From Killer to Solution: Evaluating Bioremediation Strategies on Microbial Diversity in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil over Three to Six Months in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
1809 12741
From Killer to Solution: Evaluating Bioremediation Strategies on Microbial Diversity in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil over Three to Six Months in Port Harcourt, NigeriaAbstract
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various bioremediation approaches on microbial diversity in crude oil-contaminated soil over three to six months in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The objective was to assess the impact of different bioremediation strategies on microbial populations, particularly focusing on hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi. Microbial populations were quantified using serial dilution and microbial count techniques. The vapor phase transfer mechanism was employed to estimate hydrocarbon-u [...] 1809 12741 |
Quantification of the Carbon Sequestration Potential of a 31-year-old Tree-based Intercropping System in Southern Ontario, CanadaAbstract
Carbon (C) storage potential was quantified for four tree species which are commonly incorporated into tree-based intercropping (TBI) systems and compared with conventional agricultural systems in southern Ontario, Canada. In the 31-year-old TBI system at the University of Guelph's Agroforestry Research Station, Norway spruce (Picea abies), white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), black walnut (Juglans nigra) and red oak (Quercus rubra) were planted in tree rows, intercropped with soybean (Glycine max). In the conventiona [...] 1787 8786 |
Climate Cloud Model Forecast Verification-an Engineering Perspectiveby
Abstract
The processes relevant to the verification of cloud forecasts generated by climate models are discussed from an engineering perspective. These processes include an assessment of cloud product requirements to be evaluated, the creation of a verification test plan including procedures and data to be analyzed, the development of independent sources of validation or truth datasets, and the quantitative comparisons between the cloud forecast products and the truth data needed to establish model performance. The engineer [...] 1786 10671 |
Outcomes of Ecuador’s Rights of Nature for Nature’s Sakeby
Abstract
The rights of nature have been widely discussed at a philosophical level for a long time, but examples of its practical application are quite rare. Ecuador is the first country to incorporate this concept into its constitutional foundation and put the theory into practice. However, implementing entirely justifiable rights of nature is hindered by factors, such as economic considerations, legal interpretations, cultural norms, political will, and disproportionate perspectives of “the greater good”. After getting opp [...] 1779 19158 |
Assessment of Trametes versicolor, Isochrysis galbana, and Purple Phototrophic Bacteria for the Removal of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Hospital Wastewaterby
Abstract
Hospitals are one of the key contributors of pharmaceutical contaminants of emerging concern to the sewer systems. Hospitals wastewaters contain concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds between 3 and 150, which are higher than urban wastewater streams. However, dedicated treatments of the hospital effluents before discharge to the sewer system are not compulsory. Besides, conventional wastewater treatment plants have not been designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds effectively, and consequently, these micropo [...] 1766 13090 |
Joint Biodiversity Management Committees: A Mechanism to Manage and Conserve Eco-RegionsAbstract
Sasthamkotta Lake eco-region is a freshwater Ramsar site in Kerala, India. Eco-regions are ecologically and geographically defined larger land or water mass areas with a characteristic assemblage of the ecosystem and significant biodiversity. A decentralized and locally self-sustaining mechanism has been achieved in managing this eco-region by a participatory model through a joint Biodiversity Management Committee (jBMC) constitution. BMCs are custodians of the environment, and biodiversity, confined to a village/P [...] 1762 9703 |
Evaluation of Pyrolysis Products of Industrial Wastes as Potential Feedstocks for Bioenergy and BiofuelsAbstract
This work aimed at evaluating all products from the low-temperature pyrolysis (350°C) of some industrial wastes, cotton stems and seeds (CSS), grape husks and curls (GRH), undigested sewage sludge (USS) and their blends in a fixed bed system and suggesting their possible applications. Solid and liquid products, biochars, and bio-oils were analyzed using various techniques by physicochemical, mineralogical, and chemical analyses. Gases were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using a thermogravimetric-mass [...] 1760 8238 |
Nexus Between Heat and Air Pollution in Urban Areas and the Role of Resilience Planning in Mitigating These Threatsby
Abstract
Urban heat island (UHI) effects are evident in many cities globally. Studies have revealed that UHI impacts air pollution and vice versa. However, it is observed that these two severe problems are addressed independently instead of interrelatedly. The study seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship between air pollution and heat and how they constantly shape urban areas for planning and future research purposes. A global shift from sustainable planning practices to building urban resilience exi [...] 1757 19577 |
Effects of Inorganic and Organic Amendments on the Predicted Bioavailability of As, Cd, Pb and Zn in Kitchen Garden Soilsby
Abstract
Moderately contaminated garden soils can benefit from gentle remediation options such as soil amendments, which improve soil functions and agronomic potentialities while decreasing environmental and human risk. This study aimed to analyze the effects of doses of various common soil amendments generally applied by gardeners on the predicted bioavailability (i.e., extractability) of metal(loid)s (i.e., As, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in contaminated kitchen garden soils. Fourteen different amendment mixes (i.e., a green waste co [...] 1746 12860 |
Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns and Australian Bushfires on Aerosol Loading over the Downwind Oceanic Regionsby
Abstract
Nearly 40 years of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) climate data record (CDR) from AVHRR satellite observations over the global ocean is used to study the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and Australian bushfires on aerosol loading over downwind oceanic regions. Recent similar impact studies, by contrast, were mainly focused on the urban and suburban areas near the emission sources. AOT is used as a proxy for aerosol loading in our study. We found that AOT variations due to anthropogenic emission reduction during the lo [...] 1744 10515 |
Recycling Potential in the European Union (EU) of Low Voltage Three-Phase Induction Motors Up to 75 kW of Power: Quantitative AnalysisAbstract
This article quantifies the recycling potential of the metallic materials that make up three-phase induction motors. The data on the use of electric motors by type and power determines that the most significant recycling potential lies in this low-voltage motor which powers up to 75 kW. The work aims to show the possibility of such recycling in the European Union (EU). The metals used to make the various parts of the induction motor and the main recycling methods that allow their reuse are listed. It evaluates whic [...] 1729 9635 |
Mediterranean Cropping Systems: The Importance of Their Economic and Environmental Sustainabilityby
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the lives of people, as well as the production and economic systems throughout the world. The flow of raw materials and products, the supply of labor and manpower, and the purchasing power have all been changed to the detriment of individual health and well-being. Such a situation requires placing even more emphasis on the search for virtuous agricultural systems compatible with the goals of economic and environmental development so clearly defined at the world level in [...] 1723 11827 |
Wind Turbines for Decarbonization and Energy Transition of Buildings and Urban Areas: A Reviewby
Abstract
The recent tendencies of drastic variations of environmental conditions, inundations, severe winds, and gusts besides heavy and unexpected long-duration rains showed the world an image of what could happen if emissions and global warming are not adequately controlled. Implementing new energy solutions as fast as possible is essential to cope with climate change, one of the biggest threats to our survival. These alarming signs intensified research and development efforts to replace fossil-based activities with renew [...] 1705 22155 |
Examination of PCDD/F Formation in Thermal Systems Using Simple Mathematical ModelsAbstract
A set of empirical models which accounts for the formation of gas phase polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD and PCDF), and solid phase PCDD/F by the de novo mechanism is described.In each case, competing formation and destruction reactions are considered to operate.The effect of the time-temperature history on their formation is then examined.At high temperatures, steady-state is reached in fractions of a second, resulting in the observed low product concentrations.Rapid cooling as found in furnaces [...] 1694 13171 |
Examination of Sustainable Water Management at Norway’s Major Hub Airport: The Case of Oslo Airport Gardermoenby
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The present study used a detailed qualitative longitudinal research approach to examine the trends of water consumption, wastewater volumes, and drainage water volumes in Oslo Airport Gardermoen, which is Norway’s major hub airport, between the years 2005 and 2020. An overall upward trend was observed in the water consumption at Oslo Airport Gardermoen, which was consistent with the growth in air traffic and aircraft movements during the study period. The annual water consumption per enplaned passenger was observed [...] 1689 13926 |
Back to the Sea: The Long and Winding Road of the Seagrass Species Posidonia oceanicaAbstract
Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile is one of the most important endemic species of the Mediterranean Sea. The long phylogenetic pathway of this species deserves special attention because its evolutionary history allows us to think back over the debated issue of life evolution on Earth. Hence, this marine plant, by terrestrial origin, was born from an ancient ancestor named Posidonia cretacea Hosius & Von der Marck. This seagrass species, currently extinct, lived in the coastal waters of the Tethys Ocean about [...] 1670 10210 |
Evaluating Peer-to-Peer Electricity Markets across the U.S. Using an Agent-Based Modeling ApproachAbstract
The diffusion of distributed energy resources can overcome some challenges associated with the historical centralized model of electric power distribution. Decentralized generation by residential solar photovoltaic cells creates the potential for peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading, where households can act as consumers and prosumers to buy and sell renewable electricity. P2P energy markets are emerging at locations across the globe, and market performance is affected by various social, economic, and environment [...] 1665 10685 |
The Nexus between Energy Poverty and Environmental Change in ZimbabweAbstract
Over the years, energy poverty has been seen as a major struggle in Zimbabwe and globally. This paper tries to find the relationship between energy poverty and environmental change. Ecological footprint represents a degradation in this paper. The findings showed an insignificant relationship between renewable energy and ecological footprint in Zimbabwe. This study employs the ARDL technique. This study employs time series data from 1990-2021. This study uses the ARDL framework to get robust results. The ARDL bound [...] 1661 8785 |
Managing the Turf of An Urban Golf Course: Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissionby
Abstract
This study investigated energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission across various playing surfaces (e.g., greens, tees, fairways, and roughs) in an urban parkland golf course. The turfs of golf courses require frequent maintenance to ensure high aesthetic and play quality. Maintenance includes aeration, mowing, irrigation, and fertilization. The annual energy-based carbon footprint was found to be the highest for fairways, followed by greens, tees, and roughs. However, CO2 exchange in the grass was found [...] 1660 12968 |
Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA)/Recycled Styrene Butadiene Rubber (rSBR) Compositesby
Abstract
Recycled styrene butadiene rubber (rSBR) from waste car tires was used as a filler in poly(lactic) acid (PLA) to modify its properties. The compounds were prepared via twin-screw extrusion and molded by injection with different rSBR contents (0 to 25% wt.). Additionally, recycled rubber particle size was controlled between 125 and 1000 μm to determine the effect of this parameter. From the samples produced, a series of morphological, physical and mechanical characterizations were performed. As expected, rSBR additi [...] 1655 10685 |
Carbon Footprint Study of Korean Green Tea Industry Using the Methods of the Life Cycle Assessment and Calculating Carbon Absorption in Agricultural LandAbstract
Due to recent global warming and climate change events, about 127 countries have declared themselves carbon neutral since the Paris Agreement was signed. Furthermore, agriculture is directly or indirectly affected by climate change. In particular, the importance of carbon neutrality is very high due to the high carbon absorption potential of forestry biomass. In the global beverage market, green tea is the second most consumed beverage after water, and the potential of tea tree biomass to absorb carbon during culti [...] 1650 12057 |
Sustainable Alternatives for Energy Generation and Food Production in Brazilby
Abstract
Urbanization driven by industrialization and population growth amplifies food consumption and reinforces the need for more fuels and energy. However, the expansion of biofuels can impose risks on long-term food security. This paper examines potential alternative crops for energy generation and food production, including those used by family farmers and their associations, to decentralize energy production and utilization as a crucial pillar of the global energy transition. Cassava, corn, and sugar beet are the chos [...] 1649 9609 |
Challenges of Applying Circular Economy in Agricultural Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Kurdistan Province, IranAbstract
Current production and distribution models in agriculture primarily operate based on the 'linear economy' approach. This means that after the exploitation of natural resources and the production of the final product, a significant portion of these resources and products, now contaminated or turned into waste, exit the economic cycle. The circular economy approach in agriculture seeks to reuse waste products and depleted inputs, thereby reducing the intensity of resource exploitation and taking a step towards sustai [...] 1642 8569 |
The Role of Agriculture in the Australian Government’s Emission Reduction FundAbstract
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in 2020 were 67.8 million (M) tonnes (t) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), amounting to 12.9% of total emissions. Erupted methane (CH4) from ruminant animals comprised 42% of agricultural emissions. By 2030, the Australian Government aims to reduce total emissions by 43% from the 2005 level. The primary policy instrument for achieving this reduction is the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) in which there are two main pathways for agriculture – emiss [...] 1636 8572 |
Corporate Digital Responsibility and the Business Implications of Quantum Computingby
Abstract
While artificial intelligence has been attracting increasing investment and controversy, a new, and potentially much more powerful technology, Quantum Computing, is on the business horizon. Already, organizations are assessing its potential for addressing a range of computationally challenging issues, such as last-mile optimization and cryptanalysis to break encryption algorithms, and are exploring possible applications in a range of business areas. While the advent of Quantum Computing may bring an array of opport [...] 1628 9803 |
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