Environmental Challenges最新文献

{"title":"Harmonizing environmental policy across borders: A case study of China–Laos regulatory disparities","authors":"Somchith Phetmany ,&nbsp;Xuewei Hu ,&nbsp;Bounmy Keohavong","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental standards are crucial for managing transboundary resources, especially in regions undergoing rapid economic integration. This study explores the environmental governance gap between China and Laos, whose bilateral relationship has intensified through major infrastructure projects like the China-Laos Railway. Despite growing interdependence, little research has examined the comparative environmental standards between the two countries. This study addresses that gap by analyzing their regulatory frameworks on air quality, water resources, and soil contamination. Findings indicate substantial disparities in pollutant thresholds, regulatory stringency, and implementation mechanisms. In air quality, China adopts a dual-tier system to accommodate regional pollution levels, while Laos follows WHO guidelines but lacks enforceable limits for key pollutants such as SO₂. In water standards, Laos enforces stricter chemical oxygen demand (COD) thresholds for pristine water but allows higher nutrient concentrations, whereas China imposes tighter limits on heavy metals like mercury due to its industrial legacy. For soil contamination, Laos maintains more stringent arsenic limits but permits significantly higher chromium levels, reflecting the economic influence of its mining sector. These inconsistencies pose challenges for cross-border environmental management in shared ecosystems like the Mekong River basin, increasing the risk of regulatory arbitrage and hindering data harmonization and joint governance. The study concludes that effective transboundary environmental governance will require harmonized pollutant standards, coordinated monitoring systems, capacity-building efforts, and unified environmental impact assessment methods to ensure sustainable development along corridors like the Belt and Road Initiative.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A GIS-based methodology for hydropower potential assessment: balancing energy production and ecosystem sustainability","authors":"Arianna Paschetto,&nbsp;Chiara Caselle,&nbsp;Sabrina Maria Rita Bonetto","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101236","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101236","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Italy leads Europe in hydropower production, with small-scale hydropower plants dominating due to their alignment with local geography and water resources. Despite this leadership, future growth is expected to stagnate, highlighting the importance of assessing the spatial distribution of existing plants in relation to hydropower potential. This study presents a GIS-based methodology integrated with the SWAT hydraulic model in the Stura di Lanzo basin as test site to identify and evaluate potential hydropower sites in territorial diverse context.</div><div>The workflow of methodology includes selecting points of interest based on proximity to energy demand and existing infrastructure, filtering locations through environmental regulations, calculating flow availability using simulated daily discharge data, and estimating hydropower potential by analysing head values and segmenting rivers. Furthermore, to achieve Goal 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the release of Ecological Flow (EF) was evaluated. In Italy, this release is regulated by the Regionals Regulation, which in Piemonte, so far, only ensures the release of EF at certain test sites. In the context of this study, the hydropower potential is computed considering both a theoretical power and an environmentally compliant power, with the application of EF concept.</div><div>Results from a 20-year analysis (2002–2022) identified a significant difference in the daily hydropower production due to the application of EF. In this last case 85 potential sites were selected, considering 50% flow exceedance rate, with 40% of sites with average annual rated power of 100–250 kW. At a 75% exceedance rate, 67 sites were identified, with similar rated power outputs but increased seasonal variability. The findings emphasize the importance of EF analysis in preserving biodiversity while enabling sustainable hydropower development. This approach offers a cost-effective planning tool adaptable to regions with existing or planned hydropower infrastructure, supporting strategic decisions for balanced ecological and energy goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Techno-economic analysis of laccase production, immobilization and use of the immobilized biocatalyst in hospital wastewater bioremediation","authors":"Komla Alokpa ,&nbsp;Hubert Cabana","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, cost analyses were performed to assess the economic feasibility and the competitiveness of a combined bioprocess for the production of a <em>T. hirsuta</em> laccase under submerged fermentation, immobilization of the crude enzyme and use of the formulated biocatalyst for hospital wastewater treatment. The laccase was immobilized on an amino-functionalized silica microsphere attached to a polyethylene scaffolding. Capital (CapEx) and operational (OpEx) expenses were calculated for each step of the process, considering the cost of equipment, raw materials, workload and utilities. For laccase production, labor cost represented the highest contributor to the total cost (51.6 %), followed by the equipment cost (42.2 %), while the costs of raw materials and energy were significantly low at 5.0 % and 1.1 %, respectively. The cost of the crude laccase was estimated to be 3.90 CAD (2024) kU⁻¹. In the immobilization step, the cost of raw materials represents the major cost contributor with 89.9 % due to the important cost of the immobilization support, while labor accounted for 6.4 %, equipment 3.6 % and energy 0.1 %. Sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the cost dynamics with respect to the number of laccase production batches, the cost of raw materials, electricity, and labor. The cost of pilot-scale wastewater treatment using the formulated biocatalyst, taking into account a less expensive but similar immobilisation support, was estimated to be 0.87 CAD (2024) <em>m</em>⁻³, which is a reasonable cost but can be further reduced after the process optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101230"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Behavioral drivers of waste cooking oil recycling in China’s catering industry: An economic perspective","authors":"Chuangbin Chen ,&nbsp;Weiguo Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101235","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101235","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under the global sustainable development goals, biodiesel plays a crucial role in the energy transition; however, its growth is constrained by a limited availability of raw materials. Waste cooking oil from the catering industry serves as a high-quality resource for biodiesel production, yet its recovery remains inefficient. A mixed-method survey was conducted to investigate the factors influencing waste cooking oil recovery among catering workers in Guangdong Province, China. The analysis applied an extended Theory of Planned Behavior, and a two-stage approach was adopted for the data. First, structural equation modeling was used to identify the causal relationships influencing recycling practices. Subsequently, Bayesian network analysis was employed to validate these findings and explore complex behavioral patterns. Results from the structural equation modeling revealed that administrative factors and subjective norms directly and significantly impact both intention and behavior, while behavior control and management factors influence behavior more indirectly by primarily shaping intentions. The introduction of the Bayesian network analysis confirmed these pathways and further identified moral attitude as another critical determinant that should be considered. The scenario simulation results provide deeper reference perspectives, showing that economic factors are not the only determinants of environmental protection. Overall, the study concludes that administrative deficiencies and incomplete awareness, including moral attitudes, may be key barriers to current recycling efforts. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding the mechanisms influencing waste cooking oil recycling behavior, offering an evidence-based path to effectively promoting the recycling of waste cooking oil.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144713233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green HRM for sustainable aviation: An integration evaluation using PLS-SEM and fsQCA","authors":"Dewi Puspaningtyas Faeni ,&nbsp;Ratih Puspitaningtyas Faeni ,&nbsp;Basrowi ,&nbsp;Sungkono","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the impact of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices on Green Organizational Culture, Employee Green Behavior, and Carbon Emission Reduction in the aviation industry. Given the industry's significant environmental footprint, integrating sustainable HR practices is essential. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through an online survey targeting employees involved in HR, sustainability, and operations. Participants were deliberately chosen using purposive sampling to ensure they possessed the necessary expertise. To test the hypothesized relationships and explore complex causal configurations, a hybrid methodological approach was adopted, combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling for theory testing with Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to identify alternative pathways leading to carbon emission reduction outcomes. Findings reveal that Green Training &amp; Development, Green Performance Management, and Green Organizational Culture significantly influence Employee Green Behavior and Carbon Emission Reduction. However, Green Compensation &amp; Rewards does not directly impact Employee Green Behavior but has an indirect effect through mediation. These results align with previous research on GHRM and sustainability but highlight industry-specific challenges. Theoretical implications extend existing GHRM models by emphasizing mediation effects, while practical implications suggest targeted HR policies for sustainable aviation. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the study’s focus on a specific industry. Despite this, the research offers valuable insights into effective HR strategies for enhancing environmental performance in aviation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Satellite-based agro-meteorological drought assessment in North Eastern Ethiopia","authors":"Abdurohman Yimam ,&nbsp;Mesfin Fikre Woldmariam","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101234","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101234","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drought has a profound and worsening socio-economic and environmental consequences in northeastern Ethiopia. This study assess agro-meteorological drought conditions in northeastern Ethiopia by integrating the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Vegetation Condition Index (VCI). The study employs CHIRPS satellite rainfall data and eMODIS NDVI imagery to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of drought from 1981 to 2021. The Mann–Kendall (MK) test is used to evaluate trends in drought occurrences over the study period, while Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between SPI and VCI during selected seasons and years. Results from SPI-3 indicate that severe drought events occurred in multiple years, with extreme drought conditions recorded in 1984 and 2015. The analysis highlights significant shifts in seasonal drought occurrences, with an observed trend of earlier onset of dry conditions in recent decades. VCI-based assessments corroborate SPI findings, revealing widespread severe to extreme drought conditions during key agricultural seasons, particularly in 2008, 2009, and 2013 for the Belg season and 2004 and 2015 for the Kiremit season. The MK trend analysis indicates a statistically significant increasing trend in precipitation during the Kiremit season (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), suggesting a reduction in meteorological drought frequency, while the Belg season shows an increasing tendency toward drier conditions, though not statistically significant. The study identifies a shifting pattern in drought severity and timing, posing critical challenges to rain-fed agriculture and smallholder farmers’ food security. The findings underscore the need for enhanced drought monitoring systems and targeted policy interventions to mitigate drought impacts. The SPI-VCI integrated approach offers a comprehensive understanding of drought, supporting policymakers in building climate resilience in drought-prone regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101234"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144680685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in vermifiltration: A comprehensive review of recent developments and applications","authors":"Gilbert Miito ,&nbsp;Elisa Basika","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vermifiltration is an emerging, nature-based technology that relies on synergistic interactions between earthworms and microbes to remove organic matter, nutrients, and contaminants from wastewater. This review synthesizes recent advances from 2018 to 2024, highlighting innovations in system design, process optimization, and hybrid integrations that enhance its performance and applicability. Across various wastewater categories, including municipal, industrial, and agricultural effluents, vermifilters demonstrate high treatment efficacy. A meta-analysis of 14 studies reveals median removal efficiencies of 89.8 % for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and 81 % for chemical oxygen demand (COD), with typical removal ranging from 70 to 95 % and 65–90 %, respectively, and over 99 % for fecal coliforms. This review critically evaluates key operational parameters such as hydraulic loading rates, earthworm stocking densities, and filter media composition to discern performance trends. Furthermore, innovations like the integration of biochar-enhanced media and hybrid configurations with constructed wetlands improve system resilience and pollutant removal. Key co-benefits include minimal sludge generation, recovery of nutrient-rich vermicast for soil application, and significant mitigation of greenhouse gases like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), alongside effective odor control. Despite these promising outcomes, challenges persist, including filter bed clogging, temperature sensitivity, and a lack of standardized protocols, which constrain scalability and regulatory acceptance. Future research should prioritize system automation, long-term field trials targeting emerging contaminants, and the development of clear policy frameworks. Overall, vermifiltration presents a reliable, low-energy, and climate-friendly approach to advancing sustainable, decentralized wastewater management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable Landscapes for Eastern Madagascar – A Midterm Impact Evaluation","authors":"Camila I. Donatti ,&nbsp;Giacomo Fedele ,&nbsp;Rocky Marcellino ,&nbsp;Alea Muñoz ,&nbsp;Martin Prowse ,&nbsp;Clarck Rabenandrasana ,&nbsp;Zo Lalaina Rakotobe ,&nbsp;Justice Frederic Rakotonandrasana ,&nbsp;Andoniaina Mialisoa Rambeloson ,&nbsp;Mamy Ramparany ,&nbsp;Clementine Sadania ,&nbsp;Clara Velontrasina","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101231","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101231","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar project aims to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers and reduce carbon emissions by implementing climate-smart agriculture and more sustainable forest management in the two remaining large blocks of forest in the eastern part of Madagascar, covering 660,000 hectares in 15 districts. We present findings from a midterm clustered phase-in evaluation. Baseline data was collected in early 2019 from 1822 households in local community associations. A total of 1654 were successfully re-interviewed in late 2022. Midline results show widespread adoption of a range of conservation agriculture practices, with early project recipients showing increased adoption rates of up to 20 percentage points greater than comparison households, including soil conservation measures (2–13 pp), agroforestry (2–6 pp) and the use of drought-resistant crops (2–6 pp). Further, household food security using the consolidated approach for reporting indicators of food security shows improvement across intention-to-treat, local average treatment effect and difference-in-differences specifications. In terms of forest use, fewer beneficiaries report deriving income from unsustainable activities in both summer (1 pp) and winter (4–7pp) seasons.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101231"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating tourist importance-performance and support for development in Komodo National Park","authors":"Ari Rahman ,&nbsp;Evi Siti Sofiyah ,&nbsp;Imelda Masni Juniaty Sianipar ,&nbsp;Amalia Edwisafira ,&nbsp;Sapta Suhardono ,&nbsp;Chun-Hung Lee ,&nbsp;Van Viet Nguyen ,&nbsp;I Wayan Koko Suryawan","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101229","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101229","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates tourist support for the proposed Jurassic Park development in Komodo National Park, focusing on how various factors such as environmental beliefs, sustainable practices, and visitor experiences influence their perspectives. Using a structured survey administered to 600 domestic and international tourists, this research employs Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) to identify discrepancies between tourist expectations and perceptions of current park management. Further, Probit and Logit regression models analyze the determinants influencing tourists' support for the development. The findings reveal significant concerns about carrying capacity and environmental impacts, with a strong preference for sustainable development practices among visitors. The study highlights the need for park management to align development strategies with environmental conservation and visitor satisfaction to foster support for future projects. Recommendations include implementing controlled access systems, enhancing visitor education programs, and improving infrastructure with sustainable practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101229"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterisation and spatial distribution of tyre wear particles in Swedish highway snow: Loads into roadside ditches and risk of emissions with snowmelt","authors":"Elly Lucia Gaggini ,&nbsp;Ekaterina Sokolova ,&nbsp;Elisabeth Støhle Rødland ,&nbsp;Ann-Margret Strömvall ,&nbsp;Yvonne Andersson-Sköld ,&nbsp;Mia Bondelind","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tyre wear particles (TWP) are a significant source of microplastic pollution that can accumulate in road-adjacent snow. This study investigates characteristics, abundance and spatial distribution of TWP for two size fractions: &lt;500 µm and 1.6–20 µm in the near-road environment of a highway. Quantification was done using Pyrolysis–Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (PYR-GC/MS), alongside morphological and elemental analyses by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Transport behaviour of TWP was investigated through comparison with selected stormwater related parameters (conductivity, nano-sized particle concentration, total and dissolved carbon and organic carbon, ions, total and dissolved metals). Results show that TWP concentrations in snow ranged between 7.8 and 1300 mg/L and concentrations decreased with distance from the highway. An abundant and varying proportion of TWP was found in the fine fraction 1.6–20 µm, ranging from 0.3% to 98% with an average of 48%. TWP strongly correlated with concentrations of solids and metals, suggesting similar transport processes. SEM-EDX+ML analyses showed that bitumen and tyre wear particles were the second and third most abundant components in the solid material in the snow, with minerals being the most abundant. Tyre and bitumen wear particles appeared less elongated than in road dust previously analysed from the same highway. These findings advance the understanding of TWP transport and distribution in near-road snow environments. Given the potential for acute release during snowmelt, mitigation measures limiting TWP emissions and spread, including better snow management and disposal practices are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}