Environmental Quality Management最新文献

In order to study the analytical and numerical solutions with Adomain decomposition of the pollutant's concentration from point source, wind speed and vertical turbulent eddy diffusivity are taken into account as functions of the vertical height above the surface layer power law. The top of the boundary layer of height has an elevated inversion layer that limits the concentration, and there is dry deposition on the ground surface. The pollutant's degradation distance is also estimated. The outcomes of the analytical and numerical solutions were compared with Iodine-135 measured data under unstable conditions at the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority. One finds that there is a better agreement between the predicted and observed concentrations than between the numerical concentrations. This study compares the analytical and numerical solutions of the advection-diffusion equation and data of Iodine-135 concentrations observed under unstable conditions.

The neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), a versatile tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, is widely recognized for its applications in environmental protection, pest control, and medicine. This review examines neem's genetic potential, its role in reducing environmental pollution, and its use in agroforestry and industrial applications. Despite its broad utility, neem's potential remains underutilized due to technological and financial constraints, particularly the lack of high-yielding cultivars with increased azadirachtin content. Advances in breeding, genetic modification, and biotechnology are crucial for maximizing neem's contributions in environmental and industrial fields, while promoting sustainable organic farming and reforestation practices.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been considered as the prototypical nanomaterials, propelling them to the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Carbon nanotubes offer potential therapeutic uses in drug transport, diagnostics, biosensing, and tissue engineering. Fluorescence imaging across the NIR-II range with increased penetration into tissues and spatial precision has shown significant promise in recent years as an effective imaging approach, harnessing the intrinsic band-gap luminescence of semiconducting CNTs. They can penetrate through membranes, delivering medicines, vaccinations, and nucleic acids to previously inaccessible destinations. Thus, the development of innovative and effective drug delivery methods with CNTs can improve the pharmacological properties of many types of medication. Furthermore, the simplicity with which CNTs may be surface functionalized has led to their application as gene delivery vectors for illnesses such as cancer. These vectors include plasmid DNA, miRNA, and siRNA. CNTs, among other carbon nanomaterials, are inherently strong electrical conductors, making them great candidates for interfacing electrically excitable tissues and conducting brain interface investigations. CNT-based hydrogels are commonly utilized for wound healing and antimicrobial purposes. They have shown increased antimicrobial, antibacterial, adhesive, antioxidant, and mechanical capabilities, all of which aids in wound healing. In the field of biomedicine, CNTs are being hailed as promising prospects for both diagnostic and treatment. When it comes to medication distribution, CNTs can help overcome some of the drawbacks of “free” drugs by helping to formulate less water-soluble medications better, enabling targeted delivery, and even facilitating the co-delivery of more than one medication for combination therapy. Currently, two methods attaching the substance being delivered to the exterior sidewalls or encapsulating it within the interior cavities are being investigated for the delivery of medicinal and diagnostic chemicals using CNTs. This article discusses the most recent developments in the use of CNTs, including single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as well as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as multipurpose nanoprobes for biomedical applications.

Nigeria faces significant environmental and health risks due to rapid Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) generation, estimated at 500,000 tons annually. This systematic review analyses the situation of WEEE in Nigeria, examining existing policies, regulations, and emerging technologies for sustainable recycling. The review analysis reveals gaps in legislation, inadequate infrastructure, and primitive recycling methods, resulting in severe environmental pollution and health risks. Emerging technologies, such as recycling technologies, waste-to-energy conversion, and circular economy approaches, offer potential solutions. This review evaluates these technologies' effectiveness and sustainability in the Nigerian context. Recommendations for policy reforms, technological innovations, and stakeholder engagement are provided to inform evidence-based decision-making and promote sustainable WEEE recycling practices in Nigeria.

This study investigates how eco-innovation, economic complexity, hydropower consumption, nuclear energy consumption, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, economic growth, and financial development affect carbon neutrality in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations. The study illustrates numerous important conclusions by using panel data from 1990 to 2020 and the pooled mean group (PMG) approach: Economic complexity and financial growth show a long-term tendency to increase carbon neutrality but have the opposite impact in the near term. Hydropower usage and eco-innovation have consistently increased carbon neutrality in both the long and short term. Nuclear energy utilization decreases carbon neutrality in BRI nations. Carbon neutrality decreases over time with increased FDI inflows but rises in the short run. Carbon neutrality, hydropower use, eco-innovation, economic complexity, and foreign direct investment all exhibit bidirectional connections. There is unidirectional causation between carbon neutrality, nuclear energy usage, and economic development. Based on these findings, this research suggests the use of ecologically friendly and energy-efficient technology, as well as prioritizing investments in hydroelectric energy to reduce environmental damage. It also emphasizes the significance of putting in place proactive measures in BRI nations to increase carbon neutrality and promote sustainable development.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is emitted into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels and various industrial processes, and it is presently regarded as a significant factor in global warming. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) stands out as a prominent strategy put forward to address CO₂ emissions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in CO₂-based polymers, focusing on sustainable biopolymers, including copolymers and polymer blends. A thorough analysis of CO₂ co-polymers as components in polymer blends is conducted, focusing on the capture of CO₂. In recent years, carbon capture technology has attracted considerable focus as a strategy to mitigate the negative effects of increasing CO₂ levels in the environment. The process of developing polymer blends entails merging two or more polymeric substances to harness their distinct advantages. This investigation assessed polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyether sulfone (PES), polyurethane (PU), and polyimide (PI) based on their chemical properties as promising polymer blends for the efficient separation of CO₂. Advances in polymer blend modifications for improved CO₂ capture and reuse are highlighted in this review, with a focus on strategies such as chemical functionalization (e.g., amine or hydroxyl groups), the utilization of porous materials, and the integration of hybrid systems, delving into CO₂ adsorption efficiency, selectivity, and reusability. The paper also examines novel materials' potential for CO₂-to-product conversion, such as bio-based polymers and nano-engineered blends. The main obstacles and potential paths for applications that are sustainable and scalable are described.

Nano-fertilizers are becoming promising in developing novel fertilization strategies while reducing the requirements of traditional fertilizers. Nano-fertilizers have high nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and are required in small doses as compared to bulk fertilizers. The use of nano fertilizers in conjunction with a reduced dose of traditional fertilizers improves nutrient availability to plants and minimizes leaching and environmental contamination. The impact of the application of such an integrated fertilization approach on the soil fertility and microbiological population also needs to be understood. The present study investigates the influence of seven field treatments, including biogenic urea nanoparticles, as a source of N nutrient developed by TERI (referred as Teri's nano urea [TNU]), with and without conventional urea in an integrated manner. These treatments include the following: (T1)—100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), (T2)—TNU alone, (T3) 100% RDN combined with TNU, (T4)—TNU at 50% concentration alone, (T5)—75% RDN combined with TNU, (T6) 50% RDN combined with TNU, and (T7) 50% RDN alone. RDF for N, P, and K used in the experiment is 140 kg/ha of urea for nitrogen fertilizer, 60 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 70 kg/ha of potassium in accordance with the local agronomic guidelines. A variable amount of urea was applied in different treatments but the recommended dose of phosphorous and potash fertilizers was applied consistently across the treatments. In different treatments, urea nanoparticles were applied as a nitrogen source via root dipping and foliar spray. The study also incorporates the economics of using nanoparticles to supplement nitrogen in an additive manner along with non-nano macronutrient sources. Further, the influence of this novel approach of fertilization was also evaluated on the native microorganism species found in the rice fields. The results for the evaluated growth parameters, yield parameters, microbial population of soil, plant uptake, and cost economics suggest that at least 25% of the conventional urea requirement can be substituted with urea nanoparticles without causing harm to the bacterial and mycological species found in the rice agricultural fields.

Steel slag activated directly with alkaline treatment (AAS) was utilized for the individual and simultaneous removal of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ from the aqueous solutions. The characteristics of AAS were analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), SEM, and EDS techniques. The results revealed that AAS had a crystalline structure of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH). The optimal conditions for removing Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ were found at pH 6, with a contact time of 120 min for individual adsorption and 150 min for simultaneous adsorption. The Langmuir model indicated that the maximum adsorption capacities for individual adsorption were 108.6 mg/g for Co²⁺ and 111.7 mg/g for Ni²⁺. However, in simultaneous adsorption, competition between the metal ions reduced the adsorption capacity, with maximum removal capacities of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ on AAS calculated as 58.2 and 72.3 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺, both individually and simultaneously, best conformed to the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In both the individual and simultaneous systems, the adsorption capacities followed the order of Ni²⁺ > Co²⁺. However, the adsorption process of Ni²⁺ onto AAS was more sensitive than that of Co²⁺, as evaluated by analyzing the effect of Co²⁺:Ni²⁺ concentration ratios on the adsorption process. The potential mechanisms of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ removal by AAS included cation exchange, complex formation with surface-active groups, precipitation of new insoluble substances on the adsorbent surface, and competition between metal ions during simultaneous adsorption. The high adsorption efficiency can be attributed to the release of Ca²⁺ and OH⁻ from the CSH crystals. These results suggest that AAS is a promising adsorbent for the removal of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ from water.

The discovery and use of antibiotics revolutionized medicine, significantly reducing mortality from infectious diseases. However, widespread and often indiscriminate antibiotic use has led to environmental contamination, fostering antibiotic-resistant bacteria and posing serious public health threats. This review explores the primary sources of environmental contamination, including improper disposal by households, healthcare institutions, agriculture, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These sources contribute to the persistence of antibiotic residues and the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in natural ecosystems. The environmental presence of antibiotics disrupts microbial communities, impacting ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and biodiversity. Various remediation strategies exist to address this issue, ranging from physicochemical methods like adsorption and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to bioremediation and electrochemical techniques. Bioremediation employs naturally occurring or engineered microorganisms to degrade or detoxify antibiotics, while electrochemical processes, including microbial electrochemical systems (MES) and cathodic degradation, use electrical currents to break down antibiotic molecules. These approaches have demonstrated effectiveness in different environments, but challenges remain in scaling up their application. Hybrid methods, integrating bioremediation with electrochemical treatments, show promise for enhanced contaminant removal, making them feasible for addressing complex contamination scenarios. Future research should focus on optimizing these methods for broader application, promoting a sustainable solution to mitigate the environmental impact of antibiotics and safeguard public health.

This study reviews experiences across East and Central Africa testing community-driven arrangements for adaptively managing water resources according to local needs through participatory ownership and inclusive decision-making, empowering rural water users. An extensive database search identified 100 peer-reviewed publications related to community-driven water governance models, and the reviewed literature was analyzed and synthesized to develop an understanding of the topic. This research has revealed a total of nine common community-driven water resource management models implemented in the East and Central African countries: water user associations (WUAs), water user committees (WUCs), catchment management committees (CMCs), wetland management committees (WMCs), co-management models (CMMs), integrated community structures (ICSs), NGO-facilitated models, indigenous water management institutions (IWMIs), and faith-based organization models (FBOMs). It was also established that these models possess several common aspects, namely, prioritizing high levels of community engagement and democratic governance and ensuring local representation in decision-making processes. However, these models were found to exhibit distinct differences across several dimensions in that some of them focused on broader management issues, that is, water management associations, while other focused on specific water use issues, that is, WMCs. Key characteristics for the success of various models were identified to be community engagement, local knowledge integration, inclusivity, collaboration among stakeholders, conflicts resolution mechanism, as well as and funding and resources mobilization. WUAs and ICSs were found to be the best models of all. Key lessons for strengthening community-driven water resource management models in East and Central Africa include empowering communities as stewards, investing in their capacities, fostering multisectoral collaboration, and formulating guidelines on equitable benefit-sharing.