Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy最新文献

The literature is inundated with studies emphasizing the importance of renewable energy consumption (REN) and sustainable resource management as a panacea to the threats of climate change, which include loss of species, food insecurity, extreme weather, sea level rise, and security risks. The current study examines the dynamic relationships in spatial and time domains between REC, natural resource rents (NR), and ecological footprint (EF) from 1990 to 2022, using the novel spatiotemporal intelligent regression models, specifically the Geographically Neural Network Weighted Regression (GNNWR) model for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. This novel method introduced by Yin et al. (2024) integrates a spatiotemporal weighting framework with neural network architectures. The GNNWR results suggest that REN, NR, and urbanization are significant supportive elements of ecological sustainability in SSA. Conversely, non-renewable energy consumption (NRE), economic growth, and globalization hurt the environment by upsurging the EF. The causality results display a bidirectional causality between REN and EF, NRE and EF, and economic growth and EF. However, unidirectional causality flows from NR and globalization to EF. In line with the results, policymakers in SSA will need to redefine their energy consumption portfolio. Efforts must be made to encourage energy transition by raising adequate awareness of the availability and benefits of consuming clean energies such as solar, tidal, geothermal, wind, and hydropower.

Globally, water contamination has become a major issue, and many individuals are deprived of potable clean water resources. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has recently attracted considerable scholarly interest for its potential application in water treatment processes due to its non-toxic nature and elevated catalytic activity. The hydrothermal technique has been utilized to prepare pure TiO₂ and Fe/Ni dual-doped TiO₂ to improve the photocatalytic efficacy for breaking down organic and pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater using simple materials. x-Ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometer, zeta potential, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to characterize the produced samples. The XRD pattern indicates that pure and Fe/Ni dual-doped TiO₂ samples have a tetragonal structure and anatase phase. Doping TiO₂ with metal ions can prevent the crystal formation of the particles. An FE-SEM image displays a spherical shape and uniform morphology. Utilizing a UV–Vis spectrophotometer, the absorbance spectra were measured. The outcomes demonstrated that the Fe/Ni dual-doped TiO₂ had good visible light absorption. As demonstrated by several methods like HPLC and gas chromatography (GC), the TiO₂ and Fe/Ni-doped TiO₂ system is very effective at promoting the breakdown of pharmaceutical and organic contaminants in wastewater. The Fe/Ni (3%,3%) dual-doped TiO₂ had the strongest photocatalytic efficacy against the breakdown of pharmaceutical and organic pollutants, and catalysts may eliminate amoxicillin up to 100%. All specimens have high photocatalytic activity. Additionally, our research has demonstrated that the dual-doped TiO₂ catalyst is a potential and successful water treatment technique.

In order to improve the selective adsorption capacity of the adsorbent and achieve efficient separation of target ions from solution, a novel ion imprinted chitosan composite membrane PVDF-(CTS-Cu/CMC)₃ was developed in this paper. The preparation of the imprinted membrane combined molecular imprinting technology with layer-by-layer self-assembly method, which could achieve selective separation of copper ions. The effects of polyelectrolyte assembly layers, assembly time, and crosslinking on the properties of the membrane were systematically investigated, and the membrane characteristics were characterized membrane characteristics by SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The experimental results indicate that under optimized preparation conditions (3 assembly layers, 0.25% crosslinker concentration, 45 min crosslinking time, 55°C crosslinking temperature) and adsorption conditions (pH 5, adsorption temperature 25°C, adsorption time 120 min), the maximum adsorption capacity of the imprinted membrane for Cu²⁺ was 98.18 mg/g. On this basis, the selective adsorption capacity for Cu²⁺ and other characteristics of the membrane were analyzed. In the multi-component system composed of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Fe²⁺, the selectivity coefficient of the imprinted membrane to Cu²⁺ reached 18, exhibiting good adsorption selectivity. In addition, the imprinted membrane had reusability, and the adsorption capacity was still as high as 60 mg/g after three adsorption–desorption cycles. This study provided a reference for improving the selectivity of chitosan-based membrane materials to copper ions.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using the activated sludge process are widely recognized as significant energy consumers within the water cycle. As a result, it is essential to assess energy consumption and implement solutions for reducing and optimizing it. Energy benchmarking (EB) is a method used to compare and evaluate the energy efficiency of a system to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance energy efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the energy consumption of selected 10 activated sludge operating industrial WWTPs in Isfahan province, Iran. EB of the WWTPs was done using various methods, including normalization, multiple logistic regression, and ordinary least squares. The plants were ranked based on the aggregated scores from different methods using weighted averaging. The results showed that the IWW8, IWW1, and IWW6 plants had the best energy performance. Also, it was found that the aeration unit and effluent pump station accounted for the largest share of energy usage with an average of 68% and 13%, respectively. A positive correlation was found between key performance indices (KPIs) and factors like plant age, design capacity deficiency, and blower power to flow rate ratio that validate the ranking results. Finally, energy saving measures were introduced and prioritized for each of the studied WWTPs based on the BM results and detailed site visits, with a focus on enhancing the aeration system efficiency.

This study examines geothermal and biomass energy as cleaner alternatives in seven renewable-focused countries in the context of sustainable development and global carbon-neutrality objectives. Geothermal power provides significant emission reductions, with facilities around 99% less CO₂ and 97% less SO₂ compared to equivalent fossil-fuel plants. Biomass energy is regarded as carbon-neutral in CO₂ assessments; however, it still emits SO₂ and NO_x. We utilize a Fourier-augmented bootstrap ARDL model to examine long-term energy-emissions relationships, a Fourier-augmented Toda-Yamamoto causality test, and wavelet coherence for time-frequency co-movements. Research indicates validation of the Environmental Kuznets Curve in certain economies (USA, Italy), but not in others (France, Portugal, New Zealand, Turkey, Australia). France has no Environmental Kuznets Curve impact. Data from the EEA for Italy indicate the possible advantages; geothermal expansion from 2005 to 2018 averted approximately 2 Mt of CO₂ and reduced around 0.9 kt of NO_x and 0.7 kt of SO₂. Current business-as-usual predictions significantly exceed net-zero objectives, with existing commitments anticipated to result in around 22 Gt CO₂ emissions by 2050. Conversely, IEA models anticipate over 90% renewable electricity by 2050, emphasizing the benefits of geothermal and biomass optimization. Essential policy recommendations for parallel economies encompass tripling clean energy investments by 2030, implementing robust carbon pricing and renewable mandates, and enhancing international collaboration on technology and finance. These actions would capitalize on geothermal and biomass potential to reduce emissions by the middle of the century. Renewable energy sources help reduce pollutant emissions, enhancing air quality and providing public health benefits.

The integration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into Metal Oxides has garnered significant interest due to their unique combined synergistic effects, morphological features, and outstanding performance across various high-tech applications ranging from sustainable solutions to environmental and energy sector problems. This article comprehensively covers every aspect of pristine MOF and MOF@MO composite materials, spanning synthesis methodologies, morphological features, synergistic effects, and their extensive applications in the environmental and energy sectors. The article begins by detailing the synthesis methods for pristine MOFs and MOF@MO composites. It systematically illustrates the combined synergistic effects of MOF@MO composite materials, highlighting their enhanced properties and morphological characteristics in a schematic manner. Subsequently, the article delves into the applications of these composite materials in environmental and energy sectors, including wastewater treatment, energy storage and conversion, supercapacitors, and wastewater treatment technologies. Moreover, this study highlights the underlying mechanisms involved during these applications and discusses their key findings. Furthermore, the article consolidates recent research and integrated studies up to the present, providing a comprehensive overview of advancements in the field. It concludes with a precise and concise conclusion, offering insights into future prospects and inviting new researchers and professionals to explore emerging opportunities in this promising area of study.

Blue hydrogen offers a promising solution for mitigating global warming. Accordingly, improving carbon capture in blue H₂ plant designs becomes crucial. This study assesses and compares the viability of technologies for 100 and 400 tonnes-per-day plants, considering technical, environmental, and economic aspects using Aspen HYSYS and ReCiPe methodology for process simulation and life cycle assessment respectively. The hybrid absorption/adsorption system demonstrated superior long-term profitability and higher net present value, despite its higher capital costs. In contrast, the adsorption-only system resulted in a shorter payback period and lower equivalent emissions. The cost of hydrogen production was $2.20/kg for the former and $1.80/kg for the latter, with a slight difference in rate of return. Additionally, sensitivity analysis revealed the impact of natural gas costs, H₂ and CO₂ selling prices, and zeolite costs on profitability. Also, scale-up showed that a plant with a larger capacity is more profitable.

A comprehensive assessment is carried out on bifacial solar photovoltaic (bPV) systems, focusing on two surface types— proposed Freshwater Surface (PFWS) and Conventional White Surface (CWS)—to compare their performance outcomes. Optimal operating parameters—such as a 6 cm water depth, 100 cm panel elevation, and a 90° tilt angle—were determined through experimental trials combined with statistical optimization using Central Composite Design (CCD) within the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) framework. The PFWS configuration consistently demonstrated superior performance, achieving power output gains ranging from 3.05% to 4.86% over CWS. Although energy and exergy efficiencies between the two configurations were closely matched, PFWS yielded a slightly higher average output, confirming its improved energy capture capability. From an economic standpoint, PFWS showed a clear advantage, with higher Net Present Value (NPV) figures across all evaluated timeframes—ranging from $309.05 to $335.95—compared to CWS, which ranged from $288.42 to $330.96. In terms of sustainability, PFWS also achieved better environmental performance, with increased Gross Carbon Reduction (GCR) values (891.884 to 892.873 tCO₂) and a reduced Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), demonstrating enhanced cost-effectiveness and carbon mitigation potential. PFWS proves more sustainable and scalable for solar energy, ideal in sunny, land-limited regions.