World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology

Authors: Sebahat Seker

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The growing global emphasis on sustainable resource management has driven interest in integrated approaches that address environmental pollution and energy demands. This study examines the dual functionality of microalgae in wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation. Leveraging their rapid growth and high nutrient uptake capacity, selected microalgal strains were evaluated for their ability to remove organic pollutants, nitrogen, and phosphorus from wastewater. Simultaneously, the biomass generated through this process was assessed for its potential to produce biofuels such as biodiesel and biogas. The results demonstrate that microalgae contribute significantly to wastewater remediation and offer a promising feedstock for clean energy production. This dual-purpose application highlights a circular and sustainable strategy for addressing environmental and energy challenges in a single, integrated system.

Keywords: microalgae, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, biodiesel, biogas, sustainability

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Authors: Derin Denosn, Bibin Jose

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The escalating global demand for sustainable energy solutions and the urgent need for decarbonization necessitate innovative approaches to clean fuel production. This paper introduces an advanced solar concentrating tower system, meticulously engineered for the highly efficient and scalable generation of green hydrogen—a pivotal energy carrier for transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy. Our pioneering solar tower design distinguishes itself from conventional solar thermal systems by integrating a unique secondary reflection mechanism. This innovation precisely redirects concentrated solar energy from the tower's apex to a ground-level reaction chamber, critically minimizing thermal losses inherent in elevated receivers and substantially enhancing the stability and operational flexibility of energy storage and utilization. This research encompasses the comprehensive design, rigorous simulation, and experimental validation of the system's core components. We detail the optimized heliostat array for maximal solar capture and an internal reflector system designed for unparalleled energy redirection. Our detailed optical performance analyses reveal a calculated optical efficiency of 30%, a significant improvement over existing solar tower configurations. Experimental results further substantiate the system's efficacy, demonstrating effective thermal accumulation with temperatures reaching 80°C at the focal point and achieving an impressive 90.06% efficiency in water evaporation tests. These findings unequivocally validate the system's robust capacity for high-temperature thermochemical processes essential for hydrogen production. The proposed system harnesses concentrated solar power to drive advanced water electrolysis or thermochemical cycles, such as the sulphur-iodine process, establishing a truly carbon-neutral pathway for hydrogen generation with oxygen as the benign byproduct. Furthermore, the inherent capability for seamless integration with advanced thermal energy storage solutions guarantees consistent hydrogen output, effectively mitigating the intermittency challenges characteristic of renewable energy sources and bolstering grid stability. This study powerfully underscores the transformative potential of advanced solar concentrating tower technology to revolutionize green hydrogen production, offering a scalable, economically viable, and environmentally responsible solution to accelerate the global clean energy transition and realize a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.

Keywords: thermal energy storage, thermochemical water splitting, heliostat optimization, life cycle assessment (LCA)

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Authors: Shaifulazri Zainulabidin, Zulkifli Abdul Rashid, Mohd Aizad Ahmad

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Accidental releases of chlorine gas from water treatment facilities present significant public health risks, especially in densely populated urban areas. This study examines the potential consequences of chlorine gas leaks of varying sizes—specifically leak diameters of 25 mm, 75 mm, and 150 mm—from the Bukit Nanas Water Treatment Plant in Kuala Lumpur. The Second-order Closure Integrated Puff (SCIPUFF) from Chemical Emergency Response E-Service (CERES) atmospheric dispersion modeling tool was used to simulate the spread of toxic gas under different meteorological stability classes (B, D, and F) with corresponding wind speeds of 2.57 m/s, 5.00 m/s, and 1.5 m/s, respectively. High-resolution demographic data within a 5 km radius of the facility were incorporated to estimate population exposure. The simulation results indicated that nighttime releases under stability class F resulted in the widest dispersion zones, potentially impacting thousands of residents. The behavior of the gas plume, along with risk contour maps, provides critical insights into the extent of hazard zones and the time-dependent escalation of risk. This consequence-based assessment highlights the importance of integrating atmospheric modeling and site-specific demographic data into chemical emergency preparedness planning, particularly in high-density urban settings.

Keywords: atmospheric dispersion, chlorine release, consequence modelling, SCIPUFF-CERES

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Authors: Tej Karki

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Climate change is at work in the Hindukush Himalayan Region, which includes Nepal. Mountain regions are warming at a faster rate than at lower altitudes. Climate scientists anticipate that the Himalayan average temperature would go up to 1.8 °C, even if the world sticks to the Paris Agreement limit of 1.5 °C. They argue that the 1.8 °C temperature can cause one-third of the Himalayan glacier mass to disappear by 2100. The loss of glacial mass means increases in size and number of glacial lakes and associated risks of glacial lake outburst floods. Damage to infrastructures, hydropower, and human habitat downstream. Nepal has experienced at least 25 glacial lake outburst floods in the past. This paper uses two case studies to show how instinctive and anticipatory resilience can save lives and minimize infrastructure damage from glacial lake outburst floods in Nepal. The Seti River flooding illuminates the role of instinctive resilience and the Melamchi anticipatory resilience. This paper concludes that the application of both instinctive and anticipatory resilience at the individual level and institutional levels can significantly reduce the risks associated with climate uncertainty in the Himalayan Republic.

Keywords: anticipatory resilience, instinctive resilience, disaster risk reduction, climate change resilience

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Authors: Song Jialing

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Urban agriculture serves as a crucial vehicle for advancing urban-rural integration, promoting rural revitalization, and supporting the construction of sustainable cities. Innovation in its models is of key significance for the specialization and sustainable development of local agriculture. This study focuses on three nationally exemplary models in Chongqing: the shared homestead model (Qicai Xiangyun Happy Farm), the specialty agriculture-led model (Chongqing Dingxin Tea Plantation), and the rural complex-driven model ("Three Gorges Tangerine Country" Rural Complex). It thoroughly analyzes the innovative features and sustainability contributions of each model in promoting resource recycling, reducing urban ecological footprints, ensuring local food supply, creating green employment, and revitalizing rural communities. Through comparative analysis, this paper aims to distill transferable experience for optimizing urban agriculture models and charting sustainable development pathways in Chongqing and nationwide under the goal-oriented framework of sustainable cities. It seeks to position urban agriculture as a synergistic engine for enhancing both urban-rural integration and urban sustainability.

Keywords: urban-rural integration, sustainable urban development, urban agriculture, chongqing, development models

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Authors: Igor Sinitsyn, Vladimir Sizonenko

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The UNDBE model uses the aggregated dead zone (ADZ) method. Instead of modeling the solution concentration continuously over both distance and time, the ADZ model uses a "black box" approach and considers the concentration at the outlet of the chamber as a function of the input concentration and time. It requires significantly fewer initial data and provides a sharp reduction in the required computer time while maintaining accuracy within the existing measurement errors. The model was tested in the EMRAS project [1]. The modeling of the transfer of radioactive 3H emissions from 5 NPPs in a 350-kilometer stretch of the Loire River for six months in 11 sites with a time resolution of one hour. Solving 3H transport using the proposed UNDBE model takes 8 seconds with an Intel Core i5-9600K processor. According to the modeling results, the maximum 3H concentrations in the Loire River waters (109 Bq/l) during the period under consideration were observed in Nouan downstream of RejetStLaurent NPP. This situation resulted from the interference of 3H releases from RejetStLaurent NPP and releases from NPPs upstream. The situation was modeled in which the ³H release from RejetStLaurent NPP entered the aquatic environment 32 hours later than in reality, without changing its intensity and duration. At the time, there was no interference of this release with the releases of overlying NPPs. The modeling results show a significant (35%) decrease in the amplitude value of radionuclide concentration in water in Nouan (70 Bq/l). Thus, that it is possible to reduce the amplitude values of radioactive contamination concentrations by changing the NPP emission regime without reducing the amount of discharged contamination. Modeling of 90Sr transportation through the Kyiv reservoir (length 110 km, volume 3 km³) showed that increasing the time of water mass transportation and reservoir volume significantly reduces the concentration amplitude at the reservoir outflow. This is mainly due to an increase in the dispersion of pollution in the reservoir volume. This can be used as a water protection measure by changing the HPP regime, and the model will give an opportunity to quickly assess the possible result depending on specific conditions. On the example of modeling of 90Sr release passage in 1991, the possibility of a 20% reduction of 90Sr amplitude concentration is shown. Time of calculation is a one-year interval, less than 0.1 sec. A mine «Nova», a mine of ferrous and uranium ores. Mine water that is pumped out is saturated with uranium waste and flows into the Zoltaya River. This results in contamination of the waters of the Ingulets River and the Karachunovskoe reservoir, the source of water supply for the whole region. The protective action is dilution with waters from the side basin reservoir of the Ingulets River. The new model gives the opportunity to count different scenarios of water discharge from storage pool of Ingulets River fast and find time and minimal water discharge for decreasing concentration below maximum concentration limit. Uses simple software that allows the use of a laptop computer and fast determinations can be made “in situ” and in real time.

Keywords: aggregated dead zone, model, radionuclides, reservoir, river, water protection

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Authors: Qi Chang, Wei Ge

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Dual-scale porous media play a crucial role in various applications, including catalyst design, polymer manufacturing, biomedical diagnostics, and solar energy. These materials enhance fluid flow by facilitating movement through large pores while maintaining a high surface area through small pores. However, excessively small pores can increase flow resistance, potentially reducing the efficiency of interfacial contact. Understanding the complexities of momentum and heat transfer in these materials is essential. This study conducts direct numerical simulations of laminar forced convective heat transfer over staggered permeable cylindrical rods within a two-dimensional periodic unit cell, characterized by a porosity of 0.6. Each cylinder is modeled as a bundle of concentric cylinders, with varying cylinder-to-bundle diameter ratios (d/D) ranging from 0.0513 to 0.1777, which correspond to porosities from 0.95 to 0.4. The Reynolds number varies from 10 to 100, while the Prandtl number remains constant at 1. The results show that hollow-shell porous configurations outperform impermeable cylinders in reducing friction losses and enhancing heat transfer rates. The heat transfer rate for these structures peaks before declining as the d/D ratio increases, demonstrating a competition between surface area and fluid flow intensity. At a Reynolds number of 100, the optimal design increases the heat transfer rate by up to 20% compared to uniform porous structures and by 95% when compared to impermeable cylinders. This achieves a maximum normalized Nusselt number of 18.15 at a d/D ratio of 0.0889. This study uniquely links modifications in macroscopic properties to pore-scale processes, providing valuable insights for the design of improved dual-scale media.

Keywords: convective heat transfer, direct numerical simulation, dual-scale porous media, permeable cylinder arrays, laminar flow

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Authors: Tonino Caruso, Marcello Somma, Giuseppe Landolfo, Giorgio Vaccaro, Sara Luciani

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Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of organic compounds widely used across various industries due to their unique and versatile properties, including resistance to water and oils, as well as high thermal and chemical stability. However, these same characteristics make them resistant to natural degradation, leading to their accumulation in the environment and living organisms. Many studies have shown that PFAS can be harmful to human health, potentially causing hormone-related issues, weakening the immune system, and affecting fertility. The effective removal of these compounds is therefore both a crucial priority and a complex challenge, precisely because of their particular chemical stability. In this context, the i-Foria Italia team, in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry and Biology of the University of Salerno, has developed technology for the degradation of PFAS from specific solid matrices. Such technology is particularly effective for various materials intended for recycling and reuse, with the advantage of abating or even eliminating traces of PFAS and thus helping to break the cycle of environmental bioaccumulation. Paradoxically, waste materials treated in this way are in some cases, purer in terms of PFAS content than virgin materials. The technology is designed to treat materials derived from everyday waste and discarded items that may be contaminated with PFAS. To give a few examples: pre- or post-consumer absorbent hygiene products, waste and/or scrap from textile processing, residues from industrial plastic processing, or packaging items. This not only fuels the circular economy and the recycling of materials from waste but also reduces the negative effects of PFAS on the environment and living organisms. i-Foria Italia is positioned precisely in the fields of sustainability and circular economy, acting as a reference point in Italy and Europe for the development and commercialisation of frontier technologies in these sectors, thanks to its cutting-edge know-how and constantly growing IP portfolio. The proposed technology exploits a common and inexpensive oxidant that, under appropriate and specifically identified reaction conditions, is capable of quantitatively oxidising PFAS molecules into inert products, according to well-known and precise chemical reactions. These inert products have been analysed and quantified according to official methods. An accurate and studied dosage of the oxidant, determined also by the nature of the treated matrix, allows for the complete degradation of PFAS molecules, without the formation or persistence of intermediate by-products, as often observed in other advanced oxidation processes. No such residues are detected either in the treated material or in the process effluent, which complies with the standards set by the Italian Code of Environment (nr. 152/2006). The innovative method proposed by i-Foria therefore allows for the effective treatment of different matrices of materials intended for recycling and reuse, removing any traces of PFAS contamination, and can be easily implemented by companies operating in this sector.

Keywords: circular economy, PFAS, PFAS total defluorination, Waste management

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Authors: Hamed Kariman, Mehdi Khiadani

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Vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) has emerged as a promising compact, low temperature desalination technology suitable for small to medium scale applications that utilise low grade or waste heat. This study presents a comprehensive energy, exergy and economic analysis of two prevalent VMD configurations, flat sheet (FS) and hollow fibre (HF) modules, operated under identical membrane properties and operating conditions, with a view to clarifying their relative merits for scalable water treatment solutions.Coupled energy, exergy and cost analysis models were developed and extended to 15 inter connected stages with internal heat recovery so that the influence of stage number on thermodynamic irreversibilities and water production cost could be quantified.Exergy destruction in each system was subsequently quantified to identify opportunities for efficiency improvement, and a comprehensive economic model incorporating capital (CAPEX) and operating (OPEX) expenditures benchmarked the VMD results against vacuum based small scale desalination technologies such as multi effect distillation (MED) and mechanical vapour recompression (MVR). The results show that, over the 15 stages, permeate production for the HF configuration rises from 0.40 to 1.24 m³.d⁻¹ while the FS module levels off from 0.20 to 0.42 m³.d⁻¹; correspondingly, the Cost Of produced Water (COW) falls from 6.3 to 1.6 $.m⁻³ for HF and from 15.5 to5.8 $.m⁻³ for FS. In addition to, the analysis reports stage wise gain output ratio (GOR), exergy destruction and exergetic efficiency for both configurations, and highlights the optimum number of stages that minimises COW in each case.

Keywords: membrane distillation, Hollow fiber, Flat sheet, Economic analysis

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Authors: Paria Shojaei, Tristan Kershaw, Christopher Szota, Jasmine K. Thom

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Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly extreme heat events, due to their dense populations, extensive impervious surfaces, and limited natural cooling mechanisms. These conditions contribute to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, whereby cities experience significantly higher temperatures than the surrounding rural areas. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of heatwaves is are expected to rise, posing serious risks to human health and wellbeing, energy systems, and urban economies. In response, enhancing green infrastructure (GI) has emerged as a sustainable and multifunctional strategy for climate adaptation. GI mitigates the risk of extreme heat through increased evapotranspiration and shading, improving thermal comfort and urban resilience. However, the effectiveness of GI during heatwaves remains under-investigated. Transpiration, the process by which plants release water vapour, is a key mechanism for cooling but heavily depends on sufficient water availability. Accurate estimation of plant water requirements is essential during heatwave events, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, where urban vegetation require requires irrigation and competes for limited water resources. Despite the growing reliance on GI, there remain uncertainties about how it performs in terms of evapotranspiration under hot and dry conditions. Reliable data and validated models are needed to guide the design of resilient GI systems in cities. This study evaluates the reliability of the ENVI-met V5.8.0 model—a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based microscale simulation tool—in estimating transpiration rates under heatwave conditions. ENVI-met simulates complex interactions between urban surfaces, vegetation, and atmospheric processes, making it suitable for assessing the thermal performance of GI. Previous studies have been limited in scale and have not considered heatwave conditions and reduced water availability. To date, no study has assessed how advancements in ENVI-met’s radiation model have affected the accuracy of transpiration estimations. To address this, the model’s transpiration outputs were validated against in situ sap flow measurements collected from nine broadleaf and evergreen trees along a residential street in Melbourne, Australia, during the 2015–2016 summer period. Meteorological and soil moisture data were recorded at 30-minute intervals over a 5-day heatwave event, while transpiration was measured using sap flow sensors based on the heat ratio method. To evaluate the model performance, the coefficient of determination (R²), mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE), and normalized RMSE (NRMSE) were used. Model validation at an hourly timescale indicated fair to excellent agreement, with R² values between 0.73 and 0.94, RMSE ranging from 0.02 to 0.07 mm h⁻¹, MBE from –9.4% to +7.2%, and NRMSE between 8% and 23%. It was found that the model underpredicted transpiration during the highest afternoon temperatures, but still fell within the good prediction category. Trees located in more vegetated environments showed better agreement between modelled and observed transpiration. The results provide a useful insight into the ENIV-met’s potential to support sustainable water management practices, such as deficit irrigation strategies that can optimise water usage while maintaining the cooling benefits of GI during heatwaves. This is crucial for the development of resilient urban green spaces under future climate conditions.

Keywords: ENVI-met, heat wave, sap flow, transpiration, thermal comfort, urban environment

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Authors: Bilal Alnobani, Nasser Alshibani, Bashayer Alemadi, Ali Al-Haddad, Israr Ahmed, Rizwan Muneer, Ali U. Chaudhry, Harris Sajjad Rabbani

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This study aims to examine the behavior of CO₂-stabilized foams in seawater using various nanoparticles and surfactants. The work examines the effect of surface charge and shape of nanoparticles on the behavior of foam in saline solutions. The objective of this study is to establish a detailed comparative dataset among various nanoparticles to support the design of more stable and tunable CO₂ foams for different applications. Bulk foam stability characteristics were evaluated using a Dynamic Foam Analyzer for ten nanoparticles and two surfactants i.e. amphoteric and anionic surfactants. The nanoparticle (NP) included metal oxides (e.g., ZrO₂, MnO₂), carbon-based materials (e.g., CNT-COOH), and layered or rod-like particles (e.g., boron nitride, iron oxide rods), with particle sizes ranging from 10-50 nm. These were incorporated at varying concentrations (0.00625 to 0.05 wt.%). CO₂ foam height, liquid drainage, and dynamic bubble behavior, such as bubble size distribution, coarsening behavior, and foam texture during drainage, were determined. The results reveal that the influence of nanoparticle addition on CO₂ foam stability in seawater is highly dependent on both particle type and concentration. For the carbon-based materials system, nanoparticle addition led to a 10% enhancement in stability at 0.05 wt.%. The ZrO₂-stabilized foams demonstrated the most significant improvement among all tested systems. The foam half-life at 0.025 wt.%, reflecting a 38% increase in stability. This suggests strong interfacial activity and foam-reinforcement behavior at intermediate concentrations. Boron Nitride exhibited either negligible improvement or a decline in half-life. ZnO, in particular, showed a 16% decrease in half-life relative to the blank, indicating potential foam destabilization effects at the tested concentrations. The Mg(OH)₂ system showed an improvement at 0.025 wt.%, with foam half-life increasing approximately by 11.5%. The Al₂O₃ system, showed moderate improvement around ~19%, and also was notable for also reducing liquid drainage substantially. Silica NP presented a non-linear half-life trend with a maximum improvement of 14% at 0.0125 wt.%. Overall, the data confirm that nanoparticle type and concentration critically influence the foam dynamics. Intermediate concentrations often resulted in optimal results, suggesting a concentration window for stabilization. The findings also reinforce that not all nanoparticles can enhance foam properties. This study provides comprehensive experimental datasets on the behavior of CO₂-stabilized foams in seawater modified by nanoparticles and surfactants. The study shows the integration of dynamic foam analysis with quantitative, time-resolved measurements of foam half-life and liquid drainage. The systematic study of NP-Surfactant systems reveals both enhancement and suppression behaviors, offering critical insights into particle-surfactant interactions under saline CO₂ environments. This work not only broadens the material explored for CO₂ foam stabilization but also delivers mechanistic insight on foam performance in saline environments.

Keywords: CO₂ foam stability, CO₂ storage, seawater, dynamic foam analysis, nanoparticles

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Authors: Rizwan Muneer, Ali U. Chaudhry, Israr Ahmed, Bilal Alnobani, Nasser Alshibani, Bashayer Alemadi, Ali Al-Haddad, Harris Sajjad Rabbani

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CO₂ storage in subsurface formations is a critical aspect of mitigating climate change through carbon capture and sequestration. This research presents a novel pore-scale investigation of CO₂-foam behavior in varying permeability porous media and assesses its stability by the use of surface-functionalized silica nanoparticles (SNPs). Integration of bulk foam analysis and a microfluidics approach offers an effective way to open up new perspectives to develop foam-based subsurface technologies for carbon sequestration and enhanced oil recovery. Bulk foam stability was evaluated using a dynamic foam analyzer for two particle size ranges (10–20 nm and 20–60 nm) with hydroxyl or silane surface modifications and Coco Betaine as the surfactant in seawater, incorporating varying SNP concentrations (0.00625 to 0.05 wt.%). To evaluate permeability effects on foam stability, three polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micromodels of different permeability (29, 280, and 3900 Darcy) were fabricated. Surfactant solution and CO₂ were co-injected at constant pressure into a foam generator connected to the PDMS micromodel. Once CO₂-foam stabilized, injection was stopped, and time was allowed to assess foam stability in porous media. Silane-modified SNPs significantly enhanced CO₂-foam stability in bulk analysis, achieving up to 2.5 times improvement in half-life even at low concentrations (0.0125-0.025 wt%). The first set of microfluidics experiments with the blank surfactant solution provided the lowest CO₂-foam stability in varying permeability PDMS micromodels with a normalized foam bubble size ranging from 2 to 9 for the lowest to highest permeability, respectively. The bubble coarsening rates for the lowest and the highest permeability were calculated to be 11.21 and 26.62 µm²/min, respectively. It was evident that foam coarsening was pronounced in the high-permeability PDMS micromodel due to more area being available for bubble growth. Due to the foam bubbles' confinement effect in the tight pore throats of the low-permeability micromodel, the bubble size and mobility were reduced. Furthermore, the use of SNPs significantly improved the stability of CO₂-foam in all cases. A 0.05 wt% concentration of SNPs provided the best results with a reduced normalized foam bubble size ranging from 1 to 1.7, demonstrating the effectiveness of nanotechnology in stabilizing CO2-foam in varying permeability porous media. This research presents a novel approach to investigating and enhancing CO₂-foam stability in varying permeability porous media through the use of microfluidics technology and SNPs. The microfluidic PDMS micromodels with various permeabilities facilitated investigations of CO₂-foam behaviour in porous media, showing the pronounced influence of high permeability on foam bubble coarsening rate. The findings provide useful information about SNP-assisted CO₂-foam stability, contributing to the advancement of foam-based subsurface CO₂ storage and enhanced oil recovery technologies.

Keywords: microfluidics, CO₂ foam, nanoparticle, permeability, porous media

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Authors: Olure-Bank Adeyinka, Tunde Ajayi

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The potential complex relationship between intra-regional trade (IRT) and renewable energy use motivates this study to look at how regional trade integration can lead West African countries to transition to renewable energy from 2001 to 2024. The study used the Augmented Mean Group estimator. This approach helps in understanding how IRT affects the use of renewable energy transition (RET). The results showed that the relationship between IRT and renewable energy can be non-linear; in the short run, increased trade can actually slow the transition. But in the long run, at the reach of the trade critical threshold, it can significantly enhance the transition to renewable sources. Of note from the result, foreign investments can decrease the transition to renewable sources; however, stronger economic growth and rising carbon emissions can promote the transition to renewable sources. Again, fluctuations in crude oil prices have a complex effect, with sustained price increases leading to more transition to renewable sources. The findings show the complicated relationship between trade and renewable energy in West Africa. To support the transition to renewable sources, policymakers should work on improving trade agreements, lower trade barriers, and encourage sustainable investments.

Keywords: renewable, energy, transition, sustainability, cross-sectional, dependency, slope, heterogeneity

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Authors: Chamaraja N. A.

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In the proposed research work, we efficiently synthesized the tin-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Sn-doped ZnO) using banana peel extracts as fuel. The synthesised nanoparticles are effectively employed in the degradation of methylene blue dye and Carbamate pesticide in the presence of visible-light illumination. The structural, morphological, and optical properties were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Analy, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The detailed characterization studies revealed that the prepared Sn-doped ZnO nanoparticles are well-crystalline and possess good optical properties. The incorporation of Sn into the ZnO lattice decreased the lattice parameter and increased the crystallite size, without affecting the overall crystal structure.Furthermore, the prepared Sn-doped ZnO nanoparticles were employed as efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of harmful organic pollutants. The photocatalytic degradation shows up to 95 and 98 percentfor Methylene blue dye and Carbamate pesticide respectively.Furthermore, catalyst recycles confirmed good repeatability, with the degradation efficiency of MB and Carbamate reaching up to 90% even after three successive cycles. Therefore, Sn doped ZnO NPs maintained effective adsorption potential and photocatalysis ability.

Keywords: photocatalytic degradation, methylene blue dye, carbamate pesticide, nanoparticles

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Authors: Million M. Afessa, Femi Emmanuel Olu, A. Venkata Ramayya

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Biochar is a solid residue produced during the thermochemical conversion of the biomass pyrolysis process. In the pyrolysis process, biochar could catalyze and accelerate the decomposition of lignocellulosic biomass, or it can be utilized as an adsorbent material during subsequent treatments to improve the quality of the biofuel. Despite substantial studies investigating the potential functionalities of biochar, there is still room for evaluation of its suitability as a tar-cracking catalyst and other applications. The purpose of this study is to scrutinize the properties of biochar produced from coffee husks (BCH) and khat stems (BKS) at various pyrolysis temperatures (350℃, 450℃, 550℃, and 700℃ for four hours) and to determine their suitability as catalysts for tar cracking in biofuel applications. CH and KS were chosen as feedstocks due to their enormous potential in Ethiopia. Various analytical techniques, such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Brauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA), were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the biochar materials. The results revealed that the biochar yield decreased with an increase in pyrolysis temperature for both materials, and the physicochemical properties of the biochar were also influenced by pyrolysis temperatures. The biochar had a microstructure with a large specific surface area (SSA) (316.54, 307.02, 281.85, and 320.89 m² g-¹ for BKS and 328.86, 333.28, 328.04, and 342.14 m² g-¹ for BCH), with a porous structure rich in functional groups (O-H, C-H, C=C, C-H, C-O, and C-O-C) and inorganic minerals (Na, Cl, Mg, P, Fe, Al, K and Ca). The synthesized biochars presented amorphous characteristics and thermal stability more stable compared with the raw biomass samples. This research suggests that biochar with diverse properties can be produced by adjusting pyrolysis conditions to better suit their intended applications. In conclusion, using biochar from CH and KS as catalysts for tar cracking during pyrolysis practices is a promising idea to enhance the economic benefits of biomass conversion processes. Future research is also encouraged to study the mechanisms and process design to improve the properties of biochar-based catalysts for commercial applications.

Keywords: biochar, tar cracking, catalysts, biochar-based catalysts, carbon-based material, waste management, biomass conversion technology

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Authors: Huda. Al-Jabli, Rajesha. K. Alambi, Mansour Ahmed

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Membrane-based desalination technologies, particularly Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Pressure-Assisted Osmosis (PAO), play a vital role in providing safe drinking water across Kuwait. This investigation systematically evaluates their effectiveness in removing trace contaminants, focusing on heavy metals (Cd, As, Pb, Hg) and bromate (BrO₃⁻) through comprehensive sampling of residential water supplies. Utilizing advanced geospatial analysis (SURFER, GRAPHER), we mapped contaminant distribution and assessed compliance with WHO, KEPA, and GCC standards.Results demonstrate full regulatory compliance, yet reveal significant spatial variations. Alnahdha emerged as a hotspot for Sr, BrO₃⁻, B, and Zn contamination, while Abdullah Mubarak, AlKhairan, Al-Qasr, and Bayan showed minimal contaminant levels. A notable anomaly was observed in Al-Fardous, exhibiting elevated copper concentrations despite having the lowest electrical conductivity - a distinct contrast to Saad Al-Abdullah's water profile.These findings not only validate membrane technologies' efficacy in contaminant removal but also highlight critical regional disparities in water quality. The study provides essential baseline data for Kuwait's water safety framework, supporting ongoing initiatives like KISR's Project WT080C.

Keywords: heavy metals, membrane filtration, drinking water quality, geospatial analysis, Kuwait, reverse osmosis

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Authors: Ghodbane Messaoud, Adjissi Omar, Seraiche Lakhdar, Dougha Mostafa

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The drought and lack of rainfall caused by climate change experienced in recent years in Northern Africa have made groundwater increasingly required by human needs due to anthropogenic activities and exposed it to different forms of pollution. In this context, an approach aims to assess the pollution by nitrates and the saline influence on the groundwater of a shallow aquifer located between carbonate formations and a salt lake in the region of Chemora located in the northeast of Algeria. The objective of this study is to know the origins of pollution and their impact on the environment and the water table of the region, to adopt the most effective methods and means of protection against all sources of pollution, and to preserve the elements of life and continuity. Multivariate hydrochemical; Water quality index (WQI), irrigation (EWQI) and pollution indices (NPI), cartographic and statistical techniques were used to study the hydrochemical evolution, pollution, and degree of salinity within the aquifer. Twenty water samples were collected in February 2024 from the water points of the aquifer, and the physicochemical analyses were carried out at the laboratory of Earth Sciences at the University of Constantine. The results obtained show a spatiotemporal variability of the chemistry of the aquifer (Facies: 60% sulfate, 30% chloride and 10% bicarbonate). 45% of the waters analyzed whose nitrate content exceeded 50 mg/l; this is mainly due to the irrational use of chemical fertilizers rich in nitrogenous elements in agricultural practices. The most affected sectors in the region are the center of the southern and southwestern part, characterized by intense agriculture, poultry houses, and cattle breeding. Thus, the majority of groundwater is of a chemical quality unsuitable for consumption. Mineralization increases from southwest to northeast in the direction of groundwater flow. EC has high values with a maximum of 10120 µS/cm recorded in the northeastern part near the salt lake, 35% of all the water in the aquifer has poor salinity (classes: C4-S1, C4-S2) and 20% are characterized by excessive salinity (classes: C5-S1, C5-S2), suitable for irrigation of salt-tolerant crops, on well-leached and drained soils. To this end, it is necessary to adopt a good management of solid and liquid discharges, the rational use of agricultural fertilizers, and the treatment and desalination of saline waters before their use.

Keywords: climate change, environment, aquifer, water quality index, pollution

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Authors: Hamed Kariman, Mehdi Khiadani

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Vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) has emerged as a promising thermal-driven desalination technology, particularly suitable for small to medium-scale applications utilizing low-grade or waste heat. This study presents a comprehensive energy, exergy, and economic analysis of two prevalent VMD configurations: flat sheet and hollow fibre modules, operated under identical membrane properties and operational conditions. The goal is to evaluate and compare their thermodynamic performance and water production costs to identify the most viable configuration for scalable water treatment solutions. A detailed energy and exergy model was developed for each configuration. Both systems were simulated using the same operating parameters, including feed temperature, flow rates, vacuum pressure, and membrane specifications, to ensure a consistent comparison. Exergy destruction in each subsystem was quantified to highlight the locations of thermodynamic irreversibility and to provide insight into opportunities for efficiency improvement. Additionally, a comprehensive economic model was established, accounting for capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX), and was extended to simulate up to 30 stages. This was done to evaluate how the number of stages and associated heat recovery influence the cost of water production. Furthermore, the cost of water production for both configurations was compared with other vacuum-based small-scale desalination systems, such as easy Multi Effect Desalination (MED) and Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR). The analysis includes the gain output ratio (GOR), exergy destruction, and exergetic efficiency for both flat sheet and hollow fibre systems, with comparisons between them. In addition, the cost of water production at the optimum number of stages for VMD configurations is presented.

Keywords: vacuum membrane distillation, flat sheet, hollow fibre, economic analysis, exergy analysis

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Authors: Farah Gasmi

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Flood hazard in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) in the United States has grown in recent decades, with urbanization occurring at faster rates and modified precipitation patterns, contributing to the vulnerability of low-lying areas' communities. The integrated scenario-based flood damage evaluation by this paper, using FEMA's Hazus 7.0 software enhanced with remote sensing and geospatial analysis, is employed herein to support recovery and resilience planning in (NWA). Depth grids were created based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-based flood delineation, and high-resolution elevation (1m dem) is used in the determination of the flood hazard, while Hazus's Aggregated Baseline Inventory provides structural, demographic, and infrastructure data to use for impact estimation. Land use/land cover (LULC) change analysis is provided to account for urban expansion and verify its effect on flood exposure over time. Model results include spatially disaggregated direct building damage, economic loss, displaced households, disruption of infrastructure, and shelter needs. Results are validated against SAR-observed flood extents. Findings show that the flood damages are concentrated in low-lying newly urbanized areas, with residential structures having the highest exposure. Comparative analysis shows that urban expansion has had a greater impact on increased flood losses than changes in precipitation alone. By integrating standardized flood modeling with localized geospatial data, this study offers a replicable approach for assessing flood risk in data-limited but rapidly growing regions. These results provide valuable insights to support future mitigation planning and enhance the effectiveness of local flood recovery and resilience strategies.

Keywords: flood recovery, flood risk assessment, Hazus 7.0, resilience planning, land use change, damage assessment

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Authors: Daniel Olukayode Yomi-Meleki

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Energy demand has been rapidly increasing over time, and this has led to an increase in energy production. Environmental conflicts from oil and gas refining in Africa have led to various environmental impacts such as pollution (water, air, and noise), oil spillage, soil contamination and fire outbreaks as a result of poor management practices. The relationship between good management practice and good governance in oil-producing regions has received less attention, especially in the African context. The study aims at understanding the impacts of various stakeholders that are involved in oil and gas refining in major oil-producing countries in Africa, environmental impacts of oil and gas refining in Africa and how their activities have led to environmental conflicts by obtaining data from the Environmental Justice Atlas, political ecology as a theoretical approach and resource curse as a concept. Results of findings revealed the importance of good governance by stakeholders to ensure sustainable oil and gas refining activities in Africa and to help highlight solutions to environmental challenges from oil and gas refining. It also suggests measures that can be employed to achieve environmental justice and ensure effective energy governance in Africa.

Keywords: environmental justice, oil and gas refining, environmental impacts, environmental organizations, international organizations, resource course, political ecology, governance

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Authors: Ariana Kılıç, Eren Akın, Helin Nil Erbey

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Marine mucilage, or "sea snot," is a gelatinous organic matter caused by environmental and human factors like climate change, drought, and excess nitrogen. In 2021, the Sea of Marmara faced a record-breaking mucilage crisis, causing significant ecological problems. The quick expansion was due to wastewater pollution, which fueled phytoplankton growth and harmed marine ecosystems. Professor Mustafa Sarı identifies three main causes: rising sea temperatures from climate change, low water circulation, and excessive pollution from residential, industrial, agricultural, and marine waste. The Sea of Marmara’s temperature has risen by 2.5°C above historical averages, and its stagnant nature worsens nutrient buildup. Despite pollution reduction efforts, waste continues to accumulate, creating ideal conditions for mucilage. This study examines mucilage development and mitigation strategies. To determine the impact of industrial pollution, wastewater samples from nine industrial sites in Istanbul were analyzed for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), a commonly used indicator of organic pollutants. High COD levels in the findings confirm industrial wastewater significantly contributes to water pollution and therefore, mucilage formation. These findings stress the urgent need for stricter wastewater regulations.

Keywords: mucilage, wastewater, COD, industrial discharge

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Authors: Salim Al Jadidi, S. Siva Subramanian, Dadapeer Doddamani, Ahlam Al Hadhrami, Ibtehal Al Houqani

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In recent years, crumb rubber-modified bitumen for road construction has gained importance due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to harsh climatic conditions. The addition of polypropylene to crumb rubber-modified bitumen enhances road performance, increases longevity, and reduces maintenance costs. In this work, the effect of polypropylene as an additive for crumb rubber-modified bitumen was examined. The Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test showed a High Complex Modulus and a Low Phase Angle, indicating effective cracking resistance due to the addition of polypropylene. A Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) test was conducted to evaluate the flexural stiffness and relaxation properties at low temperatures, demonstrating the ability to resist cracking.

Keywords: : polypropylene, crumb rubber modified bitumen, crack prevention, rutting, bending beam rheometer

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Authors: R. K. Srivastava, A. R. Jantrania, J. E. Wolfe III, A. R. Rubin

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Onsite water reuse, which involves treating and recycling all water that is available at or near its source, has emerged as a critical strategy to address global water scarcity and to improve climate resiliency of centralized water infrastructure. This paper explores the integration of hydro-informatics—combining data analytics, real-time monitoring, and predictive modeling—with onsite water reuse systems under the One Water concept—holistically considering the value of all available onsite water sources. Integration increases water availability while reducing adverse impacts of changing climate, i.e., more available water to meet the demand with enhanced climate resilient water infrastructure. Hydro-informatics enables precise water quantity and quality monitoring which enhances infrastructure efficiency, and in turn supports water resource optimization. Case studies illustrate its success: The “Water Hub” at Emory University in Atlanta monitors and reuses up to 400,000 gallons of wastewater daily, reducing potable water demand on city water supply by 40%; the Bullitt Center in Seattle utilizes hydro-informatics to manage its greywater and rainwater, reducing potable water demand by 60%; and Sydney’s 1 Bligh Street achieves 100% of its non-potable water demand with an onsite blackwater recycling system powered by hydro-informatics-based management. While these examples highlight significant advancements, challenges such as high implementation costs, regulatory barriers, and data integration issues remain. This paper provides details on how to address these challenges through standardized protocols, public engagement, and technological innovation that is essential for scaling and implementing a sustainable Onsite Water Reuse Program in Texas.

Keywords: one water, hydro-informatics, onsite water reuse, water sustainability, decentralized systems

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Authors: Sadiqul Awal, Andrew Christie

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The salinisation of soil negatively impacts crop productivity and food security by impairing soil structure, limiting water and nutrient uptake, and causing osmotic and ionic stress to plants. This current study evaluates the use of freshwater microalgae with the dominant species being Chlorella spp. and Pseudococcomyxa spp., as a biofertilizer in the remediation of saline soils and the improvement of spinach seed (Spinacia oleracea L.) development by significantly increasing essential soil nutrients under glasshouse conditions. Mixtures of coastal wetland saline soil and garden soil were exposed for five weeks to three types of treatments: control, NPK fertilizer, and microalgae suspensions to study how they could be treated to mitigate salinity and increase nutrients. Analyses of electrical conductivity, pH, and basic nutrients (nitrate-N, phosphorus, potassium) were conducted before, during, and after the experiment. By comparison with the fertilizer treatments and controls, the microalgae treatments resulted in the greatest reduction of salinity and the highest increase in nutrient content. As a result, post-treatment with microalgae pot seeds' germination, shoot and root elongation, and fresh and dry weight increased significantly. This study demonstrates that freshwater microalgae offer three sustainable approaches: salinity mitigation, nutrient biofertilization, and soil productivity improvement through elevating soil nutrients. In the future, these findings should be validated by field trials, standardization of application protocols, and an assessment of long-term soil fertility and economic feasibility.

Keywords: saline soil, remediation, microalgae, garden vegetable

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Authors: Brigitta Roxána Horváthné Dani, Ottó Dóka, Anna Skribanek

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Household detergents are substances used in large quantities. Their residues appear in the environment as undesirable pollutants, they can be detected in living waters and cause several environmental problems. The biodegradability of their components raises serious concerns. They change the physical and chemical parameters of the waters, thereby disrupting the natural ecological balance. And in today's increasingly intense dry periods, irrigation with gray wastewater is becoming more and more common practice. However, if it contains synthetic surfactants, its use poses serious environmental risks. We hypothesize that the use of synthetic detergents could be largely replaced by surfactants of natural origin, the use of them have a significantly lower environmental risk, because they are biodegradable by microbes. In our research, we measured and compared the washing efficiency of 4 commercially available synthetic detergents (including one environmentally-friendly), traditional sodium laundry soap (in the following: LaundryS) and laundry soap made from used cooking oil (in the following: WCOS) with reflection color meter. Our measured parameters were the following: luminosity index (L*), a*, b*. From this, we calculated the total color stimulus difference, the chroma difference and the color difference. Standard dirt points were used for the test (blood, oil, cocoa, red wine), the color of the white textiles was measured before and after contamination, and after washing. The textiles were washed 24 hours after the contamination. Liquid detergent was made from the two types of laundry soap by diluting 100 grams of solid laundry soap with water to a final volume of 2 liters. The textiles were washed under the same conditions with a short-cycle washing machine program in cold water. For all detergents, we used the recommended dosage concentration (for hand washing) as prescribed by the manufacturers for washing. In the case of LaundryS and WCOS we conducted the experiment as well as applying them directly to the dirt, then rubbing on the dirt for 30 seconds. It was not carried out in the case of synthetic detergents, as the purpose of our study was not to examine the washing efficiency of synthetic detergents, but to measure the effectiveness of environmentally friendly alternatives. Without rubbing, the LaundryS and WCOS increased the brightness index by 52-84% after washing. In the case where they were poured directly onto the stains and rubbed on the stains for 30 seconds after removing the dirt, the difference between the white textile light index (L*) and chroma was not significantly different from that of the original textiles and the washing efficiency was not worse than their commercially available counterparts. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between LaundryS and WCOS. The washing efficiency of LaunryS and WCOS was considered good. In reality, the mechanical effect imitated by rubbing prevails during the longer washing program due to the clothes sliding and colliding with each other. This work was supported by the EKÖP-24 University Excellence Scholarship Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the Source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

Keywords: detergents, laundry soap, washing efficiency, waste cooking oil

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Authors: Talib Jan (Abasindhi)

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Environment, both in the population hubs and the most remote areas of the globe, is in its worst condition ever, owing to drastic changes in our global climate. Unchecked and uncontrolled population growth in some regions of the globe has resulted in increased use of vehicles and the widespread cutting down of trees without planting enough replacements. Additionally, the homo sapiens living on this planet have been confronted by the diverse nature of the climate change aftermath in the form of devastating floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, melting ice caps, the rising of global temperature as well as irregular changes in precipitation patterns in many regions of the world. Awareness regarding climate change and its effects is on the rise among adults, thanks to the availability of information through different channels, such as print and electronic media, conferences, seminars and social media. Children, especially those living in northern Pakistan, are far less aware. This is a major concern, and attention must be paid to it. After all, the children of today are the parents of tomorrow, and they must be made aware of such issues as early as possible. This study will shed light on how the textbooks and other reading books in Indus Kohistani are focusing on this issue in the (pre-primary) Indus Kohistani MTB-MLE School.

Keywords: climate change, curriculum, global warming, challenges

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Authors: Berghout Ali

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The choice of the reference flood for the dimensioning of hydraulic structures is rather delicate, in particular in the not gauged basins. In these basins, the estimation of the project flood requires the use of predetermined methods based on the maximum daily precipitation. In this context, this work consists of evaluating the impact of seasonal changes in vegetation cover on the hydrological responses of the watershed to extreme precipitation events in terms of peaks and water volumes using the HEC-HMS model. The study was based on rainfall and discharge data recorded at rainfall and hydrometric stations in the Wadi Chemora basin (Algeria), in addition to remote sensing data on a monthly scale. The results show that the estimation of the projected flood using methods based only on maximum daily rainfall in semi-arid areas is insufficient, which shows the interest of considering the effects of these changes. The selection of the reference flood for designing hydraulic structures is a complex task, especially in ungauged basins. In such basins, estimating the design flood requires the application of predefined methods based on maximum daily precipitation. In this context, this study aims to assess the impact of seasonal variations in vegetation cover on the watershed's hydrological response to extreme rainfall events, particularly in terms of peak flows and water volumes, using the HEC-HMS model. The analysis utilized rainfall and discharge data collected from rainfall and hydrometric stations in the Wadi Chemora basin (Algeria), along with remote sensing data at a monthly scale. The findings indicate that relying solely on methods based on maximum daily rainfall to estimate the design flood in semi-arid regions is insufficient, underscoring the importance of accounting for the effects of seasonal vegetation changes.

Keywords: curve number, extreme floods, Hec-Hms, NDVI, Wadi Chemora watershed, rain-flow

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Authors: Brigitta Roxána Horváthné Dani, Anna Skribanek

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In increasingly intense dry periods, irrigation with grey wastewater becomes a more common habit to reduce water shortages. However, greywater contains detergents and other cleaning agents that can pose a serious threat to wildlife if they are released into the environment during irrigation. The effects of these active ingredients on the environment have already been examined by several studies, but we have examined the combined effect of the ingredients, as the active ingredients can enhance or weaken each other's effects. In our research, we examined the effects of the grey wastewater of four commercially available detergents (including one with an eco-friendly label), as well as traditional sodium laundry soap and laundry soap made by saponification of used cooking oil with sodium hydroxide. Greywater was produced by washing textiles contaminated with standard stains (blood, oil, cocoa, red wine) under the same conditions with each detergent and by capturing the wastewater generated during the washing by each detergent. The wheat seeds were germinated for one week, then placed in solutions for a two-week exposure period. After the exposure period, the root and shoot length, wet and dry weight, chlorophyll-a, -b and total carotenoid content, maximum efficiency (Y), photochemical (qP) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of PS II, the conductivity, evaporation, and peroxidase enzyme activity were measured. The root length of the wheat plants decreased significantly in the commercially available detergents, greywater (to 50-25%), while in the solutions of the grey wastewater generated from laundry soap and used cooking oil, the root length of the plants showed a slight increase. A reduction in shoot length was observed only in the case of three synthetic detergents. The wet weight of the plants and the chlorophyll and carotenoid content were reduced by synthetic detergents, and the wet weight was also reduced by the environmentally friendly detergent, but not by the soaps (dry weight changed similarly). The Y and the qP were significantly reduced for two synthetic detergents, and the NPQ was increased by all detergents studied. The conductivity and evaporation of the plants were significantly reduced by one of the synthetic detergents tested. The significant increase in the peroxidase enzyme was not caused. The harmful effects of grey wastewater containing commercially available detergents were evident in most of the properties tested. The harmful effects of grey water containing environmentally friendly detergents proved to be smaller, only causing a significant decrease in the root length and wet mass of the plants. The grey wastewater of the laundry soap made from used cooking oil was considered environmentally friendly for the wheat plants, as it did not cause a reduction in any of the tested properties compared to the control crop. The grey water solution of traditional laundry soap was also considered environmentally friendly.

Keywords: ecotoxicity, greywater, irrigation, stress, Triticum aestivum.

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Authors: Dan Cudjoe, Bangzhu Zhu

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Wasted food accounts for around a quarter of the world's food supply. About 40 to 60% of China's municipal solid waste is food waste. The increased global and domestic food waste has economic, social, and environmental consequences requiring adequate attention. Biogas from food waste could be upgraded into bio-CNG (bio-compressed natural gas).The bio-CNG has high methane content, which makes it a potential electricity generation resource.A comprehensive understanding of the economic viability of waste-to-energy initiatives is critical for policymakers and prospective investors. This study investigates the electricity generation potential of bio-CNG from food waste in Jiangsu Province, China. The economic viability of bio-CNG to electricity projects is also assessed. The major findings show that the total amount of food waste (109.1 Mt) generated from 2004 to 2020 could produce 162.3 Mm3 bio-CNG. The volume of bio-CNG yield has 1,265.7 GWh power generation potential. On average, the electricity generation potential could contribute 1.7% to the annual electricity consumption in the province. According to the financial analysis, the project is viable and lucrative in the province.The sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the impact of changes in certain critical factors on the project's performance.This study provides scientific strategies for optimal investment in bio-CNG to electricity projects.

Keywords: anaerobic digestion, food waste, biogas, Bio-CNG, electricity, economy

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Authors: Sana Saleem, Gamini Premaratne

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The paper examines the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in Central Asian nations between 2000 and 2020. Additionally, it investigates the dynamic relationship that exists between economic growth, environmental degradation, and inflows of foreign direct investment. Using Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), a panel cointegration technique, and Modified Ordinary Least Squares (MOLS), this study also seeks to ascertain the long-term impacts of urbanization, population expansion, and renewable energy use on environmental deterioration. The results offer convincing proof of PHH and EKC's historical presence in Central Asian nations. According to research, environmental quality is significantly impacted by economic expansion, both positively and negatively. After a certain tipping point, though, this effect eventually reverses as economic expansion picks up speed and environmental quality improves. Additionally, while renewable energy has a long-term negative impact on CO2 emissions, foreign direct investment inflows have a favourable effect, speeding up environmental degradation. The article suggests that governments and policymakers adopt and implement CO2 reduction policies, such as carbon pricing, to boost economic growth and enhance environmental quality, ultimately achieving sustainable development. Supporting the use of cleaner energy sources and technological developments in hydropower, wind power, solar energy, and other facilities worldwide are also essential.

Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), CO₂ emissions, renewable energy, urbanization, Central Asia, sustainable development

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