Sustainable Environmental Insight

Bamboo as a Geogrid Material for Enhanced Slope Stabilization

Jienovicco Winner Jaibin — 2025-06-09

Bamboo (Bambusoideae) was developed as a sustainable alternative to synthetic geogrids for use in slope stabilization due to its high mechanical strength, rapid renewability, and low environmental footprint. This research examined the performance of non-treated Gigantochloa scortechinii (Buluh Dinding) bamboo as geogrid reinforcement in clay loam soil, which was a widely open area of critical tropical soil applications. The results confirmed that bamboo geogrid reinforcement increased soil stability, with the shear resistance rising from 31 kPa in unreinforced soil to 65 kPa in reinforced soil. In addition, the introduction of two-layer bamboo geogrids decreased soil consolidation by 50.46%, demonstrating better performance compared to the use of single-layer bamboo geogrids. Mechanical tests showed that bamboo specimens with larger diameters (7 cm) and bricks of optimal thickness (1.5 cm) supported compressive stresses of up to 1152.29 MPa, proving their structural suitability for geotechnical purposes. These results emphasized that bamboo was a successful eco-friendly geogrid material capable of replacing mineral alternatives and facilitating green infrastructure development. It offered valuable insights for adopting bamboo-based solutions in slope stabilization in areas exposed to challenges of soil instability and erosion.

Flocculation Efficiency of Organic and Inorganic Coagulants in Microalgae Bloom Harvesting

Chi Hien Lee — 2025-06-09

The present study investigated the performance of inorganic (alum) and organic (chitosan) coagulants in the flocculation-harvesting of microalgae blooms. Water samples were collected from the eutrophic Gunung Lang Recreational Park, Ipoh, Malaysia. The analysis results indicated moderate contamination, with the early stages of algal bloom suggested by high pH and moderate turbidity. Optimisation of coagulant dosage and pH was carried out through a jar-test experiment and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The best performance was observed with alum, achieving 98.7% harvesting efficiency at 105 mg/l and pH 8.5, while chitosan reached 86% efficiency at 180 mg/l and pH 5.0. Statistical analysis revealed that pH and dosage significantly impacted flocculation performance. These results demonstrated that alum and chitosan were cost-effective and efficient coagulants. Moreover, chitosan presented a biodegradable alternative, offering environmental sustainability in the long term. This study suggested that flocculation could be a competitive and scalable technique for improving water quality and recovering microalgae biomass, with potential applications in large-scale water treatment.

Environmental Remediation Applications of Nanocomposites on Water Pollution

Sam Wil Son — 2025-06-09

Economic growth was followed by industrialization and population expansion, which led to an increased demand for goods, energy, food, and water. While this contributed to rapid global development, it also severely polluted the Earth, especially the air, water, and soil. Water pollution, in particular, is critical, as water is essential for both human and animal life. However, the discharge of industrial waste, effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage into water bodies has become a widespread issue, leading to serious health consequences for humans and damage to ecosystems. To address this problem, the use of nanocomposites has emerged as a promising solution for the remediation of harmful substances and the restoration of natural environments. This new-age technology employs a variety of nanocomposite materials designed to target different stages of water pollution. These include electrospun nanofibrous membranes for the removal of heavy metals, nanocomposite membranes for wastewater filtration, polymer-based nanocomposites that degrade water pollutants and inhibit microbial growth, natural nanocomposites derived from reusable materials with minimal environmental impact, and magnetic nanocomposites for water purification. Due to their high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and adaptability, these materials have the potential to serve as sustainable third-generation water treatment technologies. Thus, the general application of nanocomposites in environmental protection and the decontamination of water pollutants, with respect to their sources, fate, and effects on human health, is increasingly being explored and reviewed.

Microplastic Pollution in Malaysia's Coastal Areas: Impacts, Challenges, and Sustainable Solutions

Jun Fui Woo — 2025-06-09

Microplastic contamination became a serious environmental problem in Malaysia’s coastal areas, endangering marine life and human health. This review provided an overview of the status of microplastic pollution, focusing on its sources, spatial distribution, and ecological effects in Malaysian marine habitats from a holistic perspective. The article summarized key findings from recent research, which showed high levels of microplastics in coastal sediments and fauna, with fibers identified as the predominant type of contaminant. The paper compared several remediation methods, including biodegradation by indigenous bacterial strains and advanced electrocoagulation, which achieved a removal efficiency of 96.5%. However, significant challenges remained, such as limited waste management infrastructure, a lack of public education, and technological constraints in scaling up effective solutions. Three key recommendations were made: (1) enactment of strict national waste management regulations and infrastructure, with strong emphasis on recycling facilities and collection systems; (2) funding for localized research and development in cost-effective remediation technologies; and (3) national campaigns to promote reductions in plastic use. The study emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive strategy that integrated scientific innovation, policy reform, and community participation to address this growing environmental crisis. The findings of this review offered valuable information for policymakers and environmental practitioners in efforts to conserve marine biodiversity in Malaysia and served as a potential guide for developing countries facing similar challenges.