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Energy efficiency is critical for achieving building sustainability because it means that fewer resources are consumed. In this context, the advancement of phase-changing materials has attracted attention with regard to the integration and management of energy efficiency in construction projects. Buildings consume 40% of the global energy output annually, accounting for one-third of the global greenhouse gas emissions. For hot weather-prone construction, PCMs should have a melting temperature of 25–50 °C. For more than 30 years, researchers worldwide have experimented with PCMs at various temperatures, but few studies have been conducted in hot or harsh environments. According to recent studies, the amount of PCMs in construction materials has been limited to 20%, and exceeding this ratio was shown to significantly affect the compressive strength of concrete specimens. In this study, various phase-changing concrete materials were investigated to reduce the thermal energy consumption of buildings. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art phase change materials for constructing thermal energy storage building materials. It also includes a brief review of the most recent developments in phase change technologies and their encapsulation techniques based on thermophysical properties. Implementing PCM technology in buildings will also maintain good indoor air quality. These materials are widely used in various real-time applications to significantly enhance thermal comfort in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical coagulants have traditionally been utilized for wastewater treatment due to their effectiveness, but their environmental repercussions necessitate exploration of sustainable alternatives. This study examines the viability of plant-based coagulants and magnetic bio-coagulation technology as eco-friendly substitutes for chemical coagulants. The research aims to assess their efficacy in treating various contaminants while addressing environmental concerns and limitations associated with conventional methods. A systematic review approach is employed to analyze recent studies on plant-based coagulants and magnetic bio-coagulation technology in wastewater treatment. The review scrutinizes their effectiveness, sustainability, and potential implications for wastewater treatment practices. Plant-based coagulants demonstrate promise in contaminant removal, offering ecological substitute, especially in underserved areas. Magnetic bio-coagulation technology exhibits high efficiency in eliminating heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants, potentially reducing sludge production and optimizing the treatment processes. The findings underscore the significance of exploring sustainable alternatives to chemical coagulants. Plant-based coagulants and magnetic bio-coagulation present environmentally sound solutions that could mitigate the adverse impacts of conventional methods. This study provides insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to promote ecofriendly wastewater treatment practices, emphasizing the importance of adopting eco-friendly technologies for environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the development of environmentally friendly epoxy-based biocomposites by incorporating bamboo fiber (BF) and calcite particles (CP) as reinforcements. A total of 125 specimens were fabricated with different weight percentages of BF and CP ranging from 0% to 15% to the epoxy. The biobased reinforcements were processed before incorporation, and the hand layup technique was used to fabricate the composites, which were then cured at ambient temperature. Evaluations of selected properties were carried out to ascertain the most probable areas of application, while the fracture surfaces were examined using SEM. The results indicated that the inclusion of these hybrid bio-reinforcements significantly enhanced the properties of the biocomposites compared to unreinforced samples. The optimal composition was identified as 12 wt% BF/CP, which demonstrated the highest ultimate tensile strength (32.84 MPa) and tensile modulus (1.9 GPa), attributed to the strong interfacial bonding between the epoxy matrix and the BF/CP reinforcements. Additionally, the flexural strength (55.38 MPa) and modulus (2.72 GPa) were improved due to the effective load transfer and stiffening effect of the calcite particles. The hardness (67 HS) and wear index (0.015 mg) were enhanced by the toughening mechanism provided by the bamboo fibers, while the density (1.195 g/cm³) remained within a desirable range for lightweight applications. Composites with 9 wt% BF/CP exhibited the highest impact strength (22.66 J/m2), likely due to the optimal balance of fiber-matrix interaction and energy absorption capacity. These findings indicate that the developed hybrid-reinforced biocomposite compositions hold great promise with the improved physical and mechanical properties as seen and can be utilized for various applications, including automotive, aerospace, and other engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) reports have highlighted the inadequacy of environmental sustainability efforts. Thus, it is clear that current efforts towards environmental sustainability (SDG 13) and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) policies are insufficient and a comprehensive policy agenda is needed. Existing literature limitedly addresses the determinants of environmental sustainability but relatively ignores the impact of nuclear energy research and development investments (NCI) and green environment on environmental quality. The motivation of this study is to fill this research gap and propose an overarching policy structure to achieve SDGs. In this context, this study investigates the effects of green environment, economic growth, human capital, and NCI on environmental sustainability comparatively for the United States and France through the Asymmetric Autoregressive Distributed Lag, which considers structural break. Based on the empirical analysis results, economic growth and trade openness harm environmental sustainability, while positive shocks in NCI improve environmental quality in both countries. Negative NCI shocks deteriorate environmental quality in the United States but not France. In conclusion, this study provides detailed environmental sustainability policies for the United States and France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides comprehensive information on the synergistic valorization of fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) for bioenergy production, addressing the urgent need for sustainable waste management and renewable energy sources. Due to their high organic content and substantial methane formation potential, FVW presents significant challenges. This review examines anaerobic digestion, composting, and thermochemical conversion processes, including pyrolysis and gasification. The emphasis is given to the combined use of these pathways, which allows maximizing the energy recovery and the resource utilization factor as well as reducing the environmental burden. The critical analysis of the main factors influencing the effectiveness of these processes is provided waste composition, process adjustments, and technical advancements. Recent studies indicated that pre-treatment methods improved conversion efficiency by up to 30%, and integrating multiple conversion pathways enhanced energy recovery by 20-40%. This comprehensive review concludes by discussing the prospects and challenges of commercial bioenergy production from FVW, integrating findings from recent scientific investigations and technological breakthroughs. The results of this work aim to enhance sustainable waste management strategies and contribute to a holistic circular bioeconomy vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial and domestic human activities have a significant impact on the environment, contributing, among other things, to the increased pollution of natural waters. The spread of heavy metals is particularly dangerous to the health and life of living organisms due to the high accumulation potential of, among others, Cr (VI), Zn (II), Cu (II), Cd (II), Fe (II), and Ni (II). In order to remove, concentrate, and/or recover ions of these metals, various physical and/or chemical methods are commonly used. In this study, spent coffee grounds (SCGs) efficiently removed copper ions from simulated aqueous solutions, especially at low metal ion concentrations. Without additional modification, coffee grounds performed comparably to traditional adsorbents like activated carbon or ion exchangers. It was found that used ground coffee grounds effectively removed Cu (II) ions at a wide range of concentrations, with the highest efficiency (over 85%) obtained for dilute solutions. On the other hand, regeneration tests performed using a 10% hydrochloric acid solution successfully restored the coffee residue adsorbent, achieving a desorption efficiency of about 35%. This method concentrated the solution and facilitated efficient metal recovery by minimizing acid usage. The sorbent used is an innovative, cheap, and easy-to-use material with high sorption capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lightscape, as a special visual landscape, has unique temporal and spatial characteristics that traditional photometric measurements and descriptions struggle to capture accurately. Despite their significance, there is a lack of in-depth understanding of the on-site perception of lightscapes' temporal and spatial characteristics, including in outdoor university campus spaces. This study aims to explore the temporal and spatial characteristics of outdoor lightscapes on university campuses and their potential perceptual influencing factors, providing sustainable design, planning, and management suggestions for campus lightscapes. This study was conducted in the Wushan Campus of the South China University of Technology. It employs a "lightwalk" method for on-site perception evaluation, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigate the temporal and spatial characteristics of lightscapes in outdoor university campus spaces and the effect of temporal and spatial factors on lightscape perception. The main findings are as follows: (1) Meteorological, architectural, and biophilic lightscape dominate the outdoor campus lightscapes. (2) The temporal and spatial characteristics of the lightscapes are affected by changes in natural light, the transition of light sources from day to night, human activity patterns, and the functional characteristics of the site. (3) The correlation between meteorological and traffic lightscape types and lightscape perception is diminished during the evening periods. This method should be a good way to optimize water and architectural lightscape at night to alleviate discomfort. (4) In green-shaded spaces, the association between meteorological, architectural, and traffic lightscape types and the evaluations of emotional, luminous, and eventful aspects is significantly enhanced, suggesting an increase in such spaces to improve lightscape experience quality. This study advocates that the construction of buildings and environments should be "human-oriented", paying attention to the scientific foundation that humans perceive the habitat environment through the "five senses". Research on lightscapes' temporal and spatial characteristics, exploration of the temporal and spatial modes of lightscape perception, and avoiding energy waste and light pollution are conducive to the design and construction of university campuses in line with the principles of sustainable development. The lightscape optimization strategies derived from this study can not only provide practical guidance for the design and management of campus but also may offer valuable recommendations for planning sustainable campus development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global climate change caused by carbon emissions presents obstacles to the sustainable development of villages around the globe. In China, the world’s greatest carbon emitter, the construction of villages generates substantial carbon emissions. This study employs quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the efficacy of future smart villages by developing a model under the “Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” objective. Based on the indicators provided in the local government documents and normative documents at all levels and in conjunction with the “Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” objective, this study establishes a system for evaluating the efficacy of the implementation of the future smart village construction using an analytical hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method with 10 criteria levels and 60 program levels. The research team obtained the necessary information and data through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with local administrative cadres, pertinent professionals, and villagers. The results indicate that intelligent future village construction can reduce the village’s carbon emissions. The “Industry” indication is the most essential element. The term “Industry” is essential to the development of intelligent future villages as well as to the carbon reduction of villages. “Low carbon and energy” is the second factor. Industrial modernization, low-carbon development, and the use of renewable energy in the villages have significantly contributed to reducing carbon emissions and the viability of the villages. As the Future smart village is currently being implemented, the research indicates that there are few samples and data available. Consequently, future research must continue to increase sample size and data.” This research can scientifically and rationally evaluate the construction of the Future smart village and provide a strategy for optimizing the construction model for rural revitalization.

Abstract The essence of quantum machine learning is to optimize problem-solving by executing machine learning algorithms on quantum computers and exploiting potent laws such as superposition and entanglement. Support vector machine (SVM) is widely recognized as one of the most effective classification machine learning techniques currently available. Since, in conventional systems, the SVM kernel technique tends to sluggish down and even fail as datasets become increasingly complex or jumbled. To compare the execution time and accuracy of conventional SVM classification to that of quantum SVM classification, the appropriate quantum features for mapping need to be selected. As the dataset grows complex, the importance of selecting an appropriate feature map that outperforms or performs as well as the classification grows. This paper utilizes conventional SVM to select an optimal feature map and benchmark dataset for predicting air quality. Experimental evidence demonstrates that the precision of quantum SVM surpasses that of classical SVM for air quality assessment. Using quantum labs from IBM’s quantum computer cloud, conventional and quantum computing have been compared. When applied to the same dataset, the conventional SVM achieved an accuracy of 91% and 87% respectively, whereas the quantum SVM demonstrated an accuracy of 97% and 94% respectively for air quality prediction. The study introduces the use of quantum Support Vector Machines (SVM) for predicting air quality. It emphasizes the novel method of choosing the best quantum feature maps. Through the utilization of quantum-enhanced feature mapping, our objective is to exceed the constraints of classical SVM and achieve unparalleled levels of precision and effectiveness. We conduct precise experiments utilizing IBM’s state-of-the-art quantum computer cloud to compare the performance of conventional and quantum SVM algorithms on a shared dataset.

This study examines the long-term effects of CO2 emissions, farm mechanization, and other control variables on agricultural production in India from 1960 to 2022. These variables include arable land, fertilizer consumption, GDP, import and export of agricultural raw materials, cereal yield (kg per hectare), and urbanization. To identify the longterm co-integrating relationship between the variables, this study used multiple types of econometric techniques, including the ARDL bound-testing methodology and Johansen co-integration procedure. A meaningful long-term cointegrating relationship between the variables is supported by the empirical findings of the ARDL bound-testing method. The long-term outcomes showed that agricultural productivity is significantly increased by mechanization, exports and imports of agricultural raw materials, and arable land. Results also showed that grain production and fertilizer use had a considerable beneficial impact on agricultural performance; however, CO2 emissions and urbanization have a significant negative impact. Therefore, these findings suggest that India's policymakers should implement more efficient measures to boost investments in agricultural R&D and farm mechanization. By assuring the nation's food security, this will increase agricultural output. To support India's efforts to achieve a sustainable environment and development, the report advises integrating climate change measures into the nation's national strategies, policies, and planning.

The study involves extracting and characterizing fibers from the Typha Domingensis Pers (TDP) plant for the development of bio-composite sheets. The mechanical extraction process yielded 9.3% fibers with a high cellulose content of 70.45 wt%. These fibers also had a thermal stability of 210 °C, making them suitable for withstanding high temperatures during the composite preparation process. Using the hand layup process, three variations of bio-composite sheets were made by mixing sodium alginate and paddy husk powder in different ratios. The sheets were then tested for the basic mechanical, absorbency, and biodegradability properties. The bio-composite sheet blend 2 (BC2), which contained 50% fibers and 50% matrix, showed the greatest tensile and flexural strengths of 242 and 292 MPa, respectively, with lower moisture absorption properties. All three bio-composite sheets exhibited 100% biodegradability. However, bio-composite 1 (BC1) showed significant biodegradability within 60 days. The study revealed that fibers from the invasive Typha domingensis Pers plant can be utilized to create biodegradable composites with desirable properties, making them suitable for use as green planters and other similar agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable buying behavior signifies that considering buying decisions aim to reduce the impact on the environment, encourage democratic societies and assure economic sustainability. Consider the product's lifespan; utilize environmentally friendly materials, support sustainable trade practices, as well as decrease wastage through reuse and recycling. It indicates a shared commitment for developing an ideal environment and society for current as well as future generations. In this investigation, we examined the significant factors affecting sustainable buying behavior. We employed quantitative and qualitative analysis approaches. We conducted a questionnairebased investigation with 650 people from different cities in India. Statistic Package for Social Science (SPSS) analytical software is used to evaluate the key elements that influence long-term sustainable buying behavior. Cronbach's alpha coefficient (CAC) was employed to assess the questionnaire's dependability, while Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was utilized to determine its validity. We analyzed seven variables, including green selfefficacy, green attitude, green product knowledge, individual's value for green consumption, environmental intention, value for money perception and green purchase intention. This research finding demonstrates that individuals' values towards green consumption have a significant positive impact on factors affecting sustainable buying practices. This shows that the beneficial relationship between individuals' values and green consumption has a considerable influence on sustainable buying decisions. Value for money perception, has a low-level impact on variables influencing sustainable buying behavior, suggesting that financial considerations can play a less important role in developing sustainable buying behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits are highly perishable due to high respiration rate after harvest. This always leads to losses after harvest resulting in farmers not getting good value for their products. The high cost of the conventional refrigerator and the adverse effect on the stored fruits have made evaporative cooling technology for fruit preservation very attractive. The challenge is making it more affordable and effective to farmers using locally sourced materials to store different kinds of fruits. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of locally source agro-biomass wetting material on the dynamics of the respiratory heat load of orange stored in a direct evaporative cooler. For this reason, a custom stand-alone direct evaporative cooler designed for the storage of fruits and vegetables was used to store oranges with Jute fibre, palm fruit mesocarp fibre and wood charcoal as agro-biomass humidifiers at 3 to 4.5 m/s air velocity. The evolution of the respiratory heat and heat transfer rate varied with surrounding temperature and air velocity, and the three biomass-wetting materials showed a good response in lowering the ambient air temperature. Orange fruit stored in the DEC showed a very low respiratory heat load of 0.011 to 0.017 W/kg (11 to 17 mW/kg) and a heat transfer load of 0.614 to 0.963 W for the three biomass wetting materials investigated. Comparatively palm fruit mesocarp produced the lowest evaporative cooler temperature, respiratory heat generation and heat transfer rate. The respiratory heat generated by the orange stored in DEC with palm fruit mesocarp fibres was found to be 1.4% and 0.7% lower than jute fibre and wood charcoal respectively at an air speed of 4.5 m/s, whereas it was 11.63% and 17.05% lower at 4 m/s for the two materials. Similarly, at 3 m/s the values were lower by 9.7% and 14.93% for jute fibre and wood charcoal, respectively. Correspondingly, the heat transfer rate for palm fruit mesocarp was lower by 5.4% and 8.32% at 4.5 m/s, 10.24 and 14.17% at 4 m/s and 12.54 and 21.99% at 3 m/s for jute fibre and wood charcoal, respectively. A multi-regression fitting of respiratory heat generation with the cooler temperature surface temperature and air velocity showed a linear relationship with R2 values of 0.774 to 0.999 for the three biomass wetting materials explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article examines a supply chain network that considers both economic and environmental factors. The network faces challenges related to multi‐item products and non‐homogenous vehicle types with different costs. Additionally, the production process involves multiple energy sources that emit different levels of air pollution. The main objective is to maximise profits while adhering to different carbon policies. To achieve this goal, the paper presents several supply chain models that are compared under different schemes: no carbon policy (basic one), carbon tax policy, carbon emission policy and carbon trading policy. These models were coded and solved to demonstrate their effectiveness for different conditions and scenarios. The results provide valuable insights for supply chain managers, enabling them to make well‐established decisions for executive planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored whether wildfire alters the soil properties and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community composition when compared with burnt rangeland, non-burnt rangeland and adjacent tilled in mesothermal ecosystems. The study was carried out in August 2020, 1 year later after wildfire. The results of this study showed that the wildfire played a key role in altering soil characteristics and AMF community composition in Bartin Province located in the Western Black Sea Region. Soil samples were made according to standard methods. AMF spores were isolated according to the wet sieving method, and the spores of AMF were identified according to their morphological characteristics. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the differences between the parameters, and correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationships between the parameters. The highest values of soil organic carbon (2.20%), total nitrogen (0.18%), K2O (74.68 kg/da), root colonization (87.5%) and the frequency of occurrence of Funneliformis geosporum (20%), Claroideoglomus claroideum (16%) and Claroideoglomus etunicatum (11%) were found in burnt rangeland. Sporulation of Acaulospora dilatata, Acaulospora morrowiae, Acaulospora tuberculata, Scutellospora castanea, Scutellospora coralloidea, Scutellospora scutata, Glomus coremioides and Glomus multicaule was either decreased or completely inhibited in the burnt rangeland. While species diversity of AMF (12) decreased, the number of AMF spores (325.6 (number/50 gr soil)) increased in burnt areas. In conclusion, the number of spores and root colonization of AMF increased but species diversity of AMF reduced after the wildfire. In ecosystems with high fire risk where AMF transfer is planned, it is suggested that it would be more appropriate to select species with an increase in spore number after fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In paddy soils, excessive application of N fertilizer often results in substantial N losses due to low N utilization efficiency. However, this condition can be mitigated by enhancing soil organic carbon content. Two-year field experiment was carried out at Mkula Irrigation Scheme in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania with the aim of investigating the impact of Azolla, rice straw incorporation and reduced levels of nitrogen input from NPKS-containing fertilizers on N use efficiency, soil chemical properties and rice grain yield. Assuming that this technology will introduce a novel perspective to the research, shedding light on alternative and potentially more sustainable methods for nitrogen management in paddy soils, it will be particularly relevant in sub-Saharan Africa, where the annual cost of chemical fertilizers is expected to continue rising. The treatments involved absolute control, half dose N (50 kg N ha-1), full dose N (100 kg N ha-1), and combination of these N doses with PKS, dry Azolla (3.41 ha-1) and rice straw (6.91 ha-1) through omission approach. The soil of the experimental area was sandy clay loam in texture, very strongly acid (pH 4.8), normal electrical conductivity (0.06 dS m-1), low amounts of recorded organic carbon (1.35%), total nitrogen (0.33%), 0.68 mg kg-1 available P, exchangeable potassium (0.15 cmol(+) kg-1), calcium (0.19 mg kg-1) and sodium percentage (3.75%), with very low cation exchange capacity (1.6 cmol(+) kg-1). The results showed that combination of Azolla, rice straw +100 kg N ha-1 + 30 kg P ha-1 + 30 kg K ha-1 + 20 kg S ha-1 resulted in higher rice grain yield, nitrogen uptake and agronomic efficiency of N. Azolla, being an effective biofertilizer, significantly contributes to nitrogen fixation and soil enrichment. Interestingly, this study demonstrates that co-application of Azolla, rice straw, and 50% reduced N is effective for achieving high rice yields, minimizing over-dependence on chemical N fertilizer, sustainable agricultural development, and environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation and consumption of kitchen food waste is a major contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in global warming. To reduce this risk, it is important to recycle food waste into energy production and agricultural byproduct for nutrient management. Dark fermentation is one of the most suitable nutrient recovery techniques for generating hydrogen (H2) gas and serves as a clean energy carrier for a sustainable environment. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) are an important vegetable and fruit in demand in markets worldwide. Each year, almost 8,000 kilotons of potato peel is generated, with a GHG emission of 5 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. More than 90% of watermelon rind is considered waste and is discarded. A small-scale preliminary study was conducted on these two waste products to produce H2 gas from potato peel, watermelon rind, and a mixture of peel and rind by the dark fermentation process. After volume analysis of the H2 gas produced, the remaining residue was used to produce biochar. The highest volume of 149 mL H2 gas was achieved from the peel, followed by 140 mL and 135 mL of H2 gas from the rind and the mixture of peel and rind, respectively, with a biomass pH of 4.7–5.6 and volatile solids (VS) of 77%–88%. The biochar produced from all the sample types was alkaline in nature with a pH of 7.88 ± 0.33, electrical conductivity of 0.38 ± 0.03 mS/cm, zeta potential of −25.12 ± 0.32 mV, and had a nutrient richness that could be beneficial for soil quality improvement and plant growth. However, the outcomes of this small-scale analysis cycle requires additional analytical outcomes with field application that targets the future scope of research on sustainable H2 production and agricultural application.

IntroductionUrban green space (GS) exposure is recognized as a nature-based strategy for addressing urban challenges. However, the stress relieving effects and mechanisms of GS exposure are yet to be fully explored. The development of machine learning and street view images offers a method for large-scale measurement and precise empirical analysis.MethodsThis study focuses on the central area of Shanghai, examining the complex effects of GS exposure on psychological stress perception. By constructing a multidimensional psychological stress perception scale and integrating machine learning algorithms with extensive street view images data, we successfully developed a framework for measuring urban stress perception. Using the scores from the psychological stress perception scale provided by volunteers as labeled data, we predicted the psychological stress perception in Shanghai's central urban area through the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm. Additionally, this study employed the interpretable machine learning model eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm to reveal the nonlinear relationship between GS exposure and residents' psychological stress.ResultsResults indicate that the GS exposure in central Shanghai is generally low, with significant spatial heterogeneity. GS exposure has a positive impact on reducing residents' psychological stress. However, this effect has a threshold; when GS exposure exceeds 0.35, its impact on stress perception gradually diminishes.DiscussionWe recommend combining the threshold of stress perception with GS exposure to identify urban spaces, thereby guiding precise strategies for enhancing GS. This research not only demonstrates the complex mitigating effect of GS exposure on psychological stress perception but also emphasizes the importance of considering the “dose-effect” of it in urban planning and construction. Based on open-source data, the framework and methods developed in this study have the potential to be applied in different urban environments, thus providing more comprehensive support for future urban planning.

Spent engine oil is a major source of environmental pollution that affects the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are natural nanomaterials that can be used as additives in spent engine oil to enhance its performance, especially at high temperatures and pressures. Utilizing sulfur-based unbleached rice straw pulping technique, the rice straw was grinded in a solution with 10 % sodium sulfite and 2 % sodium carbonate, that heated to 160 °C for 2 h. This produces unbleached sulfur pulp, which is then analyzed for ash, cellulose, and lignin content. A subsequent bleaching step at 80 °C with a sodium chlorite/acetic acid mix completes the process. This technique was adopted to produce CNF. In this study, preparation and characteriztion of CNF-additives to spent engine oil was performed using different techniquessuch as; IR spectra analysis, kinematic viscosity, and wear scar width. It was also evaluated on the oil adsorption, vibration, and noise reduction properties of the resulted additive oil. The results showed that CNF improved viscosity, lubrication, and anti-wear properties of the oil, and decreased its friction, vibration, and noise. The optimal concentration of CNF was 2.0 wt%, which increased the kinematic viscosity by 14.5 % and reduced the wear scar width by 31 % compared to the spent oil sample. Moreovere, CNF reduced the environmental impact of oil disposal and recycling. Overall, CNF are promising nanofillers for improving the performance of spent engine oil and lowering its environmental impact.

The aim of this study was to determine the environmental ethics awareness and sustainable environmental attitudes of pre-service teachers to reveal the teachers’ access to the content specified in undergraduate education. In the study, the correlational research design was used to determine the extent to which pre-service teachers’ environmental ethics awareness predicts their sustainable environmental attitudes. The sample of the study was comprised of 312 pre-service teachers attending a Faculty of Education in the Marmara Region in the spring term of the 2021-2022 academic year. In the study, a personal information form, the “Environmental Ethics Awareness Scale” consisting of 23 items, and the “Sustainable Environmental Attitude Scale” consisting of 27 items were used as data collection tools. In the analysis of the collected data, difference, correlation, and regression analyses were used together with descriptive analyses in line with the purpose and sub-purposes of the study. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the pre-service teachers’ environmental ethics awareness was very high, and sustainable environmental attitudes were high. The environmental ethics awareness of the pre-service teachers was found to vary significantly depending on gender in favor of the female pre-service teachers, while their sustainable environmental attitudes were found to not vary significantly depending on gender. In addition, the pre-service teachers’ environmental ethics awareness and sustainable environmental attitudes did not differ significantly depending on the department attended, grade level, taking/having taken environment and ethics courses, and relationship with environmental organizations. It was determined that there is a weak, positive, and significant correlation between the pre-service teachers’ environmental ethics awareness and sustainable environmental attitudes and that their environmental ethics awareness predicts their sustainable environmental attitudes at a weak level.

This study refines a single-layer Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) for the treatment of textile dye wastewater, concentrating on percentage decolorization (%DEC) and percentage chemical oxygen demand (%COD) reduction. The optimized neural network configuration comprises four input and one output neuron, fine-tuned based on the mean squared error (MSE). The training phase demonstrates a consistent MSE decline, reaching its lowest at epoch 209 for %DEC and epoch 34 for %COD, with corresponding MSEs of $1.799 \times 10^{-5}$ and $ 1.4 \times 10^{-3} $, respectively. The maximum absolute errors for %DEC and %COD were found to be $ 4.0787 $ and $ 2.4486 $, while the mean absolute errors were $ 0.4821 $ and $ 0.7256 $, respectively. In contrast to second-degree polynomial regression, the FFNN model exhibits enhanced predictive accuracy, as indicated by higher $ R^2 $ values of $ 0.99363 $ for %DEC and $ 0.99716 $ for %COD, and reduced error metrics.

Different anthropogenic activities, extensive applications of agrochemicals, and industrialization have significantly altered natural environmental processes through the generation of solid waste. Based on the sources of origin and chemical behavior, the impact of solid waste on the environment varies. Currently, it is essential to tackle novel methods to reduce the impact of solid waste on the environment. Approaches such as open burning, landfills, incineration, composting, and pyrolysis are effective against solid waste; however, the introduction of sustainable and efficient approaches is essential to overcome the problems of conventional practices. Enzyme-mediated solid waste management is an extensively applicable strategy owing to its specificity for catalytic reactions. Enzyme-mediated remediation directly or indirectly degrades pollutants by modifying the chemical and physical properties of waste. Hydrolases, lipases, oxidoreductases, oxygenases, and laccases are the major enzymes involved in the conversion of hazardous wastes into non-toxic or biodegradable materials. To boost the activity of enzymes or for profitable industrialization, it is mandatory to incorporate modern strategies, such as omics analysis, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology, that aid in the development of new tolerant enzyme mutants with high efficiency. This review comprehensively covers the recent trends in enzyme-mediated biotransformation of toxic waste materials to non-toxic materials for a stable, sustainable, and healthy environment.

This study proposes a synergistic approach that aligns environmental sustainability with economic viability to meet the energy trilemma of energy security, affordability, and sustainability. Employing two qualitative methods-bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review- the research focused on Scopus-based articles related to renewable energy optimization using the VOSviewer software. The analysis revealed prevalent environmental tradeoffs in renewable energy schemes, including habitat loss, fragmentation, sediment transportation, and deforestation. Similarly, economic tradeoffs such as high initial costs, intermittency, reliability challenges, job security, resource scarcity, and supply chain risks were identified. Following a thorough examination, the study suggests solutions to manage these tradeoffs viz. strategic planning, continuous monitoring and adaptation, life cycle evaluation, policy and regulation implementation, and diversification of renewable energy sources. In conclusion, the study advocates a three-tiered recommendation for a smooth and predictable transition toward a secure energy future viz. integrated policy frameworks, and technological innovation.

A huge amount of phosphogypsum (PG) wastes generated from the processing phosphate ore in Tunisia Industrial Group Area—Gabes is getting discarded into the sea. Within this framework, the basic objective of this research is to elaborate and discuss a natural-based solution focused on phytoremediation of contaminated (PG) soils and marine sediments with the halophilic plant Salicornia europaea. A significant drop of the organic matter (53.09%), moisture (26.47%), and sediment porosity with (5.88%) was detected in the rhizosphere Salicornia europaea area (RS). Removal of hazardous elements concentrations, such as Pb, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Zn, between contaminated sediment (CS) and RS displayed a significant difference, ranging from 5.33 to 50.02% of hazardous elements removal concentration, which was observed in the rhizosphere zone. The microbiota of both areas (RS and CS) were analyzed by massive sequencing. In both samples, all the sequences belong to only four phyla: Firmicutes and, to a much lower extent, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The CS sediment seems to be heavily polluted by human activities. Most of the found genera are inhabitants of the intestine of warm-blooded animals (Escherichia, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Enterococcus); hence, activities in this area pose a health risk. On the other hand, it may be surprising that 76.4% of the total high-quality sequences retrieved from the RS sample were affiliated to the family Bacillaceae. The salinity of the studied soil exerts a stress on the microbial populations that inhabit it, directing the selection of halotolerant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of climate change has malformed the world's ecosystem, thus making humans call for environmental protection. Climate change, the biggest trauma of the twenty-first century, has made humans switch towards natural consumption. In this regard, the growing phenomenon of industrialization has spurred consumers to invest more in ecological products. Consuming eco-friendly products has several benefits; however, countries are still unable to satisfy the consumer's concern for the environment. The current study presents literature on environmental concerns, psychological well-being, willingness to pay for pro-environmental products, pro-environmental self-identity, and pro-environmental consumer behavior, which are required to ensure the consumer's organic behavior. The research used a questionnaire-driven methodology to gather data from 379 participants. Data analysis was conducted using statistical software packages, specifically SPSS (Version: 4.1.0.0). The suitability of the measurement model was evaluated through structural equation modeling (SEM), which was performed utilizing the SmartPLS. According to the research findings, there is a positive relationship between variables in the study, and individuals with greater levels of psychological well-being are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote sustainable consumption. In order to foster more sustainable consumption patterns in society, policymakers, marketers, and educators may find these findings to be valuable insights. As a result of its empirical exploration of these relationships, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on environmental psychology and sustainable marketing, emphasizing the important role psychological factors play in promoting a greener environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the long-term effects of CO2 emissions, farm mechanization, and other control variables on agricultural production in India from 1960 to 2022. These variables include arable land, fertilizer consumption, GDP, import and export of agricultural raw materials, cereal yield (kg per hectare), and urbanization. To identify the longterm co-integrating relationship between the variables, this study used multiple types of econometric techniques, including the ARDL bound-testing methodology and Johansen co-integration procedure. A meaningful long-term cointegrating relationship between the variables is supported by the empirical findings of the ARDL bound-testing method. The long-term outcomes showed that agricultural productivity is significantly increased by mechanization, exports and imports of agricultural raw materials, and arable land. Results also showed that grain production and fertilizer use had a considerable beneficial impact on agricultural performance; however, CO2 emissions and urbanization have a significant negative impact. Therefore, these findings suggest that India's policymakers should implement more efficient measures to boost investments in agricultural R&D and farm mechanization. By assuring the nation's food security, this will increase agricultural output. To support India's efforts to achieve a sustainable environment and development, the report advises integrating climate change measures into the nation's national strategies, policies, and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of fundamental problem in waste management is to identify suitable locations for refuse dump. This is because it requires integration of numerous economic and environmental factors. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to use Geographic Information System (GIS) for the selection of sustainable waste disposal site in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria. Data used include shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM DEM) data of 3 arc seconds, LANDSAT satellite data of 30m resolution, geological data, google earth satellite imagery, administrative map of the study area and ground control point (GCP) collected by ground point survey (GPS). These datasets were populated in ArcGIS 10.5 window and harmonized in a common coordinate system. Six factors which include nearness to river and road, settlement, land use, slope and elevation were considered as waste dump siting constrains. These factors were weighted, reclassified and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS over lay analysis were combined in selecting optimal and sustainable waste dumping locations. The results of the study are categorized into highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable and unsuitable. Field observations also confirmed suitability of the selected sites. The highly suitable locations are those that possess the optimal quality and characteristics for sustainable waste disposal while the suitable sites can be kept as back up for future use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study refines a single-layer Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) for the treatment of textile dye wastewater, concentrating on percentage decolorization (%DEC) and percentage chemical oxygen demand (%COD) reduction. The optimized neural network configuration comprises four input and one output neuron, fine-tuned based on the mean squared error (MSE). The training phase demonstrates a consistent MSE decline, reaching its lowest at epoch 209 for %DEC and epoch 34 for %COD, with corresponding MSEs of 1.799 × 10-5 and 1.4 × 10-3, respectively. The maximum absolute errors for %DEC and %COD were found to be 4.0787 and 2.4486, while the mean absolute errors were 0.4821 and 0.7256, respectively. In contrast to second-degree polynomial regression, the FFNN model exhibits enhanced predictive accuracy, as indicated by higher R² values of 0.99363 for %DEC and 0.99716 for %COD, and reduced error metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the use of natural extracts as bio-coagulants for water treatment and purification. The utilization of natural materials represents important progress in sustainable environmental initiatives, and their application is directly associated with improved quality of life due to their low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and naturally renewable properties. Therefore, three plant species were identified, and their effectiveness was evaluated in the laboratory on surface water samples: Moringa oleifera (MO), Cicer arietinum (CA), and Pinus roxburghii (PR). Water samples were collected from the River Kunhar, Garhi Habibullah (Mansehra) for laboratory analysis. A combined treatment (coagulation and filtration) was found to be more efficient compared to direct filtration or coagulation alone. The highest turbidity removal of 99.17 percent, solids reduction of 93.21 percent, hardness reduction of 67.35 percent, and total coliform removal of 86.13 percent were achieved for the filtered water samples treated with MO. CA provided the maximum chloride reduction of 54.85 percent compared to the other two. These extracts slightly affected the acidity, alkalinity, pH, and conductivity of water samples. However, a slight increase in biological and chemical oxygen demand was found in treated water. Among the three natural coagulants, MO caused a significant increase in organic matter. This problem can be avoided by using the purified form of active coagulating agents rather than crude extract. This research shows the effectiveness of MO for surface water treatment and also illustrates the great potential of CA and PR as promising bio-coagulants for the treatment of polluted surface water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of incorporating Azolla, rice straw, and NPKS fertilizers on phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and rice productivity in lowland paddy fields. Despite Azolla's well-known role as a nitrogen-fixing aquatic fern in rice production, its specific impact on PUE remains unclear. The primary objective is to explore diverse treatment combinations to identify synergies that enhance both PUE and overall rice productivity. Methods: The study was conducted at Mkula Irrigation Scheme in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania; the field experiment employed a randomized complete block design with 13 treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised various combinations of Azolla, rice straw, and chemical fertilizers, incorporating 50% and 100% rates of nitrogen (N) applied with phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S). Results: The study reveals the substantial impact of Azolla application on total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium levels in the soil. Particularly noteworthy were treatment combinations involving Azolla, rice straw, and reduced rates of synthetic nitrogen, along with specific P, K, and S applications, which exhibited the highest phosphorus uptake and PUE. Specifically, combining rice straw and Azolla with reduced N rates, alongside 30 kg P ha-1 + 30 kg K ha-1 + 20 kg S ha-1, resulted in the highest phosphorus uptake (73.57 kg/ha) and PUE (46.24%). Conclusion: Integrated nutrient management, incorporating rice straw and Azolla alongside synthetic fertilizers, demonstrates synergistic effects on phosphorus uptake and efficiency while maintaining soil quality. The study underscores the potential of such integrated strategies to optimize PUE and contribute to sustainable rice production in lowland paddy fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrological regimes of all Moroccan basins are characterized by significant inter-annual variability, with alternating wet and dry years, interspersed with periods of intense hydrology or severe drought. Most watersheds are short of water. Climate change and the increasing frequency of severe events, particularly sudden drops in precipitation and widespread drought, are likely to exacerbate this situation. Like the severe drought years that hit Morocco from 1980 to 1985, 1990 to 1995, 1998 to 2002, 2011 and 2015 to 2020, the threat of drought still hangs over the country. During these years, almost all watersheds experienced water shortages, leading to overexploitation of groundwater. The aim of this research is to explain the climate of the Bouregreg watershed and the effects of climate change on its water resources. In order to preserve a more sustainable environment for future generations, it is crucial to assess the vulnerability of this area and the possible effects of climate change on hydrology. The results find after treatment of data confirmed previous research concerning the increase in temperatures and the decrease in precipitation which has been carried out in northern Morocco. RCPS scenarios (2.6; 4.5 and 8.5) shows that the research region will become dry. Getting from 0.8 to 1.3°C on an annual basis is planned for the 1920s and 2030s, as well as a modest increase in the frequency of days with summer waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The basic purpose of the article was to determine the awareness of different generation groups in terms of ecological and economic aspects of life. Design/methodology/approach: The article presents the theoretical framework of consumer behavior and the implemented pro-ecological activities of representatives of Generations X, Y, Z. Subsequently, social involvement in pro-ecological activities in the immediate vicinity was determined based on own research and exemplary results of international research. Findings: The main hypothesis put forward is as follows: ecological and economic awareness is related to the age difference. The research indicates that there are differences in the consumer behavior of representatives of different generations in relation to environmental protection and the global energy crisis. Research limitations/implications: The research confirmed the formulated hypothes. The financial possibilities of various social groups may indicate a different image of consumerism in the era of commonly required pro-ecological behavior. Practical implications: The respondents showed great awareness and knowledge as well as commitment to pro-ecological activities, considering economic aspects. Social implications: Contemporary promotion of pro-ecological activities leads to an increase in social awareness. Originality/value: The analyzes of the conducted surveys emphasize the increasing awareness of pro-ecological and economic behavior of consumers in many countries and the need to adapt urban space to social and ecological requirements. Consumption leads primarily to an increase in production, which is an important factor of economic growth in the world markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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