Sustainability

19 pages, 593 KB

Open AccessReview

Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Mining Tailings in Chañaral, Chile: A Narrative Case-Based Review

by Sandra Cortés, Pablo González, Cinthya Leiva, Yendry Vargas, Alejandra Vega and Pablo Pastén

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7732; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177732 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

This narrative case-based review describes the environmental and public health impacts in Chañaral, a town in northern Chile affected by the accumulation of copper mining tailings for the past 80 years. The review included 34 scientific articles published between 1978 and 2025. The [...] Read more.

This narrative case-based review describes the environmental and public health impacts in Chañaral, a town in northern Chile affected by the accumulation of copper mining tailings for the past 80 years. The review included 34 scientific articles published between 1978 and 2025. The keywords used were “mining tailings” and “Chañaral”, without year limits, and covering disciplines such as ecology, public health, environmental history, and territorial studies. The scientific evidence demonstrates the negative impacts on the ecosystem and the human population exposed to toxic metals and arsenic. Geomorphological and biogeochemical alterations have been found on the Chañaral coast, affecting marine biodiversity and water quality. In addition, epidemiological studies indicate exposure to toxic metals measured in street dust and urine, raising concerns on respiratory health in children and metabolic conditions in adults. According to the social sciences, the lack of environmental monitoring and human exposure data contributes to the high health risk perception in the population, posing the need to strengthen environmental monitoring, raise awareness on the risks of exposure to toxic metals, and promote mitigation and restoration strategies. These measures will contribute to sustainable conditions for the Chañaral community through the improvement of comprehensive public policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Analysis of Soil and Water)

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19 pages, 7436 KB

Open AccessArticle

GRACE/GRACE-FO Satellite Assessment of Sown Area Expansion Impacts on Groundwater Sustainability in Jilin Province

by Yang Liu, Changlei Dai, Yang Jing, Qing Ru, Feiyang Yan and Yiding Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7731; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177731 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Jilin Province, an important commodity grain base in China, relies on groundwater resources for its agricultural development. The implementation of a series of policies, including agricultural subsidies and food security policies, has led to a rapid expansion of the sowing area in recent [...] Read more.

Jilin Province, an important commodity grain base in China, relies on groundwater resources for its agricultural development. The implementation of a series of policies, including agricultural subsidies and food security policies, has led to a rapid expansion of the sowing area in recent decades, resulting in an increase in agricultural water demand. This has had a significant impact on the groundwater system. It is therefore imperative to understand the dynamics of the groundwater to ensure the security of water resources, ecological security, and food security. An evaluation of the sustainability of groundwater resources in Jilin Province was conducted through a quantitative analysis of the reliability, resilience, and vulnerability of groundwater. This analysis was informed by the inversion of changes in groundwater reserves over a period of 249 months, commencing from 2002-04 to 2022-12. The inversion process utilized data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) gravity satellite and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), offering a comprehensive view of the temporal dynamics of groundwater reserves in the region. The results indicated the following: (1) Groundwater storage (total amount of water below the surface) in Jilin Province exhibited an overall decreasing trend, with the highest groundwater level recorded in June and the lowest in September on a monthly basis. (2) Prior to September 2010, groundwater reserves were in surplus most of the time. From October 2010 to August 2018, however, they began to fluctuate between surplus and deficit states. Since September 2018, the reserves have been in a long-term deficit, showing an overall downward trend. (3) Prior to 2005, the groundwater system was at a high/extremely high level of sustainability. However, following 2011, it fell to a very low level of sustainability and has continued to deteriorate. (4) The maximum information coefficient and correlation analysis indicate that the sown area is the most significant factor contributing to the decline in the sustainability of the groundwater system. This study reveals the spatial and temporal distribution pattern and evolution trend of groundwater resources sustainability in Jilin Province, and provides theoretical and data support for regional groundwater resources protection and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Irrigation Technologies for Saving Water)

13 pages, 1689 KB

Open AccessArticle

Negative Attitudes Towards Domestic Leisure Tourism in Bulgaria: Regional Disparities and Policy Implications

by Desislava Varadzhakova, Alexander Naydenov, Georgi Zhelezov, Nikola Naumov and Marina Raykova

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7730; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177730 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the attitudes of Bulgarian citizens towards domestic leisure tourism, to identify the reasons behind negative attitudes across different territory types. An adapted version of Fishbein’s multi-attribute model was applied to a nationally representative sample through [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to investigate the attitudes of Bulgarian citizens towards domestic leisure tourism, to identify the reasons behind negative attitudes across different territory types. An adapted version of Fishbein’s multi-attribute model was applied to a nationally representative sample through a two-staged clustered sampling method with a stratification at two stages. The purpose of this research is to examine consumer attitudes towards both winter and summer domestic leisure tourism by region. The highest level of negative attitudes towards domestic winter leisure tourism were found in non-maritime territories, followed closely by the densely populated non-maritime and the maritime areas. The main concerns are the lack of natural snow and insufficient tourism services. For summer leisure tourism, negative attitudes are relatively higher with the overdevelopment of resorts and pollution cited as the primary issues. The discussion compares these findings with those of previous studies. This study contributes to the existing literature through its original approach and practical relevance. Its significance lies in the potential to inform the development of effective regional marketing policies. Practical and theoretical implications are provided, offering insights into regional and national tourism strategies. These include territorial planning to prevent overdevelopment, improving tourism services, and adopting the best practice to mitigate environmental pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)

19 pages, 2122 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Public Welfare of China’s Nature Reserves

by Bin Zhang, Linsheng Zhong and Yuxi Zeng

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177729 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

To achieve the sustainable development of nature reserves, the public welfare associated with these areas has been assessed based on ecological supply and social demand. The Public Welfare Index comprehensively incorporates ecological factors, such as landforms, resource endowment, and ecological quality, as well [...] Read more.

To achieve the sustainable development of nature reserves, the public welfare associated with these areas has been assessed based on ecological supply and social demand. The Public Welfare Index comprehensively incorporates ecological factors, such as landforms, resource endowment, and ecological quality, as well as socio-economic factors, including travel costs, economic base, and population distribution. This index reflects both the ecological supply capacity of nature reserves and the equity with which they provide welfare to different groups. The findings indicate that the Public Welfare Index is an effective measure of the rationality of welfare distribution. Currently, the public welfare of nature reserves in China exhibits a spatial pattern of high welfare in the west and low welfare in the east. This issue of welfare inequality in nature reserves is highly pronounced. The primary objective of this research is to identify the characteristics of welfare distribution and to offer novel perspectives and strategies for optimizing the spatial layout of nature reserves and informing policy decisions. Full article

21 pages, 1419 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Concealed Water Body Ahead of Construction Tunnels Based on Temperature Patterns and Artificial Neural Networks

by Zidong Xu, Shuai Zhang, Jun Hu and Liang Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7728; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177728 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Concealed water bodies within surrounding rock formations pose a serious threat to tunnel construction. To address this risk, this study integrates physics-based heat conduction theory with deep learning, unlike existing methods that treat temperature as isolated data points or rely solely on empirical [...] Read more.

Concealed water bodies within surrounding rock formations pose a serious threat to tunnel construction. To address this risk, this study integrates physics-based heat conduction theory with deep learning, unlike existing methods that treat temperature as isolated data points or rely solely on empirical models. The approach introduces three key innovations: (a) analytical temperature–location relationships for water body characterization; (b) pseudo-temporal modeling of spatial sequences and (c) physics-guided neural architecture design. First, a steady-state heat conduction model is established to characterize axial temperature distribution patterns caused by concealed water bodies during excavation. From this, quantitative relationships between temperature anomalies and the location and size of the water bodies are derived. Next, a deep learning model, ST-HydraNet, is proposed to treat tunnel axial temperature data as a pseudo-time series for hazard prediction. Experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves high accuracy (91%) and perfect precision (1.0), significantly outperforming existing methods. These findings show that the proposed framework provides a non-invasive, interpretable, and robust solution for real-time hazard detection, with strong potential for integration into intelligent tunnel safety systems. By enabling earlier and more reliable detection, the model directly enhances construction safety, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Full article

21 pages, 2540 KB

Open AccessArticle

Different Impacts of Early and Late Rice Straw Incorporation on Cadmium Bioavailability and Accumulation in Double-Cropping Rice

by Zhong Hu, Qian Qi, Yuhui Zeng, Yuling Liu, Xiao Deng, Yang Yang, Qingru Zeng, Shijing Zhang and Si Luo

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177727 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Straw return is widely adopted to promote agricultural sustainability, but it can also increase cadmium (Cd) bioavailability in contaminated paddy soils, potentially leading to higher Cd accumulation in rice grains. Although numerous studies have investigated straw incorporation, the specific differences between early- and [...] Read more.

Straw return is widely adopted to promote agricultural sustainability, but it can also increase cadmium (Cd) bioavailability in contaminated paddy soils, potentially leading to higher Cd accumulation in rice grains. Although numerous studies have investigated straw incorporation, the specific differences between early- and late-season straw return regarding Cd dynamics within double-cropping rice systems remain inadequately characterized. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a two-year field experiment comparing early-rice (ER) and late-rice (LR) straw return, complemented by controlled pot experiments simulating ER (ER-S, ER-CK; July–September 2023) and LR (LR-S, LR-CK; December 2022–March 2023) straw incorporation. The results revealed that the Total-Cd exhibited an upward trend following both ER and LR straw incorporation. The ER treatment caused a rapid yet short-lived increase in CaCl₂-extractable Cd (CaCl₂-Cd) concentration, peaking around 60 days following straw return and exhibiting a 28.83% increase compared to the LR treatment. In contrast, the LR treatment induced a slower but more prolonged Cd release, with CaCl₂-Cd concentration peaking around 210 days and exhibiting a 34.89% increase relative to the ER treatment. Additionally, at the late-rice stage, grain Cd concentration in the ER treatment increased by 23.64% relative to the LR treatment. In the subsequent year, grain Cd concentrations in the LR treatment increased significantly by 32.12% to 45.08% compared to the ER treatment for both early- and late-rice crops. These differences were attributed to variations in straw decomposition rates, soil pH, and redox potential between warm, aerobic summer–autumn conditions and cooler, anaerobic winter–spring conditions. This suggests that returning late-rice straw constitutes an elevated hazard to soil health and rice safety compared to early-rice straw return. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Risk Assessment and Remediation of Soil Pollution)

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27 pages, 837 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Influence of Low-Carbon Economy on Employment Skill Structure—Evidence from 30 Provincial Regions in China

by Lulu Qin and Lanhui Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177726 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

In confronting escalating economic uncertainty, achieving a win–win situation for low-carbon transition and improved employment structure will contribute to economic recovery and sustainable growth but also contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind. A critical issue for China’s economy [...] Read more.

In confronting escalating economic uncertainty, achieving a win–win situation for low-carbon transition and improved employment structure will contribute to economic recovery and sustainable growth but also contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind. A critical issue for China’s economy and societal welfare, as well as a core component of sustainable development, concerns whether low-carbon economic transition influences employment skill structure. This study utilizes data from 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2006 to 2021. Employing the entropy method, a low-carbon economic development level indicator system was constructed from four aspects: low-carbon output, low-carbon consumption, low-carbon resources, and low-carbon environment to measure the low-carbon economy and explore its direct and indirect effects on employment skill structure and spatial effects. The research findings indicate that low-carbon economies not only directly and significantly promote employment skill structure optimization but also indirectly generate promotional effects through pathways such as industrial structure adjustment, green innovation’s innovative effects, and factor substitution effects of increased pollution control investment. Among these, the indirect impact of industrial structure adjustment contributes most substantially. Low-carbon economies’ influence on employment skill structures exhibits spatial spillover effects, with neighboring regions’ low-carbon economies exerting positive spillover effects on local skill structures. Additionally, significant negative interdependence exists among regional employment skill structures. Based on the aforementioned research conclusions, the following recommendations are proposed: accelerate low-carbon economy development and employment skill structure enhancement in central and western regions to diminish regional disparities; encourage green innovation and promote traditional industry upgrading and transformation; formulate regional coordinated development plans, thereby strengthening the low-carbon economy’s optimizing role upon employment skills structure; and increase educational investment and strengthen labor skill training. Full article

44 pages, 1135 KB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Intellectual Property Reform Strategy, Manufacturing Craftsmanship Spirit, and Regional Energy Intensity

by Siyu Liu, Juncheng Jia, Chenxuan Yu and Kun Lv

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7725; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177725 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

To systematically reveal the influence mechanisms and spatial effects of industrial intellectual property (IP) reform strategies and manufacturing craftsmanship spirit on regional energy intensity, this study aims to provide theoretical support and practical pathways for emerging market economies pursuing dual goals of energy [...] Read more.

To systematically reveal the influence mechanisms and spatial effects of industrial intellectual property (IP) reform strategies and manufacturing craftsmanship spirit on regional energy intensity, this study aims to provide theoretical support and practical pathways for emerging market economies pursuing dual goals of energy efficiency governance and manufacturing transformation. Based on a “technology–culture synergistic innovation ecology” theoretical framework, the study deepens the understanding of energy intensity governance and introduces two spatial weight matrices—the economic distance matrix and the nested economic–geographic matrix—to uncover the spatial heterogeneity of policy and cultural effects. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2022 (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), we construct an index of manufacturing craftsmanship spirit (CSM) and its four dimensions—excellence in detail, persistent dedication, breakthrough orientation, and innovation inheritance—via the entropy method. Empirical analysis is conducted through Spatial Difference-in-Differences (SDID) and Double Machine Learning (DML) models. The results show that: (1) Industrial IP reform strategies significantly reduce local energy intensity through improved property rights definition and technology transaction mechanisms, but may increase energy intensity in economically proximate regions due to intensified technological competition. (2) All four dimensions of craftsmanship spirit indirectly mitigate regional energy intensity via distinct pathways, with particularly strong mediating effects from persistent dedication and innovation inheritance. In contrast, breakthrough orientation shows no significant impact, possibly due to limitations from the current stage of the technology lifecycle. (3) Spatial spillover effects are heterogeneous: under the nested economic–geographic matrix, IP reform strategies reduce neighboring regions’ energy intensity through synergistic effects, while under the economic distance matrix, competitive spillovers lead to an increase in adjacent energy intensity. Based on these findings, we propose the following: deepening IP reform strategies to build a technology–culture synergistic ecosystem; enhancing regional policy coordination to avoid technology lock-in; systematically cultivating the core of craftsmanship spirit; and establishing a dynamic incentive mechanism for breakthrough orientation. These measures can jointly drive systemic improvements in regional energy efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Energy Economics, Energy Policy and Sustainability Transition)

24 pages, 1522 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Heterogeneity in Temperature Elasticity of Agricultural Economic Production in Xinjiang Province, China

by Shiwei Liu, Yongyu Yue, Lei Wang and Yang Yang

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7724; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177724 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Agricultural production is significantly impacted by climate change. Owing to its arid and warm climate, investigating the impacts of climate change on agricultural production in Xinjiang Province can help improve resilience and designate adaptive responses for the agricultural sector. On the basis of [...] Read more.

Agricultural production is significantly impacted by climate change. Owing to its arid and warm climate, investigating the impacts of climate change on agricultural production in Xinjiang Province can help improve resilience and designate adaptive responses for the agricultural sector. On the basis of agricultural output data at the county level in Xinjiang from 1990–2019, we used the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE), and double machine learning (DML) model to study the spatial heterogeneity in temperature elasticity of agricultural economic production. The results revealed that there is an inverted U-shape of temperature impact on agricultural economic production. The presented temperature elasticity in county level showed that regions with negative temperature elasticities are primarily located in the mainstream of the Tarim basin and the Turpan basin in southern Xinjiang. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was further incorporated to elucidate the impact of different factors on the spatial heterogeneity in temperature elasticity. The results indicated that temperature is the most substantial factor influencing temperature elasticity, with labor and precipitation following in sequence. In particular, increased precipitation in arid and hot regions could alleviate the heat stress and lead to a positive temperature elasticity prediction. These findings provide a scientific basis for spatial heterogeneity in the response of agricultural economic production to climate change, and help identify priority regions for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Rural Areas and Agriculture under Uncertainties)

27 pages, 1354 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Sustainable Digital Economy Transformation Through Intelligent Automation: A Multi-Environmental Framework for Strategic Decision-Making

by Aleksandra Kuzior and Mariya Sira

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7723; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177723 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Organizations implement intelligent automation across diverse operational contexts but often lack comprehensive frameworks for strategic decision-making and cross-domain integration. The existing literature frequently examines isolated applications with limited implementation guidelines addressing environmental interdependencies. This study conducts a systematic review of 69 publications (2019–2024) [...] Read more.

Organizations implement intelligent automation across diverse operational contexts but often lack comprehensive frameworks for strategic decision-making and cross-domain integration. The existing literature frequently examines isolated applications with limited implementation guidelines addressing environmental interdependencies. This study conducts a systematic review of 69 publications (2019–2024) using thematic analysis to examine automation patterns across six environmental domains: social, economic, educational, scientific, technological, and ecological. The analysis identifies three implementation patterns: efficiency-focused domains (economic, technological) emphasizing operational optimization; capability-focused domains (social, educational) prioritizing human augmentation; innovation-focused domains (scientific, ecological) developing transformative applications. Cross-domain analysis reveals integration opportunities and sustainability considerations. The study proposes a strategic decision-making framework incorporating environmental assessment tools, quality enhancement mechanisms, and planning capabilities. This framework supports organizations in selecting domain-appropriate strategies while addressing sustainable transformation objectives. The research provides systematic environmental categorization of intelligent automation applications and offers implementation guidelines for practitioners pursuing coordinated digital transformation across organizational contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy Transformation: Driving Sustainability Through Innovative Management)

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30 pages, 1161 KB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Reality as a Green Tourism Alternative: Social Acceptance and Perception

by Kinga Stecuła and Mateusz Naramski

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7722; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177722 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Growing environmental challenges and the need to practice sustainable human actions and attitudes make it necessary to search for new solutions that can minimize the negative impact of human activity on the environment. This also refers to the tourism industry. In this article, [...] Read more.

Growing environmental challenges and the need to practice sustainable human actions and attitudes make it necessary to search for new solutions that can minimize the negative impact of human activity on the environment. This also refers to the tourism industry. In this article, the authors propose the use of virtual reality (VR) to visit any destination worldwide as a potential green alternative to traditional forms of travel. The aim of this study presented in this article was to analyze public acceptance and user perceptions of VR as a tool supporting or replacing real-world tourism. This study involved 215 people who used the Google Earth VR application to visit their chosen destinations around the world. Respondents also completed a two-part survey (before and after the VR experience), in which they assessed, among other things, the realism of the VR visiting and the overall VR experience and expressed their opinions on the role of VR in tourism. The results indicate that while VR is not yet widely recognized as a full-fledged substitute for travel (46% of respondents stated that VR would not replace real travel but could be a good complement), it was rated as useful for people who cannot travel (79.1% of respondents) and before trips (79.1% of respondents). The realism of the Google Earth VR application received an average rating of 3.679 on a scale of 1 to 5, with a median of 4. This study addresses the yet unexplored area of VR in tourism, which has great potential given that the results show a quite positive attitude of participants towards using the application enabling virtual travel—nearly three-quarters of the sample (73.9%) expressed a willingness to return to VR-based sightseeing experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Open Innovation in Green Products and Performance Research)

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21 pages, 2783 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Trade Network Patterns of Diversified Rare Earth Products and China’s Role: Evidence from the Cerium Industry Chain

by Xueping Tan, Jiali Qin, Yong Geng, Yufei Huang and Difei Zhao

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177721 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Major powers compete over the 17 rare earth elements (REEs), which are strategic resources in traditional, green, and high-tech areas. The escalation of international trade conflicts poses a serious threat to the sustainable growth of the rare earth industry, triggering an investigation of [...] Read more.

Major powers compete over the 17 rare earth elements (REEs), which are strategic resources in traditional, green, and high-tech areas. The escalation of international trade conflicts poses a serious threat to the sustainable growth of the rare earth industry, triggering an investigation of the global trade landscape for diverse rare earth products. Taking cerium, the most abundant and widely traded REE, as an example, this study selected seven representative cerium products, constructed their global trade networks from 2000 to 2022, depicted macro, meso, and micro trade patterns, and revealed the impact of four major events on China’s trade influence. The findings demonstrate that (1) the trade volume of cerium products in green and high-tech sectors has increased significantly, surpassing that of cerium products in traditional sectors and upstream primary products, and (2) the global cerium trade networks are interconnected, regionalized, stable, and efficient. Germany, the U.S., and other European nations have long dominated mid- and downstream cerium product commerce, but China’s involvement has grown. (3) China’s cerium trade influence has significantly increased, positively shocked by major events. The research findings provide solid empirical support and policy insights for promoting the sustainable and high-quality development of the global cerium industry chain. Full article

23 pages, 673 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Exhibition Interactivity on Tourist Experiences at World Heritage Sites

by Yan Hu, Meng Fei Yu, Aye Thuzar Aung, Julie Anne Pineda, Xiaoting Chi and Young-joo Ahn

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177720 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Heritage tourism has attracted increasing attention. Unique symbols of cultural identity, World Heritage Sites (WHSs) have steadily become one of the key global tourism resources, attracting large numbers of tourists. This study investigated how exhibition interactivity features shape satisfaction and loyalty among tourists [...] Read more.

Heritage tourism has attracted increasing attention. Unique symbols of cultural identity, World Heritage Sites (WHSs) have steadily become one of the key global tourism resources, attracting large numbers of tourists. This study investigated how exhibition interactivity features shape satisfaction and loyalty among tourists in the context of WHSs. Moreover, it examined the enhancement of tourists’ satisfaction through interactive exhibitions, increasing loyalty to cultural heritage tourism destinations. The research methodology involved the application of a structural equation model (SEM) and importance–performance analysis (IPA). In addition, the differential effects of exhibition experiences across various tourist subgroups remain underexplored. In light of this research gap, 227 surveys of visitors to WHSs were utilized. The results showed that active control and synchronicity had positive effects on tourist satisfaction and loyalty, but two-way communication had a negative effect on satisfaction. The results demonstrated that exhibition interactivity influenced loyalty indirectly through satisfaction. Furthermore, this study identified cognitive gaps in different tourist groups in the exhibition interactivity dimension using IPA. By employing a multifaceted methodological approach, this study explored how interactive technology influences tourist experiences at WHSs. Finally, it offers empirical evidence, theoretical contributions, and practical suggestions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Directions for Cultural and Heritage Sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism)

35 pages, 753 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Green Supply Chain Decision-Making Considering Government Subsidies and Service Levels Under Different Dominant-Force Structures

by Haiping Ren, Zhen Luo and Laijun Luo

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7719; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177719 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

With the progress of green transformation, government subsidies have become an important incentive for enterprises to invest in green technologies. However, their effectiveness differs markedly under alternative decision-making structures. This study develops a two-tier green supply chain game model comprising manufacturers and e-commerce [...] Read more.

With the progress of green transformation, government subsidies have become an important incentive for enterprises to invest in green technologies. However, their effectiveness differs markedly under alternative decision-making structures. This study develops a two-tier green supply chain game model comprising manufacturers and e-commerce platform self-operators. Six game structures are examined, covering both scenarios without subsidies and those in which manufacturers receive subsidies. The analysis focuses on product greenness, service levels, retail prices, and the profits of supply chain members. The results show that government subsidies substantially enhance manufacturers’ green investments and motivate platform self-operators to provide higher levels of green services, thereby improving market performance and overall supply chain profitability. Among the different structures, centralized decision-making demonstrates the strongest coordination effect and maximizes the subsidy impact. In contrast, within decentralized structures, subsidies help alleviate double marginalization, but their effectiveness is constrained by the distribution of power. These findings highlight the heterogeneous impacts of subsidies on green supply chain performance, offering theoretical support for targeted government policy design and practical guidance for enterprises to optimize green collaborative strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Green Product Development)

31 pages, 7897 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Arsenic and Fluoride Removal from Contaminated Water Using Powder Reagents of CaO, Ca(OH)₂, and CaCO₃ as Calcium-Based Adsorbents

by Hajime Sugita, Kazuya Morimoto, Takeshi Saito and Junko Hara

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7718; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177718 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

As and F contamination are a global problem, and their simultaneous contamination in groundwater is a frequent occurrence, necessitating strategies for their concurrent removal. This study evaluated the performance and potential applicability of Ca-based adsorbents (CaO, Ca(OH)₂, and CaCO₃) [...] Read more.

As and F contamination are a global problem, and their simultaneous contamination in groundwater is a frequent occurrence, necessitating strategies for their concurrent removal. This study evaluated the performance and potential applicability of Ca-based adsorbents (CaO, Ca(OH)₂, and CaCO₃) for simultaneous As–F removal. Removal tests were performed using synthetic contaminated water with an initial As concentration of 1 mg/L and initial F concentrations of 15–60 mg/L. The results showed that CaCO₃ had difficulty removing As and F in contaminated water; in contrast, CaO and Ca(OH)₂ achieved simultaneous As–F removal under certain conditions. Regardless of the presence or absence of F, the water purified using CaO and Ca(OH)₂ met the As environmental standard (0.01 mg/L) for As(V) and As effluent standard (0.1 mg/L) for As(III). Meanwhile, with or without As, CaO- and Ca(OH)₂-treated water met the F environmental standard (0.8 mg/L) at a concentration of 15 mg/L and F effluent standard (8 mg/L for non-marine areas) at 30 and 60 mg/L. In this study, where the initial As concentration was set to a constant value, the degree of mutual effects on As and F adsorption behavior differed depending on the combination of adsorbent addition and initial F concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Adsorption for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants)

25 pages, 1414 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Fintech Impacts Urban Economic Resilience: A Perspective on the Empowerment of Digital Inclusive Finance

by Yarong Shi and Yahan Jin

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7717; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177717 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Fintech is recognized as a pivotal driver of future developments in the financial sector. Investigating the impact of fintech on urban economic resilience is of significant theoretical and practical importance. This study explores how fintech influences urban economic resilience and its internal mechanisms, [...] Read more.

Fintech is recognized as a pivotal driver of future developments in the financial sector. Investigating the impact of fintech on urban economic resilience is of significant theoretical and practical importance. This study explores how fintech influences urban economic resilience and its internal mechanisms, utilizing panel data from 280 prefecture-level cities in China over the period 2011–2022. The key findings are as follows: (1) The development of fintech significantly boosts urban economic resilience. (2) Fintech strengthens urban economic resilience by advancing the level of digital inclusive finance. (3) A favorable business environment and well-developed digital infrastructure positively moderate the effect of fintech on urban economic resilience. (4) The heterogeneity analysis shows that fintech’s impact on urban economic resilience is more pronounced in inland cities and those with a strong service-oriented industry presence. This study enriches the understanding of factors influencing urban economic resilience and offers valuable insights into the role of fintech in enhancing it. Full article

23 pages, 2092 KB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Wastewater Disposal and Its Socio-Environmental Consequences: Evidence from the Uttara Export Processing Zone, Bangladesh

by A B M Nurullah, Most Sanjida Khatun and Liesel Ritchie

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7716; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177716 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of industrial wastewater from the Uttara Export Processing Zone (UEPZ) on natural resources, agriculture, and the health of nearby communities in Nilphamari, Bangladesh. Using a quantitative, self-report approach, data were collected from 162 households across four villages in [...] Read more.

This study examines the impacts of industrial wastewater from the Uttara Export Processing Zone (UEPZ) on natural resources, agriculture, and the health of nearby communities in Nilphamari, Bangladesh. Using a quantitative, self-report approach, data were collected from 162 households across four villages in Nilphamari Sadar Upazila, selected based on proximity to the UEPZ. Findings reveal significant environmental degradation: almost all (96%) respondents reported that water in nearby rivers and ponds has changed color and is odorous, unpleasant to taste, and contaminated, harming aquatic biodiversity. Agricultural productivity has declined, with 67 percent of respondents experiencing reduced crop yields, increased crop diseases, and rising cultivation costs due to greater dependence on fertilizers and pesticides. Also, 96 percent of respondents reported that the fish population diminished, reducing alternative income sources. Health impacts were pronounced; 69 percent of the respondents experienced water pollution-related complications, including skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye problems. Perceptions of wastewater health risks were strongly aligned with reported illnesses. Binary logistic regression further indicated a positive association between degraded crop health and human health problems. The study concludes that UEPZ’s wastewater disposal negatively affects natural resources, agriculture, and public health, underscoring the need for improved waste management and mitigation to protect affected communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainable Solution of Geological Hazard Under Climate Change)

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33 pages, 2901 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wind Environment Adaptability and Parametric Simulation of Tujia Sanheyuan Courtyard Dwellings in Southeastern Chongqing, China

by Hui Xu, Zijie Wang, Yanan Liu, Haisong Xia, Zheng Qian, Changjuan Hu and Tianqi Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7715; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177715 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

In the context of the energy crisis and the urgency of passive design in contemporary architecture, this study focuses on the Tujia-style Sanheyuan in southeastern Chongqing, China, which is highly adaptable to local climatic conditions. Using field surveys, architectural mapping, computational fluid dynamics [...] Read more.

In the context of the energy crisis and the urgency of passive design in contemporary architecture, this study focuses on the Tujia-style Sanheyuan in southeastern Chongqing, China, which is highly adaptable to local climatic conditions. Using field surveys, architectural mapping, computational fluid dynamics numerical simulations, and multi-parameter comparative analysis, this study systematically explores the relationship between the geometric form of the Sanheyuan and its courtyard ventilation performance. Based on the Tujia construction scale modulus, this study summarizes the basic prototype of the Sanheyuan, analyzes the selection paths of its three sets of construction parameters, and constructs 48 typical courtyard models for wind environment simulation. By introducing five evaluation indicators—wind speed uniformity coefficient, proportion of strong wind zone area, proportion of calm wind zone area, and unit area wind rate—this study comprehensively assesses the impact of Sanheyuan design parameters on courtyard wind environment adaptability. This study concludes that specific spatial design parameters of the Tujia-style Sanheyuan significantly influence wind environment adaptability, offering quantitative guidance for climate-responsive and culturally informed architectural design. This study found that the optimal side room width-to-depth ratio is [1.00, 0.86, 0.83]; the optimal ridge height-to-stilt height ratio is [4.29, 8.00, 2.96]; and the optimal building footprint-to-side room area ratio is [3.01, 5.06, 4.75]. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

21 pages, 3633 KB

Open AccessArticle

Precipitation as the Key Regulator of Acid Rain Inhibition on Forest Soil Organic Carbon Decomposition: A Global Meta-Analysis for Sustainable Ecosystem Management

by Xing Yang, Fen Li, Zaihua He, Yonghui Lin, Xingbing He and Xiangshi Kong

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7714; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177714 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Acid rain poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems globally, with substantial impacts on soil organic carbon decomposition. This study employs a meta-analysis of 361 datasets from 63 published studies to investigate the response of SOC decomposition in forest ecosystems to acid rain. [...] Read more.

Acid rain poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems globally, with substantial impacts on soil organic carbon decomposition. This study employs a meta-analysis of 361 datasets from 63 published studies to investigate the response of SOC decomposition in forest ecosystems to acid rain. Our analysis reveals that acid rain has a significant inhibitory effect on SOC decomposition. Precipitation emerges as a crucial large-scale environmental factor that differentially modulates this effect; it alleviates acid rain’s suppressive impact on litter decomposition by diluting H⁺ ions but intensifies the inhibition of soil decomposition due to the soil’s strong adsorption capacity. Furthermore, our results indicate that acid rain exerts a more pronounced inhibitory effect on soil organic carbon decomposition than on litter decomposition. Compared to small-scale factors, precipitation plays a more significant role in regulating the inhibitory effects of acid rain on organic carbon decomposition. These findings underscore the need to integrate precipitation into carbon-cycle models and tailor management strategies to specific climates for sustainable forest carbon management. It also provides a theoretical foundation for predicting the response of forest carbon decomposition to environmental change and for balancing ecological protection with sustainable development in acid rain-impacted regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Cycling in the Terrestrial Environment and Environmental Sustainability)

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