Environmental Quality Management最新文献

The increased use of disinfection products, particularly hand sanitizers containing triclosan, has raised significant environmental concerns, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microorganisms. This study compares the effectiveness of ozone solutions and micro-nano bubbles (MNB) solutions in addressing AMR. The findings indicate that MNB, particularly due to its stable generation of hydroxyl radicals (HO•), achieved significantly higher bacterial disinfection rates, with over 95% of bacteria killed after only 3 h. This suggests that MNB could be a potent alternative for efficient bacterial inactivation in water treatment systems. Additionally, ozone solutions have been found to be more effective in reducing antimicrobial-resistance genes presence, particularly at optimized concentrations (50% ozone, 2.5 mg/L). This targeted control over antimicrobial-resistance genes represents an innovation in managing antibiotic resistance in environmental waters, indicating that ozone at specific concentrations could reduce antimicrobial-resistance gene proliferation. Moreover, MNB solutions show little to no adverse effect on bacterial DNA structure, even at high concentrations. The combination of these two advanced oxidation treatments offers a promising perspective for disinfection technology, aiming for maximum antimicrobial-resistance genes inactivation with minimal side effects, thereby exemplifying a more refined approach to ozone-based disinfection.

This study investigates the determinants of environmental quality in China, India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and Indonesia (E-7 countries) using annual frequency data from 1990 to 2019. Feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) is used, while panel corrected standard error estimator (PCSE) is employed as a control estimator. The dependent variable representing the environmental quality indicator is greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Furthermore, the analysis includes following five variables that are assumed to determine environmental quality: (i) resource efficiency; (ii) renewable energy consumption (REC); (iii) growth; (iv) environmental technologies; and (v) energy efficiency. In the estimated model, GHG is used to represent environmental pollution. Conversely, the independent variables are mostly environmentally friendly variables. The results reveal that GDP, REC, and environmental technologies increase GHG emissions, while resource efficiency and energy efficiency have a positive effect on environmental quality. These findings suggest that, in shaping their environmental policies, E-7 countries consider economic growth, environmental protection, and sustainability. The study concludes with a discussion of further policy insights.

The present study aims to assess surface water quality (WQI), wastewater quality (WWQI), and the presence of toxic chemicals, including metals and endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), in the Saigon River basin. A total of 27 samples from nine locations in the Saigon River basin and 30 wastewater samples from 10 industrial parks were collected in 2023. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA) were employed to investigate the relationships and potential sources of water quality parameters, heavy metals, and EDCs in surface water and wastewater. Water Quality Index (WQI) revealed that five locations (S2, S3, S6, S7, and S9) were classified as poor (WQI: 47–50), while four locations (S1, S4, S5, and S8) exhibited moderate quality (WQI: 53–64). For wastewater, three locations (W2, W3, and W7) showed low-strength wastewater (WWQI: 36–40), four locations (W4, W6, W8, and W10) had medium-strength wastewater (WWQI: 54–74), and three locations (W1, W5, and W9) displayed high-strength wastewater (WWQI: 76–80). In addition, Pb (0.50 mg/L) and Cr (0.10 mg/L) concentrations were higher than the surface water limits set by QCVN 08:2023/BTNMT (Pb < 0.02 mg/L and Cr < 0.05 mg/L). For wastewater, Pb concentration was 0.60 mg/L, higher than the QCVN 40:2021/BTNMT limit (Pb < 0.5 mg/L). The highest amount of nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) was found in surface water samples (179.67 ± 24.88 ng/L), while the highest amount of octylphenol (OP) was found in wastewater samples (20,000.00 ± 8509.79 ng/L). The Pearson correlation test showed a strong positive relationship in surface water between bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO) (r = 0.80) and Cr and NP1EO (r = 0.99). A strong positive relationship was identified in wastewater between NP and Zn (r = 0.94) and between BPA and Cr (r = 0.96). Notably, no significant correlations were found between other parameters, suggesting pollution originates from multiple point sources related to industrialization and urbanization activities in the Saigon River basin. The PCA and CA results corroborated the correlation analysis, identifying human waste discharge as the primary contributor to pollution. Therefore, the study results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive water quality monitoring strategies, particularly near industrial and residential areas, and to develop and enforce stricter wastewater discharge regulations to mitigate environmental pollution.

Precision agriculture and hydroponics are the main topics of this review, which examines the shift from conventional farming practices to modern innovations in agriculture. Despite the long history and significance of traditional agriculture, it is increasingly confronting challenges such as the need for sustainable food production, water scarcity, climate change, and environmental degradation. Precision farming maximizes agricultural yields while cutting resource consumption by 20%–30% by utilizing data-driven methods such as satellite images, IoT-enabled sensors, and AI algorithms. According to studies, installing precision irrigation systems can greatly lessen the environmental impact by increasing water-use efficiency by up to nearly 40%. Based on data techniques for improving crop yields, minimizing environmental impact, and maximizing resource utilization are provided by precision agriculture. By conserving water, permitting nutrient recycling, and supporting urban and vertical farming, hydroponics is a soilless agricultural technique that offers a sustainable solution. The hydroponics market in India is also covered in this assessment, with an emphasis on its prospects for expansion and contributions to urban food security. The use of these novel methods promises an agricultural future that is more adaptable, effective, and environmentally friendly, solving the immediate problems of the present while ensuring future generations' access to food. This review investigates how hydroponic systems and precision agriculture can be combined to provide automated changes and real-time nutrient monitoring. Such collaboration not only reduces labor costs and the environmental impact, but it also increases productivity by 25%–50%. These methods are used, for instance, by hydroponic farms in places like Singapore to grow fresh vegetables all year round in small areas, addressing the problem of urban food security.

The study aims to estimate households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for solid waste management service (SWMS) in the slum areas of Rajshahi. To satisfy the objective, a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method (CVM) has been applied. Data were analyzed using logistic regression model. The findings of the study reveal that majority of the households (87.5%) have a positive WTP for the service. Their mean WTP per month is found to be Tk. 25.92 (0.22 US$). Households’ WTP decision was significantly influenced by monthly household income, gender, and education level of the household head, household size, amounts of waste generation, and their concern about waste management. The contribution of the present study is that the findings can help with developing a system of payment for SWMS, which is obvious for a contingent valuation (CV) study and this can be a suggestion on pricing the service by the municipal authority, who generally lacks this information. Moreover, the study will contribute policies regarding minimization of waste-caused environmental pollution by analyzing residents’ motivation toward the issue.

This study scrutinizes the photodegradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) and selected phenolic compounds, emphasizing variables such as pH, catalyst dosage, and initial pollutant concentration. Employing a GO/TiO₂/SiO₂ composite (NC-II) composed of 50:50% TiO₂ and SiO₂, the research identifies NC-II as the optimal catalyst, achieving up to 100% degradation of MB under ideal conditions (0.5 ppm initial concentration, pH 10). For MB degradation, maximal rates were recorded under alkaline conditions (pH 8–10), with NC-II reaching up to 84.6% degradation at pH 10, surpassing the 46.5% observed for NC-I and 37.7% for NC-III at the same pH level. Results also indicate that an increase in catalyst dosage up to 0.3 g enhances degradation rates, with NC-II achieving 63.7% degradation at this dosage, in contrast to 17.8% for NC-I and 53.1% for NC-III. In the case of phenolic compounds, degradation efficiencies varied between 55% and 86%, with NC-III demonstrating the highest photodegradation capability, achieving up to 86% degradation for Bisphenol A at a 0.3 g dosage. The degradation of 4-chlorophenol and phenol was more pronounced at a neutral pH (5–6), with zero-order kinetics producing superior regression coefficients (R² = 0.91–0.99) compared to pseudo-first-order models. Moreover, NC-II maintained over 80% degradation efficiency across five reusability cycles, underscoring its durability and minimal decline in performance. This study substantiates the efficacy of TiO₂:SiO₂ composites as cost-effective, high-performance catalysts suitable for diverse environmental conditions, where adjustments in pH and catalyst dosage can further refine photodegradation efficiency across different pollutant types.

Water quality parameters (WQPs) are an important aspect of a significant role in addressing the issue of aquatic animals and human health hazards. There is increasing concern that some microplastics (MPs) are being disadvantaged and directly affected by aquatic organisms and potential health risks. Research has consistently shown that physiochemical parameters are lacking in the Surma River. This study examines the seasonal fluctuations in water toxicology and the effects of MPs on freshwater ecosystems in the Surma River. Data were gathered from three locations during the monsoon, winter, and summer seasons of 2023–2024 at 4-month intervals. The analysis revealed concerning WQPs, water quality index (WQI), and pollution index values, indicating serious threats to aquatic life. FTIR microscopy detected MPs, with fibers being the most common (55%), followed by fragments (28%), films (10%), and foam (6%). The highest pH recorded was 8.44 at Station 1 during the summer, while the lowest pH fell to 7.02 in winter. Station 3 exhibited the lowest WQPs, reaching a minimum of 0.15 in winter. The monsoon season showed the most pronounced changes, with heightened pollution levels due to flooding, which diminished habitat suitability. The presence of MPs adds complexity to water quality by introducing harmful pollutants that accumulate in fish, threatening both aquatic ecosystems and human health. These results highlight the critical need for robust water quality management strategies and further research into the ecological and health effects of MPs in freshwater environments. This study enhances our understanding of the seasonal variations in water toxicity and the contribution of MPs to water pollution.

This study applied an organizational maturity assessment model to the food industry, based on integrated technical standards, encompassing environmental management (ISO 14001), quality management (ISO 9001), and food safety (ISO 22000). The central focus was to investigate the involvement of companies in implementing and advancing the integrated management system (IMS) within the food industry. The model has five maturity levels and provides a framework to help understand and link maturity levels with companies’ development stages. The proposed model offers targeted guidelines for selecting appropriate strategies to achieve an evolutionary, productive, practical, and consistent level of organizational maturity within the IMS. This approach affords a preventive perspective and the integration of sustainable practices, emphasizing continuous improvement. The study provides diagnostic tools to identify different management phases, facilitating the selection of “drivers” that effectively support the development of a sustainable and efficient IMS. Validation of the model was successful when it showed a maturity level of 4.5 (out of 5.0) for the company with the highest number of certifications. This outcome highlights the need to establish a culture oriented toward continuous improvement and employee engagement.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a significant threat to freshwater, brackish, and marine habitats. HABs have numerous harmful impacts, such as the creation of odorous compounds, disinfection byproducts, and the release of toxic substances. Various physical, biological, and chemical techniques have been attempted to prevent blooms. However, the bulk of HABs management methods currently in use concentrate on emergent removals; as a result, these methods are usually less effective because they are immobile. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has gained lots of attention lately as a possible remedy for lowering HABs. In this review paper, we have combined the recent information about various toxic effects of algal blooms, UV-C irradiation (UV-C irradiation), starting from the other methods used for the removal of HABs, continuing with the UV-C facilities, particularly flow-through reactors, enabling the development of shipborne UV-C facilities, and the practical way through which the UV-C irradiation technique was made in use to remove HABs. Further, including the mechanism, suppression factors, application of the UV-C technique, and algal growth recovery. The effects of UV-induced damage on nucleic acid, the photosynthesis system, settleability, cell integrity, and oxidative pressure were responsible for the suppression effects on algal cell density. The suppression factors to which attention needs to be paid are humic acid, salinity, turbidity, nitrate, and pH.

Indiscriminate discharge of effluents in rivers, waterbodies, and croplands is a common practice contaminating food chains through water and soil. Plantations using treated wastewater can help restore degraded lands and reduce soil and environmental pollution. One-year-old plantations of Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Prosopis cineraria, Prosopis juliflora, Tamarix aphylla, Salvadora persica, and Salvadora oleoides were irrigated with borewell water at ½ET (Evapotranspiration, I₁) and treated wastewater at ½ET (I₂), ¾ET (I₃), and 1ET (I₄) for 4 years (September 2013–September 2017), to assess the remedial impact of these species on soils while reusing wastewater in urban greening and biomass production. Wastewater irrigation enhanced soil pH/EC (<1.0 unit) and SOC and nutrient contents (1.23–13.25-fold). Such increases were highest (p < 0.05) in 0–15 cm and lowest in 45–60 cm (50%–70%) soil layers. Species types and irrigation levels influenced soil salts and nutrient concentrations. Variations in pH/EC (<0.50 unit), SOC/nutrient contents (1.59–2.11-fold), and total biomass (3.26-fold) were greater between species than between irrigation levels (<0.30 unit, 1.14–3.33-fold and 1.81-fold variations, respectively). Salt and nutrient uptake were highest in S. oleoides and P. cineraria, medium in T. aphylla and E. camaldulensis, and lowest in S. persica, A. indica, and P. juliflora plots. Leaf mineral contents were below toxic levels. The former three species and S. persica responded by increasing biomass allocation to roots. In contrast, other species maximized root biomass to augment added water and nutrient uptake to sustain growing biomass. Conclusively, tree species influenced soil properties and biomass more notably than irrigation level, where adaptation mechanisms were allocated to/or maximized root biomass. Increased SOC and nutrients, and consequently plant biomass highlight the reuse of treated wastewater in plantations that remediated soil and promoted greenery and biomass in water-deficient dry areas.