Environmental impact evaluation of crumb rubber industry production process by life cycle assessment (LCA) method (case study: PT FRP)

PT FRP produces crumb rubber SIR 20 with a total annual production of 42.000 tons. This study aims to analyze the environmental impact of 1-ton crumb rubber production using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to be further explored for recommendations for ecological improvement. LCA was carried by a gate-to-gate scope using SimaPro software with the eco-indicator 99 method. The steps for completing this research refer to ISO 14040:2016. Characterization step results from the category of fossil fuels impact have the highest value (931 MJ surplus). The total value of the single score generated is 369 Pt, with the highest impact value is respiratory inorganics. The dryer drying process, the usage of electricity, and the generator and boiler are four production processes that significantly impact the environment. Improvement recommendations given to reduce the effects of the four processes are using an economizer in the boiler, the combination of fuel used by the boiler, and substitution of diesel fuel with Pertamina Dex as generator’s fuel.

Evaluation of the Types and Comprehensive Effects of Ecological Migration in China: Taking the Ecological Protection and Land Tenure Protection of Xihaigu Area in Ningxia as an Example

The ecological migration project in the Xihaigu Area of Ningxia, the first of such projects to be initiated with the longest history, is a typical example of China's ecological migration projects. Through the methods of field investigation, in-depth interviews, and examination of typical cases, the paper aims to evaluate Xihaigu's ecological migration project in the aspects of ecological restoration, poverty alleviation, income increase and social development. The conclusion is that China's ecological immigrants represented by Xihaigu's example have reached ecological improvement goals and economic and social development. At the same time, due to the government's vigorous promotion of this process, the fairness of the distribution of benefits for migrants in the earlier and later stages is slightly unbalanced, and the ecological protection awareness of the immigrants was always insufficient. The later process of immigration was relatively too fast, and ecological migration still faces further challenges.

Coordinated Development of Urban Land Use and Ecological Economics in China

To analyze the coordination between land use and the ecological economy in China, ecoefficiency and land use intensity were measured using the nonradial, nonoriented slacks-based measure (SBM) and the vertical and horizontal scatter degree method. The TOPSIS method was then used to comprehensively evaluate regional differences in coordination. Our research indicates that the level of coordinated development between intensive urban land use and the ecological economy in China showed an overall upward trend from 2006 to 2017. The level of coordination was high in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin and was low in Gansu, Ningxia, and Xinjiang. Changes in ecoefficiency were not consistent with the degree of coordination, and intensive urban land use was positively correlated with the level of coordination, which showed a mutually reinforcing relationship. Improving ecoefficiency is necessary for intensive urban land use, and for ecological improvement, coordinated development between ecoefficiency and urban land use intensity is essential. The establishment of environmentally friendly land use patterns could promote urban land use.

A participatory modeling experience with young farmers: assessing the sustainability of family farmers in Brazil

In Santa Rosa de Lima - SC - Brazil, a small municipality in South Region mainly covered by Atlantic Rain Forest, there is an effort to promote agroecology as socio-ecological improvement for family farmers. Part of this effort was conducted with young farmers in a debate about their land-use practices and the consequences of diversifying their activities. This study describes the process of a participatory modeling approach carried out in a workshop with young farmers to co-design conceptual models for land use practices. As results, a system dynamics model was built to represent their reality. The results of the workshop were embedded in a model to simulate a typical local property and provide insights into the consequences of diversifying their agricultural production by using the agroecological practices. Finally, the work presents the designed model and the first outcomes of scenario simulation, discussing the use of system thinking approaches in participatory modeling.

Current state of Cenopopulations Iris Magnifica Vved and Tulipa Fosteriana W.Irving in Uzbekistan

The current state of cenotic populations of 2 plant species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan from the territories of Kashkadarya province was assessed, such as: Iris magnifica Vved. and Tulipa fosteriana W. Irving. The presence or absence of certain ontogenetic groups in coenopopulation is associated with the ecological-phytocenotic growth condition and the degree of cattle grazing. The aim of the research was to describe the coenopopulation of Iris magnifica Vved. and Tulipa fosteriana W. Irving. The scientific justification of the ways of ecological improvement of coenopopulation. In the implementation of scientific work, the methods of traditional geobotanical and cartographic remote study of plant formations were applied. The factors that influence the vegetative processes of plant formations were identified in this study so that the ontogenetic structure of coenopopulation of Iris magnifica Vved. and Tulipa fosteriana W. Irving. were developed.

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Evolution Laws of Shallow Groundwater in Shuangliao City

Shuangliao City is an important part of the Xiliaohe Plain, and one of the most important bases of grain production in the north of China. Therefore, it is important to ascertain the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and their causes and evolution laws in the Xiliaohe Plain to provide guidance to agriculture development and ecological improvement. After collection of detailed data and identification of the groundwater flow field, we studied the causes and evolution of the identified hydrochemical types by zone with mathematical statistics, correlation analysis, ion proportional coefficient and other methods. The results show that the concentrations of HCO3-, Cl-, and Na+ are relatively high, and these of Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, and NO3- are relatively low. The concentration of TDS increases gradually along the flow direction of groundwater, and TDS is positively correlated to the variation in concentration of Cl-, Na+, Mg2+, and SO42-. Along the flow direction of groundwater, the hydrochemistry of shallow groundwater show the evolution law from HCO3-Ca·Mg to HCO3·Cl-Na·Ca and HCO3·Cl-Na·Mg, and then to Cl·HCO3-Na·Mg. The hydrochemical types are formed mainly due to the mineral dissolution and deposition, and reaction of cation exchange and adsorption in the aquifer, and the hydrogeochemical processes include leaching, evaporation and concentration, and mixing.

RESERVOIR FISH-BREEDING AND RECLAMATION COMPLEXES AS OBJECTS OF FISH FARMING AND ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT OF PHYTO-CONTAMINATED IRRIGATION RESERVOIRS

Purpose: development of a layout-structural solution and technology for fish-breeding and reclamation complex operation for ecological improvement of phyto-contaminated reservoirs and fish farming in them. One of the urgent environmental problems typical for river and lake reservoirs is the overgrowth of their shallow waters with higher aquatic vegetation. Phyto-contamination of water bodies leads to a depletion of their ecological biodiversity, displacement of valuable species of aquatic flora and fauna, the decrease in their biological productivity and deterioration of conditions for various environmental management (water supply, fish farming, recreation, etc.). Rational and efficient use of natural resources cannot be ensured without ecological improvement of such objects. One of the directions of phyto-contaminated water bodies treatment is to carry out their biological reclamation by the introduction of herbivorous fish species into them. To increase the efficiency of such reclamation, it is proposed to create and use reservoir fish-breeding and reclamation complexes. Materials and Methods. The experimental and theoretical basis for the development of layout-structural solutions and technologies for the operation of such complexes was provided by known information and author's observations of the stocking of reservoirs. Results. The established shortcomings of the applied technologies led to the need to create the complexes that ensure the cultivation of fish stocking material adapted to the conditions of the stocking reservoir and the implementation of acclimatization measures for introducing herbivorous fish into the water body. Conclusions. The layout-constructive scheme and technology of fish-breeding and reclamation complex operation are proposed, which makes it possible to carry out the ecological improvement of phyto-contaminated reservoirs and, in general, to improve conditions, to increase the complexity, efficiency of using their resource potential and fulfillment of nature management.

A more sustainable urban future calls for action: the city of Lahti as European Green Capital 2021

In 2020, a small urban center from southern Finland, the City of Lahti, was awarded the 2021 European Green Capital, which recognizes and rewards local efforts that seek to improve the urban environment, together with its economy and the quality of life for its inhabitants, further posing ambitious goals for ecological improvement. In this commentary, we describe some of the key elements that made Lahti the 2021 European Green Capital, as well as some of the future plans for the city. We also highlight the importance of research-based knowledge as the foundation for achieving better outcomes in urban decision making.