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https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005398

Abstract

Concrete is the broadly adopted composite material in the construction arena. The growing need for cost-effective housing is resulting in the depletion of environmental resources such as river sand and gravel, which are essential components in the manufacture of concrete. However, the manufacturing of cement has been proven to have a negative impact on the environment because it contributes to the carbon footprint. The resolution of these environmental issues can be achieved through the implementation of sustainable solutions. This article explores the potential application of coconut shell ash as a substitute for cement in green concrete. Coconut shells (CS) are inevitable by-products derived from the agricultural sector. Coconut shell ash (CSA) was obtained through the combustion of coconut shells. The CSA is substituted by a range of 0 to 20% by weight of cement with a gradual 2.5% increase. The test findings concluded that 12.5% of CSA mix attained the maximum compressive strength. The durability results were found satisfactory in comparison with the normal concrete. The specimens were exposed to different temperatures (i.e., 100 °C, 200 °C, and 300 °C) for a consistent duration of one hour. The CSA concrete exhibited improved residual strength and weight reduction compared to conventional concrete.

Assessment of biomarker-based ecotoxic effects in combating microplastic pollution - A review

Ozgenc E., Keles E., Yildiz Tore G., Pages:1-24

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Environmental Health

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005598

Abstract

Microplastics, found in various environments oceans, freshwater systems, soil, and the atmosphere, can enter ecosystems through various pathways, including the degradation of macroplastic parts or direct release from consumer products. By polluting terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, their formation, fate, and distribution increasingly threaten living life and ecosystems. Once found in the environment, microplastics can persist for a long time and cause toxicity by accumulating in different ecological sections. These particles can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, including species living in water, birds, and terrestrial animals, negatively affecting ecosystem functioning. Ecological risks associated with microplastics include disruption of food webs, altered nutrient cycling, and potential long-term effects on population dynamics and ecosystem stability. The accumulation of microplastics and associated toxicants in organisms can have cascading effects on higher trophic levels and ultimately affect entire ecosystems. However, biomarker studies have revealed the potential for bioaccumulating microplastics and related chemical pollutants throughout the food chain. With the analysis of biomarkers, the uptake and accumulation of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract, tissues, and organs of organisms can be determined. Biomarkers help assess the impact of pollutants on individual organisms and provide insight into potential risks to entire ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective mitigation strategies, environmental monitoring programs, and regulatory measures to minimize the harmful effects of microplastics on ecosystems and human health. This study specifies the toxicity effects of microplastic detection on living organisms in the receiving environment through biomarker-based monitoring studies and also emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

An Automated Graph-Based Neural Network Model for Predicting Urban Environmental Air Quality Using Spatio-Temporal Data Optimization

Yogapriya J Deepa S Radha N Madhumitha E , Pages:1-10

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Air Quality

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005540

Abstract

Environmental protection and the need for accurate pollutant forecasting have become increasingly important as worries about environmental issues and the harmful effects of pollution have grown. Predictive accuracy of air pollutants is generally unsatisfactory due to the fact that conventional methodologies prioritise time series analysis over the important spatial transmission dynamics among neighbouring locations. To address this inherent limitation, our proposed solution introduces an innovative Time Series Prediction Network, augmented by the auto-optimization capabilities of a Spatio-Temporal Graph-based Neural Network. This groundbreaking network comprises distinct spatial and temporal modules. The spatial module harnesses a Graph Sampling and Aggregation Network to extract essential spatial information from the data. Simultaneously, the temporal module integrates a Bayesian approach with a Complex Valued Graph Gated Recurrent Unit (BCV-GRU), seamlessly incorporating a graph network into the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) to capture temporal intricacies. Moreover, to manage the challenge of model inaccuracy stemming from inappropriate hyperparameters, Bayesian optimization was employed. The efficacy of our proposed method was validated using real PM2.5 data from the USGS website, showcasing a significant enhancement in prediction accuracy. This study puts forth a robust and effective approach for forecasting PM2.5 concentrations, bridging gaps in existing methodologies and contributing substantially to the evolution of environmental prediction models.

Sustainable Treatment Approach to Dumped Construction Waste with Acids and CO2 for its Effective Re-utilization in Concrete

Ravichandran P Rampradheep G S Jagan S , Pages:1-10

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Solid Waste Management

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005613

Abstract

Dumping of construction wastes has become one of the serious concerns in the construction industries subsequent to the scarcity of construction materials, specifically aggregates. Extensive research works have been performed to utilize the dumped waste as aggregates, yet its substandard properties affect the concrete. Furthermore, several treatments were proposed to improve the quality of aggregates such as microbial, slurry etc, but the brittleness of concrete remains unavoidable. This research discusses the effect of acid treatment and carbonation treatment on recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) and the impact of hybrid fibres on concrete properties. The steel fibres (SF) and polypropylene fibres (PF) were optimized to 1.5% and 1.0% with 100% treated RCA to assess the concrete's hardened properties and water absorption. The study reports that the carbonation treatment to RCA performs better compared to acid treatment and the mix with the use of hybrid fibres shows enhanced properties than single fibres. The strength of the mix with 100% carbonated RCA 1.5% SF and 1.0% PF was 57% higher than that of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and the water absorption of similar mix was found to be lower than other mixes. Microstructural investigations through SEM and XRD were also performed to support the research findings.

Characterization and optimization studies of cellulose based bioplastics extracted from Musa paradisiaca L.

Devika R Ratnadip Saha , Pages:1-10

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Ecosystems and Natural Resources Management

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005781

Abstract

In recent past, attentions are towards preserving and restoring the resources of environment in terms of development of new products of environmental safety, Therefore utilization of vegetable fibres, extracts from stem, leaves, fruits and roots for the production of biopolymers / improving mechanical properties/ recovery byproducts etc. are recently incorporated as reinforcing elements. Cellulose, a linear chain of molecular rings of glucose linked through covalent bond (C1 oxygen to glucose of a ring and ring adjacent C4) is an abundant polymer in nature from plants and it is advantageous in biodegradability, non toxicity, inexpensive, thermal stability etc. and has potential applications. Cellulose due to its poor solubility has a wide range of applications in packing, upholstery, coating, netting etc. and cellulose derivatives are tailored for specific industrial applications. The present investigation was concentrated to produced cellulose from banana pseudostem and characterized the nature of cellulose extracted and optimization studies for production of bioplastics from Musa paradisiaca L.

Evolutionary game analysis of enterprises’ green production behavior in the context of China’s economic green transformation

Xue Lei Ouwen Lin Jiajun Lin, Pages:1-8

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Circular economy

Issue:

Issue 3

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.004360

Abstract

In the context of China's critical economic transition towards sustainability, this research employs a tripartite evolutionary game model involving government, enterprises, and environmental protection social organizations to investigate the evolutionary trajectory of enterprises' green production behaviors. By elucidating the equilibrium solution of the model and validating its local stability, the study aims to identify the key factors that contribute to steering the game towards a favorable state. The findings reveal that enterprises' decisions to adopt green production practices are primarily driven by cost-benefit considerations. Meanwhile, government interventions in regulating green production are influenced by factors such as resource input, punitive measures for non-compliance, and reward incentives. Additionally, the decisions of environmental protection social organizations to monitor enterprises' green production are shaped by factors like cost, financial support, and subsidy incentives. Ultimately, the study provides policy recommendations, emphasizing stakeholder perspectives, to encourage corporate green production. These insights not only aim to foster sustainable development among enterprises but also serve as a theoretical foundation for government policy formulation.

Influence of the addition of M2+ (M: Co, Cu, Zn) on the properties and activity of Mo-TiO2 photocatalysts for water remediation

Mergenbayeva S. Poulopoulos S. G. Grilla E. Hapeshi E. Vakros J. Mantzavinos D., Pages:1-6

DOI:

Paper Topic:

SI: Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater treatment

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.004650

Abstract

TiO2 is the most effective photocatalyst but it has low adsorption in the visible region. Many efforts have been done to improve its photocatalytic activity in the solar region. In this study we use Mo-oxy species supported on titania surface since it is well known that titania surface can dispersed Mo oxo species through the development of intense interactions. The binary system was further modified with another metal ion M2+ (M: Co, Cu, Zn). These ions have different chemical properties and they alter the physicochemical properties of the ternary system. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared catalysts were determined for the degradation of 0.5 mg L-1 sulfamethoxazole under solar irradiation. It was found that the deposition of Mo has a detrimental effect on the activity of TiO2 while the deposition of Zn or Cu can improve the activity of the ternary system. The sulfamethoxazole degradation follows first order kinetics and the activity of the catalysts is well correlated with the interactions developed between support and supported phases.

Effect of Zeolux and Filters Backwash Water (FBWW) on Plant Growth and Yield of Sage (Salvia Officinalis) Plant

ZAYDOUN ABU SALEM, KAMEL ALZBOON, JALAL AL-TABBAL, SAEID ABU-ROMMAN, Pages:1-10

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Water and wastewater reuse

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005416

Abstract

Jordan is one of the few countries with constricted water resources, having one of the lowest per capita water levels in the world (Ministry of Agriculture, 2015). Jordan's available water resources per person are predicted to fall from less than 160 m3/capita/year to roughly 90 m3/capita/year by 2025, placing the nation in the acute water shortage category. Massive volumes of filter backwash water (FBWW) are created and wasted in Jordan. The use of FBWW to Sage (Salvia Officinalis) plant germination under controlled conditions with various dilution treatments would reduce water waste while also providing an alternate irrigation water supply. The effects of Zeolux as a soil amendment on the productivity and a variety of agronomic parameters of a Sage (Salvia officinalis) irrigated with fresh and FBWW were also studied. Various clay-zeolux mixtures were tested to achieve this goal. The combination soil mix of 25% zeolux and 75% clay watered with FBWW had the greatest results in terms of plant height, number of branches, fresh weight, dry weight, and root dry weight. The results reveal that the addition of zeolux to clay enhanced the yield and agrarian characteristics of plants cultivated in the soil. The results demonstrate that employing FBWW increased plant growth features greatly, and zeolux increases the favorable impact of FBWW irrigation on plant output. The study's main results will help to preserve valuable drinking water supplies while also increasing the yield of irrigated plants by using treated FBWW for irrigation.

Spatiotemporal variability of heavy metals concentration in an industrialized estuarine-bay ecosystem in Northern Persian Gulf

Vaziri B. Hakimi Abed M. Nabavi S.M. B. Shariati Feizabadi F., Pages:1-10

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Ecological effects of Environmental change

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005429

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the pollution level of Ni, Pb, Cd, V, and Hg in the sediments of Musa Estuary and its four main tributaries namely Majidieh, Zangi, Semaili, and Merimos (collectively known as Mahshahr estuaries) in summer and winter 2019 using sediment quality indices. In each tributary, 4 stations were chosen to represent the estuary condition. One control point was also considered at the mouth of the estuary (17 stations in total). 51 sediment samples were collected using the Van Wien Hydrobius grab sampler and measurements were performed utilizing the ICP-MASS device. The heavy metals concentration was ordered as Ni> Pb> Cd> V> Hg and tributaries followed the order of Majidiyeh> Samaili> Zangi> Merimos> Musa's mouth (control point) in terms of heavy metal concentration in both seasons. Heavy metal concentrations were positively and significantly correlated with electrical conductivity and pH (P <0.05). The potential ecological risk (Er) was low for Ni, Pb, and V, moderate for Cd (except for Musa's mouth in summer (27.33)). Hg had low risk in Zangi Tributary and Musa's mouth in summer and medium risk in other tributaries in winter. The ecological risk index (RI) showed considerable risk in Zangi Tributary and Musa's mouth in both seasons and high risk in Merimos, Majidieh, and Samaili tributaries. According to the pollution load index (PLI), the sediments of Mahshahr estuaries showed no pollution in summer and moderate pollution in Majidiyeh and Smaili tributaries in winter. The Nemro Integrated Pollution Index ranged from 8.62 to 20.04 in summer and 9.15 to 21.53 in winter Mahshahr estuaries which indicate its high pollution potential. The findings of this research and those of previous studies alarm increasing levels of heavy metals’ content in the sediments of Mahshahr estuaries over the past years.

Effectiveness of corn stalk biochar in amending the contaminated soil attributes and enhancing the sustainable grass growth

Murtaza G. Usman M. Eldin S.M. Valipour M. Rizwan M. Iqbal R. Zulfiqar U. Ali I. Ahmed I. Majeed A. Munir A. Alwahibi M.S. Elshikh M.S. Ditta A., Pages:1-6

DOI:

Paper Topic:

Environmental Management and Policies

Issue: