Environmental Quality Management最新文献

This study examines sustainable consumption (SC) among university students in Herat, Afghanistan, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), while identifying key sociodemographic influencing factors. A cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling included 594 participants from two universities, representing 7608 male undergraduate students. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27. Overall, 83.0% classified as having high knowledge, 12.8% moderate knowledge, and 4.2% poor knowledge. Regarding attitude, 49.0% had a high attitude, 49.3% moderate attitude, and only 1.7% had a poor attitude. Regarding practice, 59.4% of participants reported moderate practice, 26.9% high practice, and 13.6% poor practice. Single participants (84.8%) had higher levels of knowledge than married ones (83.4%) (p < 0.05). Both high (84.1%) and low (83.9%) economic status participants had higher knowledge levels than those with middle economic status (78.0%) (p < 0.05). High attitude was more frequent among Jami University students (59.9%) than Herat University students (45.1%), and among medical students (58.1%) than non-medical students (46.0%) (p < 0.05). High practice was also more common among Jami students (42.7%) than Herat students (21.3%), and among medical (35.8%) than non-medical students (24.0%) (p < 0.05). The findings indicate a strong level of knowledge among university students regarding SC, though attitudes were mixed and practices remained suboptimal. Significant associations with sociodemographic factors suggest the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance sustainability-related attitudes and translate knowledge into consistent behavioral practices.

The utmost famous trends in food packaging research are aimed at improving food quality and safety by increasingly using environmentally friendly materials. Ideally, those derived out of bio-established resources and exhibiting biodegradable features. Due to their ability to protect food effectively while producing zero waste, biodegradable films are more attractive as multi-purpose products. The application of biodegradable and edible films could be viewed as a clearly prominent solution to waste discard concerns in packaging stuffs. Based on its natural abundance, cost-effectiveness, and renewable characteristic, pectin can be considered as one of the main constituents used to synthesize biodegradable packages. This paper examines the most recent advancements in food packaging using pectin-based biodegradable and edible films, with a special emphasis on the application of pectin as a backbone in most edible films. Pectin, related to its intended utilization in food packaging industries, is highlighted in this current study.

Activated carbon derived from avocado seeds (ASAC) was synthesized by phosphoric acid activation and evaluated for U(VI) and Th(IV) removal from acidic water. Batch tests interpreted with response-surface methodology identified initial pH and metal concentration as the dominant variables. Under optimal conditions (pH 3.0, 50 mg/L, 25°C), Langmuir fits yielded monolayer capacities of 49.5 mg/g for U(VI) and 69.4 mg/g for Th(IV). More than 90% of uptake occurred within 5 min under the previous conditions, and the time-profiles were well described by a pseudo-second-order model (PSO). Isotherm and thermodynamic parameters (ΔG° < 0, ΔH° < 0) indicate spontaneous, exothermic physisorption. SEM and XRD confirmed a meso-/microporous carbon rich in oxygenated sites that promote ion exchange and surface complexation. Transforming an abundant agricultural residue into an efficient radionuclide sorbent offers a cost-effective option for treating mining and nuclear effluents while valorizing waste biomass.

This study proposes an Ecological Functional Sub-regional Integrated Natural Resource Management framework specifically adapted to Vietnam's complex ecological and socio-economic conditions. Originating from the CGIAR's 2000 INRM model, the framework is critically revised to address its limitations—particularly the absence of a preliminary assessment stage and lack of ecological functional sub-region division. Using a theoretical and analytical approach, the study integrates insights from INRM literature and Vietnam-specific environmental planning to develop a seven-stage model emphasizing localized assessment, stakeholder participation, and the integration of production, social welfare, and ecosystem functions. Findings highlight that dividing districts into ecological functional sub-regions and engaging communities in planning processes significantly improves the effectiveness and sustainability of resource management strategies. The proposed framework enables more context-sensitive interventions that balance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity. The research concludes that flexible, participatory, and place-based approaches are essential for natural resource governance in ecologically diverse regions. Practically, this framework provides a scalable tool for planners, policymakers, and development organizations seeking to implement sustainable, community-responsive natural resource management aligned with national and global development goals.

Effective management of solid waste is crucial for the conservation of the ecosystem, although it presents challenges for many countries. Technological progress offers possible alternatives, but the adoption and execution of these innovations depend on particular local conditions. The aim of this study is to examine and compare the techniques employed in the generation and management of solid waste in 30 countries, classified according to their level of income. The data provided pertaining to various waste categories, encompassing household waste, plastic waste, food waste, and miscellaneous waste. Countries were classified into low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income categories. The findings revealed substantial associations between specific waste categories and identified varied correlations between types of waste and income brackets. The investigation unveiled clear categorizations based on wealth, signifying differences in the composition of these groups. Wealthy nations exhibited more efficacy in waste management; however, intra-country inequalities were also seen. The efficacy of solid waste management varies globally in correlation with the degree of economic development. While recycling and waste-to-energy technologies show promise, it is essential to adopt customized local solutions that consider socio-economic considerations, especially in developing areas. Comparative evaluations provide vital information to facilitate the advancement of sustainable waste management methods.

This study explores how green, social welfare, and animal welfare practices can contribute to an ethically responsible production and consumption system in the dairy industry. The aims are (i) to map green, social well-being, and animal welfare practices; (ii) to investigate good corporate responsibility practices that are operated by the dairy industry in Brazil; and (iii) to propose a system of best CSR practices regarding green practices, social well-being, and animal welfare that dairy industries of different sizes can adopt. We adopted a qualitative exploratory approach, developed in two stages: (i) a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA method, and (ii) multiple case studies with Brazilian dairy sector companies of different sizes. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and documentary research. In both stages, content analysis was applied to analyze and interpret the data. The findings reveal that while many dairy companies acknowledge the need to improve CSR practices, actions often remain isolated due to a lack of systematization and formal policies. Key commitments include quality control, social support, animal welfare, and environmental initiatives. The study highlights a favorable environment driven by external policies and changing consumer behaviors, encouraging both new and traditional businesses to enhance responsible production and consumption. This study combines theoretical and empirical approaches to investigate ethically responsible production and consumption in the dairy industry. It advances research on CSR in the dairy industry and proposes a system connecting best CSR practices related to green practices, social well-being, and animal welfare to be used for different companies. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of promoting ethically responsible production and consumption, contributing to the understanding of the roles of companies and individuals in achieving SDG 12.

This study aims to critically analyze Brazil's National Energy Transition Policy (PNTE) by identifying its strategic pillars, and key challenges in fostering a just and sustainable energy transition. A qualitative research design was adopted, employing documentary research with content analysis of the official policy document (PNTE) and related literature to examine its structure, governance model, and implementation strategies, where the content analysis enabled the identification of four categories that served as the analytical pillars of the study: equity and social inclusion, governance and social participation, planning and implementation, and innovation and technological development. The analysis reveals that, although the PNTE is aligned with global decarbonization goals, it lacks detailed mechanisms for implementation, particularly regarding the promotion of energy equity and technological innovation. The persistence of fossil fuel subsidies, limited clarity on monitoring energy poverty, and fragmented governance frameworks further hinder its effectiveness. The results reveal that, despite its rhetorical alignment with sustainability goals, the PNTE is critically undermined by the absence of concrete indicators, vague commitments to energy poverty reduction, fragile governance integration, and weak investment strategies, exposing a policy more declarative than transformative. These improvements are essential to ensure that the PNTE evolves into a robust, inclusive, and responsive framework capable of guiding Brazil toward a low-carbon, socially equitable energy future.

Waste management in the photovoltaic (PV) industry varies according to the regulations of each country. Automated plants in industrialized countries tend to produce less waste, with a more effective management due to stricter regulations and adequate infrastructure. In contrast, in developing countries, management can be less efficient, with waste being incorrectly classified or mixed. PV solar energy is on the rise, generating growing concern about waste management. This study addresses an element of the PV industry that has not been previously reported: assembly. The objective of this work was to develop strategies to minimize and manage waste from small-scale solar panel assembly plants. To fulfill this objective, an assembly company installed in Mexico was analyzed in terms of the ongoing process and waste generated, together with the current waste classification according to Mexican regulations. Based on the results obtained, strategies to reintegrate waste into the assembly process were presented, and treatment alternatives were discussed, putting economic and environmental efficiency first, as well as employee safety, generating benefits for both the company and the environment. Waste potentially dangerous and not properly classified (Tedlar polyethylene terephthalate [TPT] and delamination waste) was also identified, and recommendations were issued for its classification.

Air pollution remains one of the most critical environmental challenges in India, particularly in urban regions where rapid industrialization, population growth, and escalating energy demands have significantly deteriorated air quality. Addressing these challenges requires a deeper understanding of pollution trends and the factors driving them in urban areas. This study examines the spatiotemporal trends of key criteria air pollutants PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, SO₂, NO_x, CO, and O₃ and their association with climatic factors across four major Indian megacities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, using data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for the years 2018 to 2022. Statistical techniques such as the Pearson correlation, Mann–Kendall trend analysis, and generalized extreme value (GEV) analysis were employed to evaluate pollutant variability and association with meteorology. Particulate matter dominates the pollution profile, with average concentrations of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ reaching up to 108 and 215.1 µg/m³, respectively, while extreme events in Delhi recorded monthly maxima exceeding 344 and 536 µg/m³, respectively. Seasonal patterns indicate peak pollution during winters due to stable atmospheric conditions, whereas monsoons show significant reductions owing to wet deposition. Although pollutant levels are higher than the permissible standards in most cases, the overall pollution trend is declining in all other megacities except Mumbai, which has substantially higher concentrations, necessitating targeted interventions. Alongside ground-based observations, annual emission trends from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) were used to assess inter-annual changes and regional distribution patterns of pollutants. Additionally, meteorological factors negatively correlate with pollutant levels, highlighting the importance of tailoring mitigation strategies to local climatology. This research offers critical insights for designing region-specific mitigation strategies to achieve sustainable air quality improvements.

Textile wastewater, characterized by its complex mixture of organic dyes and heavy metals such as cadmium and chromium, poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the efficacy of an integrated treatment approach combining physical adsorption, biological remediation, and electrokinetic processes for the posttreatment of textile effluents. A series of pond-based experiments were conducted to assess the removal efficiency of dyes and heavy metal mixtures in a continuous flow system. Four distinct treatment lines were evaluated: (a) Adsorption Pond (AD-P) utilizing dolomite, (b) Duckweed Pond (DW-P) employing Lemna gibba (strain 8431), (c) Microalgae Pond (MA-P) with Chlorella kessleri (NIES-227), and (d) Fungal Pond (FG-P) incorporating Trametes versicolor (ATCC 20869). Each treatment line was subjected to two experimental setups: Run 1 featured a 500 ppm dye mixture with 25 ppm cadmium and chromium, while Run 2 utilized a 1000 ppm dye mixture with 50 ppm cadmium and chromium. Samples were collected at 4-day intervals over a 12-day experimental period. Results indicated that dye decolorization efficiencies were 62.76% in Run 1 and 52% in Run 2. Chromium removal efficiencies were 75% in Run 1 and 73.6% in Run 2, whereas cadmium removal efficiencies were 66% and 69.4%, respectively. The final extraction of metals using electrokinetic processes demonstrated chromium removal rates of 79.6% for algae, 71.6% for Lemna gibba, 69.6% for fungi, and 64.2% for dolomite. For cadmium, extraction rates were 67.94% for dolomite, 63% for fungi, 55.8% for algae, and 52.5% for Lemna gibba. The findings suggest that the integration of biological species with electrokinetic remediation can be an effective and potentially sustainable strategy for the removal of dyes and heavy metals from textile wastewater. However, while promising, this integrated approach also comes with certain challenges, such as system complexity, the need for careful control of operational parameters, and potential issues with long-term stability. Additionally, the generation of sludge or byproducts could affect the overall sustainability of the system. As such, while this method offers a viable solution for mitigating environmental contamination and meeting effluent discharge regulations, further research is needed to optimize operational conditions and assess its scalability for industrial applications.