Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development

AI-Powered Innovation in Waste-Derived Nanocomposite Electromagnetic Absorbers: Toward A Sustainable Future

Haniyeh Shekarizadeh — 2026-04-08

The Article Abstract is not available.

Examining the Impact of Sustainable Supply Chain Practices on HSE Outcomes in the Alloy Steel Industry Using Structural Equation Modeling

Rohollah Fallah Madvari — 2026-04-08

Introduction: This study investigates the connection between sustainable supply chain practices and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) outcomes in the alloy steel industry using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 industry professionals, selected through purposive, non-random sampling to ensure their expertise in HSE and supply chain management. Data were collected using validated questionnaires measuring four dimensions of sustainable supply chain practices—supplier management, customer relationships, internal processes, and organizational learning—alongside HSE outcomes.

Results: The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS software, selected for its suitability in modeling complex constructs with moderate sample sizes. The measurement model demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7) and satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. The findings from the structural model indicated that all four dimensions of sustainable supply chain practices had a significant and positive impact on HSE outcomes (path coefficients = 0.131–0.325, p < 0.05), with internal processes showing the strongest influence. The model exhibited high explanatory power (R² = 0.854).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that aligning sustainable supply chain practices—particularly internal process optimization—with HSE objectives can substantially enhance the sustainable performance of the alloy steel industry. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the cross-sectional design, and depended on self-reported data, and use of purposive, non-random sampling, which may limit causal inference and generalizability.

Artificial Intelligence in Addressing Air Pollution: A Scoping Review of Policies

Hossein Bouzarjomehri — 2026-04-08

Introduction: Air pollution remains the leading environmental risk factor for human health. Although artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated strong technical potential for air quality monitoring and prediction, its integration into environmental policy and governance remains unclear. This study examines how AI is currently addressed in policy-oriented literature on air pollution management.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and its extension by Levac et al. Systematic searches of major scientific databases and policy sources identified English-language documents published between 2015 and 2025 that addressed the use of AI in air pollution control from a policy, governance, or strategic perspective. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings.

Results: Eight policy-relevant documents met the inclusion criteria of this review. The analysis identified four core themes: applications of AI, perceived benefits, governance and ethical concerns, and policy strategies. AI applications have primarily been framed around real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and data-driven policymaking. The reported benefits included improved accuracy, responsiveness, and decision support, whereas the key concerns were related to data quality, privacy, energy use, transparency, and institutional capacity. Policy strategies emphasized regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, capacity building, cross-sector collaboration, and international coordination.

Conclusions: The limited number of policy-oriented studies highlights a significant governance gap between technical AI development and environmental policy-making. Integrating AI into air pollution management requires evidence-based, transparent, and accountable governance. Future research should focus on policy design, implementation, and evaluation to support the responsible and sustainable adoption of AI in environmental governance.

Strategies for Minimizing Health Care Waste: A Systematic Review Study

Leili Nikseresht — 2026-04-08

Introduction: Solid waste from healthcare centers is a major health and environmental challenge that imposes significant costs on the healthcare system.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords related to healthcare waste reduction, and Google Scholar was used as a supplementary source. Original quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies examining waste reduction interventions in healthcare settings were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale, and only studies with moderate to high quality were included in the final synthesis of results. The data were analyzed narratively and descriptively.

Results: Twelve studies were included in the review. The results showed that educational and management interventions, such as implementing comprehensive quality management models, pharmaceutical interventions, such as prescription review, use of multi-dose vials, and rounding of drug doses, as well as redesigning hospital nutrition services and employing safe technologies and alternatives, resulted in significant waste reduction and cost savings. Among these, pharmacy bundles and targeted staff training were the most effective interventions.

Conclusion: This review found that various strategies have been used to reduce healthcare waste in different countries, with pharmaceutical packaging optimization and educational programs showing the greatest effectiveness. However, there is still a need for larger intervention studies and evaluations of long-term clinical and economic outcomes.

Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Groundwater around Non-Engineered Landfill in Botshabelo, South Africa

Innocent Mugudamani — 2026-04-08

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the environmental health risks of heavy metal pollution in groundwater around non-engineered landfills in Botshabelo, South Africa.

Materials and Methods: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography were used to analyze heavy metals in groundwater collected during the dry and wet seasons. Ecological risk factors and potential ecological risk indices were used to assess ecological risks. A human health risk assessment method was used to assess potential public health risks.

Results: The mean concentrations of heavy metals were as F(0.29) > Mn(0.24) > Al(0.08) > Ba(0.06) = U(0.06) > Mo(0.04) > Fe(0.03) = B(0.03) > Cr(0.02) = Cu(0.02) > Zn(0.01) mg/l and F(0.21) > Mn(0.12) > B(0.06) > Fe(0.02) > Al(0.01) mg/l in wet and dry season respectively. Generally, only Mn, Mo, and U were above the acceptable standards for drinking water. It was only Mo that posed a high potential ecological risk during the wet season, whereas in the dry season, all heavy metals showed low ecological risk. The potential ecological risk index revealed a significantly high and low ecological risks during wet and dry season respectively. There was a potential non-carcinogenic risk of Mo, U, and Cr during the wet season for all population groups. The study also revealed that Cr has an acceptable carcinogenic risk and no possibility of carcinogenic risks during the wet season for children and adults.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is potential heavy metal pollution of groundwater migrating from Botshabelo non-landfill.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the First Environmental Health Field School: A Native Model for Applied Training and Enhancement of Graduate Students’ Field Skills

Seyedeh Mahtab Pormazar — 2026-04-08

Introduction: Classroom-based education alone is insufficient for developing practical skills in medical students. Structured field-based learning opportunities are scarce in Iran, limiting students’ exposure to real-world industrial and environmental processes. This descriptive-analytical study employed an educational evaluation approach to evaluate the effectiveness of the first environmental health field school to assess its impact on participants’ satisfaction, learning, behavior, and professional outcomes.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study employed an educational evaluation approach. A researcher-made questionnaire was designed according to the four levels of the Kirkpatrick model and distributed among 19 participants

Results: The overall weighted mean of participant satisfaction at the reaction level was 4.52 out of five. At the learning level, the weighted mean was 4.19, indicating a significant improvement in practical knowledge, particularly in waste management, air pollution control, and irradiation technology. At the behavior level, the weighted mean was 3.84, reflecting the partial application of acquired knowledge in research and operational activities. Finally, at the results level, the weighted mean was 4.44, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact on the participants’ professional attitudes, motivation, and willingness to participate in future programs.

Conclusion: The first environmental health field school showed high effectiveness across all four levels of the Kirkpatrick model. The program significantly improved satisfaction, learning, and professional attitudes. Follow-up programs and real internship opportunities are recommended to enhance the transfer of learning into practical behavior. Expanding such field schools can strengthen students’ practical skills and reinforce the university-industry links in environmental health.

Human Health Risk Assessment from the Ingestion of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Contaminated with Micro- (Nano) Plastics (MNPs) from River Ngadda, Borno State – Nigeria

Mathias Nzitiri Bwala — 2026-04-08

Introduction: Freshwater fish inhabiting polluted rivers are capable of bio-accumulating microplastics (plastic fragments measuring less than 5 mm, and nanoplastics (particles with dimensions below 1 µm) in their gastrointestinal tracts and occasionally in edible tissues, depending on species, size, and feeding ecology. Consumption of MNP-contaminated fish therefore represents a potential pathway of human exposure. Although dietary intake estimates vary by region and consumption patterns, aquatic bio-resources are recognized exposure routes alongside inhalation and other food sources. This study assessed the human health risks associated with consuming Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus contaminated with micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from the Ngadda River, Borno State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: C. gariepinus and O. niloticus were collected monthly from 6 stations over eight months. Samples were processed and analyzed for MNPs using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) at Yobe State University, Damaturu.

Results: Mean MNP abundance in C. gariepinus ranged from 0.24–0.39 pp/kg (Stations B–C), while O. niloticus ranged from 0.47–0.79 pp/kg. Estimated ingestion for children was 70.38–117.97 pp/week and 844.50–1415.65 pp/year. Adult exposure ranged from 211.13–353.91 pp/week and 2533.51–42426.95 pp/year.

Conclusion: O. niloticus exhibited higher bioaccumulation than C. gariepinus. Spatial variability reflected localized pollution sources. Dietary exposure levels for both children and adults were notable, highlighting the need for further studies on MNP retention and elimination in humans.

Health Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposure to BTEX Compounds in the Industrial Offset Printing Sector: A Combined Environmental and Biological Monitoring Approach

Amir Masoud Ansari — 2026-04-08

Introduction: Occupational exposure to the BTEX compounds (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene) in the printing industry is a major health concern due to their established carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity. This study aimed to quantify respiratory exposure, assess the internal biological dose, and determine the associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks using the US-EPA methodology.

Methods: This cross-sectional study monitored 23 occupationally exposed printing workers and 23 unexposed administrative staff (control group). Personal respiratory air sampling was conducted for BTEX (NIOSH 1501/GC), and end-of-shift urine samples were collected for biological monitoring of t,t-MA (Benzene metabolite) and Hippuric Acid (Toluene metabolite) using HPLC. Health risks were calculated using the EPA guidelines for the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR).

Results: The Mean BTEX concentrations were high, notably toluene (47.17±52.03 ppm) and xylene (45.12±68.41 ppm) were markedly elevated. Biological monitoring revealed statistically significant differences between the groups (p < 0.001); the mean t,t-MA level in the exposed group was 51,809.37 µg/g creatinine compared to 265.75 µg/g creatinine in the control group. Risk assessment indicated critical non-carcinogenic risks, with HQs for Xylene (230.06), Benzene (16.43), and Toluene (8.35) far exceeding the safety threshold of 1. The mean LCR for Benzene was 7.8×10⁻³, significantly surpassing the EPA acceptable limit of 10^-6.

Conclusion: Chronic BTEX exposure in this printing facility significantly exceeded the permissible occupational limits, resulting in substantial non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Immediate intervention through engineering controls and comprehensive revision of safety standards is urgently required to protect worker health.