PurposeWeighting in LCA is important as it supports decision-making by prioritising and determining which impact categories are more important. However, the lack of weighting factors in developing countries forces LCA practitioners to adopt weighting values developed for other countries, leading to a less transparent decision-making process. One transparent and easily reproducible distance-to-target (DtT) weighting method that can be applied in Nigeria is the Swiss-developed ecological scarcity method. This method is based on the ratio of the current environmental situation of a country, region or product to the desired policy targets. The purpose of this study was to apply the ESM to develop weighting factors and eco-factors for Nigeria.MethodsThe normalization and current flows data for emissions and resource use in 2010 (base year) were collected from official data sources, and the critical flows were extracted from corresponding policy targets of the Government of Nigeria in 2030 (target year). The ESM was then applied to the aggregated data to derive Nigeria-specific weighting factors and eco-factors as the quantitative indicators for the emissions and resources.Results and discussionWeighting and eco-factors for emissions and resources were developed for 25 environmental issues in Nigeria. NOx, total petroleum hydrocarbon and land use weigh heavily. Except for carcinogenic substances in the air, emissions to water resulted in high eco-factors: TPH, phenol, total nitrogen, nitrate, ammonia and heavy metals (human and ecotoxicity). Policymakers in Nigeria need to set quantitative emission reduction targets for substances and such as carcinogenic substances in the air, oil spills and metal mineral resources.ConclusionsThe ESM was used to develop Nigeria's eco-factors as quantitative indicators for emissions or resource use using the normalization and current flows in 2010 obtained from government data sources as base year data. The critical flows were extracted from the policy targets of the government of Nigeria, with 2030 as the target year. The eco-factors can support environmental sustainability decision-making in Nigeria. Future methodological development should apply updated policy targets and more data to calculate eco-factors for missing substances such as waste (radioactive and non-radioactive), heavy metal emissions to air and soil, emissions to groundwater, photochemical ozone creation substances and phosphorous in surface water and soil.

The research assesses the environmental impacts of waste management in Fez, Morocco, in line with the legal standards set by law 28-00 on waste management and law 12-03 on environmental impact assessment. Using the DPSIR framework (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response), 43 unregulated landfills were analyzed to assess their impacts on water, air, soil, biodiversity, and socio-economic activities. The results reveal medium to major impacts, predominantly local but continuous, affecting soil, water, air, and ecosystems. Human-related impacts include noise pollution and health risks, though there are also positive effects, such as job creation. While drought has lessened some water-related impacts, the overall disruption to ecosystems and communities is significant. The key message of this investigation is that unregulated waste management in Fez is causing ongoing environmental damage, particularly through illegal landfills. This research underscores the necessity of improving waste management strategies by integrating systematic evaluation methods like DPSIR. By providing a more systematic approach to understanding the complex interactions between waste and the environment, these findings are essential for shaping future waste management policies and promoting better environmental integration in urban planning.

Increased anthropogenic activities over the last decades have led to a gradual increase in chromium (Cr) content in the soil, which, due to its high mobility in soil, makes Cr accumulation in plants a serious threat to the health of animals and humans. The present study investigated the ameliorative effect of foliar-applied Si nanoparticles (SiF) and soil-applied SiNPs enriched biochar (SiBc) on the growth of wheat in Cr-polluted soil (CPS). Two levels of CPS were prepared, including 12.5 % and 25 % by adding Cr-polluted wastewater in the soil as soil 1 (S1) and soil 2 (S2), respectively for the pot experiment with a duration of 40 days. Cr stress significantly reduced wheat growth, however, combined application of SiF and SiBc improved root and shoot biomass production under Cr stress by (i) reducing Cr accumulation, (ii) increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase and catalase), and (iii) increasing protein and total phenolic contents in both root and shoot respectively. Nonetheless, separate applications of SiF and SiBc effectively reduced Cr toxicity in shoot and root respectively, indicating a tissue-specific regulation of wheat growth under Cr. Later, the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm analysis showed a maximum soil Cr adsorption capacity similar to Q((max)) of 40.6 mg g(-1) and 59 mg g(-1) at S1 and S2 respectively, while the life cycle impact assessment showed scores of -1 mg kg(-1) and -211 mg kg(-1) for Cr in agricultural soil and - 0.184 and - 38.7 for human health at S1 and S2 respectively in response to combined SiF + SiBC application, thus indicating the environment implication of Si nanoparticles and its biochar in ameliorating Cr toxicity in different environmental perspectives.

PurposeThe local dimension of toxicity effect on humans and ecosystem from chemical emissions into rural environments is currently not considered in impact characterization models underlying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The aim of the present study was to understand the relevance of considering a local exposure environment for the magnitude of damage related to human toxicity and ecotoxicity impacts associated with chemical emissions into a local environment.MethodUnit and realistic European emission scenarios were considered in a proposed multimedia nested box model, based on an existing framework modified with the inclusion of a local scale, and tested for ten chemicals in an illustrative case study.ResultsA substantial damage increase in terms of characterization factors in the proposed model was found for human health, mainly for local freshwater emissions (up to three orders of magnitude compared to emissions into continental freshwater for naphthalene) and soil emissions (up to two orders of magnitude, in particular for emissions into natural soil for 1,2-dichloroethane).ConclusionsBased on our results, we suggest to use the proposed framework in LCA applications, when more specific information about the local emission environment is known. With respect to considering the local-scale, however, spatialized models might be preferable over nested box models to properly capture local phenomena in rather highly densely populated areas.

The vibrations generated by metro operations can cause structural damage and discomfort to occupants adjacent to the metro lines. In this study, a multigrid fully coupled method of metro vehicle-track-station-soil-building systems is proposed to predict and assess building vibrations before construction. This approach facilitates the efficient calculation of the fully coupled system, while ensuring precise simulations through the utilization of multigrid techniques for wheel-rail contact, track, station, soil, and building components. Using the newly built opera theatre along Beijing metro line 4 as a case, the study demonstrates that the multigrid fully coupled model can predict the dynamics characteristics of metro-induced vibrations and distribution with high accuracy compared with the field tests. Specifically, it was found that metro operations could result in vibrations exceeding specified limits in the opera theatre, particularly at 10 similar to 40 Hz (the building's natural frequency) and 60 similar to 80 Hz (the main frequency band of vibration caused by the metro). Finally, the mechanism of excessive vibration and the effectiveness of targeted vibration mitigation measures were analyzed with the proposed method. These findings have promising implications for wider applications in environmental assessments and control strategies for new metro lines or vibration-sensitive buildings. Graphical Abstract

Introduction: More than 16% of the total electricity used worldwide is met by hydropower, having local to regional environmental consequences. With positive indicators that energy is becoming more broadly available and sustainable, the world is moving closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). Pakistan became the first nation to include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in its national development strategy.Methodology: The current study sought to investigate the structural limits of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines for hydropower development in Pakistan. The study included the document review of the EIA reports about hydropower projects in Pakistan, scientific questionnaires from decision-makers, and public consultation.Results and Discussion: The document evaluates that an adequate mechanism is available, and donors like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank observe the implementation process of EIA in Pakistan. However, a comprehensive analysis of the EIA system found several things that could be improved, not only in the institutional framework but also in actual implementation and practices. More than 20% of respondent decision-makers disagreed with the compliance of the current Institutional Framework with EIA guidelines, and 25% think that the existing guidelines followed in Pakistan are not aligned with international standards and practices for Hydropower in actual practice. EIA has a limited impact on decision-making due to insufficient technical and financial resources.Recommendations: There should be a think tank with experts who can meet the needs of present and future epochs. The public should be communicated with and educated about EIA. For better efficiency, the officers and decision-makers should be trained internationally, i.e., the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

This study presents a deep learning model created for enabling comprehensive wildfire control by seamlessly combining satellite images, weather data and terrain details. Current systems face challenges in comprehensively analyzing these factors due to limitations in data integration, dynamic fire behavior prediction, and post-fire ecological impact evaluation. By improving detection and accurate assessment of impact, the system addresses all aspects of wildfire management from forecasting to post event analysis. The model integrates soil quality examination and vegetation regrowth simulation Using image analysis and state of the art deep learning methods. This holistic approach of Image analysis employs Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for predicting wildfire risk and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) for assessing soil and hydrological effects. This adaptable approach, which aims to transform the way fire control is done, can be readily adjusted to changing conditions and takes correlations between different aspects into account. It surpasses conventional techniques by including soil quality analysis, vegetation regrowth modeling, and vegetation damage evaluation. The adaptable nature of this method proves invaluable, in lessening the impact of wildfires with a focus, on evaluating vegetation damage and promoting restoration.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) became mandatory in Pakistan in 1983 with the passage of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance. The Sustainable Development Goals were incorporated into Pakistan's national development strategy, making it the first country in history to do so. The study is based on evaluating the mitigation strategies and environmental impact assessment at the Gulpur Hydropower Project (HPP), Kotli, AJK, which uses the Poonch River's water resources to generate power and has a design capacity of 100 MW using the EIA documentation of Gulpur HPP. In addition to making additional observations and reviewing the literature, the study looked at Mira Power Limited's EIA reports. The possible effects, as well as the Government's and MPL's mitigating actions, were examined by the authors. EIA procedures at the Gulpur HPP considered several laws, including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, AJK Wildlife Ordinance of 2013, the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, and Laws Regulating Flow Releases for Hydropower Projects. Projects using hydropower in delicate areas carry a high risk. Given the thorough analysis of the hazards in this instance, it is evident that the EIA had a significant impact on the project's design. The authors concluded that there are no negative environmental effects of the construction of hydropower projects in the concerned area and that all potential effects and compensation were handled legally and efficiently. The study suggested that all hydropower projects in Pakistan undertake environmental impact assessments. Evaluating the mitigation strategies and environmental impact assessment at the Gulpur Hydropower Project.EIA procedures at the Gulpur HPP considered several laws, including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency.The development of hydropower projects in the affected area had no negative environmental effects, and any potential effects or compensation were handled lawfully and effectively.

Study RegionThe Naryn River Basin, KyrgyzstanStudy FocusWe investigate the impacts of climate change in the basin based on two families of General Circulation Models (GCMs) using the hydrological model SWAT. The forcing datasets are the widely used ISIMIP2 (I2) and the newly derived ISIMIP3 (I3) data which refer to the 5th and 6th stage of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). Due to notable differences in the forcing we evaluate their impacts on various hydrological components of the basin, such as discharge, evapotranspiration (ETA) and soil moisture (SM). Besides, a partial correlation (PC) analysis is used to assess the meteorological controls of the basin with special emphasize on the SM-ETA coupling. New Hydrological Insights for the RegionAgreement in the basin's projections is found, such as discharge shifts towards an earlier peak flow of one month, significant SM reductions and ETA increases. I3 temperature projections exceed their previous estimates and show an increase in precipitation, which differs from I2. However, the mitigating effects do not lead to an improvement in the region's susceptibility to soil moisture deficits. The PC study reveals enhanced water-limited conditions expressed as positive SM-ETA feedback under I2 and I3, albeit slightly weaker under I3.

Temperature projections for the 21st century made in the Third Assessment Report (TAR) of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate a rise of 1.4 to 5.8degreesC for 1990-2100. However, several independent lines of evidence suggest that the projections at the upper end of this range are not well supported. Since the publication of the TAR, several findings have appeared in the scientific literature that challenge many of the assumptions that generated the TAR temperature range. Incorporating new findings on the radiative forcing of black carbon (BC) aerosols, the magnitude of the climate sensitivity, and the strength of the climate/carbon cycle feedbacks into a simple upwelling diffusion/energy balance model similar to the one that was used in the TAR, we find that the range of projected warming for the 1990-2100 period is reduced to 1.1-2.8degreesC. When we adjust the TAR emissions scenarios to include an atmospheric CO2 pathway that is based upon observed CO2 increases during the past 25 yr, we find a warming range of 1.5-2.6degreesC prior to the adjustments for the new findings. Factoring in these findings along with the adjusted CO2 pathway reduces the range to 1.0-1.6degreesC. And thirdly, a simple empirical adjustment to the average of a large family of models, based upon observed changes in temperature, yields a warming range of 1.3-3.0degreesC, with a central value of 1.9degreesC. The constancy of these somewhat independent results encourages us to conclude that 21st century warming will be modest and near the low end of the IPCC TAR projections.