Articles in Press

Thematic

Water and wastewater
Circular economy
Solid waste management
Climate change and air pollution

A new approach for upgrading Biogas produced at a local wastewater treatment plant
Boyaci Y S Uyanik S Yildiz H

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005778
Paper Topic:
Sustainable Energy

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Abstract
Biogas is globally recognized as a crucial source of renewable energy. After undergoing proper treatment, the purified form of biogas, known as "biomethane", has the potential to be injected into existing natural gas infrastructure or compressed for use as a vehicle fuel. The principal pollutants which cause a reduction in the energy density of biogas and impede its utilization, specifically in engines, are carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and siloxanes. Furthermore, the presence of carbon dioxide in biogas has a significant impact on global warming. In this study, the water scrubbing method, which is the most used method in biogas upgrading processes, was utilized due to its low operating cost. With the decreasing availability of clean water resources around the world and the challenges of utilizing them, the reuse of treated wastewater has become increasingly important. Therefore, in this study, treated wastewater was used as scrubbing water for biogas instead of clean water. In addition, the biogas used in the study is the gas produced in the wastewater treatment plant of a local municipality, thus contributing to the uniqueness of the study. Prior to upgrading, the biogas content produced in the plant had CH4 and CO2 values of 62% and 37%, respectively. However, after the implementation of upgraded technology, these values increased to 96% (CH4) and 3% (CO2). These results clearly demonstrate the success of the new method.
Sustainable bio-oil from banana peel waste biomass: Optimization study and effect of thermal drying
Huang Shen Chua Muhammad Faris Shah Bin Shabuddin Kiat Moon Lee Tan Kok Tat Mohammed JK Bashir

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005691
Paper Topic:
Food waste

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Abstract
Banana waste has a high level of volatile matter, making it a promising feedstock for pyrolysis in bio-oil generation. Thus, an oven drying method optimization study was conducted to find the drying process of Saba banana peel on flap opening and fan speed. Based on the ANOVA results, it was found that the drying process using 60% fan speed and 40% flap opening for 6 hours of drying time could remove 84.07% of the moisture content from the banana peel. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was employed to characterize dried banana peels. The TGA study showed that the volatile matter concentration of the dried banana peels was 76.47% when using the ASTM drying method and 70.95% when using the improvement parameter optimization for the drying process. The bio-oil's high heating value (HHV) at 300 °C was 38.88 MJ/kg. The yields of bio-oil, biochar, and syngas obtained from the pyrolysis process were 16.6%, 36.45%, and 46.96%, respectively. The carbon hydrogen nitrogen sulfur (CHNS) ultimate analysis study showed a bio-oil elemental composition of 65.59% carbon, 8.27% hydrogen, 2.94% nitrogen, 0.93% sulfur, and 22.27% oxygen. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that functional groups including alcohol, alkane, phenol, and primary alcohol are present.
Assessment of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity with Using Soil Particle Size Distribution: A Comparative Study of Constant Head and Falling Head Methods
Kashif Ali Solangi, Bilawal Abbasi Farheen Solangi Shahneela Khaskhali Altaf Ali Siyal Hassan Mehmood Muhammad Irfan Akram Rashid Iqbal Abdullah Ahmed Al-Ghamdi Mohamed S Elshikh

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005833
Paper Topic:
Floods, Droughts and Water scarcity

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Abstract
The purpose of soil hydraulic conductivity is to retain soil water contents, and soil water pressure. In this study investigates two different methods to understand the soil hydraulic conductivity of loam and clay soils. The present research conducted a laboratory experiment to measure the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) using two different methods: the constant head and falling head methods. The constant head method utilized a soil column with a length of 8.5 cm, and three soil columns were occupied with various soil texture classes (%). The study results demonstrate that the classification of soil texture was predominantly sandy loam with porosity varying between 35%, 43%, and 50% within the clay soil category. Furthermore, the average value of Ksat for the soil samples using the constant head method was 0.00142 cm/sec, while the falling head method provides average values of 0.00123, 0.00172, and 0.00144 for sandy loam and 0.0000146 cm/sec for clay soil. It is concluded that the falling head method indicates greater accuracy, particularly evident in the concurrent analysis of three samples. This study suggested that determination of Ksat through laboratory method is suitable due to cost effectiveness and simplicity.
The influence of nZVI composites as immobilizing agents on the bioavailability of heavy metals and plant growth in mining metal-contaminated soil
Mousa M, Al-Farraj A, Al-Wabel M, Ibrahim H, Usman A, Al-Swadi H, Ahmad M, Rafique M.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005774
Paper Topic:
Nanomaterials in the environment: applications and effects

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Abstract
Under the greenhouse scale, nano zero valent iron (nZVI) have been evaluated evaluated by formulation with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-nZVI), chitosan (Ch-nZVI), biochar (BC-nZVI), and smectite (SC-nZVI) at rates of 0 and 0.5 and 1% (w/w). The properties of manufactured compounds and their impact on the soil ecosystem planted with safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as a phytoremediation crop for inorganic contaminants in contaminated mining soils have been measured. After 33 days, growth parameters were recorded in harvested plants and the concentrations of some HMs in plant tissues. Furthermore, pH, EC, soluble Na and available Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in the treated soil after harvest were analyzed. Results revealed that Ch-nZVI and SC-nZVI application at 0.5% led to a narrow non-significant increase in the dry biomass and the shoot length compared to the control. On the other hand, the application of CMC-nZVI and BC-nZVI resulted in reduced plant growth. All the applied amendments increased soil pH, EC, and soluble Na contents. The soils treated with synthesized nZVI composites showed a considerable increase (non-significant) in available heavy metals in treated soils compared to control. Application of CMC-nZVI1% resulted in increased shoot copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) (182% and 114%, respectively, compared to control), while Ch-nZVI, SC-nZVI applied at 1%, and BC-nZVI0 applied at 5% resulted in reduce Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations in roots by 65.2%, 31.4% and 85.5% in Cu, Zn and Pb respectively as compared to control). The phytoremediation indices showed that the uptake and extraction of HMs by safflower plants weren't significant in decreasing heavy metals in polluted soil and the applied materials disabled the actions of hyperaccumulated plant used. Results showed that these materials didn’t have a significant effect on immobilize of HMs in mining soil, while the application of Ch-nZVI, SC-nZVI, and BC-nZVI resulted in disabled hyperaccumulated plant to reducing the uptake of Pb, Cu, and Zn. It could be concluded that the application of synthesized nZVI composites to mining polluted soil might be restricted, mainly due to their negative impacts on soil ecosystem besides their side effects on HMs uptake by test hyperaccumulated crop.
Gap type effect on photocatalytic degradation using newly hydrotalcite nanoposite precursor synthesized by hydrothermal method
Kerchich S, Boudjemaa A, Chebout R, Kerchich Y, Béchohra I, Bachari K

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005443
Paper Topic:
Water and Wastewater Treatment

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Abstract
A novel technique involving hydrothermal synthesis was employed to prepare nanocomposite precursors of lamellar double hydroxide based basic mixed oxides. This method extended ongoing research on iron-impregnated hydrotalcite-supported nanomaterials. The iron-based Fe/MgAl-h nanocomposite was prepared via dry impregnation, introducing a known % by weight of Fe (NO3)3.9H2O metal salt into the hydrothermally synthesized MgAl-h structure. For comparative analysis, the photocatalytic performance of Fe/MgAl-h was compared with the coprecipitation-synthesized Fe/MgAl-c after calcination at 400°C, using various characterization techniques. Structural examination revealed a double-layered hydroxyl structure and the presence of iron oxide phase Fe2O3 in Fe/MgAl-h400. Optical assessments indicated an indirect band gap energy of 1.89 eV for solid Fe/MgAl-h400, which is suitable for visible light absorption. Photocatalytic experiments for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation in aqueous solution were performed under artificial irradiation with a tungsten lamp as the visible light source, mirroring the conditions of Fe/MgAl-c400. Using 50 mg/L MB concentration and 0.5 g/L catalyst quantity, increased MB removal efficiency with time was observed. A comparative study of hydrothermal and coprecipitation synthesis methods showed decreased photodegradation for the hydrothermally prepared solid. Fe/MgAl-h400 and Fe/MgAl-c400 exhibited reaction efficiencies of approximately 46% and 67%, respectively, possibly attributed to their distinct indirect and direct band gap characteristics. Moreover, a wider band gap in a semiconductor material offers several advantages for the degradation of dyes.
Physicochemical Variation of Water, Diversity, and Bacterial Community Structure in Post-coal Mining Ponds of Different Ages in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Kusumawati E. Retnaningdyah C. Mustafa I. Suharjono

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005752
Paper Topic:
Water Quality

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Abstract
This study aims to determine physicochemical variation of water, diversity, and community structure of bacteria at post-coal mining ponds of various ages located in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Bacteria species were identified using a metagenomic approach on the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) nanopore platform and analyzed using the QIIME2 pipeline. The result showed that ponds aged > 20 years old had better water quality compared to others < 5 years old. In addition, ponds > 20 years old had lower conductivity values (0,21-0,40 mS/cm), water temperature (29,1-30,1oC), and sulfur content (2,35-6,44 mg/L), as well as higher pH (6,57-7,61) and abundance of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) (217-364 CFU/mL). Based on the results, ponds < 5 years old had water quality characterized by higher conductivity (0,27-1,29 mS/cm), water temperature (30,1-31,4 oC), and sulfur content (6,56-15,03 mg/L), lower pH (2,93-3,72), and abundance of SOB (0-38 CFU/mL). Diversity and structure of bacteria community showed that the Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) in post-coal mining ponds > 20 years old was 3819 compared to 2027 in those < 5 years old. Bacteria community in post-coal mining ponds > 20 years old consisted of 11 phyla and 45 classes, while those < 5 years old had 9 phyla and 38 classes. Moreover, the relative abundance of families, genera, and species at ponds > 20 years old was also higher. The high water quality, diversity, and community structure of bacteria at ponds > 20 years old showed the successful remediation of ponds water by SOB.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Development of Circular Economy in China: A Perspective on Green Total Factor Productivity
Li H. Lei X.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005923
Paper Topic:
Circular economy

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Abstract
In the process of China's transition to high-quality development, the circular economy, as a key strategy for achieving green growth, is of significant importance in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. This study employs the SBM-GML model to analyze the Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2019, exploring the influence of climate change on the development of the circular economy. The research finds that although China's GTFP shows an overall upward trend, indicating some achievements in the circular economy, the performance in the eastern region significantly outperforms other regions, with technological progress being the primary driver of growth. The impact of climate change on GTFP varies with temperature changes and exhibits differentiated characteristics in different regions. Based on these findings, this paper puts forward a series of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the practice of the circular economy, enhancing resource utilization efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing the challenges of climate change through promoting green low-carbon development, optimizing industrial structure, and formulating adaptive environmental regulations.
Research on Regulatory Strategies of Green Finance and Optimization of Corporate Green Behavior under the Framework of Circular Economy
Guo J. Lin O. Ye K. Guan J. Lei X.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005913
Paper Topic:
Circular economy

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Abstract
The green finance market, as an integral part of the circular economy, significantly influences environmental protection and sustainable development. This study explores regulatory issues concerning corporate "greenwashing" behavior in this market, aiming to devise effective regulatory strategies to promote genuine green economic activities. By applying evolutionary game theory, this paper constructs a game model of interaction between the government and enterprises. Through numerical simulation analysis, it reveals the dynamic characteristics of the green finance market in three different stages: initial, growth, and maturity, and their impact on system stability. The study suggests that strengthening regulatory measures, enhancing transparency in information disclosure, establishing unified green assessment standards, and improving incentive policies are key measures to curb corporate greenwashing behavior and promote green transformation. The implementation of these strategies not only enhances the market's green reputation but also encourages active participation of enterprises in circular economic activities, thereby achieving a win-win situation for environmental and economic benefits. The research findings of this paper have important theoretical and practical implications for guiding the healthy development of the green finance market and formulating circular economy policies.
Water Quality Index Prediction and Classification using Hyperparameter Tuned Deep Learning Approach
Sathya Preiya V. M, Subramanian P, Soniya M, Pugalenthi R

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005821
Paper Topic:
Water Quality

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Abstract
Water quality (WQ) is hugely important for animals, humans, plants, industries, and the environment. In the past few years, the WQ has been compressed by pollution and contamination. Usually, WQ is assessed utilizing costly laboratory and arithmetical processes, making real observation ineffective. Whereas, the poor WQ wants a more real and cost-effective resolution. Water pollution is a critical problem, so, it is vital to generate a method that estimates WQ in order to manage water pollution and notify users on the occasion of the recognition of poor water superiority. For effectual WQ management, it is vital to precisely estimate the WQ type. We use the advantage of machine learning (ML) models to build a model proficient in forecasting the WQ index and class. Therefore, this paper presents an automated Water Quality Index Prediction and Classification using Hyperparameter Tuned Deep Learning (WQIPC-HTDL) Approach. The purpose of the WQIPC-HTDL technique is to estimate WQI and classify the WQ into multiple levels. In the WQIPC-HTDL technique, the linear scaling normalization (LSN) approach is used. Besides, the long short-term memory (LSTM) technique is employed for the prediction and classification process. To enhance the efficacy of the LSTM model, the grasshopper optimizer algorithm (GOA) can be used. To point out the enhanced performance of the WQIPC-HTDL technique, a detailed simulation analysis was made. The obtained values inferred the rule of the WQIPC-HTDL technique when equated to other models.
Analysis of the interactive effects of new urbanization and agricultural carbon emission efficiency
Shenglin M Liqin W Yang S

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005927
Paper Topic:
Ecological effects of Environmental change

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Abstract
Exploring the relationship between new urbanization and agricultural carbon emission is of great significance to promote the green and low-carbon development of agriculture. The urbanization level was comprehensively assessed by constructing an index system, and the agricultural carbon emission efficiency was measured using the SBM model, and finally, the relationship between urbanization and agricultural carbon emission efficiency was quantitatively analyzed with the help of the PVAR model. The results of the study show that：(1) From a general point of view, new urbanization is the Granger cause of agricultural carbon emission efficiency, and new urbanization has a reverse effect on the improvement of agricultural carbon emission efficiency, while the opposite is not true. (2) Agricultural urbanization is always the Granger cause of agricultural carbon emission efficiency in both main grain-producing and non-main grain-producing areas, but the inhibitory effect of new urbanization on the improvement of agricultural carbon emission efficiency is significantly stronger in main grain-producing areas.

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