Papers by Keyword: Sustainable Development

Abstract: In this paper, starting from the principles of sustainable development, and from the importance of preserving the quality of water for future generations, we propose some indices which can be used to study the evolution of surface water quality in a region. The indices are built using data offered by national institutions which are concerned with monitoring water quality, considering the classes established by the legislation in use or values of the most important factors which influence water quality, and the magnitude of the bodies of water analyzed. Using these indicators, a study of water quality evolution in the hydrological basin of the Danube in Romania (HBDR) is conducted. The results show that some of these indicators have decreasing values, which demonstrates a deterioration in the quality of the surface waters in this basin. These indices can be useful tools for studies regarding water quality evolution and they can be used by those who work in the environmental management area or sustainable development field or by policy makers who adopt or harmonize laws in this sector.

Abstract: The study investigates urban water security in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria, focusing on how household socioeconomic factors influence water accessibility and management. Using both laboratory analyses and structured surveys, the research found that water sources in the area exhibit poor quality, with turbidity, sulfate, nitrate, lead, and cadmium levels exceeding WHO and NSDWQ standards, posing health risks. Survey results from 250 respondents showed that most are young (58% under 30 years), male (75.6%), and educated, yet 82% experience limited water access despite 74% depending on boreholes. A regression analysis (R=0.758, R²=0.534) confirmed that demographic variables significantly affect willingness to pay for improved water services. The study concludes that urgent policy action and infrastructure investment are needed to enhance water quality, distribution, and accessibility in Chanchaga and similar urban areas.

Abstract: This study assesses the impact and challenges of Building Automation Systems (BAS) in five selected estates within Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. Using a descriptive design, purposive sampling targeted 115 apartments across the estates. Data from 127 valid responses were analyzed using SPSS, ANOVA, and regression models. Findings reveal a significant relationship between BAS implementation and improved energy efficiency and security (β = 0.314, p < 0.001), supported by BAS awareness (β = 0.288, p = 0.001). Joint participation (β = 0.457), safety (β = 0.446), and resident satisfaction (β = 0.322) significantly shaped stakeholder perceptions, while maintenance (p = 0.136) and information availability (p = 0.256) were less impactful. Over 60% of respondents cited high costs, inadequate technical skills, and outdated infrastructure as major barriers. The study recommends stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and infrastructure upgrades to support effective BAS adoption for sustainable estate management.

Abstract: The article is devoted to the study of a comprehensive approach to the development of secondary resources in coal-mining regions as a key factor in ensuring sustainable development and energy security. The theoretical foundations and practical aspects of the use of coal industry waste, including rock dumps, mine water and mine methane, are considered. The article considers modern technologies for processing coal industry waste, which consist in forming a more balanced approach to the use of natural resources and creating preconditions for a gradual transition to more environmentally friendly technologies in the energy sector. A conceptual model of sustainable development of coal-mining regions based on the principles of the circular economy is proposed, which is based on five key principles that can form a comprehensive system for managing secondary resources in coal-mining regions. This will make it possible to increase the overall efficiency of the system by 35-50% compared to the isolated application of individual production processes, create economic models for coal-mining regions that are resistant to external shocks, form unique competitive advantages in the global market, and ensure long-term social, economic and environmental stability in the region.

Abstract: The oily sludge at the South Refineries firm in Basrah Governorate, Southern Iraq, was treated with biosurfactant made from native bacterial isolates. Consequently, 33 bacterial isolates were obtained from 11 samples of oily sludge, water, and soil obtained from various locations within the organization. These isolates were identified biochemically using the VITEK II system and genetically using 16sRNA. The bacterial species identified by the findings were Bacillus cereus, Aeromonas hydrophila/caviae, Staphylococcus lentus, and S. pseudointermedius. The biosurfactant was manufactured by selecting one isolate from each species. The bacteria and their biosurfactants showed a remarkable ability to break down oily sludge. Bacillus cereus was able to reduce 99.16% of the aliphatic fraction, and Staphylococcus lentus 99.69% of the aromatic fraction. These findings suggest that these bacteria could be utilized for bioremediation of environments polluted by petrochemical oily sludge, resulting in reduced pollution and increased industrial output.

Abstract: The emanation of the concept of Industry 4.0 has instigated disruptive and emergent acumen and advanced information technologies, enabling an ever more production efficiency and adeptness level. The technologies of Industry 4.0 have an enormous and gigantic potential of drastically influencing the environmental and social sustainability while accelerating distinguishing contributions in the sustainable development. In this paper, sustainability insinuations and applications of the technologies of Industry 4.0 has been profoundly scrutinized focusing numerous environmental, social and economic attributes by perceiving the alignment of the technologies of Industry 4.0 with sustainability. Although, the goal of integrating Industry 4.0 and sustainability is to enhance the environmental sustainability through the creation of an ecological support guaranteeing ever-higher and more-absolute environmental performance. The novelty of this paper mendacities in its considerate depiction of the technologies of Industry 4.0 and their significant integration with sustainability goalmouths for the creation of sustainable Industry 4.0 and assimilating the environmental sustainability protection.

Abstract: The global growth of discarded end-of-life tires (ELT) is leading to a significant challenge of waste management. Many of these tires are incinerated or exported to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, exacerbating pollution and wasting resources. Until now, the main destinations for recycled rubber have been flooring, rubberized pavements, infill for synthetic turfs and moulded goods. The increasing necessity for the industry to adopt more sustainable products and processes by incorporating recycled materials, needs to be supported by innovative solutions. The present paper introduces a recycled rubber material, characterized by different certified laboratory tests performed to evaluate the mechanical and physical performance of a virgin rubber compound combined with different content levels of rubber powders derived from ELT, and with different particle sizes and production methods. There is extensive research on the ELT management systems and the various methods for recycling rubber from end-of-life tires, but limited studies on the impact of particle size and the influence of content of recycled rubber powders, added in new rubber compounds suited for performance-demanding applications. Based on the laboratory test results and the case study presented in this paper, it was possible to conclude that this recycled material can be incorporated into new rubber compounds, without compromising the performance. Numerous studies examine methods for recycling rubber from end-of-life tires, assessing their progress and limitations. Some focus on well-documented processes such as reclaiming, devulcanization, and surface modification, while others explore long-studied applications like rubberized concrete and rubber-modified asphalt. There is limited available information and published studies on the influence of particle size and content levels of recycled rubber powders that can be incorporated into new rubber compounds, for various applications such as new tires, conveyor belts, gaskets and profiles.

Abstract: The research paper is devoted to the study of the efficiency of biological methods of wastewater treatment, which are among the main pollutants of surface water bodies. The article also focuses on phytoremediation technologies using microalgae, which differ from existing technologies by their high efficiency and relatively low cost, combined with the production of biodiesel from microalgae biomass. The phytoremediation technology of purification from biogenic elements provides increasing environmental safety of food industry enterprises. An example of calculation is given, demonstrating the environmental effect of the developed cleaning technology. Further research and the use of this technology to produce treated water that meets standards is designed to preserve the environment in order to reduce the burden on natural resources and meet sustainable development goals.

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive energy audit and optimization strategy for six motor-driven pumps supplying hot water to essential production circuits in a food manufacturing facility. A Level II audit was conducted to diagnose network inefficiencies, including current and voltage harmonic distortions, power factor issues, and motor load conditions. A complementary demand-side analysis was also performed to align pump operations with actual process requirements and reduce energy losses. Adopting a systems approach, the study focuses on optimizing the overall motor system rather than analyzing components in isolation. Three energy-saving measures were proposed: (i) avoiding idle operations through solenoid valves, (ii) reducing motor power consumption with variable speed drives (VSDs) to match the process-required flow rates, and (iii) optimizing heating to prevent excess water temperature and unnecessary energy consumption. These measures led to substantial energy and cost savings—specifically, annual reductions of 44,079.25 kWh of electricity and 2,921 GJ of thermal energy, equivalent to $67,187 in financial savings and a 214.38-tonne reduction in CO₂ emissions. With payback periods as short as 0.7 years, the proposed actions are economically viable and practically implementable. This research contributes to filling the gap in real-world case studies on industrial energy optimization, particularly in developing countries, by demonstrating that significant savings can be achieved through simple, low-cost interventions. It thereby helps break down the barriers that prevent industries from adopting energy efficiency measures. Despite the specific industrial context, the findings are broadly applicable across sectors due to the widespread use of motor systems. Moreover, the study supports both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering actionable insights for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in the industrial sector.

Abstract: The article deals with the peculiarities of the process of clay particle aggregation when coagulant and flocculant are introduced, as well as the regularity of formation and deposition of the formed flocs. The studies were carried out on a model suspension of bentonite clay with a concentration of 1-10 g/l. In the course of the study, the regularities of aggregate formation in the process of coagulation; the combined action of coagulants and flocculants, as well as the destruction of flocs under the influence of mechanical action were determined, and theoretical ideas were formed regarding the models of the process and the structure of the formed aggregates. It was found that the aggregation of fine particles has optimal ratios of both the concentration of the solid phase and the ratio of flocculant to the solid phase, at which the maximum rate of particle settling is observed. The optimum concentration for this type of clay, at which the maximum flocculation rate is observed, was 4-6 g/l. At other optimum concentrations, a slowdown in floc settling is observed due to the lack of formation of a spherical structure at low concentrations and compressed settling at higher concentrations. To intensify the sedimentation of loose flocs, it was proposed to introduce additional mineral lime particles with a particle size of 20-40 μm, which increase the weight of flocs and accelerate their sedimentation.