Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) offer a promising solution for generating electricity from wind energy, particularly at low wind speeds. Enhancing the design, structure, and material properties of VAWTs can significantly improve their mechanical performance and aerodynamic efficiency. This study aimed to validate a small VAWT design optimized for low wind speeds using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The primary focus was to confirm the simulation results against experimental data from an existing Savonius 2-blade wind turbine operating in the 6–12 m/s speed range. The results demonstrated a high level of consistency between simulation and experimental data, with an error margin of 20
This research focused on the application of a centrifuge combined with a biodiesel washing machine with biochar in biodiesel production. This method aims to reduce the amount of biochar used in the washing process to meet biodiesel standards. Therefore, the research aimed to improve the biodiesel production process by using a centrifuge machine combined with the biochar washing method (CB) and comparing it with two methods: gravitational settling combined with water washing (GW) and gravitational settling combined with biochar washing (GB). The results indicated that the CB method could reduce contaminants in biodiesel. Although the biodiesel yield did not differ from the GB method, it remained higher than the GW method, increasing the biodiesel yield by up to 1.19
Renewable energy consumption has emerged as an energy source that can reduce concerns about greenhouse gas emissions. However, renewable energy generation is less attractive due to its expensive and capital-intensive nature. Countries with lower development levels or individuals with limited capabilities experience increasingly severe negative impacts from environmental changes, leading to health and economic crises. One region that needs to overcome the Middle Income Trap is ASEAN. This study uses the period from 1995 to 2020 with renewable energy as the dependent variable. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), population, and CO2 Emission serve as independent variables, using VECM as the analysis technique. The results show that GDP, FDI, and CO2 Emissions have a significant positive ef, whereas population has a significant negative effect on renewable energy. In the short term, FDI and population significantly positively affect renewable energy. To promote renewable energy development, governments must focus on increasing GDP and attracting FDI, especially in the clean energy sector. Thus, renewable energy generation continues to progress.
Drying is one of the main factors for a quality post-harvest process with high selling value. Farmers in Pacitan, Indonesia, and most farmers in developing countries are highly dependent on weather and rainfall in the drying process of agricultural products. The Pacitan Regency Government has also built a drying system for agricultural products. However, this drying system is not optimal during the rainy season because Pacitan has high rainfall. Therefore, the Dryer Dome technology is adopted with a hybrid source of sunlight and renewable biogas energy called Smart Bio Dryer Dome (SBDD). In general, agricultural communities need evidence of the success of the technology to be willing to adopt it. Therefore, the research team conducted a feasibility study of SBDD innovation in increasing agricultural productivity in Pacitan Regency. The method used in the study was Participatory Action Research (PAR). The data taken was a Smart Bio Dryer Dome Technical Analysis, a business feasibility analysis that included the ratio of revenue to cost, benefit to cost, the internal rate of return, the net present value, and the payback period. In addition, environmental impact analysis data was also taken through the measurement of changes in methane emissions from cattle waste. The results showed higher IRR and NPV values, faster payback period values, as well as better revenue-to-cost and benefit-to-cost values for a longer period of use of the Solar Dryer Dome.
Generating renewable energy locally in urban areas is vital for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Small wind turbines are increasingly recognized as practical and effective solutions for harnessing renewable energy in urban environments. This research employed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate an urban area earmarked for wind turbine installation, specifically focusing on buildings within the Faculty of Engineering at Mahidol University, Thailand. Velocity distribution was analyzed to simulate non-uniform airflow typical of urban wind conditions, considering various wind speeds and directions. The study revealed that the velocity field distribution varied significantly with different wind directions. Moreover, optimal rooftops for wind turbine placement were identified, highlighting the importance of strategic installations. Specifically, rooftops with turbulence intensity (TI) ≤ 0.15 were found suitable for horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) positioned 8.6 m above the EG3 building. Below this threshold, vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) were recommended to harness flow recirculation within the roof area.
Introduction: This study examines the combined impact of chemical and noise exposure on hearing loss in high-risk industries. Utilizing information from audiometric testing, noise risk assessment, and chemical exposure monitoring. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between hearing loss and simultaneous exposure to solvents and noise among workers in Malaysia’s high-risk industries, specifically focusing on paint manufacturing operators. METHODS: The surveillance study involves relevant respondents gathered from selected paint manufacturing operators, with a total sample size of 302. The data on injuries, illnesses, exposures, and audiometric tests were collected to assess ototoxic risk from noise exposure using Chemical Exposure Monitoring (CEM) and Noise Risk Assessment (NRA) reports and conducting audiometry tests on workers. Out of these, 244 responses were received and analysed. RESULTS: The logistic regression analysis of hearing impairment risk-based exposure groups. The group “Exposed to ototoxic chemicals noise >85 dB” is at a higher risk of having a hearing impairment. This group has a β value of 0.9691 and an Exp(B) of 2.635616, indicating they are approximately 2.6 times more likely to develop hearing impairment compared to the non-exposed group. Despite the “Exposed to noise >85 dB” group having a very high β value, the associated high standard error and non-significant p-value (0.9991) suggest that the estimate is unreliable. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the critical need to integrate measures addressing solvent and noise exposure in hearing conservation programs tailored for workers, particularly in high-risk industries. The results indicate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) increases significantly when solvents and noise are present together.
Although cocoa-based agroforestry systems are essential for addressing climate change, deforestation and land degradation, only few attempts have been made to adopt cocoa agroforestry practices as a large-scale conservation practice in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the effect of local land tenurial arrangements and socio-economic factors on the adoption of cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the Abuakwa South and North Municipalities of Eastern Ghana. The data was collected using a mixed method approach, which included a survey of 197 cocoa farmers and 5 focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistics regression and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The results indicate that about 94
This study aims to evaluate the oxidative potential (OP) of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and investigate the role of their metal component in contributing to OP during the biomass burning (BB) period in Northern Thailand. The study further assesses the associated health risks using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) method for various age groups. The oxidative potential of PM2.5 samples (n = 30) collected on daily basis (24 h) in Jan–Feb 2021, indicative of its toxicity, was measured using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay, and metals were extracted and analyzed by ICP-OES. The HQ approach was applied to assess non-carcinogenic health risks among exposed populations. The mean PM2.5 concentration during the peak biomass burning season was 61.75 ± 14.9 µg/m3, with a volume-normalized oxidative potential (OPv) of 0.1 ± 0.03 nmol/min/m3. Significant positive correlations were observed between OP and Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations (r = 0.70, 0.70, and 0.65, respectively), indicating their contribution to ROS generation. Higher concentrations of OP and PM2.5 were observed during peak burning months Jan–Feb highlighting the impact of anthropogenic activities. The health risk assessment revealed an average HQ value of 4.0, exceeding the safety threshold of 1.0 for all age groups, with children aged 2–3 years identified as the most vulnerable due to their developing immune systems. This study highlights the significant role of redox-active metals in enhancing the oxidative potential of PM2.5, emphasizing the health risks posed by exposure during biomass burning seasons. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and the need to incorporate OP metrics in air quality assessments to better protect public health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children.
Soil contamination poses a significant challenge in agriculture, especially with pathogens like Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose, which persists in soil and plant debris, threatening crop cycles. This study developed a sustainable solution by combining recycled glass-based porous beads with herbal extracts and zinc oxide (ZnO) for soil remediation. The optimal glass mixture ratio was 88:5:7 (glass powder: diatomite: dolomite), resulting in a largest pore size of 614.14 μm and a pore volume of 5.35 × 10⁻2 cm3/g. Marigold flowers, extracted using the Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) method with 95
This study investigates the impact of green production on export performance within Asia’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors. It uses threshold panel data analysis to determine the specific emission thresholds that facilitate a shift from cost burden to competitive advantage. Results indicate that adopting renewable energy significantly enhances export values, especially when carbon emissions are maintained below 1.751 tons per capita for the manufacturing sector and 1.878 tons per capita for the agriculture sector. The findings highlight that manufacturing exports exhibit heightened sensitivity to changes in emission levels, suggesting an inverse relation between emission levels and export potential. For instance, when emissions exceed critical thresholds, they negatively impact exports to regions enforcing stringent environmental regulations, such as the European Union, Oceania, and North America, underscoring the potential trade benefits of lower emissions. In contrast, the effect of emissions on export performance in Asian markets is more subdued, likely due to less stringent environmental policies in this region. These insights demonstrate the economic benefits of integrating sustainable practices into production processes. They provide a valuable framework for policymakers and businesses aiming to enhance their competitive edge through environmental sustainability.
This study numerically assesses the impact of a new railway on urban development and thermal comfort, specifically the Tsukuba Express (TX) railway in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, Japan. The railway was chosen because it connects high-, mid-urbanized, and suburban areas in the Tokyo Metropolitan region, Japan, allowing for a distinct evaluation of its impact on each urban area type. Consequently, four representative stations were selected: one in a high-urbanized area, two in mid-urbanized areas, and one in a suburban area. A numerical atmospheric model, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF), with a horizontal resolution of 250 m, was used to simulate the areas along the entire railway, including the stations. The study includes two simulation cases: before (2005) and after (2015) the construction of the TX. The impact of urbanization on surface air temperature distribution along the TX railway is initially assessed. The results indicate that the most significant temperature increase (1.7 °C) occurred in suburban stations between 2005 and 2015 at 1800 JST compared to other areas. Following the development of the TX railway in 2005, anthropogenic heat (AH) release from buildings and traffic increased rapidly by approximately 80 W/m2. The study highlights that areas experiencing significant increases in air temperature and energy consumption need careful attention and the implementation of feasible environmentally friendly measures.
In the past decade, rapid advancements in correction techniques based on numerical forecasts have yielded significant improvements in meteorological element (especially temperature) predictions. However, in operational applications, the absolute accuracy of forecasts in complex terrain regions remains relatively low, with notable forecast errors persisting in transitional weather conditions such as cloudy weather. Building upon this foundation, this study focuses on Model Output Statistics (MOS) forecast corrections. Prior to correction, employing two technical methods—spatial interpolation optimization (using Cressman interpolation and locally optimizing the interpolation radius from 0.2° to 1.4°) and cloud cover grouping optimization (based on the numerical model’s total cloud amount (TCC) and low cloud amount (LCC), with a cross-grouping of 45 groups ranging from 0.9 to 0.1 for local optimization)—further mitigates the impact of terrain on temperature forecasts and enhances forecast accuracy in transitional weather conditions. Upon examination, the MOS forecast results for temperature have achieved an additional 3–4
The pressing need for sustainable transportation solutions on university campuses is accentuated by growing environmental concerns due to transportation-related carbon emissions, emphasizing the necessity for proactive sustainability measures. In addressing this escalating issue, the research investigates the multifaceted effects of incorporating cycling pathways as a strategic approach to reduce the carbon footprint within university campus. The core focus of the research lies in examining the principles and reasons, behind the creation of cycling pathways supported by a detailed analysis of previous studies confirming their effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions. The study also utilized the questionnaire survey to empirically validate the benefits of cycling pathways in mitigating environmental impacts within university environments. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the research highlights the importance of cycling pathways in promoting sustainable urban spaces, addressing climate change challenges, and enhancing physical health among campus residents. Successful implementation of cycling pathways has broad national, societal and university level impacts which contribute substantially to the wider environmental conservation agenda and promote community wellness as well as a culture of sustainability in academia. In essence, the research is a fundamental building block for advocating and advancing sustainable transport paradigms on university campuses that epitomize the transformative potential of cycling pathways in shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.
Children’s exposure to dust in the air is concerning. It significantly impacts health risks, as the toxic substance in dust poses a long-term health hazard. The goal of this study was to assess indoor and outdoor carcinogenic metal levels in child development centers in the industrial city of Rayong Province, Thailand, to evaluate the health risk assessment. The results of carcinogenic metals in indoor dust levels ranged from 19.1 ± 1.4 to 59.8 ± 1.6 mg/kg for As, 2.6 ± 0.1 to 8.3 ± 0.1 mg/kg for Cd, 77.1 ± 4.2 to 319.0 ± 11.4 mg/kg for Cr, 37.2 ± 1.3 to 260.3 ± 3.3 mg/kg for Ni, and 45.7 ± 0.7 to 127.9 ± 10.9 mg/kg for Pb. The levels of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in the outdoor environment of the child development centers ranged from 21.7 ± 2.1 to 56.6 ± 1.1 mg/kg, 2.6 ± 0.1 to 3.9 ± 0.1 mg/kg, 75.2 ± 2.9 to 331.4 ± 33.7 mg/kg, 35.5 ± 1.2 to 218.7 ± 22.7 mg/kg and 53.6 ± 1.1 to 89.4 ± 1.1 mg/kg, respectively. In industrial areas, the construction of logistics and transportation facilities, as well as the development of well-established industrial estates and traffic, are the main sources of carcinogenic metals. Studies on the long-term health effects of indoor and outdoor carcinogenic metals in dust exposure have found that carcinogenic metals in dust do not have a significant impact on human cancer. Furthermore, adults are exposed to carcinogenic metals in dust at higher levels than children. The long-term effects of dust exposure may affect human health due to carcinogenic metal bioaccumulation in the body.
Thailand’s commitment to achieving its CO2 emissions reduction policy by 2027 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2070 is a critical component of international strategic efforts to mitigate climate change. One proposed method of implementing these plans involves capturing CO2 emissions and storing them permanently underground. As an initial step, this study proposes using flue gas emissions from the post-combustion process of a 9.9 MWe biomass-fired power plant (BFPP) as a case study, followed by an assessment of potential power plants to evaluate the feasibility of launching a new green campaign aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 13th. This paper presents a technical and economic assessment of integrating a BFPP facility in Thailand with CO2 capture and liquefaction technology. An equilibrium-based process model for CO2 capture, compression, and liquefaction was simulated using ASPEN Plus software, while both CAPEX and OPEX were evaluated using the Enhanced Detailed Factor (EDF) method. Results indicate that the levelized cost of CO2 capture (LCOC) ranges from US103/tCO2 to US125/tCO2. The energy demand for the CO2 capture, compression, and liquefaction system reduced the overall efficiency of the plant by 11
Integrating microalgae cultivation into urban surroundings through building-integrated systems (BIS) provides a long-term solution for increasing space efficiency. This study investigated the effects of light exposure time and carbon supplementation on microalgae growth, utilizing Chlorella sp. as a basic model and extending the results to Scenedesmus sp. The study was conducted at Mahidol University’s Faculty of Engineering building, where a specialized BIS for microalgae culture was developed. Chlorella sp. was chosen for its versatility and extensive use. The experimental results showed that a 12-h light exposure combined with a 0.01
Coastal areas of Bangladesh have been considered to be vulnerable regions of the country for severe damage occurrence due to cyclones over the years, while coastal vegetation plays a vital role in mitigating climatic disasters. This study presents an analysis of cyclonic track and vegetation cover change detection based on satellite imagery of the selected coastal areas of Bangladesh (especially the southern part), namely—‘Bhola’ and ‘Barguna’ districts. This study aims to use Landsat satellite imagery, remote sensing, and GIS techniques to analyze vegetation change from the year 2000 to 2024 and determine major cyclonic tracks across the study area. The principal methodology employed in this study is the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) differencing and accuracy assessment of reclassified images that validate the detection of vegetation change over time. To find out the vegetation index, waterbody, and non-vegetation space, NDVI employs multi-spectral remote sensing techniques with a combination of satellite imagery bands. NDVI is one of the most frequently employed indices for vegetation analysis with the help of GIS and remote sensing. The process involves mosaicking Landsat images from different years, calculating the NDVI value, and using a user-identified approach to create a classified map from the NDVI map to assess area and change detection. The findings reveal a significant increase in vegetation cover in the Barguna and Bhola districts from 2000 to 2024. In 2024, Barguna district had the highest vegetation coverage 75.51
The blue economy is recognized as a viable approach for both conservation of environmental capital and sustainable economic growth. All aquatic ecosystems, both freshwater and marine, should be included under the umbrella term “blue economy.” Freshwater habitats are among the most vulnerable areas in the world, even though they provide many important ecosystem services (ES) to humans. In this paper we study the Prespa lakes Basin on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. The Prespa lakes are a system of two lakes, the Macro (Megali, Large) Prespa lake and the Micro (Mikri, Small) Prespa lake. The Prespa lakes basin is a unique natural area of great ecological, geomorphological, and cultural importance. Prespa lakes provide a wide range of provisioning, regulation and maintenance, and cultural ecosystem services, including the supply of food and water, the mediation of contaminants, and the climate regulation, in addition to physical and intellectual benefits. The supply of ecosystem services from the Prespa lakes basin is at risk due to the ecological damage caused by human activity. The restoration and protection of the terrestrial and aquatic environment is crucial to ensure the long-term viability of future generations.
Injection molding is a widely used mass-production technology, accounting for approximately 35
This study assesses the health risks associated with PM2.5 exposure in Upper Northern Thailand over a five-year period (2019–2023), focusing on seasonal variations and their impact on different age groups and regions. Data collected from nine provinces by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) reveals a significant increase in PM2.5 concentrations during the annual biomass burning season, with levels more than doubling compared to non-haze periods. The highest monthly average PM2.5 concentration was recorded in Chiang Rai over the five years (45.14 ± 65.64 µg/m3, while Lampang had the lowest (29.26 ± 25.29 µg/m)3. The health risk assessment, conducted using the Hazard Quotient (HQ), indicates that children aged 2 to under 3 years are particularly vulnerable, with HQ values frequently exceeding the safety threshold of 1.0. Chiang Rai exhibited the highest average HQ value of 2.23, while Lampang had the lowest at 1.90, both indicating significant health risks. The study also identifies strong correlations in PM2.5 levels across provinces, particularly in mountainous areas where pollutants are trapped, leading to prolonged exposure. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, especially during the haze season, to mitigate the long-term impacts of PM2.5 on vulnerable populations.
