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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 48174

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elena Rada

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Leading Guest Editor

Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences—DiSTA, Insubria University of Varese, Via G.B. Vico, 46, 21100 Varese, Italy
Interests: resources; renewable energy; environmental sustainability; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Maria Cristina Collivignarelli

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: drinking water; chemical-physical processes; sewage sludge minimization; thermophilic treatments; WWTP optimization; membrane processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will publish a thematic series of high-quality review articles on key topics in Environment and Applied Ecology. It will present historical and contemporary reviews to emphasize new opportunities for Environment and Applied Ecology, to translate research into recommendations for best practices in the real Environment and to promote discussion in the Environment and Applied Ecology. Reviews may concern bibliometric and content analysis methods, international and national research progress on ecological thresholds, eco-efficiency analysis as well as challenges and opportunities of the interaction between Environment and Applied Ecology. The methodology for assessing the ecological interaction of complex socio-technical systems at all stages of their life cycle with the environment can be the starting point for important review papers in this Special Issue. Principles of ecologically balanced and socially oriented development of mineral resources could also be considered. Economic implications, health impact and legislative aspects are important topics that may also be considered in the proposed papers. For a wider vision of the topics of this Special Issue please refer to the keywords list.

Prof. Maria Cristina Collivignarelli
Prof. Dr. Elena Cristina Rada
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

community, ecosystem and global ecology
biometrics, theoretical and quantitative ecology
applied microbiology, biotechnology and public health microbiology
aquatic resources, biomonitoring
water scarcity, water quality and water/wastewater management
multidisciplinary agricultural and environmental research (including waste and energy generation)
sustainable and organic agriculture, natural resource management
clean energy and sustainability
environmental protection, environmental management and sustainability
environmental analysis and measurements
health, environment and economy
ecological methodology, monitoring and modeling
biodiversity and ecosystem research
ecological economics, natural capital and ecosystem services
climatology, meteorology, climate-ecology, climate change and environment
public acceptance of environmental technologies
complex socio-technical systems
system life cycle stages

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 2582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Energy Transition between Desideratum and Challenge: Are Cogeneration and Trigeneration the Best Solution?

by Adrian Neacșa, Mirela Panait, Jianu Daniel Mureșan, Marian Catalin Voica and Otilia Manta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3039; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19053039 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2118

Abstract

Climate change has brought to the attention of politicians, researchers, and other stakeholders the need to protect the environment. The concerns at the international level are more and more intense, and the solutions found are multiple. One of the directions to follow is a new energy transition, which involves the use of renewable energy, but also techniques of cogeneration and trigeneration. This study presents the main research on increasing energy efficiency in the use of a primary energy source and the impact on the environment. Compared to the classical methods of obtaining heat and electricity from burning fossil fuels through separate technologies, the study brings to the fore two methods (cogeneration and trigeneration) that have much higher yields by obtaining two or even three forms of energy from the use of a single source of combustion. The impact on the environment is also significantly reduced by eliminating additional sources of pollution (reducing greenhouse gas emissions). Taking into account the evolutions of the energy market during this period, this article aims to analyze, from the point of view of the two most important influencing factors, the economic efficiency of processes and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by overlapping their effect, in case of the use of modern technologies (cogeneration and trigeneration), for the combined production of various forms of energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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18 pages, 4211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Well Are Manufacturing Companies in Transylvania, Romania Adapting to the Low-Carbon Economy in Order to Become Sustainable?

by Mihai Dragomir, Diana Alina Blagu, Sorin Popescu, Mircea Fulea and Călin Neamțu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2118; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19042118 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2125

Abstract

This paper addresses the degree of readiness of manufacturing companies in the well-defined area of Transylvania, Romania for tackling the challenges of the low-carbon economy (LCE) in view of the ambitious goals of the European Union. The presented survey aims to provide a better understanding about the management and reduction in the carbon footprint among production companies in Romania, as this sector is not usually included official strategies or studies. One hundred and three companies, selected based on voluntary sampling responses, were investigated using a 40-item questionnaire. The survey was applied to the manufacturing sector, including automotive, furniture production, and metal processing domains, which are locally representative and a good approximation of what small- and medium-sized firms look like across the EU, thus furnishing a good view of what takes place in other countries as well. The results obtained were analyzed using univariate descriptive statistics, multi-variate item analysis, and hypothesis testing to arrive at conclusions with a high degree of applicability. The purpose was to obtain an accurate overview about the actual situation and help companies find solutions in order to reduce the carbon footprint in the production field and achieve sustainable manufacturing. We arrive at the conclusion that manufacturing firms have a high degree of interest in decarbonization, but understand the efforts required to the same degree they understand the opportunities it brings. For example, 55% of respondents are interested in the benefits of LCE, while 90% of them observe at least one environmental standard, and ca. 70% implement at least common decarbonization measures, such as electricity savings or process optimization. While raising awareness and improving technological processes are accepted and embraced, other issues (i.e., involvement in RDI and CSR, change management, as well as financing investment efforts) should be addressed by proper policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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15 pages, 2173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Optimization Strategy of Storm Flood Safety Pattern Based on SCS-CN Model

by Xinhong Cai and Dawei Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 698; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19020698 - 08 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

The contradiction between rapid urbanization’s demand for land resources and the ecological environment is increasing, which has led to large-scale hardening of the underlying surface of the city and reduction of land for storage. In addition, construction land occupies rainwater confluence land, resulting in a significant decline in urban stormwater control capabilities. The increasingly frequent flood disasters in recent years have exposed the contradiction between urban construction and stormwater safety that cannot be ignored. Therefore, this article takes the central city of Harbin as the research object, uses ArcGIS for spatial analysis and SCS (Soil Conservation Service) hydrological model simulation to construct the rain and flood safety pattern in the research area, and proposes targeted optimization suggestions and strategies based on the evaluation results to achieve the purpose of coordinating the water ecosystem service function with social and economic development. The research shows that protecting the original stormwater corridor and strengthening the connection between the stormwater control patches can effectively guarantee the connectivity of the stormwater corridor, build the natural stormwater regulation and storage system, and then increase the ability of the city to resist the risk of rainstorm, reduce the disaster caused by urban waterlogging, and achieve the goal of sponge city construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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15 pages, 4243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LMDI Decomposition Analysis of E-Waste Generation in the ASEAN

by Gobong Choi, Taeyoon Kim and Minchul Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12863; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312863 - 06 Dec 2021

Viewed by 2350

Abstract

The economies of ASEAN member states are growing rapidly, and electrical and electronic waste (E-waste) generated from them are also showing a rapid increase. In this context, this study conducted an LMDI decomposition analysis on the amount of E-waste generated in ASEAN member countries from 2015 to 2019 and decomposed it into E-waste intensity, economic growth, and population effects. Then, based on analysis results, policy implications are suggested to improve their E-waste management. According to the analysis results, ASEAN countries can be classified into three groups. The first group includes Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand; economic growth was the main driving factor of E-waste increase in these countries. However, E-waste had also decreased due to the effect of E-waste intensity. The second group includes countries where economic growth was not the only driving factor for E-waste increase, but also where E-waste had increased due to the effect of E-waste intensity. These countries include Cambodia, Malaysia, and Viet Nam. Finally, the third group consists of countries where the effect of E-waste intensity is the main driving factor, including Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, and Myanmar. This research shows that ASEAN countries need policies that can effectively deal with the threat of E-waste as a result of high economic growth and policies that can improve intensity by reducing the generation of E-waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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26 pages, 20114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Performance in EU Countries from the Perspective of Its Relation to Human and Economic Wellbeing

by Simona-Roxana Ulman, Costica Mihai, Cristina Cautisanu, Ioan-Sebastian Brumă, Oana Coca and Gavril Stefan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12733; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312733 - 02 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2355

Abstract

The actual development challenges impose new criteria of national performance evaluation, the concept of wellbeing tending to be measured not just in terms of economic and social dimensions, but also vs. the environment. Accordingly, considering the national environmental performance among the EU countries in 2006–2019 period, we grouped them and concentrated on the clusters registering the highest and lowest levels, analyzing how the components of the human and economic dimensions influence it. Applying panel data models, our main results emphasized that, firstly, for the countries with a better environmental performance, sufficient drinking water, safe sanitation, education, gender equality, and good governance were significant; in the countries with the lowest levels of environmental wellbeing, sufficient food, sufficient to drink, education, and income distribution were insignificant, while the remaining components were relevant. Secondly, in both groups of countries, organic farming and public debt were significant; nevertheless, differences were observed for genuine savings and employment, for which the peculiarities of economic activities seemed to be materialized as different influences upon environmental wellbeing. Our study draws alarm signals regarding the development patterns applied in the EU, seeming to have results that strengthen the sustainable goals, but not sufficient for exceeding the traditional growth-oriented model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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16 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypotheses in Chinese Provinces: A Nexus between Regional Government Expenditures and Environmental Quality

by Ayoub Zeraibi, Daniel Balsalobre-Lorente and Khurram Shehzad

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9667; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18189667 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2166

Abstract

With rapid economic growth, the Chinese government expenditures at various levels have increased adequately. At the same time, the environmental quality in China has deteriorated significantly. In this study, provincial-level data for 31 Chinese provinces during 2007–2017 are used to investigate the impacts of government expenditure on the emissions of three specific measures of environmental degradation. The main objective of this study is to examine the influence of government expenditures, economic growth per capita, environment protection expenditure, and added second-sector value on environmental quality by measuring sulfur dioxide (SO₂), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and ammonia nitrogen emissions (AN). Moreover, the study applied the generalized method of moments (GMM) and the fully modified least square (FMOLS) to estimate the co-integration relationship among the underlying factors. The results demonstrate a significant direct effect of government expenditure on improving environmental quality overall in the Chinese provinces, which increases with the level of economic growth. However, the results also confirmed the inverted N-shaped relationship between the pollution factor and economic growth per capita. Our key findings lead toward the manifestation and emphasis of the importance of appropriate policies for restoring government expenditure and, at the same time, strengthening the relationship between the industrial sector and environmental policy standards. Significantly, governments in developing countries should allocate larger budgets for environmental projects in their fiscal reforms for the sake of moving to greener and more inclusive economies with low-carbon activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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19 pages, 17700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Edge Computing Technology in Hydrological Spatial Analysis and Ecological Planning

by Xinhong Cai and Dawei Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8382; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18168382 - 08 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2046

Abstract

The process of rapid urbanization causes so many water security issues such as urban waterlogging, environmental water pollution, water shortages, etc. It is, therefore, necessary for us to integrate a variety of theories, methods, measures, and means to conduct ecological problem diagnosis, ecological function demand assessment, and ecological security pattern planning. Here, EC (Edge Computing) technology is applied to analyze the hydrological spatial structure characteristics and ecological planning method of waterfront green space. First, various information is collected and scientifically analyzed around the core element of ecological planning: water. Then, in-depth research is conducted on the previous hydrological spatial analysis methods to identify their defects. Subsequently, given these defects, the EC technology is introduced to design a bottom-up overall architecture of intelligent ecological planning gateway, which can be divided into field devices, EC intelligent planning gateway, transmission system, and cloud processing platform. Finally, the performance of the overall architecture of the intelligent ecological planning gateway is tested. The study aims to optimize the performance of the hydrological spatial analysis method and ecological planning method in Xianglan town of Jiamusi city. The results show that the system can detect the flood control safety system planning, analysis of water source pollution. Additionally, the system also can use the EC technology, depending on the types, hydrological characteristics, pollutants to predict treatment sludge need to put in the pollutant treatment medicament composition and dosage, protection of water source nearby residents public health security. Compared with previous hydrological spatial analysis and ecological planning methods, the system is more scientific, efficient, and expandable. The results provide a technical basis for the research in related fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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22 pages, 2916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Footprint of Wastewater Treatment: A Step Forward in the Use of Toxicological Tools

by Giorgio Bertanza, Jennifer Boniotti, Elisabetta Ceretti, Donatella Feretti, Giovanna Mazzoleni, Michele Menghini, Roberta Pedrazzani, Nathalie Steimberg, Chiara Urani, Gaia Claudia Viviana Viola, Ilaria Zerbini and Emanuele Ziliani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6827; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136827 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1973

Abstract

The assessment of the actual impact of discharged wastewater on the whole ecosystem and, in turn, on human health requires the execution of bioassays. In effect, based on the chemical characterization alone, the synergistic/antagonistic effect of mixtures of pollutants is hardly estimable. The aim of this work was to evaluate the applicability of a battery of bioassays and to suggest a smart procedure for results representation. Two real wastewater treatment plants were submitted to analytical campaigns. Several baseline toxicity assays were conducted, together with tests for the determination of endocrine activity, genetic toxicity and carcinogenicity of wastewater. A “traffic light” model was adopted for an easy-to-understand visualization of the results. Although the legal prescriptions of chemical parameters are fully complied with, bioassays show that a certain biological activity still residues in the treated effluents. Moreover, influent and effluent responses are not always appreciably different. Some tests employing human cells were revealed to be only partially adequate for environmental applications. An interesting and helpful development of the present approach would consist in the estimation of biological equivalents of toxicity, as shown for the estrogenic compound 17-β-estradiol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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18 pages, 2208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eco Trends, Counseling and Applied Ecology in Community Using Sophia

by Vasile-Petru Hategan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6572; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126572 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

The study investigates the current trends that manifest themselves in two areas that have common origins in antiquity, found in the Hellenistic concept of Sophia: present in philosophy, where it expresses the love of wisdom, but also in theology where it represents divine love. Looking at this approach, the Sophia has manifested various orientations, either toward the field of ecology and the environment through the emergence of new concepts, such as ecophilosophy and ecotheology, but also toward the practice applied to the person, through the philosophical counseling or spiritual or pastoral counseling. This paper analyzes the characteristics of the applied trends, ecophilosophy and ecotheology, through their comparative analysis, along with a bibliometric study on papers published on these topics in indexed databases in the last 45 years. The paper presents the openness to innovation, through the emergence of the two concepts analyzed which created methods and tools specific to philosophical or spiritual counseling, and adaptations of these practices to the needs of contemporary society. Therefore, the innovation is sustained by creating a new specialization in community counseling practice, called eco-counseling for community (EC4com), with the new ecological trend, which can be included in the philosophical and spiritual practices applied in communities through individual counseling, for groups or community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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25 pages, 17147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radon Gas in the City of Alicante. High Risk of Low Indoor Air Quality in Poorly Ventilated Buildings

by Carlos Rizo-Maestre and Víctor Echarri-Iribarren

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8762; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17238762 - 25 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

In December 2019, Spain considered for the first time the presence of radon to the Technical Building Code (Basic Document HS 6: Radon Exposure Protection), although it only mentions minimum presences and the need for ventilation. This research shows that in buried structures or in places with little ventilation, even in soils with a low probability of granite, a high content of radon gas can be found. The city of Alicante has been used as a measurement location for different architectural sites; here, the level of 100 Bq/m³ is the first threshold where the gas must be monitored, and the level of 300 Bq/m³ is the maximum threshold above which corrective ventilation measures must be taken. The research conducted during the years 2015 and 2016 shows that it is necessary to account for also the areas considered to be “low presence of radon gas” to achieve healthy constructions. The renewal of air in the different places will be tested for the presence of radon, i.e., the greater the accumulation is, the less ventilation and the greater the risk of accumulation of radon gas. This study is located in the city of Alicante, where the seven civil constructions are located: two Civil War shelters, the Santa Barbara Castle, the Ereta Powder Keg, the Luceros-Marq and Serra Grossa railway tunnels and the Británica underground deposits. Radon gas is currently a concern for major health and medical agencies because it is considered to be a chemical element that is very harmful to people. The World Health Organization is one of the organisations that has the objective of studying and researching this element, to develop solutions. Radon gas is normally found in a gaseous state and is highly radioactive. It is present in many terrains and it is mostly found in those with granite; although the presence of this element is very low, there is always a minimum presence. In the past, in nongranite soils, the dose of radon was considered to be so low that it was insignificant. Therefore, in this research, the aim is to consider the high presence of radon gas in nongranite soils as long as the conditions for its accumulation are present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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Review

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27 pages, 20904 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of Antibiotic Resistance and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Antimicrobial Resistance in Agricultural Soils

by Abdullah Kaviani Rad, Angelika Astaykina, Rostislav Streletskii, Yeganeh Afsharyzad, Hassan Etesami, Mehdi Zarei and Siva K. Balasundram

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4666; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19084666 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4683

Abstract

Excessive use of antibiotics in the healthcare sector and livestock farming has amplified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major environmental threat in recent years. Abiotic stresses, including soil salinity and water pollutants, can affect AMR in soils, which in turn reduces the yield and quality of agricultural products. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of antibiotic resistance and abiotic stresses on antimicrobial resistance in agricultural soils. A systematic review of the peer-reviewed published literature showed that soil contaminants derived from organic and chemical fertilizers, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and untreated sewage sludge can significantly develop AMR through increasing the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) in agricultural soils. Among effective technologies developed to minimize AMR’s negative effects, salinity and heat were found to be more influential in lowering ARGs and subsequently AMR. Several strategies to mitigate AMR in agricultural soils and future directions for research on AMR have been discussed, including integrated control of antibiotic usage and primary sources of ARGs. Knowledge of the factors affecting AMR has the potential to develop effective policies and technologies to minimize its adverse impacts. Full article

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18 pages, 590 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of E-Waste Generation and Environmental Management of Asia Pacific Countries

by Lynda Andeobu, Santoso Wibowo and Srimannarayana Grandhi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9051; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18179051 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 10308

Abstract

Due to the rapid increase in the use of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) worldwide, e-waste has become a critical environmental issue for many governments around the world. Several studies have pointed out that failure to adopt appropriate recycling practices for e-waste may cause environmental disasters and health concerns to humans due to the presence of hazardous materials. This warrants the need for a review of the existing processes of e-waste management. In view of the growing e-waste generation in the Asia Pacific region and the importance of e-waste management, this study critically reviews previous research on e-waste generation and management practices of major e-waste producing nations (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia) in the Asia Pacific region, provides an overview of progress made and identifies areas for improvement. To fulfil the aims of this research, previous studies from 2005 to 2020 are collected from various databases. Accordingly, this study focuses on e-waste generation and environmental management of these countries. This study found that e-waste management practices of the selected countries need to be enhanced and recommends several best practices for effectively managing e-waste. Full article

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24 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessReview

Disinfection of Wastewater by UV-Based Treatment for Reuse in a Circular Economy Perspective. Where Are We at?

by Maria Cristina Collivignarelli, Alessandro Abbà, Marco Carnevale Miino, Francesca Maria Caccamo, Vincenzo Torretta, Elena Cristina Rada and Sabrina Sorlini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 77; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18010077 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6017

Abstract

Among the critical issues that prevent the reuse of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluents in a circular economy perspective, the microbiological component plays a key role causing infections and diseases. To date, the use of conventional chemical oxidants (e.g., chlorine) represent the main applied process for wastewater (WW) disinfection following a series of operational advantages. However, toxicity linked to the production of highly dangerous disinfection by-products (DBPs) has been widely demonstrated. Therefore, in recent years, there is an increasing attention to implement sustainable processes, which can simultaneously guarantee the microbiological quality of the WWs treated and the protection of both humans and the environment. This review focuses on treatments based on ultraviolet radiation (UV) alone or in combination with other processes (sonophotolysis, photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis with both natural and artificial light) without the dosage of chemical oxidants. The strengths of these technologies and the most significant critical issues are reported. To date, the use of synthetic waters in laboratory tests despite real waters, the capital and operative costs and the limited, or absent, experience of full-scale plant management (especially for UV-based combined processes) represent the main limits to their application on a larger scale. Although further in-depth studies are required to ensure full applicability of UV-based combined processes in WWTPs for reuse of their purified effluents, excellent prospects are presented thanks to an absent environmental impact in terms of DBPs formation and excellent disinfection yields of microorganisms (in most cases higher than 3-log reduction). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review in Environment and Applied Ecology)

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24 pages, 1287 KiB

Open AccessReview

by Alexey Cherepovitsyn, Tatiana Chvileva and Sergey Fedoseev

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8368; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17228368 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4270

Abstract

The problem of global warming is a key challenge. One means to prevent climate change is to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This can be achieved using CO₂ capture and storage (CCS) technology. Due to the relative novelty of the technology, low level of experience, and high risk of implementation, in practice society often displays a negative attitude towards CCS projects. Thus, it is necessary to develop a targeted strategy to popularize CO₂ capture and storage technology. Based on an extensive literature review and the experience of implementation of CCS projects in different countries, this study demonstrates the necessity of applying the deficit, contextual, lay expertise, and public participation models to promote CCS technology. As a result, the factors influencing the choice of promotion tools are identified, and the measures to popularize CCS technology, depending on the stage of its implementation, are determined. Recommendations for the improvement of CCS public databases are developed. The methodologies used this study include case studies, system-oriented analysis, and stakeholder management tools. Full article

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