Search Results (253)

A just and sustainable energy transition in historically coal-dependent regions like Kentucky requires more than the adoption of new technologies and market-based solutions. This study uses a stated preferences approach to evaluate public support for various attributes of energy transition programs, revealing broad backing for moving away from coal, as indicated by a negative willingness to pay (WTP) for the status quo (–USD 4.63). Key findings show strong bipartisan support for solar energy, with Democrats showing the highest WTP at USD 8.29, followed closely by Independents/Others at USD 8.22, and Republicans at USD 8.08. Wind energy also garnered support, particularly among Republicans (USD 4.04), who may view it as more industry-compatible and less ideologically polarizing. Job creation was a dominant priority across political affiliations, especially for Independents (USD 9.07), indicating a preference for tangible, near-term economic benefits. Similarly, preserving cultural values tied to coal received support among Independents/Others (USD 4.98), emphasizing the importance of place-based identity in shaping preferences. In contrast, social support programs (e.g., job retraining) and certain post-mining land uses (e.g., recreation and conservation) were less favored, possibly due to their abstract nature, delayed benefits, and political framing. Findings from Kentucky offer insights for other coal-reliant states like Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois. Ultimately, equitable transitions must integrate local voices, address cultural and economic realities, and ensure community-driven planning and investment. Full article

The impacts of land use transition on ecological environment quality (EEQ) during China’s rapid urbanization have attracted growing concern. However, existing studies predominantly focus on single-scale analyses, neglecting scale effects and driving mechanisms of EEQ changes under the coupling of administrative units and grid scales. Therefore, this study selects Zhejiang Province—a representative rapidly transforming region in China—to establish a “type-process-ecological effect” analytical framework. Utilizing four-period (2005–2020) 30 m resolution land use data alongside natural and socio-economic factors, four spatial scales (city, county, township, and 5 km grid) were selected to systematically evaluate multi-scale impacts of land use transition on EEQ and their driving mechanisms. The research reveals that the spatial distribution, changing trends, and driving factors of EEQ all exhibit significant scale dependence. The county scale demonstrates the strongest spatial agglomeration and heterogeneity, making it the most appropriate core unit for EEQ management and planning. City and county scales generally show degradation trends, while township and grid scales reveal heterogeneous patterns of local improvement, reflecting micro-scale changes obscured at coarse resolutions. Expansive land transition including conversions of forest ecological land (FEL), water ecological land (WEL), and agricultural production land (APL) to industrial and mining land (IML) primarily drove EEQ degradation, whereas restorative ecological transition such as transformation of WEL and IML to grassland ecological land (GEL) significantly enhanced EEQ. Regarding driving mechanisms, natural factors (particularly NDVI and precipitation) dominate across all scales with significant interactive effects, while socio-economic factors primarily operate at macro scales. This study elucidates the scale complexity of land use transition impacts on ecological environments, providing theoretical and empirical support for developing scale-specific, typology-differentiated ecological governance and spatial planning policies. Full article

Coal gangue, a major by-product of coal mining, poses significant environmental challenges due to its large-scale accumulation, land occupation, and potential for air and water pollution. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of continuous chamber gangue storage technology as a sustainable mining solution for coal mines. The principles of this approach emphasize minimizing disturbance to overlying strata, enabling uninterrupted mining operations, and reducing both production costs and environmental risks. By storing the surface or underground gangue in continuous chambers, the proposed method ensures the roof stability, maximizes the waste storage, and prevents the interaction between mining and waste management processes. Detailed storage sequences and excavation methods are discussed, including continuous and jump-back excavation strategies tailored to varying roof conditions. The process flows for both underground and ground-based chamber storage are described, highlighting the integration of gangue crushing, paste preparation, and pipeline transport for efficient underground storage. In a case study with annual storage of 500,000 t gangue, the annual economic benefit reached CNY 1,111,425,000. This technology not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable coal gangue management, but also aligns with the goals of resource conservation, ecological protection, and the advancement of green mining practices in the coal industry. Full article

With the emergence of Survey 4.0, the oil and gas (O & G) industry is now considering spatial digital twins during their field design to enhance visualization, efficiency, and safety. O & G companies have already initiated investments in the research and development of spatial digital twins to build digital mining models. Existing studies commonly adopt surveys and case studies as their evaluation approach to validate the feasibility of spatial digital twins and related technologies. However, this approach requires high costs and resources. To address this gap, this study explores the feasibility of the informed argument method within the design science framework. A land survey data model (LSDM)-based digital twin prototype for O & G field design, along with 3D spatial datasets located in Lot 2 on RP108045 at petroleum lease 229 under the Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia, was selected as a case for this study. The ISO/IEC 25010 model was adopted as a methodology for this study to evaluate the prototype and Digital Twin Victoria (DTV). It encompasses eight metrics, such as functional suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, usability, security, reliability, maintainability, and portability. The results generated from this study indicate that the prototype encompasses a standard level of all parameters in the ISO/IEC 25010 model. The key significance of the study is its methodological contribution to evaluating the spatial digital twin models through cost-effective means, particularly under circumstances with strict regulatory requirements and low information accessibility. Full article

Rapid socio-economic development and the impact of human activities have exerted tremendous pressure on the groundwater system of the Dawen River Basin (DRB), the largest tributary in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Hydrochemical studies on the DRB have largely centered on the upstream Muwen River catchment and downstream Dongping Lake, with some focusing solely on karst groundwater. Basin-wide evaluations suggest good overall groundwater quality, but moderate to severe contamination is confined to the lower Dongping Lake area. The hydrogeologically complex mid-reach, where the Muwen and Chaiwen rivers merge, warrants specific focus. This region, adjacent to populous areas and industrial/agricultural zones, features diverse aquifer systems, necessitating a thorough analysis of its hydrochemistry and origins. This study presents an integrated hydrochemical, isotopic investigation and EWQI evaluation of groundwater quality and formation mechanisms within the multiple groundwater types of the central DRB. Central DRB groundwater has a pH of 7.5–8.2 (avg. 7.8) and TDSs at 450–2420 mg/L (avg. 1075.4 mg/L) and is mainly brackish, with Ca²⁺ as the primary cation (68.3% of total cations) and SO₄²⁻ (33.6%) and NO₃⁻ (28.4%) as key anions. The Piper diagram reveals complex hydrochemical types, primarily HCO₃·SO₄-Ca and SO₄·Cl-Ca. Isotopic analysis (δ²H, δ¹⁸O) confirms atmospheric precipitation as the principal recharge source, with pore water showing evaporative enrichment due to shallow depths. The Gibbs diagram and ion ratios demonstrate that hydrochemistry is primarily controlled by silicate and carbonate weathering (especially calcite dissolution), active cation exchange, and anthropogenic influences. EWQI assessment (avg. 156.2) indicates generally “good” overall quality but significant spatial variability. Pore water exhibits the highest exceedance rates (50% > Class III), driven by nitrate pollution from intensive vegetable cultivation in eastern areas (Xiyangzhuang–Liangzhuang) and sulfate contamination from gypsum mining (Guojialou–Nanxiyao). Karst water (26.7% > Class III) shows localized pollution belts (Huafeng–Dongzhuang) linked to coal mining and industrial discharges. Compared to basin-wide studies suggesting good quality in mid-upper reaches, this intensive mid-reach sampling identifies critical localized pollution zones within an overall low-EWQI background. The findings highlight the necessity for aquifer-specific and land-use-targeted groundwater protection strategies in this hydrogeologically complex region. Full article

The water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus is an established framework that allows for a more holistic, systemic and integrated analysis of resources and territorial planning. The main objective of this study was to apply the WELF nexus approach to assess the environmental impacts from coal mining. Data on the water resource, electricity sector, food production and land occupation in the coal region of the Urussanga River basin (Brazil) were described and compared with the area without the coal industry (Canoas/Pelotas basin, Brazil). Indicators evaluating reliability, robustness, equilibrium and diversity (Shannon index-H) were used to evaluate the impacts of mining on the WELF system. The results indicate that coal provides socioeconomic development in the region; however, it has several negative environmental effects. WELF indicators showed that the Urussanga basin has less robustness in the subsystem of water consumption per capita (0.19), installed electrical capacity (0.01) and agricultural production per capita (0.22) compared to Canoas/Pelotas at 0.73, 1.0 and 1.0, respectively. The basin also presented lower diversity in the water consumption sector (H = 0.81) and in the variety of agricultural products (H = 1.58) compared to Canoas/Pelotas (H = 1.0; H = 1.69, respectively). It was concluded that coal mining can affect the WELF system globally, revealing the need to propose alternatives to prevent and mitigate its effects. Full article

The Andean river basins of central–southern Chile face multiple anthropogenic disturbances, including water extraction, hydropower, mining, and industrial discharges, which affect their ability to adapt to new disturbances. Disturbance intensity forms a gradient from high (Maipo, Rapel, Biobío, Maule) through medium (Mataquito, Itata) to low (Imperial, Toltén). This study evaluated resilience in these eight river basins based on fish assemblages, using taxonomic and functional trait indices within the framework of the three Rs of resilience: resources, recruitment, and refugia. Taxonomic indices captured changes in species richness, abundance, diversity, evenness, and beta diversity, while functional traits reflected the fish species characteristics promoting resilience. Statistical tests revealed significant differences in resilience indices among basins. Recruitment was the most impacted resilience mechanism, with beta diversity revealing effects from river fragmentation in the Maipo, Rapel, and Biobío basins. The resources mechanism was also affected, primarily by land-use changes and water pollution, leading to low species richness in the Maipo, Rapel, Mataquito, and Maule river basins. Interestingly, basins with medium disturbance levels showed high resilience, indicating adaptive responses to moderate impacts. This study emphasizes the importance of multiple indicators to assess ecosystem resilience and calls for integrated strategies to address the complex challenges impacting freshwater biodiversity. Full article

Systematic assessment of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils is critical for addressing ecological and public health risks in industrial-intensive cities like Lanzhou, with direct implications for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 15 (Life on Land), and 3 (Good Health). The present study evaluates farmland soils around six industrial sectors: waste disposal (WDZ), pharmaceutical manufacturing (PMZ), chemical manufacturing (CMZ), petrochemical industry (PIZ), metal smelting (MSZ), mining (MZ) and one sewage-irrigated zone (SIZ) using geo-accumulation index, Nemerow composite pollution index, potential ecological risk index, and health risk models. The following are the major findings: (1) SIZ and PMZ emerged as primary contamination clusters, with Hg (I_geo = 1.89) and Cd (I_geo = 0.61) showing marked accumulation. Chronic wastewater irrigation caused severe Hg contamination (0.97 mg·kg⁻¹) in SIZ, where 100% of the samples reached strong polluted levels according to the Nemerow composite pollution index; (2) Hg and Cd dominated the ecological risks, with 41.32% of the samples exhibiting critical Hg risks (100% in PMZ and SIZ) and 32.63% showing strong Cd risks; and (3) oral ingestion constituted the dominant exposure pathway. Children faced carcinogenic risks (CR = 1.33 × 10⁻⁴) exceeding safety thresholds, while adult risks remained acceptable. Notably, high Hg and Cd levels did not translate to proportionally higher health risks due to differential toxicological parameters. The study recommends prioritizing Hg and Cd control in PMZ and SIZ, with targeted exposure prevention measures for children. Full article

Brownfields are abundant, widely dispersed, and subject to complex contamination, resulting in waste land, ecological degradation, and barriers to economic growth. The accurate identification of brownfield sites is key to formulating effective remediation and reuse strategies. However, the heterogeneity of surface features poses significant challenges for identifying various types of brownfields across entire urban areas. To address these challenges, this study proposes a “Target–Classification–Modification” (TCM) method for brownfield identification, which was applied to Tangshan City, China. This method consists of a three-stage process: target area localization, visual interpretation and classification, and site-level modification. It leverages integrated multi-source open-access data and clear rules for subtype classification and the determination of spatial boundaries and abandonment status. The results for Tangshan show that (1) the overall accuracy of the TCM method reached 84.9%; (2) a total of 1706 brownfield sites were identified, including 422 raw-material mining sites, 576 raw-material manufacturing sites, and 708 non-raw-material manufacturing sites; (3) subtype analysis revealed distinct spatial distribution and morphological patterns, driven by resource endowments, transportation networks, and industrial space organization. The TCM method improved the identification efficiency by 34.7% through precise target-area localization. It offers well-defined criteria to distinguish different brownfield subtypes. In addition, it employs a multi-approach strategy to determine the abandonment status, further enhancing accuracy. This method is scalable and widely applicable, providing support for urban-scale brownfield research and practice. Full article

Soil heavy metal contamination poses critical challenges to ecological sustainability in mining regions, particularly in acidic soils from copper sulfide mines. This study developed a sustainable remediation strategy using a carbonyl iron powder–biochar composite (CIP@BC) derived from agricultural waste (rice husk) and industrial byproducts. The composite was synthesized through an energy-efficient mechanical grinding method at a 10:1 mass ratio of biochar to carbonyl iron powder, aligning with circular economy principles. Material characterization revealed CIP particles uniformly embedded within biochar’s porous structure, synergistically enhancing surface functionality and redox activity. CIP@BC demonstrated exceptional Cu²⁺ immobilization capacity (910.5 mg·g⁻¹), achieved through chemisorption and monolayer adsorption mechanisms. Notably, the remediation process concurrently improved key soil health parameters. Soil incubation trials demonstrated that 6% CIP@BC application elevated soil pH from 4.27 to 6.19, reduced total Cu content by 29.43%, and decreased DTPA-extractable Cu by 67.26%. This treatment effectively transformed Cu speciation from bioavailable to residual fractions. Concurrent improvements in electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic matter (OM), and soil water content (SWC) collectively highlighted the composite’s multifunctional remediation potential. This study bridges environmental remediation with sustainable land management through an innovative waste-to-resource approach that remediates acidic mine soils. The dual functionality of CIP@BC in contaminant immobilization and soil quality restoration provides a scalable solution. Full article

The gullied Loess Plateau, a region characterized by the overlapping of ecological fragility and energy abundance in China, requires urgent analysis of its territorial spatial conflict mechanisms to harmonize human–environment relationships. This study integrated multi-temporal remote sensing data (1990–2020) to develop a Comprehensive Spatial Conflict Index (CSCI) and applied the Optimal Parameter-based Geographical Detector (OPGD) to unravel the driving mechanisms of territorial spatial evolution in Qingyang City, Gansu Province. The results revealed that: (1) Territorial spaces exhibit a transition pattern of ecological restoration, urban expansion, and agricultural contraction. Forest and grassland ecological spaces increased by 1.42 percentage points (to 13.14%) and 1.26 percentage points (to 49.29%), respectively, while industrial-mining production spaces expanded sevenfold (0.01% to 0.08%), and agricultural production spaces decreased by 3.36 percentage points. (2) Spatial conflicts transitioned through three phases: ① A low-intensity stabilization phase (1990–2000), with 90.55% of areas under weak and moderately weak conflict (CSCI ≤ 0.4); ② A moderate conflict contraction phase (2000–2010), where weak conflict zones surged by 28.18 percentage points (13.06% → 41.24%), with moderate and moderately weak spatial conflict (0.2–0.6) decreasing by 28.27 percentage points (86.06% → 57.79%); ③ A moderately strong to strong expansion phase (2010–2020), with moderate and moderately strong conflict areas rising to 16.82%. Strong conflict zones (CSCI ≥ 0.8) expanded to 0.61%, spatially clustered in the Xifeng urban area and the Malian–Pu River corridor, showing significant positive correlations with gully density (>3.5 km∙km⁻²) and nighttime light index (NL). (3) The interaction between NDVI and land use intensity (LUI) dominated conflict patterns (q = 0.2583). In northern energy development zones (Huanxian County), LUI and precipitation (PRE) synergistically intensified landslide risks, while facility agriculture in central plateau farmlands (Ningxian County) triggered groundwater overexploitation. The coupling of road density (RND) and population (POP) factors (q = 0.1892) formed a transportation–population axial belt compression. Policy interventions exhibited spatial heterogeneity: the Grain-for-Green Program increased weak conflict zones by 28.18 percentage points, whereas wind power development in the Huanxian–Huachi northern belt escalated moderately strong to strong conflict zones by 3.6 percentage points. A three-dimensional governance framework integrating geomorphological adaptation, development phasing, and ecological compensation is proposed to optimize territorial spatial planning in the gullied Loess Plateau. Full article

Investigating spatio-temporal differentiation patterns of land-use conflicts in mountainous and flatland regions provides critical insights for optimizing spatial regulation strategies and advancing sustainable regional development. Using the Urban Agglomeration in Central Yunnan (UACY) as a case study, the production–living–ecological space (PLES) was classified through land-use functional dominance analysis based on 2010–2020 geospatial datasets. Spatio-temporal evolution patterns and mountain–dam differentiation were analyzed using spatial superposition, dynamic degree analysis, transfer matrices, and geospatial TuPu methods. A multi-scale conflict index incorporating landscape metrics was developed to assess PLES conflict intensities across spatial scales, with contribution indices identifying key conflict-prone spatial types. Analysis revealed distinct regional differentiation in PLES distribution and evolutionary trajectories during 2010–2020. Forest Ecological Space (FES) and Agricultural Production Space (APS) dominated both the entire study area and mountainous zones, with APS exhibiting particular dominance in dam regions. Grassland Ecological Space (GES) and Other Ecological Space (OES) experienced rapid conversion rates, contrasting with stable or gradual expansion trends in other space types. Change intensity was significantly greater in mountainous zones compared to flatland area (FA). PLES conflict exhibited marked spatial heterogeneity. FA demonstrated substantially higher conflict levels than mountainous zones, with evident scale-dependent variations. Maximum conflict intensity occurred at the 4000 m scale, with all spatial scales demonstrating consistent escalation trends during the study period. ULS, FES, and WES predominantly occurred in low-conflict zones characterized by stability, whereas APS, Industrial and Mining Production Space (IMPS), RLS, GES, and OES were primarily associated with high-conflict areas, constituting principal conflict sources. Full article

Spatial justice requires equitable construction land allocation to realize disadvantaged regions’ development rights. Construction land reduction (CLR) in economically developed areas is a complex and multi-dimensional process of land spatial optimization. While optimizing the allocation of land resources, this process may also lead to challenges in spatial justice. This study assessed spatial injustice using construction land data from W-district, Shanghai, based on spatial simulation. Planning documents indicated that some areas had a net resident outflow; the simulation showed that promoting CLR decreased mixed land use in these areas. Control of construction land decreased industrial and mining storage and rural residential land; urban residential, commercial, and other construction land increased. Bottom-line planning thinking reduced spatial injustice by approximately 0.0393 overall (the reduction rate was nearly 14.05%). Under territorial spatial planning, construction land stock quotas were optimized; CLR quotas were transferred, creating significant differences in construction land internal structures. Weighted Gini coefficients suggested unfair distribution between urban residential and commercial land, with the latter being more concentrated. Industrial and mining storage, other construction, and urban residential land contribute to spatial injustice. Industrial and mining storage and urban residential land have positive marginal effects; those of commercial, rural residential, and other construction land are negative. Promoting centralized residences has consolidated scattered rural residential land; decreasing rural residential land inhibits spatial injustice reduction. Construction land and the population can be agglomerated simultaneously to reduce construction land inequality. Full article

Historically known for its tin mining industry, Phuket Island has undergone significant transformation into a global tourism hub. This study aims at analyzing the evolutionary dynamics of Phuket Island from the years 1987 to 2024. We integrate Landsat satellite images and sophisticated analytical methods to assess the effects of tourism and economic policies on changes in land use and land cover using Google Earth Engine (GEE) for cloud-based data processing and Random Forest (RF) models for classification, and the Urban Expansion Intensity Index (UEII) and Shannon Entropy metrics for measuring the intensity of urban expansion and diversity, respectively. The results show that there has been a dynamic change in the patterns of land use which was brought about by the economic and environmental forces. Some of the major events that have had a great effect on Phuket’s landscape include the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and the COVID-19 pandemic; this highlights how the island is fragile and can be affected easily by events happening around the world. This work reveals a dramatic reduction in forest and mangrove cover, which calls for increased conservation measures to prevent the loss of biodiversity and to preserve the natural balance. Full article

Nowadays, the recovery/recycling/reuse of mining and mineral processing wastes is considered the best approach to support the circular economy and sustainability of mining and metal extraction industries. Mine wastes can be used to restore surface and subsurface land damaged by mining operations, generate fuel for power plants, further extract their component minerals, and as building materials additives. The aim of this perspective paper is to briefly highlight and focus on the most recent analytical potential and performance achieved by handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (hLIBS) instrumentation in the perspective of its future application in the mine waste sector to quickly identify on-site the presence of useful chemical elements for their possible sustainable recovery. Full article