Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100245
Kaniz Farhana , Mohammad Ashraful Alam
The nano-bubble technique is a cutting-edge method of washing clothes that uses the special physical and chemical characteristics of tiny gas bubbles to increase sustainability and efficiency while also making the operation more environmentally friendly. This article examines the importance of nano-bubble technology in the denim industry throughout the washing process. It explains how this washing method can help recycled post-consumer denim textiles overcome their issues. This study demonstrated how nano-bubbles improve the efficiency of washing of recycled denim by using less water and chemicals, enabling high-value uses for recycled fibers, and combining the growing need to preserve fashion with sustainability. Moreover, the present study highlights the nano-bubble technology as a ground-breaking instrument for attaining sustainability in the denim sector, considering the existing conditions of these well-known businesses, their adoption of technological improvement, and their concern for environmental impact. In addition, it discussed the present shortcomings, challenges, and prospects for improving the washing process using nano-bubbles. By using this technology, the denim sector may reduce waste and its environmental impact by implementing a more sustainable and efficient recycling system.
{"title":"A review of nano-bubble technology in washing: An ecological advancement of post-consumer recycled denim clothing","authors":"Kaniz Farhana , Mohammad Ashraful Alam","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nano-bubble technique is a cutting-edge method of washing clothes that uses the special physical and chemical characteristics of tiny gas bubbles to increase sustainability and efficiency while also making the operation more environmentally friendly. This article examines the importance of nano-bubble technology in the denim industry throughout the washing process. It explains how this washing method can help recycled post-consumer denim textiles overcome their issues. This study demonstrated how nano-bubbles improve the efficiency of washing of recycled denim by using less water and chemicals, enabling high-value uses for recycled fibers, and combining the growing need to preserve fashion with sustainability. Moreover, the present study highlights the nano-bubble technology as a ground-breaking instrument for attaining sustainability in the denim sector, considering the existing conditions of these well-known businesses, their adoption of technological improvement, and their concern for environmental impact. In addition, it discussed the present shortcomings, challenges, and prospects for improving the washing process using nano-bubbles. By using this technology, the denim sector may reduce waste and its environmental impact by implementing a more sustainable and efficient recycling system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100240
Shameran Jamal Salih , Zahraa S. Tahseen
Spinel ferrite nanoparticles (MFe2O4, M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mg) are emerging as versatile materials for environmental remediation because they combine surface reactivity with magnetic separation. This review critically evaluates the efficiency of MFe2O4 catalyst(s) for treatment diverse pollutants, including heavy metals, organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, radionuclides, gaseous contaminants, and inactive microorganisms. Particular attention is given to how cation distribution, particle size, and synthesis route control surface hydroxyl density, point of zero charge, and magnetization, and how these properties govern adsorption, photo-catalysis, Fenton-like reactions, and magnetic recovery. Reported studies demonstrate strong pollutant removal efficiencies, yet most remain confined to idealized laboratory conditions, limited regeneration cycles, and short-term testing. Functionalization and hybrid systems improve selectivity and catalytic activity, but often increase synthesis cost and complexity. Despite promising results, challenges remain in scaling synthesis while preserving performance, verifying durability in real effluents, and integrating ferrites into continuous treatment systems. Life cycle considerations, including long-term transformation, toxicity, and environmental fate, are rarely addressed but essential for responsible application. By separating demonstrated capabilities from unresolved gaps, this review identifies where MFe2O4 can realistically contribute to remediation technologies and outlines priorities for advancing their sustainable deployment.
尖晶石铁氧体纳米颗粒（MFe2O4, M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mg）由于其结合了表面反应性和磁分离，正成为环境修复的通用材料。本文综述了MFe2O4催化剂处理各种污染物的效率，包括重金属、有机染料、药物、放射性核素、气态污染物和非活性微生物。特别关注阳离子分布、颗粒大小和合成路线如何控制表面羟基密度、零电荷点和磁化，以及这些性质如何控制吸附、光催化、类芬顿反应和磁回收。已有的研究表明，该技术具有很强的污染物去除效率，但大多数仍局限于理想的实验室条件、有限的再生周期和短期测试。功能化和杂化体系提高了选择性和催化活性，但往往增加了合成成本和复杂性。尽管取得了令人满意的结果，但在保持性能的同时进行结垢合成、在实际废水中验证耐久性以及将铁氧体集成到连续处理系统中仍然存在挑战。生命周期的考虑，包括长期转化、毒性和环境命运，很少得到解决，但对负责任的应用至关重要。通过将已展示的能力与未解决的差距区分开来，本综述确定了MFe2O4在哪些方面可以为补救技术做出实际贡献，并概述了推进其可持续部署的优先事项。
{"title":"Spinel ferrite nanoparticles in environmental remediation: Adsorption, catalysis, and sustainability perspectives","authors":"Shameran Jamal Salih , Zahraa S. Tahseen","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spinel ferrite nanoparticles (MFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mg) are emerging as versatile materials for environmental remediation because they combine surface reactivity with magnetic separation. This review critically evaluates the efficiency of MFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> catalyst(s) for treatment diverse pollutants, including heavy metals, organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, radionuclides, gaseous contaminants, and inactive microorganisms. Particular attention is given to how cation distribution, particle size, and synthesis route control surface hydroxyl density, point of zero charge, and magnetization, and how these properties govern adsorption, photo-catalysis, Fenton-like reactions, and magnetic recovery. Reported studies demonstrate strong pollutant removal efficiencies, yet most remain confined to idealized laboratory conditions, limited regeneration cycles, and short-term testing. Functionalization and hybrid systems improve selectivity and catalytic activity, but often increase synthesis cost and complexity. Despite promising results, challenges remain in scaling synthesis while preserving performance, verifying durability in real effluents, and integrating ferrites into continuous treatment systems. Life cycle considerations, including long-term transformation, toxicity, and environmental fate, are rarely addressed but essential for responsible application. By separating demonstrated capabilities from unresolved gaps, this review identifies where MFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> can realistically contribute to remediation technologies and outlines priorities for advancing their sustainable deployment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100241
Mustafa Özdemir, Metin Özkul
In recent years, artificial intelligence-based hybrid methods have gained increasing attention for addressing complex and nonlinear problems in engineering and economic systems. This study proposes an innovative approach to estimate manufacturing value-added at the macro level by integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental indicators. An Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model is optimized using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to improve estimation accuracy. The proposed hybrid models are tested across different population sizes and benchmarked against the standard ANFIS model. Comparative performance evaluation reveals that the ANFIS-GA model with a population size of 25 outperforms other models, achieving the most consistent and accurate estimation results with R²= 0.9080, MAE= 0.1455, MSE= 0.0325, RMSE= 0.1801, and PBIAS= 0.7960. The findings demonstrate the robustness and applicability of the ANFIS-GA model for manufacturing value-added prediction, offering valuable insights for policy makers and industrial decision-makers in enhancing production performance and sustainable development strategies.
{"title":"Estimating manufacturing value-added via hybrid ANFIS-GA and PSO optimization: A macro-analysis of European OECD economies","authors":"Mustafa Özdemir, Metin Özkul","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, artificial intelligence-based hybrid methods have gained increasing attention for addressing complex and nonlinear problems in engineering and economic systems. This study proposes an innovative approach to estimate manufacturing value-added at the macro level by integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental indicators. An Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model is optimized using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to improve estimation accuracy. The proposed hybrid models are tested across different population sizes and benchmarked against the standard ANFIS model. Comparative performance evaluation reveals that the ANFIS-GA model with a population size of 25 outperforms other models, achieving the most consistent and accurate estimation results with R²= 0.9080, MAE= 0.1455, MSE= 0.0325, RMSE= 0.1801, and PBIAS= 0.7960. The findings demonstrate the robustness and applicability of the ANFIS-GA model for manufacturing value-added prediction, offering valuable insights for policy makers and industrial decision-makers in enhancing production performance and sustainable development strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100241"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100238
Suhel Sen , Md. Omar Sarif
Vegetation health is critical for maintaining ecological stability and minimizing landslide susceptibility, particularly in the fragile hilly terrain of Darjeeling District, West Bengal. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal variations in vegetation health from 1998 to 2022 and to evaluate how biophysical and climatic parameters collectively influence vegetation dynamics. The research integrates multiple vegetation indices, viz., NDVI, NDBI, NDMI, SAVI, and EVI, along with climatic variables such as land surface temperature (LST) and rainfall. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) within a GIS framework, weights were assigned to each parameter to produce a comprehensive vegetation health map and to assess long-term trends. Results reveal a notable decline in moderate and good vegetation health zones, coupled with localized improvement in very good health areas due to conservation interventions. These findings highlight the dual impact of anthropogenic pressure and restoration efforts in shaping the vegetation landscape. The study provides a methodological framework for long-term vegetation health monitoring and supports the formulation of eco-sensitive planning strategies for sustainable hill area management.
{"title":"Vegetation health analysis of hilly areas in Darjeeling District of West Bengal using analytical hierarchy process (1998–2022)","authors":"Suhel Sen , Md. Omar Sarif","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vegetation health is critical for maintaining ecological stability and minimizing landslide susceptibility, particularly in the fragile hilly terrain of Darjeeling District, West Bengal. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal variations in vegetation health from 1998 to 2022 and to evaluate how biophysical and climatic parameters collectively influence vegetation dynamics. The research integrates multiple vegetation indices, viz., NDVI, NDBI, NDMI, SAVI, and EVI, along with climatic variables such as land surface temperature (LST) and rainfall. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) within a GIS framework, weights were assigned to each parameter to produce a comprehensive vegetation health map and to assess long-term trends. Results reveal a notable decline in moderate and good vegetation health zones, coupled with localized improvement in very good health areas due to conservation interventions. These findings highlight the dual impact of anthropogenic pressure and restoration efforts in shaping the vegetation landscape. The study provides a methodological framework for long-term vegetation health monitoring and supports the formulation of eco-sensitive planning strategies for sustainable hill area management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100242
YanBang Tang
This study introduces a novel, high-fidelity modeling framework for surfactant-enhanced oil remediation (SEOR). Our hybrid strategy integrates a strict data curation pipeline—creating a complete-case, high-integrity dataset by avoiding imputation—with a state-of-the-art tabular foundation model, the Prior-data Fitted Network (TabPFN). Systematically benchmarked against 40 conventional machine learning algorithms, the TabPFN framework demonstrated a significant advance in predictive capability, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.958 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 6.03. This represents a 21.2 % reduction in RMSE over the best-performing traditional model, Extra Trees Regressor (R²=0.932, RMSE=7.65). The unique strength of TabPFN lies in its pre-training, which allows it to deliver state-of-the-art accuracy on small scientific datasets without hyperparameter tuning. This work delivers a superior tool for understanding contaminant mobilization and establishes a robust, generalizable paradigm for modeling complex environmental systems.
本研究为表面活性剂增强型原油修复（SEOR）引入了一种新颖的高保真建模框架。我们的混合策略集成了一个严格的数据管理管道，通过避免输入来创建一个完整的、高完整性的数据集，以及一个最先进的表格基础模型，即先验数据拟合网络（TabPFN）。通过对40种传统机器学习算法进行系统基准测试，TabPFN框架在预测能力方面取得了显著进步，其决定系数（R²）为0.958，均方根误差（RMSE）为6.03。这表示与表现最好的传统模型Extra Trees Regressor （R²=0.932，RMSE=7.65）相比，RMSE降低了21.2 %。TabPFN的独特优势在于它的预训练，这使它能够在没有超参数调优的情况下在小型科学数据集上提供最先进的精度。这项工作为理解污染物的迁移提供了一个优越的工具，并为复杂环境系统的建模建立了一个强大的、可推广的范例。
{"title":"High-fidelity prediction of surfactant-enhanced oil remediation efficiency using a strictly curated dataset and a tabular foundation model","authors":"YanBang Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduces a novel, high-fidelity modeling framework for surfactant-enhanced oil remediation (SEOR). Our hybrid strategy integrates a strict data curation pipeline—creating a complete-case, high-integrity dataset by avoiding imputation—with a state-of-the-art tabular foundation model, the Prior-data Fitted Network (TabPFN). Systematically benchmarked against 40 conventional machine learning algorithms, the TabPFN framework demonstrated a significant advance in predictive capability, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.958 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 6.03. This represents a 21.2 % reduction in RMSE over the best-performing traditional model, Extra Trees Regressor (R²=0.932, RMSE=7.65). The unique strength of TabPFN lies in its pre-training, which allows it to deliver state-of-the-art accuracy on small scientific datasets without hyperparameter tuning. This work delivers a superior tool for understanding contaminant mobilization and establishes a robust, generalizable paradigm for modeling complex environmental systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100243
Jhon Kenedy Moura Chagas, Cícero Célio de Figueiredo
This study evaluates the impact of biochar, produced by valorizing waste sewage sludge, on soil carbon (C) sequestration, combining a global meta-analysis with a four-year tropical field trial. Biochar application can enhance soil C and mitigate climate change, contributing to sustainable resource management. The meta-analysis of 586 paired comparisons from 169 studies showed increases in total C (TC) and various soil C fractions post-biochar application. In order to compare global results with local data, the effects of sewage sludge biochar (SSB) obtained at contrasting temperatures were evaluated in a field experiment conducted over five years. The field trial using SSB pyrolyzed at 300°C (SSB300) and 500°C (SSB500) showed modest TC increases (7.7 % with SSB300, 0.7 % with SSB500) and minimal changes in other C fractions. Importantly, the absolute TC gain with SSB300 surpassed those from practices like no-till farming. These results underscore the need to tailor biochar applications and optimize pyrolysis conditions to local settings to improve soil C sequestration. Adopting such context-specific strategies can enhance waste recycling, promote sustainable agriculture, and aid in climate change mitigation.
{"title":"Combining meta-analysis and local assessment: An in-depth approach on biochar use towards soil carbon sequestration","authors":"Jhon Kenedy Moura Chagas, Cícero Célio de Figueiredo","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluates the impact of biochar, produced by valorizing waste sewage sludge, on soil carbon (C) sequestration, combining a global meta-analysis with a four-year tropical field trial. Biochar application can enhance soil C and mitigate climate change, contributing to sustainable resource management. The meta-analysis of 586 paired comparisons from 169 studies showed increases in total C (TC) and various soil C fractions post-biochar application. In order to compare global results with local data, the effects of sewage sludge biochar (SSB) obtained at contrasting temperatures were evaluated in a field experiment conducted over five years. The field trial using SSB pyrolyzed at 300°C (SSB300) and 500°C (SSB500) showed modest TC increases (7.7 % with SSB300, 0.7 % with SSB500) and minimal changes in other C fractions. Importantly, the absolute TC gain with SSB300 surpassed those from practices like no-till farming. These results underscore the need to tailor biochar applications and optimize pyrolysis conditions to local settings to improve soil C sequestration. Adopting such context-specific strategies can enhance waste recycling, promote sustainable agriculture, and aid in climate change mitigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100243"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100237
Lawrence Okoronkwo Udensi , Esther Onyinyechi Udensi , Etu Ndubuisi Okpara , Samuel Nsikan Akpan , Nwogu Ndudurim
Land dispossession, frequently framed as “land grabbing,” constitutes a critical socio-environmental issue globally, with acute manifestations in resource-rich yet marginalized regions. In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, this phenomenon is closely associated with pollution from oil exploration, resulting in profound disruptions across human, animal, and environmental health domains. This study employed a qualitative methodology involving interviews, focus group discussions, and community narratives, with 75 purposively selected participants from Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States; regions severely impacted by oil-related activities. Findings revealed extensive environmental degradation through oil spills, gas flaring, and contamination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These disruptions have undermined traditional livelihoods in agriculture and fisheries, heightened poverty and youth unemployment, and fostered social instability. Participants also reported suspected long-term health impacts, including respiratory ailments and cancers, particularly among vulnerable populations, though formal diagnoses were limited by poor healthcare access. Animal health concerns emerged through observations of declining livestock and fish populations linked to ecosystem contamination. Community responses included protest actions, legal challenges, and advocacy campaigns, yet interventions by oil companies and government agencies, often in the form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, were largely viewed as inadequate and unsustainable. This study underscores the necessity of adopting a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing the multidimensional challenges of land dispossession. In conclusion, we recommend a One Health-informed, community-engaged governance framework integrating environmental restoration, livelihood diversification, and strengthening of healthcare as essential pathways for sustainable conflict resolution in the Niger Delta.
{"title":"Socio-economic and one health impacts of pollution-induced land dispossession in the Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria","authors":"Lawrence Okoronkwo Udensi , Esther Onyinyechi Udensi , Etu Ndubuisi Okpara , Samuel Nsikan Akpan , Nwogu Ndudurim","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100237","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100237","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Land dispossession, frequently framed as “land grabbing,” constitutes a critical socio-environmental issue globally, with acute manifestations in resource-rich yet marginalized regions. In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, this phenomenon is closely associated with pollution from oil exploration, resulting in profound disruptions across human, animal, and environmental health domains. This study employed a qualitative methodology involving interviews, focus group discussions, and community narratives, with 75 purposively selected participants from Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States; regions severely impacted by oil-related activities. Findings revealed extensive environmental degradation through oil spills, gas flaring, and contamination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These disruptions have undermined traditional livelihoods in agriculture and fisheries, heightened poverty and youth unemployment, and fostered social instability. Participants also reported suspected long-term health impacts, including respiratory ailments and cancers, particularly among vulnerable populations, though formal diagnoses were limited by poor healthcare access. Animal health concerns emerged through observations of declining livestock and fish populations linked to ecosystem contamination. Community responses included protest actions, legal challenges, and advocacy campaigns, yet interventions by oil companies and government agencies, often in the form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, were largely viewed as inadequate and unsustainable. This study underscores the necessity of adopting a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing the multidimensional challenges of land dispossession. In conclusion, we recommend a One Health-informed, community-engaged governance framework integrating environmental restoration, livelihood diversification, and strengthening of healthcare as essential pathways for sustainable conflict resolution in the Niger Delta.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100237"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100235
Deniz Bulutcu, Steven Eschig
Biobased vitrimers represent a new class of innovative materials that combine the recyclability of thermoplastics with the durability and mechanical strength of traditional thermosets, offering a promising solution for sustainable applications. This review paper systematically explores the mechanisms that enable key properties such as self-healing, reprocessing and recycling. A thorough examination of various biobased components, including lignin, vanillin, tannic acid, chitosan, cellulose and starch is provided, highlighting their potential as feedstocks for vitrimers. We show synthesis methods employed for each type of vitrimer, providing insights into their processing and performance characteristics. By presenting a comprehensive overview of current research, we aim to contribute to the understanding and future advancements in the field of biobased vitrimers, paving the way for their broader industrial application.
{"title":"Bio-based vitrimers and covalent adaptable networks – a short review","authors":"Deniz Bulutcu, Steven Eschig","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100235","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100235","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biobased vitrimers represent a new class of innovative materials that combine the recyclability of thermoplastics with the durability and mechanical strength of traditional thermosets, offering a promising solution for sustainable applications. This review paper systematically explores the mechanisms that enable key properties such as self-healing, reprocessing and recycling. A thorough examination of various biobased components, including lignin, vanillin, tannic acid, chitosan, cellulose and starch is provided, highlighting their potential as feedstocks for vitrimers. We show synthesis methods employed for each type of vitrimer, providing insights into their processing and performance characteristics. By presenting a comprehensive overview of current research, we aim to contribute to the understanding and future advancements in the field of biobased vitrimers, paving the way for their broader industrial application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100232
Anup Jwala Poudel, David S.-K. Ting, Rupp Carriveau
This study investigates the potential of integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into greenhouse operations and urea production to tackle rising energy demands and environmental concerns stemming from emissions in the food production sector. The research offers a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of a system utilizing SMRs to supply both heat and electricity to a greenhouse while generating sustainable urea fertilizer. The evaluation includes key metrics such as Levelized Cost of Urea (LCOU), Payback Period (PBT), Discounted Payback Period (DPB), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The analysis indicates a total capital expenditure of approximately 400 million USD, with the SMR representing 88 % of the cost. The LCOU is estimated at USD 1394 per metric ton, which is significantly higher than conventional market prices, leading to a prolonged PBT of 15.4 years and a lower IRR of 4.1 %. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that fluctuations in urea prices and SMR capital costs significantly affect the system's financial viability. Despite the high initial costs, the SMR-powered system has the potential to reduce natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby promoting long-term sustainability in agriculture. These findings emphasize how SMRs can deliver a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution for greenhouse heating and nitrogen fertilizer production, which are vital for supporting agricultural growth while minimizing environmental impact.
{"title":"Techno-economic analysis of nuclear-powered urea production with commercial greenhouse","authors":"Anup Jwala Poudel, David S.-K. Ting, Rupp Carriveau","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the potential of integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into greenhouse operations and urea production to tackle rising energy demands and environmental concerns stemming from emissions in the food production sector. The research offers a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of a system utilizing SMRs to supply both heat and electricity to a greenhouse while generating sustainable urea fertilizer. The evaluation includes key metrics such as Levelized Cost of Urea (LCOU), Payback Period (PBT), Discounted Payback Period (DPB), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The analysis indicates a total capital expenditure of approximately 400 million USD, with the SMR representing 88 % of the cost. The LCOU is estimated at USD 1394 per metric ton, which is significantly higher than conventional market prices, leading to a prolonged PBT of 15.4 years and a lower IRR of 4.1 %. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that fluctuations in urea prices and SMR capital costs significantly affect the system's financial viability. Despite the high initial costs, the SMR-powered system has the potential to reduce natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby promoting long-term sustainability in agriculture. These findings emphasize how SMRs can deliver a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution for greenhouse heating and nitrogen fertilizer production, which are vital for supporting agricultural growth while minimizing environmental impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This systematic review investigates the role of circular economy (CE) strategies in advancing zero-waste cities in East Africa, with a focus on municipal solid waste management and pollution mitigation. Guided by PRISMA procedures, the review synthesizes evidence from 121 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources published between 2013 and 2024. Current waste generation in major urban centers Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam ranges from 0.45 to 0.85 kg per capita per day and is projected to rise by 60-70% by 2030 if prevailing trends continue, underscoring the urgent need for systemic intervention. Emerging CE practices, including composting, plastic recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives, demonstrate growing momentum across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. However, their widespread adoption remains constrained by infrastructural deficiencies, limited financing, weak regulatory enforcement, and insufficient technical capacity. Despite these challenges, successful models such as community-driven recycling in Nairobi, decentralized composting schemes, and the Reppie waste-to-energy facility in Addis Ababa highlight the transformative potential of localized innovation, inclusive governance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The review identifies four primary enablers for CE acceleration: robust and enforceable policy frameworks, technologically adaptable waste systems, targeted capacity building, and strong public–private partnerships. This study concludes that embedding circular economy principles into East African urban governance offers a viable pathway to reducing pollution, strengthening resource efficiency, generating green jobs, and fostering resilient, sustainable cities. The study recommends introducing fiscal instruments, formalizing and supporting the informal waste sector, and establishing regional knowledge-sharing platforms to harmonize standards and scale best practices.
{"title":"Towards zero-waste cities: Leveraging circular economy strategies for municipal solid waste management and pollution mitigation in East Africa – A systematic review","authors":"Gemechu Fufa Arfasa , Zewude Alemayehu Tilahun , Mebratu Dengia Kejela","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic review investigates the role of circular economy (CE) strategies in advancing zero-waste cities in East Africa, with a focus on municipal solid waste management and pollution mitigation. Guided by PRISMA procedures, the review synthesizes evidence from 121 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources published between 2013 and 2024. Current waste generation in major urban centers Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam ranges from 0.45 to 0.85 kg per capita per day and is projected to rise by 60-70% by 2030 if prevailing trends continue, underscoring the urgent need for systemic intervention. Emerging CE practices, including composting, plastic recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives, demonstrate growing momentum across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. However, their widespread adoption remains constrained by infrastructural deficiencies, limited financing, weak regulatory enforcement, and insufficient technical capacity. Despite these challenges, successful models such as community-driven recycling in Nairobi, decentralized composting schemes, and the Reppie waste-to-energy facility in Addis Ababa highlight the transformative potential of localized innovation, inclusive governance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The review identifies four primary enablers for CE acceleration: robust and enforceable policy frameworks, technologically adaptable waste systems, targeted capacity building, and strong public–private partnerships. This study concludes that embedding circular economy principles into East African urban governance offers a viable pathway to reducing pollution, strengthening resource efficiency, generating green jobs, and fostering resilient, sustainable cities. The study recommends introducing fiscal instruments, formalizing and supporting the informal waste sector, and establishing regional knowledge-sharing platforms to harmonize standards and scale best practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号