Sustainability

The growth of human activity in cities is a key factor in the degradation of air quality. Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between air quality and the existence of dangerous and chronic diseases that are extremely costly for individuals and society. This study presents an analytical framework that compares fixed and mobile air-quality monitoring approaches in cities with limited resources, using Mohammedia city, Morocco, as an example. The framework centers on mobile monitoring units mounted on vehicles and equipped with affordable sensors, GPS technology, and wireless communication systems to track important pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and harmful gaseous compounds (NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃). The evaluation relies on scenario-based modeling, performance data from existing literature, and calculations of costs throughout the system’s lifetime. To enhance measurement reliability, the researchers developed a correction system that addresses measurement errors caused by temperature, humidity, vehicle speed, vibrations, traffic-related interference, operational interruptions, and communication limitations. The findings indicate that fixed monitoring stations deliver superior measurement precision, with estimated uncertainty ranging from ±1.2–2.5%, though their coverage area is restricted to 0.534 km² (representing 1.6% of Mohammedia). In comparison, the suggested mobile setup could potentially monitor 9.8 km², covering approximately 30% of the city, while decreasing infrastructure needs and setup time (2–4 h compared to 2–4 weeks). Over 10 years, the total cost is EUR 252,000 for mobile monitoring, compared with EUR 3.6 million for a network of 20 fixed stations. These results demonstrate that corrected mobile monitoring systems offer significant promise as an economical and sustainable approach for managing urban environmental conditions.

To address the rock burst safety hazards encountered during coal seam mining in coal pillar areas under complex geological conditions and ensure sustainable and stable mine production, this study investigates the coal pillar area of a ventilation shaft in a mining area. Through an integrated approach incorporating field investigation, laboratory testing, numerical simulation, and engineering analogy, systematic research was conducted on rock burst mechanisms, geological modeling, and risk assessment. The results indicate that rock bursts in this coal pillar area represent tectonic-type disasters dominated by tectonic stress and induced by multi-factor coupling, with the coal seam exhibiting weak burst proneness. Based on a refined three-dimensional geological model constructed from borehole data, combined with mesh optimization and FDEM (Finite-Discrete Element Method) numerical simulations, precise delineation of rock burst hazard zones was achieved. These findings provide theoretical foundations and technical paradigms for safe mining operations in coal pillar area as under similar complex geological conditions, contributing to the sustainable development of coal resources through enhanced safety, extended mine service life, and optimized resource utilization.

The Industrial Metaverse (IM) integrates digital twins, IoT, AI, and immersive technologies to create interconnected, data-driven production environments. While its potential for enhancing efficiency and collaboration is widely acknowledged, its operationalization, particularly in alignment with sustainability goals, remains underexplored. This paper investigates how manufacturing firms transition from isolated pilots to strategic adoption of IM technologies, using a Digital Maturity Model as an analytical lens. Drawing on two industrial case studies, a university-based smart production lab, and expert roundtable discussions, we identify key barriers such as interoperability, governance, and skills gaps, alongside opportunities for circular material flows and resource optimization. Based on these insights, we propose three pathways for implementation: (1) digital maturity and Infrastructure Readiness, (2) organizational transformation for metaverse-enabled workflows, and (3) strategic value realization through sustainable business models. The study contributes a roadmap for managers and policymakers seeking to leverage the IM as a catalyst for resilience, circularity, and long-term competitiveness in smart manufacturing ecosystems.