Search

The use of microalgae and bacteria as a strategy for the startup of bioreactors for the treatment of industrial wastewater can be a sustainable and economically viable alternative. This technology model provides satisfactory results in the nitrification and denitrification process for nitrogen removal, organic matter removal, biomass growth, sedimentation, and byproducts recovery for added-value product production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of microalgae and bacteria in their symbiotic process when used in the treatment of paper pulp industry wastewater. The experiment, lasting fourteen days, utilized four bioreactors with varying concentrations in mgVSS/L of microalgae to bacteria ratio (R1-100:100, R2-100:300, R3-100:500, R4-300:100) in the startup process. Regarding the sludge volumetric index (SVI), the results show that the R1 and R2 reactors developed SVI30/SVI10 biomass in the range of 85.57 ± 7.33% and 84.72 ± 8.19%, respectively. The lipid content in the biomass of reactors R1, R2, R3 e R4 was 13%, 7%, 19%, and 22%, respectively. This high oil content at the end of the batch, may be related to the nutritional stress that the species underwent during this feeding regime. In terms of chlorophyll, the bioreactor with an initial inoculation of 100:100 showed better symbiotic growth of microalgae and bacteria, allowing exponential growth of microalgae. The total chlorophyll value for this bioreactor was 801.46 ± 196.96 μg/L. Biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater from the paper pulp industry is a challenge due to the characteristics of the effluent, but the four reactors operated in a single batch obtained good nitrogen removal. Ammonia nitrogen removal performances were 91.55 ± 9.99%, 72.13 ± 19.18%, 64.04 ± 21.34%, and 86.15 ± 30.10% in R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The demand for paper and paper-based packaging has seen a massive increase in past years, resulting in accelerated deforestation to meet the rising demand, negatively impacting the environment, and there is a need to look towards different non-woody raw materials. Kraft pulping (KP) is widely used in paper making, for which the chemical dose, temperature, time, and energy required must be optimized, for which many insignificant experimental trials are performed. An effort is made to solve this problem by developing the regression equations with the help of Excel using One Factor at a Time Analysis (OFAT), followed by carrying out design of experiments (DoE) using orthogonal approach and regression analysis in Minitab software. Life cycle Assessment (LCA) using the Open-LCA software estimates the effect of chemicals and energy required during pulping on human health, ecosystem quality, and resource depletion. Using regression analysis, the equations for predicting kappa number, yield (%), total energy consumed, and mechanical properties of the paper sheet showed a good fit with an R 2 value in the range of 0.90-0.99. Apart from that, the mechanical properties, namely tensile index (41.43 Nm/g), tear index (6.96 mN m 2 /g), bending stiffness (0.5 mN m), and burst index (3.92 kPa m 2 /g) of the unbeaten sheet, were determined experimentally at optimized conditions. Based on the Open-LCA result, the optimized pulping conditions had less impact on human health, ecosystem quality, and resource depletion. Industries can use the model to predict the values of kappa number, yield, mechanical properties, and energy consumption without performing optimization experiments that may impact the industry's economy to a greater extent., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass with ionic liquids (ILs) are considered as an advantageous approach for the preparation of carbonaceous materials. The commonly used imidazolium and pyridinium based ILs have drawbacks such as toxicity, resistance to biodegradation, high cost and viscosity. These issues can be mitigated by diluting ILs with water, although excessive water content above 1 wt% can reduce the solubility of biomass. This research aims to investigate the potential of pretreating wastepaper with a "fully green" ILs, amino acid-based IL with high water content, followed by pyrolysis without IL, in enhancing the properties of biochar. For this purpose, the paper was treated with an aqueous solution of IL cysteine nitrate ([Cys][NO 3 ]), and the IL was not involved in the pyrolysis process to prevent the formation of secondary gaseous pollutants. The findings revealed that the hemicellulose and mineral filler in the paper were eliminated during pretreatment, leading to higher carbon content but lower oxygen content. As a result, the biochar exhibited micropores of 0.42 cm3g-1 and a specific surface area of 1011.21 m2 g−1. The biochar demonstrated high adsorption capacities for Cd2+, enrofloxacin, bisphenol A, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, with values of 45.20 mg g−1, 49.82 mg g−1, 49.90 mg g−1, 49.88 mg g−1, and 49.65 mg g−1, respectively. The proposed mechanism for the adsorption of enrofloxacin by the biochar primarily involves physical adsorption such as pore filling and electrostatic interactions, along with chemical adsorption facilitated by graphitic nitrogen. [Display omitted] • Amino acid-based IL with high water content removed the hemicellulose and minerals. • The specific surface area was four times of that of biochar without pretreatment. • More nitrogen was retained in the biochar and provided adsorption sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several countries have imposed either a ban or a tax on single-use plastic packaging, motivated by their contribution to marine plastic pollution. This may lead consumers to opt for similar unregulated substitutes, potentially undermining or even counteracting the intended effect of the policy instrument. The purpose of this study is to theoretically and empirically compare the environmental and welfare effects of the first-best Pigouvian taxes on both plastic bags and a substitute (paper bags), with two alternative second-best policy instruments: a tax on plastic products alone, and a common uniform tax on all packaging materials. The empirical analysis accounts for two different types of environmental externalities from the use of both bag types: marine pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also compares results for two countries, Denmark and the USA, which differ in the demand for plastic and paper bags. The theoretical analysis shows that a unilateral tax on plastic bags should equal the marginal environmental damage of plastic bags minus a fraction of the marginal environmental cost of paper bags, hence being lower than the Pigouvian tax. The optimal common tax should equal a weighted average of the marginal environmental damage of the two bag types and would be lower than the Pigouvian tax on plastics if the marginal external cost of plastic bags exceeds that for paper bags. The empirical analysis shows that for default parameters, the variation in tax level across the studied scenarios is small. It also shows that if Pigouvian taxes cannot be implemented, a common uniform tax on both bag types would result in a higher welfare gain than a tax on plastic bags alone. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the level of the second-best taxes and their associated environmental and welfare impacts are sensitive to assumptions regarding the littering rate and decay rate of plastic bags in the marine environment. • A separate tax on plastic bags leads to substitution towards unregulated products. • Both plastic bags and substitutes cause marine pollution and GHG emissions. • We estimate first and second-best environmental taxes on plastic and paper bags. • Pigouvian taxes on both plastic and paper bags yield the highest welfare effect. • A uniform tax on all bags yields higher welfare than a single tax on plastic bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of cities in developing countries has led to many environmental problems, and the mechanism of urban expansion (UE), as a more complex human-land coupled system, has always been a difficult issue to research. This paper introduces a new approach by establishing an analytical framework for spatiotemporal pattern mining, exemplified by studying the urban growth of Changsha City from 1990 to 2019. Initially, an emerging hotspot analysis model (EHA) is employed to examine the spatiotemporal changes of urban growth on a macro scale. Mathematical models are subsequently utilized to quantify the correlations between urban expansion and selected infrastructural and topographical factors. Building on these findings, the paper constructs mathematical models to further quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of various urban sprawl patterns across different regions, aiming to elucidate and quantify the significant variations in UE over time and space. The study reveals that, as an emerging city, Changsha's hotspots of urban expansion prior to 2003 were primarily concentrated in the city centre, subsequently spreading to the periphery. The radial influence of metro stations on UE is notably less than that of railway stations—approximately 3 km versus 8 km—and the impact diminishes rapidly before gradually tapering off. Moreover, UE in Changsha predominantly occurs on slopes with gradients ranging from 1.1° to 7.5°, and significant development capacity is observed at elevations between 36.1 m and 78.3 m above sea level, with a tendency for urban sprawl to migrate to lower elevations. The paper also identifies three distinct patterns of urban expansion across different regions: an initial slow-growth phase, followed by a rapid escalation to a peak, and subsequently a swift decline to near stagnation. Additionally, it highlights a significant correlation between the proportion of built-up areas at the micro-regional scale and the stages of UE. This correlation was quantitatively analysed by constructing a logistic function, which demonstrated a robust fit that effectively captures spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the dynamics of UE. These insights enhance the selection of drivers in urban simulation models and deepen the understanding of the complex dynamics that influence urban development. • New applications of spatiotemporal pattern mining and emerging hotspot analysis in urban expansion. • Exploring the impact of key infrastructure and topographical factors on urban expansion. • Focusing on revealing and quantifying the different inherent expansion mechanisms within various micro scales of cities. • The saturation of built-up areas in local regions correlates with the stages of urban expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of digital finance provides new opportunities for improving energy efficiency and promoting green development. This paper calculates green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) using the super-efficiency SBM model and examines the impact of digital finance on GTFEE. Digital finance has a significant positive impact on GTFEE. Under a bank-dominated financial structure, the positive impact of digital finance on GTFEE is quite significant. In regions with intense banking competition, a large amount of green credit, and lower resource dependence, digital finance is conducive to enhancing GTFEE. Optimizing the allocation efficiency of production factors is an essential mechanism for digital finance to encourage improvements in GTFEE. Digital finance alleviates distortions in factor markets and enhances the matching of the marginal output and the price of capital, labor, and energy factors, thereby facilitating improvements in GTFEE. Further analysis indicates that digital finance has a significant, positive spatial spillover effect on GTFEE, enhancing GTFEE levels in both local and neighboring regions. This study enriches the research on the relationship between digital finance and energy efficiency and provides theoretical foundations and policy references for how digital finance can better serve the green transition of the economy. • This paper analyzes the impact of digital finance on green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE). • Digital finance alleviates distortions in factor markets, thereby promoting GTFEE. • Digital finance's impact on GTFEE depends on financial structure, banking competition, green credit and resource dependence. • Digital finance has a significant positive spatial spillover effect on GTFEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike most previous studies considering the yields on green bonds versus conventional bonds or the hedging ability of green bonds against downside market risk, the main purpose of this paper is to paper examine the short-term response of green and conventional bonds to the Russia-Ukraine conflict shock and the US Federal monetary policy tightening. Using daily data from August 3, 2021 to March 29, 2022, this paper conducts an event-based study (Cumulative Abnormal Returns, CAR) and then applies a hedging analysis in the context of increasing geopolitical risk and financial stress. The analysis reveals that green bonds exhibit a stronger reaction to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the US Federal rate hike than conventional, municipal, and treasury bonds in different time frames. Compared to conventional, municipal, and treasury bonds, green bonds offer lower negative CAR responses during the event window and the [-5, +5] period, suggesting a rigidity feature. The dynamic correlation and hedging analysis indicate that green bonds, unlike the other bonds indices, have a negative dynamic correlation with both geopolitical risks and financial stress, implying a hedging ability around the conflict shock and the Federal tightening cycle. These findings enrich the existing literature on green bonds, offering a wide range of applications for investment managers and policymakers. • Use event-study, conditional correlation analysis, and hedging analysis. • Green bonds react more to Russia-Ukraine conflict and rate hikes than conventional bonds. • Green bonds offer lower negative CAR responses than conventional bonds. • Geopolitical risk and financial stress are negatively related to green bonds. • Green bonds hedge geopolitical risks and financial stress during the event days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submerged plants play a significant role in the remediation and purification of polluted water bodies. Reconstruction of submerged plants has been considered as an important ecological method to restore aquatic ecosystems. However, large-scale and efficient plantation of submerged plants in water restoration is a huge challenge. This paper proposes a novel mechanized planting method for submerged plants utilizing nutrition pots as planting units. Firstly, the details of the mechanized planting method were introduced. The mechanized planting method involves pre-planting the reproductive bodies of submerged plants in degradable nutrition pots, and then implanting them into the underwater soil through a planting device. Secondly, the interaction force between the nutrition pot and the soil was measured. It was found that the implantation force of nutrition pots increases with planting velocity. The planting force shows a significant increase trend when the water content in the soil decreases. Thirdly, the deformation of the nutrition pot was studied through simulations. It was discovered that the deformation of the nutrition pot mainly occurs at the bottom and the side walls near the bottom, and the limited deformation ensures the integrity of the nutrition pot. Finally, a planting device with a linear motion mechanism was designed, and a typical submerged plant, Vallisneria natans was tested, using agricultural paper seedling containers as the nutrition pots. It was demonstrated that the mechanized device successfully planted submerged plant nutrition pots into the soil, and the submerged plants survived and showed a clear growth trend. The mechanized planting method of submerged plants proposed in this article is expected to provide a new and friendly technology for ecological restoration of water source. [Display omitted] • A mechanized planting method for submerged plants in water ecological restoration is reported. • The interaction force between the nutrition pot and the soil was measured using force sensors. • A planting device was designed for the high-efficiency planting of submerged plants. • The planting method is expected to offer a technology for large-scale water ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the environment. Military actions have caused the release of hazardous substances into the environment, such as pollutants and toxic chemicals, that have contaminated the water, soil, and air, posing a threat to both human health and the environment. This has resulted in widespread destruction and contamination of natural habitats and resources and has disrupted wildlife populations and ecosystems. The impacts of military activity on the soils of protected areas are particularly critical, as they are the basis of biotic and landscape diversity and require special management and scientifically based monitoring measures even in peaceful conditions. In this context, this communication paper aims to provide an overview of the impacts of the war on the soils in four Ukrainian protected areas, namely Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve; Desniansko-Starohutskyi National Nature Park; Holosiivskyi National Nature Park, and Hetmanskyi National Nature Park. To address these aspects, this paper combined GIS analysis and secondary data including soil samples obtained during field expeditions, to provide evidence of how ground battles, occupation, terrestrial land mines, and explosions can severely impact the soils. Practical and theoretical implications of the military actions are also discussed. [Display omitted] • The research combined GIS analysis and secondary data including soil samples to provide evidence of war impacts in Ukraine. • This study discovered and discribed military actions that endangered environment of four protected areas in Ukraine. • On-site assessment of territories provided evidence of the destruction of soil horizons and alteration of their properties. • The soil sample analyses found that the protected areas are contaminated with hazard elements (I-III classes). • This study explored the interconnections of war and environmental degradation, and suggested mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge management is crucial for water utilities to move towards a circular valorisation of resources. The current literature focuses mainly on the technological aspects of sludge management strategies. However, the current discussion of these strategies does not consider possible pressures arising from the utilities' civil society stakeholders and from policymakers. To fill this gap, this paper develops a conceptual framework, based on the current literature, that identifies the utility's key decisions on sludge management strategies (valorisation route, overperformance and vertical integration), and links them to possible pressures arising from civil society and existing regulations. Subsequently, the study validates the framework through a multiple explanatory case study, investigating the empirical relevance of such pressures in six water utilities across Europe. The influence of citizens and municipalities is found to be crucial in the choice of sludge valorisation routes. Economic instruments, command and control instruments and, new to the literature, regulatory uncertainty are found to be key policy features influencing utilities' decisions on sludge management. The paper provides a first-of-its-kind investigation that highlights the mechanisms through which policymakers and civil society stakeholders shape utilities' sewage sludge management strategies. The results complement and extend existing theoretical knowledge on the role of institutional pressures in the implementation of sustainable environmental systems. • Stakeholders' influences on utilities' sludge management choices are conceptualised. • Policymakers and civil society influence utilities' sludge management choices. • Incentives, obligations, regulatory uncertainty shape sludge management choices. • Citizens and municipalities drive utilities' sludge management choices. • Utilities' characteristics moderate the impact of institutional influences on their choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the need to understand the structure of sustainability change in the face of the unpredictability of modern civilization. The aim of the paper is to examine the structure of sustainability change in relation to smaller spatial units such as the regions of the European Union and to compare these results with those achieved at the country level. For this purpose, the sustainable development indicators available in the Eurostat database were analyzed. Studies published to date have tended to focus on the performance of national economies or selected regions. In this article, the available data on regions are also analyzed. The study aims to compare the level of sustainable development achieved at the level of EU countries and regions located within them. Methodologically, the study uses advanced methods of comparative analysis, and the synthesis of the data enables the construction of a synthetic measure using taxonomic methods, facilitating the classification of EU countries and regions into clusters. The results highlight significant divergences in sustainability achievements between EU countries and regions. The study reveals the importance of studying sustainable development in smaller geographical cross-sections. The results highlight the need to expand access to data at the regional level (sustainability indicators) to facilitate more comprehensive analyses and inform targeted policy interventions. Looking to the future, the study recommends further research into the inter-linkages between sustainability and other critical areas in EU regions, such as innovation and competitiveness. • A new approach to studying sustainable development from a regional perspective has been proposed. • An in-depth analysis of the current level of sustainability in EU regions was carried out. • The diversity of sustainable development in the countries of the EU has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of China's efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development, the solid waste treatment industry's environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance is receiving significant attention. To comprehensively assess the ESG performance of the solid waste treatment industry and identify company types, this study constructs a targeted ESG evaluation index system based on existing literature, SASB industry standards, and company reports and utilizes a random forest approach combined with K-means clustering to determine indicator weights. Based on this index system, the paper evaluates the ESG performance of 71 solid waste disposal companies (SWDCs) from 2013 to 2021 and identifies their ESG types from static and dynamic perspectives. In the static view, company types are determined based on annual ESG performance, while the dynamic view considers time-series changes to observe the evolution of company ESG types. The results show that the overall ESG performance of SWDCs falls within the 2-8-point range, indicating a noticeable high-low imbalance. Key initiatives to improve ESG performance in this industry include enhancing waste management measures, developing emergency plans, and reinforcing ESG disclosure. From a static perspective, this paper can identify companies into three categories: delayed development, single-wheel-driven, and coordinated development. Finally, from a dynamic perspective considering the time factor, companies are further subdivided into five types: continual leading, growth catch-up, slow progress, fluctuating change, and retrogressive inertia. This study not only provides targeted recommendations for different types of ESG companies but also helps various sectors of society better understand the ESG conditions of this high environmental risk industry, thereby enhancing the regulation and support for its sustainable development. [Display omitted] • ESG evaluation index system for solid waste disposal companies is proposed. • A random forest method based on k-means clustering is used to construct the index. • Comparing E, S, and G scores with industry averages to identify static ESG types. • Analyzing trends in annual static ESG types to identify dynamic ESG types. • Identify companies as three static ESG types and five dynamic ESG types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic coordination between urbanization and carbon emission efficiency (CEE) is vital for promoting low-carbon urbanization and sustainable urban planning. In order to assess the coupled coordination degree (CCD) of urbanization and CEE and investigate the factors influencing the CCD, this research employs the Super slacks-based measure (SBM) model, the coupled coordination degree model (CCDM), and the Tobit model. Four key findings emerge from the analysis of the temporal and spatial evolution traits of the CCD based on data from 106 nations worldwide between 2005 and 2020. (1) The global CEE shows a significant downward trend, and the spatial disparity is unambiguous. high CEE countries hang in the north and west of Europe, while those in Asia, Africa and the east of Europe have lower CEE. (2) The combined urbanization level and demographic, economic and social urbanization are all on an upward trend. Singapore has the greatest degree of urbanization overall globally. (3) The CCD of urbanization and CEE shows a fluctuating upward trend, with particularly strong changes in 2018–2020. 2017 and 2018 are the years with better global coupling coordination status. During the study period, the CCD results of countries are mostly uncoordinated and low coordination, and the CCD of the United States, China, India and Japan is in the front. (4) The effect of urban electrification rate on the CCD is positive; the effect of foreign trade and net inflow of foreign direct investment is negative; while energy structure and industrial structure have no significant effect. A number of policy proposals are put forth in light of the outcomes of the research to enhance the coordination. • This paper constructs a comprehensive and scientific integrated system of urbanization from the demographic, economic and social aspects. • Using the Super-SBM model, this paper analyzes CEE more comprehensively and systematically from three perspectives: national, developed and developing countries, and regional. • The CCDM is utilized to assess the CCD of urbanization and CEE, and the spatial evolution of the CCD is analyzed, which enriches the research in the field of low-carbon urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decarbonization of the energy sector has been a subject of research and of political discussions for several decades, gaining significant attention in the last years. It is commonly acknowledged that the most obvious way to achieve decarbonization is the use of renewable energy sources. Within the context of the energy sector decarbonization, many mainly industrialized countries recently started developing national plans to establish a hydrogen-based economy in the very near future. The plans for green hydrogen initially try to (a) target sectors that are difficult to decarbonize and (b) address issues related to the storage and transportation of CO 2 -free energy. To achieve almost complete decarbonization, electric power must be generated exclusively from renewable sources. In so-called Power-to-X (PtX) technologies, green hydrogen is generated from electricity and subsequently converted to another energy carrier which can be further stored, transported and used. In PtX, X stands, for example, for liquid hydrogen, methanol or ammonia. The challenges associated with decarbonization include those associated with (a) the expansion of renewable energies (e.g., high capital demand, political and social issues), (b) the production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen and the energy carriers denoted by X in PtX (e.g., high cost and low overall efficiency), and (c) the expected significant increase in the demand for electrical energy. The paper discusses whether and under which conditions the current national and international hydrogen plans of many industrialized countries could lead to a maximization of decarbonization in the world. It concludes that, in general, as long as the conditions for generating large excess amounts of green electricity are not met, the quick establishment of a hydrogen economy could not only be very expensive, but also counterproductive to the worldwide decarbonization efforts. • The paper addresses the decarbonization of the energy sector. • Use of hydrogen in the very near future does not promote decarbonization. • Power-to-X technologies are inefficient and very costly. • Currently we must focus on the expansion of green electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance productivity, aquaculture is intensifying, with high-density fish ponds and increased feed input, contributing to nutrient load and eutrophication. Climate change further exacerbates cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxin production that affect aquatic organisms and consumers. A review was conducted to outline this issue from its inception - eutrophication, cyanobacterial blooms, their harmful metabolites and consequential effects (health and economic) in aquacultures. The strength of evidence regarding the relationship between cyanobacteria/cyanotoxins and potential consequences in freshwater aquacultures (fish production) globally were assessed as well, while identifying knowledge gaps and suggesting future research directions. With that aim several online databases were searched through June 2023 (from 2000), and accessible publications conducted in aquacultures with organisms for human consumption, reflecting cyanotoxin exposure, were selected. Data on cyanobacteria/cyanotoxins in aquacultures and its products worldwide were extracted and analyzed. Selected 63 papers from 22 countries were conducted in Asia (48%), Africa (22%), America (22%) and Europe (8%). Microcystis aeruginosa was most frequent, among over 150 cyanobacterial species. Cyanobacterial metabolites (mostly microcystins) were found in aquaculture water and fish from 18 countries (42 and 33 papers respectively). The most affected were small and shallow fish ponds, and omnivorous or carnivorous fish species. Cyanotoxins were detected in various fish organs, including muscles, with levels exceeding the tolerable daily intake in 60% of the studies. The majority of research was done in developing countries, employing less precise detection methods, making the obtained values estimates. To assess the risk of human exposure, the precise levels of all cyanotoxins, not just microcystins are needed, including monitoring their fate in aquatic food chains and during food processing. Epidemiological research on health consequences, setting guideline values, and continuous monitoring are necessary as well. Further efforts should focus on methods for elimination, prevention, and education. [Display omitted] • 63 publications from 22 countries are reviewed. • The global "south" tropical zones burdened with increased dependence and climatic factors conducive for blooms. • The most affected are small and shallow fish ponds, omnivorous or carnivorous fish. • Cyanotoxin levels exceeding the tolerable daily intake in 60% of the studies. • Impossible to compare values due to imprecision and lack of validated testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined heat and power (CHP) plants fueled by biomass can collect and utilize waste straw resources in a productive way. This paper considers the impact of regional factors on biomass energy potential and the energy needs of the population, so as to study the differences in construction of biomass CHP plants and the collection scope of raw materials, and proposes evaluating suitability for biomass energy development based on scope of resource collection. Taking five counties in China as its study areas, this paper assesses biomass energy potential. A topology system of biomass CHP plants has been reasonably established in different counties through ArcGIS, the required installed capacity has been calculated according to the number of persons served by such plants. Finally, the collection length and corresponding value range of raw materials of CHP plants along roads has been obtained based on biomass energy potential and energy demand. The result shows that the differences in area, straw yield and biomass fuelization rate depending on regions have a great impact on biomass energy potential, while the residue-to-product ratio of straw and biomass calorific value have less of an impact. When the biomass energy per capita of a region reaches 9.75GJ/person, it is suitable for biomass energy development. The installed capacity in the biomass CHP plant system of each study area is mostly within the scope of 3–59 MW, and the collection length of corresponding biomass resources of such plants along roads is mostly within the scope of 5.09–25.23 km. • Assessment of biomass energy potential based on regional biomass differences. • Suitability for biomass energy development based on scope of resource collection. • Strategies for biomass plant system construction in different regions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of carbon neutrality target, renewable energy sources have been transforming from "supplementary energy" to "main energy", which have promoted the green and low-carbon transition of global energy supply system. In-depth analyzing the spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of renewable energy expansion are of significance for optimizing the spatial layout of clean power, and avoiding the phenomenon of wind and solar power curtailment. In this paper, we proposed an ensemble learning model to examine the nonlinear effects of physical geography, resource endowment, and socio-economic factors on solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity at the prefecture-level city scale in China. Using the city-level multi-sources geospatial big data, we extensively collected a total of 175 related explanatory variables and cumulative installed capacity of solar PV power for 295 prefecture-level cities of China. The recursive feature elimination algorithm (SVM-REF) is firstly used to extract the optimal feature subset of urban PV capacity from multi-dimensional features variables. Furthermore, three advanced machine learning models (random forest, decision tree, extreme gradient boosting) are developed to identify the key influencing factors and nonlinear driving effect of urban solar PV power expansion in China. The results show that China's PV installation capacity is highly concentrated in Northern and Northwest parts of China, with the occupancy over 70% in 2019. Moreover, the XGBoost model has the best prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.97) among three methods. We also found that total amount of urban water resources, average solar radiation, and population density are the most important controlling factors for urban solar PV capacity expansion in China, with contribution of 35.6%, 17.7%, and 13.3%, respectively. We suggested that urban solar PV layout mode in China is recommended to gradually shift from resource orientation to the "resource-environment-demand" comprehensive orientation. The paper provides a replicable, scalable machine learning models for simulating solar PV power capacity at the prefecture-level city scale, and serves as a motivation for decision-making reference of the macro siting optimization and sustainable development of China's green power industry. • This study examines the impact of high-dimensional features variables on urban solar energy development. • Over 70% of solar PV installation capacity is concentrated in Northern and Northwest parts of China. • Water resources, solar radiation, population density have significant impact on solar PV distribution. • Solar PV distribution in China should shift from resource orientation to the comprehensive orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employment creation and climate change mitigation are core tasks for achieving sustainable development goals. Whether or not carbon mitigation policy facilitate employment deserves deep exploration. Through the construction of multi-regional dynamic computable general equilibrium model (CGE) with more scientific energy & environment block, this paper first evaluates regional employment effects of the national emission trading scheme (ETS) in China. Furthermore, we explore the Okun's law of the national ETS based on the mediating effect model. The results show that whether in carbon-intensive industries (CIIs) or non-carbon-intensive industries (NCIIs), employment effects of the national ETS are differentiated across regions. Specifically, the national ETS generally promotes CIIs' employment in Southern, Eastern, Middle Yangtze River and Southwest regions, and has negative effects on CIIs' employment in other regions. Meanwhile, the national ETS brings employment creation to NCIIs of Southern region, while there are opposite results in NCIIs of Northeast region and mixed results in NCIIs of other regions. Moreover, the Okun's law of the national ETS holds in CIIs of each region, but it not fits the data for NCIIs. Therefore, it is important for the Chinese government to consider the differentiated employment effects in different regions carefully rather than adopt one-size-fit-all solution when constructing the national carbon market. [Display omitted] • Multi-regional dynamic CGE model is constructed for investigate. • The carbon emission accounting method in this paper is more scientific. • This paper focuses on employment effects of the national ETS at regional level. • Almost all regions would unavoidably witness more or less employment losses. • The Okun's law of the national ETS does not always hold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cope with global climate risks, promoting energy transformation has become a global consensus. China issued a reform policy in 2010 to promote the convergence of the three major information industries, namely broadcasting and television networks, telecommunications networks and the Internet (TPR policy). However, is the convergence of information industries able to promote energy transition? This study constructs a quasi-natural experimental framework using China's TPR policy as a representative case of industrial convergence. Using city-level panel data between 2003 and 2016 in China and a multi-period difference-in-differences model, this study examines the impact of TPR policy on energy transition. The results show that TPR policy positively contributes to energy transition at a 1% significance level. Extensive robustness tests support this finding. This positive effect is particularly evident in regions with less developed communications infrastructure and stricter environmental regulations. Mechanism analysis suggests that TPR policy promotes energy transition by improving the level of information networks, promoting technological innovation, and optimizing industrial structure. The findings of this paper emphasize the importance of information industry convergence in facilitating energy transformation. • This paper examines the impact of TPR on energy transition by using a DID model. • TPR promotes energy transition at a 1% significance level. • TPR's effect shows heterogeneity in the level of communication and regulations. • Information level, innovation and industrial upgrading play a key role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cement industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, underscoring the urgent need for measures to transition it toward a net-zero carbon footprint. This paper presents a detailed plan to this end, examining the current state of the cement sector, its carbon output, and the imperative for emission reduction. It delves into various low-CO 2 technologies and emerging innovations such as alkali-activated cements, calcium looping, electrification, and bio-inspired materials. Economic and policy factors, including cost assessments and governmental regulations, are considered alongside challenges and potential solutions. Concluding with future prospects, the paper offers recommendations for policymakers, industry players, and researchers, highlighting the roadmap's critical role in achieving a carbon-neutral cement sector. • Cement industry faces urgent need for net-zero transition due to high carbon emissions. • Roadmap spans phases: foundation, acceleration, net-zero, targeting emissions by 2050. • Innovations like alkali-activated cements offer promise for emission reduction. • Collective action and policy crucial for sustainable transformation of cement sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the strategies employed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embed digital technology into their business models, aiming to reach carbon neutrality. We offer a comprehensive analysis of five high technology SMEs, unveiling an evolutionary process model that highlights their journey toward integrating technology. The integration process is delineated into three progressive stages. Initially, digital technology is seen as an 'enabler' that promotes the birth of an innovative business model, essentially transforming the mechanisms of value creation, delivery, and capture. As SMEs evolve to an intermediate stage, digital technology becomes a 'disruptor', reshaping and reinventing the business model in terms of how value is created, delivered, and captured. Entering the maturity stage, digital technology is elevated to the role of 'expertise', leading to a sophisticated business model that refines and optimizes these aspects of value. The influence of these business model innovations on carbon neutrality is complex and varies distinctly with each stage, reflecting the dynamic interplay between digital technology and business model evolution. • This study explores the unique strategies SMEs implement to weave DT into their business model innovation (BMI) with an aim to achieve carbon neutrality. • The paper presents an evolutionary process model that sheds light on this integration journey, using an in-depth analysis of five high-tech SMEs. • The paper elaborates the relationship between DT and BMI, delving into the integration of DTs and the roles they perform - as enablers, disruptors, and areas of expertise. • The paper provides insights for businesses seeking to leverage digital technologies to drive innovation and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has carried out a systematic review of 36 scientific papers (reporting 63 case studies) published in the last 15 years about the treatment of industrial, agri-food and municipal wastewater in lagoons. A concentration of studies from a few countries (Italy, Algeria and Iran) and about municipal wastewater (70% of papers) was revealed by the bibliographic analysis. Aeration was supplied in more than 50% of case studies; the storage capacity of lagoons (adopted as a measure of size) was extremely variable (over seven orders of magnitude), while their depth was generally lower than a few metres. The efficiency of lagoon treatments at removing COD was in a wide range (25–98%). Very few studies analysed the energy intensity of treatments in lagoons. The meta-analysis applied to a further selection of 10 papers with 29 case studies revealed significant differences in pH and dissolved oxygen concentration, due to aeration or type of treated wastewater. Treatment efficiency was higher in aerated lagoons compared to non-aerated systems, and did not depend on the type of treated wastewater. Based on the analysis of the reviewed papers, an urgent research need on this topic arises, mainly due to the oldness of most analysed studies. Practical suggestions are given to optimise the depuration performances of lagoons: (i) application of intermittent and night aeration; (ii) reduced air flow rates; (iii) adaptation of microbial biomass to high contents of inhibiting compounds in wastewater; (iv) construction of baffles to keep the planned hydraulic retention time avoiding short-circuit; (v) integration of lagoons with other treatments (e.g., constructed wetlands); (vi) ferti-irrigation of crops with lagoon effluents rather than disposal into water bodies. • A systematic review of 36 scientific papers (reporting 63 case studies) is presented. • The efficiency of lagoons at removing organic compounds was in a wide range (25–98%). • Treatment efficiency was higher in aerated lagoons compared to non-aerated systems. • This efficiency did not depend on the type of treated wastewater. • Practical suggestions are given to optimise the depuration performances of lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogeological effects of climate change will continue to affect water reservoirs worldwide. Some regions are experiencing and will experience severe decline in their water resources due to prolonged periods of drought. Since emergency practices such as the provision of emergency drinking water and forest firefighting depend on regional surface and groundwater resources, the safety of the hydro geosphere's of a region is of fundamental importance, especially in times of crisis. The study uniquely addresses the integration of emergency water management within broader sustainable practices, particularly in the German context where such an analysis has not been previously consolidated. Using the example of emergency drinking water management, the paper elaborates the extent to which measures of emergency response are currently recognised as part of sustainable water management. In an analysis, 79 documents addressing emergency drinking water management of both water supply companies and crisis management authorities in Germany were analysed. The findings revealed a general lack of documents addressing the long-term dependencies between water resources and emergency measures currently applied. Furthermore, the documents do not elaborate on how to implement these measures in a sustainable way recognising the distinctive characteristics of a region. Since response measures can potentially intensify water stress in a region, emergency water management must be consequently included in a holistic water management process to protect landscapes and communities for the future. This paper provides a first comprehensive compilation of essential documents dealing with emergency drinking water management in Germany. It furthermore introduces a new approach to emergency water management and identifies necessary research that could serve as a baseline for future crisis decision making to strengthen national and international initiatives on water resource protection. • Holistic water management must include water intense measures of emergency response. • Procedures of crisis management can intensify processes of regional water depletion. • Performance of emergency response can decline in times of long-term dryness. • The management of water emergencies requires adaptation to regional hydrogeography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global low-carbon emission reduction, how to achieve green and high-quality development has become a major issue for the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government recently. Based on the data of China's listed companies from 2013 to 2020, this paper uses Python to implement text analysis of annual reports, and explores the relationship between political acuity and carbon-efficiency synergies (CES) from the perspective of enterprise initiative. We found that (1) political acuity positively affects carbon-efficiency synergies. (2) Increased political acuity can reduce carbon emissions, but the effect on economic efficiency is not obvious. That is, low carbon takes the lead in raising the level of carbon-efficiency synergies. (3) Environmental regulations can positively regulate the relationship between political acuity and carbon-efficiency synergies. (4) Political acuity in southern China, carbon neutral and non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs) will have a more pronounced effect on carbon-efficiency synergies. From the perspective of the root causes of political linkages, we find the synergies between formal and informal institutions, and the key factors for policy implementation. This paper is helpful for enterprises to improve the synergies of emission reduction and efficiency promotion, and has practical implications for the government to promote green and high-quality development. • Assess the value of the low-carbon economy from its political roots. • We build a carbon-efficiency synergy evaluation system. • Political acuity and formal institutions are synergistic. • The influence of political acuity on CES can be replicated. • This paper expands the technical approach to low-carbon research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a burgeoning literature in the sphere of cryptocurrencies and green assets, yet, as of date, the literature fares poorly in terms of a holistic assessment of all asset classes, let alone stress testing such global portfolio risk under various market conditions. Our paper fulfills such a gap in the literature. Findings reveal that, irrespective of bearish or bullish market phases, green assets should be incorporated to mute down portfolio tail risk. Robustness tests performed either via different distribution type or CVaR analysis do not materially alter the main findings of our paper. The confluence of two forces substantially boosts tail risk, namely, passive investment strategy coupled with a crypto-augmented base model. Overall, our paper advocates the inclusion of green assets not as a choice but as an obligation to portfolio managers in view of curtailing both VaR and CVaR risk levels, all geared towards hitting two birds with one stone-simultaneously buttressing a greener world while effectively mitigating global portfolio tail risk. • This paper stress tests a global portfolio comprising of various asset classes under different market conditions. • Findings demonstrate that, irrespective of bearish or bullish market phases, green assets should be incorporated to mute down portfolio tail risk. • Passive investment strategy coupled with a crypto-augmented base model trigger higher tail risks. • Results advocate the inclusion of green assets by portfolio managers not as a choice but as an obligation to mitigate VaR and CVaR risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital economy (DIE), a new economic form with digitalization at its core, has become an important driving force for promoting regional economy development. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the impact path of the DIE on carbon emission efficiency (CEE) is conducive to giving full play to the "carbon-reduction-and-efficiency-enhancement" role of the DIE, and to promoting the realization the "dual carbon" goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. In this paper, the Yellow River Basin (YRB) and the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) are taken as study areas, the panel Tobit model is used to explore the impact of the DIE on CEE, and the intermediary-effect model and threshold-effect model are constructed to test the intermediary and threshold effects of technological innovation, respectively. The results show that the DIE has a U-shaped nonlinear impact on CEE in both the YRB and the YREB and that the impact has regional heterogeneity. Technological innovation can play a mediating effect between the DIE and CEE, whereas the mediating effect in the YRB is stronger than that in the YREB. Technological innovation has a threshold effect on the DIE to improve CEE, while the threshold value in the YREB is higher than that in the YRB. Furthermore, this paper proposes some suggestions to guide regional low-carbon and sustainable development. Impact path of digital economy (DIE) on carbon emission efficiency (CEE) in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) and Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). [Display omitted] • The Super-SBM model is used to evaluate the urban carbon emission efficiency (CEE), and the entropy weight method is used to evaluate the development level of urban digital economy (DIE). • The DIE has a U-shaped nonlinear impact on CEE in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) and the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). • The intermediary model and threshold model are used to test the intermediary effect and threshold effect of technological innovation between DIE and CEE. • Technological innovation can play a mediating effect between DIE and CEE, whereas the mediating effect in the YRB is stronger than that in the YREB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The booming electric vehicle market has led to an increasing number of end-of-life power batteries. In order to reduce environmental pollution and promote the realization of circular economy, how to fully and effectively recycle the end-of-life power batteries has become an urgent challenge to be solved today. The recycling & remanufacturing center is an extremely important and key facility in the recycling process of used batteries, which ensures that the recycled batteries can be handled in a standardized manner under the conditions of professional facilities. In reality, different adjustment options for existing recycling & remanufacturing centers have a huge impact on the planning of new sites. This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming model for the siting problem of battery recycling & remanufacturing centers considering site location-adjustment. The model allows for demolition, renewal, and new construction options in planning for recycling & remanufacturing centers. By adjusting existing sites, this paper provides an efficient allocation of resources under the condition of meeting the demand for recycling of used batteries. Next, under the new model proposed in this paper, the uncertainty of the quantity and capacity of recycled used batteries is considered. By establishing different capacity conditions of batteries under multiple scenarios, a robust model was developed to determine the number and location of recycling & remanufacturing centers, which promotes sustainable development, reduces environmental pollution and effectively copes with the risk of the future quantity of used batteries exceeding expectations. In the final results of the case analysis, our proposed model considering the existing sites adjustment reduces the cost by 3.14% compared to the traditional model, and the average site utilization rate is 15.38% higher than the traditional model. The results show that the model has an effective effect in reducing costs, allocating resources, and improving efficiency, which could provide important support for decision-making in the recycling of used power batteries. • Adjustments to existing sites were considered. • Interrelationships between old and new sites were considered. • Resources are efficiently allocated in the process of recycling batteries. • Uncertainty in the capacity and number of batteries is considered. • A robust optimization model is established to deal with quantity uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agri-environmental programs (AEPs), which pay farmers to adopt conservation practices, are increasingly important environmental and agricultural policy tools used in both the US and the EU. Despite large budgetary shares allocated in a 20-year application window, several studies identify lower-than-expected environmental outcomes. In the US, reasons for low environmental outcomes include low participation rates, lack of program awareness, and poor targeting levels. Research has identified low levels of awareness and variation in participation across the US in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the largest working lands program in the US. Using a survey of Western US farmers, this paper provides an analysis of awareness and participation levels in cover crop AEPs in the Western US. Second, this paper analyzes motivations and barriers to participation in cover crop AEPs through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Third, the paper uses a survey experiment to examine different types of incentives. The results highlight that participation is low due to lack of awareness and policy barriers. Using a logistic regression, predictors of AEP participation include frequent contact with NRCS, having a succession plan, and a positive attitude toward governments' role in conservation programs. The survey experiment found that non-financial factors, such as more information on cover crops, is an effective policy incentive. • Targeted outreach is needed as 61% were unaware; 57% who knew did not participate. • Policy barriers—inflexibility, paperwork, and wait times—hinder participation. • Study proposes a Natural Resource Conservation Service app for administrative ease. • Succession plan, NRCS contact, and positive attitude of government predict participation. • More information on cover crops is an effective policy tool for western farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household food waste is increasingly recognised as a global wicked problem for its greenhouse gas emissions, economic damage, and resource loss. Although targeted in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, countries can only respond according to their capacity. For Australia, national policy has put the pressure on states and territories to divert food waste away from landfill into a nascent circular economy. For councils, this increasingly means implementing a FOGO (Food Organics/Garden Organics) kerbside collection. Despite funding and infrastructure development, many are resisting. Framed by the tenets of policy diffusion, this paper presents the results of a nationwide exploratory survey aimed at identifying how and why council-based waste services staff resist, emulate or lead FOGO implementation. By assessing participants current kerbside systems and their attitudes towards household food waste management, the survey found costs, contamination, and capacity and were key concerns. However, responses to these varied considerably despite similarities of situation, often relating more to collaborative attitudes across waste services, council, and councillors. This paper recognises that a conducive environment for change is urgently needed for Australia to achieve organics diversion targets and shift household food towards a circular economy. It provides a starting point for further research into the complex and nuanced dynamics between council waste services and FOGO implementations, from external drivers and council paradigms to individual attitudes and perceptions. • Policy push alone is not enough to achieve Australia's food waste diversion targets. • Achieving uncontaminated household food waste requires strong national legislation and policy. • Regional collaborations between councils are beneficial yet under-used. • Inter-council emulation enhances infectious inaction where policy and support is lacking. • National food waste awareness-raising reduces community confusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is a promising metal-free photocatalyst; however, its high carrier recombination rate and insufficient redox capacity limit its degradation effect on antibiotics. In order to overcome these shortcomings, the photocatalytic activity is improved by regulating the spin polarization state, constructing the internal electric field, and applying the external piezoelectric field. In this paper, the chlorine-doped and nitrogen-deficient porous carbon nitride composite carbon quantum dots (N v -Cl/UPCN@CQD) has been synthesized successfully. The doping position of chlorine and spin polarization properties are verified by DFT calculation. The key intermediates *O 2 − and *OOH for the synthesis of reactive oxygen species were detected by in-situ infrared testing, which promotes the production of •O 2 − and H 2 O 2. The degradation rate constant of N v -Cl/UPCN@CQD for removal of tetracycline is 8.45 times higher than that of g-C 3 N 4. The active oxygen production and degradation efficiency of piezoelectric photocatalysis under the synergistic effect of intense stirring and vis-light irradiation are much higher than those of photocatalysis and piezoelectric catalysis, and the conversion of H 2 O 2 to •OH is promoted by piezoelectric field. This paper provides a reliable way to improve the performance of piezoelectric photocatalysts by adjusting their energy band, electronic structure and piezoelectric force. • A metal-free piezoelectric photocatalyst was constructed to realize electron transfer efficiently under the control of electric field and internal magnetic field. • The electron spin polarization caused by element doping and defect can effectively inhibit carrier recombination, and the locations of doping and defect are verified by experiments and calculations. • The effect of piezoelectric field on the production of reactive oxygen species was described, and a reasonable conversion method of ROS was proposed based on in-situ testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-permeable membrane-covered high-temperature aerobic composting (SMHC) is a suitable technology for the safe treatment and disposal of organic solid waste as well as for improving the quality of the final compost. This paper presents a comprehensive summary of the impact of semi-permeable membranes centered on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) on compost physicochemical properties, carbon and nitrogen transformations, greenhouse gas emission reduction, microbial community succession, antibiotic removal, and antibiotic resistance genes migration. It is worth noting that the semi-permeable membrane can form a micro-positive pressure environment under the membrane, promote the uniform distribution of air in the heap, reduce the proportion of anaerobic area in the heap, improve the decomposition rate of organic matter, accelerate the decomposition of compost and improve the quality of compost. In addition, this paper presents several recommendations for future research areas in the SMHC. This investigation aims to guide for implementation of semi-permeable membranes in high-temperature aerobic fermentation processes by systematically compiling the latest research progress on SMHC. • Systematic understanding regarding the role of semi-permeable membranes. • The potential of the semi-permeable membrane in the composting process. • Provide guidance on the use of semi-permeable membranes in future composting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of cement-based solidification and immobilisation of nuclear waste. It covers various aspects including mechanisms, formulations, testing and regulatory considerations. The paper begins by emphasizing the importance of nuclear waste management and the associated challenges. It explores the mechanisms and principles in cement-based solidification, with a particular focus on the interaction between cement and nuclear waste components. Different formulation considerations are discussed, encompassing factors such as cement types, the role of additives and modifiers. The review paper also examines testing and characterisation methods used to assess the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of solidified waste forms. Then the paper addresses the regulatory considerations and compliance requirements for cement-based solidification. The paper concludes by critically elaborating on the current challenges, emerging trends and future research needs in the field. Overall, this review paper offers a comprehensive overview of cement-based solidification, providing valuable insights for researchers, practitioners and regulatory bodies involved in nuclear waste management. • Thoroughly explores cement-based nuclear waste solidification, covering mechanisms, formulations, testing, and regulations. • Highlights the critical role of nuclear waste management, acknowledging associated challenges. • Delves into intricate mechanisms governing cement-solidified waste, offering a detailed understanding. • Examines additives, modifiers, and cement types, providing nuanced insights into solidification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean basin is one of the most vulnerable regions worldwide due to its population density, the concentration of economic activities along the coasts and borderline climatic balance. It is identified as one of the most critical erosion hotspots in Europe, mainly due to the degradation of coastal areas, overexploitation and unsustainable practices affecting beach tourism, agriculture and fishing. The region is also affected by other phenomena such as storms and floods, which are exacerbated by climate change. To mitigate and adapt to these environmental and climatic changes, Nature based Solutions (NbSs) are considered a promising step-forward. However, despite their global recognition in both research and policy, few scientific papers and documents on the state of NbSs implementation for coastal risk management in the Mediterranean exist. This paper aims to provide an understanding of the status of NbS adoption for coastal risk management in the Mediterranean through a literature review. Out of 162 scientific papers and documents, only 23 were found to be relevant to the study. Through the definition and support of an innovative matrix-based approach, the analysis of the state of adoption of NbSs have been performed. Despite the limited information on the state of the adoption of NbSs for coastal risk management in the Mediterranean due to the low numbers of scientific research and documents available, some key considerations have been revealed. • The Mediterranean basin is the most critical erosion hotspots in Europe. • NbSs are recognized a promising step-forward in coastal risk management. • Novel framework for the analysis of past and present NbS implementation. • Few studies report the adoption of NbSs for Mediterranean coastal risk management. • NbS for coastal risk management in the Mediterranean is still in an experimental phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Criticism is mounting that market-led and state-led initiatives for environmental impact disclosure are too limited in scope and that they rest on too strong assumptions about the quality and impartiality of monitoring and enforcement, with resulting insufficient effect on environmental sustainability. It has been proposed that citizen monitoring may contribute to counteract this void. However, to our knowledge, policy analysis in general and economics in particular has not paid much attention to this role of citizen monitoring. This paper aims to bridge that gap from an economics lens, by exploring the dynamics of disclosing local environmental impact and the potential role of citizen monitoring in environmental policy. To this end, the paper addresses monopolistic versus pluralistic environmental disclosure, letting citizen monitoring represent the latter. The study uses the mining industry as an illustrative case, because of that sector's particular transparency challenges in international value chains, typically with strong negative local environmental impact. It is shown how pluralistic information provision such as citizen monitoring can contribute to incentivizing more reliable information provision, especially in countries with weak state institutions, which is particularly important in the case of high-risk environmental impact. The findings should be of use for shaping environmental policy, providing valuable insights for both policymakers and scholars. • Contrasting monopolistic information provision with citizen monitoring. • Applying a media market model to environmental disclosure. • Examining citizen monitoring as a complementary approach: a case study of the mining industry. • The critical role of citizen monitoring in environments with high-risk pollution and weak state institutions. • Extracting insights for improved environmental disclosure in commodity chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovation is important and beneficial for the green development of enterprises. The development of digital technology could improve the asymmetry of information and affect the enterprise's financing modes. Currently, a definitive conclusion about the relationship between the digital transformation and green technology innovation has not reached. Additionally, studies have not yet fully explored the impact pathways of corporate digital transformation on green innovation through corporate financing modes. To fill this void, this study collected data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2020. The empirical analysis results showed that digital transformation significantly enhanced enterprises' green innovation abilities. Furthermore, mediating models were utilized to explore how enterprise financing modes mediate the impact of digital transformation on the enterprise green innovation. Results indicated that through internal financing and bank loans as "bridges", digital transformation promoted enterprise green innovation. However, digital transformation did not have a significant impact on enterprise green innovation through venture capital. Moreover, heterogeneity analyses revealed significant differences among different groups of enterprises. This study expands the research field related to digital transformation and enterprise green innovation by providing empirical evidence to uncover the impact of digital transformation on enterprise green innovation. Findings of this study contribute not only to enterprise managerial decision-makers to better leverage digital transformation through corporate financing to accelerate green innovation, but also to government policymakers to design policies to stimulate enterprise green innovation. • Firstly, our paper empirically examines and validates the impact of digital transformation on enterprise green innovation again by using empirical data of biggest development counties, i.e., China. • Secondly, our paper combines enterprise digital transformation, financing modes, and green innovation within the same framework to study the "bridge" role of financing modes between digital transformation and enterprise green innovation. • Thirdly, Thirdly, heterogeneity analyses were carried out, the results of the different enterprises groups are significant different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change affects human activities, including tourism across various sectors and time frames. The winter tourism industry, dependent on low temperatures, faces significant impacts. This paper reviews the implications of climate change on winter tourism, emphasising challenges for activities like skiing and snowboarding, which rely on consistent snowfall and low temperatures. As the climate changes, these once taken-for-granted conditions are no longer as commonplace. Through a comprehensive review supported by up-to-date satellite imagery, this paper presents evidence suggesting that the reliability of winter snow is decreasing, with findings revealing a progressive reduction in snow levels associated with temperature and precipitation changes in some regions. The analysis underscores the need for concerted efforts by stakeholders who must recognize the reality of diminishing snow availability and work towards understanding the specific changes in snow patterns. This should involve multi-risk and multi-instrument assessments, including ongoing satellite data monitoring to track snow cover changes. The practical implications for sports activities and the tourism industry reliant on snow involve addressing challenges by diversifying offerings. This includes developing alternative winter tourism activities less dependent on snow, such as winter hiking, nature walks, or cultural experiences. [Display omitted] • Snow coverage in winter is projected to shrink due to climate change. • Low and inconsistent levels of snow will impact the winter tourism industry. • Besides being unsustainable, artificial snowmaking is a short-term solution. • To survive, the winter tourism industry must adapt to the changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) has been regarded as the core of lots of advanced anaerobic reactors. Formation of biogenic Fe products and their incorporation into AGS could influence interspecies electron transfer and methanogenesis performance. In this study, with anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) from different sources (brewery, chemical plant, paper mill, citric acid factory, and food factory) as the research targets, the formation of biogenic iron products in AGS through the biologically induced mineralization process was studied. Furthermore, the influences of physicochemical properties and microbial community on methanogenesis were investigated. Results showed that all the AGS of different sources possessed the capacity to form biogenic Fe products through dissimilatory iron-reduction process, and diverse Fe minerals including magnetite (Fe 3 O 4), hematite (Fe 2 O 3), goethite (FeOOH), siderite (FeCO 3) and wustite (FeO) were incorporated into AGS. The AGS loaded with Fe minerals (Fe-AGS) showed increased conductivity, magnetism and zeta-potential comparing to the control. Those Fe-AGS of different sources demonstrated different methanogenesis performance during the long-term operation (50 days). Methane production was increased for the Fe-AGS of citric acid (6.99–32.50%), food (8.33–37.46%), chemical (2.81–7.22%) and brewery plants (2.27–2.81%), but decreased for the Fe-AGS of paper mill (54.81–72.2%). The changes of microbial community and microbial correlations in AGS as a response to Fe minerals incorporation were investigated. For the Fe-AGS samples with enhanced methane production capability, it was widely to find the enriched populations of fermentative and dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria Clostridium_sensu_stricto_6 , Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 and acetoclastic methanogens Methanosaeta , and positive correlations between them. This study provides comprehensive understanding on the effects of incorporation biogenic Fe products on AGS from different sources. [Display omitted] • Fe mineral could be incorporated into AGS from various sources through BIM process. • Fe products in AGS were mainly magnetite, hematite, siderite, goethite and wustite. • Biogenic Fe products improved the long-term methanogenesis capacity for most AGS. • Fermentative bacteria and acetoclastic methanogen were enriched in most Fe-loaded AGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of air pollution control policies targeting key polluting enterprises, highlighting a strategic shift towards precision pollution control that concentrates on high-emission, high-risk businesses. The paper explores the efficacy of these policies and their potential spatial spillover effects, utilizing panel data from 259 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2021. Employing the difference-in-differences (DID) model and spatial Durbin model, the study analyzes both the direct local effects and the broader spatial consequences of these regulatory measures on air quality. The findings indicate a significant reduction in air pollutant concentrations in urban areas, attributing this improvement to factors such as industrial restructuring, increased investment in science and technology, and economic growth. Spatial econometric analysis further reveals a substantial positive correlation in air quality among Chinese cities. However, estimates of the spillover effect indicate that while such policies successfully reduce pollution locally, they could unintentionally degrade air quality in adjacent areas. The study highlights the need for nuanced policy strategies to mitigate unintended spatial spillovers and enhance overall effectiveness. It recommends tailored policies that integrate environmental and socioeconomic objectives, national and regional coordination for consistent enforcement, technology-driven compliance strategies, and incentives for sustainable enterprise practices. • Assessed impact of policies on key polluters in 259 Chinese cities. • Employed DID and spatial Durbin models for in-depth policy impact analysis. • Found significant reduction in urban air pollution from policies. • Revealed spatial spillover effects, aligning with "pollution haven" hypothesis. • Proposed nuanced approaches for local and spatial policy impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper interprets the implicit carbon flows in global industrial sectors from a network perspective. Using the SNA-IO integrated model, along with cross-border input-output data from Eora26 (2000–2020) and global energy balance data, the implicit carbon emissions of global industrial sectors and their evolution are analyzed. A carbon emission network structure from an industrial chain perspective is proposed. The results indicate that the carbon emissions responsibility of an industry is not only associated with its own energy consumption. It also involves the carbon emissions transfer resulting from the exchange of products and services between upstream and downstream industries. Block model analysis reveals the carbon emission transfer relationships and their interconnections among global industrial sectors, tending towards an industry clustering pattern where "production side" converges with "demand side" coexisting in supply and demand. There are noticeable inequalities in wealth gains and environmental burdens between these blocks. This paper can provide targeted carbon reduction policy recommendations for various industrial sectors to participate in global responsibility allocation and promote the formation of a low-carbon global industrial sector network. [Display omitted] • The implicit carbon flows in global industrial sectors are explored. • Carbon emission network structure from an industrial chain perspective is proposed. • Supply chains and logistics networks reduce implicit carbon emissions significantly. • Wealth gains and environmental burdens exist noticeable inequalities during blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigation actions in all sectors of society, including sports, to limit global warming have become an increasingly hot topic in public discussions and sports management. However, so far, there has been a lack of understanding and practical examples of how these organizations, especially in team sports, can holistically assess and reduce their climate impacts to achieve carbon neutrality. This paper presents a carbon footprint assessment, implemented actions for GHG emission reduction, and offers the example of a professional Finnish ice hockey team that achieved carbon neutrality. The study is based on a life cycle assessment method. The Results show that the team's carbon footprint was reduced from 350 tCO 2eq by more than 50% between seasons 2018–2019 and 2021–2022 in the assessed categories. The most GHG emission reductions were achieved in the team's and spectators' mobility and ice hall energy consumption. Furthermore, the team compensated for their remaining emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. Multiple possibilities for further GHG emission reductions were recognized. The majority of the GHG emissions were linked to the Scope 3 category, indicating that co-operation with partners and stakeholders was a key to success in attaining carbon neutrality. This paper also discusses the possible limitations and challenges that sport organizations face in assessing climate impacts and reducing GHG emissions, as well as the prospects of overcoming them. Since there are many opportunities for sports to contribute to climate change mitigation, relevant targets and actions to reduce GHG emissions should be integrated into all sport organizations' management. [Display omitted] • This the first assessment of professional ice hockey team's carbon footprint. • Multiple actions led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. • Concludes how sport organizations can manage their environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The best solution to address environmental pollution caused by arsenic-containing hazardous waste is to prepare high-purity elemental arsenic from such waste. The key to this approach lies in the efficient separation of arsenic from various impurities. This paper presents a viable solution for producing high-purity elemental arsenic from arsenic-alkali slag, and the keylies in utilizing the selective precipitation of magnesium ammonium arsenate (MgNH 4 AsO 4) to achieve efficient separation of arsenic from alkali, antimony, and other impurities. Thermodynamic analysis and hydrometallurgical condition experiments indicate that in complex alkaline arsenic-containing solutions, over 90% of arsenic components can selectively precipitate in the form of MgNH 4 AsO 4. The content of arsenic in the resulting precipitate reaches approximately 30%, while the content of antimony is below 0.1%. This achieves efficient enrichment of arsenic and preliminary separation of impurities in complex arsenic-alkali slag. Thermodynamic analysis and pyrometallurgical condition experiments demonstrate that the precipitate of MgNH 4 AsO 4 can be reduced to elemental arsenic with an arsenic content reaching 99.85%, and an antimony content as low as 0.05%. This achieves a profound separation of arsenic from impurities. Based on the research presented in this paper, a production line was established that enables the deep resource utilization of arsenic-alkali slag. [Display omitted] • The deep resource utilization of AAS was realized. • The arsenic in the AAS was separated in the form of MgNH 4 AsO 4. • 3. The MgNH 4 AsO 4 precipitate was reduced to elemental arsenic. • An annual AAS disposal line of 20,000 tons has been built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High carbon emissions and population aging are two obstacles to China's development as an emerging economy. It is urgent to scientifically examine the impacts of population aging on carbon emissions to discover new pathways for urban carbon emission reduction. However, existing studies face challenges in terms of focusing on and methodology for accurately capturing the role of industrial production and energy consumption in the environmental effects of population aging. This paper constructs a chain mediation analytical framework and systematically examines the intrinsic linkages between population aging and carbon emissions in Chinese cities from 2000 to 2020 using a two-way fixed effects model. This paper has three main findings. (1) The positive correlation between urban population aging and carbon emissions development is generally low, with coupling coordination degree values of 0.4233, 0.4458, 0.4220, 0.4715, and 0.4665 for each yearly cross-section. (2) For every 1% increase in the population aging rate, carbon emissions decrease by 0.3478% on average. The carbon reduction effect of population aging is significantly greater in low-emissions cities and high-income cities than in other cities. (3) The industrial upgrading (IU) path, energy conservation (EC) path and chain mediation (CM) path account for 72.43%, 7.23% and 20.34%, respectively, of the indirect effects. If the causal link between IU and EC is not considered, the EC effect will be overestimated by 281.16%. The results of the study suggest that properly coping with population aging and reducing carbon emissions are not completely opposed to each other, a conclusion that passes both endogeneity exclusion and robustness check. This paper advocates replacing the one-size-fits-all approach in carbon emissions management and investing more in policy preferences to support carbon emission reduction in both high-emissions and low-income cities. [Display omitted] •The synergistic trends of carbon emissions and population aging are not apparent. •Population aging significantly reduces carbon emissions at the city scale. •Linkage effect of industrial upgrading and energy conservation on carbon emission reduction. •Energy conservation effect of population aging amplified by industrial upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]