Search Results (8,578)

Digital technologies could facilitate green development by enhancing energy efficiency. However, existing research on coupling coordination between digital infrastructure and green development remains scarce. To fill this research gap, this study analyzes the spatio-temporal variations and barriers of coupling coordination. An evaluation index system is established and then the coupling relationship and the barrier factors between digital infrastructure and green development are analyzed. A provincial analysis is conducted by using data from China. The results in the study indicate (1) coupling coordination between digital infrastructure and green development exhibits a relatively low state, characterized by an overall upward trend; (2) noteworthy disparities are observed in the spatio-temporal pattern of the coupling coordination degree, reflecting the overall evolutionary trend from low to high coupling coordination, along with the characteristics of positive spatial correlation and high spatial concentration; and (3) obstacle factors are analyzed from the aspects of digital infrastructure and green development, emphasizing the construction of mobile phone base stations and investment in pollution control, among other aspects. This study contributes valuable insights for improvement paths for digital infrastructure and green development, offering recommendations for optimizing strategies to promote their coupled development. Full article

Barium chloride (BaCl₂), a known environmental pollutant, induces organ-specific oxidative stress through disruption of redox homeostasis. This study evaluated the protective effects and safety profile of sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) and ascorbic acid (ASC) against BaCl₂-induced oxidative damage in the liver and brain of mice using a two-phase experimental protocol. Animals received either SCC (40 mg/kg), ASC (160 mg/kg), or their combination for 14 days prior to BaCl₂ exposure (150 mg/L in drinking water for 7 days), allowing evaluation of both preventive and therapeutic effects. Toxicological and behavioral assessments confirmed the absence of systemic toxicity or neurobehavioral alterations following supplementation. Body weight, liver and kidney indices, and biochemical markers (Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), creatinine) remained within physiological ranges, and no anxiogenic or locomotor effects were observed. In the brain, BaCl₂ exposure significantly increased SOD (+49%), CAT (+66%), GPx (+24%), and GSH (+26%) compared to controls, reflecting a robust compensatory antioxidant response. Although lipid peroxidation (MDA) showed a non-significant increase, SCC, ASC, and their combination reduced MDA levels by 42%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. These treatments normalized antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH, indicating an effective neuroprotective effect. In contrast, the liver exhibited a different oxidative profile. BaCl₂ exposure increased MDA levels by 80% and GSH by 34%, with no activation of SOD, CAT, or GPx. Histological analysis revealed extensive hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolization, and inflammatory infiltration. SCC significantly reduced hepatic MDA by 39% and preserved tissue architecture, while ASC alone or combined with SCC exacerbated inflammation and depleted hepatic GSH by 71% and 78%, respectively, relative to BaCl₂-exposed controls. Collectively, these results highlight a differential, organ-specific response to BaCl₂-induced oxidative stress and the therapeutic potential of SCC and ASC. SCC emerged as a safer and more effective agent, particularly in hepatic protection, while both antioxidants demonstrated neuroprotective effects when used individually or in combination. Full article

Promoting sustainable development requires a clear understanding of how short-term fluctuations in anthropogenic emissions affect urban environmental quality. This is especially relevant for cities experiencing rapid industrial changes or emergency policy interventions. Among key environmental concerns, variations in ambient pollutants like ozone (O₃) are closely tied to both public health and long-term sustainability goals. However, traditional chemical transport models often face challenges in accurately estimating emission changes and providing timely assessments. In contrast, statistical approaches such as the difference-in-differences (DID) model utilize observational data to improve evaluation accuracy and efficiency. This study leverages the synthetic difference-in-differences (SDID) approach, which integrates the strengths of both DID and the synthetic control method (SCM), to provide a more reliable and accurate analysis of the impacts of interventions on city-level air quality. Using Shanghai’s 2022 lockdown as a case study, we compare the deweathered ozone (O₃) concentration in Shanghai to a counterfactual constructed from a weighted average of cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) that did not undergo lockdown. The quasi-natural experiment reveals an average increase of 4.4 μg/m³ (95% CI: 0.24–8.56) in Shanghai’s maximum daily 8 h O₃ concentration attributable to the lockdown. The SDID method reduces reliance on the parallel trends assumption and improves the estimate stability through unit- and time-specific weights. Multiple robustness checks confirm the reliability of these findings, underscoring the efficacy of the SDID approach in quantitatively evaluating the causal impact of emission perturbations on air quality. This study provides credible causal evidence of the environmental impact of short-term policy interventions, highlighting the utility of SDID in informing adaptive air quality management. The findings support the development of timely, evidence-based strategies for sustainable urban governance and environmental policy design. Full article

This study uses life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of co-firing bituminous coal with agricultural biomass waste, such as coconut and rice husks, emphasising circular economy principles. Seven experimental scenarios with different coal-to-biomass ratios were designed, ranging from pure coal to pure biomass. The results show that Scenario B (100% rice husk) achieved the best overall environmental performance, with the lowest global warming potential (300 kg CO₂ equivalent), eutrophication potential (4.742 kg PO₄ equivalent), and smog formation potential (0.012 kg C₂H₄ equivalent). Additionally, Scenario F (15% biomass mix) recorded the lowest acidification potential (57.39 kg SO₂ eq), indicating that even partial substitution can yield significant environmental benefits. In contrast, Scenario C (100% coal) exhibited the highest acidification (164.08 kg SO₂ eq) and eutrophication (8.82 kg PO₄ eq) potential. Overall, the results demonstrate that co-firing biomass waste significantly reduces pollutant emissions compared to burning coal alone. This study highlights the effectiveness of biomass waste co-firing in mitigating environmental impacts, promoting resource recovery, and supporting a sustainable energy transition within a circular economy framework. Full article

The current work is established with the object of modifying the source of Fenton system and substituting iron source as a catalyst with magnetite/potato peels composite material (POT400-M) to be an innovative solar photocatalyst. The structural and morphological characteristics of the material are assessed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The technique is applied to treat oil spills that pollute seawater. The effectiveness of the operating parameters is studied, and numerical optimization is applied to optimize the most influential parameters on the system, including POT400-M catalyst (47 mg/L) and hydrogen peroxide reagent (372 mg/L) at pH 5.0, to maximize oil removal, reaching 93%. Also, the aqueous solution and wastewater temperature on the oxidation reaction is evaluated and the reaction exhibited an exothermic nature. Kinetic modeling is evaluated, and the reaction is found to follow the second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic examination of the data exhibits negative enthalpy (∆H′) values, confirming that the reaction is exothermic, and the system is verified to be able to perform at the minimal activation energy barrier (−51.34 kJ/mol). Full article

The escalating environmental noise pollution along urban rail transit corridors, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, necessitates innovative and efficient noise control measures. A comprehensive investigation was conducted that utilized field measurements of train passing-by noise to establish a statistical energy analysis model for evaluating the acoustic performance of both vertical (VB) and fully enclosed (FB) barrier configurations. The study incorporated Maa’s theory of micro-perforated plate (MPP) parameter optimization and developed a neural network surrogate model focused on insertion loss maximization for barrier geometric design. Key findings revealed significant barrier-induced near-track noise amplification, with peak effects observed at the point located 1 m from the barrier and 2 m above the rail. Frequency-dependent analysis demonstrated a characteristic rise-and-fall reflection pattern, showing maximum amplifications of 1.47 dB for VB and 4.13 dB for FB within the 400–2000 Hz range. The implementation of optimized MPPs was found to effectively eliminate the near-field noise amplification effects, achieving sound pressure level reductions of 4–8 dB at acoustically sensitive locations. Furthermore, the high-precision surrogate model (R² = 0.9094, MSE = 0.8711) facilitated optimal geometric design solutions. The synergistic combination of MPP absorption characteristics and geometric optimization resulted in substantially enhanced barrier performance, offering practical solutions for urban rail noise mitigation strategies. Full article

Cancer disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) arise from multifaceted interactions between environmental exposures, infectious agents, and systemic inequities, such as limited access to care. The exposome, a framework encompassing the totality of non-genetic exposures throughout life, offers a powerful lens for understanding these disparities. In LMICs, populations are disproportionately affected by air and water pollution, occupational hazards, and oncogenic infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis. These infectious agents contribute to increased cancer susceptibility and poor outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, climate change, food insecurity, and barriers to healthcare access exacerbate these risks. This review adopts a population-level exposome approach to explore how environmental and infectious exposures intersect with genetic, epigenetic, and immune mechanisms to influence cancer incidence and progression in LMICs. We highlight the critical pathways linking chronic exposure and inflammation to tumor development and evaluate strategies such as HPV and HBV vaccination, antiretroviral therapy, and environmental regulation. Special attention is given to tools such as exposome-wide association studies (ExWASs), which offer promise for exposure surveillance, early detection, and public health policy. By integrating exposomic insights into national health systems, especially in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia, LMICs can advance equitable cancer prevention and control strategies. A holistic, exposome-informed strategy is essential for reducing global cancer disparities and improving outcomes in vulnerable populations. Full article

Northern Thailand frequently suffers from severe PM2.5 air pollution, especially during the dry season, due to agricultural burning, local emissions, and transboundary haze. Understanding how pollution moves across regions and identifying source–receptor relationships are critical for effective air quality management. This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of PM2.5 in northern Thailand. Specifically, it explored how pollution at one monitoring station influenced concentrations at others and revealed the seasonal structure of PM2.5 transmission using network-based analysis. We developed a Python-based framework to analyze daily PM2.5 data from 2022 to 2023, selecting nine representative stations across eight provinces based on spatial clustering and shape-based criteria. Delaunay triangulation was used to define spatial connections among stations, capturing the region’s irregular geography. Cross-correlation and Granger causality were applied to identify time-lagged relationships between stations for each season. Trophic coherence analysis was used to evaluate the hierarchical structure and seasonal stability of the resulting networks. The analysis revealed seasonal patterns of PM2.5 transmission, with certain stations, particularly in Chiang Mai and Lampang, consistently acting as source nodes. Provinces such as Phayao and Phrae were frequently identified as receptors, especially during the winter and rainy seasons. Trophic coherence varied by season, with the winter network showing the highest coherence, indicating a more hierarchical but less stable structure. The rainy season exhibited the lowest coherence, reflecting greater structural stability. PM2.5 spreads through structured, seasonal pathways in northern Thailand. Network patterns vary significantly across seasons, highlighting the need for adaptive air quality strategies. This framework can help identify influential monitoring stations for early warning and support more targeted, season-specific air quality management strategies in northern Thailand. Full article

Synthetic dyes are highly recalcitrant and are discharged in large volumes in industrial wastewater, which represents a serious environmental pollution problem. Biological methods for dye degradation are a potentially effective option for these synthetic products. In this study, a strain of Pleurotus ostreatus was used to evaluate the decolorization of the Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye added to the culture medium in the exponential growth phase of the fungus. The dye removal capacity of live and inactivated pellets by biosorption, as well as the enzymatic degradation of the dye using a cell-free culture broth considered an extracellular extract (EE), were also evaluated. The activity of laccase and dye-decolorizing peroxidase was determined in both the EE and the intrapellet extract (IPE); their values increased in the presence of dye in the culture medium. A decolorization of 98.5% and 98.0% was obtained in the culture broth and by the EE, respectively; biosorption of the dye by the inactivated pellets was 17 mg/g. The results suggest that the decolorization of the dye is primarily enzymatic, although there are also bioadsorption and bioaccumulation of the dye, which is then enzymatically degraded, and could be used as a carbon source. Full article

Mozambique soils are known for having an unbalanced agronomic and environmental composition that results in poor agricultural production yields. However, agriculture is the main economic activity of Mozambique, and soils must be characterised for their elemental deficiencies and/or excesses. This paper sampled nine farms from the Manica and Sussundenga districts (Manica province) in three campaigns in 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024 (before and after the rainy seasons). They were subjected to a physical–chemical analysis to assess their quality from the fertility and environmental contamination point of view. Attending to the physical–chemical properties analysed, and for all the soils and sampling campaigns, a low concentration below the limit of detection for B of <0.2 mg/Kg for the majority of soils and a low concentration of Al < 0.025 mg/Kg for all the soils were obtained. Also, higher concentrations for the majority of soils for the Ca between 270 and 1634 mg/Kg, for the Mg between 41 and 601 mg/Kg, for the K between 17 and 406 mg/Kg, for the Mn between 13.6 and 522 mg/Kg, for the Fe between 66.3 and 243 mg/Kg, and for the P between <20 and 132 mg/Kg were estimated. In terms of texture and for the sand, a high percentage between 6.1 and 79% was found. In terms of metal concentrations and for all the soils of the Sussundenga district and sampling campaigns, a concentration above the reference value concentration for the Cr (76–1400 mg/Kg) and a concentration below the reference value concentration for the Pb (5–19 mg/Kg), Ba (13–120 mg/Kg) and for the Zn (10–61 mg/Kg) were evaluated. A multivariate data analysis methodology was used based on cluster and discriminant analysis. The analysis of twenty-three physical–chemical variables of the soils suggested four clusters of soils characterised by deficiencies and excess elements that must be corrected to improve the yield and quality of agricultural production. Moreover, the multivariate analysis of the metal composition of soil samples from the second and third campaigns, before and after the rainy season, suggested five clusters with a pristine composition and different metal pollutant compositions and concentrations. The information obtained in this study allows for the scientific comprehension of agricultural soil quality, which is crucial for designing agronomic and environmental corrective measures to improve food quality and quantity in the Manica and Sussundenga districts and ensure environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Full article

Understanding the differential impacts of emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on formaldehyde (HCHO) levels is pivotal to effectively mitigating key photochemical radical precursors, thereby enhancing the regulation of atmospheric oxidation capacity (AOC) and ozone formation. This investigation systematically selected and analyzed year-long VOC measurements across three urban zones in Shenzhen, China. Photochemical age correction methods were implemented to develop the initial concentrations of VOCs before source apportionment; then Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) modeling resolved six primary sources: solvent usage (28.6–47.9%), vehicle exhaust (24.2–31.2%), biogenic emission (13.8–18.1%), natural gas (8.5–16.3%), gasoline evaporation (3.2–8.9%), and biomass burning (0.3–2.4%). A machine learning (ML) framework incorporating Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) was subsequently applied to evaluate the influence of six emission sources on HCHO concentrations while accounting for reaction time adjustments. This machine learning-driven nonlinear analysis demonstrated that vehicle exhaust nearly always emerged as the primary anthropogenic contributor in diverse functional zones and different seasons, with gasoline evaporation as another key contributor, while the traditional reactivity metric method, ozone formation potential (OFP), tended to underestimate the role of the two sources. This study highlights the primacy of strengthening emission reduction of transportation sectors to mitigate HCHO pollution in megacities. Full article

Educational buildings, including schools, nurseries and universities, face stricter regulation and design control on indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal conditions than other built environments, as these may affect children’s health and wellbeing. In this scoping review, wide-ranging health, performance, and absenteeism consequences of poor—and benefits of good—IAQ and thermal conditions are evaluated, focusing on source control, ventilation and air purification interventions. Economic impacts of interventions in educational buildings have been evaluated to enable the assessment of tangible building-related costs and savings, alongside less easily quantifiable improvements in educational attainment and reduced healthcare. Key recommendations are provided to assist decision makers in pathways to provide clean air, at an optimal temperature for students’ learning and health outcomes. Although the role of educational buildings can be challenging to isolate from other socio-economic confounders, secondary short- and long-term impacts on attainment and absenteeism have been demonstrated from the health effects associated with various pollutants. Sometimes overlooked, source control and repairing existing damage can be important cost-effective methods in minimising generation and preventing ingress of pollutants. Existing ventilation standards are often not met, even when mechanical and hybrid ventilation systems are already in place, but can often be achieved with a fraction of a typical school budget through operational and maintenance improvements, and small-scale air-cleaning and ventilation technologies, where necessary. Full article

This review critically examines the recent advancements in the development and application of electrospun molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanofiber membranes for environmental remediation. Emphasizing the significance of these materials, the discussion highlights the mechanisms by which electrospun MIPs achieve high selectivity and efficiency in removing various pollutants, including dyes, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues such as NSAIDs and antiretroviral drugs. The synthesis methodologies are explored in detail, focusing on the choice of monomers, templates, and polymerization conditions that influence the structural and functional properties of the membranes. Characterization techniques used to assess morphology, surface area, porosity, and imprinting efficacy are also examined, providing insights into how these parameters affect adsorption performance. Furthermore, the review evaluates the performance metrics of electrospun MIPs, including adsorption capacities, selectivity, reusability, and stability in complex environmental matrices. Practical considerations, such as scalability, regeneration, and long-term operational stability, are discussed to assess their potential for real-world applications. The article concludes with an outline of future research directions, emphasizing the need for multi-template imprinting, integration with existing treatment technologies, and field-scale validation to address current limitations. Full article

The maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by increasingly stringent international regulations targeting air pollution. While newly built vessels integrate advanced technologies for compliance, the global fleet averages 21.8 years of age and must meet emission requirements through retrofitting or operational changes. This study evaluates, at environmental and economic levels, two key sulphur abatement strategies for a 1998-built cruise vessel nearing the end of its service life: (i) the installation of open-loop scrubbers with fuel enhancement devices, and (ii) a switch to marine diesel oil as main fuel. The analysis was based on real operational data from a cruise vessel. For the environmental assessment, a Tier III hybrid emissions model was used. The results show that scrubbers reduce SO_x emissions by approximately 97% but increase fuel consumption by 3.6%, raising both CO₂ and NO_x emissions, while particulate matter decreases by only 6.7%. In contrast, switching to MDO achieves over 99% SO_x reduction, an 89% drop in particulate matter, and a nearly 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions. At an economic level, it was found that, despite a CAPEX of nearly USD 1.9 million, scrubber installation provides an average annual net saving exceeding USD 8.2 million. From the deterministic and probabilistic analyses performed, including Monte Carlo simulations under various fuel price correlation scenarios, scrubber installation consistently shows high profitability, with NPVs surpassing USD 70 million and payback periods under four months. Full article

Detecting pharmaceuticals in environmental matrices, particularly in wastewater, is crucial due to their potential environmental occurrence and unpredictable ecological and health-related consequences. These substances, often present in trace amounts, require highly sensitive and selective analytical methods for effective monitoring. A modified version of the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method was evaluated to evaluate 18 pharmaceuticals and 2 metabolites in wastewater samples using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method’s performance was assessed using linearity, recovery, precision, limits of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD), and the matrix effect (ME). The final method was based on acetonitrile, Na₂EDTA, citrate buffer, and graphene oxide (GO). Finally, the calibration curves prepared in acetonitrile and the matrix extract showed a correlation coefficient of 0.99. Most of the compounds had LOQ values lower than 0.5 μg⋅mL⁻¹. Recoveries were achieved in the 70–98% range, with RSD lower than 13%. GO allowed the elimination of the ME, which occurred in the range of −11% to 15%. The results indicate that a low-cost and straightforward method is suitable for routinely monitoring pharmaceuticals in wastewater, which is crucial for minimizing the impact of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Full article