Robert Kurniawan, Agung Purwanto, Bagus Sumargo, Anas Rulloh Budi Alamsyah, Krismanti Tri Wahyuni, Prana Ugiana Gio
{"title":"Environmental Knowledge Influences Pro-Environmental Behavior to Mitigating Air Pollution Toward Sustainable Development in Indonesia: A Logistic Multilevel Analysis","authors":"Robert Kurniawan, Agung Purwanto, Bagus Sumargo, Anas Rulloh Budi Alamsyah, Krismanti Tri Wahyuni, Prana Ugiana Gio","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70102","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This investigation seeks to uncover both internal and external influences that contribute to fostering pro-environmental behavior, particularly in the realm of mitigating air pollution. This study also seeks to examine the relationship between environmental knowledge and individual attitudes toward the reduction of air pollution. This study employed multilevel binary logistic regression to achieve its objectives and address the multilevel characteristics of the data. The study utilized two types of data: the nationwide household survey for level one and the regional aggregate data for level two. The findings indicate that environmental knowledge influences the reduction of motor vehicle usage. Furthermore, public knowledge regarding air pollution and its origins, along with the quantity of motor vehicles at the provincial level, markedly affects motor vehicle usage at the 10% significance level. Individuals' propensity to decrease motor vehicle usage significantly correlates with various strategies to mitigate air pollution, such as using bicycles and public transportation. Consequently, the government can formulate policies about environmental education that consider both internal and external factors for individuals with the aim of promoting pro-environmental behavior (PEB) and mitigating air pollution in Indonesia.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143938988","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":"Control of Microplastics and Nanoplastics Discharge via Biochar-Based Filtration: Optimization Using Central Composite Design (CCD) and Identification of Column Fouling Mechanism","authors":"Muhammad Adli Hanif, Naimah Ibrahim, Farrah Aini Dahalan, Umi Fazara Md. Ali, Ayu Wazira Azhari, Masitah Hasan, Nabilah Aminah Lutpi, Mohamed Hasnain Isa","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70098","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging aquatic pollutants of significant environmental concern due to their pervasive hazards. Filtration using filter media is a common approach for mitigating MP and NP contamination; however, the optimization of process parameters and the underlying column fouling mechanisms remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the optimization of MP and NP removal using surface-engineered biochar in a continuous-flow column system via response surface methodology (RSM) employing central composite design (CCD). Four operating parameters were evaluated: pH (3–11), MP and NP concentration (0.01–0.09 g/L), flow rate (5–9 mL/min), and biochar bed depth (5–15 cm). Optimal removal efficiency was achieved at pH 7, MP and NP concentration of 0.01 g/L, 7 mL/min flow rate, and 10 cm biochar bed depth, yielding removal efficiencies of 93.75% (measured by turbidity method) and 93.07% (estimated by gravimetric method). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the model's significance, with a high coefficient of determination (<i>R</i><sup>2</sup>) observed between predicted and actual data. All tested parameters and two interacting parameters, (i) concentration-flow rate and (ii) flow rate-biochar bed depth, significantly influenced MP and NP removal efficiency. Prolonged operation under optimal conditions induced fouling of biochar-packed bed, and an evaluation using Hermia's model, assuming uniform bed porosity and filtration as the main removal mechanism, indicated the presence of standard blocking, intermediate blocking, and cake filtration as primary fouling mechanisms. This study highlights the potential of surface-engineered biochar as a promising filter media for efficient MP and NP removal while providing insights into the column fouling dynamics.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914361","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}
Samuel Wiafe, William Adu Asamoah, Japhat Opoku Ofosu, Thomas Bandoh
{"title":"Toxicological Impact of Heavy Metal Contamination in Vegetables on Human Health: A Case Study of Konongo, Ghana","authors":"Samuel Wiafe, William Adu Asamoah, Japhat Opoku Ofosu, Thomas Bandoh","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70101","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There are serious health risks associated with heavy metal contamination, including that caused by arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). For this study, 72 vegetable samples were gathered from nearby markets, prepared by wet digestion, and then examined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The study discovered that the levels of As, Hg, and Pb in vegetables continuously surpassed allowable limits. Several vegetables had levels of As above safe limits, posing non-carcinogenic risks, according to human health risk assessments such as the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ). Pumpkin and eggplant had the highest TTHQ values according to cumulative risk assessments, suggesting possible health risks from extended exposure. Carcinogenic risk estimates (TCR) for As and Cd also stayed below critical thresholds, but the combined impact of several metals raised concerns about long-term cancer. Vegetables were divided into two main groups using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on contamination profiles. Certain vegetables (lettuce, tomato, and eggplant) had higher contamination risks. In order to reduce health risks. The results support evidence of heavy metal bioaccumulation in food crops around the world.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914360","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}
Ekene Christopher Umego, Marie Byrne, Catherine Barry-Ryan
{"title":"Life Cycle Assessment of Single Malt Irish Whiskey: A Case Study in Ireland","authors":"Ekene Christopher Umego, Marie Byrne, Catherine Barry-Ryan","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70100","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Irish distilling sector has grown exponentially in the last decade, with about 42 distilleries producing up to 110 million liters of pure alcohol (LPA) of whiskey annually. This study explored the life cycle assessment (LCA) of single malt Irish whiskey to gain insight into the environmental implications of whiskey distillation in Ireland by building on a case study from an Irish whiskey distillery. It also identified hotspots in the life cycle of Irish whiskey and looked at improvement options for the hotspots. ISO 14044 LCA methodology was used to develop the model of the product system. Primary production data was sourced from an Irish distillery, and Ecoinvent database was used to build the inventory using open LCA. CML-IA baseline was used for the impact assessment. Obtained results showed that global warming, acidification, and eutrophication potentials (EPs) were 2.26 kg CO<sub>2</sub> eq., 0.013 kg SO<sub>2</sub> eq., and 0.015 kg PO<sub>4</sub> eq., per LPA of whiskey spirit, respectively. Identified hotspots from the study were energy use (gas and electricity) and barley cultivation, with a cumulative environmental impact of approximately 90% of the overall impacts. Precision farming, utilization of organic grains, and very high gravity (VHG) brewing were some of the improvement options for environmental impact reduction. Application of these to the impact assessment resulted in global warming potential (GWP) savings of 1.7%–18%. An estimation of the environmental impacts at the sectoral level showed that the sector is responsible for approximately 250,000 tons CO<sub>2</sub> eq. emissions. Obtained results can form the basis for environmental impact monitoring and control for the Irish whiskey industry.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143909173","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":"Microplastics in Irrigation Systems: A Growing Threat to Agriculture Soil and Crop Plant","authors":"Marchel Putra Garfansa, Ary Bakhtiar, Shefa Dwijayanti Ramadani, Lili Zalizar, Syarif Husen, Joko Triwanto, Iswahyudi Iswahyudi, Pardin Lasaksi, Yenni Arista Cipta Ekalaturrahmah","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70099","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>One area of growing concern was the presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural irrigation systems, where they entered and affected soil quality and plant health. This study evaluated the impact of MPs on soil quality and plant growth through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, focusing on studies that examined MPs in irrigation water, including their identification, occurrence, and environmental impacts on agricultural systems. MPs in agricultural irrigation systems are transported by water, deposited in the soil, trapped in sediments, or infiltrated deeper soil layers, interacting with soil chemicals and increasing environmental toxicity risks. Additionally, MPs in irrigation water disrupted soil physical properties by reducing porosity and aggregate stability, while altering nutrient cycling processes, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus dynamics. Moreover, MPs negatively affected microbial communities and soil fauna, further compromising soil fertility. These disturbances significantly hinder soil productivity and plant health, suggesting the urgent need for mitigation strategies. The uptake and translocation of MPs by crops impaired plant growth, reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and induced oxidative stress. This study highlights the potential long-term risks of MPs contamination, emphasizing the threat to agricultural sustainability. Consequently, MPs in irrigation systems posed significant risks to soil health and agricultural productivity, underscoring the importance of addressing this emerging environmental issue to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143896992","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}
Danish Rizwan, Syed Beenish Rizwan Kirmani, Farooq Ahmad Masoodi
{"title":"Circular Economy in the Food Systems: A Review","authors":"Danish Rizwan, Syed Beenish Rizwan Kirmani, Farooq Ahmad Masoodi","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70096","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The traditional linear economy model, characterized by the unsustainable “take-make-dispose” approach, leads to substantial resource depletion, environmental degradation, and excessive waste generation. The burgeoning need for a sustainable food system calls for a shift from the traditional open-loop linear model towards a circular economy. This review explores the transformative potential of circularity principles across various levels of food production. The closed-loop circular economy model, put forward by Walter Stahel, prioritizes efficient utilization of resources and waste minimization. It focuses on closing the loop with the food system by promoting regenerative agricultural practices, minimizing the generation of food waste and losses across the supply chain, and encouraging the valorization of waste and by-products. While acknowledging the challenges associated with this transformation, the review underscores the importance of a systematic transition. The transformation from linear to circular food systems necessitates the collective efforts of all the stakeholders, including farmers, producers, processors, retailers, and consumers. Moreover, the government and policymakers have a crucial role to play in terms of infrastructure development and crafting supportive policies to pave the way for successful transformation. By fostering educational initiatives that raise awareness about waste reduction, management, and valorization, alongside incentivizing circular economy practices, the food system can evolve into a more sustainable and closed-loop model, contributing to a more resilient future.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143892964","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":"Power Generation and Carbon Credit Earning by Solar Energy Systems","authors":"Ayyappan Subramanian, Gurupranes Sivaraj Vijaya, Saravanaraj Devarajan","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70094","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This paper presents a detailed analysis of power generation through renewable energy sources and the carbon credit potential of various solar energy systems installed at the Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology (MCET), Pollachi. It consists of a solar greenhouse, solar street lights, solar pumps, and solar photovoltaic power-generating systems. Energy generation and cost savings were achieved for these systems. Carbon credit computation was performed according to the Kyoto Protocol under local climatic conditions. The total power produced by the solar PV systems was found to be 147.456 MWh, and the total cost of power generated by these systems was found to be Rs. 12,97,613/- ($15540). The total annual carbon mitigation produced by the four standalone solar photovoltaic (SPAV) systems was found to be 137.42 tons, and the carbon credit earned estimated to be Rs. 5,84,432/- ($7008.41), whereas the annual carbon mitigation achieved through the solar greenhouse was found to be 198 tons. The annual carbon credits earned by the solar greenhouse were found to be Rs. 8.42,072/- ($10098), and the annual carbon credits earned by all the solar systems were found to be Rs. 14,26,504/- ($17106.41). The main objective of this research paper is to showcase the potential of solar systems for power generation and thermal heating applications, in addition to the benefits of CO<sub>2</sub> mitigation. This highlights how solar systems can be developed and promoted to meet the energy requirements and environmental sustainability of every institution. The promotion of this type of clean and renewable energy source will help save the environment from the harmful effects of fossil fuels, in addition to meeting the energy requirements.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143892958","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}
Moh Taufiq, Roy Hendroko Setyobudi, Layla Imroatu Zulaikha, Muhammad Zahoor, Zainun Wahida Fithriani, Iswahyudi Iswahyudi
{"title":"Sources and Levels of Cadmium and Lead Contamination in Infant Weaning Food (MPASI)","authors":"Moh Taufiq, Roy Hendroko Setyobudi, Layla Imroatu Zulaikha, Muhammad Zahoor, Zainun Wahida Fithriani, Iswahyudi Iswahyudi","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70095","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Complementary breastfeeding (MPASI) is an important stage in meeting the nutritional needs of babies after 6 months of age. However, contamination of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), in complementary foods can be a serious threat to the health of babies who have a more vulnerable metabolism than adults. The aim of this study is to identify the level of heavy metal contamination (Pb and Cd) in complementary food products circulating in Indonesia. The method used in this study uses atomic absorption spectroscopy (SSA), the preparation method uses the destruction of a microwave system with a combination of 65% HNO<sub>3</sub> and 30% H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> solvents (7:1). The results showed that all MPASI products (A, B, C, and D) studied contained Cd and Pb exceeding the maximum limit set by World Health Organization (WHO) (Cd < 0.010 mg/L and Pb < 0.020 mg/L), the highest concentrations of Cd and Pb were found in the sample code C (chicken) of 0.63 ± 0.0397 and 2.21 ± 0.1868 mg/L, respectively. This study is expected to provide scientific data that supports the strengthening of food safety regulations and increase public awareness of the importance of choosing safe complementary foods.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143892959","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":"Comprehensive Review on Groundwater Exploitation, Depletion, and Its Management: Sustainable Approach Toward Agricultural Productivity in India","authors":"Shareen Fatima Rizvi, Syed Khalida Izhar, Aamina Shahab, Mohammed Kuddus, Roohi Roohi","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70092","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In a country like India, where agriculture is the primary occupation, the demand for the development of sustainable approaches in the sector is very important. Though the practice of pumping underground for use in farming dates back centuries, the past half-century has seen major technical and technological developments for the maximum utilization of groundwater for irrigational purposes. This review attempts to discuss the need for groundwater management and ways of the same. The overuse of groundwater in agricultural practices leads to the resource's depletion at a rate that is greater than the rate at which it can be naturally replenished. The surveys and available literature clearly state that some of the provinces in India, such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, have higher groundwater utilization rates in comparison with other states. The increasing strain on groundwater due to uncontrolled abstraction degrades its quantity, while the use of chemical fertilizers degrades its quality. The Indian government has taken numerous legislative and precautionary steps in response to this reality, but a lack of education and political and administrative will has meant that these efforts have been mostly ineffective in improving groundwater management. For the global community to move toward more sustainable groundwater usage, the quality and quantity of groundwater in the current scenario call for enhanced resource governance and management. Here, we discuss the account of challenges, opportunities, and several governmental policies regarding the management and protection of the quality as well as quantity of groundwater, especially in the context of India. This research emphasizes the significant challenges and analyzes the diverse strategies for groundwater development and management.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143880026","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":"Policy Measures for Advancing Environmental Sustainability: Assessing the Impact of Governance Efficiency and Fiscal Approach in Sub-Saharan Africa","authors":"Kingsley Ikechukwu Okere, Stephen Kelechi Dimnwobi, Favour Chidinma Onuoha, Chukwunonso Ekesiobi","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70090","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study navigates the complex intersection of fiscal policy, governance quality, and environmental sustainability within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Utilizing a dataset from 2005 to 2020 encompassing 33 SSA countries, the study employs the environmental load capacity factor (LCF) to assess environmental sustainability within the STIRPAT framework as well as unravel the nexus between fiscal strategy and governance quality. Key findings reveal that the impact of government expenditure on LCF varies across quantiles. The positive impact of the interaction between governance quality and government expenditure on LCF accentuates the significance of effective governance in bolstering sustainability efforts. These findings offer pertinent implications for SSA policymakers.</p>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/tqem.70090","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143865555","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}