Refine search
Results 581-590 of 626
Environmental Awareness Toward Issues and Challenges of Sustainable Consumerism in the Indian Apparel Industry Full text
2024
Shivani Jadhav and Asha Verma
This confirmatory study focused on studying the attitude and behavior as well as environmental awareness towards sustainable consumerism. The study also aimed to check if accountability on the part of brands and the government could enhance sustainability in the apparel industry. An empirical inquiry was conducted with 396 respondents, considering they are consumers with purchasing power. The collected data were analyzed using correlation and descriptive analysis. Based on the findings, consumers’ apparel use and brand accountability are positively associated. At the same time, it was found that the attitude and behavior of consumers are the least essential determinants for sustainable apparel consumption. This might imply that their optimistic outlook may not always translate into real purchase behavior, which is consistent with earlier studies. The results of this research provide a foundation for a better comprehension of the many factors, including the sustainability of a clothing brand or product, which may affect consumer behavior. This approach could help the fashion industry develop practical strategies and alter how people think about and utilize apparel in the future.
Show more [+] Less [-]Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Diversity and Water Quality, La Gallega-Morropón Creek, Piura, Peru Full text
2024
Mónica Santa María Paredes-Agurto, Armando Fortunato Ugaz Cherre,, José Manuel Marchena Dioses, and Robert Barrionuevo Garcia
Freshwater systems are one of the most important natural resources for life. Despite their value, these ecosystems have suffered great impacts caused by human activities, which directly affect the aquatic biota and the quality of water sources. Considering the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of water quality, the richness, composition, and water quality of La Gallega-Morropón stream, Piura-Peru, were compared. Two field trips were conducted between November 2018 and May 2019 (contemplated wet and dry periods, respectively), performing 4 sampling stations. A total of 1772 individuals of macroinvertebrates were recorded, distributed in 22 families. Psychodidae had an abundance of 670 individuals, followed by morphospecies (Gasteropoda) with 379 individuals, Chironomidae with 275 individuals, and Elmidae with 136 individuals (all indicators of water quality). Finally, the water quality index method: 1) BMWP/Col, presented one station with good (HB1), acceptable (HB2), and critical (HB3 and HB4) quality, while 2) EPT exhibited two stations with good quality (HB3 and HB4), HB1 regular quality and HB2 poor (HB3 and HB4), HB1 regular quality and HB2 poor quality.
Show more [+] Less [-]Optimization and Thermodynamic Analysis of CO2 Refrigeration Cycle for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Control Full text
2024
Manish Hassani and Kamlesh Purohit
Supermarket applications are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating efforts to reduce carbon footprints in the food retail sector. Carbon dioxide (R744) is recognized as a viable long-term refrigerant choice due to its favorable properties, including low Global Warming Potential, non-toxicity, non-flammability, affordability, and widespread availability. However, enhancing the energy efficiency of pure CO2 systems in basic architecture units, particularly in warm regions like India, remains a challenge. To address this, modern refrigeration systems must prioritize low energy consumption and high coefficient of performance (COP) while meeting environmental standards. This study investigates different operating conditions to determine the optimal parameter range for maximizing COP and improving the efficiency of conventional CO2 refrigeration configurations. It examines both subcritical and transcritical refrigeration cycles under varying parameters, emphasizing the importance of understanding COP’s relationship with factors such as subcooling, superheating, ambient temperature, and evaporator temperature. The study advises against superheating in CO2 systems but highlights the substantial COP increase with higher degrees of subcooling, leading to enhanced system performance. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive theoretical comparison between advanced pure CO2 supermarket applications and commonly used hydrofluorocarbons-based systems, offering insights into energy efficiency and environmental impacts for informed decision-making in the industry.
Show more [+] Less [-]Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Water and Public Perceptions of Water Quality in Tasik Chini, Pahang, Malaysia Full text
2024
M. S. Islam, T. M. Ekhwan, F. N. Rasli and C. T. Goh
The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of water and assess the public perception of the water quality status in the Tasik Chini watershed based on a community survey. The water sample was analyzed based on standard methods and categorized according to WQI (Water Quality Index). Multivariate statistical analysis was adopted to find spatial variations in water quality, determining the pollution level and sources of contamination. The study results were compared with NWQS (National Water Quality Standard for Malaysia). The results showed that the value of dissolved oxygen (DO) was low (4.68 mg.L-1), while the level of biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) was found to be high, 2.92 mg.L-1, 26.10 mg.L-1 and 22.93 mg.L-1 respectively. High turbidity was recorded in a mining area in the rainy season (35.76 NTU). The DOE-WQI value categorized the lake under class II and class III. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the major sources of contamination were due to anthropogenic activities, especially settlement, mining, agriculture, and illegal activities. Overall, Tasik Chini’s water quality status was classified as slightly polluted to highly polluted based on hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) results. The survey showed that 55% of the local community reported that the water quality was poor. The knowledge and attitude level of the local people was medium category, while community practice was low. The Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a strong significant relationship at 0.01 level between knowledge and attitude and knowledge and practices. The scientific findings with public perceptions might be useful for policymakers and the general public to improve the management system for a desirable future.
Show more [+] Less [-]Contribution of Organic Carbon, Moisture Content, Microbial Biomass-Carbon, and Basal Soil Respiration Affecting Microbial Population in Chronosequence Manganese Mine Spoil Full text
2024
S. Dash and M. Kujur
The research was carried out to determine the potential effect of microbiota, organic carbon, percentage of moisture content, and microbial biomass concentration as an evaluator of variation in basal soil respiration rate. Relative distribution and composition of the microbial population were estimated from six different chronosequence manganese mine spoil (MBO0, MBO2, MBO4, MBO6, MBO8, MBO10) and forest soil (FS). The variation was seen in moisture content (6.494±0.210-11.535±0.072)%, organic carbon (0.126±0.001- 3.469± 0.099)%, MB-C (5.519±1.371- 646.969± 11.428) μg.g-1 of soil. A positive correlation was shown between OC with MB-C (r = 0.938; p< 0.01) and moisture content (MC) (r = 0.962; p< 0.01). Variation in the basal soil respiration (BSR) and microbial metabolic quotients (MMQ) was shown to range between 0.352 ± 0.007- 0.958 ±0.014μg CO2-C.g-1 and 6.5× 10-3 - 1.481×10-3 μg CO2-C.g-1 microbial-C.h-1 with BSR: OC from (2.793-0.276)% respectively. This result shows that there is a gradual increase in OC, MC, MB-C, and BSR across seven different sites due to progressive enhancement in soil fertility that leads to the initialization of succession. Stepwise multiple regression analysis further confirms the degree of variability added by microbial biomass C, moisture content, organic carbon, and microbial population on basal soil respiration in microbes. Principal component analysis enables the differentiation of seven different soil profiles into independent clusters based on cumulative variance given by physico-chemical and microbial attributes that indicate the level of degradation of land and act as an index to restore soil fertility.
Show more [+] Less [-]Forecasting Precipitation Using a Markov Chain Model in the Coastal Region in Bangladesh Full text
2024
Al Mamun Pranto, Usama Ibn Aziz, Lipon Chandra Das, Sanjib Ghosh and Anisul Islam
This work explores the detailed study of Bangladeshi precipitation patterns, with a particular emphasis on modeling annual rainfall changes in six coastal cities using Markov chains. To create a robust Markov chain model with four distinct precipitation states and provide insight into the transition probabilities between these states, the study integrates historical rainfall data spanning nearly three decades (1994–2023). The stationary test statistic (χ²) was computed for a selected number of coastal stations, and transition probabilities between distinct rainfall states were predicted using this historical data. The findings reveal that the observed values of the test statistic, χ², are significant for all coastal stations, indicating a reliable model fit. These results underscore the importance of understanding the temporal evolution of precipitation patterns, which is crucial for effective water resource management, agricultural planning, and disaster preparedness in the region. The study highlights the dynamic nature of rainfall patterns and the necessity for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate variability. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the interconnectedness of climate studies and the critical need for enhanced data-gathering methods and international collaboration to bridge knowledge gaps regarding climate variability. By referencing a comprehensive range of scholarly works on climate change, extreme rainfall events, and variability in precipitation patterns, the study provides a thorough overview of the current research landscape in this field. In conclusion, this study not only contributes to the understanding of precipitation dynamics in Bangladeshi coastal cities but also offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in climate adaptation and resilience planning. The integration of Markov chain models with extensive historical data sets serves as a powerful tool for predicting future rainfall trends and developing informed strategies to address the challenges posed by changing precipitation patterns.
Show more [+] Less [-]The Waste Management System in the Parking and Traders Arrangement in the Borobudur Temple Area, Central Java, Indonesia Full text
2024
S. Isworo, E. Jasmiene and P. S. Oetari
The Indonesian government continues to accelerate the resolution of all problems related to the planning, infrastructure development, and arrangement of tourist visits, including the arrangement of parking spaces and commercial areas in the Borobudur temple area. The purpose of this study is to develop a waste management system in the parking and commercial areas of Kujon as an alternative to structuring the Borobudur temple area. The research method is a descriptive-qualitative observational approach. Surface water and groundwater examinations are carried out in laboratories and compared with quality criteria determined by the Indonesian government. Toxic and hazardous waste is stored in temporary facilities until it is collected by a company licensed by the Indonesian environmental ministry. The Shannon-Wiener Plankton and Benthos Diversity Index measures the diversity of organisms in a community. The study’s findings highlight the need to establish a waste processing facility based on the reduction, reuse, and recycling principles. Waste will be collected at a certain site and stored temporarily in line with the technical instructions for the Minister of Environment and Forestry’s Regulation. The findings of surface water and groundwater studies demonstrate that all measured parameters continue to meet the Indonesian government’s quality thresholds. Plankton Bioindicator Measurements: Plankton diversity index values range from 1.040 to 1.943, indicating moderate pollution, while benthos values range from 0.811 to 0.918, indicating weakly to moderately contaminated conditions. Sustainable environmental management is critical and should serve as a baseline for environmental quality in the activity area.
Show more [+] Less [-]Dynamic Impact-Based Heavy Rainfall Warning with Multi-classification Machine Learning Approaches Full text
2024
Anand Shankar
The majority of flood assessment and warning systems primarily focus on the occurrence of floods caused by river overflow, taking into account factors such as intense precipitation. Improving flood resilience, on the other hand, requires a deeper understanding of how these factors affect each other and how specific local conditions can have an impact. This study offers impartial tools for estimating the severity of the effects brought on by heavy rainfall to facilitate the prompt communication of effective measures, such as the evacuation of livestock and human settlements and the provision of medical assistance. These tools take into account the cascading effects of various causative factors contributing to heavy rainfall. This article aims to assess the various factors that contribute to the impacts of heavy rainfall, including the timestamp (indicating soil saturation and moisture levels), river gauges (determining water congestion in canal systems), average aerial precipitation (indicating runoff), and the rainfall itself, taking into account both in situ and ex-situ impacts. Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), and Naive Bayes are some of the machine learning methods used in the study to find out how dynamically vulnerable affected districts are to flooding in different compound scenarios. This analysis is conducted by leveraging historical observed datasets. The results demonstrate the feasibility of mitigating the issue of excessive and insufficient flood warnings resulting from the cumulative effects of intense precipitation. By implementing a categorization system that divides the affected areas into various portions, or districts, according to the main factors contributing to flooding, namely rainfall, river discharge, and runoff, The suggested model presents novel insights into the sequential consequences of intense precipitation in the regularly inundated regions of North Bihar, India. Innovative tools can serve as valuable resources for flood forecasters and catastrophe managers to comprehend the extent of flooding and the consequential effects of intense precipitation.
Show more [+] Less [-]Analysis of the Lebanese Society’s Behavior Regarding Electronic Waste Management Full text
2024
M. Trad and A. Harb
This paper examines electronic waste and cycling in Lebanon. It describes the current situation regarding e-waste among government agencies and non-governmental organizations. It addresses two research questions: The first one asks if the Lebanese society and government are aware of the dangers posed by electronic waste and whether any action has been taken to prevent an environmental catastrophe. The second question asks about Lebanese attitudes toward e-waste and whether they are willing to fight against it. Interviews provided the first question’s responses. The authors have visited Organization A and NGO B. The first is worried about gathering waste in more prominent Beirut, while the second targets spreading attention to e-waste’s risks on legislative and social levels the same. Question two was discussed through surveys filled out by arbitrary people from Lebanese society. The answers to both research questions came in a manner that demonstrates the two hypotheses expected toward the start of the study, specifically that e-waste represents an incredible danger to the Lebanese climate. Hypothesis two, if climate neighborliness and proclivity to right e-garbage removal rely upon the instructive level of some random resident, has been confirmed while analyzing the answers in the survey.
Show more [+] Less [-]Heavy Metals in Water and Sediments and Their Impact on Water Quality in Andean Micro-watersheds: A Study of the Colorado and Alajua Rivers in the Ambato River Watershed, Tungurahua, Ecuador Full text
2024
Rodny Peñafiel, Fabián Rodrigo Morales-Fiallos, Bolivar Paredes-Beltran, Dilon Moya, Adriana Jacqueline Frias Carrion and Belén Moreano
The present study aims to characterize the water and sediment quality of the Colorado and Alajua rivers within Ecuador’s Ambato River watershed, with a specific focus on the presence of heavy metals. Measurements were conducted at five sampling points along the upper and lower zones of each river, where both physicochemical and microbiological parameters, as well as concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediments, were analyzed. Most parameters exhibited statistically significant differences, as determined by the analysis of variance (ANOVA), between the values observed in the upper and lower zones of the micro-watersheds. Water quality in the mentioned rivers was assessed using specific water quality indices, WQI, namely the NSF-WQI and Dinius WQI. Additionally, the impact of heavy metal presence in the water and sediments was evaluated using the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI). While most parameters met the Ecuadorian quality standards for water sources intended for human consumption, concerns emerged regarding elevated levels of total and fecal coliforms along both rivers, which could limit the suitability of these rivers as a water source for human use and consumption. At various sampling points, water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life were not met for several heavy metals. For example, the Colorado River exhibited elevated levels of zinc (59-76 μg.L-1), copper (12-47 μg.L-1), lead (1.2-3.9 μg.L-1 ), iron (0.33-0.37 mg.L-1 ), and manganese (0.37-0.47 mg.L-1), while the Alajua River showed excess copper (11 μg.L-1), iron (0.61-0.72 mg.L-1), and manganese (0.62-0.98 mg.L-1). Geological factors likely contribute to the concentration of heavy metals in the upper segments of the rivers, while agricultural runoff may contribute to concentrations in the lower segments. Sediments exhibited higher average values of the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) (20.6-26.7) compared to water samples (13.9-15.4), indicating a potential accumulation of heavy metals in the river sediments. Overall, both rivers exhibited contamination levels ranging from regular to moderate, as indicated by the calculated average Water Quality Indices (WQI), with certain areas showing slight contamination or meeting acceptable standards. These results highlight the influence of anthropogenic activities on water quality, emphasizing the necessity of continuous monitoring to assess and control their impact.
Show more [+] Less [-]