Environmental Challenges最新文献

Production of ferric ammonium sulfate (FAS) dodecahydrate from pyrite (FeS2)

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-02-06 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101102

Wilson Kobal , Rachel A. Pepper , Jose A. Alarco , Wayde Martens , Sara J. Couperthwaite

{"title":"Production of ferric ammonium sulfate (FAS) dodecahydrate from pyrite (FeS2)","authors":"Wilson Kobal , Rachel A. Pepper , Jose A. Alarco , Wayde Martens , Sara J. Couperthwaite","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pyrite is a waste material typically formed after the extraction of valuable metals from numerous mineral processing circuits, such as copper, gold, and lead. Leaching of pyrite at abandoned mine sites presents significant environmental risks due to the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). The primary aim of this work was to investigate the recovery of Fe and S from pyrite materials, using acid leaching methods, to produce ferric ammonium sulfate dodecahydrate (FAS; FeNH<sub>4</sub>(SO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>·12H<sub>2</sub>O), which has applications in water treatment, dye industries and metal fabrication. As pyrite samples contain various minerals, the acid leachates contained impurities, such as Al, Ca, Mn, and therefore optimisation studies to produce FAS from pyrite leachates was undertaken based on type of acid, concentration and residence time for leach and crystallisation stages. FAS crystallisation tests were conducted using solutions that were obtained from pyrite leached with nitric acid of 1–5 M, using a crystallisation time of 30 mins, agitation at 400 rpm and at temperatures < 10 °C. Crystals were observed to start forming within 5 mins at this temperature range. This study developed a pathway for FAS synthesis from iron-rich mining waste which occurs at mild conditions and is more direct than traditional FAS synthesis methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Pulsed plasma effect in the form of Debye lengths variation on air-suspended carbon nanoparticles

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-02-05 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101100

Mahsa Mokhtari , Mohammad Taghi Ahmadi , Amir Musa Abazari , Meisam Rahmani

{"title":"Pulsed plasma effect in the form of Debye lengths variation on air-suspended carbon nanoparticles","authors":"Mahsa Mokhtari , Mohammad Taghi Ahmadi , Amir Musa Abazari , Meisam Rahmani","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Plasma technique has been regarded as a successful particle pollution control and removal technology with high efficiency and fewer side effects. Carbon-based nanoparticles in exhaust gases caused by cars and industries are notable pollutants that are focused on in this research. Primarily, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactors with two adjustable electrodes are designed. To acquire the optimum plasma effect on nano particles electrodes distance from pollutant source is changed from 2 cm to 32 cm. Obtained histogram images are analyzed which indicate decreased gray points from 62.35 % to 32.26 %. Additionally, an increase in white points from 37.65 % to 76.74 % is reported, which is a sign of absorbed nano-particles by the reactor wall. Additionally, plasma generator factors such as voltages and frequencies are analyzed numerically, revealing the reduction of the polluting nanoparticle concentration by falling off these factors. As the carbon nanoparticles attract pollutants and chemicals like heavy metals and organic contaminants therefore their propagation in the form of Debye length variation under the plasma is investigated.</div><div>One of the most important pollutants in exhaust gases is carbon nanoparticles, which need to be controlled. Therefore, offering a significant reduction of these particles in exhaust emissions will be in line with the world zero carbon emission program.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143377908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Acute toxicological and behavioural effects of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in the model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-02-05 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101103

Tanmoy Sana , Manjurul Islam Chowdhury , Panneerselvan Logeshwaran , Mallavarapu Megharaj

{"title":"Acute toxicological and behavioural effects of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in the model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans","authors":"Tanmoy Sana , Manjurul Islam Chowdhury , Panneerselvan Logeshwaran , Mallavarapu Megharaj","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) has emerged as a significant environmental contaminant driven by the industrial transition to short-chain perfluoroalkyl substances. This study evaluates the behavioural toxicological impact of PFHxA on <em>Caenorhabditis elegans,</em> focusing on key endpoints including survival, locomotion, chemotaxis, reproduction, and growth. The median lethal concentration (LC<sub>50</sub>) was determined to be 521.3 mg L<sup>−1</sup>. Notably, exposure to PFHxA at concentrations as low as 0.31 mg L<sup>−1</sup> resulted in significant reductions in reproduction, lifespan, body size, and head thrashing behavior. At 3.14 mg L<sup>−1</sup>, PFHxA further impaired chemotaxis learning and reduced body-bending frequency. The study also highlights the relationship between PFCA toxicity and chain length, with a toxicity gradient observed (PFOA >> PFHxA> PFBA). As the industry increasingly adopts short chain PFAS as alternatives to their long chain counterparts, PFHxA levels in the environment are expected to rise, particularly in regions impacted by firefighting foam usage. These findings highlight the importance of assessing the ecological risks associated with short chain PFAS. Importantly, this study is the first to demonstrate the toxic effects of PFHxA in nematodes, suggesting that PFHxA could pose a significant risk to non-target organisms such as <em>C. elegans</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143377907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Projected climate change impacts on streamflow in the Upper Oum Er Rbia Basin, Upstream of the Ahmed El Hansali Dam, Morocco

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-02-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101101

Tarik El Orfi , Mohamed El Ghachi , Sébastien Lebaut , Ionel Haidu

{"title":"Projected climate change impacts on streamflow in the Upper Oum Er Rbia Basin, Upstream of the Ahmed El Hansali Dam, Morocco","authors":"Tarik El Orfi , Mohamed El Ghachi , Sébastien Lebaut , Ionel Haidu","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change is reshaping water resource availability, with serious implications for regions dependent on stable dam supplies. This study explores the projected impacts of climate change on streamflow in Morocco's Upper Oum Er Rbia Basin, specifically assessing the implications for water supply to the Ahmed El Hansali Dam. Using the SWAT model, driven by climate data on precipitation and temperature sourced from five regional models in the Euro-CORDEX initiative under scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, future runoff was simulated across three critical timeframes: the near future (2025–2050), mid-century (2051–2075), and late century (2076–2100), with comparisons made to a historical baseline (1981–2010). Results reveal significant potential changes, with projections indicating declines in precipitation by 21% to 45% and temperature increases of 24% to 43% by 2100. These shifts are expected to reduce average river flows by 23% to 53%. Specifically, flow rates are projected to decline by 10–20% for the Oum Er Rbia, 25–48% for the Srou, and 38–49% for the Ouaoumana rivers, all vital contributors to the dam's reservoir. Consequently, the dam's annual water supply, historically around 720 hm³, could decrease by 118 to 288 hm³. Winter, the most crucial season for water supply to the dam, is expected to be particularly impacted, with flow reductions of 22–51%, equating to losses of 60 to 139 hm³. These findings underscore the need for adaptive water management strategies and highlight the urgency for climate-resilient planning measures, offering critical insights to support decision-makers in safeguarding water resources under changing climatic conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143354538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Metagenomic insights into pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance in offshore coastal sediments – An example from Gulf waters

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101099

Nazima Habibi , Saif Uddin , Hanan Al Sarawi , Ahmad Aldhameer , Montaha Behbehani , Saja Fakhraldeen , Waleed Al-Zekri , Nasreem Abdulrazzack , Farhana Zakir , Anisha Shajan

{"title":"Metagenomic insights into pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance in offshore coastal sediments – An example from Gulf waters","authors":"Nazima Habibi , Saif Uddin , Hanan Al Sarawi , Ahmad Aldhameer , Montaha Behbehani , Saja Fakhraldeen , Waleed Al-Zekri , Nasreem Abdulrazzack , Farhana Zakir , Anisha Shajan","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The environment-mediated spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious public health issue. Globally, indiscriminate waste discharges in marine environments are one of the key contributors to pathogenic bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). In this communication, we report the presence of 192 known bacterial pathogens at sites 3–40 km away from the coast of Kuwait. <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> was the most dominant species, recording a relative abundance of 88 % even at remote sites. Other pathogens, such as <em>Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae,</em> and <em>Escherichia coli,</em> prioritised by the World Health Organization (WHO) were also recorded. The raw sequencing reads matched with 667 ARGs, 1606 plasmids, 167 integrons and 2143 insertion sequences. The ARGs exhibited spatial variations and were distributed into three overlapping clusters (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.277; <em>p</em> < 0.006). The observed Shannon and Simpson indices differed between the groups (ANOVA-<em>p</em> < 0.05). A positive correlation (R<sup>2</sup>–0.175, <em>p</em> < 0.065) between faecal sterols and ARGs was recorded. The presence of ARGs in non-polluted sites likely suggests that they are not restricted to waste outlets; it is quite probable that other emerging contaminants are also leading to AMR occurrence in the region. Hence, comprehensive screening and constant surveillance are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101099"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143308772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Estimation of radiation doses of population residing nearby area of uranium ore mining and processing in Kazakhstan by tooth enamel EPR spectroscopy

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101098

Kassym Zhumadilov , Alexander Ivannikov , Murat Kassymzhanov , Assel Bagramova , Issa Zhantore , Sarsenova Samal , Valeriy Stepanenko , Artem Khailov , Masaharu Hoshi

{"title":"Estimation of radiation doses of population residing nearby area of uranium ore mining and processing in Kazakhstan by tooth enamel EPR spectroscopy","authors":"Kassym Zhumadilov , Alexander Ivannikov , Murat Kassymzhanov , Assel Bagramova , Issa Zhantore , Sarsenova Samal , Valeriy Stepanenko , Artem Khailov , Masaharu Hoshi","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To assess the impact of natural and technogenic radioactivity in uranium mining enterprises on the population, an investigation by the tooth enamel EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) dosimetry method was conducted for a group of the population living in the Stepnogorsk city (North Kazakhstan) placed near a uranium mining plant. Accumulated radiation EPR doses in enamel were assessed for 96 teeth samples.</div><div>From the measured values of EPR doses and the age of tooth enamel since its formation, the individual annual EPR dose rates (DR) were determined with average value of 1.75 ± 0.46 mGy/year corresponding to the hourly DR of 0.20 ± 0.05 µGy/hour (here and below after ± sign the error of the mean is shown). Data on the individual DR were analyzed for samples collected for population of different parts of Stepnogorsk (microdistricts). These data were compared with ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) of gamma radiation measured by the conventional instrumental dosimetry. No significant differences in DR and ADER between microdistricts were found. The average ADER through the microdistricts of Stepnogorsk was 0.23 ± 0.01 µGy/hour (corresponding to 2.0 ± 0.1 mGy/year), which is consistent with the average DR measured by EPR.</div><div>For some tooth donors significantly higher individual EPR doses and DR, exceeding up to several times the bulk level for the investigated group of population were obtained. These high values may be result of local increased radiation level caused by the wastes of uranium mining enterprises.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101098"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143308771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Decarbonizing Japan: The role of nuclear energy and environmental taxation in mitigating CO2 emissions

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101097

Yasir Habib , Minhaj Ali , Usman Mehmood , Noor Raida Abd Rahman

{"title":"Decarbonizing Japan: The role of nuclear energy and environmental taxation in mitigating CO2 emissions","authors":"Yasir Habib , Minhaj Ali , Usman Mehmood , Noor Raida Abd Rahman","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) emissions are the primary contributor to environmental deterioration, which is directly linked to changes in climate and worldwide heating and threatens the ecosystem's continued viability. CO<sub>2</sub>, which is found in the sought-after power produced from fossil fuels, is the primary component that must be mitigated to attain global climatic stability. Therefore, this research aims to study the long-term link between nuclear energy (NE), environmental tax (ET), and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in Japan while incorporating economic growth (GDP) during 1994–2022. The current study uses the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) method to obtain accurate results regarding the positive and negative shocks of nuclear energy and environmental taxes. The results show that (i) NE in Japan decreases environmental decline in both shocks. (ii) ET positively affects environmental pollution in negative shock. (iii) GDP has beneficial effects on environmental deterioration. Additionally, the findings of the NARDL estimates and the results of the robustness checks are consistent. According to the evidence at hand, ET in Japan could become a beneficial tool for enhancing environmental quality instead of a tool for increasing budget capital.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101097"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143308773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Investigation of inorganic nutrients and pollutants in private gardens in central Germany using citizen science

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101096

Christoph Koch, Maria Peter

{"title":"Investigation of inorganic nutrients and pollutants in private gardens in central Germany using citizen science","authors":"Christoph Koch, Maria Peter","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Even though private gardens play an important role in food supply, relatively little is known about pollutant concentrations in the corresponding soils. Due to limited access to private gardens, primarily allotment and community gardens are typically examined, which means that front- and backyard gardens are generally not considered. In our study, we examined corresponding soils in central Germany using a citizen science approach. The soil samples were collected in private gardens by the participating citizens. The samples were extracted with aqua regia and analyzed using ICP-AES. However, chromium and nickel concentrations were elevated in a quarter of the samples. High levels of lead and copper were found in one-third of the gardens, and in the case of zinc, in two-thirds of the samples. In addition, samples in which particularly high concentrations of pollutants were found were extracted with ammonium nitrate to examine the substances that are readily available to plants. Here, too, some corresponding limit values were found to be exceeded. Our data thus provide a first basis for a better understanding of the uptake of inorganic pollutants through the consumption of home-grown fruit and vegetables in various types of private gardens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101096"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143094549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Perceived effect of rainfall frequency on food security in somali agropastoral communities

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-25 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101095

Mohamed Muse Budin , Shamsedin Mahdi Hassan , Elyas Abdulahi , Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi

{"title":"Perceived effect of rainfall frequency on food security in somali agropastoral communities","authors":"Mohamed Muse Budin , Shamsedin Mahdi Hassan , Elyas Abdulahi , Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the perceived impact of rainfall frequency, defined as the number of rainfall events on food security in the Qulujed district, Awdal, Somalialand. Rainfall variability poses significant challenges to rain-fed agriculture, which is the primary livelihood in the region. The study employs simple linear regression analyses to examine relationships between rainfall frequency and key food security indicators including crop yield, food quality, prices, variety, crop failure rates, and fodder yield. The findings reveal a robust positive relationship between increased rainfall frequency and enhanced food security outcomes. Specifically, higher rainfall frequency correlates statistically significantly with increased crop yields (β = 0.892, <em>p</em> < .01), improved food quality (β = 0.777, <em>p</em> < .01), stable food prices (β = 1.003, <em>p</em> < .01), greater food variety (β = 0.831, <em>p</em> < .01), reduced crop failures (β = 0.881, <em>p</em> < .01), and increased fodder yield (β = 0.942, <em>p</em> < .01). These relationships underscore the critical role of consistent rainfall patterns in sustaining agricultural productivity and market stability. The study concludes that maintaining reliable rainfall patterns is crucial for mitigating agricultural risks and promoting food security in rain-fed farms like the Qulujed district. Effective climate adaptation and water management strategies are essential to ensure sustainable agricultural production and resilience against climate variability. Understanding the impact of rainfall frequency on food security variables is imperative for achieving long-term development goals and supporting global efforts to combat food insecurity amid environmental change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101095"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143094548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Sustainable subtropical hotel operations: A time series analysis of waste heat recovery potential

Environmental Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-23 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101091

Fu-Wing Yu, Wai-Tung Ho, Chak-Fung Jeff Wong

{"title":"Sustainable subtropical hotel operations: A time series analysis of waste heat recovery potential","authors":"Fu-Wing Yu, Wai-Tung Ho, Chak-Fung Jeff Wong","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The waste condenser heat from chiller systems in hotels is typically discharged into the environment, leading to energy waste and plume generation. However, the recovery of this waste heat is not common. Therefore, this study presents a time series analysis to evaluate the potential for waste heat recovery for sustainable hotel operations. The case study focuses on a prototype hotel in subtropical Hong Kong and its engineering systems are modeled using EnergyPlus. By incorporating heat exchangers and thermal storage systems, waste condenser heat can be recovered to fully meet the heating demand for daily service water, which was originally supplied by boilers for 79.32 % of the total time. This application offers several benefits. Firstly, it reduces annual carbon emissions by 40.23 kgCO<sub>2</sub>e/m<sup>2</sup> (equal to 27.36 % of the baseline emissions) associated with water-cooled chiller systems by maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing waste heat. Secondly, it decreases the operating capacity of cooling towers at high heat rejection, which reduces the chance of plume emissions by 30.9 %. Finally, it lowers the annual gas consumption of boilers by 153.11 MJ/m<sup>2</sup> (equal to 79.32 % of the baseline consumption) and can serve as an alternative to renewable solar thermal systems. Challenges and opportunities for recovering waste condenser heat are also discussed in detail. Notably, this study introduces a new approach of using outdoor enthalpy to normalize the cooling demand for improved energy management. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of waste condenser heat from chiller systems to promote sustainable development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 101091"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143095693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0