Sustainable Development in Economics, Technology and Environmental Engineering

Table of Contents

1. Environmental Engineering

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Development of a Genetic Method for Solving Routing Problems with Multiple Transports and Weight Limits

      Ievgen Fedorchenko, Andrii Oliinyk, Tetiana Kolpakova, Hennadii Nesterov, Mykola Khokhlov

      Abstract

      A modified genetic algorithm for solving routing problems with weight constraints and multiple vehicles is developed. The fundamental difference between the developed genetic algorithm and existing modifications is the use of a diploid set of chromosomes in individuals of the evolving population. Such a modification makes the dependence of an individual’s phenotype on genotype less deterministic and, as a result, helps to preserve the diversity of the population’s gene pool and the variability of phenotype traits during the algorithm’s execution. The result of such a modification is a maintenance of sufficiently high variability of traits (genes) in the population gene pool during evolution, while possibly having a small effect on the phenotype of individuals. A modification of the genetic mutation operator is proposed. In contrast to the classical method, individuals subjected to the mutation operator are not randomly selected, but in accordance with their mutational resistance, which corresponds to the value of the fitness function of the individual. As such, “weaker” individuals mutate, while the genome of “strong” individuals remains unchanged. In this case, the probability of losing the extremum of the function achieved during evolution due to the action of the mutation operator decreases, and the transition to a new extremum is carried out in the case of accumulation of a sufficient proportion of the “best” traits in the population. Such a modification of the operator allows searching for optimal values, excluding the loss of the acquired ones during the search for better solutions.

   3. Contaminants in Plant Materials and Methods of Detoxification of White Root Vegetables

      Svetlana Lehnert, Valentyna Zaitseva, Antonina Dubinina, Tetiana Kuklina, Larysa Tatar

      Abstract

      For the first time, the peculiarities of the accumulation of contaminants by white root crops zoned in Ukraine were established. It has been established that the content of heavy metals, radionuclides, and nitrates in white root crops did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. It has been proven that the studied white roots have a high content of oxalic acid and its salts, as well as psoralen. The oxalate index of parsley is 1.3–1.7, parsnip and celery—3.3–4.0, with a norm of less than one. The most psoralen is contained in parsnip—up to 53 mg%, in parsley—up to 38 mg%, and in celery—up to 30 mg%. Using mathematical modelling of the process of raw material processing, scientifically based methods of reducing contaminants in white root crops were obtained for the first time. These methods consist of keeping cubed root crops in a solution containing 2.0% potassium chloride and 1.0% sodium bicarbonate for processing parsnips and parsley, and 1.0% and 1.5% for celery, respectively. Keeping parsnips and parsley should be carried out at a temperature of 20 ºС, and celery at 30 ºС. Processing time is 20 min for parsnip, 40 min for parsley, 30 min for celery. The proposed methods differ from their analogues by being more efficient and versatile. They help to reduce the content of psoralen by 19.9%–30.0%, the content of nitrates by 45.5%–80.0%, and the content of oxalic acid and oxalates by 30.0%–50.0%.

   4. Environmental Assessment of Atmospheric Air Quality in Urban Landscapes

      Boiaryn Mariia, Nekos Alla, Karaim Olha, Netrobchuk Iryna, Bakarayev Oleksandr

      Abstract

      The problem of the impact of charcoal production on the natural environment is quite urgent, since its use is one of the most common forms of energy production in many countries of the world. Definition and environmental assessment of the effect of emissions from charcoal production enterprises on the state of atmospheric air within urban landscapes. Chemical ecological analysis, instrumental analysis, calculations, generalization, systematization, comparative analytical, descriptive, cartographic. Environmental assessment of the effect of charcoal production emissions on the state of air quality within urban landscapes was performed. It was established that the source of atmospheric pollution at the investigated enterprise is 4 pyrolysis furnaces for charcoal production. The operation of the equipment releases into the atmospheric air nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, undifferentiated suspended solid particles (smoke), ethane, methanol, acetic acid, acetone, greenhouse gases (methane, carbon dioxide, dinitrogen oxide, NMVOC). In total, 324.7 t/year of pollutants are released into the atmosphere, of which 4.21 t/year are harmful. The effect of pollutant emissions on the state of air pollution within urban landscapes was assessed from the results of calculations of the dispersion of pollutants in atmospheric air and that data obtained from instrumental measurement methods. Taking into account the existing background pollution, the concentration of pollutants in the atmospheric air at the border of the regulatory sanitary protection zone does not exceed the hygienic standards. The quality of atmospheric air is within maximum permissible concentration of pollutants whereby negative impact on human health and the state of the environment is absent.

   5. Assessment of Environmental Damage Caused by the Occupation of Ukraine's Nature Reserves (Using the Example of the Azovo-Sivash National Nature Park)

      Lidiia Horoshkova, Oleksandr Menshov, Karina Skrynchenko, Yulia Korniichuk, Stanislav Horoshkov

      Abstract

      This article presents the results of a study aimed at assessing the impact of military actions on the ecosystem of the Azov-Sivash National Nature Park. The Azovo-Sivash National Nature Park in Ukraine, known for its unique flora and fauna, faces ecological threats due to military activities. Satellite imagery from 2022 revealed significant disturbances on Azov-Syvash NNP (Biryuchy Island, part of Kuyuk-Tuk Island and part of Chyuruk Island with adjacent small islands—Martyniachyi and Kitai). This article presents the results of a study aimed at assessing the impact of military actions on the ecosystem of the Azov-Sivash National Nature Park. Significant disruptions to the ecosystems of the Biryuchy, Kuyuk-Tuk, and Chyuruk islands were identified through the analysis of satellite images, revealing changes in vegetation cover and potential alterations in biodiversity. The findings indicate a substantial negative impact of military activities, including trench digging, on the local flora and fauna. Changes in the migratory paths of birds were also observed, likely attributed to the redistribution of food resources and shifts in ecological niches due to wartime activities.

   6. Logistical Management of Inland Waterways in the Southern Regions of Ukraine During Times of War and Post-war Reconstruction

      O. Menshov, O. Vasyl’yeva, O. Tarasenko, I. Ryzhykov, V. Kuzmenko, I. Perov

      Abstract

      In order to assess the forecast capabilities of “ecologizing” the transport and logistics system of Ukraine, we conducted a predictive modeling of the possibilities of using various modes of transport. The primary goal of the modeling was to determine the potential for increasing freight turnover for water and rail transport while reducing the freight turnover for road transport. The research conducted has enabled the formulation of a predictive model for the development of Ukraine's transportation system, taking into account the military events and for the country's post-war recovery. It was confirmed that with the intensification of European integration processes, it is important to address environmental issues related to aligning the national freight transport sector with the standards of the European Green Deal. Therefore, the necessity of utilizing water transport was substantiated, and the potential volumes of maritime and river transport were determined. It was taken into account that with the onset of the war, there are limitations on the use of maritime transport in Ukraine (due to the occupation of territories and ports). Therefore, there is a need to compensate for these losses until the restoration of maritime transport capabilities by activating the use of river transport.

   7. A Mini Review on Masonry Materials and Their Impact on Global Warming

      S. N. Prerana, Deepak Kumar Thakur, Peddireddy Sreekanth Reddy

      Abstract

      Population migration has accelerated urbanization in recent decades, boosting construction activity in major cities in India. Further, it is not possible to satisfy the need for raw materials with increasing demand. Besides, the mining activity for raw materials in the production of conventional red bricks has a considerable impact on the environment, which emphasizes the necessity to adopt alternative materials, i.e. industrial wastes. In this context, many researchers reported varying degrees of success in replacing conventional bricks with alternative materials prepared from industrial waste. The current study intends to review the status of industrial waste and its application in construction activity, especially masonry components to date. It is revealed from the study that most of the researchers employed cement-based blocks, which comprise fly ash as a partial replacement. However, further studies are in need of an hour to replace the cement fully, which recedes an environmental footprint and consumes industrial waste in huge quantities. In addition, an attempt was made to compare the sustainability of different masonry materials in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and embodied energies. The current study provides information to the readers related to the status of research on implying waste materials in the masonry component of a structure.

   8. Spatial Assessment of Green Infrastructure in Large and Small Cities of Ukraine (Case of Kharkiv and Chuguiiv Cities)

      Nadiya Maksymenko, Svitlana Burchenko, Alina Hrechko, Karina Zvyagintseva, Nadiia Cherkashyna

      Abstract

      Green infrastructure of modern cities is an integral part of the anthropogenic environment, which, having moved away from its natural counterpart, has preserved some of its features. The purpose of the study is to assess spatial distribution of green infrastructure elements in small and large cities and determine its composition for the improvement of the urban environment. Methods: a combination of field study of the biological diversity of the floristic composition and analysis of multispectral images in Band 4 (RED) and Band 5 (NIR) of the Landsat 8 satellite to determine the normalized vegetation index (NDVI). Results: based on natural studies, we determined the distribution areas of the main components of the urban flora and their species composition. The calculation of the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) indicates a low density of green infrastructure, and the visualization of the data gives us an opportunity to identify problematic areas of the city, where there is a need for technical measures for the arrangement of green infrastructure facilities or measures to support existing vegetation. Conclusions: large cities, such as Kharkiv, unlike small cities (Chuguiiv), have few zones with a high NDVI coefficient, indicating insufficient vegetation cover. They require the introduction of additional elements of green infrastructure. The study has identified plant species that are promising for urban greening. Zonal vegetation is the most promising, as it is more resistant to anthropogenic stress. The paper states that despite synanthropization and anthropogenic transformation of the studied flora, the suburbs of Kharkiv and Chuguiiv still have fragments of semi-natural and natural vegetation, which are centers of the greatest biodiversity of the urban flora of the city.

   9. Performance Analysis of Concrete Incorporating Aloe Vera Gel and Dolomite Powder

      Khanapuram Anand Goud, Peddireddy Sreekanth Reddy, V. Ajay, V. Virat Shasthri

      Abstract

      Concrete is a composite and versatile material that is widely used in the construction field. The W/C ratio is one of the important parameters that affects the strength of concrete. Water used for construction should be portable and have a pH value between 6.5 and 8.5. In coastal areas and water-contaminated zones, the water contains a large number of dissolved solvents, which change the physical and chemical properties of concrete and form cracks, which reduce the strength of concrete. This can be achieved by adding aloe vera gel, which reduces the water content and improves the workability and strength properties of concrete. The curing process of concrete is exothermic and generates a large amount of heat and greenhouse gases. In this study, dolomite powder is partially replaced with cement, which reduces the heat of hydration and increases the strength of concrete by accumulating in the voids. Aloe vera and dolomite are combined with concrete; fresh and hardened properties were analyzed. The replacement percentages tried were 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5% of aloe vera and 12% of dolomite, and compressive strength was examined. Results show that the maximum strength of 35.25 N/mm² can be achieved by adding 3% of aloe vera.

   10. Evaluating the Mechanical Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete by Using Bauxite Residue and Waste Plastic as Replacement for Cement and Fine Aggregate

       Khanapuram Anand Goud, Peddireddy Sreekanth Reddy, Podala Bhanu Chandar

       Abstract

       Owing to the environmental issues associated with industrial waste, i.e. bauxite reside and plastic, it is essential to reuse or recycle it. On the flip side, the utilization of concrete in the construction industry consumes large quantities of cement, which leads to the liberation of greenhouses. In order to decline this effect, bauxite residue and plastic waste can be used in the preparation of concrete. In the current study, the cement content is partially replaced with bauxite residue (i.e. 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 15%), waste plastic (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%) in the place of fine aggregate, and fly ash as filler material are employed. Further, the prepared test specimens were subjected to compressive strength and split tensile strength with a curing period of 3, 7, and 28 days. The test results revealed that bauxite residue of 7.5% and waste plastic of 7.5% offered the highest compressive strength of 61 MPa and split tensile strength of 5 MPa. Overall, the compressive strength and split tensile strength increased up to 15% to 20% when compared to conventional concrete.

   11. Dendroindication of Beech Stands in the Carpathians Under Conditions of Climate Change

       Iryna Koval, Nadiya Maksymenko, Iryna Shpakivska, Vladislav Voronin, Vadym Gololobov

       Abstract

       The results of the study of the radial growth of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), which grows in the medieval plantation of the Skolivski Beskydy National Nature Park using dendroindicative methods, are presented. The reaction of radial growth to climate changes was studied for two periods: 1982–2000 and 2001–2020. A decrease of radial growth in the second period by 14% was established. The impact of precipitation on growth almost did not change in the second period compared to the first, as well as their amount, which mainly fluctuated in the range 1–5%. The negative influence of relative humidity increased in the second period, especially in July–August. Despite the increase in temperature and decrease in radial growth in 2001–2019 compared to 1982–2000 by 14%, it can be stated that at this stage the beech plantation was able to adapt to climate change, although at the same time it has become more vulnerable to climate variations.

2. Cutting-Edge Advancements in Metallurgical Technologies

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Research of the Agglomeration Process Using Different Types and Fractions of Solid Fuel

      Chuprynov Yevhen, Kassim Daria

      Abstract

      A technology has been developed for the preliminary separate preparation of two sintering charges, in which solid fuel with low reactivity was introduced into the charge loaded onto the grate bars of the sintering plant, in an amount 10–20% less than the calculated (required) value in the entire layer, and into the charge constituting the top half of the layer, solid fuel with high reactivity was introduced in an amount 5–15% greater than the calculated (required) value in the entire layer. Optimal sintering modes were determined with the developed ratio of carbon content in the upper and lower layers of a two-layer sinter charge. It has been shown that the use of fuel with high and low reactivity according to the developed technology makes it possible to increase the productivity of the sinter plant (by increasing the yield of suitable sinter), reduce the specific consumption of solid fuel (by saving it in the lower layer), improve the strength characteristics of the sinter, and reduce the fines content (0–5 mm) in finished products. A technology has been developed for two-layer sintering of the charge with preliminary separation of the 0–1 mm fraction from fuels with different reactivity, their mixing, and introduction into the charge. The particle size of highly reactive fuel was 1–5.0 mm (with a content of 2–5 mm fraction of 75–95%), and that of low-reactivity fuel was 1–2.5 mm. The developed technology made it possible to increase the specific productivity of the sintering machine, reduce the specific carbon consumption of solid fuel, reduce the residual carbon content in the sinter, reduce the fines content, and also improve the strength characteristics of the sinter.

   3. Production of Secondary Aluminium Alloys as Part of Strategies of Sustainable and Eco-Oriented Development of Ukrainian Industry

      Oleksandr Mityayev, Oleksii Voskoboinik, Vadym Shalomeev, Valentyna Povzlo, Vira Savchenko

      Abstract

      Two approaches to aluminium production have been explored: the electrolytic extraction of aluminium from aluminium oxide and the manufacturing of secondary aluminium from waste materials and scrap. The results indicate that the second method reduces power consumption and decreases harmful emissions into the environment but requires technological improvements for enhancing the quality of secondary aluminium alloys. The method for improvement of mechanical, foundry, and technological properties of aluminium alloys obtained from recycled raw material was substantiated, elaborated, and tested. It has been shown that application of elaborated modifier substantially improves the properties of studied secondary aluminium alloys.

   4. Stability Assessment of Isoniazid and EGCG Functionalized Gold and Silver Nanoparticles in BSA and Salt Solutions of Varying pH

      S. Jayshree, Adora G. Christina, P. Sanjay Sardar, R. Abhishek, Akhela Umapathi

      Abstract

      The metallic nanoparticles currently hold attractive applications in the fields of biomedical-, environmental-, and electronics engineering. By leveraging various physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles, the toxic effects of nanoparticles can be balanced. Among these properties, the surface property plays an important role, where stability of the nanoparticles helps in maintaining the integrity, thereby influencing their various biological toxicities. In our present study, we have synthesized a novel nanosystem comprising epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-coated gold nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles (AuNPs^EGCG and AgNPs^EGCG), which is further engineered with isoniazid (INH), a frontline anti-TB drug, yielding AuNPs^EGCG@INH and AgNPs^EGCG@INH. These nanoparticles were targeted to counter tuberculosis and its associated co-morbidities and disseminations. It is imperative to test the stability of these nanoparticles to ensure its usage in various applications. Therefore, the stability was tested in varying-media conditions (bovine serum albumin and NaCl), pH (pH = 5.5 and pH = 8.4), composition (AuNPs and AgNPs), and surface functionalization (EGCG and INH). It was found that AuNPs bearing the EGCG@INH moieties in alkaline conditions in bovine serum albumin were more stable. This study becomes imperative data to study the release of drugs and used in environmental toxicity mitigation.

   5. The Research of the Influence of the Parameters of Metal Pickling Units and the Design of On-Board Extractors on the Features of Acid Vapor Disposal

      Oksana Vodennikova, Sergii Vodennikov, Volodymyr Horobets, Sergiy Sheyko, Larysa Vodennikova, Evgen Parahnevich

      Abstract

      For the conditions of the pickling department of the cold rolling shop of PJSC “Zaporizhstal” (Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine), which switched to salt-acid etching of metal. The use of double-sided suction cups is proposed for the removal of the generated aerosols from the process baths. The effectiveness of the system for capturing acid vapors in the conditions of the pickling department with the help of installing a mist catcher was analyzed. It is shown that for the conditions of the pickling department of the cold rolling shop, the amount of air that is removed with the help of on-board suction devices is determined depending on the size of the pickling bath; the level of filling with hydrochloric acid in the pickling bath; air mobility in the shop premises and the temperature difference between the solution and the environment. The expediency of returning acid vapors in the form of pickling solutions to metallurgical production is shown.

   6. Electroosmosis as a Method of Drying Coal Batch

      Kateryna Shmeltser, Maryna Kormer, Natalia Desna, Iryna Mykhailova

      Abstract

      The technology of preparation of coal for coking includes storing in silo. Coal goes into silo with a humidity of up to 10–12%. The coking of coal with high humidity reduces the productivity of coke batteries and the quality of coke. Reducing the humidity of coal, as a negative factor in technology, is an important technical task. An increase in the moisture content of coal increases the energy consumption for heating the batch during coking. For each percentage of humidity, heat consumption for coking increases by 3%; coking time by 20–30 min. At the same time, the productivity of coke ovens decreases, the wear of the refractory masonry increases, and the quality of coke deteriorates. When choosing a drying technology, it becomes fundamental to fulfill a number of technical and economic parameters, such as the energy consumption of the process, the uniformity of drying, and the time to achieve the specified moisture content. These indicators can be ensured through a competent approach to the selection of appropriate drying technologies, as well as by creating equipment on which these processes and technologies can be implemented.

   7. Research of Factors that Have a Significant Impact on the Energy Intensity of Blast Furnace Production

      Volodymyr Zaselskyi, Dmytro Popolov

      Abstract

      The purpose of the research is to identify factors that affect the energy intensity of blast furnace production, determination and provision of scientifically based recommendations on the use of the necessary equipment, which allows to reduce energy consumption in the existing technological paths. The identification of factors was identified by expert evaluation. The data obtained were processed statistically and ranked in descending order of influence on the energy intensity of the studied production. The degree of consistency of experts’ opinions was assessed using the concordance coefficient. According to the results of the expert assessment, it was found that the greatest impact on the energy intensity of blast furnace production is made by the content of substandard fractions of coke and the iron-containing part of the charge. Therefore, attention was paid to preparatory processes related to the separation of the metallurgical charge by size and the analysis of the formation of the particle size distribution of charge materials at different parts of the route of its processing and transportation to the blast furnace.

   8. Renovation of Technologies and Equipment for Hot Rolling Processes at Small Section Mills

      Nadiia Vlasova, Victor Batareyev, Victoria Hrihorieva, Victor Kryvenko, Marina Korenko

      Abstract

      The article addresses the need to optimize and update existing technological approaches with different structural composition of the main rolling equipment. On the basis of theoretical studies, technical solutions are proposed to improve the technological modes of operation, composition, and design parameters of small-grade hot rolling mills. The main technological solutions in rolling production include the need to switch to a non-continuous round workpiece of increased cross section; improving the quality of finished products through the introduction of a caliber-free rolling process; use of an intensive crimping machine, which will eliminate the rough group of cells. In general, as the results of theoretical studies and experience of industrial implementation have shown, the technology of the process of non-caliber rolling allows to increase the productivity of equipment, expand the range, and reduce the cost of finished metal rolling while reducing the consumption of working rolls. Radial-shear mills are complex rolling equipment that determine the productivity and quality of finished products; this is due to the fact that the blanks in the process of deformation receive both rotational and translational movement. It is indicated that the only way to ensure the competitiveness of commodity rolled products by its designation indicators is mandatory technical re-equipment.