Digital Commons Network^™

Addressing The Consumer Food Waste Crisis: A Decade Of Psychological Interventions, Pei ๋Jun Woo, Yohanna Veshanya, Lai Ti Gew

Applied Environmental Research

Food waste has become an increasing global crisis, especially in the last few years. Researchers and policymakers have attempted to work towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations. While much research has been conducted, we are still far from achieving the SDG by 2030. Many interventions have been studied, but each outcome varies. Thus, this review summarizes 30 psychological-based interventions between 2010 to 2022, retrieved via the Scopus database. It is found that each method of intervention works differently based on each type of food waste. Institutional food waste appears to be the most common …

Mapping E-Waste Distribution To Form A Circular Supply Chain – An Investigation On E-Waste Towards Circular Economy In Taiwan, Shu-Hui Hung, Kuan-Wei Tsai

Applied Environmental Research

While there has been a growing number of studies utilizing material flow analysis (MFA) to examine the flow of e-waste, there remains a lack of studies on industrial e-waste circularity in Taiwan. This study employs MFA to examine the annual generation of e-waste by Taiwanese industries, the domestic flow of this waste, the utilization of secondary materials recovered from e-waste, and the spatial distribution of e-waste and its secondary materials. The results reveal that Taiwan generates approximately 50,000 tons of e-waste per year, with waste code E-0221 and the "manufacture of other electronic parts and components" industry being the primary …

Fenton And Photo-Fenton For Treatment Of Red Water Containing Trinitrotoluene: A Comparative Study, Nguyen Trung Dung, Le Thanh Dat, Hoang Thi Tue Minh, Nguyen Phuong Thao, Nguyen Thi Thuy, Nguyen Thi Cam Tien, Nguyen Nhat Huy

Applied Environmental Research

Wastewater originating from the production of TNT explosives (red water) contains special hazardous substances that must be treated before discharging into the water environment. In this study, we applied both conventional Fenton and photo-Fenton (UV-Fenton) processes to treat COD and color in red water. In the Fenton process, the COD and color removal efficiencies were 75.5 and 92.4%, respectively, under optimal operating conditions of pH = 3, [Fe2+] = 0.3 g L-1, H2O2/Fe(Ⅱ) ratio = 10:1, reaction time = 120 min. In the UV-Fenton process, the efficiencies were 76.1 and 94.2%, respectively, under optimal operating conditions of pH = 3, …

Unraveling The Effects Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Plant Growth, Nutrient Content, And Heavy Metal Accumulation In The Contaminated Soil: A Meta-Analysis, Bela Putra, Anuraga Jayanegara, Irwan Susanto

Applied Environmental Research

This study evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and heavy metal accumulation on polluted land using a meta-analysis approach. Data from 33 relevant studies were selected based on inclusion criteria, specifically articles in English, observational research, and investigating the role of AMF in plant growth and productivity on polluted land. The results showed that plants inoculated with AMF experienced significant accumulation of heavy metals in roots, such as Pb (p<0.01), Ni (p<0.01), Cr (p<0.01), Mn (p<0.05), Fe (p<0.05), and As (p<0.05). The AMF significantly reduced the accumulation of heavy metals such as Cr, Ni, Fe, and Cu on the upper part of fodder forage (p<0.01). Forage growth was also enhanced due to AMF. The AMF greatly increased the fresh weight, length, and phosphorus (P) content of fodder forage roots (p<0.01). It also increased the plant's biomass, fresh weight, dry weight, height, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents (p<0.01). In conclusion, AMF is important in increasing plant growth, nutrient uptake and reducing heavy metal accumulation in forage on polluted land.

Numerical Dose Assessment And Short-Term Radioactivity Impact On Foodstuff For Continuous Release From Of Triga Mark Ii Research Reactor, Ahmed Dahia, Amel Dadda, Amina Lyria Cheridi Deghal, Abdellah Bouam

Applied Environmental Research

This work is a contribution to the assessment of the radiological consequences of radioactivity and radiation dose for TRIGA Mark II research reactor during continuous operation. The potential release to the atmosphere of 131I, 137Cs, and 90Sr are computed in the South direction is calculated using CROM software. We have attempted to evaluate the daily concentration of radioactivity and its impact on foodstuff. The annual average dose received from internal and external irradiation by age group through the different pathways were also considered. The simulation results showed that the highest air concentration was found at 225 m distance from the …

Ball-Milled Biochar From Waste Bamboo Chopsticks: A Potential Adsorbent For Methylene Blue Removal, Nguyen Trung Hiep, Hoang Thi Thuy Hoa, Thai Phuong Vu

Applied Environmental Research

Waste bamboo chopsticks encounter limited recycling. Several treatment procedures necessitate sophisticated technologies and intricate processes that need more practicality for local-scale production, leading to substantial challenges in effectively repurposing waste from disposable bamboo chopsticks. In this research, waste bamboo chopsticks were used as raw materials for the production of ball-milled biochar (BM-WBCB). FTIR, SEM, and BET were among the numerous analytical methods used to describe the BM-WBCB. The outcomes showed that the surface was made up of hollow, porous structures. In addition, the pHpzc value of the biochar was 8.7, and it had a BET-specific surface area (273.11 m2 g-1). …

Comparative Study Of Aerosol Optical Properties Along A Megacity, Ariel F. Scagliotti, Marcela V. Reale, David H. Margarit, Nadia S. Gonzalez, Guillermo A. Jorge

Applied Environmental Research

Interest in the study and characterization of aerosols has been growing given its multiple connections with air quality and climate. However, the limited ground-based stations for measurements in many countries are not enough to completely study a big city or a region. Low-cost technology arises as a viable alternative to improve the spatial resolution of measurements. This study aims to demonstrate that the properties of aerosols may change within a megacity and that is advisable to segment measurements according to their characteristics. We measured the optical properties of aerosols in the outskirts of Buenos Aires and compared the data obtained …

An Optimal Culture Medium For Laccase Production And Sugar Cane Vinasse Biotreatment With Trametes Villosa Using Plackett-Burman And Central Composite Designs, Rosa Elena Caballero, Víctor Jiménez, Mónica Miranda, Dalys Rovira, Guillermo Branda, Juana Ramos Chue De Pérez

Applied Environmental Research

The optimal conditions for laccase production and vinasse biotreatment with a native strain of Trametes villosa were determined by a screening-optimization approach. Eleven factors including nutrient concentration, vinasse dilution (%v/v), inoculum volume, carbon to nitrogen ratio and initial pH, were investigated for their effects on laccase activity applying the Plackett-Burman screening design. The selected factors were optimized using a central composite design, and then evaluated on a vinasse biotreatment experiment. The factors that contributed the most to the enzymatic activity were the concentrations of MgSO4∙7H2O (A), FeSO4∙7H2O (B) and CuSO4∙5H2O (C), alongside initial pH.  After 10 days, laccase activity was …

Re–Operating The Bhumibol And Sirikit Dams Using Hybrid Neuro–Fuzzy Technique To Solve The Water Scarcity And Flooding Problems In The Chao Phraya River Basin, Khin Muyar Kyaw, Areeya Rittima, Yutthana Phankamolsil, Allan Sriratana Tabucanon, Wudhichart Sawangphol, Jidapa Kraisangka, Yutthana Talaluxmana, Varawoot Vudhivanich

Applied Environmental Research

The decision support system to reservoir re–operation using Artificial Intelligence has been broadly studied and proven in term of the operational performances for both single and multiple reservoir system, this study applied Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) technique for reservoir re–operation in Chao Phraya River Basin aiming to reduce water scarcity and flooding problems in the central region of Thailand. ANFIS is an integrated approach in which neural networks are utilized to enhance the fuzzy inference system and create fuzzy “IF–Then” reservoir operational guidelines with proper membership functions for reservoir re–operation. In this study, ANFIS operating rules were trained …

Luminescence Inhibition Of Water-Soluble Fractions Of Crude Oil, Diesel And Spent Engine Oil On Freshly Isolated Vibrio Campbellii, Beatrice Omolola Bello, Olayide Samuel Lawal, Gbenga Emmanuel Olumayede, Ogochukwu Angela Agwu, Stanley Ozoemena Agbo

Applied Environmental Research

Inhibitory effects of water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil, diesel, spent engine oil, and their composite mixture on luminescent Vibrio species isolated from a tropical marine fish were assessed to determine the acute toxicity and suitability of the bacteria. This was evaluated with a slight modification of the procedure for freshly prepared luminescent marine bacteria according to the International Organization for Standardization. Toxicity was assessed following bacterial exposure to different concentrations of the WSFs. Water quality parameters and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined using standard methods. Chemical analysis revealed cumulative loads of PAHs in the WSFs of crude …

Monetizing Social Life Cycle Assessment (Slca): A Case Study In Smes Tapioca Industry In Lampung, Indonesia, Yosep -, Unang Mulkhan, Udin Hasanudin, Dewi Agustina Iryani

Applied Environmental Research

To verify the responsible and sustainable functioning of circular economy (CE), assessing the sustainability of CE methods is essential. The consistent absence of a social aspect within the CE has been a recurring topic in research. This paper aims to pinpoint social-benefit aspects that are quantifiable in monetary values and investigate how attributing monetary significance to these elements can enhance the evaluation of social sustainability, leading to more informed decision-making processes. The methodology involves both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A quantitative research study was initiated in February 2023. Two approaches were used for sample selection. First, a case study …

Use Of Modified Blast Furnace Slag For Cadmium Removal In An Aqueous Medium, Toufik Chouchane, Mohamed Tayeb Abedghars, Sabiha Chouchane, Hazem Meradi, Atmane Boukari

Applied Environmental Research

In this work, blast furnace slag was converted to hydroxyapatite-zeolite (MS) through alkaline fusion and hydrothermal treatment, and then it was used to remove cadmium in solution by adsorption in batch mode. The process was accomplished under the influence of determining parameters, namely the contact time, mass of the adsorbent, stirring speed, pH of the medium, temperature of the solution, particle size of the slag, and initial concentration. MS consists mainly of sodium oxide, silica, alumina, lime, and phosphorus pentoxide. The Ca/P, Na/Al, and Si/Al ratios revealed that the converted slag is a hydroxyapatite-zeolite. Following the modification of the treated …

Simulated Microgravity, Indole-3-Acetyl Acid, And Cow Dung Influence On Zea Mays Plant Growth In Contaminated Soil, A. Ovenseri, A.O. Ogunkeyede, A.A. Adebayo, P. Tawari-Fufeyin, A.O. Orukpe, C. Udeochu Uche

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigated the effects of simulated microgravity, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cow dung on Zea mays L. plants growing in soil contaminated with crude oil. Crude oil contamination affects plants negatively in morphology and physiology. For simulated microgravity exposure, IAA introduced and non-IAA introduced seeds of Zea mays L. were grown in a clinostat for 4days before taken to the nursery for planting. IAA was introduced to the seed by soaking in IAA solution for 90 minutes after which it was introduced to the microgravity stimulator (clinostat). After 14 days in the nursery, the seedlings were taken to the …

A Review On Water Security In Dhaka City, Bangladesh: Calling For Ensuring Sustainability, Wasim Akram, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat, Athit Phetrak, Suthirat Kittipongvises

Applied Environmental Research

Dhaka is currently facing a number of significant challenges, and one of them is the protection of water resources. The city is experiencing rapid depletion of groundwater as well as substantial pollution of its surface water. This article aims to highlight a review of the literature on the challenges of water security in Dhaka. The sustainability issues of water resources were elaborated in terms of management, quantity, and quality aspects. Having reviewed, it has been found that groundwater is depleting drastically over the years, which may have environmental, economic, and social consequences in the near future. Due to the rapid …

Effect Of Operating Parameters On Photocatalytic Treatment Of Synthetic Wastewater Using Catio3, Shilpa Mishra, Rekha Dom, Baranidharan Sundaram

Applied Environmental Research

Photocatalysis is thought to be a long-term, environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and promising technique for treating wastewater. The development of semiconductor nanoparticles has generated a great deal of interest in the treatment of wastewater. To break down complex contaminants found in wastewater into simpler compounds, including H2O and CO2, several UV/visible light excitable nanomaterials have been explored as photocatalysts. Their effectiveness can be managed by adjusting several reaction-related parameters like the intensity of light, irradiance time, pH, catalyst dose, temperature, doping, etc. The performance of the photocatalyst in the photodegradation of contaminants is greatly affected by these parameters. The main …

Using Neural Networks For Sustainable Land Use Prediction In Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia, Muhammad Ramdhan, Rudhy Akhwady, Taslim Arifin, Dini Purbani, Yulius -, Dino G. Pryambodo, Rinny Rahmania, Olivia Maftukhaturrizqoh, Abdul Asyiri, Syamsul Hidayat, Arya Ningsih, Sadad -

Applied Environmental Research

Agriculture is vital to Sumbawa Regency's economy, with key activities such as rice cultivation, corn production, onion farming, and cattle rearing. This study applies artificial neural networks (ANN) to predict land cover changes, focusing on agricultural land expansion. Using land cover datasets from ESRI, digital elevation model, and topographical maps, we analyzed land cover changes from 2017 to 2023 and generated future projections for 2050 with the MOLUSCE plugin in qGIS. The predictive model achieved an 85% accuracy rate when comparing 2023 actual data with predictions. Results indicate a significant increase in agricultural land cover by 2050. The key finding …

Screening, Isolation And Hydrocarbon Degradation Characteristics Of Yeasts From Mangrove Sediments Of Kerala, Vidya Pothayi, Sreedevi N Kutty, Sebastian Chempakassery Devasia

Applied Environmental Research

The aim of the present work was to examine the hydrocarbon degradation potential of yeasts isolated from the mangrove sediments. Mangrove sediments around the world were considered to be heavily polluted with oil contaminants and the microbes dwelling in them were believed to be highly active in metabolizing and detoxifying the oil fractions. In the present study, 70 yeast isolates were screened for their lipolytic activity qualitatively and 35 of them which showed comparatively higher lipolysis were tested for their crude oil degradation ability. Screening of hydro-carbon utilizing isolates was performed on Bushnell Haas agar media overlaid with 1% crude …

Application Of Remote Sensing In Analyzing Mangrove Forest Changes And Drivers In Mui Ca Mau National Park, Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Huyen, Le Hoang Tu, Phan Thi Ha, Nguyen Kim Duyet, Nguyen Kim Loi

Applied Environmental Research

Mangroves are vital in coastal ecology and for sustaining and securing coastal communities. However, several factors such as human activities and climate change have changed mangroves' quantity and quality. This research analyses land-use/land cover (LULC) changes focusing on mangroves in Mui Ca Mau National Park (MCMNP) from 1995-2022. Collected Landsat imagery in 1995, 2003, and 2022 were applied to perform this research. Overall accuracy and Kappa of land cover classification were 88.5% and 0.86 in 2003, and 87.6% and 0.85 in 2022, respectively. The classified results showed that the mangrove area had increased significantly from 4,316.1 hectares in 1995 to …

Establishing Optimal Machine Learning Models For Monitoring Water Quality In Vietnam’S Upper Ma River, Thanh-Son Ngo, Duc-Loc Nguyen

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to establish the optimal regression model for predicting total suspended solids (TSS) and Turbidity based on in situ data and spectral regions of Sentinel-2 images. Various machine learning models were evaluated, including Multilayer Perceptron Regression (MLPR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), AdaBoost Regression (ABR), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), and K-Nearest Neighbors Regression (KNNR). These models were applied to different band combinations of spectral regions: visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), shortwave-infrared (SWIR), VIS+NIR (VNIR), and VIS+NIR+SWIR (VNIR+SWIR). The study results revealed that the MLR model, while not the best performer during training (R2 = 0.89 for TSS and R2 = …

Comparitive Analysis Of Time Series Forecasting Using Frequency Informed Dense Neural Networks And Lstm, Avinash Mangalore Suresh

Master's Projects

Time series forecasting influences our lives on a daily basis, being a versatile tool in various application areas like environmental studies, finance, medicine and much more. While there are many established statistical and deep learning approaches to model time series data, each implementation comes with their own set of drawbacks or areas of improvements. Most of the existing deep learning architectures and research have focused on modeling time series data in the time-domain exclusively. However training deep learning models in the time-domain has some drawbacks, mainly due to the inherent temporal dependence of each time-step on the time-steps before it, …

Process Simulation For Converting Co2 Emissions From The Cementindustry To Dimethyl Ether, Nour Abou Seada, Dina Aboelela

Biochemical Engineering

Climate change is the leading severe problem in the twenty-first century, which is associated with greenhouse gas emissions,carbon dioxide that is the foremost cause of global warming and super greenhouse effect. In this concern, to avoid hazardousproblems, the steady stream of CO2 effluents existing in the atmosphere must be transformed to beneficial products for beingused as an abundant chemical feedstock. Implementing a new green strategy, which is known for the catalytic hydrogenationof CO2 into alternative fuels and valuable chemicals, will be a long-lasting solution to alleviate CO2 emissions. In this paper,a process simulation showing the synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) …

Enhancing Reservoir Modeling And Simulation Through Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning: A Smart Proxy Modeling Approach, Andrew Timothy Jenkins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The application of numerical reservoir simulation (NRS) has been a common approach within the oil and gas industry for decades, providing a means to model and forecast dynamic subsurface interactions, as a basis for reservoir management and development decisions. These techniques have expanded to application within carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) projects as domestic and global policy shift towards reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the energy needs of our modern society. NRS techniques have become a core process for permitting approval in Class VI (large-scale geological sequestration) wells due to the fundamental similarity of these types of subsurface processes. …

Characterizing The Beneficial Uses Of The Arcata Marsh Constructed Wetland Treatment System And Wildlife Sanctuary, Andrew S. Wolff

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The Arcata Marsh Constructed Wetland Treatment System and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Arcata California, has been in operation since 1986. Not only has it served as the wastewater treatment facility for the city, it has also provided other beneficial uses such as acting as a sanctuary for bird, mammal, amphibian, and macroinvertebrate species. With facility upgrades currently underway, it has become important to revisit the beneficial uses of the Arcata Marsh. This project aimed to identify and characterize these beneficial uses. Literature review was conducted, and eleven beneficial uses were identified. Existing and newly obtained data were analyzed to characterize …

Preliminary Remote Identification Of Unstable Zone On Large-Scale Waste Dump At Mae Moh Mine Using Insar Technique, Chitra Buth

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Mae Moh Mine is one of the largest lignite mine in Southeast Asia, operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). It is located in the northern part of Thailand, in Mae Moh district, Lampang province. In March 2018, a significant sliding incidence occurred at a waste dump site with sliding area of 1.56 km2 approximately, highlighting the pressing issue of instability within this large-scale waste dump area. This study aims to address this concern in the future and demonstrate an innovative method for investigating the failure by employing Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology. The methodology involves the …

The Impact Of Modern Buildings On Traditional Urban Environments And Urban Identity, Ann S. Ibrahim

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Contemporary cities face significant challenges in integrating modern buildings into traditional urban environments while preserving urban identity. This study focuses on the relationship between modern architecture and urban heritage. The research problem revolves around how modern buildings affect urban identity in traditional areas, and whether they can interact positively with the urban context without distorting its traditional character.

The study aims to analyze this impact by examining a range of global examples using architectural indicators such as visual integration, spatial integration, material harmony, urban scale, accessibility, and environmental impact. A three-point scale (weak, partial, excellent) was applied to assess each …

Enhancing 5g Fixed Wireless Access In Rural Settings Via Machine Learning-Driven Resource Optimization, Maryam Amini

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Providing broadband access to rural communities continues to be an important societal problem whose solution would help to break down the digital divide. While 5G wireless networks may be used for rural broadband, a key challenge is the placement of base stations, which is exacerbated by the use of high frequencies in the millimeter-wave band. Such technology requires an unobstructed line of sight, demanding meticulous planning of the number, height, and location of base stations for optimal coverage. Conventional methods, such as ray-tracing to simulate signal propagation across varied terrain, are computational costly and not feasible for vast coverage areas. …

Data-Driven Approaches For Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Predictive Models For Reducing Co2 Emissions And Enhancing Industrial Sustainability, Farzana Islam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change and industrial inefficiency, this thesis presents a comprehensive investigation aimed at advancing the predictive modeling of global CO2 emissions and enhancing operational efficiency in steel manufacturing through Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) temperature optimization. Leveraging a rich dataset sourced from the World Development Indicators database alongside a meticulously curated dataset specific to EAF operations, our study applies an innovative blend of econometric and machine learning techniques, including Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (Pooled OLS), Random Effects (RE), Fixed Effects (FE), and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Variables (SARIMAX) models. The …

Environmental Sustainability, Healthcare Workers And Healthcare Students: A Literature Review Of Attitudes And Learning Approaches, Pamela R. Mccauley, Kavita Mathur, Reza Kamali Miab, Nina Cohen, Kedena Henriques-Thompson, Jyo Gopinath

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Today, increased attention has been placed on the healthcare industry and its workers in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Increases in facemask production, personal protective equipment, and the number of patients admitted into hospitals have resulted in a sharp rise in medical waste and environmental concerns. This has led to a greater interest by the research community to study the type of training and education that healthcare workers and students receive which could facilitate the implementation of sustainability activities during their work.

Design/Methodology: We have conducted a literature review (2010 to 2024) on healthcare worker …

Development Of A Low-Cost Resistivity Meter For Local Groundwater Survey, Jose Claro N. Monje, Ma. Leonora Guico, Carlos M. Oppus, Mark Glenn F. Retirado, Alfonso Rafael Cuezon, Justin Bryce M. Torres

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

The researchers developed a low-cost resistivity meter with a built-in data file storage system using locally available parts. This effort was done in partnership with the National Water Resources Board and the Department of Science and Technology under the Water for Tourism project for water quality monitoring in tourist areas in the Philippines such as Boracay and Caticlan. The resistivity meter system consists of a power supply module, a sensor module, and an equipment module, built using locally available materials and equipment, emulating the commercially available PASI model 16 GL-N. Due to pandemic restrictions, the developed prototype could only be …

Reinstatement Of The Poly Canyon Caretaker Program Through The Development Of A Tiny Home Community, Leily Martin

Construction Management

The Poly Canyon Experimental Structures Laboratory, through its Design/Build program, is unique in the educational opportunity it provides Cal Poly College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) students. However, since the conclusion of the Caretaker Program in 2011, the facility’s structures have deteriorated due to vandalism, purposeful destruction, and weathering. This study examines the perspectives of CAED students, the interim CAED Dean, Kevin Dong, and Cal Poly Risk Manager, Mike Morgan, on the effectiveness in reinstating the Caretaker Program through the development of a tiny home community. Results indicated educational value in this facility, so addressing these issues must occur …