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As a complex composite material, tire rubber has always presented significant environmental and waste management concerns due to its non-biodegradability and accumulation in landfills. The devulcanization of tire rubber has emerged as a historical challenge in the field of sustainable rubber engineering since Goodyear invented cross-linking in 1839. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of waste tire recycling processes, focusing on the sources, legislation, management strategies, and utilization across different regions. It explores the multifaceted challenges of devulcanizing rubber, with a specific focus on transitioning from ground tire rubber to the concept of multi-decrosslinking: sulfur bridge breakage, rubber chain depolymerization and micro-nano sized core-shell carbon black. Ideal devulcanization has restricted the release of reinforcing fillers, resulting in devulcanized rubber mainly containing dozens of micron particles, which hinder the wide usage of devulcanized rubber. This review comprehensively assesses the current state-of-the-art techniques for tire rubber devulcanization, including physical, chemical and biological methods. It explores the intricacies of ground tire rubber as a starting material, structural evolution of ground tire rubber during the devulcanization process and the associated challenges in achieving efficient devulcanization while retaining desirable mechanical properties. Furthermore, through an in-depth analysis of recent advancements, limitations and prospects, this paper offers a complete understanding of the challenges faced in tire rubber devulcanization. Considering the technical and environmental aspects of these processes, this work contributes to multi-decrosslinking, the ongoing discourse on sustainable materials development and circular economy initiatives, which pave the way for future innovations in the field of rubber recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWith the growing demand for industrialization, hazardous colored effluents from leather, and textile industries are released into water reservoirs which causes harm to plants, animals, and human beings. Therefore, current research work is focused on the development of a novel anionic catalyst based on poly (glycidyl methacrylate-f-Gum Arabic-co-Gellan Gum)-Ag nanoparticles for remediation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes from wastewater through reduction. The catalytic efficiency for the removal of MB and MO was investigated and inferred that hybrid hydrogel shows excellent catalytic efficiency toward cationic dye (MB) as compared to anionic dye (MO). % removal obtained for MB and MO was 94.81±0.713% and 66.39±0.413% respectively. Maximum removal attained toward MB was due to opposite charges which enable the interaction between hybrid hydrogel and toxic dye. The order of kinetics was investigated and inferred that removal through catalysis follows second-order-kinetics. The stability and recycling nature of 0.012 g of hybrid hydrogel was investigated for the removal of dyes which reveals that it is cost-effective and can be used various times after washing with double distilled water. Therefore, such high catalytic efficiency makes it a potential candidate for the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater treatment on an industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of the Eastern Mediterranean ports for international trade and the commercialization of agricultural production in the late Ottoman Empire made the land around the ports a profitable resource, prompting efforts to turn wetland regions into arable land. This article focuses on one such reclamation project in the empire’s Balkan territory of Serres, Thessalonica, along the River Karasu and Lake Tahyanos at the end of the nineteenth century. It narrates the development of the project from the initial efforts of the local administration into a full-fledged commercial enterprise. The reclamation process is shown to be highly contested as various actors and stakeholders, including the Public Debt Administration (PDA), international and domestic entrepreneurs, and peasants, struggled over the wetland region, and the central and local governments endeavoured to cope with the resulting difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailing from mining activities affects soil fertility resulting in poor soil conditions that are challenging for plants to grow. Plants can interact with rhizosphere bacteria to enhance their growth in harsh environments. Rhizospheric bacteria possess numerous mechanisms that promote plant growth and induced resistance to various abiotic stress. This study aims to determine the diversity of rhizobacteria and their potential as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) agents. Bacterial communities from rhizosphere soil samples from kaolin mining sites in Perawas, Tanjung Pandan district, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Island, Indonesia were analyzed using Next Generation Sequencing based on the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, while culturable bacteria were isolated from samples and screened for PGP activity. The results showed that the rhizosphere bacterial community was mostly dominated by Pseudomonadota, Acidobacteria, and Verrumicrobiota. There were 15 bacteria isolated from the sample and RKB-5 bacterial isolate had the potential to be PGP agent. The RKB-5 bacterial isolate was identified as Burkholderia cenocepacia based on its 16S rRNA sequence. The bacterial isolate produced IAA, utilized ACC, dissolved phosphate up to 209,5 mg/L, and formed a high potassium solubilizer index value of 5.00. Therefore, the B. cenocepacia RKB-5 has potential application as the PGPR to support plants growth by obtaining nutrients in ex-mining lands with poor soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining, an activity that dates to the earliest stages of human civilization, has played a vital role in fulfilling human requirements for an extended period of time. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that this particular activity accounts for a significant proportion, ranging from 4% to 7% of the overall world greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions mostly consist of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxides, which are released because of fuel burning, on-site energy generation, and many other sources. The mining industry, as a constituent of industrial process and product use (IPPU) sector in Thailand, makes a substantial contribution to these emissions. Thailand is now engaged in the implementation of carbon sequestration strategies, specifically focusing on the reclamation and replanting of post-mining zones. This initiative aims to tackle the various issues associated with small-scale operations within the country's mining sector. The objective of this study is to analyse the carbon sequestration potential of Thailand's mining area through the utilization of satellite pictures obtained from LANDSAT 8 OLI and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. This study assesses the present carbon storage capacity, establishes the appropriate carbon pricing, and investigates the potential for reforestation in mining areas inside the nation. Based on the findings, it is evident that the northern region of Thailand has the most substantial potential for carbon sequestration, mostly due to the presence of vegetated land. Furthermore, it is projected that the overall carbon sequestration capacity in Thailand will amount to 14.68 MtCO2e in 2023 and 28.02 MtCO2e in 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the effectiveness of regulations governing reclamation obligations by Mining Business License (IUP) and Special Mining Business License (IUPK) holders in the context of post-mining environmental restoration. Despite the existence of various regulations, there are still legal loopholes and overlapping regulations that hinder effective reclamation implementation. This research uses a normative juridical approach by analyzing existing legal norms, as well as a conceptual approach to explore legal concepts related to reclamation and corporate social responsibility. The results show that many companies do not fulfill their reclamation obligations due to weak law enforcement, lack of quantity and quality of supervision, and unclear regulations. In addition, community participation in the reclamation process is minimal. To address these issues, the study recommends a series of reforms, including increasing the number and quality of mine inspectors, implementing technology in supervision, and stricter and more consistent enforcement of legal sanctions. The development of realistic reclamation plans and community participation in the reclamation process are also a key focus. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms in regulations and law enforcement mechanisms to ensure IUP and IUPK holders' compliance with reclamation obligations, which in turn will support environmental restoration and the welfare of affected communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As our crowded and warming world continues moving away from fossil fuels such as coal, we are increasingly attempting to transform the landscapes damaged by mining into beneficial, appealing and valuable new uses. The post-mining transformation involves many dilemmas, often arouses land use conflicts and can reproduce environmental injustices. In the background of conflicts are diverging preferences for post-mining land uses from the perspective of various stakeholders. This paper examines key issues and dilemmas in post-mining transformation, including terminological inconsistencies, technical reclamation versus natural succession, heritage preservation choices, authenticity concerns, and success criteria issues. The underlying question we ask is: What is the future use of the coal energy landscape; that is, what should or could come next? To address this question, we provide a comprehensive literature review and an analysis of a sample of 28 case studies of good practice projects of reclamation or regeneration (i. e., recycling) coal mining landscapes from the Czech Republic. This study is distinctive in its comprehensive scope, analyzing a diverse range of recycling projects from surface mining landscapes to urban post-mining brownfields, with extensive analysis and findings. While the criteria of transparency and legitimacy of projects are essential for applying the principles of just transition, the criteria of efficiency and sustainability prove to be key measures of success according to which differences between projects appear in the longer term. The efficiency and sustainability are significantly associated with the multifunctionality of recycled landscapes and places and seasonality of their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration is moving towards a more mechanistic approach that emphasizes restoration of ecosystem services. Trait-based approaches provide links between species identity and ecosystem functions and have been suggested as a promising way to formally integrate ecosystem services in the design of restoration programs. While practitioners have been routinely using informal knowledge on plant traits in their practices, these approaches are underutilized as operationalization remains challenging. The goal of this paper is to provide guidance for applied scientists and restoration practitioners looking to apply a trait-based approach to restore forest ecosystems. We present a five-step framework: (1) selection of services to be restored, (2) trait selection, (3) data acquisition, (4) analytical planning, and (5) empirical testing and monitoring. We use three Canadian case studies to illustrate the applicability of our framework and the variety of ways trait-based approaches can inform restoration practices: (1) restoration of urban woodlots after an insect outbreak, (2) restoration of a smelter-damaged landscape surrounding an urban area, and (3) reclamation of remote upland forests after oil- and gas-related disturbances. We describe the major mechanisms and traits that determine vegetation effects on ecosystem services of importance in each case study. We then discuss data availability, methodological constraints, comparability issues, analytical methods, and the importance of empirical testing and monitoring to ensure realistic prediction of service restoration. By outlining issues and offering practical information, we aim to contribute to a more robust use of traits in ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring reclaimed landfills is essential for ensuring their stability and monitoring the regularity of facility settlement. Insufficient recognition of the magnitude and directions of these changes can lead to serious damage to the body of the landfill (landslides, sinkholes) and, consequently, threaten the environment and the life and health of people near landfills. This study focuses on using UAV photogrammetry to monitor geometric changes in reclaimed landfills. This approach highlights the advantages of UAVs in expanding the monitoring and providing precise information critical for decision-making in the reclamation process. This study presents the result of annual photogrammetry measurements at the Słabomierz–Krzyżówka reclaimed landfill, located in the central part of Poland. The Multiscale Model to Model Cloud Comparison (M3C2) algorithm was used to determine deformation at the landfill. The results were simultaneously compared with the landfill's reference (angular–linear) measurements. The mean vertical displacement error determined by the photogrammetric method was ±2.3 cm. The results showed that, with an appropriate measurement methodology, it is possible to decide on changes in geometry reliably. The collected 3D data also gives the possibility to improve the decision-making process related to repairing damage or determining the reclamation direction of the landfill, as well as preparing further development plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land reclamations often demand large quantities of fill materials. However, many countries commonly engaged in land reclamation are facing an escalating scarcity of natural fill sources. To address this issue, this study proposes a sustainable land reclamation approach that involves dredged marine sediments as fill materials. The dredged marine sediments are improved by a combined method that incorporates the use of horizontal drains with vacuum preloading for preliminary soil treatment and vertical drains with vacuum preloading for further improvement. A field trial has been designed and conducted to verify the performance of the proposed preliminary treatment of marine sediment slurry using prefabricated horizontal drains (PHDs) and vacuum preloading under a "membrane-free" condition. Field measurements, including settlement, pore pressure, effective earth pressure, vacuum pressure, water content, and undrained shear strength, were systematically recorded during the field trial period. After a four-month treatment, the average water content of the filled soil was slightly below 50%, which is one-third of the initial water content. Owing to the combined effect of the vacuum preloading and drying process, a crust layer with the undrained shear strength of 40 kPa was formed on the top of the treated soil. Below the crust layer, the average undrained shear strength of the treated marine deposits was approximately 32 kPa. Overall, the notable effect of using PHDs and the "membrane-free" vacuum preloading method to rapidly consolidate marine deposits slurry has been successfully demonstrated with field monitoring under the site trial condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cobalt-containing products of an enterprise were selected as the object of this study. The separation effect of Cyanex 272 on Zn and Co was studied through a pilot test. The results showed that Cyanex 272 had a high extraction rate for Zn at pH 3–3.4, up to 99.8%. The extracted Zn2+ was enriched in the organic phase, and the Zn2+ in the organic phase was extracted back into the aqueous phase in the stripping stage by adding strong acid. Addition amounts of strong acid of 50 g·L−1, 80 g·L−1, and 100 g·L−1 were set. The results showed that the addition amounts of 80 g·L−1 and 100 g·L−1 could significantly reduce the pH of the back-extraction solution and effectively enrich Zn2+ in the solution. There was a large amount of Zn2+ in the back-extraction solution, which could be used twice to prepare zinc carbonate products through neutralization and precipitation. By comparing the extraction effect, economic cost, and resource loss under different strong acid addition amounts, it was found that the 80 g·L−1 strong acid addition amount was more suitable for the actual production process. This study provides data support and practical evidence for the selection of industrial extraction process parameters for Zn2+ separation in actual cobalt products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing environmental performance of waste dump facilities in mining complexes is an integral part of long-term production planning. Sustainable long-term production scheduling solutions are desired to mitigate risk and return the environment to a productive post-mining state. A simultaneous stochastic optimisation framework for long-term production scheduling in mining complexes is developed that integrates waste management and progressive reclamation. The waste dump placement schedule is jointly optimised with the extraction sequence, destination policy, and stockpiling decisions in a single stochastic mathematical programming framework. This includes the timing of progressive reclamation activities in parallel with production to enhance waste dump rehabilitation. Uncertainty related to the production of acid rock drainage is quantified by simulating geochemical properties of waste and managing the blending of uncertain waste properties within the optimisation framework. With respect to the framework for simultaneous stochastic optimisation, contextual bandits are explored to improve the metaheuristic solution approach and solve the corresponding large-scale optimisation model. The framework is tested in a multi-mine copper-gold mining complex leading to improved environmental performance. Risk of acid rock drainage is decreased by 52.5% in the waste dump facilities. Reclamation planning activities for meeting environmental requirements are scheduled prior to closure. The solution approach more effectively improves the objective function with contextual bandits leading to a 24% improvement in the study presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Law no. 3 of 2020 article 140 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining which states that "Every holder of a Mining Business Permit (IUP) and Special Mining Business Permit (IUPK) is required to submit a reclamation plan and post-mining plan when applying for a Production Operation IUP or Production Operation IUPK as basis for placing reclamation guarantees. The aim of this research is to calculate the direct and indirect costs required for PT Bukit Asam's reclamation plan. The research method used in this research is using activities in the form of visits and direct observations in the field and also collecting articles as support. Direct costs include recountouring costs, revegetation costs and maintenance costs, which are planned at Rp. 12,889,010,229. Meanwhile for indirect costs, the amount is determined from the indirect cost graph, the plan is Rp. 3,054,695,424, so the total cost of the reclamation plan for the West Banko Pit is Rp. 15,943.,705,653 with an escalation calculation of 5.51%, it becomes IDR 19,758,945,354. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen production is expected to play a major role in the context of the shift towards sustainable energy stipulated in the Fit for 55 package. Green hydrogen and its derivatives have the capacity to act as effective energy storage vectors, while fuel cell-powered vehicles will foster net-zero emission mobility. This study evaluates the potential of green hydrogen production in Power-to-Gas (P2G) systems operated in former mining sites where sand and gravel aggregate has been extracted from lakes and rivers under wet conditions (below the water table). The potential of hydrogen production was assessed for the selected administrative unit in Poland, the West Pomerania province. Attention is given to the legal and organisational aspects of operating mining companies to identify the sites suitable for the installation of floating photovoltaic facilities by 2050. The method relies on the use of GIS tools, which utilise geospatial data to identify potential sites for investments. Basing on the geospatial model and considering technical and organisational constraints, the schedule was developed, showing the potential availability of the site over time. Knowing the surface area of the water reservoir, the installed power of the floating photovoltaic plant, and the production capacity of the power generation facility and electrolysers, the capacity of hydrogen production in the P2G system can be evaluated. It appears that by 2050 it should be feasible to produce green fuel in the P2G system to support a fleet of city buses for two of the largest urban agglomerations in the West Pomerania province. Simulations revealed that with a water coverage ratio increase and the planned growth of green hydrogen generation, it should be feasible to produce fuel for net-zero emission urban mobility systems to power 200 buses by 2030, 550 buses by 2040, and 900 buses by 2050 (for the bus models Maxi (40 seats) and Mega (60 seats)). The results of the research can significantly contribute to the development of projects focused on the production of green hydrogen in a decentralised system. The disclosure of potential and available locations over time can be compared with competitive solutions in terms of spatial planning, environmental and societal impact, and the economics of the undertaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we explore the dynamic interplay of youth agency, spatial justice, and literacy practices across community spaces through micro‐analysis of photographs and interviews of children and youth. Through a lens of spatial reclamation, the study investigates how children and youth disrupt adult‐designed spaces to restory and reclaim narratives, ultimately reshaping the socio‐spatial landscape. Combining the concepts of restorying and spatial justice, we explore the awareness and agency children exhibit when challenging dominant expectations, particularly examining instances of rulebreaking and safety negotiation. Examining two distinct settings—a school playground and a community protest—the study reveals how youth engage in embodied performances that rupture anticipated discourses in place. The findings underscore the multilayered nature of youth rulebreaking as a form of resistance and as a form of leadership, emphasising the potential for transformative socio‐spatial impact as youth reclaim narratives through new co‐constructions of space. Across age groups and geographies, Black and Brown youth and children emerge as leaders in reshaping spaces through their acts of resistance, redefining boundaries, and leading peaceful protests. The article calls for a nuanced understanding of how spatial justice intersects with restorying, urging educators and researchers to reconsider acts of reclamation as literacies across adult‐dictated spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin mining operations on the Jos Plateau have left a lasting impact on the environment, resulting in derelict land, mine spoils, and over a thousand abandoned mining ponds. These ponds have become potential hazards, endangering unsuspecting members of the public. This study aims to provide a comprehensive geochemical and geotechnical characterization of the mine spoils to assess their suitability for the reclamation and restoration of the degraded mined lands. The geochemical analysis reveals that the mine spoils exhibit a moderate to strong level of acidity, with a pH range of 3.91 to 5.90 (average: 4.85). Furthermore, they display deficiencies in essential nutrients such as phosphorus (average: 0.02%) potassium (average: 0.31%), as well as copper (average: 19.15 ppm). Notably, the mine spoils are enriched in iron (average: 6.31%), manganese (average: 165.15 ppm) and zinc (average: 53.24 ppm). These findings highlight the inadequate presence of both micronutrient and macronutrient elements which are necessary for successful revegetation which is a crucial component of reclamation. Results from the geotechnical tests indicate that the mine spoils possess an average fines content of 56.03%, a mean liquid limit of 38.06%, and a mean plasticity index of 15.52%. Additionally, the average linear shrinkage value is measured at 10%. The average values for maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) are 1.65 g/cm³ and 19%, respectively. The unsoaked California bearing ratio (CBR) averages 34.64%, while the coefficient of permeability for the spoil is approximately 1.24x10−3mm/sec. Furthermore, the spoils average cohesion (C) was measured to be 12.150 while the mean angle of internal friction (ϕ) is 30.77 KN/M². These results collectively indicate that mechanical and chemical stabilization, involving the use of lime, fly ash, and other soil-stabilizing agents is imperative for the effective reclamation of the degraded lands using the mine spoils. Such measures if adopted and implemented will mitigate the risk of accidents and drowning incidents from mining ponds and other abandoned pits involving unsuspecting members of the public and will contribute to the overall environmental restoration efforts in the Jos-Bukuru Tin Field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an analysis procedure for remote sensing imagery for monitoring ground surface objects. The studies on development of an algorithm for identifying mining waste disposal facilities on ground surface are described. The source data were Sentinel-2 and Landsat 5–8 images of the southern area in the Russian Far East. Using Earth Engine platform, the vegetation index is calculated for each pixel using the function of normal distance, and the test area is generated using a standard tool. Pixels were converted to square units using the reduce() method. The proposed procedure is of current interest in monitoring various objects (tailings ponds, surface mines, waste dumps, etc.) at different stages of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring biological crust (biocrust) in disturbed drylands is challenging due to the difficult environmental conditions, such as limited soil moisture, low soil nutrients, and extreme temperatures, that impede growth. Understanding how the key components of biocrust—mosses, lichens, and cyanobacteria—react to different environmental factors informs the optimal timing, locations, and species composition for biocrust reintroduction, thereby increasing the likelihood of establishment. Here, we inoculated soils with a diverse range of biocrust organisms, analogous to seeding an area with diverse vascular plant seeds, and varied environmental conditions to observe how these changes influenced the development and functions of reintroduced biocrust. We found that by manipulating soil texture and time spent wet, we can change the proportional cover of biocrust within a restoration‐like setting. Specifically, we found that 4 months after inoculation, finer textured soils that received more water become dominated by moss cover, while coarser textured soils with less water remained dominated by cyanobacteria cover, and the interactions between texture and time spent wet strongly influenced cover. We found biocrust morphological group cover had a small, but detectable, effect on ecosystem functions (soil stability and nitrogenase activity, a proxy for nitrogen fixation), but that environmental conditions had a stronger impact on the functions we measured. Manipulative experiments in controlled environments, like this one, can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the establishment rate and patterns of biocrusts post‐inoculation, and inform implementation of inoculations in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture is one of the main factors affecting microwave radar backscatter from the ground. While there are other factors that affect backscatter levels (for instance, surface roughness, vegetation, and incident angle), relative variations in soil moisture can be estimated using space-based, medium resolution, multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Understanding the distribution and identification of water-saturated areas using SAR soil moisture can be important for wetland mapping. The SAR soil moisture retrieval algorithm provides a relative assessment and requires calibration over wet and dry periods. In this work, relative soil moisture indicators are derived from a time series of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) SAR compact polarimetric (CP) data over reclaimed areas of an oil sands mine in Alberta, Canada. An evaluation of the soil moisture product is performed using in situ measurements showing agreement from June to September. The surface scattering component of m-chi CP decomposition and the RL SAR products demonstrated a good agreement with the field data (low RMSE values and a perfect alignment with field-identified wetlands). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Island transport systems are as unique as the islands themselves, shaped by geography, politics, and community needs. Transport development raises key questions: does increased connectivity enhance or diminish islandness? Can large-scale projects balance economic goals with environmental sustainability and community needs? This special section brings together seven studies from four island jurisdictions to explore how transport configurations influence and redefine islandness. From the transformative role of fixed links in the Faroe Islands to the challenges of seasonal air travel in Akureyri, Iceland, and the extensive ferry networks in Hong Kong, these articles underscore the complexities of island connectivity. A case from Penang, Malaysia, illustrates grassroots resistance to artificial island creation, highlighting tensions between development and conservation. Together, these contributions offer fresh perspectives on the evolving role of transport in shaping island life and identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the changes in selected soil properties at Lítov spoil heap (Sokolov, Czech Republic) and compare the current situation with the situation described twenty years ago. A total of 110 soil samples were taken at Lítov at the same sites as in 1998. The analyses of basic soil characteristics involved: exchangeable soil pH (pHKCl), organic carbon content (Cox), quality of humic substances (A400/A600), exchangeable acidity (Ea), and two types of aluminium contents in the soil. Changes in all soil characteristics between 1998 and 2018 were statistically evaluated, compared, and visualized using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). We have observed an increase of pHKCl, Cox and a slight improvement in humus quality compared to the results from 1998. The temporal changes of soil characteristics were evident in the whole area, and the influence of reclamation methods was also pronounced. Soil development close to the regional common natural conditions was found in the area where agricultural reclamation measures (i.e., covering with topsoil) were carried out. Furthermore, afforestation - mainly by deciduous trees - supported the improvement of soil characteristics favourable for plant growth. High pyrite content and marshland were identified as the main causes that led to vegetation cover mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants seeded in degraded grasslands often fail to establish. In the Northern Great Plains, perennial cool‐season grasses are easiest to establish, and they sometimes competitively suppress warm‐season grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Seeding cool‐season grasses at low rates sometimes benefits other seeded plants but risks greater weed abundances. To identify grass seed rates low enough to allow other plants to establish but high enough to constrain weeds, we varied cool‐season grass seed rates while holding warm‐season grass, shrub, and forb seed rates fixed. The first couple growing seasons after seeding, we hypothesized cover of other seeded plants and weeds would decrease with increasing cool‐season grass seed rate. During later growing seasons, we hypothesized weed cover would become independent of grass seed rates due to seeded plants increasing in plots seeded at low rates. Neither hypothesis was supported. Because weed abundances were high, warm‐season grasses, shrubs, and forbs apparently experienced similarly intense competition regardless of grass rate, so low rates did not increase seeded plant establishment. Regardless of seed rate, cool‐season grass cover did not increase between the second and final (i.e. fourth) growing season, perhaps because of low precipitation. Increasing warm‐season grass, shrub, and forb abundances will require controlling weeds in addition to lowering cool‐season grass seed rates. Even these steps will not always increase establishment because native plants sometimes died before controlling weeds with herbicides became feasible and grass competition became important. Lowering grass rates without implementing weed control risks sites becoming weedy for prolonged periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread abandoned saline-alkali soils in the Manas River Basin in northwest China have been reclaimed for cotton cropping in recent decade. However, the temporal dynamics of soil microbial functional genes during the reclamation of abandoned salinized farmlands remains unclear. In this study, the abandoned salinized cotton fields that had been reclaimed for 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were selected to study the temporal dynamics of soil microbial functional genes through metagenomic technology. The abundance of genes involved in C, N, P, and S cycles increased significantly since the reclamation, among them, the abundance of KEGG Pathway genes and Enzymes after the reclamation increased by 29.10 and 30.20%, respectively compared with those of the CK (abandoned salinized farmland). The Shannon index of KEGG Pathway and Enzyme-annotated genes after the reclamation increased by 0.82 and 1.10%, respectively compared with those of the CK. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and correlation analysis showed that the decrease in soil Na+ content and the increase in soil C/N ratio induced by the reclamation increased the abundance and diversity of soil microbial functional genes. After the reclamation, continuous straw incorporation and fertigation increased the soil C/N ratio, and reduced salinity, thus improving soil quality and soil microbial ecological functions. This study will provide reference for the rational development and utilization of abandoned salinized soils in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research tests whether self-labelling with a derogatory or reclaimed label is perceived as an act of reclamation. A pilot study (N = 102) identified English terms used to label lesbian women and gay men. The main study (N = 276) used a between-groups vignette design in which participants read about a woman/man self-labelling with a descriptive (lesbian/gay), reclaimed (queer), or derogatory group (dyke/fag) label. We assessed perceptions of the speaker (control/influence, agency, and efficacy) and group power, label offensiveness, and the likelihood of using the label in the future. Descriptive labels were perceived as less offensive and more likely to be used compared to reclaimed and derogatory labels. For gay men, using a derogatory label compared to other labels decreased perceived agency, but did not influence control/influence and efficacy. For lesbian women, there were no differences in perceptions of power depending on the label used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of compost compositions on the basis of sewage sludge and structural materials (straw, sawdust, bark) composting is described. A comparison of the methods most often used for composting and characterization of structural materials is also presented. Sewage sludge and structural materials were mixed in different ratios and composted in piles (laboratory scale) for 3 months. During this time, the composting process was controlled using standard methods. The bioavailability of some xenobiotics in an agriculture experiment (using beans) was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a global threat to the productivity of arable land. With the impact of population growth and development of social economy in China, the area of arable land has been shrinking in recent decades and is approaching a critical threshold of 120 Mha, the minimum area for maintaining the national food security. Saline-alkaline land, as important backup reserve, has been receiving increased attention as an opportunity to expand land resources. This review first summarizes the general principles and technologies of saline soil reclamation to support plant growth, including leaching salts or blocking the rise of salts, and soil fertility enhancement to improve the buffering capacity. Then the progress in this area in China is described including the customization of technologies and practices used in different saline-alkali regions. Following the soil management strategies, the concept of selecting crops for saline soil is proposed. This encompasses halophyte planting, salt-tolerant crop breeding and the application of saline-adapted functional microorganisms to improve the adaptation of crops. Finally, the current problems and challenges are evaluate, and future research directions and prospects proposed for managing this major soil constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of industrial disturbances are reclaimed with native grass species, although use of many native forbs in reclamation is limited due to low availability, high expense, poor germination, and lack of information on how to successfully establish them. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the performance (establishment, growth, and survival) of native forbs (10 species by seeding and 12 species by transplanting) on disturbed sites planted in different seasons (spring and fall) and subjected to different types of vegetation management (mowed and unmowed). All seeded forb species established successfully, although density of most of the native forbs was very low (<20 stems/plot). Transplanted forb species established well, with 65% of seedlings surviving two growing seasons. Establishment and survival of seeded and transplanted native forbs were associated with plant competition, where forbs established well with annual weeds and less successfully with perennial weeds. Both spring seeding and transplanting increased forb establishment; and seeding and transplanting in fall versus spring produced more seed. Mowing generally had limited effects on forbs. Of the seeded species, Vicia americana, Achillea millefolium, and Ratibida columnifera consistently had the highest densities across treatments, whereas spring transplanting increased establishment of Anemone cylindrica, Gaillardia aristata, Geum triflorum, Monarda fistulosa, and Dalea purpurea. Spring‐transplanted forbs spread over a larger area than fall‐transplanted forbs. In most cases, seeding and transplanting native forbs in the spring can be more effective than in fall to reclaim disturbed sites if land management practices are used to control perennial weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to develop soil quality indexes (SQIs) to reveal the changes in SQ during the restoration of vegetation in the reclaimed waste dumps of the Hequ open-pit coal mine. The study built an SQI evaluation model for waste dumps based on the soil management assessment framework. The total data set (TDS) consisted of nine physicochemical property indicators. The selection of the minimum data set (MDS) involved the utilization of principal component analysis (PCA) and Norm values. The SQ was comprehensively evaluated for nine indicators, taking into account the non-linear membership function and the improved Nemerow index. The findings suggested a notable disparity in the SQ between the reclaimed area and the unreclaimed area, yet the overall SQ fell short. In the TDS index system, the organic matter has the highest weight and a greater contribution to the soil quality of the waste dumps. In the MDS indicator system, the weights of organic matter and total nitrogen are both 0.5. According to Nemerow index method, the average SQIN of 5 plots is calculated to be 0.4352 ± 0.194. The average value obtained from TDS is 0.581 ± 0.236, and the average value obtained from MDS is 0.602 ± 0.351. The weighted additive method was employed to compute three SQIs, all of which yielded satisfactory outcomes. And the above evaluation methods indicate that the overall soil quality level of the waste dumps is at a moderate level. The sequence of SQ in various waste dumps was as follows: No.4lower > No.1 > No.2 > No.3 > No.4upper. Specifically, the non-linear membership function indicated that pH, available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), surface moisture content (SMC), and bulk density (BD) were crucial in limiting SQIs in total waste dumps. The crucial limiting SQIs in unreclaimed areas were total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN). This analysis demonstrates its efficacy in formulating strategies for the SQ evaluation and targeted soil reclamation plans of waste dumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy companies in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region in Alberta, Canada are evaluating the viability of incorporating pit lakes into reclamation closure designs to both sequester tailings and re-integrate the mining lease into the broader natural landscape. Lake Miwasin is a pilot-scale oil sands pit lake encompassed by a constructed catchment where the volume of the water cap is not actively managed. This study compared the water balance during the open water season over two consecutive years with contrasting levels of summertime precipitation. The first year had above average rainfall triggering surface water inflow events that diluted the over-winter water volume by ~ 25%. Flushing of the deepest layers of the water column was restricted from May – September as thermal stratification inhibited complete lake mixing. The second year had below average rainfall resulting in minimal surface water inflow and a drop in lake stage of ~ 30 cm. As the constructed catchment lacks both natural water bodies and connectivity to a legacy groundwater system, freshwater additions to the lake during the summer season were governed by rainfall. This research highlights challenges with constructing sustainable reclamation landscapes within a region characterised by variations in interannual and decadal water cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal wetlands play an important role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. However, climate change, reclamation, and restoration have been causing substantial changes in coastal wetland areas and carbon exchange in China during recent decades. Here we compiled a carbon flux database consisting of 15 coastal wetland sites to assess the magnitude, patterns, and drivers of carbon fluxes and to compare fluxes among contrasting natural, disturbed, and restored wetlands. The natural coastal wetlands have the average net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) of −577 g C m−2 year−1, with −821 g C m−2 year−1 for mangrove forests and −430 g C m−2 year−1 for salt marshes. There are pronounced latitudinal patterns for carbon dioxide exchange of natural coastal wetlands: NEE increased whereas gross primary production (GPP) and respiration of ecosystem decreased with increasing latitude. Distinct environmental factors drive annual variations of GPP between mangroves and salt marshes; temperature was the dominant controlling factor in salt marshes, while temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation were co‐dominant in mangroves. Meanwhile, both anthropogenic reclamation and restoration had substantial effects on coastal wetland carbon fluxes, and the effect of the anthropogenic perturbation in mangroves was more extensive than that in salt marshes. Furthermore, from 1980 to 2020, anthropogenic reclamation of China's coastal wetlands caused a carbon loss of ~3720 Gg C, while the mangrove restoration project during the period of 2021–2025 may switch restored coastal wetlands from a carbon source to carbon sink with a net carbon gain of 73 Gg C. The comparison of carbon fluxes among these coastal wetlands can improve our understanding of how anthropogenic perturbation can affect the potentials of coastal blue carbon in China, which has implications for informing conservation and restoration strategies and efforts of coastal wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining in Indonesia still leaves many excavation holes that have not been reclaimed, at least 8 million hectares of post-mining land after the use of coal mining land in East Kalimantan Province. As a result, from 2011 to 2018, 32 people died, most of them children, while 140 people died in all regions in Indonesia due to drowning in ex-mining holes. The aim of this research is to provide legal protection for land through the application of the Eco-Democracy concept due to violations by fraudulent entrepreneurs. The method used is the approach of statutory opposition and conceptual opposition of regulations relating to legal issues resolved through a statutory approach. The results of the research explain that reviewing all laws written in Government Regulation Number 78 of 2010 concerning Reclamation and Post-Mining and Number 4 of 2009 in the Republic of Indonesia Law concerning Mineral and Coal Mining requires companies to restore land through reclamation after the mining process is complete. Prepare collateral in the form of money given by businesses committed to restoring and improving the land environment. The government authority will supervise the reclamation during its implementation so that mining entrepreneurs will comply and not abandon the ex-mining land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having experienced exclusion from graduate programs and stereotyping related to their academic performance in the past, Black women graduate students (BWGS) continue to experience challenges and barriers in higher education settings. However, social media environments are spaces where BWGS can disrupt false narratives purported about Black womanhood and how Black women construct an understanding of self. The purpose of this research was to use dramaturgy, a methodology used to explore presentations of self, and Black feminist thought to examine the identity expressions of Black women graduate students. Organized in a conversation thread using social media data, the findings highlight how BWGS used social media to create positive self-definitions for Black women by showing support for themselves and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reclamation of limestone in Gari village into the Pasar Ekologis Argo Wijil is a program of the Ministry of Environement and Forestry. The use of ex-mining limestone offers a new approach to increasing green open space and provides opportunities for the community to be environmentally responsible. The objective of the study was to evaluate the environmental, economic and social benefits of the reclamation of limestone from the quarry to pasar ekologis. Community involvement in reclamation planning is one of the government's strategies to accommodate the community's aspirations for the type of reclamation so that a sense of concern for the maintenance of Pasar Ekologis Argo Wijil can be properly carried out. The research was carried out in Gari Village, Gunung Kidul Regency. Data was collected through direct observation to measure plant height, observe the growth of vegetation in Pasar Ekologis Argo Wijil, and interview structures with traders and visitors. Pasar Ekologis Argo Wijil contains several plant species, including Terminalia mantaly, Pterocarpus indicus, Syzygium Mytifolium, and Tamarindus indica. Plant growth can be beneficial in pasar ekologis as it helps to reduce air pollution, ensuring safe activities can take place. The success of the reclamation of ex-mining limestone cannot be separated from the participation of the people of Gari Village. The community of Pasar Ekologis Argo Wijil has taken the initiative to increase green open spaces and promote vegetation growth by planting and replenishing more plants. The management of the pasar ekologis is enriched by the combination of traditional market culture and ecological concepts. Every day, traders open stalls in the Pasar Ekologis Argo Wijil. This can be an indicator of public enthusiasm for the market's activities. Pasar ekologis was originally planned for Sunday mornings only. Activities in Pasar Ekologis Argo Wijil provide an opportunity for the community to improve the local economy. The reclamation of ex-mining limestone for a traditional market with an ecological concept promotes environmentally responsible behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of soils on loamy deposits during the primary succession of vegetation after biological reclamation of a technogenically disturbed area (quarry) in the middle taiga subzone of the northeast of European Russia (Komi Republic) is considered. The planting of Picea obovata on the reclaimed area activates the formation of the tree layer and helps to accelerate pedogenetic processes. In drained conditions, by the beginning of the third decade of succession, litter horizons were formed, soil bulk density in the upper mineral horizons decreased, and a tendency towards redistribution and differentiation of the clay fraction and iron and aluminum compounds in the soil profile was noted. The latter may indicate the beginning of eluviation. The heterogeneity of the quarry surface (presence of highs and lows with a height difference of up to 2–6 m) contributes to the redistribution of moisture within the quarry and the appearance of areas with surface waterlogging. Under these conditions, the role of conservation of organic residues (peat formation) is enhanced, and gleyzation processes are activated. With an increase in the degree of surface waterlogging of soils, the soil acidity and the stocks of soil carbon and nitrogen increase, which is typical for an analogous series of background soils. The calculated rate of organic carbon accumulation in the soil layer of 0–20 cm in drained soils of the quarry is about 0.4 t/ha per year. In the waterlogged soils, it increases to 1.0–1.2 t/ha per year. The stocks of organic carbon in the upper 20 cm of the profile of young soils remain two–four times lower in comparison with the background native soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cured rubber-made bladder used for curing the green tire because, it is thermally stable, and has low gas permeability. The bladder is made with the cured butyl rubber as a base rubber under a phenolic curing system. To save the resources and also, the environmental protection, it should be de-crosslink to gum rubber. A commercial source waste bladder rubber compounded with different de-crosslinking agents, including TMTD, DPDS, DCBS, MBTS, MBT, and TBBS. To do de-crosslinking, the prepared compounds were heated in a laboratory heating oven at different temperatures. The de-crosslinking parameters including the sol fraction and de-crosslinking percent measured using traditional rubber swollen tests. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) graphs showed the existence of the phenolic resin in the structure of waste bladder butyl rubber powder. Efficient de-crosslinking was observed for all studied de-crosslinking agents. It evidenced by the scanning electron microscope micrographs and also, the measured crosslink densities of the reclaimed rubbers. The highest and the lowest de-crosslinking percents belonged to the compounds with 4 phr DPDS in recipe at 220 ℃ and 4 phr DCBS at 180 ℃ , respectively. Based on the obtained de-crosslinking parameters, the DPDS was selected as a suitable de-crosslinking agent for used waste rubber. In accordance with Horikx analysis, the oven heating broke down the crosslinks and rubber main chains simultaneously. Increasing the oven temperature had a positive effect on de-crosslinking process with similar effects on the crosslink and main chain break down. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even in peacetime, bad farming practices have degraded the soil but war has exacerbated the situation. To support comprehensive land rehabilitation, publicly available data are scrutinised to establish the composition of soils under shelling, bombing, missile strikes and pollution by fuels and lubricants. These data show that the content of various toxic substances exceeds permissible limits several-fold, and soil acidity is increased. Heavy contamination with fuels and lubricants changes the soil's chemical and physical properties, killing all but the most resilient flora and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailings volumes continue to collectively increase worldwide, leading to larger dams and tailings management facilities. With numerous high-profile dam failures in the past decade, the risks of these management practices are also growing. A potential shift to waste management practices at mineral mines is to commingle waste rock and dewatered tailings. This blended material should have superior physical strength properties provided by the waste rock together with improved chemical stability characteristics associated with the low permeability of the tailings. Ideally, commingled tailings and waste rock can be used to construct various mined earth landforms that are both physically and chemically stable, which will enhance operational performance and ultimately provide for the sustainable decommissioning and closure of the mining facility. To study these materials, the University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre is working with global industry partners to test commingled materials from several mine sites with varying ore and host rock types and climate regimes. The first stage of this study is described here and is focused on the optimum density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and soil–water characteristic curves of various blend ratios, performed at laboratory scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclamation is regarded as one of the mining processes that can lessen the environmental impact of its production, particularly for large-scale coal mines that emit significant quantities of greenhouse gases. However, the assessment and evaluation of the reclamation process primarily rely on qualitative methods. Utilizing LANSAT8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) remote sensing in conjunction with GIS, this study aimed to develop a quantitative method for validating the efficacy of a reclamation procedure applicable to the emerging trend of carbon reduction. The empirical formula utilized to compute the annual carbon sequestrations of the reclamation area in the Mae Moh mine exhibited the appropriate spatial relative standard deviation (S-RSD) at 98.25%. The findings indicate that the reclamation area reached its highest level of carbon sequestration in 2022, at 331.28 ± 11.89 ktCO2e, surpassing the baseline of 126.53 ktCO2e. Furthermore, the approach demonstrates significant potential in improving the standard method for assessing reclamation through reforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1957, the Dalles Dam was constructed on the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon. When the dam was completed, it inundated Celilo Falls, a Native American fishery and cultural gathering point that had been in use for at least 12,000 years. Prior to dam construction, the federal government and local agencies issued a number of reports stating the necessity of the dam for economic development through hydroelectric power generation, improved shipping navigation, flood control, and expanded irrigation capacity. These reports often sought to determine the financial payout that would be made to the groups with treaty rights to fish at their "usual and accustomed" places, such as Celilo Falls. However, the reports rarely engage with the cultural significance of Celilo Falls or the depth of opposition that people had to the dam. The research discussed here is based on archival government reports alongside the voices of affected tribal members preserved through The Confluence Project and other sources. This article develops the idea that reclamation infrastructure in the U.S. West plays a key role in colonizing efforts from federal to local scales, reflecting the aims of the settler state. Through an analysis of government documents alongside the recollections of Indigenous elders from the mid-Columbia region, this article offers insights into how reclamation infrastructure functions as an aspect of settler colonialism and relies on theorizations of this process from the people most affected by the loss of Celilo Falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous women and birthing parents in Canada disproportionately face mistreatment in their maternal health care experiences due to systemic anti-Indigenous racism, ongoing harmful impacts of settler colonialism, and power differentials inherent in many health care relationships. Indigenous midwives and doulas are important leaders in resisting these conditions and reclaiming traditional Indigenous birth knowledge and practices. Ultimately, they work to uphold Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty. Grounded in an understanding of historical and current challenges regarding Indigenous maternal health, this qualitative study explored how best to situate oneself as a settler researcher and maternal health practitioner to support Indigenous maternal health in a culturally safe, anti-racist manner. In this article, key insights are shared from semi-structured interviews conducted with five prominent Indigenous scholars, midwives and community leaders. These consultants emphasized the central importance of intentional relationships in advancing the reclamation of traditional birth practices and providing culturally safe care, along with the indispensability of Indigenous midwives and doulas in these processes. Consultants also stressed the critical need for increased numbers of, and accessibility to, Indigenous practitioners in communities across the country. Settler practitioners are urged to understand the historical and contemporary impacts of settler colonialism, and the significance of building culturally safe, anti-racist relationships with their Indigenous colleagues and clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat selection analyses conducted at an individual level may reveal patterns in selection not apparent when individuals are pooled in population‐level approaches. Using GPS transmitters that gather high‐resolution location data, we explored fine‐scale habitat selection and space use within home ranges of female greater sage‐grouse Centrocercus urophasianus that raised young (brood‐rearing sage‐grouse) in an oil and gas development area. To evaluate fine‐scale habitat selection of brood‐rearing sage‐grouse we used a two‐stage approach. First, we developed models for each individual (i.e. individual‐level modeling) and evaluated individual‐level responses to modified habitats and infrastructure. Second, we averaged individual‐level estimates using a bootstrap approach to make population‐level inference. The average home range size during brood‐rearing in our study, from nest hatch to six weeks, was 0.85 ± 0.21 km2. Individual and population‐level results indicated that brood‐rearing females consistently selected for natural vegetation and avoided disturbed surfaces at a fine spatial scale. Our study area included substantial areas of recent (≤ 10 years) habitat reclamation which females also avoided. Visible power lines consistently led to avoidance behavior. In addition to consistent patterns of habitat selection, our individual models demonstrated variability and contrasting behaviors in how brood‐rearing females responded to specific infrastructure features and anthropogenic water bodies. At the population‐level anthropogenic water bodies were avoided but at the individual‐level the intensity of avoidance was variable among individuals. Individual variability was often explained by the age of the brood‐rearing female (first year or adult). First year females were more likely than adults to use habitats close to infrastructure and consistently established home ranges in areas with more surface disturbance and infrastructure when compared to adults. Our results provide new insights into fine‐scale habitat‐selection strategies used by female sage‐grouse with broods in an area where oil and gas infrastructure is widespread and cannot be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sagebrush steppe provides vital habitat across the western United States, but its range is declining. Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata Nutt. spp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) is difficult to establish on restoration and reclamation sites, with low seedling survival due to drought, competition, and limited available nutrients. Incorporating seeds into seed enhancement technologies (SET) has potential to overcome barriers to establishment. Here, we tested the effects of a high phosphorus nutrient amendment using three application techniques (dust over bare seed, dispersed seed pellets, and clustered seed pellets) versus bare seed on sagebrush establishment on 5‐, 1‐, and 0‐year‐old mine reclamation sites. Regardless of seed technology, emergence was highest in the year 5 site, but survival was lowest, likely due to competition from established plants. Survival and growth were highest in the year 0 site, but emergence was lowest, likely due to poor soil stability. The year 1 site, where soil was stable and competition was low, produced the greatest number of surviving seedlings. Across all times since reclamation, pellets reduced emergence compared to dust and bare seed treatments. There was no clear evidence of any benefit of the SETs. These results highlight the challenges of delivering nutrient amendments in SETs and unresolved questions about the effectiveness of the amendment tested here. Seeding sagebrush 1 year after reclamation may be an additional way to improve restoration and reclamation success for this foundation species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfilling remains a dominant method of waste disposal worldwide, largely due to inadequate waste management frameworks, despite efforts to promote recycling and reuse. As populations and consumption levels grow, waste generation continues to increase, highlighting the need for effective waste management solutions. Landfills are sites where waste undergoes various physical, chemical and biological transformations, making the implementation of safety measures, leachate collection and gas recovery systems critical. This article presents a case study of the reclamation of the Puławy municipal landfill, which has been in operation since 1998. The reclamation process involved extensive steps such as forming the landfill body, securing the slopes, constructing a degassing layer, implementing a sealing layer and applying a cover layer. These measures were crucial in mitigating the negative environmental impact of the landfill, reducing harmful emissions and improving local groundwater quality. The results of the Puławy municipal landfill reclamation include reductions in leachate and gas emissions, improvements in air/groundwater quality and the transformation of the site into a green space that provides recreational opportunities for the community. This reclamation project serves as a model of responsible waste management and community involvement, demonstrating how degraded landfills can be transformed into valuable public resources. The article also discusses the broader implications of landfill reclamation, noting both the positive and negative aspects. Benefits include environmental protection, resource recovery, enhanced biodiversity and improved quality of life for local communities. However, challenges such as the long-term monitoring and maintenance of reclaimed sites and the financial costs associated with reclamation efforts are also considered. This study also emphasises the importance of landfill reclamation in the process of shaping and promoting environmental sustainability, as well as addressing modern waste management challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the global challenge of waste management (WM) by comparing landfill management practices in Poland (Radiowo landfill) and Indonesia (Kebon Kongok landfill) to define the differences in landfill WM systems and analyse the main challenges in implementing effective landfill management WM systems in Poland and Indonesia. The data was analysed by employing the rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM). The analysis focused on three critical areas: gas management, leachate management and landfill reclamation. The results showed that the Polish landfill demonstrated high efficacy, particularly in leachate management with water quality impact (96), gas emissions control with methane extraction (96) and site reclamation for site restoration (96). For these purposes, the landfill uses advanced leachate treatment technologies and drainage systems. Conversely, Indonesian landfill practices show severe inefficiencies, with negative scores in almost all sectors. The lowest score was in leachate management with water quality impact (-48), gas emissions with air quality impact (-48) and site reclamation in community space development (-48). The study contributes to the sustainable waste management discourse, providing actionable insights for policymakers and environmental managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing land supply mode of opencast mining is " land requisition first, then transfer", which lacks an effective recovery and withdrawal mechanism, and the reclaimed mining land is diificult to withdraw. According to the regular rules of coal opencast mining and the periodic characteristics of land use, this paper puts forward a new mode of temporary land use for coal opencast mining. It is conducive to improving the quality and scale of land use and reclamation utilization of opencast coal mining and is of geat significance for exploring and formulating reasonable land use policies for mineral resources development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 2.5 million hectares have been impacted by coal mining in the Appalachian region of the United States. Revegetation to forested cover is a desirable post-mining land use but is often impractical given the challenges of reforestation on abandoned coal mines. Considering a prospective pollination crisis and the potential value of habitat restoration for pollinators, prairie restoration on mine lands offers a practical restoration option. We tested the effect of native prairie restoration in comparison to traditional reclamation with non-native cool-season grassland on pollinator richness, diversity, and community structure at three mined sites in southeastern Ohio. Rather than treatment level effects, we found correlations between overall floral and pollinator richness and beta diversity, as well as varied pollinator diversity and distinct community composition by month. Therefore, judicious design of prairie restoration seed mixes could increase floral diversity and provide across-season forage for pollinators in post-mining landscapes. Our findings also suggest, by the presence of several specialist/uncommon pollinators, that prairie restorations on coal mines can provide habitat for at-risk pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing emissions from fluorinated gases (F-gases) is considered one of the key conditions for the European Union (EU) to be able to meet the requirements of the European Green Deal, primary objectives of which are the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and the gradual transition to net climate neutrality by 2050. To this end, a quota system for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is already in place, introduced through the updated F-Gas Regulation (517/2014). The aim of this paper is to review an innovative scheme currently under development that strongly promotes the Recovery, Recycling and Reuse (3R) of F-gases extracted from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment of the building sector, thus offering a sustainable alternative source for refrigerant supplies. Therefore, the basic operating principles of the so-called "3R ECOSYSTEM" are outlined and especially its three main components, which are: the self-certification/self-declaration platform, the F-gas identification and recycling units (prototypes) and the Retradeables marketplace. In addition, an overview of both the demonstration phase and the scheduled replication phase of the 3R ECOSYSTEM is provided, including the estimated impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) savings due to the progressive uptake of the circular use of existing F-gases across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]