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2023 | Buch

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Anthropogenic Environmental Hazards

Compensation and Mitigation

herausgegeben von: Pankaj Pathak, Rajiv Ranjan Srivastava, Sadia Ilyas

Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

This book delves into the anthropogenic activities responsible for environmental hazards, their compensation, and potential mitigation strategies. It sheds light on the major contributors to the climate change issues aggravated by non-sustainable practices for the overexploitation of natural resources. Critical topics such as high emissions in primary mining, the recovery of energy-critical metals by urban mining, solid waste management, and forest conservation are explored, offering insights into the urgent challenges we face.

Amidst the rapid demand for resources and the expansion of human habitats, the book emphasizes the need for new approaches to natural resource management and introspection of our actions. Experts in the field discuss existing anthropogenic environmental hazards in detail, alongside environmental compensation, and effective mitigation approaches.

The book begins with a chapter dedicated to risk assessment in primary mining activities for precious metals, proposing potential routes for mitigation. Chapter 2 focuses on assessing and mitigating the environmental footprints of energy-critical metals used in permanent magnets. In Chapter 3, a case study examines sustainable resource utilization through end-of-life room air conditioner recycling. Additional chapters provide critical insights into:

The environmental impacts of e-waste and government policies for responsible managementHazards associated with industrial effluents and corresponding mitigation strategiesThe role of roadside plants in phytoremediation of heavy metal pollutionSustainable utilization of anthropogenic coal fly ash through mechanical and chemical activationEnvironmental damages resulting from the mismanagement of municipal solid wasteEnvironmental problems and remediation strategies for anthropogenic biomass wasteChallenges in sustainable municipal solid waste management and suggestions for environmental risk mitigation

The book concludes with a chapter discussing collaborative governance and non-monetary compensation mechanisms for sustainable forest management. Given its breadth, this book serves as an indispensable resource for researchers, policymakers, and environmental professionals seeking sustainable approaches to tackle pressing environmental challenges.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Risk Assessment from Primary Mining of Precious Metal (Gold) and Possible Mitigation Route

Abstract

Mining is an important activity at the present time that causes severe environmental stress. The heavy metals (metalloids) easily released into the environment, surface water and groundwater contamination, and soil and air pollution are also potential risks to human health. Due to the stringent environmental rules and global thirst for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, human negligence cannot be affordable in the long run. It is time to recognize the need for people connected with safe and sustainable mining activities of lucrative precious metals like gold. Therefore, in this chapter, we assess the risks caused by the primary mining of gold and discuss mitigation routes involving various factors.

Sadia Ilyas, Hyunjung Kim, Pankaj Pathak, Rajiv Ranjan Srivastava

Assessment and Mitigation of Environmental Footprints for Energy-Critical Metals Used in Permanent Magnets

Abstract

Critical raw materials (CRMs) include cobalt (Co) and rare earth elements (REEs) that serve as essential elements in many modern, rapidly evolving clean energy technologies, from wind turbines and electrical networks to electric automobiles. As clean energy transitions accelerate, consumption of these minerals will rise significantly. The rapid demand for CRMs in technology raises serious concerns regarding supply availability and consistency. Rare earth elements (REEs) are the key elements of permanent magnets that are employed in wind turbines and e-vehicles. The demand for these CRMs is expected to increase as the use of permanent magnets in various applications continues to grow. Hence, there is a need for sustainable and responsible sourcing of these materials to ensure their availability in the long run. This chapter highlights the energy-critical metals used in permanent magnets, particularly focusing on neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets for clean energy production. Moreover, the assessment of their economic importance and environmental challenges is also discussed in detail. Finally, mitigation approaches to environmental footprints such as recycling and reusing secondary resources, sustainable processing, and substitution techniques during the manufacturing of magnets are also discussed.

Humma Akram Cheema, Muhammad Farhan, Hyunjung Kim

Assessing End-of-Life Room Air Conditioner Recycling Potential for Sustainable Resource Utilization in India: A Case Study for Reducing Environmental Burden

Abstract

Increasing cooling requirements for residential space owing to the rise in global temperature have led to an increased demand for room air conditioners. The pursuit for comfort in the residential and commercial spaces accompanied by expanding economic activities has increased the market size of this consumer durable globally by about three times in 2021 as compared to the 1990 levels. The high electricity consumption by air conditioners and their contribution toward greenhouse gas emission (994 Mt CO₂) have necessitated the innovation of energy-efficient technologies. The neodymium-iron-boron rare earth permanent magnet-based motor architecture in air compressors helps in reducing electricity consumption by 58%. This study projects the growth of the residential air conditioner segment in India considering the plausible near-to-medium-term scenarios and estimates the demand for the rare earth elements used in the compressor motors in India till 2030. However, the escalated demand for rare earth materials is anticipated as a major roadblock to the aspirational ‘green and energy-efficient transition’ since it could lead to raw material shortage. Therefore, recycling essential components from the air conditioner units is envisaged as a suitable solution for sustaining the product supply chain. Different scenarios have been considered regarding the collection of end-of-life air conditioners while analyzing the impact of material recovery and recycling. Recovery, recycling, and reuse would likely result in the efficient utilization of critical materials with limited availability worldwide. The magnet-based rare earth elements recovered from consumer durables can be used in other value chains of commercial as well as strategic importance. The suggested closed-loop recovery and recycling of magnetic materials from the end-of-life air compressors are aimed at strengthening an alternate supply chain for fulfilling the growing demand for energy-efficient heavy consumer durables.

Arpita Pandey, Rudrodip Majumdar

Environmental Impacts and Government Policies for Responsible Management of E-Waste

Abstract

The exponential advancement of technology, along with our demanding consumption habits, has ended up in an alarming growth in electronic waste (e-waste) creation, posing a severe environmental risk. This chapter highlights the environmental implications of e-waste as well as government attempts to promote responsible waste management, sustainable consumption, and separation of raw materials from these wastes. Dangerous chemicals, including Hg, Pb, and Cd, along with brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are released into the atmosphere during illegal disposal or informal recycling of e-waste, eventually building up in our ecosystem and disrupting the normal ecological cycle. It results in heavy metal contamination in the soil and water, emissions in the air, as well as negative impacts on human lives such as reproductive abnormalities and respiratory disease. The government policy like extended producer responsibility (EPR) implementation frameworks emphasize the collection and recycling systems and promote the sustainable waste management practices. EPR requires producers to take responsibility for their goods complete life cycle, including proper disposal and recycling. Collaboration among governments, manufacturers, consumers, and recycling sectors is required to manage e-waste effectively. Thus, environmental risks can be reduced by adopting ecosystem-friendly practices in sustainable e-waste management and nurturing a circular economy.

Nidhi Pandey, Pankaj Pathak

Hazards Associated with Industrial Effluents and Its Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Industrial effluent is related to liquid waste generated by industries that may be emitted into the municipal drainage or sewer system. The effluents composition is extremely variable and heavily influenced by the various industries from which they originate. Contaminants can be grouped into different classes such as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals and metalloids, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastics. Each contaminant upon exposure possesses a specific health impact on humans and animals as well as on marine life when mixed in the sewer.

This harmful effluent needs to be treated to reduce its adverse effect either on-site or off-site. There are a variety of conventional and advanced wastewater treatment facilities available for use. For on-site installation of treatment facilities, the cost of such plants can be reduced by the government by taxing less on equipment purchases. For off-site installation of the treatment plant, the local body can seek financial support from the industries producing these effluents.

Ziaul Haque Ansari, Uttam Bista

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Roadside Plants and Their Role in Phytoremediation

Abstract

Plants play very crucial roles in pollution control. According to their physical and chemical properties, contaminants can either be stable or labile. The movement of the stoma, or mouth of the leaf, and trichome adsorption are what allow plants to carry out the absorption process (spines or leaf hair). Heavy metals are the group of inorganic chemical pollutants and road traffic emissions that are most harmful to the biosphere. Since they cannot be broken down through biological and chemical processes, unlike organic pollutants, they tend to accumulate in the environment. Vehicular emissions and industrial exhausts harm the ecosystem while also causing heavy metal contamination. Untamed plants growing beside roadsides may be able to assist reduce heavy metal pollution. Heavy metals that impact the morphological, physiological, and reproductive characteristics of plants progressively change the pH of the soil. Roadside vegetation’s germination and seedling development are impacted by heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation can be employed as an alternative solution for heavy metal remediation processes because of its advantages as a low-cost, high-efficient, environmentally acceptable and eco-friendly techniques based on the utilization of metal accumulating plants. Future research on the number of heavy metals in a range of tropical roadside plants is necessary to determine the exact source and transport processes.

Dipak Kumar Mahida, Vishal M. Makwana, Mahipal Singh Sankhla, Ankita Patel, Pravinsang Dodia

Sustainable Utilization of Anthropogenic Coal Fly Ash Through Mechanical and Chemical Activation

Abstract

Anthropogenic coal fly ash (CFA) is a pozzolanic material comprises silico-alumina, making it an excellent secondary raw material with a range of applications. It is utilized for wastewater treatment, extraction of valuable minerals, and the production of ceramics, cement, concrete, building materials, composites, paints, and plastic materials. The crystalline and amorphous phases of CFA contain metals and metalloid oxides, with the amorphous portion playing a significant role in chemical reactions. However, the direct use of coal fly ash poses challenges due enriched potentially toxic trace elements. Nevertheless, the upstream extraction of valuable minerals and efficient downstream applications of CFA can be improved through mechanical and/or chemical activation. Industrial and laboratory-scale purification and modification of coal fly ash by size reduction, surface modification, and functionalization are discussed in this chapter.

Dilip Kumar Rajak, Swapan Suman, Chandan Guria, Ganesh Kumar

Environmental Damages Due to Mismanagement of Municipal Solid Waste

Abstract

Solid waste’s generation rate depends on any country’s urbanization and economic development. Among all types of SW processes, management and handling of municipal solid waste (MSW) is one of the significant concerns. Generally, in developing countries, the discarded MSW is either being dumped in landfills or directly combusted in open air. This unscientific manner of treating solid wastes causes environmental pollution and global climate change besides posing a threat to human health. Moreover, it is projected that there would be an increase in population of ~3.4 billion tons by 2050, thereby adding to the new challenges in managing solid waste due to limited landfill space and lack of technologies in treating them. Thus, accordingly, this chapter provides an overview of various sources, environmental damages, and the potential solutions that can help address these environmental damages caused by MSW mismanagement. Sustainable management mainly includes waste reduction, composting, recycling, and energy recovery. The effective utilization of these technologies directly or indirectly depends on composition, geographical location, attributes, funding accessibility, and externalities associated with each method.

Dalia Carbonel, Yordin Garriazo, Mary Mayhua, Sara Orozco, M. S. S. R. Tejaswini

A Detailed Review on the Environmental Problem and Remediation of Anthropogenic Biomass Waste

Abstract

Biomass waste management is a transnational, ever-growing dilemma for a healthy environment and its related issues. Growing agricultural and industrial sectors, households, and municipal garbages are the major sources of biowaste. The careless handling of these wastes results in a continuous buildup of toxic contaminants, which have a detrimental effect on the environment and living things. Burning biomass is a substantial source of pollution affecting local, regional, and global air quality, human health, land, and the environment. The high anthropogenic activity also contributes to soil degradation, making soil health and safety a crucial issue. Using organic bio wastes results in the release of macro- and micronutrients, carbon sequestration, and the immobilization and stability of heavy metals. The usage of biowaste increases carbon sequestration, which aids in reducing climate change and global warming. The stimulation of shoot and root length, biomass production, grain yield, chlorophyll content, and a reduction in oxidative stress, soil amendment with biowaste promotes soil activity and plant productivity. This article reviews the sustainable utilization of biomass waste processes and possible future novel practices.

Swapan Suman, Dilip Kumar Rajak, Ganesh Kumar, Bijendra Kumar, Jahir Ahamad Jibran

Sustainable Management of Municipal Solid Waste: Associated Challenges and Mitigation of Environmental Risks

Abstract

Nowadays, the generation of waste is increasing in many developing countries like India as a result of the constant growth of industrialization, urbanization, and population. Improper management of municipal solid waste (MSW) not only has detrimental environmental consequences but also poses a risk to public health and raises some other issues, like socioeconomic matters, that are worth discussing. Thus, it is crucial to improve the regular handling of waste collection, segregation of waste, and proper disposal. There are certain technologies for the conversion of waste into energy like gasification, incineration, pyrolysis, and bio-methanation that convert the MSW into a suitable source for renewable energy that is safe and eco-friendly. However, the incineration process generates a significant amount of secondary waste, like bottom ash and fly ash. This chapter describes the status of waste-to-energy plants, the challenges associated with the implementation of waste-to-energy technology, and the possibility of utilizing residue generated after waste incineration.

Yuti Desai, Vijay Kumar Srivastava, Geetanjali Kaushik, Rajiv R. Srivastava, Hyunjung Kim, Sadia Ilyas, Vinay K. Singh

Collaborative Governance and Nonmonetary Compensation Mechanisms for Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Fire Mitigation

Abstract

This chapter explores the importance of collaborative governance and nonmonetary compensation mechanisms in the context of sustainable forest management and fire mitigation. It provides a comprehensive analysis of these approaches in the Indian context and other developing nations in the tropics. The chapter discusses the problem of forest fires, the need for collaborative governance, and the role of nonmonetary compensation in achieving sustainable outcomes. It examines various aspects, including community-based initiatives, indigenous knowledge and practices, policy and legal frameworks, case studies, integration of technology, challenges and opportunities, stakeholder engagement and awareness, and synergies with sustainable forest management practices. The chapter concludes by highlighting future directions for enhancing collaborative governance and nonmonetary compensation mechanisms in sustainable forest management and fire mitigation.

Satyam Verma, Ekta Purswani, Mohammed Latif Khan

Titel: Anthropogenic Environmental Hazards
herausgegeben von: Pankaj Pathak
Rajiv Ranjan Srivastava
Sadia Ilyas
Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-41013-0
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-41012-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41013-0