Abstract
This study quantifies embodied carbon emissions from Chicago’s building sector, a critical yet often overlooked component of urban carbon footprints. Using a novel empirical framework, the analysis evaluates 1,010,840 buildings and 157 architectural archetypes, creating a scalable model for other cities. By integrating geospatial data, the research identifies emissions-intensive zones, demonstrating that most embodied carbon is concentrated in specific building types and geographic areas. Findings indicate that extending building lifespans to 80 years and reducing building sizes by 20% could cut emissions to one-third of current levels, highlighting key strategies for urban carbon mitigation. The study employs Excel 3D Map visualization, providing policymakers with an intuitive tool for assessing spatial emissions trends and prioritizing intervention areas. A sensitivity analysis further examines how end-of-life scenarios and building size impact projected emissions. This data-driven approach enhances urban planning capabilities, aligning cities with global decarbonization goals. By offering a transferable methodology for embodied carbon assessment, this study provides urban planners with precise geo-accurate data, benchmarks, and visual analytics tools, paving the way for informed decision-making and more sustainable urban development strategies.

Biography
Dr. Ming Hu is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture and the College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, USA. She is also the Associate Dean for Research at the School of Architecture. Her expertise as a Building Scientist and Environmental Engineering Researcher encompasses extensive practical and theoretical experience in decarbonizing the built environment, aiming to mitigate its environmental footprint and human health impacts. Specifically, she investigates the life cycle environmental impacts associated with building technologies and policies, as well as how community and societal priorities can be better incorporated into decision-making processes.

Abstract
In this presentation, I will explore how UAV-based remote sensing is revolutionizing sustainable agricultural practices by enabling precise estimations of carbon sequestration, nitrogen management, and water resource efficiency. Drawing from research conducted in the Cerrado biome, I will demonstrate how multispectral imaging has been integrated to monitor key agricultural parameters across various land uses, including integrated crop-livestock systems, rice cultivation, and pasture environments. The presentation will showcase how UAV technology enhances the understanding of carbon stocks, providing insights that contribute to strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting soil health. By utilizing UAV-derived data, it becomes possible to conduct detailed spatial analyses of plant biomass and canopy dynamics, presenting a scalable and cost-effective alternative to conventional field measurements. This approach paves the way for the development of integrated agricultural systems that align productivity with ecological conservation. I will also highlight the critical role UAVs play in nitrogen monitoring, offering real- time assessments of nutrient uptake and crop development. This capacity to evaluate nitrogen content and plant growth with high precision strengthens the effectiveness of precision agriculture, ensuring optimized fertilizer use, reduced environmental risks, and improved yields. The findings emphasize the growing importance of technological solutions in addressing the environmental pressures associated with intensive agriculture. Additionally, the presentation will address water resource management, focusing on the use of UAVs to estimate evapotranspiration across agricultural fields and native vegetation. By integrating remote sensing data with meteorological insights, I will demonstrate how UAV- based monitoring supports smarter irrigation planning and promotes efficient water use. This aspect is particularly crucial for adapting agricultural practices to the seasonal drought conditions characteristic of the Cerrado biome. Through this presentation, I will illustrate how UAV remote sensing stands as a transformative tool that bridges the gap between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. The discussion will emphasize how advanced monitoring technologies can reshape land management strategies, foster resilience, and contribute to sustainable development. Ultimately, the insights shared aim to reinforce the pivotal role of environmental science and remote sensing in driving agricultural innovation and addressing global sustainability challenges.

Biography

Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are a promising tool for combatting land degradation in the dry-lands of East Africa. These types of solutions are not new, however, and have a long history dating back to the colonial period. An understanding of the successes and failures of past efforts can provide valuable insights for current NbS projects. This study examines two specific dry-land areas of Kenya – Baringo and Kitui – which were the focus of much colonial effort at restoring degraded land. The study uses primary and secondary literature to examine these efforts through the lens of Nature-based Solutions. It then compares these projects with two modern restoration efforts in the same areas – namely sand dams and grazing enclosures. While both of the historical schemes had elements of NbS, they fell short in critical areas with respect to the implementation of the projects. The schemes failed to incorporate local communities into decision making processes to ensure long-term sustainability. Modern efforts overall do a better job at sustainable management – they deliberately seek stakeholder involvement – but they too fall short, often giving these stakeholders very little say in decision making processes. History can provide valuable lessons for implementers of NbS, as many of the solutions enacted today have antecedents in the past. The failure to involve stakeholders at all stages of a project is a lesson from history that continues to be learned.

Biography
Dr. Timothy A. Downing is a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation. He has two master’s degrees- one from the University of Eldoret in Forestry and Wood Science (2016) and one from the University of Minnesota in Natural Resources Science and Management (2010). He also received his bachelor’s degree from Brown University in Environmental Science (2005). His PhD at the University of Nairobi (2023) looked at impacts of climate change in the alpine moorlands of Kenya- examining biophysical changes and effects on surrounding local communities. Timothy has also worked for 7 years with the US Forest Service- in New Mexico and in Washington State- as a GIS Specialist and Landscape Ecologist. Most recently he has been engaged as a research fellow at the University of Nairobi.

Abstract
Microplastics leaching from aging biodegradable plastics pose potential environmental threats. This study used response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the impact of temperature, light, and humidity on the aging characteristics of polylactic acid (PLA). Key evaluation metrics included the C/O ratio, functional groups, crystallinity, surface topography, and mechanical properties. Humidity was discovered to have the greatest effect on the ageing of PLA, followed by light and temperature. The interactions between temperature and light, as well as humidity and sunlight, significantly impact the aging of PLA. XPS analysis revealed PLA underwent aging due to the cleavage of the ester bond (O-C=O), resulting in the addition of C=O and C-O. The aging process of PLA was characterized by alterations in surface morphology and augmentation in crystallinity, resulting in a decline in both tensile strength and elongation. These findings might offer insights into the aging behavior of degradable plastics under diverse environmental conditions.

Biography
Prof. Hui Jiang, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher who earned her doctorate in Municipal Engineering from Chongqing University in 2012. Her research focuses on water environment protection and remediation, advanced oxidation processes in water treatment, emerging pollutants, and their environmental impacts. Dr. Jiang has led seven provincial-level research projects and contributed to two national water-related special projects. She has received the First Prize of the Chongqing Ecological and Environmental Science and Technology Award. As the first or corresponding author, she has published over 20 high-impact SCI/EI-indexed papers, obtained six patents as the primary applicant, and authored a nationally planned textbook. Additionally, Dr. Jiang has supervised over 20 graduate students.

Abstract
This study evaluated the efficiency of a three-stage wastewater treatment system for poultry effluent, integrating physical filtration, Rhizofiltration using Lemna minor and Pistia stratiotes, and coagulation-flocculation with Garcinia mangostana. Initial effluent analysis revealed phosphate levels exceeding Philippine regulatory standards. During the first stage, physical filtration achieved reductions in key parameters: phosphates decreased from 6.4 mg/L to 4.7 mg/L, total dissolved solids (TDS) from 674.3 ppm to 671.6 ppm, total suspended solids (TSS) from 4.8 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L, and turbidity from 26.1 NTU to 20.6 NTU. However, phosphate levels remained above regulatory limits. The second stage, Rhizofiltration, demonstrated notable removal efficiencies. L. minor achieved reductions of 35.0% in turbidity, 8.51% in phosphates, and 26.6% in TSS, while P. stratiotes significantly reduced nitrates by 62.5%. However, both rhizoplants increased TDS levels, with values rising to 706.6 ppm (L. minor) and 693.0 ppm (P. stratiotes). In the final stage, coagulation-flocculation using Garcinia mangostana significantly enhanced treatment performance, meeting the Philippine DAO- 2021-19 standards. Effluent treated with L. minor demonstrated reductions of 60.0% in nitrates, 53.5% in phosphates, and 43.2% in TDS. Meanwhile, effluent pretreated with P. stratiotes achieved notable decreases in TSS (83.3%) and turbidity (48.6%). The study underscored the interdependent performance of each treatment stage and recommended optimizing conditions and retention times for enhanced efficiency. Continuous harvesting of senescent macrophytes may be done to prevent nutrient recycling and maintain system efficacy.

Biography
Dr. ALMA N. ABUG is currently a Professor of the Department of Environmental Science and Technology (DEST) of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTsP), Lapasan Cagayan de Oro City Philippines. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Education major in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics at Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City and her Master of Arts in Teaching Chemistry at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City. She finished her academic requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education major in Chemistry Teaching at her current university. She is currently on her publication for the Doctor of Philosophy of Environmental Science major in Applied Environmental Microbiology at Myongji University San 38-2 Namdong Cheion-gu Yongin City Gyeonggi-do 449-728, South Korea. Apart from her teaching engagements, her research interest is on wastewater treatment and innovation strategies. She is specializing in biohydrogen production from biomass waste. She is also into environmental impact assessment and monitoring as a member of the EIA Review Committee as her extension activity in collaboration of USTP and DENR EMB Region 10. She is an advocate of organic farming and sustainable ecosystem practices for environmental protection

Abstract
Ozone pollution is one kernel issue of the air quality in China, especially during the summer. Up to now, we don’t know well about the generation mechanism of the ozone pollution. The data-driven machine learning method is popular to be utilized to predict the ozone concentration in recent years.  Aiming at the problem that single machine learning model has low prediction accuracy of daily average ozone concentration, an ozone concentration prediction method based on class stacking algorithm (FSOP) was proposed, which combined the statistical method ordinary least squares (OLS) with machine learning algorithm, and improved the prediction accuracy of the ozone concentration prediction model by integrating the advantages of different learners.  Based on the principle of the stacking algorithm, the observation data of the daily maximum 8h ozone average concentration ρ (O₃-8h) and meteorological reanalysis data in Hangzhou from January 2017 to December 2022 are used.  Firstly, the specific ozone concentration prediction models based on Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Informer were established respectively.  Then, the prediction results of the above models were used as meta-features, and the OLS algorithm was used to obtain the prediction expression of ozone concentration to fit the observed ozone concentration. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the model combined with the stacking algorithm is improved, and the fitting effect of ozone concentration is better.  Among them, R², RMSE and MAE are 0.84, 19.65μg·m^-3 and 15.50μg·m^-3, respectively, which improved the prediction accuracy by about 8% compared with the single machine learning model.

Biography
Dr. Hong zhao Dong is a Professor of Joint Institute of Intelligent Transportation & Smart City, Zhejiang University of Technology. He received his Doctoral degree in intelligent information with mechanical engineering from Energy & Mechanical Engineering School, Zhejiang University, China. His research focuses on analysis of Big data, intelligent transportation system, smart city, atmospheric monitoring and emission, machine learning etc. In recent ten years, he explores how to predict and monitor atmospheric pollution resorting to emerging deep learning technology. He has published articles in various refereed journals such as Journal of Harzardous Materials, Environmental Science, Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae, IET Intelligent Transport Systems, China Environmental Science, Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence etc.

Abstract
This paper looks into the industrialization-pollution nexus in the MINT economies, by analyzing the complex interlinkages of industrial development, energy demand, and environmental pollution, using yearly data from 1990 to 2023. Based on the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), the paper investigates the long-run link among key indicators using the Driscoll and Kraay Standard Errors (DKSE) estimations, CS-ARDL, FMOLS, and the DOLS for the robustness checks. Empirical results indicate that industrialization significantly contributes to environmental pollution, as a 1% upsurge in industry leads to a 0.475% upsurge in pollution. Significantly, environmental technology and transitions to cleaner energy sources are effective mitigation strategies, reducing pollution by 0.051% for each 1% implementation of either. Energy demand adds 0.362% to pollution for every 1% increase, while ECG has no direct significant effect. The firm model, the R-squared is 0.9597, confirmed the hypothesis of the EKC, which is that technological change can relieve environmental degradation. The study shows how sustainable development strategies adopt technological innovation in balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability.

Biography
Dr. Gabriel Mordzifa Sackitey is a Master of Science candidate in Applied Economics at Northwestern Polytechnical University, China, and also serving as a Graduate Research Assistant. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He is keenly interested in econometrics, statistics, Stata, and Eviews software. Gabriel has worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Cape Coast, supporting research and course facilitation. He also interned at the Ministry of Finance in Ghana and was involved in budget reviews. He is a committed leader, serving in leadership positions in university and community organizations.

Abstract
The growing fetus is susceptible to environmental conditions. Limited and conflicting evidence exists about the short-term effects of exposure to air pollutants on pregnancy outcomes. In this time-stratified case-crossover study, the effect of several air pollutants (i.e. O3, CO, NO2, SO2, and PM2.5) on the occurrence of stillbirth was evaluated in Tehran (the capital of Iran) between December 2018 and March 2023. Using a quasi-Poisson regression model and distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM), we estimated the effect of exposure to air pollutants measured as lags (0 to 7 days) and cumulative average days (0-2, 0-6, and 0–14-day lag) before delivery on stillbirth. The association was adjusted for potential confounding factors including meteorological factors. During the study period in Tehran, 5311 stillbirths were reported. Based on the modified model, The optimal lag periods for CO, O3, NO2, SO2, and PM2.5 in the entire year are Lag 7, Lag 3, Lag 2, Lag 1, and Lag 6 respectively. In the Warm season, the optimal lag periods for CO, O3, NO2, SO2, and PM2.5 are respectively Lag 5, Lag 6, Lag 2, Lag 1, and Lag 6. In the cold season, the optimal lag periods for CO, O3, NO2, SO2, and PM2.5 are Lag 7, Lag 6, Lag 2, Lag 1, and Lag 1 respectively. in the entire year and in warm seasons, SO2 has the most significant effect on stillbirth. In cold seasons, NO2 has the most significant effect on stillbirth. As a result, this study showed evidence of a relationship between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution, especially SO2, NO2, PM2.5, and CO before birth with increased risk of stillbirth.

Biography
Prof. Mohammad Fararouei, PhD, is Professor of Epidemiology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, with over 30 years of experience in public health research and leadership. Holding a PhD in Epidemiology from Imperial College London (2008), he has served as Dean of the School of Health (2018-2022), Deputy of Academic Affairs (2014-2018), and held key positions in national disease surveillance programs. An expert in chronic disease epidemiology, environmental health, and health services research, Prof. Fararouei has published over 180 peer-reviewed articles investigating diverse topics including cancer risk factors, metabolic disorders, infectious disease patterns, and health disparities. His work integrates epidemiological methods with public health policy, particularly evident in his COVID-19 research and contributions to national health guidelines. Currently leading multiple studies on environmental determinants of health, he mentors graduate students while maintaining an active research program bridging clinical epidemiology and population health.

Abstract
Industrial waste is increasing consistently with increase of various industries, which leads to environmental pollution. Iron filings (IF) are a type of this waste, that results from cutting and grinding of iron. Construction industry is one of the industries that most consumes natural capital including materials such as aggregates. Aggregates represent a significant portion of concrete volume or mortars, and the quality of aggregates has an effect on the quality of concrete. The demand of fine aggregate such as sand is increasing daily due to rapid growth of construction works. However, availability of natural aggregate is gradually dwindling and the using only of natural aggregates is becoming costly. So, this research aims to recycle iron filings and use them as a partially sand replacement in construction works to protect the environment from pollution and preserve the depletion of sand as a natural resource. The recent studies investigated performance of cement concrete, mortars and pastes containing iron filings. So, this study aims to investigate the effect of partial replacement of sand by iron filings on properties of geopolymer mortars. On the other hand, the using of geopolymer mortars in this study as a green binder aims to prevent the negative effects of the cement industry. In this study, range of IF (10-50 wt %) was introduced as a replacement of sand in five alkali activated slag mortars activated with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions. One mixture served as a control without any IF. Different mortar properties such as setting time, flowability, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption and abrasion resistance were investigated. The results indicated the setting time and flowability decreased as the ratio of IF replacement increased. However, ratio of 10 % IF replacement showed higher values of 38 MPa and 6.2 MPa for compressive and flexural strengths, respectively, and lower values for water absorption and porosity. Introduction IF replacement ratio of (10-30 %) showed enhancement in abrasion resistance, whilst introduction of (40-50 %) showed adverse effect.

Biography
Dr. Mohamed Fouad Abdel Nabi Abdu holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Structural Engineering and currently serves as a Lecturer at the Housing and Building National Research Center (HBRC) in Cairo, Egypt. His field of specialization focuses on material properties and quality control, contributing to advancements in sustainable construction materials. Dr. Abdu has an extensive research portfolio, with several notable publications in high-impact journals and international conferences. His recent work includes the 2025 study on the utilization of iron filings in geopolymer mortar as a strategy for climate change mitigation, published in Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. In 2024, he co-authored a paper on the durability and abrasion resistance of alkali-activated slag mortars containing limestone powder, also featured in Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. His 2023 research, published in Construction and Building Materials, explores the potential of Egyptian volcanic glass powder as a modifier for alkali-activated slag cement. Additionally, in 2022, he presented a study on the flexural behavior of concrete slabs reinforced with steel fibers as an alternative to conventional reinforcement at the 3rd International Conference on Innovative Building Materials in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Abdu has also investigated the application of waste rubber tire aggregates in concrete, co-authoring a paper presented at the 12th International Conference on NANO-TECHNOLOGY for Green and Sustainable Construction in 2021. His research contributions continue to address critical challenges in material engineering, promoting sustainable and resilient construction practices.

Abstract
Visible light-driven heterojunction photocatalysts have garnered significant interest because of their extensive applications across the environmental and energy sectors, including wastewater treatment, air purification, CO2 capture, and hydrogen generation via water splitting. This technique harnesses the power of semiconductors, which are activated under light illumination, providing the necessary energy for catalytic reactions. With visible light constituting a substantial portion (46%) of the solar spectrum, the development of visible-light-driven semiconductors has become imperative. The design of heterojunction photocatalysts is a breakthrough approach to tackle the limitations of traditional photocatalysts, particularly those with wider bandgaps that are only responsive to UV light. Heterojunctions improve the efficiency of charge separation and transfer, which are critical for the degradation of pollutants. By coupling different semiconductors, heterojunctions form interfaces that facilitate the movement of electrons and holes, reducing the likelihood of recombination and increasing photocatalytic efficiency. Key design strategies, including bandgap engineering, surface modification, and the creation of novel heterojunction structures, will be highlighted as essential contributors to improved photocatalytic efficiency and stability. Advances in the synthesis of complex heterojunction structures, such as Z-scheme and S-scheme configurations, have shown promising results in selectively degrading persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the integration of emerging materials, such as metal‒organic frameworks (MOFs), is discussed for their role in enhancing visible-light absorption and facilitating charge transfer processes. Through a comprehensive exploration of these advancements, this study aims to underscore the transformative impact of heterojunction photocatalysts in the development of sustainable solutions for environmental remediation and renewable energy generation.

Biography
Dr. Najmeh Askari is currently a senior Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium. Her research focuses on advanced wastewater treatment, the design of visible-light-driven photocatalytic heterojunctions and the modification of MOF-based membranes.

Abstract
In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society.

Biography
Dr. Fernando Barrios studied the International Baccalaureate at United World College Costa Rica, graduating in May 2020. He received his Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy and Theater from The College of Idaho in the United States in May 2024. Fernando was awarded a grant to develop a “Davis Project for Peace” focused on the preservation of indigenous midwives in La Huasteca, Mexico, during the summer of 2024. He has participated in multiple projects in collaboration with Mexican higher education institutions for the conservation of traditional knowledge about underutilized, medicinal, and edible plants. He is currently enrolled in a one-year course on French Studies: Language and Culture at the University of Caen, Normandy.

Abstract
The bioremediation capacity of microalgae present in the wastewater channels in Irrigation District 03 (DR03) in Mexico was investigated. The effect of pH, aeration, light intensity, and water source on the productivity, culture time, and composition of the microalgal biomass, mainly made up of Chlorella vulgaris spp were investigated and evaluated. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total solids (TS), and turbidity were monitored to estimate the efficiency and bioremediation capacity of the microbial consortium. The yield production of microalgal biomass was measured to evaluate the amount produced per unit volume of treated water. Two culture conditions were assessed: uncontrolled and controlled conditions of aeration and lighting. Under controlled culture conditions, a productivity of 0.031 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹ biomass with 17% lipidic fraction and 37.65% ash content was observed, with a reduction in COD and turbidity by 57 and 85%, respectively. A biomass productivity of 0.024 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹ was obtained.

Biography
Dr. Karina Aguilar-Arteaga scientific work is focused on developing analytical methods for quantifying contaminants and toxins in environmental and food matrices. She have also developed phytoremediation work for removing contaminants from wastewater, a project that won the Hidalgo Science and Technology Award 2019.Dr. Karina currently involved in research projects focused on the analysis of drugs, pesticides, and toxins in environmental and food samples, as well as on the extraction, purification, and application of biopolymers in the development of methods for the analysis and synthesis of new materials.

Abstract
This presentation surveys Sir Ben Okri’s 2023 Tiger Work through an ‘aesthetics of necessity’ prism as deduced not only from its dedication to “those who love the world enough to fight for it,” but also from the book’s mystical Blakean intertext, the final lines of which ponder the Tyger’s creation. I propose that the urgent apocalyptic thrust and ecocritical underpinning of this multimodal, interdisciplinary collection of essays, poems, parables, stoku [an amalgam of Japanese Haiku and flash fiction], an epistle and allegorical short stories inform Okri’s narrative stance in his treatment of environmental science and the ambiguities of reality. I adopt an eco-critical lens that studies literature and the environment from an interdisciplinary viewpoint; where all sciences come together to analyse the environment and to brainstorm possible solutions for the correction of contemporary environmental chaos, while cognizant of causal laws of science, on the one hand, and the intentionality and consciousness of art, on the other. My argument references two works of Stephen O’Leary (‘Apocalyptic Argument and the Anticipation of Catastrophe: The Prediction of Risk and the Risk of Prediction’ 1997 and Arguing the Apocalypse: A Theory of Millennial  Rhetoric 1998); Arne Naess (Ecology of Wisdom 2008); and Michael Chapman (Literary Transactions in South Africa 2025).
Of necessity, too, I adopt a phenomenological ecocritical approach to critical environmental issues, such as water scarcity, climate change, global warming, deforestation, and reading for meaning that fall under the conceptual carapace of Okri’s “existential creativity” within the overriding theme of conservation. I conclude by citing lines from four of Okri’s 2021 A Fire in My Head poems−  “Finding the Present,” “closed. still open” and “Notre Dame is Telling Us Something,”and climaxing with “Grenfell Tower, June 2017”− in illustration of his penetrating engagement with environmental issues and his ardent plea for change.

Biography
Dr. Rosemary Alice Gray is a BA, Senior Teachers Diploma (UCT); BA Honours, MA cum laude, Dlitt.et Phil. (Unisa). Rosemary is Emeritus Professor in the Department of English at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She is a rated researcher, specializing in Anglo-Saxon, Middle English and Pan-African texts. Her current research interest is the work of Ben Okri, and she has written or presented over fifty papers on Okri’s oeuvre, plus a Bloomsbury Academic monograph entitled, The Tough Alchemy of Ben Okri: The writer as conceptual artist.

Like Sir Ben Okri, she had planned to become a scientist, but fate dictated that she studied languages (French, Latin, German, Anglo-Saxon and Middle English). Growing up in East Africa, she perforce added Kiswahili, and returning to South Africa, Afrikaans. She has pursued her scientific bent by marrying a scientist, a Geo-Chemist; is a Fellow of the International Eskom Exco for Young Scientists and former Board Member of EEYS and Le Mouvement International pour le loisire scientifique et technologique (MILSET), adjudicating the annual UP Dr Derek Gray Gold Medal Award and the Dr Meiring Naude Gold Medal Award (for the Top Young Scientists).

She is Honorary Life Vice President of the English Academy of Southern Africa and Managing Editor of the English Academy Review:  A Journal of English Studies.
Her book publications include Broken Strings: The Politics of Poetry and Sounding Wings: Short Stories from Africa (with Stephen Finn, Longmans), A Tribute to JRR Tolkien (Unisa Press), Light Comes Out of the Darkness: The History of Expo for Young Scientists (OUP); A Glass Half Full or Half Empty? The Challenges of Political Succession and Elections in Africa (Ssali pubs.); Commemorative Snapshots: Recalibrating Our Blue Diamond (Ssali) and Hunger for the Light: The Challenges of an African Life  (Unisa Press).

Abstract
In recent years, several strategies have been developed and adopted in a bid to manage the biofuel supply chain. In this paper, a two-stage optimization model is proposed for integrated microalgae biofuel supply chain network design and superstructure optimization problems. In the first stage, the design of the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) network is taken into account. A robust mixed integer linear programming (RMILP) model is proposed to optimize the strategic CCUS decisions, including the simultaneous selection of emission sources, capture facilitates, CO₂ pipelines, intermediate transportation sites and storage sites, or microalgae cultivation sites. The second stage is dedicated to biorefinery superstructure optimization in order to determine the optimal/promising biorefinery configurations. The presented model is able to handle the inherent uncertainty of critical input parameters. Moreover, the results show that biodiesel production cost cannot compete with current diesel price, but it can be reduced significantly by improving biomass productivity.

Biography
Dr. Setayesh Shirazaki Currently, looking for a PhD position. She have completed my bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Shahid Beheshti University. Later on, she completed a master’s degree in the field of Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering as a major under Master of Industrial Engineering from Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST). Besides that, while studying for my master’s degree, She started working for Dana System Company of Dana Energy Group, a giant in oil exploration and oilfield services, as an IFS specialist. Afterward, She pursued my career at Petropars, a specialized company for financing mega projects in the oil and gas industry, as a SAP specialist. Right now, this is my current client.

Abstract
Significance of using drainage water (DW) is rising as freshwater resources are under growing pressure around the world, particularly in arid regions like Khuzestan province in Iran, which faces both water scarcity and excessive agricultural DW disposal predicaments. Drainage water recycling (DWR), capturing and storing DW for reuse as supplemental irrigation, is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to fulfil both production and environmental objectives. In this context, a theoretical study was conducted to predict the impact of DWR on sugarcane yield within Amirkabir Agro-industry. The study also aimed to suggest an optimal proportion of reusable DW, taking into account the highest overall economic and environmental benefits. For this purpose, an all-inclusive index named the comprehensive profitability of consumed water (CPCW) was introduced and employed to incorporate various critical attributes of DWR system, in terms of crop yield, cost opportunity, disposal cost, and environmental impacts. Demonstrating an optimal ratio of 23 % for recycled DW, the study showed a 19 % reduction in sugarcane yield resulting from a 45 % increase in irrigation water salinity, leading to the highest CPCW index. The calculated water savings can increase alternate opportunity costs to supplement irrigation for downstream date orchards (28780 ha) or wheat fields (86400 ha). The reduction in drainage disposal costs had a significant impact on improving the CPCW index. To comply more with the priorities of the farmers, a more reasonable reduction of 15 % in the crop yield was considered, which led to 20 % proportional recycled DW. This practice reused 323 Mm³ of drainage water. A sum of 666 Mm³ of water from Karun River was conserved through this practice. Overall, the proposed DWR practice has proven highly effective in substantially reducing the adverse environmental consequences of DW disposal to downstream natural water bodies.

Biography
Mr. Sina Kosari is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Tehran, one of the most prestigious institutions in Iran. He will soon be joining the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Michigan as a Ph.D. student, beginning in Fall 2025. Mr. Kosari’s research focuses on the intricate relationship between water resources and the environment, with a strong passion for environmental science. Over the past three years, as part of his Master of Science studies, he has conducted significant research on developing a new index that integrates agricultural practices with environmental conservation, particularly in the context of drainage water recycling. His paper, titled “Predicted Feasibility and Economic Return of Drainage Water Recycling in an Arid Region,” introduces an all-inclusive index, the Comprehensive Profitability of Consumed Water. Currently, Mr. Kosari’s research centers on nutrient load mitigation through drainage water recycling and controlled drainage systems. He is also conducting an experimental study on pyramid solar stills and their potential impact on agriculture, particularly as a method for supplemental irrigation.

Abstract
Mangroves is an ecosystem which plays an economical role in Gabon for its watercourses where are used for fishing and marine traffic or as little bin for garbage and waste water disposal. These bad practices destroy that fragile ecosystem, perturbing like this carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection. Hence, the impact of the anthropogenic pollution stress of fishing engine oils so called hydrocarbons pollution on the chemical, microstructure and natural durability of Avicennia. germinans (L.)L. from Ambowé mangrove of the Estuary region of Gabon was studied. The results were compared with samples from Oveng and Mamboumba, two unpolluted sites of Libreville. Dichloromethane and hexane soluble extractives content decreased significantly (p <0.05) in the polluted heartwoods, 5 ±0,007 % et 2.11 ±0,2 %, respectively. Confocal microscopy revealed for the first time the occurrence of rays and vessels opening in the polluted heartwood which could explain the loss of some extractives. That loss of extractives was supported by UV where a dramatic decrease of extractives was observed in the heartwood exposed to pollutants while no changes occurred in lignin. These changes on extractives content and wood microstructures would explain the high mass loss of the polluted heartwood exposed to Trametes versicolor (35.69 ±6.27 %) and Rhodonia placenta (11.65 ±6.62%) these rot fungi provoked only mass losses <10 and 5 %, respectively for the unpolluted heartwoods.

Biography
Dr. Mabicka Iwangou Saint Bickolard is a specialist in Wood Sciences, and I did a thesis on the pollution of mangroves in Libreville, Gabon. So he know about the tissues and formation of wood in terrestrial ecosystems and mangroves. As a research associate at LaReVa Bois (Laboratory for Research and Development of Wood Materials) in Gabon, He is developing new knowledge on the chemical, anatomical and ecophysiological changes in mangroves exposed to mineral and organic pollution. He give courses on the science of wood at the National School of Water and Forests in Gabon; and he supervise master’s students who have themes related to mangroves. he is also a consultant for NGOs involved in preserving and restoring mangrove ecosystems, notably the Amis de la Lowé and Plurmea. Finally, he is involved in the authorization of mangrove projects.

Abstract
The Kairouan region (Central Tunisia) comprises a relatively mountainous upstream part, with a wide variety of topography and land use, and a vast agricultural plain downstream. In between, the Sidi Saad Dam and the El Houareb Dam retain all surface water. These constructions have made infiltration processes (vertical and lateral) dominant in relation to the flow of surface water. The two dams and other hydraulic managements installed upstream have significantly changed the hydrological functioning of the downstream area, Kairouan Plain.

Generally, Hydrological responses of watersheds are in perpetual change through the combined effect of climate change, the evolution of land cover and land use conditions and anthropogenic activities. In this context, it is important to have as clear idea of how the Kairouan Plain will respond to these changes and how the morphology and characteristics of the watershed progress.

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools were adopted for data assessment. Regional trend analysis was made possible via the use of spatial resolution time series obtained from Landsat and Sentinel missions. The processes involve several steps: images acquisition and selection, preprocessing, land cover legend designation, supervised classification with maximum likelihood method, transition matrix, statistical analysis of factors and choice of suitable algorithms for change detection.

The cartographic results indicated natural formations’ regression rates estimated at 54% between 1984-1989 and 33% between 2014 and 2019. This decrease in natural formations has been made to the benefit of anthropogenic environments that constantly conquer new natural spaces. Dams established upstream, have strongly changed the hydrological functioning of the Kairouan plain. For example, the fllow-up of the main river of Merguellil showed that its length between 1984 and 1989 remains practically stable (56 km). After the dam was put into operation, it decreases by 25 km in 5 years (1989/1994). To reach a length of 11.6 km in 2019.

Biography
Dr. Rouaida TRABELSI, is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, Tunisia. She received her Ph.D. in Geological Sciences in 2008 from University of Sfax, and Master degree in 2003. Her Bachelor degree is in Natural Sciences. Rouaida TRABELSI is a writer and an active researcher, with her primary research interest’s seawater intrusion in coastal aquifer. She is currently engaged in multiple research projects with a strong focus on water resources and climate change using remote sensing, GIS and AI techniques. It helps to develop land management and restoration, future water supply and the environment protection. Significant experience in the following topics: geological characterization, geophysical prospecting, water cycle and processes, groundwater study and monitoring, surface water/groundwater interaction, Hydrochemical characterization, geological and hydrological modeling, remote sensing and description of the current state and the past behavior of the water resources under climate change.

Abstract
This study assesses cyanide and cyanidation wastes management practices among small, medium and large-scale gold leaching plants in Siaya County, Kenya. The socio-economic benefits of gold extraction through cyanidation of mercury-contaminated tailings notwithstanding, the study establishes inadequate cyanide and cyanidation wastes management practices which could potentially cause significant environmental and human health impacts. Through structured key-informant interviews with operators from 15 selected gold leaching plants of varying scales of operation, along with field observations, and quantitative analysis utilizing both bivariate and inferential statistical tools, the study reveals inadequacies in cyanide, cyanidation wastewater, and tailings management practices. Key findings highlight widespread contravention of the international cyanide management standards and lack of adoption of advanced cyanidation wastes treatment technologies. Moreover, the study examines Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors as external factors affecting the management of cyanidation wastes. Consequently, the study recommends adoption of comprehensive cyanide management practices as outlined in the Cyanide Code and technological upgrades to mitigate potential environmental and human health impacts, and enhance regulatory compliance in gold cyanidation. In a nutshell, this study underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of environmental and mining industry laws and regulations in order to protect the environment and public health in gold mining regions. These measures are vitally important to ensure responsible mining practices and uphold environmental stewardship while promoting economic growth.

Biography
Dr. Beth Akinyi Ayoo has recently completed her doctorate degree at the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Law, specializing in Environmental Policy. Her thesis, titled “Management and Regulation of Gold Cyanidation Activities in Siaya County, Kenya: An Environmental Policy Perspective,” resulted in three papers, two of which have been published in Springer Nature’s Journals of Environmental Geochemistry and Health and the Journal of Mineral Economics. Additionally, Beth serves as the Membership Manager for Eastern Africa at the Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN) and is the Founder and CEO of Save Our Planet Earth-Kenya (SOPE), an NGO committed to promoting environmental sustainability.

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental and ecological threat worldwide, posing significant challenges. Excessive accumulation of heavy metals like cadmium in the environment poses significant risks to the environment and human health, particularly in regions with industrial activities and insufficient waste management practices. In this study, we focused on optimizing bacterial consortia composed of Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris for efficient removal of cadmium from contaminated environments, with specific emphasis on areas near the Cochin backwater system in Kerala, India. Sampling conducted at Sreebhoothapuram and Eloor Ferry Kadavu stations near Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) revealed these sites as having significant cadmium accumulation. Bacterial strains isolated from these stations exhibited notable resistance to cadmium, with levels reaching up to 40 mg/l and these strains maintained similar growth conditions, making them good candidates for constructing a bacterial consortium. The Cd-resistant bacteria were characterized and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris. Through a synergetic approach, a consortium comprising two bacterial strains from different combinations obtained from these stations demonstrated promising cadmium resistance, reaching up to 60 mg/l. Mixture design optimization facilitated the determination of an optimal ratio (Aeromonas hydrophila: Psychrobacter nivimaris) = (0.329:0.671) for maximum removal efficiency. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of both individuals and the consortium revealed morphological changes, such as modifications in the cell wall, shape, and size of the bacteria, that occur during the absorption of Cd (II). The efficiency of the optimized consortium was validated through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, achieving an impressive removal percentage of 96.5% for a real wastewater sample with a Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of less than 10%. This study underscores the potential of tailored bacterial consortia as effective bioremediation agents for Cd-contaminated environments, particularly in regions with elevated cadmium levels like the Cochin backwater system in Kerala.

Biography
Dr. Athira V M is a Biotechnologist with real-world experience working in a Biopharmaceutical company. She is a postgraduate expertise in Medical Law and Ethics, ensuring a thorough understanding the perspective that combines scientific innovation with ethical and legal considerations. Her contributions to the field of Environmental Biotechnology research with a particular emphasis on Bioremediation, are showcased at an International Conference on Materials, Health and Energy. Her integrative approach highlights how Environmental Biotechnology can enhance public health, sustainability and innovation when guided by ethical and legal principles. She holds certifications in Bioenergy from IIT Kanpur and Bioengineering from IIT Bombay. She had been invited to TED Circle for her insightful remarks on socially relevant subjects.

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental and ecological threat worldwide, posing significant challenges. Excessive accumulation of heavy metals like cadmium in the environment poses significant risks to the environment and human health, particularly in regions with industrial activities and insufficient waste management practices. In this study, we focused on optimizing bacterial consortia composed of Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris for efficient removal of cadmium from contaminated environments, with specific emphasis on areas near the Cochin backwater system in Kerala, India. Sampling conducted at Sreebhoothapuram and Eloor Ferry Kadavu stations near Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) revealed these sites as having significant cadmium accumulation. Bacterial strains isolated from these stations exhibited notable resistance to cadmium, with levels reaching up to 40 mg/l and these strains maintained similar growth conditions, making them good candidates for constructing a bacterial consortium. The Cd-resistant bacteria were characterized and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris. Through a synergetic approach, a consortium comprising two bacterial strains from different combinations obtained from these stations demonstrated promising cadmium resistance, reaching up to 60 mg/l. Mixture design optimization facilitated the determination of an optimal ratio (Aeromonas hydrophila: Psychrobacter nivimaris) = (0.329:0.671) for maximum removal efficiency. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of both individuals and the consortium revealed morphological changes, such as modifications in the cell wall, shape, and size of the bacteria, that occur during the absorption of Cd (II). The efficiency of the optimized consortium was validated through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, achieving an impressive removal percentage of 96.5% for a real wastewater sample with a Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of less than 10%. This study underscores the potential of tailored bacterial consortia as effective bioremediation agents for Cd-contaminated environments, particularly in regions with elevated cadmium levels like the Cochin backwater system in Kerala.

Biography
Dr. Khansa Rahman is a PhD scholar at the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, specializing in Chemical Engineering. With a strong foundation in biotechnology and biochemical engineering, she has presented research work at various conferences including the International Conference on Green Energy for Environmental Sustainability (ICGEES 2020), the International Conference on Health, Energy and Materials, and the International Conference on Nanotechnology for Better Living (NBL-2023), focusing on topics such as cadmium bioaccumulation and biosynthesized nanoparticle applications for heavy metal removal. She holds a M.Tech degree in Computer-Aided Process Design and a diploma in Counselling Psychology, adding interdisciplinary expertise to her technical skills. Khansa has also served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. She has gained over 5 years of experience in analyzing and monitoring microbial cultures, applying microbes for heavy metal remediation, biofertilizer production & bio-nanotechnology. Her Current research focuses on advancement in photocatalysis for the remediation of heavy metals.

Abstract
Green recycling of waste materials for the corrosion inhibition of steel in the petroleum industry plays a significant role in sustainable development.  Recently the significant corrosion protection efficiency of several wastes has been introduced by Abdel-Hameed et al,. Green recycling of plastic PET waste and expired drug waste as well were used as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for metals in the heavy and petroleum industry.   Abdel-Hameed and coworkers reported surfactant products of waste recycling as multifunctional additives in the petroleum industry.  Several reports have mentioned the application of novel environmentally friendly molecules as corrosion inhibitors. One of these prominent areas in this field is pharmaceutical products.  In the present review, the studies on the inhibition properties in metal corrosion processes of both plastic waste recycled products and expired drugs have been emphasized, starting with the paper of R. S. Abdel Hameed, published in 2009. This lecture presents most of the contributions made to the literature on the use of waste as an environmentally sustainable corrosion inhibitor for metals in industry.

Biography
Professor Reda Abdel Hameed of applied physical chemistry. He is a professor degree in applied physical chemistry from the Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University. Dr. Reda Abdel Hameed Published more than 100 research articles in international journals, and participated in more than 10 international scientific conferences, he supervised more than 10 Master’s and Ph.D. Students and he is a reviewer for more than 35 scientific journals. He carried out research projects in applied organic chemistry, biomedical application of nanomaterials, Antimicrobial activity of some eco-friendly synthesized materials,  electrochemistry, green chemistry, and materials sciences as PI. He has more than 25 years of teaching experience as an assistant, associate, and full professor in Egypt and Saudi Arabia; he is an expert in quality and development as he worked as a quality manager 10 years. He is an international accreditation team member for academic and institutional accreditation. Dr. Reda Abdel Hameed worked as Director of the Training and Development Unit  University of Hail, in addition to his work as the General Coordinator of Quality and Development. He has provided a large number of training courses and workshops for faculty members. He also worked as a general coordinator for community service and continuing education programs, during which he presented many community initiatives and training programs for the various spectrums of society from the Department of Education, environmental, health, and Civil Defense. He also supervised many students of talent and creativity in the KSA, where students under his supervision won the Grand Prize and the Gold Award. He also won the University of Hail’s Scientific Research Award, the Best Course Specification Award, the Best Academic Work Mechanisms, and the Best Academic Program Coordinator Award. He won the award for the best lecturer at an international conference. He also won the teaching award at the University of Hail.

Abstract
The European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET) is a regional organization that coordinates and promotes collaboration among the national metrology institutes (NMIs) of European countries. These institutes are responsible for ensuring accurate, reliable measurements in science, industry, and commerce. EURAMET helps harmonize measurement standards, facilitates joint research projects, and promotes the development and dissemination of measurement science and technologies. The European Partnership on Metrology (EPM) is a collaborative initiative launched as part of the Horizon Europe framework to advance measurement science (metrology) across Europe. Aims to strengthen Europe’s capabilities in measurement science, which is essential for scientific research, industrial innovation, and regulatory compliance.

The Reference Gas Laboratory (LGR), part of National Metrology Institute (NMI) at the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ) plays an important role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of gas measurements in Portugal. Its primary function is to produce and certify reference gas mixtures and provide calibration services to industries and laboratories that require gas compositions with high accuracy. The laboratory supports metrological traceability, ensuring that measurements related to gases conform to internationally recognized standards. This laboratory also collaborates in international metrology projects, contributing to the advancement of gas metrology and the development of new measurement techniques. One of these projects is MetCCUS – Metrology support for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, that plays a crucial role in developing the measurement science needed to ensure that Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies can be deployed effectively, accurately monitored, and integrated into global climate strategies. This project supports the broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.

As part of the MetCCUS project, the contribution of the LGR involves the preparation of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) to enable the measurement of impurities in CO₂ with metrological traceability. This provides essential support for method validation and the calibration of instruments used in carbon capture processes. LGR has prepared several bicomponent and multicomponent mixtures with different impurities in a CO₂ matrix. These gas mixtures were characterized and performed interferences and stability studies.

This project is an example of how metrology, as measurement science, can contribute to the environmental monitoring and give support to technological challenges toward a more sustainable future.

Biography
Dr. Carlos Costa holds a degree in Physics and Chemistry at University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and a postgraduate degree in Physical Engineering at Lisbon University, in Portugal. He has been working at the National Metrology Institute in Metrology Department of the Portuguese Institute for Quality, IPQ, since 2017. He is responsible for the Breath Analysers domain and, within the scope of the Reference Gas Laboratory, participates in several international projects and networks, namely MetCCUS – Metrology support for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, European Metrology Network for Energy Gases and European Metrology Network for Pollution Monitoring.

Abstract
The present study utilized the Cooperative Program on Pine Research in Brazil (PPPIB) experiment to investigate the development of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis and Pinus taeda grown under two fertilization regimes (fertilized and control treatments). Fertilized plots received fertilization at two stages: in the first year of tree growth with a mix of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and micronutrients, and a mid-rotation application (7 years later) of NPK fertilizer. Forty-eight trees, aged 11 years, were selected (12 per treatment, with three replicates per plot), and wood cores (four samples per tree) were collected using a Pressler increment borer. The growth, climate-growth relation, and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) of the trees were assessed by a combined analysis of cross-sectional area (CSA) increment, water balance and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C ‰). The effect of fertilization on tree growth regime was assessed using inventory data collected yearly over 8 years. Additionally, monthly data of wood increments, monitored in non-fertilized stands over a period of 6 years, were utilized for correlations with meteorological variables (air temperature, rainfall, vapor pressure deficit, solar radiation and potential and actual evapotranspiration). The growth of P. caribaea and P. taeda was strongly influenced by multiple meteorological variables related to water availability and evapotranspiration. Carbon isotope analysis revealed that fertilized trees exhibited higher Δ¹³C values in some years, indicating improved water uptake efficiency due to increased nutrient availability, which enhanced photosynthetic performance. Pinus caribaea outperformed P. taeda in wood productivity and exhibited a heightened responsiveness to fertilization. In general, P. caribaea was shown to be more water-use efficient than P. taeda, as it is able to use smaller amounts of water for greater wood production. The study’s outcomes provide valuable guidance for managing tree plantations and adopting sustainable practices, particularly as climate change and increasing droughts demand greater resilience in wood production.

Biography
Dr. Deborah Santos is a Forest Engineering graduate from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), with a Master’s and PhD in Forest Resources from the University of São Paulo (USP). Her career focuses on the complex interplay between climate change and forestry. Her specialize in Silviculture and Forest Management, with expertise in tree growth, productivity, and ecophysiology. She use isotope techniques, including δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C, to assess plant nutrition and enhance water and nutrient use efficiency. Her work also encompasses studies on wood quality, bioenergy, cellulose pulp, and dendrochronology. Additionally, She involved in carbon market initiatives and sustainability solutions, focusing on Forest Restoration, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD), the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA), and solid waste management with an emphasis on bioenergy.

Abstract
Diversification and modernization of the energy matrix through the affordable, safe, and sustainable harvester of Marine renewable energies (MRE) are possible ways to mitigate the vulnerability of coastal communities and climate change. MREs, which include ocean currents, tides, thermal and salinity gradients, wind waves, floating solar and offshore wind, have high and untapped potential to be explored. This is of particular importance in view of the current energy crisis and energy policy change. However, MRE projects still face a number of challenges associated with the need for costly and time-consuming meteorological, geophysical, and environmental campaigns, which limit their financing and commercial deployment. This study aims to propose the Blue Energy Offshore Installation Accelerator (BLUE-X) tool to contribute to the Green Deal objectives and its related policies, in particular concerning increasing the EU’s climate ambition for 2030 and 2050, supplying clean, affordable, and secure energy, mitigating natural hazards and preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity. BLUE-X is an innovative Copernicus-based solution for optimizing and accelerating decision-making for blue renewable energy projects in all phases, from planning to construction, operation, and decommissioning. The heart of this solution is a cloud-based IT network of relevant Earth observation and MetOcean data streams that are combined in decision support tools for each phase. All the cases analyzed show that the planning and construction phase can be significantly optimized, thereby reducing costs, and required time for full operation. Among all the MRE evaluated, floating offshore wind is the technology with the best techno-economic performance and the most competitive in the European domain. Floating solar is more profitable in southern Europe, while wave energy is associated with more energetic seas, such as the North Atlantic or the North Sea. The rest of the technologies identify hot spots of maximum availability on an ad hoc basis. Although BLUE-X results are currently available and displayed only in European offshore energy domains, it is expected that they will soon be extrapolated to any area of the planet.

Biography
Dr. Emiliano Gorr-Pozzi had Graduated in Marine Sciences at the University of Vigo, Spain; Dr. Emiliano Gorr-Pozzi focused his knowledge on physical oceanography. He did his master’s degree in Coastal Oceanography at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), Mexico; specializing in numerical wave modeling, supervised by Dr. Héctor García Nava. At the same university, he obtained a PhD in Environment and Development with the topic Feasibility of using waves as an energy resource in Baja California, Mexico. Currently, Dr. Gorr-Pozzi is a postdoctoral researcher at the MorEnergy Lab of the Polytechnic of Turin, Italy with the topic on the techno-economic assessment, acceleration, and optimization of the offshore energy installation of the Europe Horizon project. He also actively participates in the Mexican Center for Innovation in Ocean Energy (CEMIE-Ocean) within the strategic line of Wave and offshore wind energies and is chair of the Pan-American Marine Energy Conference (PAMEC.Energy) and the REMAR-CYTED Network. That promotes and encourages, in a synergic way, the generation and sustainable use of marine energy in the Pan and Ibero- American context.

Abstract
‘Smart Cities’ was a concept which gained momentum between 2010 to 2015 to promote effective and efficient urban development addressing infrastructure, governance, social and environmental issues of Cities. It brought forth the multidimensional challenges of urban areas and a need to have a sustained effort – some places it becomes Climate Smart development or Smart Mobility and so on; but the effort to have a focused effort in improving the liveability of the urban areas is still an area of continuous engagement of City Planners and Managers. The SDG goals have acknowledged this and have outlined the targets to be addressed by its Goal 11 to be achieved by 2030. Covid 19 has brought yet another dimension to these efforts – the sudden and quick spread of virus triggered diseases which can put standstill all development efforts. It is time to put health – human and health of other living organisms that share the space of the city at centre stage.

The city serves as a catalyst for innovation, trade, arts, research, efficiency, societal advancement, and financial growth. It is imperative that sustainable development in urban settings addresses urban design, transportation infrastructure, water supply, waste disposal, disaster management, information accessibility, education, and the development of skills and abilities.

At a time when urbanization is on the rise, it is imperative to develop cities that promote the health and well-being of its residents. The concept of a healthy city goes beyond physical environments to encompass communities that prioritize the holistic health of their residents by providing health care access, safe public spaces, and avenues for residents to engage in their community. The World Health Organization defines a healthy city as “one that is continually creating and improving physical and social environments and expanding community resources which enable people to mutually support each other in performing all the functions of life and developing to their maximum potential.” This study examines the concepts of Healthy Cities, Smart Cities, and Sustainable Development Goals and provides a framework for integrating health into urban planning.

Biography
Dr. Jwngma is a multifaceted professional, PhD scholar, and expert in environmental planning and data visualization. With a deep commitment to sustainable development and urban planning, he is currently conducting doctoral research on the “Implication of Land Use Zoning on Air Quality.” Over the years, he has worked on numerous high-impact projects, including environmental management plans, smart city assessments, and air quality improvement initiatives. He has been a consultant and project associate for various prestigious institutions, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the National Mission for Clean Ganga, and U.P. Tourism. His expertise also extends to designing extensions and products for software like ArcGIS and Google Earth Engine, as well as teaching GIS and Remote Sensing at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, where he is also a teaching assistant.

Abstract
This study investigated the impact of climate change, grazing, manure application, and liming on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in forest soils across different altitudes. Despite similar soil texture, acidity, and salinity across elevations, SOC stock significantly increased with altitude due to cooler temperatures and higher precipitation. The highest SOC stock (97.46 t ha-1) was observed at 2000-2500 m, compared to the lowest (44.23 t ha-1) at 500-1000 m. The Century C Model accurately predicted SOC stock, with correlation and determination coefficients exceeding 0.98. A climate change scenario projecting decreased precipitation (2.15 mm per decade) and increased temperature (0.4 °C) revealed potential SOC stock losses ranging from 28.36-36.35%, particularly at higher altitudes. Grazing further decreased SOC stock, with a more pronounced effect at higher elevations. However, manure application (40 t ha-1 every four years) and liming (7-10 t ha-1 every three years) had positive effects on SOC stock, again amplified at higher altitudes and with an increase in lime application rate. In scenarios combining climate change with manure application and climate change with liming, manure application and liming mitigated some negative impacts of climate change, but could not fully offset them, resulting in 1.49-5.42% and 0.39-4.07% decreases respectively. Simulations of cumulative CO₂ emissions mirrored the distribution of SOC stock, with higher emissions observed at higher altitudes and with management practices that increased SOC stock. This study emphasizes the critical role of conserving high-altitude forest soils and implementing optimal forest management strategies to combat climate change by minimizing SOC losses.

Biography
Dr. Mehran Misaghi was born on May 8,1997. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science and a Master’s degree in Soil chemistry, Fertility and Plant Nutrition, both form the University of Zanjan, Iran.

Abstract
Mineral processing, used for more than a century to extract valuable paymetals from mined ore, has been an imperfect science for a long time.  However, its flowsheet development capabilities have advanced considerably in the last two decades in its ability to deliver robust, sustainable designs that successfully commission into production.  This advancement has come about principally because of the development of the hybrid discipline Process Mineralogy, which integrates best practice sampling, quantitative and compositional mineralogy, flotation electrochemistry, and mineral processing.  This platform has undergone several generations of improvement thanks to cross-training, the invention of new equipment, and advancement of laboratory methods. The track record of projects managed using this platform consistently shows attainment of a higher percentage of the metallurgical performance entitlement at an earlier stage of commissioning of the project into production.  Application of the same platform to existing operations has also shown to be successful, with retrofits in both equipment and reagent strategies delivering sustainable marginal gains in grade and recovery.  This paper discusses the structure of the platform and some case studies.

Biography
Dr. Norman founded Flowsheets Metallurgical Consulting Inc. in 2016, for which he is President and Consulting Engineer, based in Sudbury, Ontario.  He holds a B.Sc. in Pure and Applied Science from Natal University, an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, and a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from McGill University.  His career started in Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited, South Africa, where he worked as Manager of the Divisional Metallurgical Laboratory.  He moved to Falconbridge/Xstrata/Glencore in Sudbury in 1997, where he led the development of a hybrid Process Mineralogy team towards improved flowsheet development techniques, and their use of these in several projects such as Raglan, Montcalm, Nickel Rim South, Eland Platinum, and Ivanhoe’s Kamoa-Kakula project.  He was awarded Distinguished Lecturer by the CIM in 2010 for these developments.  He is a Fellow of both the IOM3, London, and of the SAIMM, Johannesburg. He was presented with the Fray International Sustainability award in 2017 by Flogen in recognition of the development of Process Mineralogy for sustainable flowsheet development.   Sampling, laboratory quality control, flotation electrochemistry and flotation testing are his special interests.

Abstract
The authors methodically optimize a distributed energy resource in terms of the production, management, utilization, and/or transaction of renewable energies during the deployment process. They discover a mathematical theoretical model that allows users to arrive at three critical output functions, including output power, energy economy, and carbon footprint. The model delivers three eigenstates derived by a power utility matrix (PUM) model. PUM transforms three-input parameters (3i) into three-output functions (3o) through 3i3o-transformation. The PUM model is ubiquitous, and its systematic characterization is discussed. Moreover, they discover a mathematical conversion relationship between energy generation and carbon emissions. Therefore, various case-studies are conducted to demonstrate the optimal energy resource utilization. Furthermore, an energy blockchain approach is employed for microgrid design, development, and carbon reduction. Finally, the authors demonstrate the energy matter (such as CO2) conversion relationship that can be valuable in order to reduce carbon emissions for energy production. The beta factor of carbon emissions drops to 0.225 kg/kWh for carbon peak state and to zero for carbon neutrality state.

Biography
Dr. A. Jerry Jin has been a full professor focused on the renewable energies in Ningbo University, China, and he also serves as a Chief Scientist of China Huaneng Group, China. He has earned his PhD in Physics from University of Minnesota. He has extensive research experience in EE, material science, and applied physics. Jerry has held positions in premier universities/ institutes/ companies such as NASA, Case Western Reserve University, and Applied Materials, USA. Moreover, he is a chief technology officer in a startup company who has managed RnD projects globally of several million dollars in budget. He is a well-known published author including many top journals with totally over a hundred scientific works in both Science and Nature portfolio.

Abstract
A multiproxy methodology was employed to delineate pollution sources and assess ecological risks along the margins of Guanabara Bay (GB; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) shortly after a significant oil spill in 2018 attributed to a Local Oil Refinery. A total of 33 samples of surface sediments were analyzed for granulometry, geochemical profile, heavy metals, total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen and its stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N), Rock-Eval pyrolysis parameters (REPP) and a set of other physicochemical metrics. The investigation revealed pronounced metal contamination in approximately 85% of the sites surveyed, emphasizing Cd in percolated water (Cd_W) and Cd, Pb, and Hg in the organic matrix of sediments (CdOM, Pb_OM, Hg_OM). Furthermore, implementing a Bayesian Stable Isotope Mixture Model (BSIMM) through the signals of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N was crucial to identifying the presence and origin of the oil in the analyzed samples. The BSIMM results were corroborated by the REPP results, affirming its effectiveness in tracking the presence and provenance of PAHs in sediments. Furthermore, BSIMM and Cluster Analysis identified a pattern based on sediment probable composition, grouping sampling stations into three clusters. The composition of the organic matrix was then effectively associated with geographic typologies and potential polluting sources such as domestic sewage and industrial discharges. TOC analyses pointed out widespread eutrophication, with a notable discrepancy in GB’s eastern margin, where high concentrations of metals prevailed despite the proximity to the marine environment, signaling potential risks to marine life and human health. The use of isotopic signals to track sources of organic matter is already well-established in ecological studies. However, applying isotopic models based on proportions and probabilities (Monte Carlo Method) to detect oil spills is a novel approach. This methodology also has applicability in exploring natural oil exudations and in preventive monitoring of oil and mineral exploration. The need for additional studies, the compilation of a database containing the isotopic signatures of several oils, and free access to this data are essential to increase the model’s accuracy. This study highlights the need for more investments in environmental policies to mitigate ecological liabilities in Guanabara Bay. It also highlights the crucial role of innovative analytical tools in interpreting biogeochemical data.

Biography
Dr. Thaise M. Senez-Mello received a Ph.D. degree in Marine Biogeochemistry (2019) and MSc. in Marine MicroBiology (2014), both from Universidade Federal Fluminense – UFF, Niterói, Brasil. She graduated in Biological Sciences (2012) from FaMTh, Niterói, Brasil. In 2020, she joined the Post-graduation Programm as a post-doc researcher on Oceans and Earth Dynamics (UFF). In 2022, she joined the MicroPaleontology Laboratory from Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, Brasil, where she started a new postdoc research on investigating marine pollution by multiproxy approach. In 2023, she started a collaboration with the Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira IEAPM, Brazilian Navy, Arraial do Cabo, RJ, where her main job was to aid postgraduation students dealing with statistics, translations, and submition process issues. She is currently working on biomonitoring marine pollution at UERJ supported by the Postgraduation Development Programm. She works on environmental aspects of oil and gas exploitation, seep hunting and ultra-deep benthonic ecology. Yet, contributes as associate reviewer in Frontiers in Marine Science (Marine Pollution), Frontiers in Environmental Science (Toxicology, Pollution, and the Environment), Environmental Science and Pollution Research (SpringerNature), and Applied Life Sciences International, Scientific Ambassador in Translation & Innovation Hub, Imperial College, London. Dra. Thaise is an Honorary Member of the Council of Rosalind Members (London Journals Press, UK); was honored by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Arts, History, and Literature (ABRASCI) with the Academic Merit Necklace occupying the chair number 80 (Biological Science Concil). Translator, proofreader, and independent submission agent for multidisciplinary scientific journals. Professor of “Text mining – RapidMiner” of the MBA in “Data Science” at Universidade Federal Fluminense.