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The Innovative Instruments and Technologies Within Sustainable Strategies in the Management Processes and Air and Climate Protection

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 13190

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Izabela Sówka

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Guest Editor
Department of Environment Protection Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego st., 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: methods standardization; odor emission regulation; air quality monitoring; dynamic olfactometry; odor mapping; odor modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Urszula Miller

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environment Protection Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: dynamic olfactometry; field investigations; assessment of odor nuisance; odor dispersion modeling; gas purification; deodorization; biological methods
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anna Brdulak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Project, Quality and Logistics Management, Faculty of Management, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: sustainable development strategies; smart cities management (incl. technologies, IoT); people management in the organization; social responsibility (SR)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change and environmental degradation pose a threat to Europe and the rest of the world. To meet these challenges, Europe needs a new growth strategy in order to transform the Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. An attempt to deal with these problems is the development of a Green Deal for Europe. It is a project to reform the European Union's climate policy proposed by the new President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The most important proposal from the Green Deal is the adoption of a binding climate neutrality target by 2050. This means that by the middle of the century, the EU economy is expected to emit only as much greenhouse gas as it can absorb (for example, through forests or CO2 capture technology). The short-term targets are also set to change: the emissions reduction target for 2030 is now 40 percent compared to 1990 levels, but is planned to increase to 50 percent or even 55 percent. The structure of the European Union's climate policy will remain the same. The correction awaits primarily the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), which is to cover new sectors (transport and construction) and in which free emission permits for aviation are to be limited.

An element of the Green Deal is to be the Just Transition Fund for the regions most affected by the negative effects of decarbonization. In addition to the strict climate policy, the Green Deal also includes proposals for an agriculture, circular economy, biodiversity and combating pollution. The Green Deal is to be supported by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in September 2015. This document is a comprehensive development plan for the world established by the United Nations through negotiations between its member states with a perspective by 2030. A total of 193 UN member states have committed to take action to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals focus on ensuring a dignified life for all inhabitants of the world, peace and economic progress, while protecting the natural environment and combating climate change.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

  1. air and climate protection technologies, tools and instruments;
  2. climate neutrality strategies;
  3. low carbon, resource-efficient and competitive economy;
  4. implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

These topics are only examples. Other emerging topics in this field of science are also welcome.

In accordance with the above context, we invite you to submit original research or review papers.

Prof. Dr. Izabela Sówka
Dr. Urszula Miller
Dr. Anna Brdulak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • low-emission and sustainable economy
  • sustainable processes in higher education and administration
  • climate protection
  • air and emission inventory and monitoring
  • air quality management

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 7097 KiB  
Article
The Use of Field Olfactometry in the Odor Assessment of a Selected Mechanical–Biological Municipal Waste Treatment Plant within the Boundaries of the Selected Facility—A Case Study
by Marcin Pawnuk, Izabela Sówka and Vincenzo Naddeo
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7163; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097163 - 25 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Odor management plans indicate the need to identify odor sources in waste management facilities. Finding the right tool for this type of task is a key element. This article covers a new approach for odor quantification and source identification at a selected waste [...] Read more.
Odor management plans indicate the need to identify odor sources in waste management facilities. Finding the right tool for this type of task is a key element. This article covers a new approach for odor quantification and source identification at a selected waste management facility by coupling field olfactometry and the spatial interpolation method, such as inverse weighted distance. As the results show, this approach works only partially. Field olfactometry seems to be a suitable tool for odor identification that could be an instrument incorporated into odor management plans as it allowed for recognition of most odor-generating places at the selected facility, i.e., waste stabilization area, green waste storage area, and bioreactors. However, spatial distributions obtained by the selected interpolation method are characterized by high errors during cross-validation, and they tend to overestimate odor concentrations. The substantial weakness of the selected interpolation method is that it cannot handle points where the odor concentration is below the detection threshold. Therefore, the usefulness of such a method is questionable when it comes to odor management plans. Since field olfactometry is a reliable tool for odor measurements, further research into computational methods is needed, including advanced interpolation methods or dispersion modeling based on field olfactometry data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Innovative Instruments and Technologies Within Sustainable Strategies in the Management Processes and Air and Climate Protection)
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15 pages, 281 KiB  
Article
Regulatory Obstacles in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Kazakhstan in Comparison with the EU
by Aigul Nukusheva, Dinara Rustembekova, Aitugan Abdizhami, Tatyana Au and Zhaukhar Kozhantayeva
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021034 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
In the context of achieving the goals of the modern environmental agenda, the issue of effective management of household waste is a complex problem, being one of the highest priorities on a global scale. Regional features and the lack of effective international instruments [...] Read more.
In the context of achieving the goals of the modern environmental agenda, the issue of effective management of household waste is a complex problem, being one of the highest priorities on a global scale. Regional features and the lack of effective international instruments often hinder the solution of this problem, complicating the development and application of common mechanisms. For Kazakhstan, which is the largest country in Central Asia and the state that produces the largest amount of household waste in the region, the issue of managing household waste is of particular relevance. This study is on the prospects for political and legal regulation in matters of municipal waste management in Kazakhstan within the framework of the use of foreign legal instruments and practices. Besides that, the study examines the prospects for the management of solid domestic waste in the country. Based on the study of foreign experience in the management of domestic waste, we identified the shortcomings of the existing legislative regulation in this area in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The analysis showed that the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the relevant area is at the stage of formation. At the same time, the existing problems require a comprehensive solution related to the development of an integrated approach, which implies the effective interaction of political and legal instruments. In particular, the use of national strategies and programs, integrated waste management programs, and the development of an appropriate regulatory framework for them. A review of political initiatives that directly affect the prospects for the formation of legal regulation indicated the commitment of the subjects of policy making in the field of environmental protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan to approaches based on the preference for minimizing or preventing waste generation and for the waste-to-energy principles. These initiatives are in line with the environmental policies in the EU. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Innovative Instruments and Technologies Within Sustainable Strategies in the Management Processes and Air and Climate Protection)
22 pages, 3494 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Supply Chain System for Defective Products with Different Carbon Emission Strategies
by Pitchaikani Mala, Muthusamy Palanivel, Siluvayan Priyan, Anuwat Jirawattanapanit, Grienggrai Rajchakit and Pramet Kaewmesri
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16082; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316082 - 01 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
Many nations have created ecological policies and regulations to prevent industries from emitting excessive amounts of carbon emissions into the environment. While significant progress has been achieved in the direction of sustainable growth, many nations still rely on nonrenewable energy sources. This study [...] Read more.
Many nations have created ecological policies and regulations to prevent industries from emitting excessive amounts of carbon emissions into the environment. While significant progress has been achieved in the direction of sustainable growth, many nations still rely on nonrenewable energy sources. This study explores the viability of investing in green technology to achieve the optimal decisions (lot sizes, lead time, and green investment amount) in a two-echelon supply chain system by considering human error with two carbon emission strategies: carbon taxes and limited carbon emissions. It entails the inspection of every shipped lot by the buyer to identify defective products that could have resulted from the vendor’s production process. We show a constrained non-linear program and design a calculus-optimization technique to solve it. The methodology used in this research is the quantitative method, which is based on the principles of operations research, and the models are built on mathematically oriented inventory theory. The results imply that an outsized ecological carbon footprint can be reduced without compromising customer service by designing optimal inventory strategies. The findings also confirm that green investment is the greatest economical method for reducing carbon emissions and system costs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Innovative Instruments and Technologies Within Sustainable Strategies in the Management Processes and Air and Climate Protection)
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17 pages, 888 KiB  
Article
Household E-Waste Management: A Case Study of Wroclaw, Poland
by Kamil Banaszkiewicz, Iwona Pasiecznik, Wojciech Cieżak and Emilia den Boer
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11753; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811753 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3191
Abstract
Improper collection and processing of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) pose a serious threat to the environment and prevent the recovery of valuable materials. Due to the decreasing availability of resources and production materials, the relevance of WEEE recycling has increased. WEEE [...] Read more.
Improper collection and processing of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) pose a serious threat to the environment and prevent the recovery of valuable materials. Due to the decreasing availability of resources and production materials, the relevance of WEEE recycling has increased. WEEE should be seen as an important source of raw materials for European economies. Moreover, e-waste recycling has a positive impact on the environment by limiting energy use and CO2 emissions during ore processing. The objective of this study was the analysis of the product use times, the reasons for purchasing new devices, and the consumers’ behavior, knowledge, and awareness concerning WEEE collection and treatment. This study discusses these issues based on a survey on electronic waste management in Wroclaw (Poland). The results from 495 questionnaire respondents indicated a shortening use time of many types of electronic and electric equipment (EEE). The “failure of the device” was the primary reason respondents replaced their products. It was indicated by 90% of the respondents. In many cases, the repair of devices was unprofitable. The most important factor determining the purchase of new devices was their price. The environmental factors, mainly those giving economic benefits, were also considered. Despite the implementation of the extended producer responsibility, the functioning model of WEEE collection has proven to be ineffective. A significant amount of small WEEE ended up in waste bins. For this reason, the willingness of residents to pay an additional fee for WEEE collection was also estimated. The results indicated that campaigns to increase residents’ awareness of WEEE management should continue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Innovative Instruments and Technologies Within Sustainable Strategies in the Management Processes and Air and Climate Protection)
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14 pages, 3625 KiB  
Article
Influence of Micro- and Macrostructure of Atomised Water Jets on Ammonia Absorption Efficiency
by Wiktor Wąsik, Małgorzata Majder-Łopatka and Wioletta Rogula-Kozłowska
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9693; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159693 - 06 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1134
Abstract
Ammonia has a very wide range of applications. Its worldwide production exceeds 230 million tonnes per year. Due to its properties, ammonia causes a serious threat to human life and health when released uncontrolled into the environment. Research carried out in the word [...] Read more.
Ammonia has a very wide range of applications. Its worldwide production exceeds 230 million tonnes per year. Due to its properties, ammonia causes a serious threat to human life and health when released uncontrolled into the environment. Research carried out in the word shows that this substance may be effectively neutralised by absorption in water. The aim of research described in this paper is to determine the influence of key parameters of the micro- and macrostructure of water streams on the course of the ammonia absorption process. During the studies, different types of water nozzles were used, with similar efficiency and supply pressure, but characterised by different parameters of the micro- and macrostructure of the produced stream. The experiments were divided into two stages. In the first one, the macro- and microparameters of the streams were measured, while in the second one, the changes in ammonia concentration were established during delivering spray jet generation by different nozzles. Among the basic parameters of the macrostructure, the spray angle and liquid distribution in the jet (spray intensity) were determined, while for the microstructure, the droplet size distribution and mean droplet diameters were measured. Ammonia concentration was measured by means of a photoionisation detector (PID). In order to evaluate the absorption efficiency of different water spray jets, the apparent absorption rate (kp) and the half-time of concentration reduction (t½) in the kinetic range were established. The study has confirmed that atomised water jets are an effective method for neutralising ammonia released into the environment. The research has a practical aspect and shows that the structure of atomised water streams influence the course of the absorption process. Increasing the spray angle in a conical stream leads to an improvement in the quality of water atomisation and helps increase ammonia absorption. Moreover, it was also observed that for the absorption of spatial ammonia clouds, use should be made of nozzles generating streams with full spray cones and high uniformity of spray and dispersion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Innovative Instruments and Technologies Within Sustainable Strategies in the Management Processes and Air and Climate Protection)
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23 pages, 5398 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Variability of Air Pollutant Concentrations at Industrial, Traffic and Urban Background Stations in Krakow (Poland) Using Statistical Methods
by Robert Oleniacz and Tomasz Gorzelnik
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5623; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105623 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2348
Abstract
In cities with an extensive air quality monitoring (AQM) system, the results of pollutant concentration measurements obtained in this system can be used not only for current assessments of air pollution, but also for analyzes aimed at better identification of factors influencing the [...] Read more.
In cities with an extensive air quality monitoring (AQM) system, the results of pollutant concentration measurements obtained in this system can be used not only for current assessments of air pollution, but also for analyzes aimed at better identification of factors influencing the air quality and for tracking trends in changes taking place in this regard. This can be achieved with the use of statistical methods that allow for the assessment of the variability of measurement data observed at stations of various types and for the determination of possible interdependencies between these data. In this article, an analysis of this type was carried out for traffic, urban background and industrial AQM stations in Krakow (Southern Poland) operating in the years 2017–2018 with the use of, i.a., cluster analyzes, as well as dependent samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, taking into account the concentrations of air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), benzene (C6H6) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). On the basis of the conducted analyzes, similarities and differences were shown between the data observed at individual types of stations, and the possibilities of using them to identify the causes of the observed changes and the effects of remedial actions to improve air quality undertaken recently and planned in the future were indicated. It was found that the air concentrations of some substances measured at these stations can be used to assess the emission abatement effects in road transport (NO2, PM10 or C6H6), residential heating (PM10 or SO2), and selective industrial plants (SO2, NO2 or C6H6). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Innovative Instruments and Technologies Within Sustainable Strategies in the Management Processes and Air and Climate Protection)
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