Search Results (272)

Coal serves as the primary energy source for China, with production anticipated to reach 4.76 billion tons in 2024. However, the mining process generates a significant amount of gangue, with approximately 800 million tons produced in 2023 alone. Currently, China faces substantial gangue stockpiles, characterized by a low comprehensive utilization rate that fails to meet the country’s ecological and environmental protection requirements. The environmental challenges posed by the treatment and disposal of gangue are becoming increasingly severe. This review employs bibliometric analysis and theoretical perspectives to examine the latest advancements in gangue utilization, specifically focusing on the application of computational chemistry to elucidate the structural features and interaction mechanisms of coal gangue, and to collate how these insights have been leveraged in the literature to inform its potential utilization routes. The aim is to promote the effective resource utilization of this material, and key topics discussed include evaluating the risks of spontaneous combustion associated with gangue, understanding the mechanisms governing heavy metal migration, and modifying coal byproducts to enhance both economic viability and environmental sustainability. The case studies presented in this article offer valuable insights into the gangue conversion process, contributing to the development of more efficient and eco-friendly methods. By proposing a theoretical framework, this review will support ongoing initiatives aimed at the sustainable management and utilization of coal gangue, emphasizing the critical need for continued research and development in this vital area. This review uniquely combines bibliometric analysis with computational chemistry to identify new trends and gaps in coal waste utilization, providing a roadmap for future research. Full article

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is one of the polyphagous pests of several crops and forestry, resistant to numerous conventional chemicals. Due to the negative side effects of harmful chemical pesticides, such as environmental pollution, and risks to human health, the introduction of effective and low-risk alternatives is essential. The promising pesticidal effects of essential oils (EOs) isolated from Artemisia annua have been documented in recent studies. In the present study, the acaricidal effects of an A. annua EO, along with its two dominant monoterpenoids, 1,8-cineole and camphor, were investigated against adults of T. urticae. Artemisia annua EO, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, with 24 h-LC₅₀ values of 0.289, 0.533, and 0.64 µL/L air, respectively, had significant toxicity by fumigation against T. urticae adults. Along with lethality, A. annua EO and monoterpenoids had significant inhibitory effects on the activity of detoxifying enzymes, including α- and β-esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase. According to the findings of the present study, A. annua EO and its two dominant monoterpenoids, 1,8-cineole and camphor, with significant toxicity and inhibitory effects on detoxifying enzymes, can be introduced as available, effective, and eco-friendly acaricides in the management of T. urticae. Full article

The global food industry is facing growing pressure to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, minimize waste, and adopt environmentally sustainable packaging solution. Nanotechnology offers innovative ways to meet these demands by enabling the creation of smart and sustainable food packaging systems. Due to their unique properties, nanomaterials can significantly enhance the functional performance of packaging by boosting mechanical strength, barrier efficiency, antimicrobial activity, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanomaterials used as smart and sustainable food packaging, focusing on their role in active and intelligent packaging systems. By integrating nanomaterials like metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, and nano-biopolymers, packaging can now perform real-time sensing, spoilage detection, and traceability. These systems improve food quality management and supply chain transparency while supporting global sustainability goals. The review also discusses potential risks related to nanomaterials’ migration, environmental impact, and consumer safety, as well as the current regulatory landscape and limitations in industrial scalability. Emphasis is placed on the importance of standardized safety assessments and eco-friendly design to support responsible innovation. Overall, nano-enabled smart packaging represents a promising strategy for advancing food safety and sustainability. Future developments will require collaboration across disciplines and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and practical application of nanotechnology in food systems. Full article

Wax deposition, driven by the crystallization of long-chain n-alkanes, poses severe challenges across industries such as petroleum, oil and natural gas, food processing, and chemical manufacturing. This phenomenon compromises flow efficiency, increases energy demands, and necessitates costly maintenance interventions. Wax inhibitors, designed to mitigate these issues, operate by altering wax crystallization, aggregation, and adhesion over the pipelines. Classic wax inhibitors, comprising synthetic polymers and natural compounds, have been widely utilized due to their established efficiency and scalability. However, synthetic inhibitors face environmental concerns, while natural inhibitors exhibit reduced performance under extreme conditions. The advent of nano-based wax inhibitors has revolutionized wax management strategies. These advanced materials, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanocomposites, leverage their high surface area and tunable interfacial properties to enhance efficiency, particularly in harsh environments. While offering superior performance, nano-based inhibitors are constrained by high production costs, scalability challenges, and potential environmental risks. In parallel, the development of “green” wax inhibitors derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils addresses sustainability demands. These eco-friendly formulations introduce functionalities that reinforce inhibitory interactions with wax crystals, enabling effective deposition control while reducing reliance on synthetic components. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms, applications, and comparative performance of classic and nano-based wax inhibitors. It highlights the growing integration of sustainable and hybrid approaches that combine the reliability of classic inhibitors with the advanced capabilities of nano-based systems. Future directions emphasize the need for cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions through innovations in material science, computational modeling, and biotechnology. Full article

This article explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing through social and mobile networks and its role in fostering sustainable consumer behavior. AI enhances personalization, sentiment analysis, and campaign automation, reshaping marketing dynamics and enabling brands to engage interactively with users. A quantitative study conducted on 501 social media users evaluates how perceived benefits, risks, trust, transparency, satisfaction, and social norms influence the acceptance of AI-driven marketing tools. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the findings show that social norms and perceived transparency significantly enhance trust in AI, while perceived benefits and satisfaction drive user acceptance; conversely, perceived risks and negative emotions undermine trust. From a sustainability perspective, AI supports the efficient targeting and personalization of eco-conscious content, aligning marketing with environmentally responsible practices. This study contributes to ethical AI and sustainable digital strategies by offering empirical evidence and practical insights for responsible AI integration in marketing. Full article

This work explores zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) synthesis utilizing leaf extract of the Gaultheria fragrantissima plant that are useful in medicine, environmental remediation, and cosmetics due to their antibacterial activity, photocatalytic efficiency, and UV-blocking characteristics. Traditional synthesis methods involve energy-intensive procedures and hazardous chemicals, posing environmental and human health risks. To overcome these limitations, this research focuses on utilizing G. fragrantissima, rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids, with the methyl salicylate previously reported in the literature for this species, which helps reduce and stabilize NPs. ZnO NPs were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The ZnO NPs were found to have a well-defined crystalline structure, with their average crystallite size measured at around 8.26 nm. ZnO NPs exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against selected microbial strains. These findings underscore the potential of G. fragrantissima-mediated synthesis as an environmentally sustainable and efficient method for producing ZnO NPs with multifunctional applications. This study provides a greener alternative to conventional synthesis approaches, demonstrating a method that is both eco-friendly and capable of yielding NPss with desirable properties. Full article

The accelerating climate crisis demands innovative approaches that address both systemic drivers of environmental degradation and the psychological barriers to sustained pro-environmental action. Traditional climate communication often relies on fear-based messaging, which risks triggering eco-anxiety, disengagement, or paralysis, ultimately underlying long-term behavioral change. This paper proposes mindfulness as an evidence-based alternative to foster sustained pro-environmental behavior (PEB) by integrating insights from neurocognitive science, self-determination theory (SDT), and social diffusion theory. We present a novel framework outlining five pathways through which mindfulness cultivates PEB: (1) enhanced emotional regulation, (2) intrinsic motivation and value-behavior alignment, (3) nature connectedness, (4) collective action, and (5) cognitive flexibility. Critically, we examine structural barriers to scaling mindfulness interventions—including inequities, commercialization risks, and the individualism paradox—and propose mitigation strategies grounded in empirical research. By bridging contemplative science with sustainability praxis, this work advances SDG-aligned strategies (SDG 12, 13) that prioritize both inner resilience and systemic change. It offers a roadmap for research and practice beyond fear-based approaches. Full article

The Arabian Gulf, bordered by major energy-producing nations, harbors diverse microalgal communities with strong potential for the bioremediation of environmental pollutants, particularly petroleum hydrocarbons. This review evaluates two key microalgal groups—micro-green algae and dinoflagellates—highlighting their distinct physiological traits and ecological roles in pollution mitigation. Dinoflagellates, including Prorocentrum and Protoperidinium, have demonstrated hydrocarbon-degrading abilities but are frequently linked to harmful algal blooms (HABs), marine toxins, and bioluminescence, posing ecological and health risks. The toxins produced by these algae can be hemolytic or neurotoxic and include compounds such as azaspiracids, brevetoxins, ciguatoxins, okadaic acid, saxitoxins, and yessotoxins. In contrast, micro-green algae such as Oedogonium and Pandorina are generally non-toxic, seldom associated with HABs, and typically found in clean freshwater and brackish environments. Some species, like Chlorogonium, indicate pollution tolerance, while Dunaliella has shown promise in remediating contaminated seawater. Both groups exhibit unique enzymatic pathways and metabolic mechanisms for degrading hydrocarbons and remediating heavy metals. Due to their respective phycoremediation capacities and environmental adaptability, these algae offer sustainable, nature-based solutions for pollution control in coastal, estuarine, and inland freshwater systems, particularly in mainland Qatar. This review compares their remediation efficacy, ecological impacts, and practical limitations to support the selection of effective algal candidates for eco-friendly strategies targeting petroleum-contaminated marine environments. Full article

Designing sustainable farming systems in mountainous regions is particularly challenging because of complex economic, social, and environmental factors. Production models prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection require integrated assessment methodologies that can address multiple criteria and incorporate diverse stakeholders’ perspectives while ensuring accuracy and applicability. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) are two complementary approaches that support “eco-design” strategies aimed at identifying the most sustainable options, including on-farm transformation processes. This study presents an integrated application of LCA and MAMCA to four supply chains: rye bread, barley beer, cow cheese, and goat cheese. The results show that cereal-based systems have lower environmental impacts than livestock systems do, although beer’s required packaging significantly increases its footprint. The rye bread chain emerged as the most sustainable and widely preferred option, except under high-climatic risk scenarios. In contrast, livestock-based systems were generally less favorable because of greater impacts and risks but gained preference when production security became a priority. Both approaches underline the need for a deep understanding of production performance. Future assessments in mountain contexts should integrate logistical aspects and cooperative models to enhance the resilience and sustainability of short food supply chains. Full article

(1) Background: As a prominent zoonotic parasitic disease, fascioliasis threatens the sustainable development of animal husbandry and public health. Current research focuses mainly on individual species (parasite or intermediate host), neglecting systematic evaluation of the transmission chain and exposure risks to animal husbandry. Thus, comprehensive studies are urgently needed, especially in the ecologically fragile alpine region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; (2) Methods: Distribution data of Radix spp. and Fasciola hepatica in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent areas were gathered to establish a potential distribution model, which was overlaid on a map of livestock farming in the region; (3) Results: The key environmental factors influencing Radix spp. distribution were temperature seasonality (21.4%), elevation (16.4%), and mean temperature of the driest quarter (14.7%). For F. hepatica, the main factors were elevation (41.3%), human footprint index (30.5%), and Precipitation of the driest month (12.1%), with all AUC values exceeding 0.9. Both species exhibited extensive suitable habitats in Qinghai and Tibet, with higher F. hepatica transmission risk in Qinghai than Tibet; (4) Conclusions: The significant transmission risk and its impacts on the livestock industry in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau highlight the need for proactive prevention and control measures. This study provides a scientific foundation for targeted alpine diseases control, establishes an interdisciplinary risk assessment framework, fills gaps in high-altitude eco-epidemiology, and offers insights for ecological conservation of the plateau. Full article

Alluvial fan scree deposits (AFSDs) in arid/semi-arid regions are highly susceptible to rainfall-induced erosion, posing significant risks to infrastructure like oil pipelines. This study evaluates the efficacy of SH polymer materials in enhancing AFSD erosion resistance through three experimental approaches: film characterization, rainfall erosion simulation, and environmental compatibility assessment. Tensile tests demonstrated that SH polymer films (0.16–0.56 mm thick) retained >80% mass after prolonged immersion, exhibiting prolonged ductility (250 mm elongation) and stable post-immersion softening, ideal for enduring cyclic erosion. Rainfall simulations (200 mm/h intensity) revealed that SH application rates ≥ 1.5 kg/m² reduced soil loss by >90%, with 2.0 kg/m² ensuring near-complete slope integrity across planar/curved morphologies. Ecological tests confirmed SH’s environmental friendliness, as treated soils supported robust tall fescue growth without permeability inhibition. The findings advocate SH polymers as a sustainable solution for AFSD stabilization, combining mechanical resilience, terrain adaptability, and eco-compatibility. Full article

The rapid urbanization of contemporary cities represents one of the most complex challenges of the 21st century, with profound implications for the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of territories. In this context, urban regeneration emerges as a strategic approach to territorial transformation. The complexity of urban dynamics requires the adoption of innovative paradigms and systemic approaches capable of guiding decision-making processes toward eco-sustainable and resilient solutions. This research develops advanced decision support tools for urban regeneration, using the city of Potenza (Italy) as a case study. The main objective is to identify key indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of urban regeneration interventions in advance (ex-ante). The methodology develops a composite economic-financial risk index capable of providing an accurate picture of existing conditions while adapting to the territorial specificities of the analyzed area. This index, which uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to integrate elementary economic-financial indicators in order to assess the sustainability level of urban redevelopment projects, is able to synthesize complex economic variables into a single parameter of immediate comprehension, strategically guiding investments toward a sustainable urban development model. The analysis of results highlights a peculiar territorial configuration: semi-central areas present the greatest criticalities, while there is a progressive decrease in risk both toward the central core and toward peripheral and extra-urban areas. The study represents a significant methodological contribution to future urban regeneration initiatives at the local level, promoting an integrated vision of sustainable urban development for the benefit of current and future generations. Full article

The link between ESG and financial performance is still under debate. In this study, we explore which aspects of ESG specifically drive market valuations through both systematic and idiosyncratic risk channels. We analyze the impact of the three core ESG pillars, 10 subcategories, and associated controversies on market valuations in the energy sector. This analysis reveals that the environmental factor has a stronger impact (regression coefficient = 0.05) than the governance factor (regression coefficient = 0.003), emphasizing the need to prioritize environmental performance in ESG strategies. The positive coefficients for environmental resource use (0.005) and innovation (0.008) indicate that investments in efficiency and clean technologies are beneficial, while the negative coefficient for emissions (−0.004) underscores the risks associated with poor emissions management. These findings suggest that environmental risks currently outweigh governance risks for the energy sector, reinforcing the importance of aligning governance practices with environmental goals. To maximize ESG effectiveness, energy firms should focus on measurable improvements in resource efficiency, innovation, and emissions reduction and transparently communicate this progress to stakeholders. The evidence suggests that energy firms approach the ESG landscape differently, with sustainability leaders benefiting from higher valuations, particularly when ESG efforts are aligned with core competencies. However, many energy companies under-invest in value-creating environmental initiatives, focusing instead on emission management, which erodes value. While they excel in emission control, they lag in innovation, missing opportunities to enhance valuations. This underscores the potential for ESG risk analysis to improve portfolio performance, as sustainability can both create value and mitigate risks by factoring into valuation equations as both risks and opportunities. This study uniquely contributes to the ESG–financial performance literature by disentangling the specific ESG dimensions that drive market valuations in the energy sector, revealing that value is created not through emission control but through strategic alignment with eco-innovation, governance, and social responsibility. Full article

Arsenic contamination in water poses a significant global health risk, necessitating efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. Arsenic contamination affects groundwater in at least 106 countries, potentially exposing over 200 million people to elevated levels, primarily through contaminated drinking water. Among the most affected regions, Bangladesh remains a critical case study, where widespread reliance on shallow tubewells has resulted in one of the largest mass poisonings in history. Bio-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising solutions due to their eco-friendly nature, cost-effectiveness, and high adsorption capabilities. These nanomaterials offer a sustainable approach to arsenic remediation, utilizing materials like biochar, modified biopolymers, and bio-based aerogels, which can effectively adsorb arsenic and other pollutants. The use of environmentally friendly nanostructures provides a potential option for improving the efficiency and sustainability of arsenic remediation from groundwater. This review explores the mechanisms underlying arsenic remediation using such nanomaterials, including adsorption, filtration/membrane technology, photocatalysis, redox reactions, complexation, ion exchange, and coagulation–flocculation. Despite their potential, challenges such as scalability, stability, and regeneration hinder widespread application. We discuss recent advancements in material design, surface modifications, and hybrid systems that enhance performance. Finally, future perspectives are highlighted, including the integration of these bio-derived systems with smart sensing technologies, sustainable water-treatment frameworks, smart design, and life-cycle integration strategies, particularly for use in resource-constrained regions like Bangladesh and other globally impacted areas. Full article

Olive oil production generates vast quantities of by-products, with olive mill wastewater (OMW) being a particularly challenging effluent. Characterized by its dark color, high acidity, and rich composition of organic matter, phenolic compounds, and residual oils, OMW resists conventional degradation methods and poses significant environmental risks due to its phytotoxicity and microbial inhibition. Addressing this issue requires sustainable solutions that align with circular economy principles. A promising strategy involves the biotechnological valorization of OMW using the non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, which thrives on organic-rich substrates and converts them into high-value metabolites. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in Y. lipolytica applications for OMW valorization, emphasizing its role in developing eco-friendly industrial processes. It begins by outlining the physicochemical challenges of OMW and the metabolic versatility of Y. lipolytica, including its ability to adapt to acidic, phenolic-rich environments. Subsequent sections critically evaluate the yeast’s capacity to synthesize commercially valuable products such as lipases (used in the food and biofuel industries), citric acid (a food and pharmaceutical additive), and polyols like mannitol and erythritol (low-calorie sweeteners). Strategies to optimize microbial productivity, such as substrate pre-treatment, nutrient supplementation, and process engineering, are also discussed. By synthesizing current research, the review highlights how Y. lipolytica-driven OMW valorization can mitigate environmental harm while creating economic opportunities, bridging the gap between waste management and green chemistry. Full article