Constructed wetlands have emerged as a sustainable alternative for decentralized wastewater treatment in developing countries which face challenges with urbanization and deteriorating infrastructure. This paper discusses the key factors affecting the implementation of constructed wetlands in developing countries. A case study research design was adopted, which focused on Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A mixed-method approach was adopted for the study. Spatial analysis was conducted to identify potential sites for constructed wetlands in the city of Bulawayo. Semi structured interviews were conducted, with relevant stakeholders, such as town planners, civil engineers, NGO representatives, community leaders, and quantity surveyors. The findings reveal that political reforms, public acceptance, land availability, and funding are crucial for the successful implementation of constructed wetlands. Additionally, four sites were identified as the most favorable preliminary locations for these systems. The paper captures all the key factors relevant to the implementation of constructed wetlands (CWs) with a closer look at policy and the role it plays in the adoption of decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Formulating policy around the decentralized sanitation systems was considered imperative to the success of the systems whether in implementation or in operation. The paper adds to knowledge in the subject of sustainable wastewater treatment alternatives for developing countries. However, further research can be conducted with a different methodology to ascertain the applicability of the systems in developing urban cities considering other important aspects in the implementation of wastewater treatment systems.

Indonesia ranks as the second-largest source of plastic garbage in marine areas, behind China. This is a critical problem that emphasises the need for synergistic endeavors to safeguard the long-term viability of marine ecosystems. The objective of this work is to examine the implementation of the Penta Helix model in the management of marine plastic trash. For this purpose, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried out, utilizing scholarly papers sourced from the Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The analysis centred on evaluating the Penta Helix model as a cooperative framework for tackling plastic waste management in the marine environments of Indonesia and China. The results suggest that the Penta Helix methodology successfully enables the amalgamation of many interests and resources, making a valuable contribution to the mitigation of plastic pollution in the waters of both nations. In order to advance a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to plastic waste management, this multidisciplinary plan brings together stakeholders from government, academia, business, civil society, and the media. Under this framework, the government is responsible for formulating laws, guidelines, and programs to decrease the use of disposable plastics and improve waste management infrastructure, all while guaranteeing adherence to environmental constraints. Simultaneously, the industrial and academic sectors are responsible for creating sustainable technology and pioneering business strategies, while civil society, in collaboration with the media, has a crucial role in increasing public consciousness regarding the destructive effects of plastic trash. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes the need of synergistic endeavors in tackling the intricate issues of marine plastic contamination.

Purpose: The level of the environment is gradually declining, especially with regard to the serious problem of solid waste. Solid waste segregation-at-source is seen as the most essential approach to helping the natural environment minimize the amount of waste generated before being transferred to waste disposal sites and landfills in many rapidly growing towns and cities in developing countries. However, a number of previous environmental-based research have focused only on the general scope of recycling, sustainable development, and the purchase intention for sustainable food products. This situation has led to useful and relevant information on the research scope of households’ intention to segregate solid waste at source, which remains largely unanswered. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to provide a literature review to develop a novel theoretical framework in understanding the determinants of households’ intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source. Theoretical framework: The study provides a detailed explanation of the application of the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Fietkau-Kessel Model, the Focus Theory of Normative Conduct, and the Value-Basis Theory to predict the relationship between attitude, subjective norms, environmental concerns, and environmental knowledge of households on intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source. Design/methodology/approach: This research is descriptive in nature. Findings: A better understanding of the potential mediator and moderator is needed to contribute to the body of knowledge on the causal relationship between the studied variables. In conclusion, the researchers discuss how the framework can be used to address future research implications as more evidence emerges. Research, practical and social implications: The current study is expected to broaden previous research in order to improve general understanding of attitudes and subjective norms towards the specific research scope of solid waste segregation-at-source.

The wet saturated flue gas discharged by coal-fired utility boilers leads to a large amount of low-temperature waste heat loss. Inorganic ceramic membrane is acid-base resistant and has strong chemical stability. It is an ideal material for recovering low-temperature waste heat from flue gas. The experiment of waste heat recovery of flue gas was carried out with inorganic ceramic membrane as the core, and the characteristic parameters of low-temperature flue gas at the tail of the boiler were analyzed; taking 316 L stainless steel as the comparative object, the strengthening effect of inorganic ceramic film on improving heat recovery power and composite heat transfer coefficient was discussed. The results show that the waste heat recovery of flue gas is mainly the evaporation latent heat recovery of water, accounting for about 90%; circulating water is used as cooling medium, and the waste heat recovery capacity of flue gas is stronger; compared with circulating water, when air is used as the cooling medium, the effect of inorganic ceramic membrane flue gas waste heat recovery is more significant, and the enhancement coefficient is as high as 9; increasing the flue gas flow is helpful to improve the heat recovery power and composite heat transfer coefficient; at the same time, inorganic ceramic membrane can also recover condensate with high water quality. The results of this paper can provide a reference for the application of inorganic ceramic membrane in flue gas waste heat recovery.

Air pollution in Jakarta has become a severe concern in the last four months. IQAir, in August 2023, revealed that the level of air pollution had reached 161 points on the Air Pollution Standard Index (APSI). The negative impact on society has placed air pollution as a concern for environmental safety and survival in danger. This condition will encourage the development of a national policy agenda to integrate environmental welfare through various energy efficiency channels. This research analyzes the relationship between air pollutant elements that can reduce air quality. The analysis includes pollutant intensity measured by APSI per unit of pollutant as a measure of efficiency. The aim is to observe energy use, which causes an increase in pollutant levels. This research utilizes dynamic system modeling to produce relationships between parameters to produce factors that cause pollution. The parameters used are motorized vehicles, waste burning in landfills, industry, and power plants. The results of historical behavioral tests and statistical suitability tests show that the behavior is suitable for the short and long term. The simulation results show that the pollution level will worsen by the end of 2027, a hazardous condition for society. The optimistic scenario simulation model proposes immediate counter-measures to reduce pollution to 45.01, the ideal condition. To accelerate improvements in air quality, the Government can plan policies to reduce the use of coal by power plants and industry, as well as the use of electric motorized vehicles, resulting in an ideal reduction in pollution by 2024. In conclusion, pollution can be reduced effectively if the Government firmly implements policies to maintain that air quality remains stable below 50 points.

Consumers waste significant amounts of food. Food waste presents a substantial problem for the environment, society and economy. Addressing the food waste challenge is crucial for fostering sustainable behavior and achieving the Sustainability Development Goal 12.3 agenda. Norms are a significant determinant in motivating consumers to prevent food waste and could be activated by other factors. Religiosity has the potential to influence norms related to food waste behavior. This study investigated how religiosity affects the intentions of consumers to minimize food waste. The interplay of religiosity, personal norms, subjective norms, and intention to avoid food waste was examined by the extended norm activation model. Data were obtained from Muslim consumers in Indonesia. Structural equation modeling evaluation showed that religiosity positively affects the intention to prevent food waste. The intention to avoid food waste is more closely associated with personal norms compared to subjective norms. Personal norms mediate the religiosity and food waste reduction intention relationship. Consumer awareness activates personal norms by making them feel accountable for food waste’s negative impact. These findings provide insights to stakeholders in developing policies to mitigate the food waste issue.