Environmental Quality Management最新文献

Geopolymers are an innovative class of environmentally friendly materials gaining significant attention in construction, materials science, and sustainable technology. As alternatives to traditional cement-based materials, geopolymers exhibit unique mechanical properties suitable for various construction applications, including use as construction materials, coating materials, and high-temperature-resistant materials. Notably, geopolymers can effectively adsorb heavy metals, dyes, and radioactive pollutants, offering substantial environmental benefits. This review paper explores the process and mechanism of geopolymerization, as well as the application of geopolymers in the treatment of contaminants. It details how aluminosilicate precursors contribute to the photocatalytic degradation of dyes, examining the role of different raw material sources, types of activators or additives used, and preparation methods. This paper highlights the effectiveness of geopolymers in dye degradation, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the review delves into the interaction of geopolymers with heavy metals through mechanisms such as chemisorption, complexation, adsorption, ion exchange, intraparticle diffusion, and the solidification of heavy metals within the geopolymer matrix. This comprehensive analysis of existing research aids researchers in understanding the capabilities and limitations of geopolymer materials in environmental remediation. Beyond waste reduction, the review addresses the broader environmental impact of geopolymers, particularly their potential for reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional cement. This aspect is crucial for evaluating the overall sustainability of geopolymers. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of life cycle durability assessments (LCA) to evaluate the ecological footprint of this eco-friendly concrete throughout its lifetime, from raw material to end-of-life disposal. LCA provides a complete perspective on the sustainability of geopolymers, guiding future research and applications in sustainable construction. By synthesizing current research on geopolymers, this review paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers in geopolymer technology, offering insights into future research directions and potential applications.

This study aims to explore the positive influence of green human resource management (GHRM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementations on carbon emission reduction as an environmental control strategy in the transportation industry. This study is descriptive in nature and employs a quantitative approach. We derived the study's data from a literature analysis and collected primary data from 1080 CSR employees in the transportation industry using questionnaires. The results suggest that the application of the GHRM concept in the transportation sector contributes to a paradigm shift among employees toward ecological sustainability. To emphasize the environmental conservation and management approach, CSR initiatives include planting trees and mangroves, implementing 3R, water villages, community empowerment, renewable energy, and other initiatives. To reduce plastic use and improve waste segregation, COVID-19 compelled all enterprises to implement a paperless policy and embrace the green transportation concept, thereby mitigating environmental impact. Maintaining a green culture at work is one way to recognize and thank staff members who consistently contribute to solving environmental problems, particularly those related to reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, the novelty of this study is that a holistic approach—combining green HRM, CSR, and operational changes—can foster a sustainable workforce and achieve environmental goals in the transportation sector. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, managers, and academics interested in driving ecological sustainability through strategic human resource management and CSR initiatives.

Dye-polluted wastewater poses significant health risks and necessitates effective management techniques to mitigate its environmental and biological impact. Industrialization, particularly in the textile sector, has led to widespread water pollution as untreated or inadequately treated industrial effluents, rich in toxic synthetic dyes, are discharged into water bodies. These pollutants are not only harmful to aquatic ecosystems but also pose serious risks to human health due to their carcinogenic properties. Addressing this challenge, the current study investigates the use of a bacterial strain, Bacillus subtilis, to degrade the persistent and carcinogenic dye, basic violet 14, found in industrial wastewater. Initial experiments using the one-factor-at-a-time approach resulted in ∼74% decolorization, which was significantly improved to 84.40% through the use of response surface methodology and the Box-Behnken design. Under optimal conditions (dye concentration 100 mg/L, temperature 32.5°C, pH 7, inoculum size 10% v/v), the bacterial treatment was highly effective. Advanced techniques like UV-Visible spectroscopy and FTIR were employed to assess the structural changes in the dye post-treatment. Additionally, a phytotoxicity assay demonstrated the treated water's potential for safe reuse in agriculture, highlighting this bacterial strain's promise as a sustainable bioremediation agent for dye-polluted wastewater, benefiting both the environment and industries.

Investigating the factors affecting water and salt movement in the soil and utilizing new amendments, such as mineral nanoparticles and biochar, can significantly contribute to proper land management and reduce nitrate (NO₃^–) leaching, thus preventing groundwater pollution. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mineral nanoparticles and biochar derived from wheat residues on NO₃^– leaching from the soil and soil particle stability. The treatments used in this study included three treatments: nanozeolite, nanoclosite, and biochar, each at two levels (10 and 50 g/kg of soil, 1% and 5% w/w) and a control treatment. The duration of the experiment and the amount of fertilizer added to the soil columns matched the corn cultivation period. Nitrate fertilizer containing 46% pure nitrogen was used to introduce NO₃^– into the soil columns. The irrigation of the soil columns was performed by weighing the lost water from the control soil column. Compared with those in the control sample, the amount of NO₃^– leached from the soil columns in the 10-g biochar, 10-g nanozeolite, and 10-g nanoclosite treatments significantly decreased. Additionally, the amount of NO₃^– leached from the soil columns in the 50 g biochar, 50 g nanozeolite, and 50 g nanoclosite treatments significantly decreased compared to that in the control sample. Throughout all weeks of the experiment, the 50 g biochar treatment had the lowest NO₃^– leaching compared to the 50 g nanozeolite and 50 g nanoclosite treatments. Additionally, increasing the use of nanozeolite and nanoclosite enhances the stability of soil particles and decreases NO₃^– leaching from the soil columns, resulting in reduced groundwater contamination with NO₃^–.

This paper used data from 2019, 2020, and 2021 to assess the water quality of Qionghai Lake using the traditional and improved Nemerow pollution index methods. To analyze the pattern of change in water quality between different Qionghai monitoring sections, a spatial-temporal change rate calculation was conducted. According to the traditional Nemerow pollution index method, assessment results for 2019, 2020, and 2021 show that Qionghai as a whole, along with the Qinglong Temple water quality monitoring section, the Qionghai Hotel, and the lake center, all had Class I, superb water quality. However, Qionghai's water level was Class I in 2019 and 2021, according to the results of the improved Nemerow pollution index method, while the water quality assessment for 2020 showed that the water quality was Class II, with good but inconsistent water quality across the 3 years. From 2019 to 2020, the overall lake quality and the water quality of the lake center, Qionghai Hotel, and Qinglong Temple section have all experienced a significant decline of more than 20%. In 2021, there will be more than 20% substantial improvement in water quality. Qionghai Hotel experienced a slight decline of 10% to 20% in 2019 and a sharp deterioration of more than 20% in 2020. There was no significant difference in water quality changes between Qionghai Hotel and the Qinglongsi section between 2019 and 2020, and the change range was less than 10%.

To improve procedures to initiate compensation for ecological damage, and to more quickly and efficiently quantify damage during the initial stages of damage, inspiration is drawn from the US Natural Resources Damage Assessment System to construct an ecological environment assessment model that includes indicators such as pollutant hazards, environmental functions, exceedance, pollution duration, pollutant quantity, and receptor sensitivity. According to rating values, a particular incident (a “case”) is apportioned to one of three levels: significantly minor, minor, and significant damage. These levels are used as a starting point for refining the case. We applied 126 cases from City A to this model. Results indicate that it is highly consistent with the actual situation. This model has good maneuverability. Based on existing standard specifications and practical cases, this model is validated. This model can be applied to provide technical guidance and a standardized response strategy to managers in instances of environmental impact.

Lightning development and its variation with surface pollutants like particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were investigated in two urban cities of northern India, one from the high-altitude region Haldwani (Uttarakhand) and the other from Indo-Gangetic plain region, Agra (Uttar Pradesh). Lightning data is retrieved from Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) satellite for the period (2018–2022). Surface pollutants data is obtained from Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board for the same period. In the high altitude Haldwani region, it is observed that SO₂ is very well correlated (CC = 0.95) with lightning flash frequency compared to other surface pollutants PM₁₀ and NO₂ in the pre-monsoon season (March–May). Annual mean values of lightning and concentration of surface pollutants in both study regions indicate that lightning frequency is higher in the high-altitude region of Haldwani than Agra, which is situated in the Indo-Gangetic plain region of Uttar Pradesh. No significant correlation is observed between lightning and meteorological variables in Haldwani region. However, a significant correlation is observed between lightning and 2-m air temperature in Agra. A distinct relation is observed between lightning and surface pollutants in the high-altitude region of Haldwani and the Indo-Gangetic plain region of Agra. The present study shows that high concentrations of SO₂, associated with intense convection, are one of the reasons for the high lightning frequency in the high-altitude region of Haldwani.

This study investigates global research trends on the catalytic performance of metal-based catalysts for enhanced hydrogen production over the past 89 years (1935–2024) through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. The research addresses the evolution of metal-based catalysts in hydrogen production and highlights the most prominent contributors and driving trends. The study analyzed 32,987 peer-reviewed studies identified through Scopus database. The search was conducted from September 1, 1935, to July 20, 2024, utilizing keywords such as “(TITLE-ABS-KEY ((“Ru” OR “Ni” OR “Fe” OR “Co” OR “Mo” OR “Pt” OR “Pd” OR “Cr” OR “metal catalysts*”) AND (“hydrogen production*” OR “H₂ production*” OR “hydrogen generation*” OR “H₂ generation*”))).” The analysis covered various aspects, such as countries, authors’ affiliations, prominent journals, research areas, and key terms driving discussions in the field. It also noted that researchers with fewer publications may have been overlooked. Bibliometric parameters, including publication counts, citations, total link strength (TLS), and collaboration networks, were examined. Results indicate a steady rise in publications, with significant growth observed from 2000 onwards. The most recent period (2019–2024) alone accounted for 55.6% of the total publications, with a notable 26.5% growth from 2021 to 2022. China leads in both publication volume and TLS, followed by the United States and the United Kingdom. The International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (IJHE) emerged as the top journal with 4653 relevant articles. The analysis reveals a shift in focus from early studies on iron and platinum to a more recent emphasis on nickel-based catalysts and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). These findings highlight several challenges, including the need to improve catalyst efficiency, address scalability issues, and develop more sustainable catalytic materials. Future research should focus on advancing catalyst design, optimizing reaction conditions, and enhancing catalytic stability for large-scale hydrogen production.

Assessing soil and sediment loss are the main aims of the paper using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the InVEST SDR models in the Ken River Basin (KRB). The annual soil loss varied from few-ton/hectare/year to 1630.5. The high erosion susceptibility was prevalent in the elevated area and low soil erosion severity was seen in the low-lying plains of the middle and lower reaches. The maximum sediment export (430.16-ton/hectare/year) was noticed in the hills of the Vindhyans, Bundelkhand, and Deccan traps. Contrary to this the low sediment transport was observed in the flat alluvium plains. The conservation practices are slightly more effective in the KRB. Its crop cover reduces the impact of rain's kinetic energy, increase recharge, and mitigates soil erosion. These research output may be helpful to planners in minimizing soil and sediment loss and in enhancing the soil conservation and agricultural productivity.