Search Results (9,367)

The global gold extraction industry has been reported to use cyanide-based recovery processes, which pose environmental effects on water resources. The study examined Coptodon zillii liver rhodanese from a gold mining-impacted reservoir with a specific focus on the enzyme’s critical function in cyanide detoxification. Rhodanese was purified using successive chromatographic techniques with 5.4 U/mg specific activity and 3.1-fold purification. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was 36 kDa, and the subunits were 17 kDa, indicative of a dimeric structure. Optimal enzymatic activity was recorded at pH 8.0 and 50 °C. The effect of metal ions was significantly varied: the activity was inhibited by BaCl₂, CaCl₂, NaCl, and MgCl₂, and KCl enhanced performance. The kinetic determinations showed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Km of 20.0 mM for sodium thiosulfate and 25.0 mM for potassium cyanide. The enzyme’s minimal activity was identified toward 2-mercaptoethanol, ammonium persulfate, and ammonium sulfate, but with evidence of preference for thiosulfate utilization under the substrate specificity tests. The major interactions between the enzyme and the substrate were revealed by the molecular docking experiments. These showed Glu159, Gln161, and Arg173 formed important hydrogen bonds with thiosulfate, while Arg156 and Val172 were also involved. Other substrates are bound to Gln121 and Trp139 residues with much lower binding energy than thiosulfate. The findings increase our understanding of biochemical adaptation process knowledge in anthropogenically stressed environments, showing strategies of ecological resilience. The characterized enzymatic features showed potent cyanide detoxification potential, and the possible applications are in bioremediation strategies for mining-impacted aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBSs) in land-use planning and landscape architecture represent a holistic, interdisciplinary response to environmental and societal challenges. Although integrated into Slovak legislation since 2019, their formal implementation has progressed rather slowly, creating a gap that has been increasingly addressed by civic initiatives (CIs) of diverse types and legal forms. This study examines approaches and methods of CIs in Slovakia implementing GI and NBSs, while focusing on their legal forms, activities, spatial delimitations, and their impact on green space development and governance. Analysis of seventeen case studies shows that many CIs operate at multiple levels—local, national, and international—often delivering professional, conceptually grounded solutions. The most frequent NBS activities involve creating or enhancing parks, green public spaces, and community gardens, as well as restoring natural and semi-natural areas through nature-based management. Knowledge creation and awareness-raising are central strategies, including environmental education centres, citizen science, public campaigns, and informal learning platforms. The transformation of derelict areas into multifunctional public spaces emerges as a notable practice, combining ecological regeneration with cultural and social uses. The findings highlight the growing role of civic actors in advancing inclusive, participatory, and knowledge-based environmental management and call for stronger institutional support to integrate their contributions into formal administrative frameworks. Full article

This study explores the cultural, productive, territorial, and organizational practices of cacao-producing families in Lebrija, Santander (Colombia), within the broader context of rural sustainability and peasant identity in Latin America. In response to recent national and international frameworks recognizing the rights of peasants, the research aims to document local knowledge systems and community-based strategies that sustain rural livelihoods. Through a qualitative ethnographic approach, including participatory workshops, semi-structured interviews, and social cartography, the study collected narratives, practices, and territorial dynamics over the course of one year. The results reveal that cacao production is not only an economic activity, but a deeply embedded cultural process that intertwines with memory, family ties, lunar cycles, and environmental stewardship. Participants described conflicts related to water access, deforestation, poultry farming, and the expansion of urban infrastructure. Despite these pressures, families demonstrated adaptive capacities through agrodiversity, traditional knowledge, and associative work. The study concludes that these cacao-based practices offer valuable insights into bottom-up strategies for resilience and territorial sustainability and calls for greater inclusion of peasant knowledge in rural development agendas. Full article

The utilization of knowledge management (KM) assists construction companies in planning for waste management. This study applies KM in the material recovery of a public sector building renovation, focusing on aluminum composite panels (ACPs). The cost/benefit analysis (CBA) method examines suitable scenarios, where costs and benefits cover economic, environmental, and social perspectives. The cost/benefit (C/B) ratios reveal that the repurposing scenario, where ACP waste is repurposed as signboards, is the most suitable scenario, with a C/B of 0.96. The refurbishing scenario, in which ACP waste is refurbished as new facades, may be considered if the labor cost could be reduced through training. The repurposing scenario is further examined with a sensitivity analysis and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, and it is found that implementing this scenario serves as a beginning step toward green certification and aligns with Thailand’s national strategies for green building promotion and the long-term Net Zero 2065 target. The study results serve as a guideline for Thailand’s transition toward a low-carbon and resource-efficient construction sector. Future studies are recommended to examine the complex relationships between costs and benefits and to track dynamic changes in the C/B ratio over time. Full article

The growth in the production and use of biodegradable plastics, positioned as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polymers, has led to an increase in their distribution in the environment. However, in conditions other than industrial composting facilities, biodegradable polymers can persist for a long time, fragment, and form biodegradable micro- and nanoplastics (BioMNP) with potential toxicity. Unlike traditional microplastics, the impact of BioMNP on human health has been poorly studied. This review summarises the available data on the cytotoxicity of BioMNP, including mechanisms of interaction with human cells, routes of entry into the body, induction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of microplastics with cells of various body systems, including the digestive, respiratory, immune, and urogenital systems, as well as with the skin. The identified knowledge gaps highlight the need for further research to assess the risks associated with the impact of BioMNP on humans and to develop safer forms of biopolymers. Among biodegradable plastics, PLA-based particles tend to exhibit stronger cytotoxic effects. Nanoplastics generally induce more severe cellular responses than microplastics. Organs such as the liver and lungs appear particularly vulnerable. Full article

This study investigates the public acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia, a country seeking to diversify its energy portfolio under Vision 2030. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey of 403 residents, the research employs descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and a SWOT analysis to explore the socio-economic and perceptual drivers of public attitudes. The findings reveal that 82.4% of participants support nuclear energy, with a mean WTP of 38.2% of their monthly electricity bill for its development. Key factors positively influencing acceptance include age and knowledge about nuclear energy, while environmental concerns and being married are associated with lower support. Notably, trust in government oversight (64.8%) and the prospect of a new energy source (62.7%) are major reasons for support, whereas health and environmental risks (74.6%) are the primary concerns for opponents. This study provides crucial, evidence-based insights for policymakers, marking the first Saudi-specific research to jointly examine WTP, acceptance determinants through econometric modeling, and strategic implications via SWOT analysis, highlighting the need for targeted public engagement and transparent communication strategies to address public concerns and ensure the successful and sustainable integration of nuclear energy into Saudi Arabia’s energy mix. Full article

With so many people becoming distanced from the world of agriculture, what is the best way to bridge the knowledge gap? Studies have shown that video messaging could be a key factor in lessening this gap. This study assessed the perceptions of young adults about animal agriculture and the effectiveness of emotional and cognitive videos featuring local farmers and industry experts to alter perception and build trust in the beef industry. An invitation to participate was sent to 10,000 Auburn University students, and responses were closed after 500 complete responses were received. Participants were directed to a Qualtrics (2022) survey with a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions. The questionnaire included opinions on animal welfare, the diet/health of red meat consumers, and environmental/sustainability aspects of the beef industry. After viewing one emotional and one cognitive video, each lasting four minutes, participants retook the survey. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests in SPSS (Version 28). Results showed participants’ views improved by 82% after watching the videos. ATLAS (Series 9) was used to code key positive and negative words in open responses. Participants reported a stronger preference for the emotional video compared to the cognitive video (190 vs. 99, p < 0.05). However, because the videos were always shown in the same order, this finding should be interpreted with caution, as order effects may have influenced participants’ responses. Full article

Seawater impact poses increasing challenges to coastal road infrastructure, creating urgent needs for a comprehensive understanding of current research trends and knowledge gaps to enhance infrastructure resilience and sustainability. This study employs a combined systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis using PRISMA methodology to examine seawater-impacted road infrastructure research from 1952 to 2025. An initial dataset of 185 articles from 150 sources was filtered to 47 articles for detailed analysis, covering research by 481 authors with a 0.95% annual growth rate. Bibliometric analysis revealed significant geographic disparities, with only 13.51% of international collaborations. The United States, China, and Japan emerged as leading contributors, while Norway demonstrated the highest impact with 39.00 citations per article. Eight critical themes were identified in pavement management and infrastructure resilience, showing a shift toward technology-based solutions, including real-time monitoring technologies, sustainable materials, and adaptive management strategies. Despite growing emphasis on technological solutions, significant research gaps persist in understanding road structure–ecosystem interactions and developing comprehensive long-term monitoring methods. The study indicates an urgent need for increased international collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches combining civil engineering with environmental science to effectively address coastal road infrastructure challenges and enhance global sustainability. Full article

Disease outbreaks pose a significant challenge in aquaculture, leading to substantial economic losses for producers. Tenacibaculosis, a significant ulcerative bacterial disease caused by Tenacibaculum maritimum, affects a wide range of marine fish species globally. Current disease management relies on antibiotics and chemicals, leading to environmental issues, impaired fish and consumer health, and increased antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This narrative review critically explores welfare-oriented alternatives, specifically examining the potential of temperature modulation and functional diets. Although thermal strategies show promise for warm-water species through behavioural fever mechanisms, their effectiveness remains limited by species-specific thermal tolerances and lack of commercial validation. Nutritional interventions using marine algae, probiotics, and immunostimulants demonstrate broader applicability but suffer from inconsistent methodologies, limited commercial validation, and significant knowledge gaps. We propose that integration of these approaches could theoretically represent a paradigm shift from pathogen-focused to host-centred disease management, pending empirical validation. However, this integration concept requires rigorous validation, as significant knowledge gaps persists regarding optimal implementation protocols, welfare monitoring frameworks, and economic viability assessments. From our perspective, transitioning to welfare-oriented aquaculture demands rigorous evaluation and validation, commercial-scale trials, economic cost–benefit analysis, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks before these theoretical alternatives can be responsibly implemented. Full article

Saccorhiza polyschides is a fast-growing pioneer and opportunistic canopy-forming false-kelp belonging to the order Phyllariaceae (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae). The species plays a pivotal ecological role in temperate marine ecosystems and exhibits promising potential for diverse biotechnological applications. The species, however, is under growing pressure from anthropogenic disturbance. This review synthesises current knowledge regarding the biology and geographic distribution of the species, with particular emphasis on its distinctive morphology and ultrastructural features. The species’ complex life cycle and marked seasonal productivity are examined concerning environmental variables. Furthermore, we explore the ecological interactions of the species, including its role as a habitat-forming species and its responses to anthropogenic stressors such as climate change and habitat degradation. Special attention is given to the state of knowledge regarding the bioactive compounds and associated bioactivities of S. polyschides. This includes a detailed examination of the species’ phytochemical constituents, extraction and fractionation strategies, as well as in vitro and in vivo bioactivities, and potential biotechnological applications. By integrating findings from recent literature and identifying methodological and knowledge gaps, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of S. polyschides as an emergent marine bioresource and to propose directions for future research and sustainable valorisation. Full article

Human energy production and consumption have significantly contributed to the environmental crisis, impacting human health, wellbeing, and social justice. In this context, the concept of energy citizenship has emerged, referring to civic engagement in fostering sustainable and democratic energy systems and transitions. Under the Horizon Europe project EnergyPROSPECTS (PROactive Strategies and Policies for Energy Citizenship Transformation), we investigated the conditions and dynamics that promote or hinder energy citizenship and empower citizens to contribute to sustainable energy transformations. Through 44 in-depth interviews and four deliberative workshops in four European case study regions with individuals and organizations engaged in different forms of energy citizenship, we identified key psychological and organizational factors driving citizen empowerment. These findings informed the development of an interactive empowerment toolkit, a digital learning resource designed to enhance energy citizenship literacy and skills. This toolkit, although primarily targeting adults interested in energy citizenship, is adaptable for students and educators at various levels, offering two tracks: one for beginners with no prior involvement in the exercise of energy citizenship, and another for those with experience in energy activism. We highlight the scientific basis of the toolkit, detailing its components and demonstrating its application in fostering energy citizenship empowerment. The tool aims to equip users with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in sustainable energy transitions. Full article

Land use/land cover (LULC) data serve as a critical information source for understanding the complex interactions between human activities and global environmental change. The subtropical karst region, characterized by fragmented terrain, spectral confusion, topographic shadowing, and frequent cloud cover, represents one of the most challenging natural scenes for remote sensing classification. This study reviews the evolution of multi-source data acquisition (optical, SAR, LiDAR, UAV) and preprocessing strategies tailored for subtropical regions. It evaluates the applicability and limitations of various methodological frameworks, ranging from traditional approaches and GEOBIA to machine learning and deep learning. The importance of uncertainty modeling and robust accuracy assessment systems is emphasized. The study identifies four major bottlenecks: scarcity of high-quality samples, lack of scale awareness, poor model generalization, and insufficient integration of geoscientific knowledge. It suggests that future breakthroughs lie in developing remote sensing intelligent models that are driven by few samples, integrate multi-modal data, and possess strong geoscientific interpretability. The findings provide a theoretical reference for LULC information extraction and ecological monitoring in heterogeneous geomorphic regions. Full article

Cross-industry and cross-country evidence from the ESG–firm value literature indicates no consensus on the ESG performance impact on corporate financial performance. Stemming from the ongoing debate over whether ESG principles enhance or hinder value creation, this study investigates the effect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance on firm value through three proxies: Tobin’s Q (TQ), Price to Book ratio (PB), and Price to Earnings ratio (PE). Using a cross-country and cross-sectoral comparative approach, the study employs static and dynamic panel regression analyses, along with principal component analysis, to test the hypothesized relationships across nine MENA region countries and ten sectors between 2017 and 2022. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine ESG’s impact on TQ, PB, and PE while offering a comparative analysis in the MENA region. Empirical results reveal a significantly positive relationship between ESG scores and firm value using TQ and PB ratios, but this relationship is insignificant with the PE ratio. This study contributes to the ESG and financial decision-making literature, providing insights for investors on portfolio optimization and sustainable investing. The findings offer recommendations that further benefit businesses, policymakers, and decision-makers in enhancing their understanding of ESG implications. Full article

Coal gangue, a primary solid waste by-product of coal mining and processing, constitutes approximately 10–15% of total coal output. Its accumulation poses substantial environmental challenges, including land occupation, spontaneous combustion, acid mine drainage, and heavy metal leaching. Despite its high silica and alumina content (typically exceeding 70% combined), the highly stable and crystalline structure of raw coal gangue limits its pozzolanic activity and adsorption efficiency. To address this limitation, this review emphasizes recent advances in activation strategies such as thermal (500–900 °C), mechanical (dry/wet grinding to less than 200 µm), chemical (acid/alkali treatments), microwave, and hybrid methods. The activated coal gangue resulted in an enhanced surface area (up to 55 m²/g), amorphization of kaolinite to metakaolinite, and the generation of mesoporosity under optimal conditions. This review critically examined the geotechnical applications, such as soil stabilization and mine backfill, highlighting the replacement of 50–75% of cementitious binder in backfilling and meeting the subgrade/base material strength criteria (UCS > 2 MPa). In geoenvironmental applications (adsorption of phosphate, dyes, heavy metals, and CO₂ mineralization), more than 90% of pollutant removal is attained. In construction applications, supplementary cementitious materials and sintered bricks are examined. Several critical knowledge gaps, including limited understanding of long-term durability, inconsistent activation optimization across different coal gangue sources, and insufficient assessment of environmental impacts during large-scale implementation, are clearly addressed. This review provides a roadmap for advancing sustainable coal gangue utilization and highlights emerging opportunities for cost-effective applications in the mining and construction sectors. Full article

In developing countries, indoor air pollution in rural areas is often attributed to the use of solid biomass fuels for cooking. Such fuels generate particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). PM created from biomass combustion is a pollutant particularly damaging to health. This rigorous study employed a personal sampling device and multi-stage cascade impactor to collect airborne PM (including PM_2.5) and deposited ash from 20 real-world kitchen microenvironments. A robust analysis of the PM was undertaken using a range of morphological, physical, and chemical techniques, the results of which were then compared to a controlled burn experiment. Results revealed that airborne PM was predominantly carbon (~85%), with the OC/EC ratio varying between 1.17 and 11.5. Particles were primarily spherical nanoparticles (50–100 nm) capable of deep penetration into the human respiratory tract (HRT). This is the first systematic characterisation of biomass cooking emissions in authentic rural kitchen settings, linking particle morphology, chemistry and toxicology at health-relevant scales. Toxic heavy metals like Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Hg were detected in PM, while ash was dominated by crustal elements such as Ca, Mg and P. VOCs comprised benzene derivatives, esters, ethers, ketones, tetramethysilanes (TMS), and nitrogen-, phosphorus- and sulphur-containing compounds. This research showcases a unique collection technique that gathered particles indicative of their potential for penetration and deposition in the HRT. Impact stems from the close link between the physico-chemical properties of particle emissions and their environmental and epidemiological effects. By providing a critical evidence base for exposure modelling, risk assessment and clean cooking interventions, this study delivers internationally significant insights. Our methodological innovation, capturing respirable nanoparticles under real-world conditions, offers a transferable framework for indoor air quality research across low- and middle-income countries. The findings therefore advance both fundamental understanding of combustion-derived nanoparticle behaviour and practical knowledge to inform public health, environmental policy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Full article