Environmental science and pollution research international
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Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · Mar 2021
Longitudinal dispersion coefficients of submerged vegetation flow under the effect of surface wind.
The longitudinal dispersion coefficient is an important index for contaminant transports in rivers. Investigating it by using an analytical approach is conducive to obtain its expression with physical meanings and wide application ranges. However, the analytical solutions are extremely complex for subsequent derivations when many influencing factors, such as benthic vegetation and surface wind, are considered. ⋯ Calculated coefficients from the formula are compared with the experimental coefficients from the model and real vegetation to show its validity. The formula indicates that the longitudinal dispersion coefficients are mainly affected by turbulent effect, vegetation height, and surface wind. The growth of vegetation height can weaken the influence of surface wind on longitudinal dispersion coefficient.
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Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · Mar 2021
Environmental impacts of COVID-19 on Victoria, Australia, witnessed two waves of Coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic not only has created a global health crisis but also has dramatic effects on the environment. To fight the spread of Coronavirus, governments imposed social distancing policies, which caused negative and positive impacts on the environment. Victoria, the second-most populated state in Australia, was hit by two waves of COVID-19. ⋯ During the second wave of the pandemic in Victoria, the mobility trends of public transport hubs, retail and recreation venues, and workplaces experienced a significant drop in movements at respective values of 85%, 83%, and 76% compared to the period of 5 weeks from 3 January to 6 February 2020. PM2.5 levels were lower by 23% at Alphington and 24% at Footscray from 16 March to 1 May 2020 compared with the average PM2.5 levels in the past 4 years. It was estimated that the respective daily generations of used face masks during the first wave and second wave of the pandemic in Victoria were approximately 104 and 160 tons.
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Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · Mar 2021
Air pollutants, economic growth and public health: implications for sustainable development in OECD countries.
The rapid economic growth over recent years and the resulting environmental pollution in OECD countries are a serious concern for the health of the general public. A comprehensive analysis of environmental pollutants, economic growth, and public health is done using data from 28 OECD economies from 2002 to 2018. ⋯ Renewable energy and healthcare spending are positively and significantly related. It is concluded that investment in renewable energy leads to a reduction in air pollution, improvements in healthcare, and the promotion of economic growth.