caused by war and regional political conflict, etc. To solve the emerging problems, the safe reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture can provide an additional water resource for countries with high water scarcity. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment performance and effectiveness of small decentralized wastewater treatment (DWWT) technologies treating high-strength wastewater with concentrations far beyond the European Union testing ranges of parameters such as five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅ > 500 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD > 1000 mg/L), or total suspended solids (TSS > 700 mg/L). Four (4) commercially available DWWT technologies with a design capacity of 4–8 PE (population equivalent) were selected and operated with various wastewater compositions in Leipzig, Germany. The technologies were (i) the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), (ii) the sequencing batch reactor (SBR), (iii) the membrane bioreactor (MBR) and (iv) the aerated vertical-flow constructed wetland (AVFCW). This study results clearly demonstrated that the EU-certified small DWWT technologies are quite capable of treating high-strength wastewater and can provide high-quality treated water for safe reuse in rural communities of arid and semi-arid regions. During operation with high-strength wastewater with a mean inflow BOD₅, COD and TSS concentrations of 1532 ± 478, 2547 ± 830 and 546 ± 176 mg/L, a low mean BOD₅ (<10 mg/L), COD (<70 mg/L) and TSS (<15 mg/L) in the outflow of the four systems showed removal efficiency of BOD₅ (>99%), COD (>97%) and TSS (>97%), and met the maximum allowable limit value of water quality class A for reuse in agriculture according to Jordanian and Omani standard. The MBR showed almost a complete removal of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a range of 6.1–6.9-log removal in the outflow during all three experimental phases and performed best for BOD₅, COD, TSS and pathogen removal when treating high-strength wastewater if properly maintained to prevent potential fouling and clogging of the membrane. Before the final permitting process, long-term monitoring under local temperature and climatic conditions as well as guidelines based on local needs (e.g., in Jordan, Oman, etc.) should be developed to guarantee a minimum level of performance standards of such small DWWT technologies and requirements for operation and maintenance (O&M). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies of Water and Wastewater Treatment)

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