Abstract:

Microplastic pollution is a major global problem because it harms wildlife, poses risks to human health via toxic chemicals in the food chain, degrades ecosystems and soil, and worsens climate change. An example of ubiquitous microplastics are particles from car tires. These particles, generated from the abrasion of tires against road surfaces, are composed of synthetic and natural rubbers and are transported by wind and water, contaminating aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The main aim of the study was to investigate the influence of abiotic factors on the migration of harmful substances from tire microparticles into water. Other aim was to assess the toxicity of water sample after ageing process, as well as changes in the particle surface structure and chemical changes. Microplastic samples in the form of shredded tire (0.6 mm fraction) were subjected to abiotic (UV) ageing in an accelerated ageing test chamber. Microplastic samples were incubated for 1, 2, and 4 weeks in deionized water, deionized water with NaCl addition, and surface water. Abiotic ageing (UV) affects the migration of tire components, but the degree of migration is influenced by the type of substance. Ecotoxicological tests for Daphnia magna and Lemna minor confirmed the toxicity of water incubated with MPs.  The highest toxicity was observed in samples incubated without access to UV and samples incubated in salt water. The least toxic were samples incubated in natural surface water. The changes in the polymers chemical structure were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Abstract:

The present study aimed to assess the emissions of selected greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), during the degradation of microplastics in an aquatic environment. The microplastics were derived from used car tires with particle sizes below 600 µm. Samples were incubated under anaerobic conditions at 6, 18, and 60°C for 30, 90, 180, and 360 days, and CH₄ and CO₂ emissions were measured using gas chromatography with a barrier discharge ionization detector.

Results demonstrated that CO₂ emissions were higher than CH₄ emissions across all experimental conditions. CO₂ production likely resulted from microbial activity associated with the tire material or from chemical oxidation of organic and inorganic compounds. The highest CO₂ emissions occurred at 18°C, suggesting that moderate temperatures favor microbial activity on tire particle surfaces. At 6°C, degradation was slower, while at 60°C, partial microbial inactivation and thermal decomposition of tire components may have occurred.

No clear temporal trend was observed, and CO₂ emissions varied considerably over time, indicating unstable microbial activity with intermittent activation and suppression of respiration. CH₄ emissions remained low, suggesting limited methanogenesis, potentially due to toxic tire components or insufficient availability of readily degradable carbon substrates.

The predominance of CO₂ over CH₄ under anaerobic conditions indicates that fermentation and partial mineralization of organic matter were the main processes, with methanogenesis largely suppressed. These suggest that microplastics can contribute to CO₂ emissions in aquatic environments even in the absence of oxygen, with the rate of degradation influenced by temperature and exposure duration.

Absract:

E-scooters are reshaping urban mobility—fast. But is their service quality enough to justify the hype? This study introduces a novel model combining Parsimonious Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Grey theory to evaluate e-scooter services in Dublin. It focuses on eight core criteria: from travel cost to environmental impact. By leveraging expert insights and reducing information overload through a parsimonious design, this research simplifies complexity without losing depth. Grey theory, in turn, helps handle the fuzziness of expert opinions. Results show cost, accessibility, and digital barriers dominate user concerns. “Service quality,” though often treated loosely, here gets hard metrics. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s tied directly to daily rider choices. Findings offer fresh guidance for urban planners and operators. A blend of rigor and real-world insight. This approach proves e-scooters aren’t just a trend—they’re a critical puzzle piece for modern, sustainable cities.

Abstract:

Morocco’s location at the confluence of Mediterranean influences to the north, Atlantic influences to the west, and Saharan influences to the south and east generates great species and ecosystem diversity. The literature describes approximately one hundred terrestrial ecosystems containing an important species diversity. However, climate disturbances in recent decades have had a considerable impact on ecosystem structure, composition, and services.

Analysis of climate, temperature, and precipitation data at a local scale shows an increase in temperatures of 1.5 to 2.5°C, as well as a trend toward a change in the seasonal precipitation pattern. Analysis of vegetation cover and ecological habitats using remote sensing and GIS techniques, the NDVI index, change detection,  supervised classification, and high-resolution drone (UAV) imagery shows a decline in forest cover and a decrease in density following the decline of major Moroccan forest species such as Cedrus atlantica, Pinus halepensis, Quercus rotundifolia, and Juniperus phoenicia. The same observation applies to agricultural ecosystems and green spaces based on introduced species.

Analysis of the state of biodiversity also shows that certain endemic or rare plant species are in danger of extinction.

Following this assessment, natural terrestrial ecosystems are not providing their services as before, and the socioeconomic impact on local populations is significant. Indeed, income from the collection of medicinal plants, livestock, and other non-timber forest products has been reduced to almost nothing.

Regarding this situation, research and development efforts have been undertaken, such as the cultivation of certain rare medicinal plants and the use of wild species in green spaces instead of introduced species.