Summary

Environmental science emerged from the fields of natural history and medicine during the Enlightenment. Today, it provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems. Environmental studies are incorporating more of the social sciences in order to understand human relationships, perceptions and policies towards the environment. This entry collection features information about design and technology for improving environmental quality in every aspect.

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Entries
Topic Review
Biobeds
Biobeds are biological systems used to treat liquid residues derived from the operations related to the application of pesticides in crop fields. Their use helps minimize pesticide delivery into the environment, as well as protecting soil and water from pollution. Biobeds were first described as trenches packed with a mixture of 50% wheat straw, 25% soil, and 25% peat, covered with a grass layer; this composition is known as a “biomixture”. In biobeds, the biomixture absorbs the pesticide residues and supports the development of different microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, needed for pesticide degradation in the system. The effectiveness of biobed systems lies in the high pesticide retention in the biomixture and the degradation potential of the microorganisms growing in the system.
  • 459
  • 07 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Plants' Physiological Responses to Drought and Water Stress
Drought affects several biochemical and physiological processes of plants, such as translocation, respiration, the uptake of ions, photosynthesis, nutrient and sugar metabolism, and phytohormones. Cell membranes can be destroyed, and leaf water potential can be diminished by drought. Furthermore, heavy drought causes the cessation of photosynthesis and metabolic disorders, and it can lead to the death of plants.
  • 329
  • 05 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Indoor Radon Research in Asia-Pacific Region
Indoor radon is a major hazard to human health; it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Therefore, radon research in Asia has intensified due to the growing awareness of the harm that radon poses. An analysis of the collected literature data showed that in Asia–Oceania, some regions have—or are believed to have—little indoor radon problems due to climate and low Rn ground. It can be concluded that countries have their own approaches, techniques, and protocols. 
  • 329
  • 30 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Air Quality in Mainland Southeast Asia
Air pollution, notably particulate matter pollution, has become a serious concern in Southeast Asia. The combustion of biomass has been recognized to considerably increase air pollution problems from particulate matter in this region. Consequently, its effect on people in this area is significant. 
  • 456
  • 28 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Biodiversity during Pre and Post Hula Valley Drainage
Ecosystem fertility is dependent on nutrient and water availability which are the drivers of the system of production. The anthropogenic and natural maintenance of ecosystem products such as biodiversity, species richness, agriculture, recreation or eco-tourism is significantly affected by management. The appropriate management might be natural, without human intervention, or anthropogenic, or a combination of both. The management of the Hula Valley, a part of the Lake Kinneret drainage basin, represents an integration of human and natural dependence.
  • 230
  • 25 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Methodological Improvement in SF6 of Malaysia's National Inventory
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is one of the high global warming potential (GWP) gases regulated under the Kyoto Protocol. In Malaysia’s Biennial Update Report 3, the Revised 1996 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Guidelines were followed to estimate the SF6 emissions in the country, including the time series from 1990 to 2016. The majority of SF6 emissions originate from the use of this gas in electrical equipment, where it is predominantly used in transmission switch gears, which have increased rapidly because of increasing electricity demand. SF6 gas plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions in Malaysia because this gas has a higher GWP than carbon dioxide.
  • 281
  • 14 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Carbon Sequestration as a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
Agriculture is the second-highest, after energy use, source of greenhouse gas emissions, which are released from soils and animal digestion processes and as a result of energy consumption at various stages of agricultural production. However, changes in the management of agricultural systems may mitigate the negative impact of this sector on the atmosphere and climate. Carbon farming, which focuses on carbon sequestration, is closely linked to soil quality. Carbon converted to organic form in the soil stimulates the activity of soil enzymes, promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms and improves chemical and physicochemical properties, including pH, sorption capacity and water retention.
  • 428
  • 13 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Basic Principles and Operation Modes of AFM
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a method that provides the nanometer-resolution three-dimensional imaging of living cells in their native state in their natural physiological environment. AFM is a versatile tool for the high-resolution three-dimensional imaging, nanomechanical characterization and measurement of inter- and intramolecular forces in living and non-living structures. The AFM probe, which has a nm-sized tip, measures the interatomic forces between the sample surface and the tip apex. Sample preparation for AFM measurements is simple, and there is no need for the freezing, metal coating or staining of the sample. As a result, there is little-to-no damage to the sample, and the functions of biological systems can be preserved. AFM works in both air and liquids; so, physiological buffers and growth media can be used to study living cells. The high resolution of AFM allows the imaging of atoms on hard surfaces and molecules on soft biological samples.
  • 414
  • 12 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Pesticide Residues in Peppers
Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control pests such as insects, fungi, and weeds. Pesticide residues can remain on crops after application. Peppers are popular and versatile foods that are valued for their flavor, nutrition, and medicinal properties. The consumption of raw or fresh peppers (bell and chili) can have important health benefits due to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Therefore, it is crucial to consider factors such as pesticide use and preparation methods to fully realize these benefits. 
  • 632
  • 02 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Organophosphate Esters in Aquatic Environment
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are increasingly used as flame retardants and plasticizers in various products. Most of them are physically mixed rather than chemical bonded to the polymeric products, leading to OPEs being readily released into the surrounding environment. Due to their relatively high solubility and mobility, OPEs are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and may pose potential hazards to human health and aquatic organisms. 
  • 217
  • 16 May 2023
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