Interdisciplinary Environmental Review (8 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Waste to wealth for single-use plastics: a literature review and future research agenda  
  by Ankita Gupta, Dinesh Kumar, Mathiyazhagan Kaliyan, Doreswamy  
  Abstract: This paper presents a systematic literature review with bibliometric and content analysis of 336 articles selected through PRISMA from the Scopus and Web of Science databases during 2015-2025. The bibliometric analysis identified research trend, most important authors, journals, affiliations, countries, dynamic evolution of hot themes, co-occurrence of keyword, and co-citation network. As a result of content analysis of top five clusters of co-citation network that focuses on different research area includes: theoretical development of circular economy in plastics, environmental impact of plastic waste, microplastic impact on health. Further, we identify key enablers such as green credit policy, public awareness, personal past behaviour associated with recycling, reverse logistics, sourcing, segregation, collection and recovery efficiency and develop an integrated framework on circular economy strategy for single-use plastics. These findings are beneficial to industrialist, environmentalist, policymakers and society suggest a comprehensive roadmap for transition to a circular plastic economy and future research directions.
  Keywords: circular economy; single-use plastic waste; bibliometric; sustainability; enablers; strategy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10078549
   
  
• Global mandatory financial environmental disclosures  
  by Gregory J. Tanzola, WaQar Ghani 
  Abstract: Companies that trade their shares on open exchanges are subject to regulations. These regulations consist of financial reporting standards, which provide investors with financial statements and supporting disclosures in order for them to make informed decisions. This reporting model typically requires some type of assurance so that the financial information is reliable. Meanwhile, businesses are the largest cause of environmental pollution, where greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to global warming and climate-related catastrophes. Hence, if a situation arises where there is an inherent risk to the operations of the business, then this item would be a disclosure item in the financial statements. Consequently, many countries have expanded required disclosures to include the impact of an organisation’s activities on society and the environment. This article details the importance of global mandatory environmental disclosures and highlights the global regulatory actions to ensure that organisations are disclosing their operations’ impact on the environment.
  Keywords: environmental disclosures; greenhouse gas reporting; financial reporting; emissions; financial statement disclosures; double materiality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10079142
   
  
• Demand for recreation and river capacity management utilising multiple stakeholder surveys  
  by Sanchari Ghosh, Siewe Siewe, John McIntosh, Christine Hallman 
  Abstract: River capacity management is an integral part of recreational economics, but few studies have explored the relationship between economics of recreational demand and the optimal level of social and physical user capacity. User capacity is inextricably linked with visitor perceptions about congestion, crowd behaviour, littering as well as other factors that can potentially affect river recreation. This study utilises results from recreational surveys and interviews with stakeholders from the Illinois River in southern United States to support goals for user capacity and to better inform policy decisions. Results indicate that survey participants are less responsive with respect to travel costs, though their current perceptions about congestion on the river and water quality are found to affect future recreational visits. Survey results along with inputs from float operators and landowners are utilised to provide recommendations regarding user fees, licencing and user capacities that can broadly affect capacity planning and management.
  Keywords: user capacity; recreation; surveys; travel cost; stakeholders; licencing; user fees; river management; regulations; policy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10079252
   
  
• Greek forestry cooperatives: impact, impediments and growth prospects  
  by Panagiotis Kotsios, Georgia Katsioula 
  Abstract: The goals of this research were related with examining the economic, social and environmental impact of Greek Forestry Cooperatives, their challenges and growth prospects. Through a standardised questionnaire that was addressed to representatives of 285 Greek forestry cooperatives, 50 replies were received and analysed. From the analysis of the results it was concluded that these entities create multiple benefits at community level, as they create sustainable jobs, generate incomes, support local businesses, create trade activity and contribute through taxation. They also provide valuable firewood for local habitants and help sustain mountain village population. On the environmental side, they improve forest resource conditions and protect the natural environment. The main challenges they face are related with state bureaucracy, with the mountain road network and the lack of new members and workers.
  Keywords: Greece; forestry cooperatives; impact; obstacles; growth.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10079255
   
  
• An assessment of coastal erosion patterns and impacts on sea turtle nesting sites at Almond Beach, Shell Beach, in Guyana  
  by Emily Machado, Leanna Kalicharan 
  Abstract: Coastal erosion patterns and impacts on sea turtle nesting habitats for Almond Beach, Shell Beach Protected Area, Guyana were assessed from 2016 to 2024. High-resolution satellite imagery, GIS analysis, and expert interviews quantified shoreline changes and evaluated their effects on the nesting habitats for the leatherback and green sea turtles. The analysis over nine years revealed significant spatial variability of Almond beach with pronounced erosion of its eastern zone. Severe erosion rates were observed from 2021 to 2024 correlating with increased loss of sea turtle nests and need for nest relocation. The findings show as coastal erosion increases, it threatens local sea turtle nesting habitats. The study proposes targeted conservation strategies to mitigate erosion impacts and enhance the resilience of sea turtle nesting habitats. These findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive management to protect biodiversity and support the livelihoods of coastal communities in tropical coastal regions.
  Keywords: coastal erosion; sea turtle nesting; shoreline change; GIS analysis; habitat loss; conservation strategies; Shell Beach; Guyana.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10079372
   
  
• Hierarchical linear models for estimating scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions  
  by Kellen Sorauf, Ksenia Polson, Amber Jensen, Justin Parsons, Cliff Hunt, Julieanne Alder 
  Abstract: As global climate policies evolve, there is growing pressure on companies to estimate and disclose Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated across their value chains. However, Scope 3 emissions are difficult to predict due to fragmented data, inconsistent reporting, and the nested structure of organizational and industrial activity. In this study, we introduce a novel application of hierarchical linear models (HLM) to predict corporate Scope 3 emissions using data from the Carbon Disclosure Project and financial indicators across 15 emission source categories. We construct a suite of five HLMs to evaluate how hierarchical data structures that span company, sector, and time can improve predictive accuracy. Our optimized HLMs demonstrate comparable or superior performance to machine learning models and provide improved transparency and interpretability relative to black-box models. These findings support the development of practical tools for emissions forecasting and regulatory compliance, particularly for companies facing resource constraints.
  Keywords: Scope 3; machine learning; hierarchical linear models; greenhouse gas emissions; GHG emissions; HLM; nested structure; climate policies; hierarchical data; emissions forecasting; regulatory compliance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10079790
   
  
• Green finance and green technology: a bibliometrics analysis and TCCM framework  
  by Mukesh Babu Gupta, Anup Kumar Roy, Anil Kumar, Neha Nupoor 
  Abstract: Green finance and green technologies are required for the transition to a sustainable economy. Also it aids in developing and implementing strategies to prevent environmental impact and boost resource efficiency. The research outlines the development of the literature on green finance and investments and names important writers, publications, and nations that have influenced the conversation through a bibliometric and TCCM approach. The study collected data from the Web of Science database. PRISMA framework and TCCM approach are used for conducting a systematic literature review. Further study used bibliometric analysis to identify the annual publication growth, highly relevant keywords, authors, and development of the conceptual structure. The results show a notable rise in publications in recent years, which may be attributed to increased interest in sustainable financial practices throughout the world. By incorporating bibliometric analysis and structured review, it provides a roadmap for future research.
  Keywords: green finance; green technology; bibliometric analysis; TCCM framework.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10079812
   
  
• Integration of internet of things in photovoltaic systems: a comprehensive review  
  by Ali Mehrabi, Radin Hatamsangari, Omid Ashkani 
  Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive review of how internet of things (IoT) technologies integrates with photovoltaic (PV) systems, exploring their potential to transform sustainable energy infrastructure. It examines emerging PV technologies like perovskite solar cells (PSCs), organic photovoltaic (OPVs), and quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) for their efficiency in powering IoT devices under various lighting conditions, supported by real-time monitoring systems using sensors and microcontrollers. The study emphasises the role of artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and smart grid integration in improving energy forecasting and management, with efficiency gains reaching up to 30%. Despite these advancements, issues such as material stability, cyber-security, and cost scalability remain significant barriers. The review suggests hybrid AI algorithms to cut energy losses by 25%, blockchain protocols to address cyber-security concerns, and modular edge-AI micro-grids to foster global scalability, which could reduce carbon emissions by 40%.
  Keywords: internet of things; IoT; blockchain; photovoltaic systems; energy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10079999