Sustainability Commons^™

From Basel (1989) To Busan (2024): Developments And Contradictions In The Global Plastic Waste Trade, Megan E. Hughes

Honors Theses

In 1989, the international community convened in Basel to adopt groundbreaking, legally binding legislation on the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. Plastic waste was notably absent from the initial Basel Convention due to the perceived economic value in plastic recycling despite social, economic, and environmental harms. Consequently, the transboundary sale of plastic waste for recycling– known as the Global Plastic Waste Trade (GPWT)– has proceeded largely unregulated, enabling unsustainable plastic consumption while exacerbating environmental justice divides between developed and developing nations. Recent commitments in the GPWT, such as the European Commission Circular Economy Action Plan (2015), China’s National Sword policy …

Zero Waste Initiatives Across Three Institutions: Local Government, An Academic Institution, And A Retail Business, Soren G. Gray

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Future Of Fashion: A Systematic Literature Review On Consumer Willingness To Pay For Green Apparel, Emma Clark

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, consumers have become highly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, specifically of apparel products. Accordingly, apparel brands have increasingly focused on enhancing the sustainability of their product offerings to attract environmentally conscious consumers and elevate their brand image (Dangelico et al., 2022). Furthermore, most sustainably produced products are priced higher for consumers compared to standard alternatives (Elmanadily & El-Deeb, 2022). Research has shown that consumers can accept higher prices for products that do less harm to the environment (Gomes et al., 2023), but it has yet to be determined in which cases this is consistently …

Pastoral Land Condition: Kimberley Land Condition Standards, Robert Sudmeyer, Rick Fletcher, Kathryn Ryan, Matthew Fletcher, Charles Martin, Philip Thomas, Karen Holmes, Karyn Reeves, Wayne Fletcher

Natural resources published reports

This report outlines the conceptual basis and quantitative land condition standards that define acceptable pastoral land condition for the Kimberley, Western Australia (WA), to meet the regulatory requirements of the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) develops regional-level pastoral land condition standards for WA to implement the Framework for sustainable pastoral management – Revised edition, which is designed to address the Office of the Auditor General’s recommendations to improve the management of pastoral lands in WA. The application of these standards is expected to …

Heathy Aging In A Sustainable Manner, Karin Volkwein-Caplan

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Karin Volkwein-Caplan, Kinesiology, presents "Healthy Aging in a Sustainable Manner".

The Oaks Vs. Other University Dining Facilities: Does Architecture Affect Food Waste?, Sydney Bezich

Honors Projects

The purpose of this study was to find a connection between food waste and architecture and determine how food waste can be mitigated using architectural solutions and methods. Food waste is an important issue worldwide and is present in university dining facilities. This study focuses on university dining facilities’ preventable food waste at both the pre-consumer and post-consumer levels. Architecture, in this project, is defined as all aspects of the built environment. This includes, but is not limited to, design and layout, materials, systems, building operations, marketing displays, and sustainability. Methods for this study included researching sustainability, architecture, and food …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Research On Underground Coal Gasification From 2023 To 2024: A Systematic Review, Qin Yong, Yi Tongsheng, Wang Lingxia

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The industrialization of underground coal gasification (UCG) technology presents a potential solution for securing the supply of clean energy. The latest wave of exploration into UCG is currently gaining momentum. Methods This review systematically organizes domestic and international literature, expatiates the advances in research on UCG from 2023 to 2024, analyzes the primary challenges in its development, and proposes key areas for future exploration. Advances Transformative technological advancements in the development and utilization of coal energy based on UCG have been proposed. The development of an integrated, synergistic UCG – coalbed methane – carbon capture, utilization, and storage (UCG–CBM–CCUS) …

Evolutionary Pattern And A Calculation Method Of In Situ Gas Pressure Based On Pressure-Retaining Coal Cores, Gao Mingzhong, Song Jie, Cui Pengfei, Li Yongcheng, Wang Zhipeng, Zhou Xuemin, Li Ju, Hao Zongxin, Hao Haichun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The in situ gas pressure of coal seams represents a crucial parameter for the safe production of coal mines and the assessment of coalbed methane (CBM) resources. To overcome current limitations in determining the in situ gas pressure, such as prolonged measurement cycles and the influence of multiple parameters on the measurement results, this study conducted isothermal adsorption and volumetric expansion desorption experiments on pressure-retaining coal cores with varying moisture contents using a self-constructed experimental system for gas pressure evolution in pressure-retaining coal cores. As a result, the evolutionary pattern of gas pressure in pressure-retaining coal cores …

Key Technologies For Surface Control Of Gas Dynamic Disasters In Coal Mines And Their Application, Wang Bo, Xu Fengyin, Liu Wenge, Shao Sihua, Wang Ning, Wen Jiandong, Cheng Guoxi, Qu Zhenghui, Xie Yadong, Han Jiaye, Li Zhi, Xu Bo, Yang Weihua, Zhang Yiteng, Li Changxing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Significance As the coal mining depth increases, coal mining faces increasingly prominent challenges including coal and gas outbursts, rock bursts, and compound dynamic disasters. Deepening the understanding of disaster-causing mechanisms and developing diversified prevention and control technologies are significant for the safe production of coal mines. Employing the key technologies for coalbed methane (CBM) production to control gas-related dynamic disasters is an inevitable course for the safe production of coal mines. However, large-scale, suitable technology systems are yet to be developed. Methods From the perspective of the application of key technologies for surface CBM production, this study systematically …

Microseismic Monitoring And Assessment Of Segmented Hydraulic Fracturing Of Horizontal Wells In Coal Seam Roofs, Li Quangui, Peng Shuyue, Liang Yunpei, Li Wenxi, Qian Yanan, Cheng Chunhui, Yu Changjun, Zhan Jinfei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Microseismic monitoring, a non-destructive monitoring technique, has been extensively applied in the hydraulic fracturing performance assessment of coal seams. However, little attention is paid to the vertical wave velocity gradients in media in the same layer during the construction of layered wave velocity models. This leads to limited precision of travel time calculation and microseismic source localization, thus affecting the assessment accuracy of the hydraulic fracturing of coal seams. Objective and Methods Based on the coal seam segmented hydraulic fracturing project in a mine in Anhui, this study proposes an improved velocity model based on the Universal Kriging interpolation …

Reflections And Implementation Strategies For Constructing A Standard System For Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration And Exploitation, Chen Xinjun, Liu Zengqin, Shen Baojian, Zhao Shihu, Zhang Jiaqi, Ye Jincheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coalbed methane (CBM; burial depths: > 1500 m) in China holds considerable resource potential. As a strategic clean energy, deep CBM is exhibiting increasingly high value of exploitation and utilization. This is of great practical significance for China’s energy structure transformation and the achievement of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality in the country. In recent years, breakthroughs have been made in deep CBM exploration in basins such as Ordos, Sichuan, and Junggar, with a single-well daily gas production exceeding 100 000 m³, marking the initial achievement of large-scale deep CBM exploitation. However, the existing standard …

Dynamic Gas Supply Mechanism And Theoretical Production Modes Of Free Gas-Rich Deep Coal Reservoirs, Chen Shida, Zhang Taiyuan, Tang Dazhen, Xu Hao, Tao Shu, Li Song, Tang Shuling

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The production processes of adsorbed and free gases and the dynamic partitioning mechanism behind the production efficiency of both gas types are critical scientific issues to be addressed urgently in the exploration and production of deep coalbed methane (CBM). Based on the test and assay data of cores from exploration wells, this study systematically analyzed the theoretical production of deep CBM resources. By integrating the building of mathematical and numerical models, carbon isotope monitoring of methane, and the analysis of production curves, this study revealed the spatiotemporal evolutionary processes of production-induced pressure drop expansion, adsorbed gas desorption, …

An Experimental Study Of Ch4 Displacement By Co2 Under Varying Initial Reservoir Pressures, Xu Jiang, Jiang Shiyu, Peng Shoujian, Wang Zhonghui, Chen Jiaxuan, Niu Huiting

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective This study aims to reveal the evolutionary patterns of reservoir parameters during the CO₂-enhanced coalbed methane (CO₂-ECBM) recovery and the impact of initial reservoir pressure on CBM recovery by gas injection. Methods Based on the multi-field coupling-based physical simulation experiment system of gas injection into coal seams for production growth, this study conducted experiments of CH₄ displacement by CO₂ under a constant gas injection pressure of 2.0 MPa and initial reservoir pressures of 1.5 MPa, 1.0 MPa, and 0.5 MPa. Accordingly, this study explored the spatiotemporal evolutionary patterns of multiphysical field parameters such …

Parameter Optimization For Multistage Horizontal Well Fracturing Based On Multi-Cluster Perforation For Deep Coal Measure Gas: A Case Study Of The Jurassic Baijiahai Area In The Junggar Basin, Wang Bo, Jin Chenghong, Liu Jiang, Wang Zhiwei, Li Shenjian, Sheng Mao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The multistage horizontal well fracturing based on multi-cluster perforation has emerged as an effective approach for the efficient production of deep coal-measure gas (CMG). However, deep coals feature unique rock mechanical properties, fluid loss characteristics of reservoirs, and microfracture developmental characteristics, which differ significantly from those of unconventional shales, tight sandstones, and shallow coals. As a result, existing fracturing experience cannot be directly applied, highlighting the investigation of fracturing parameter optimization tailored for deep CMG production.Methods Focusing on deep CMG reservoirs in the Baijiahai area within the Junggar Basin, this study constructed a model of multistage horizontal well …

Measures And Effects Of Eco-Geological Restoration In Well No.4 In The Muli Mining Area, Qinghai Province, China, Zhao Xin, Wang Tong, Wang Weichao, Li Congcong, Li Fei, Jiang Zhikun, Li Jin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Muli mining area, located in the hinterland of the Qilian Mountains, Qinghai Province, serves as the source of the Datong River—a major tributary of the Yellow River. This area falls within the alpine permafrost region, exhibiting a sensitive, fragile ecosystem. In the early 21st century, disordered coal mining in this area has caused ecological damage. This has notably posed four challenges in the ecological restoration of well No.4 in this area: (1) high, steep, and unstable slopes of spoil heaps; (2) a large volume of water accumulating in mining pits; (3) permafrost excavation and destruction, and (4) land …

Advances In Research On Lithium In Coal-Bearing Strata And Its Isotopes, Zhang Yun, Wei Yingchun, Cao Daiyong, Li Xin, Jin Liangliang, Dong Bo, Wang Xin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Significance Lithium serves as a significant strategic metal in emerging industries, and lithium isotopes have become crucial geochemical tracers due to their pronounced mass-dependent fractionation effects. Therefore, lithium minerals in coal-bearing strata have emerged as a priority in recent exploration of strategic metallic mineral resources. Investigating the isotopic composition and variation of lithium in coal-bearing strata helps reveal the sources, migration, and enrichment process of lithium while also providing a theoretical basis for lithium exploration and exploitation in coal-bearing strata. Advances This study offers a summary of advances in research on lithium in coal-bearing strata and its isotopes from three …

Multi-Field Information Fusion-Based Analysis Of The Macroscopic And Mesoscopic Damage Evolution And Location Identification Of Caving And Water-Conducting Fracture Zones For Mining Overburden, Wei Jiangbo, Wang Shuangming, Liu Lang, Wei Baoning, Chong Deyu, Liu Zhizhen, Li Dongkui, Zhuang Dengdeng, Zhou Jing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective For the coal mining areas in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, there is an urgent need to determine the failure characteristics of the mining overburden and the spatial structural evolution of caving and water-conducting fracture zones in the overburden, which is recognized as the major challenge in coal mining through gangue grouting filling in goaves. Methods To accurately identify the locations of the caving and water-conducting fracture zones in the mining overburden, this study investigated mining face 42205 in the Liangshuijing Coal Mine in northern Shaanxi Province. Using drilling data, this study constructed a numerical model of …

Intelligent Identification Of The Acoustic Emission Characteristics And Crack Propagation States During Of Coal Failure Based On The Nrbo-Xgboost Model, Zhang Tianjun, Cao Xinshuang, Song Shuang, He Suinan, Xue Yilun, Liu Guoying, Chen Juntao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The dynamic hazards of coals are intimately associated with the complexity and uncertainty of coal failure, while accurately identifying the propagation states of coal cracks serves as a critical approach to investigating the instability failure of coals. However, the current identification methods based on the physical quantities of acoustic emission suffer from slow speeds and low efficiency, failing to meet the demand for safe, efficient, and intelligent mining of coal mines. Methods To achieve the intelligent identification of the crack propagation states of coals, this study constructed an optimization model based on the Newton-Raphson-based optimizer (NRBO) and the eXtreme …

Effects Of Coal Seam Dip Angle On Asymmetric Load Transfer Paths In The Overburden Of Inclined Stopes, Zhu Kaipeng, Luo Shenghu, Xie Panshi, Li Zhilin, Fan Juan, Tian Chengyang, Yi Leilei, Xu Hui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives The coal seam dip angle is recognized as the root cause of far more complex load transfer paths in the overburden of inclined stopes compared to those of common coal seams. A clear understanding of the effects of the coal seam dip angle on the load transfer paths holds great significance for the stability control of surrounding rocks in inclined coal seams. Methods Based on the engineering background of a certain coal mine in Xinjiang, this study investigated the asymmetric deformations and failure of the overburden in inclined stopes using physical similar material simulation experiments, finite element numerical simulations, …