SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Science
P. Srikanth; D. Sivakumar; J. Nouri
Abstract
Microorganisms are present in nature and shape an enormous a half of our micro- and macro-environment. Quorum sensing is the process of intercellular conversation that enables microbes to perceive their surroundings and change their behaviour, allowing them to remain like cellular organisms. Both Gram-positive ...
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Microorganisms are present in nature and shape an enormous a half of our micro- and macro-environment. Quorum sensing is the process of intercellular conversation that enables microbes to perceive their surroundings and change their behaviour, allowing them to remain like cellular organisms. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms use quorum sensing frame work for communicating with every other, though there may be distinct quorum sensing pathways available in Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. The scope of quorum sensing extends to inter-nation communication, mediate through numerous newly diagnosed extra-cell signal molecules known as autoinducers. The concentration of these signalling substances rises above a critical level when the population density does, causing particular gene expression patterns in the microorganisms. This may result in coordinated behaviours, including the development of biofilms, the generation of virulence factors, or other group activities. Without the ability to detect and react to the presence of their neighbours, microbial communities would not be able to adjust to changing environmental conditions or carry out collective actions that are essential for survival. Among those autoinducers, five major principal signal molecules are perturbed about side the classical quorum sensing system. The larger part of quorum sensing recognizing inhibitor takes bacterial quorum sensing share identifying as the even-handed and simply blocks the larger part recognizing plan of pathogenic organisms, which can demolish the pathogenicity of microorganisms without applying explicit squeezing factor, and doesn't execute the regular organisms or then again intrude with their standard physiological activities. To talk with each other, bacteria mix, release, and total minimal diffusible signal molecules, known as pheromones or autoinducers a pheromone (recognizing) depends upon its edge centre. Specific receptors found on the surface of the bacterial cell are required for the identification of pheromones or autoinducers. The proteins that can bind to diffusible signalling molecules often make up these receptors. These receptors bind to signalling molecules when their concentration rises over a predetermined threshold, setting off a signalling cascade that causes the bacteria to respond in concert. The prevailing article will speak about checking out basic variations between numerous quorum sensing systems in gram passitive and gram negative bacteria, and it is important to understand the communications of microorganisms in nature better. QS sensing will help as a regular language for signal communication of various microorganisms, yet the path where all proteins get the signals and turn on downstream sign transduction has changed phenomenally.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Engineering
F.R. Sutikno; N.A. Sasongko; I.N. Djarot; H.S. Dillon
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting is universally recognized as a pivotal component embraced by the industry to address climate change and serve as a safeguard to the physical and social environments of society. In the absence of global standards, organizations ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting is universally recognized as a pivotal component embraced by the industry to address climate change and serve as a safeguard to the physical and social environments of society. In the absence of global standards, organizations have developed standardized reporting frameworks for companies. This study provides an adaptation easiness measurement and a wide range of environmental, social, and governance disclosure components extracted from several standards. Multiple standards and a broader range of scaling measurements were used in this study to observe the characteristics of each industry where each environmental, social, and governance component is specific. The objective of this study is to investigate how companies in Indonesia comply with various environmental, social, and governance standards, given the importance of identifying variations of easiness on environmental, social, and governance on sustainability reports.METHODS: Using multi-source analysis, content analysis, and exploratory data analysis, this study identified whether industries in Indonesia adopt selective patterns in the components included in their sustainability reports.FINDINGS: This study identified 26 environmental, 8 social, and 23 governance popular components, which are components with high environmental, social, and governance report applicability and company adaptability. The environmental components that is easy to adapt primarily center around formal environmental, social, and governance framework data, in social component revolves around customary practices in corporate social responsibility, and in governance component emphasizes corporate reputation. By employing industry-specific environmental, social, and governance components, this study identifies three distinct groups, enabling the formulation of tailored policies to effectively address the unique needs of each group.CONCLUSION: This study exposes several findings on how companies in Indonesia adopt different components of environmental, social, and governance reports according to their needs, regulations, and analysis complexity. The novelty of this study combined the use of unified comparison components, a wider range of scaling measurements, and specific environmental social, and governance components per-industry type.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
P.V. Dinh; T. Fujiwara; A.N. Peni; C.K. Tran
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Advantages such as high stability and high biogas production when recirculating the effluent stream in two-stage anaerobic digestion systems have been demonstrated on a variety of substrates, but there is limited information regarding the use of this practice on organic municipal ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Advantages such as high stability and high biogas production when recirculating the effluent stream in two-stage anaerobic digestion systems have been demonstrated on a variety of substrates, but there is limited information regarding the use of this practice on organic municipal waste. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how effluent recirculation affects the two-stage anaerobic digestion of biodegradable municipal solid waste.METHODS: Firstly, biodegradable municipal solid waste substrate was fermented under conditions of 12 percent initial total solids and a temperature of 36 degrees Celsius for 5 days. After that, the substrate continued to be diluted using tap water or the effluent stream with a rate of 2:1. In the case of using the effluent stream, the experiment was further performed with dilution rates of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:2. Then, the liquid part was collected and pumped into the methane reactor at an organic loading rate of 7.64 grams of total solids per liter per day at 36 degrees Celsius. The methane reactor was an up-flow reactor that contained both granular sludge and suspended sludge. The effectiveness of the experimental stages was evaluated through biogas production and chemical oxygen demand removal.FINDINGS: In the fermentative reactor, using the effluent stream to dilute solid-state feedstock helped keep the reactor stable at pH 5.5 without alkali addition. In the case of using tap water for dilution, it required a dose of 115.8 grams and 75.3 grams of sodium hydroxide per kilogram of volatile solids to attain pH conditions at 6.5 and 5.5, respectively. Maintaining the reactor at pH 6.5 increased the concentration of fermentation products compared to pH 5.5, including 5.9 percent total chemical oxygen demand, 5.5 percent soluble chemical oxygen demand, and 10.6 percent total volatile fatty acids. In the case of recirculating the effluent stream in the methane reactor, increasing the dilution rate from 0.5 to 3.0 resulted in a methane yield of 227.5-278.9 milliliter per gram of volatile solids and 85-93 percent chemical oxygen demand removal. The methane reactor’s best digestion performance was attained at recirculation rate 2. Methane formation mainly occurred in granular sludge via the hydrogenotrophic pathway. Methane formation in suspended sludge occurred in a secondary manner, mainly via both the hydrogenotrophic and acetotrophic pathways. Among methanogen families, Methanobacteriaceae was found to have the highest relative abundance (7.5 percent in granular sludge and 0.8 percent in suspended sludge).CONCLUSION: Recirculating the effluent provided significant benefits, including the ability to stabilize the hydrolysis process and increase the methane yield. A recirculation rate of 2 to obtain a total chemical oxygen demand of 35.2 grams per liter was the best condition for methanogenesis. Acetotrophic methanogens were better adapted to difficult conditions than hydrogenotrophic methanogens. The formation of methane mainly occurred in granular sludge via a dominant hydrogenotrophic pathway. Methane formation in suspended sludge occurred in a secondary manner, mainly via both the hydrogenotrophic and acetotrophic pathways. Among methanogen families, Methanobacteriaceae was found to have the highest relative abundance.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Science
K. Seethong; K. Chunkao; N. Dampin; W. Wararam
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing population and urban growth have led to a higher demand for water in various sectors, resulting in a significant amount of wastewater. Constructed wetlands mimic natural wetlands, using the interaction between plants, soil, and microorganisms to treat wastewater ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing population and urban growth have led to a higher demand for water in various sectors, resulting in a significant amount of wastewater. Constructed wetlands mimic natural wetlands, using the interaction between plants, soil, and microorganisms to treat wastewater efficiently. This study assesses the diversity, species composition, and distribution of benthic organisms in a community wastewater-filter grass system and explores the relationship between water quality and benthos.METHODS: Water samples were collected from plant plots between December 2021 and March 2022. On-site measurements included temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH, whereas laboratory analysis encompassed the biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia, nitrate, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, and suspended solids. Soil samples were taken before and during planting at 2-week intervals, evaluating organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and plant growth indicators. Benthos sampling involved polyvinyl chloride pipe cores at a depth of 5 cm from the soil surface. Statistical tests were performed to analyze the water quality data.FINDINGS: The study observed a decrease in Chironomid abundance in both constructed wetland systems, indicating their effectiveness in treating wastewater. A comparison of system types revealed that the 5-day detention–2-day dry release system exhibited higher Chironomid abundance than the continuous flow system, and the biological oxygen demand maximum decreasing rate was 95%. The ammonia and nitrate maximum decreasing rates were 97% and 94%, respectively, indicating greater wastewater-treatment efficiency. The study also identified diverse benthic organisms, particularly chironomids, as bioindicators for assessing wastewater conditions.CONCLUSION: The continuous flow system and the 5-day detention–2-day dry release system of constructed wetlands can reduce the organic compounds and increase the oxygen levels in the plant plots. The interaction among plants, soil, and microorganisms is critical in wastewater treatment. In addition, the study highlighted the diversity and abundance of benthic organisms, particularly chironomids, which were more prominent in the continuous flow system. Consequently, the 5-day detention–2-day dry release system was more efficient in treating wastewater than the continuous flow system.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
F, Aini; A. Irianto; S. Amar
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to create an environmentally friendly hospital at West Pasaman regional public hospital by implementing a sustainable development model, which consists of the green hospital, green building, green innovation, and green human resource management. The researchers ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to create an environmentally friendly hospital at West Pasaman regional public hospital by implementing a sustainable development model, which consists of the green hospital, green building, green innovation, and green human resource management. The researchers previously discussed the physical aspects of the building, efficiency related to energy saving and hospital waste management. However, from several references obtained, it has not yet been discussed what is the extent of the benefits derived from the entire implementation of the green hospital. Thus, this study contributes to creating an environmentally friendly hospital model mediated by a green hospital and it is influenced by green building, green innovation, and green human resource management.METHODS: The study method uses a survey, which uses a questionnaire as a data collection tool. The population in this study consisted of employees, visitors, and the community around West Pasaman regional public hospital. The selection of the sample in this study was based on the proportionate cluster random sampling approach, which was analyzed using the structural equation modeling–partial least square method.FINDINGS: There are ten findings for analysis at the West Pasaman regional public hospital. First, green building has a significant effect of 0.187 on the green hospital. Second, green innovation has a significant effect of 0.230 on the green hospital. Third, green human resource management has a significant effect of 0.235 on the green hospital. Fourth, green building has a significant effect of 0.263 on the environmentally friendly hospital. Fifth, green innovation has a significant effect of 0.192 on the environmentally friendly hospital. Sixth, green human resource management has a significant effect of 0.197 on the environmentally friendly hospital. Seventh, the green hospital has a significant effect of 0.241 on the environmentally friendly hospital. Eighth, green building has a significant effect of 0.045 on the environmentally friendly hospital mediated by the green hospital. Ninth, green innovation has a significant effect of 0.055 on the environmentally friendly hospital mediated by the green hospital. Tenth, green human resource management has a significant effect of 0.057 on the environmentally friendly hospital mediated by the green hospital.CONCLUSION: Implementation of the sustainable development model as a form of environmental management policy at the West Pasaman regional public hospital is optimally needed in order to achieve an environmentally friendly hospital. This study recommends employees, visitors the community around the West Pasaman regional public hospital to increase the green hospital, green building, green innovation, and green human resource management in achieving an environmentally friendly hospital.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Science
A. Zermeño-Gonzalez; E.A. Jimenez-Alcala; J.A. Gil-Marin; H. Ramirez-Rodriguez; M. Cadena-Zapata; A.I. Melendres-Alvarez
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pecan nut trees (Carya illinoensis K), due to their condition as woody and long-living species, in addition to the contribution of nuts for consumption, may also have an essential role in assimilating carbon dioxide and sequestering atmospheric carbon. This study aimed to determine ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pecan nut trees (Carya illinoensis K), due to their condition as woody and long-living species, in addition to the contribution of nuts for consumption, may also have an essential role in assimilating carbon dioxide and sequestering atmospheric carbon. This study aimed to determine the carbon dioxide net ecosystem exchange of an orchard of young pecan nut trees in northern Mexico, and its relationship with the growth months of the trees.METHODS: The study was carried out from March to November 2017 in a six-year-old pecan nut tree orchard containing trees of the Western Schley and Wichita varieties. The orchard is drip-irrigated with buried tape. The carbon dioxide net ecosystem exchange between the canopy of the orchard trees and the atmosphere was determined with eddy covariance measurements using a three-dimensional sonic anemometer and an open-path infrared carbon dioxide analyzer.FINDINGS: The highest daytime carbon dioxide net ecosystem exchange rate corresponded with the peak absorption rate of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the trees' canopy. It was observed between 11:00 and 14:00 hours throughout the growth months of the trees. The highest carbon dioxide net ecosystem exchange rate was observed in June, at 7 micro mol square meter per second. The relationship between the carbon dioxide net ecosystem exchange and the photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the trees’ canopy through the growth months was described using a rectangular hyperbolic function. From March to September, the carbon sequestration of the young pecan nuts was 0.962 tons of carbon per hectare.CONCLUSION: The highest carbon dioxide diurnal assimilation rate was observed in May, at 5 717.95 millimoles per square meter. Despite the young age of the pecan trees, the orchard has a retention capacity of 0.962 tons of carbon per hectare for the months evaluated. The young pecan orchard significantly contributes to the assimilation and retention of atmospheric carbon that will increase with the growth of the trees, due to greater leaf and biomass development.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
J. Simamora; E.I. Wiloso; M. Yani
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Virgin wood fiber and recycled waste paper are the main raw materials for paper production. Virgin wood-fiber paper appears less favorable than recycled paper, as recycled paper generally consumes more natural resources. Some indicators raise questions about the product being ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Virgin wood fiber and recycled waste paper are the main raw materials for paper production. Virgin wood-fiber paper appears less favorable than recycled paper, as recycled paper generally consumes more natural resources. Some indicators raise questions about the product being recycled, including the amount of solid waste produced during production and carbon emissions, which can occasionally be higher than for paper made from virgin fiber, as it may require more energy to operate. This study presents a comparative life cycle assessment of paper production in Indonesia using wood fibers and recycled fiber materials. This life cycle assessment study aimed to compare two comparable products, namely duplex board with 93 percent recycled fiber and folding boxboard with 100 percent wood or virgin fiber raw materials.METHODS: Both products were represented as one metric ton of the final product. The study utilized a cradle-to-grave system and combined primary data from a paper factory in Indonesia with secondary data from the Ecoinvent database, representing processes in background systems. Various impact assessment methods were employed to evaluate the environmental impact, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the Centre for Environmental Studies, International Reference Life Cycle Data System, and the United Nations Environment Program, Society for Environmental Toxicology, and Chemistry toxicity model. All inventory and impact assessments were performed using SimaPro software.FINDINGS: The current study revealed that duplex board is environmentally preferable to folding boxboard across all the impact categories assessed. The results of the impact assessment of global warming potential fossil, acidification, particulates, fossil abiotic depletion, and human toxicity-cancer for duplex board were 1,848.26 kilogram carbon dioxide equivalent, 8.12 kilogram-sulfur-dioxide-equivalent, 2.12 kilogram particulate matter 2.5-equivalent, 14,668.06 megajoule, and 0.0000017 comparative toxic unit, while for folding boxboard 2,651.25 kilogram carbon- dioxide-equivalent, 13.95 kilogram sulfur-dioxide-equivalent, 3.27 kilogram particulate matter 2.5-equivalent, 22,395.81 mega-joule, and 0.0000021 comparative toxic unit, respectively. All impact magnitudes were measured in functional units per 1 ton of paper product.CONCLUSION: The study has revealed the environmental impact of paper products produced in Indonesia. Paper products made from recycled fibers are a more environmentally favorable option when than those produced from virgin fibers. Through further contribution analysis, it was determined that the main contributor to all impact categories in both production systems was fossil-based energy input. Efforts to improve the environmental performance of the two products should focus on enhancing the energy efficiency of the system and incorporating non-fossil fuel energy sources into the production process.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
I. Martias; R. Rifardi; A. Agrina; I. Suprayogi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Penyengat Island is a small island in the Riau Archipelago Province, Indonesia, with a coastal settlement that embodies traditional Malay values. This island holds significance due to the historical connection to the Malay royal civilization along the Malacca Strait, which ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Penyengat Island is a small island in the Riau Archipelago Province, Indonesia, with a coastal settlement that embodies traditional Malay values. This island holds significance due to the historical connection to the Malay royal civilization along the Malacca Strait, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Therefore, this research analyzes the status and determinants of the sustainability of healthy settlement arrangements in the coastal area of Penyengat Island as a cultural heritage site.METHODS: The study utilizes the multi-dimensional scaling-rapid appraisal for sustainability approach, employing the modified rapid appraisal for fisheries ordinance software technique for settlement analysis. Data collection was performed using a survey and literature review. The survey was conducted through field observations and interviews with respondents, while a literature review was carried out through secondary data collection related to settlements and cultural heritage. The data analysis was performed using multi-dimensional scaling, modified from the rapid assessment appraisal method for fisheries.FINDINGS: The study reveals that the sustainability index status for the ecological and institutional legal dimensions in Penyengat island is sustainable. In contrast, the economic and socio-cultural dimensions recorded low sustainability, while the green infrastructure dimension was deemed unsustainable. Several attributes significantly influenced the sustainability of healthy settlement arrangements in the coastal area of Penyengat Island, including household waste management, lighting in houses, noise levels, residential density, clean water supply, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding, occupation, income growth, technological innovation, tourist numbers, public perception of the distance between cultural heritage and settlements, social conflicts, implementation of mutual cooperation, community group management, handling cross-program problems, education and training, settlement regulations, community organization regarding settlements, socialization of regulations, cultural heritage organizations, hedgerows, additional vegetation, tree canopy expansion, and rain gardens. The multi-dimensional scaling analysis indicated that the ecological dimension of sustainability ranged from 51.71 to 60.67, corresponding to the moderate status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5. The economic dimension ranges from 40.46 to 48.23, indicating a less advanced status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5. The socio-cultural dimension ranges from 48.97 to 51.78, representing sufficient status in Rukun Warga 1 and less sustainable in Rukun Warga 2 to 5. The institutional, legal dimension ranges from 50.18 to 71.24, with a sufficiently continuous status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5. Lastly, the green infrastructure dimension ranges from -0.12 to 6.72, a non-continuous status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5.CONCLUSION: The sustainability status of healthy settlement arrangements on Penyengat Island is relatively good. While Penyengat Island has made significant strides in achieving sustainable settlement arrangements, the green infrastructure dimension requires attention. Enhancing sustainability in this dimension involves addressing socio-cultural aspects and improving the institutional and legal framework. In summary, Penyengat Island can progress toward a more sustainable and resilient future by fostering community involvement, strengthening governance structures, and implementing sustainable practices.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Science
S. Promsai; Y. Tragoolpua; N. Thongwai
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Thailand, bacterial wilt is one of the most severe diseases that affects pathumma, also known as Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. Biological control was proposed to control this disease with antagonistic bacteria. The current study was conducted to screen for antagonistic microorganisms ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Thailand, bacterial wilt is one of the most severe diseases that affects pathumma, also known as Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. Biological control was proposed to control this disease with antagonistic bacteria. The current study was conducted to screen for antagonistic microorganisms capable of inhibiting the pathogenic bacteria and to evaluate the beneficial effect of antagonistic bacteria on pathumma in vivo.METHODS: Antagonistic bacteria were isolated from soil samples obtained from several locations in Thailand and screened for antibacterial activity. Next, the optimal conditions for the growth of antagonistic bacteria were determined. The production of anibacterial substances were then characterized. The potential of antagonistic bacteria to reduce the growth of plant pathogens was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. FINDINGS: In total, 102 bacterial isolates were isolated using tryptic soy medium. After evaluating their capacity to inhibit the growth of the wilt-causing bacteria using the paper disc diffusion assay, it was found that three bacterial isolates, Bacillus subtilis SP15, Pseudomonas mosselii SP38, and Pseudomonas mosselii SP46 showed high ability to inhibit growth of the wilt-causing bacteria Enterobacter asburiae JK1, JK2, JK3, JK4, E. dissolvens JK5 and E. hormachei JK6. The optimal conditions for all antagonistic bacterial isolates were 25 or 30 degrees Celcius, at potential of hydrogen 7-8 in modified tryptic soy medium containing 0.5 percent (weight /volume) glucose or sucrose and 1.5 or 2 percent (weight/volume) peptone. The antagonists were able to produce siderophores and phenazines. Under greenhouse experiments, the mixed cultures of antagonistic bacterial isolates could reduce the wilt disease incidence, and the number of pathogenic bacteria declined compared with the diseased control plants. In addition, it was discovered that soil materials provided the best carrier materials for the successful formulation of the mixed culture of antagonistic bacteria.CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the selected antagonists were beneficial for controlling wilt disease in pathumma. This is the first scientific study on the control of wilt-disease causing Enterobacter spp. in C. alismatifolia Gagnep. in Thailand using antagonistic bacteria. It is expected that these antagonistic bacteria be useful in wilt disease management in the field for friendly and sustainable agriculture
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
M.A. Budihardjo; I.B. Priyambada; A. Chegenizadeh; S. Al Qadar; A.S. Puspita
Abstract
Municipal solid waste management has evolved from direct disposal to recycling and resource recovery, driven by sustainability. Life cycle assessment has played a crucial role in analyzing the environmental implications of different waste management strategies and selecting the most ecologically feasible ...
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Municipal solid waste management has evolved from direct disposal to recycling and resource recovery, driven by sustainability. Life cycle assessment has played a crucial role in analyzing the environmental implications of different waste management strategies and selecting the most ecologically feasible options. Establishing best practices in municipal solid waste management based on competent life cycle assessment work is essential for policymakers to make informed decisions. This study reviewed 34 life cycle assessment studies on solid waste management systems in Asian countries, examining their life cycle stages, assessment techniques, and key outcomes. The analysis highlights include functional units, various life cycle assessment models (such as SimaPro and GaBi), life cycle impact assessment methods, impact categories, and alternative waste management methods. It is necessary to prioritize recycling, resource generation (such as decomposition, incineration, and anaerobic digestion), and waste reduction over landfilling to attain a high level of environmental friendliness. However, it is essential to observe that technologies necessitating large upfront investments and skilled labor are better suited for high-income countries. Conversely, low-income countries should prioritize waste reduction through recycling, waste depots, and methods that correlate with their existing capabilities to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. By sharing existing methods, developing integrated municipal solid waste management systems can be accelerated in low-income nations, which can have a substantial positive economic impact. Therefore, decision-makers should consider social, economic, and environmental impacts when selecting an appropriate refuse management strategy for their nation. This analysis provides valuable insights into the scope of life cycle assessment studies and contributes to the selection of sustainable municipal solid waste management systems. These findings can be utilized by life cycle assessment practitioners, stakeholders, and Asian governments to inform policy development and decision-making processes.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Engineering
A. Bdour; A. Hejab; L. Almakhadmeh; M. Hawa
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of desalination technologies. Energy considerations are intricately linked with every aspect of planning, management, and operation in water desalination. This study aims to evaluate and enhance energy ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of desalination technologies. Energy considerations are intricately linked with every aspect of planning, management, and operation in water desalination. This study aims to evaluate and enhance energy requirements, energy efficiency, and the economic feasibility of the Hashemite University photovoltaic brackish water reverse osmosis desalination plant at Hashemite University.METHODS: This study’s aims were achieved by conducting an energy audit and detailed assessment to identify the energy efficiency considerations that should be integrated into the facility’s planning, management, and operation strategies. To ensure accurate and reliable data collection and enable a comprehensive analysis of the plant’s energy performance, portable energy analyzers and loggers were employed to measure energy consumption, and measurements and verification techniques were recommended and implemented to establish the required baseline. A regression model was utilized to determine the potential energy savings resulting from energy conservation measures. This involved determining the expected savings by calculating the area between two curves: the new actual consumption of the brackish water reverse osmosis plant after implementing energy conservation measures and the curve generated by the model representing the usual consumption in the absence of energy conservation measures.FINDINGS: This study underscores the challenges faced by desalination, particularly regarding intensive energy consumption. It also presents innovative ways to achieve sustainability by emphasizing energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy, and advocating for a holistic water management approach. It was determined that the maximum specific energy consumption of the Hashemite University photovoltaic brackish water reverse osmosis plant was 0.625 kilowatts per cubic meter. This reflects the actual consumption and energy performance of the plant, which was found to be 192 percent more efficient than the estimated specific energy and 144 percent more efficient than the calculated specific energy. No energy conservation measures were implemented at this stage, as the plant was already operating efficiently. The measured data shall be considered as a baseline for future investigations and monitoring and evaluation of the plant. Many challenges were identified during the current work, including the low quality of raw water and minimal demand for freshwater, which resulted in lower operation hours outside of sun peak hours, while the direct utilization of photovoltaic energy is recommended.CONCLUSION: Renewable energy and energy recovery were recognized as potential sources for energy savings to achieve sustainable and long-term feasible operation and cost recovery at the Hashemite University photovoltaic brackish water reverse osmosis plant. The feasibility of the plant showed a fast payback period of up to 1.1 years. Utilizing clean solar photovoltaic energy to power the brackish water reverse osmosis plant led to a considerable reduction of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide). The estimated amount of carbon dioxide reduction during the project’s lifetime was 1,289,600 kilograms. The integration of solar energy showed promise for further enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. This study contributes to making the desalination sector more environmentally friendly and economically viable, which is of paramount importance in addressing global water scarcity concerns.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
A.D. Santoso; F.D. Arianti; E.S. Rohaeni; B. Haryanto; M.D. Pertiwi; L.P. Panggabean; A. Prabowo; S. Sundari; S.P. Wijayanti; I.N. Djarot; F.D. Kurniawati; F.L. Sahwan; T. Prasetyo; A. Barkah; T.A. Adibroto; R. Ridlo; I. Febijanto; A.A. Wasil; S. Lusiana; R. Rosmeika; R.B. Heryanto
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Substantial quantities of livestock waste and organic pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphate, which pose environmental risks are generated from agriculture activities. A combination of paunch manure and rice straw is used as organic fertilizer. Therefore, this study confirmed ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Substantial quantities of livestock waste and organic pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphate, which pose environmental risks are generated from agriculture activities. A combination of paunch manure and rice straw is used as organic fertilizer. Therefore, this study confirmed sustainability of organic fertilizer from paunch manure and rice straw waste.METHODS: Data were collected through focus group discussions and the closure of questionnaires which contained 29 attributes related to environmental, economic, social, and technological dimensions. The data collected was analyzed using the Multidimensional Scaling method, Rapfish software, and Monte Carlo analysis to ascertain the level of sustainability status and leverage attributes, and examine scoring errors and variations.RESULTS: Sustainability index for organic fertilizer production was 74.55 percent. The result showed that the method contributed to the growth of sustainability in various operational phases, including the processing and commercialization of organic fertilizer. According to analysis of the four dimensions, the environmental dimension held the highest leverage value at 90.1 percent, followed by social, economical, and technological dimensions at 70.50 percent, 63.69 percent, and 73.93 percent, respectively. This study identified seven leverage attributes that are very influential to sustainability of organic fertilizer production. These include water use and raw material efficiency, potential business scale increase, market absorption, the potential for public unrest, the manager or worker level of expertise in the manufacture of organic fertilizer as well as the process used to determine its quality and output.CONCLUSION: The proposed inquiry conducted within the context of this study identified the pivotal factors that influenced organic fertilizer supply framework as the quality, quantity, and market absorption of organic production. As a result, the o use of agricultural waste as a valuable addition to a perfect social, economical, and technological development system needs to be encouraged. The study is significant because it offered information about the viability of producing organic fertilizer in Indonesia, which the government and other stakeholders may use to guide their policies and programs.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
A. Escobar; J. Luna; A. Caraballo
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sustainable innovation is crucial, because it is a key strategy for ensuring the long-term survival of companies in a world with limited resources. Consequently, understanding the barriers faced by companies in achieving sustainable innovation, such as high initial cost, lack ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sustainable innovation is crucial, because it is a key strategy for ensuring the long-term survival of companies in a world with limited resources. Consequently, understanding the barriers faced by companies in achieving sustainable innovation, such as high initial cost, lack of technical knowledge, or unclear regulations, is important for developing appropriate policies, strategies, and solutions that promote and facilitate its adoption.METHODS: This study aims to analyze the relevant and most important scientific evidence and research topics on barriers to sustainable innovation through a bibliometric analysis combined with concurrence networks and cluster analysis using VOSViewer.FINDINGS: Research on barriers to innovation was developed on a larger scale in 2012 with an average growth of approximately 43 percent until 2022. During this period, the study on green innovation has been predominant and on the social component of sustainable innovation to a lesser extent. Asia, specifically China, is leading the research on this topic mainly on the environmental component of sustainable innovation. In terms of barriers, the majority of the literature focus on financial constraints. The research agenda focus on the following areas or clusters: sustainability, barriers to sustainable innovation, and social innovation.CONCLUSION: The major barriers to sustainable innovation are financial and government regulations. The current research tackles the environmental component of sustainable innovation. Therefore, future research should focus on market and knowledge barriers in developed and less developing countries and on the social component of sustainable innovation. Potential areas of research (which are underexplored) exist and can be important for future research on enhancing knowledge about barriers to sustainable innovation: applied research that considers regional effects and country-specific analysis, in particular in developing countries. Research on the social component of sustainable innovation could be relevant. Social innovation is essential, because it addresses concrete societal problems and promotes collective action and inclusion in novel ways within companies.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Engineering
B. Kartiwa; . Maswar; A. Dariah; . Suratman; N.L. Nurida; N. Heryani; P. Rejekiningrum; H. Sosiawan; S.H. Adi; I. Lenin; S. Nurzakiah; Ch. Tafakresnanto
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To minimize the potential risk of land fires, climate monitoring and hydrology characterization are crucial factors in managing peatlands. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relation between climate variability and water dynamics to develop a peatland fire early ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To minimize the potential risk of land fires, climate monitoring and hydrology characterization are crucial factors in managing peatlands. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relation between climate variability and water dynamics to develop a peatland fire early warning model.METHODS: This research was conducted in an oil palm plantation located in Pangkalan Pisang village, Koto Gasib subdistrict, Siak district, Riau province, Indonesia. Herein, the observed parameters were climate and dynamics of ground water level and soil moisture, which were monitored using data loggers installed on predefined representative locations and distributed over three blocks of 30 hectares in the palm oil plantation research site. Thus, the peat fire early warning model was developed based on the relation between peat water dynamics and the recorded history of peat fire events.FINDINGS: Herein, a recession curve analysis of soil moisture and ground water level revealed the relation between soil water dynamics and local climate. Consequently, this study found that soil moisture was the suitable parameter to estimate peat fire risk owing to its predictability. Furthermore, this study has identified a threshold of low and high peat fire risk in the area with less than 104 percent and 129 percent dry weight of soil moisture content, respectively. Afterward, this soil moisture criterion was transferred into precipitation value to develop a peat fire early warning model for estimating the days left before a high peat fire risk status was attained based on the latest daily rainfall rates.CONCLUSION: This study has developed a simple peat fire early warning model using daily precipitation data. The accurate estimation of countdown days to peat fire susceptibility status in an area would enhance fire mitigation strategies in peatlands.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
S.E. Kabir; M.N.I. Mondal; M.K. Islam; I.A. Alnaser; M.R. Karim; M.A. Ibrahim; K. Sopian; M. Akhtaruzzaman
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Extended producer responsibility has been a policy tool for managing solar photovoltaic waste in European Union countries for approximately a decade. Furthermore, EPR has been widely used in many countries for electronic waste and other forms of waste management. Several studies ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Extended producer responsibility has been a policy tool for managing solar photovoltaic waste in European Union countries for approximately a decade. Furthermore, EPR has been widely used in many countries for electronic waste and other forms of waste management. Several studies have recommended this tool to sustainably manage solar photovoltaic waste in countries transitioning to large-scale solar energy usage. Nevertheless, implementing a policy tool varies depending on numerous factors, particularly context differences in developed and developing countries. The research on adopting and implementing this tool for solar photovoltaic waste management is limited in developing countries. Bangladesh requires appropriate regulations to manage the impending waste, which will soon encounter substantial end-of-life solar photovoltaic panel volumes. Therefore, this study investigated the adoption and implementation of the extended producer responsibility policy tool within the context of Bangladesh.METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the enabling and challenging factors influencing the implementation of this tool. Subsequently, a Likert Scale-based questionnaire incorporating the enabling and challenging factors was framed. A survey targeting stakeholders in the solar photovoltaic sector was then performed. Data analysis involved univariate and bivariate analyses, and Bangladesh was selected as a representative developing country for this study.FINDING: The results revealed that stakeholders in the solar PV industry significantly emphasized (mean > 3) all enabling factors associated with extended producer responsibility for adoption in their country to manage end-of-life photovoltaic panels. This observation signified the importance of adopting and implementing extended producer responsibility to manage the impending disposal of end-of-life solar photovoltaic panels. Among the enabling factors, the public expense reduction (mean = 3.97), user acceptance (mean = 3.89), eco-design encouragement (mean = 4.02), and the local recycling facility with secondary material market establishments (mean = 3.89) emerged as the most crucial factors. The solar photovoltaic waste-specific regulations (mean = 3.72), the absence of a pre-established collection network (mean = 4.20), and weak institutional capacity (mean = 4.03) were identified as challenging factors requiring special attention during this tool adoption. The inter-item correlation matrix analysis for enabling and challenging factors also demonstrated high significance. Moreover, Cronbach's alpha for enabling and challenging factors were 0.885 and 0.749, respectively. This outcome suggested a good and acceptable internal consistency level among the factors.CONCLUSION: Adopting extended producer responsibility was essential in developing countries to ensure the sustainable management of end-of-life solar photovoltaic panels. Nonetheless, successful implementation required addressing specific domestic concerns, such as the absence of a pre-existing waste take-back system and weak institutional capacity. Regulators should also proactively take measures to leverage enabling factors, including gaining users' acceptance, reducing costs, and potentially tapping into secondary material markets. Consequently, this study can assist in formulating appropriate regulations regarding the sustainable management of hazardous end-of-life solar photovoltaic panels. The findings can be utilized in Bangladesh and other countries encountering similar challenges, contributing to environmental preservation and eco-friendly development.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Engineering
. Syafrudin; I.B. Priyambada; M.A. Budihardjo; S. Al Qadar; A.S. Puspita
Abstract
Sustainable food waste management is globally concerning, thus necessitating cutting-edge approaches and a thorough understanding. To address this complicated problem effectively, bibliometric analysis and multicriteria decision-making can be combined. Therefore, multicriteria decision-making methods ...
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Sustainable food waste management is globally concerning, thus necessitating cutting-edge approaches and a thorough understanding. To address this complicated problem effectively, bibliometric analysis and multicriteria decision-making can be combined. Therefore, multicriteria decision-making methods have become critical tools for navigating the intricacies of sustainable solution development. This study explored the complex field of sustainable food waste management by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of multi-criteria decision uses in this field. Using bibliometric methods, a methodological examination of the scientific literature was performed to identify important trends, contributions, and gaps in research on sustainable food waste. Decision-makers can be further empowered by using multicriteria decision-making to assess interventions across various dimensions, including environmental effects, economic viability, and social acceptability, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of this strategy and promoting interactions between researchers, decision-makers, and stakeholders. These guidelines directly followed the development of policies, business practices, and consumer behavior, indicating a more sustainable food system. The combination of bibliometric analysis and multicriteria decision-making offered a formidable instrument to reduce food waste, enhance resource efficiency, and spur progress in global sustainability initiatives in a world where sustainable behavior is crucial. The study results in decision-makers evaluating interventions and strategies holistically by concurrently considering the food waste dimension, a multicriteria model, economic factors, environmental factors, social factors, policy considerations, and technical feasibility are just some of the factors considered in this study. This analysis highlights the growing commitment to comprehensive solutions that focus not only on waste reduction but also on resource efficiency, environmental stewardship, and societal well-being as sustainable food waste management gains traction on global agendas.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
S. Kasim; A. Daud; A.B. Birawida; A. Mallongi; A.I. Arundana; A. Rasul; M. Hatta
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastic pollution has a far and wide presence in the surroundings. It can be encountered in the sea, wastewater, freshwater, food, air, and water sources. It is even present in refilled drinking water. This study aims to analyze environmental health dangers of the exposure ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastic pollution has a far and wide presence in the surroundings. It can be encountered in the sea, wastewater, freshwater, food, air, and water sources. It is even present in refilled drinking water. This study aims to analyze environmental health dangers of the exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in refilled water sources in Tamangapa, Makassar City, Indonesia.METHODS: This research is an observational study with an environmental health risk analysis. Sampling was conducted in Tamangapa, Makassar City, Indonesia. A total of 100 respondents were involved. Additionally, 20 samples of refilled drinking water were examined in the laboratory using the Fourier Transform Infrared test. Data analysis was carried out by calculating the intake and risk quotient values. If risk quotient > 1, it is considered necessary to carry out risk management.FINDINGS: An average polyethylene terephthalate microplastic concentration of 0.0052 milligram per kilogram per day, an average intake rate of 210 milligrams per kilogram per day, an average exposure frequency of 350 days, an average exposure duration of 30 years, average intake exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics above 0.0004, and an average risk quotient value above 1 were obtained. If they build up in the body, microplastics may have harmful consequences, including organ inflammation, internal or external damage, and chemical alteration of plastics that have already entered the body.CONCLUSION: Some measures of risk management that can be performed are to reduce the concentration of risk agents if the pattern and timing of consumption cannot be changed, reduce the consumption pattern (intake rate) if the concentration of risk agents and the time of consumption cannot be changed, and reduce the contact time if the risk agent concentration and consumption pattern cannot be changed.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Environmental Management
N. Zulvianti; H. Akmal; M.R. Putra
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sustainable tourism is tourism development that has a long-term impact on the environment, society, culture, and the economy for the present and the future. The benefits are felt by local people and tourists. The achievement of this research is the implementation of pro-environmental ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sustainable tourism is tourism development that has a long-term impact on the environment, society, culture, and the economy for the present and the future. The benefits are felt by local people and tourists. The achievement of this research is the implementation of pro-environmental behavior, which is supported by tourist satisfaction and electronic word of mouth toward sustainable tourism as a form of environmental management policy in West Sumatra. This research aims to show three direct effects: first, the effect of satisfaction and electronic word of mouth on the sustainability of tourism; second, the effect of satisfaction on electronic word of mouth; and third, three moderating effects of pro-environmental behavior, namely, moderating the influence of tourist satisfaction on tourism sustainability, moderating the influence of electronic word of mouth on tourism sustainability, and moderating the influence of satisfaction with electronic word of mouth.METHODS: This study is a quantitative study involving 420 tourists as respondents who visited West Sumatra from January to April 2023. Data analysis used partial least square–structural equation modeling. Structural equation modeling is a field of statistical study that can test a series of relationships that are relatively difficult to measure simultaneously. Partial least square is a component or variant-based structural equation model.FINDINGS: After analyzing the data, it was determined that of the six hypotheses proposed in this study, five were accepted and one was rejected. The rejected hypothesis states that with a significance level of 0.199 > 0.05, pro-environmental behavior does not moderate the effect of electronic word of mouth on the sustainability of tourism. These findings clarify that the impact of electronic word of mouth on the sustainability of tourism is not mitigated by pro-environmental conduct.CONCLUSION: When implementing sustainable tourism, not only economic factors are taken into account but also the preservation of nature and culture. Therefore, the stability of tourism in the future can be guaranteed without adversely impacting the environment.
