International Journal of Environmental Engineering (16 papers in press)

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  Temporal and spatial pattern of vegetation community diversity in Henan section of the Yellow River Basin based on remote sensing and ecological model ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Yingchun Pei, Xiaolei Zhang, Yening Wang 
  Abstract: Henan section of the Yellow River Basin lies in transition zone between warm-temperate and northern subtropical zones. Its vegetation communities exhibit significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity under combined influence of climate change and land-use transformation. This study used MaxEnt species distribution model and community land model (CLM) ecosystem process model to analyse temporal and spatial evolution laws and driving mechanisms of vegetation community diversity in Henan section. The results showed that the vegetation coverage (mean NDVI) showed an overall upward trend, however, the spatial differentiation was clear. Human activity intensity index was significantly negatively correlated with vegetation diversity. Climatic factors have the strongest influence on the variation of vegetation patterns. Furthermore, vegetation diversity was more strongly affected by autumn temperature fluctuations. By this study, nonlinear effects of multiscale environmental factors on vegetation communities are revealed, providing a quantitative basis for ecological protection and restoration in the Yellow River Basin.
  Keywords: Henan section of the Yellow River Basin; vegetation community diversity; remote sensing monitoring; ecological models; spatiotemporal pattern.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10079892
   
  
• The Layout and Construction of Outdoor Intelligent Runway in Public Green Space from the Perspective of Green Ecology  
  by Xingzhi Pan 
  Abstract: This study, based on a green ecological perspective and combining literature review and case analysis methods, explores outdoor smart running tracks in public green Spaces. The case analysis results show that the user satisfaction rate is 89.2% (54.7% for traditional running tracks), the cost is 150 yuan per square meter (50 yuan per square meter for traditional running tracks), and the annual carbon reduction is 8.4 tons. This affirms the advantages of smart running tracks at present. To ensure the long-term stable use of smart runways, a green ecological layout plan is proposed. The future development directions include the grid connection of renewable energy and long-term ecological monitoring, with the aim of promoting the investment and use of smart runways.
  Keywords: green ecological perspective; public green space; outdoor smart runway.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076623
   
  
• Multi-Objective Optimisation Approaches for Spatial Structure Design in Landscape Planning  
  by Yue Liu 
  Abstract: This research employs a multi-objective optimization framework to examine trade-offs in urban green space design, balancing ecological, functional, and aesthetic objectives. By integrating NSGA-II with agent-based modeling, the framework evaluates ecological resilience, pedestrian accessibility, and thermal comfort. Applied to the Tong Zhou District in Beijing, the model identified Pareto-optimal solutions that preserved user-friendliness while enhancing ecological connectivity and social benefits. Compared to baseline layouts, the optimized designs improved thermal comfort, accessibility, and environmental services. To harmonize ecological goals with social feasibility, the study incorporated fuzzy decision theory with SWMM-NSGA-II and ALABAMA, strengthening decision-making processes. NSGA-II simulations effectively converged at the Pareto front, generating a diverse set of high-quality solutions through larger populations and generations. Overall, the findings advance the scientific foundation for multifunctional landscapes, offering key insights for sustainable and resilient urban design in response to increasing urbanization and environmental challenges.
  Keywords: Multi-Objective Optimization; Spatial Structure Design; Landscape Planning; Sustainable Development; Computational Modelling; Decision Support Systems.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2025.10076646
   
  
• Research on the High-Quality Integration Development Path of Agriculture, Culture and Tourism under the Background of Rural Revitalization  
  by Shi Chen, Hui Liu 
  Abstract: Against the backdrop of the deepened implementation of the rural revitalisation strategy, the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism (ACT), as a core path to build a modern rural industrial system, has become a key engine to activate rural development. Taking 15 townships in Liuyang City as the research object, this paper comprehensively uses fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to construct a six-dimensional analysis framework of resource endowment-market demand-regional linkage-talent support-scientific and technological innovation-policy support, and systematically explores the key constraints hindering the high-quality integration of agricultural and cultural tourism, and the high-quality integration path of rural areas under the balance between ecological protection and industrial development. The study identifies two high-quality integration paths, namely resource-driven innovation type and collaborative development promotion type, and three low-level integration dilemmas, namely insufficient resource integration type, lack of regional collaboration type, and talent-constrained development type. Based on this, systematic policy recommendations are put forward from the three dimensions of industrial chain, regional chain, and talent chain, providing theoretical reference and practical paradigm for rural industrial development.
  Keywords: ACT integration; rural revitalization; talent; regional linkage.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076813
   
  
• The Impact of Ecological Footprint on the Regional Economy: a Case Study of Hebei Province, China  
  by Yanqing Shi, Li Li 
  Abstract: This study examines the impact of multidimensional ecological footprints on regional economic development in Hebei Province, China (20122022). Utilising a fixed-effects model, it finds that per capita ecological footprints have generally increased, with Tangshan having the highest. Quantitatively, a 1% increase in the per capita ecological footprints of arable land, forest, water, and fossil fuel land contributes 1.52%, 0.23%, 0.16%, and 0.17% to per capita GDP, respectively. Conversely, a 1% increase in grassland footprint reduces per capita GDP by 0.23%. The research innovatively integrates multidimensional footprint indicators into a panel model, revealing the differential economic impacts of various ecological resource uses. It provides an empirical basis for policies balancing ecological protection and economic growth.
  Keywords: Ecological footprint; Regional economy; Hebei province; Panel model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076814
   
  
• Impact of Marine Disasters on Marine Economic Development Based on Panel Threshold Modeling  
  by Li Li, Fengzhan Zhu 
  Abstract: This study integrates a combined empowerment method with panel threshold modelling to examine the nonlinear impacts of marine disasters on marine economic sustainability. Based on sustainable development theory, an evaluation index system is constructed, and key indicators are weighted using the combined assignment approach. Results show that the top ten weighted indicators correspond closely with the core variables in the panel threshold model, with the ratio of marine gross domestic product having the highest weight (0.174). The lagged sustainability index exhibits a significant positive effect, indicating strong path dependence. Economic factors, including marine GDP ratio, value added of marine industries, and total marine exports, significantly promote sustainable development, while environmental pressures such as pollution emissions and marine disaster intensity exert significant negative effects. These findings clarify the mechanisms through which marine disasters influence marine economic sustainability and provide valuable support for marine disaster management and policy formulation.
  Keywords: Panel threshold modeling; Marine hazards; Economy; Sustainable development; AHP; CRITIC.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076833
   
  
• Study on the Evaluation of Fracture Expansion and Outburst Prevention Effect of Hydraulic Fracturing in Coalbed Methane Wells based on Tracer Monitoring  
  by Yang Pang, Yushou Song, Qun Pan, Qiang Wang 
  Abstract: One important way to get coalbed methane (CBM) is to use water for hydraulic fracking. The process cracks the coal a lot, which makes it easier for gas to move through. More often, bigger cracks meet with bedding joints close to the CBM wellbore. It makes big cracks as it moves along weak spots in the rock, like coal seams. Coal gangue can even be broken through by the crack fluid when it is under much stress. A lot of the time, this is how gas is quickly taken out of the ground, but it does not always make much flow back fluid. It is still not clear how to check crack conductivity while gas is being made, and common tools do not always work or keep people safe. You need tools made to work with horizontal CBM wells to study and keep track of them. We can learn more about how cracks work and how trace materials are taken by doing research in the lab and in the field, as well as by tracking chemistry and analysing structure. This will help the process of getting coalbed gas to work better in the long run.
  Keywords: Hydraulic fracturing; coalbed methane; horizontal wells; fracture expansion; tracer monitoring.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2025.10076931
   
  
• Analysis of Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Agricultural Input-Induced Carbon Emissions Network in China  
  by Xiaolong Zhao 
  Abstract: Mitigating agricultural carbon emissions is essential for green transformation; however, the spatiotemporal mechanisms of Chinas provincial agricultural input-carbon networks remain unclear. This study applied a modified gravity model and complex network analysis to provincial data (20042022), supported by interpretable machine learning. Key findings include: 1) network density showed a unimodal trend, lowest in 2007 (0.1634) and peaking in 2016 (0.1828), with an overall slight fluctuation and an inverse relationship between network level and density; 2) key provinces Henan, Shandong, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Hunan, and Anhui consistently exhibited high degree, closeness, and betweenness centrality, highlighting their central role in network radiation and inter-group connectivity. Clear spatial dependence and spillover effects were observed between and within network blocks; 3) the application of SHAP interpretable machine learning revealed that the amount of agricultural chemical fertiliser was the major element affecting agricultural input-induced carbon emissions, with a mean importance score of 0.5620. Other influencing factors included the total power of agricultural machinery, effective irrigation area, agricultural output value, and total output value of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery. These results pinpoint critical regulatory nodes and pathways for emission reduction, supporting targeted low-carbon policy design.
  Keywords: agricultural carbon emissions; spatiotemporal information; complex networks; machine learning; spatial correlation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076932
   
  
• Monitoring in mine land survey by unmanned aerial vehicle oblique photography technology  
  by Shaoyan You 
  Abstract: In this paper, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) oblique photography technology was used to construct digital surface models (DSMs) for mining areas. Moreover, it was combined with a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) that can identify the vegetation-covered area to measure the surface subsidence and vegetation cover change of mining areas. A case analysis was carried out in a mining area in Changzhi City, Shanxi, China. The results showed that the DSM constructed based on the UAV oblique photography image was relatively accurate. The BPNN could accurately identify vegetation-covered areas. In the mine area, the subsidence amplitude was relatively gentle, and the vegetation coverage rate gradually increased, indicating that the protection work of the mine area was in place.
  Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicle; UAV; oblique photography; mine; land monitoring; digital surface models; DSMs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10078017
   
  
• Calculation and empirical analysis of carbon emissions in Northeast China based on Tapio decoupling model  
  by Guangbo Ma, Ligang Tian, Yunhu Guan 
  Abstract: To address challenges in agricultural carbon emissions (ACE) accounting and policy targeting in Northeast China, this study integrates the Tapio decoupling model, fsQCA, and the TOE framework. First, ACE was quantified using activity data from agricultural inputs, livestock, paddy fields, and cultivated soils. The Tapio model then assessed the decoupling between agricultural growth and ACE, followed by fsQCA to identify configurational paths to strong decoupling. Results show ACE in the region declined from 212.7 to 194.7 million tons, while agricultural output rose from 1.25 to 1.84 trillion, achieving both emission reduction and output growth. Decoupling states varied: Liaoning and Heilongjiang maintained stable strong decoupling, while Jilin fluctuated. FsQCA reveals three equivalent paths to achieve strong decoupling, mechanical structure collaboration, technology financing driven, and environmental innovation leadership. These insights support tailored low-carbon strategies, aiding green agricultural transformation in Northeast China while advancing food security and climate goals.
  Keywords: Tapio decoupling model; agricultural carbon emissions; ACE; carbon emissions measurement; TOE framework; Northeast China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10078106
   
  
• Investigations on Effects of Methanol Injection on Performance of Micro-Pilot Diesel Igniting DI Methanol Engine  
  by Xiaoxiao Zeng, Xucong Li, Diming Lou, Zhijie Li, Yunhua Zhang, Yuechun Chen, Changzeng Luo, Xinbo Wu 
  Abstract: Abstract: In this paper, influences of methanol injection specifications, such as injection pressure, injection timing was investigated on a prototype MDDM (Micro-Pilot Diesel Igniting Direct Injection Methanol) engine. This prototype MDDM engine was designed based on a diesel engine by the installation of high-pressure direct injection dual-fuel injectors, while intake port and combustion chamber were also modified to optimize combustion. As results, characteristics of combustion, peak of heat release and combustion pressure was therefore improved by increasing the methanol injection pressure with advanced injection timing. More specifically, at 1,200 r/min 1,800 N. More specifically, at 1,200 r/min 1,800 N-m and 2,200 N-m conditions, thermal efficiency was improved to 46.52% and 46.82%; however, NOx emissions were observed at 16.9 g/kWh and 19.3 g/kWh.
  Keywords: Key words: Methanol; direct injection in cylinder; diesel ignition; engine.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10078317
   
  
• Evaluation on the Design of Light and Space Integrated Visual Environment Based on Micro-optical Devices  
  by Ruichao Zhao, Guoliang Li 
  Abstract: The current visual environment design tends to be homogenised, making it difficult to express unique visual environment features, and improper lighting design can bring negative visual experiences and emotions to people. Based on this, this paper analyses the relationship between light and space, elaborates on the design pattern of L&S integrated indoor visual environment, and applies micro optical devices to its design. Taking residential space as an example, this paper designs an L&S integrated visual environment based on micro optical devices and compares it with traditional L&S integrated visual environments, drawing conclusions. Compared with traditional L&S integrated visual environments, the L&S integrated visual environment based on micro optical devices in this paper provides a more comfortable experience, with illumination uniformity greater than 0.7 on all areas of the work plane. The difference in lighting uniformity between different regions is not significant, providing a more liveable colour temperature and lighting.
  Keywords: Light and Space; Visual Environment; Micro-optical Devices; Environmental Design; Lighting Quality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10078999
   
  
• Sustainable Development Evaluation of Certain Types of Listed Companies Considering the Gini Coefficient  
  by Hongyu Liang 
  Abstract: Taking agricultural listed companies as an example, the study builds an evaluation system covering environment, society, and governance, based on domestic and international authoritative standards and Chinese practice. The entropy weight method was used to determine indicator weights and to conduct an empirical evaluation of 112 A-share agricultural listed companies from 2018 to 2024. The results showed that the governance dimension had the highest weight (45.0%), followed by the social dimension (36.0%), with two Gini coefficient indicator weights being particularly prominent. The overall sustainable development level of the sample companies showed a steady upward trend. To verify the effectiveness of the sustainable development evaluation, a BP neural network was applied to validate the evaluation results. The model achieved an accuracy of 97% and an F1 value of 0.965 on the test set. The research provides new methodological ideas and practical tools for the sustainable development evaluation of listed companies.
  Keywords: Gini coefficient; Sustainable development; ESG evaluation; Indicator system; Agricultural listed companies; Entropy weight method; BP neural network.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10079172
   
  
• Selectivity of iron Nanoparticles for the Degradation of Organic and Inorganic Compounds in a Residual Clayey Soil  
  by Iziquiel Cecchin, Cleomar Reginatto, Antonio Thomé 
  Abstract: The objective of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), as well as a possible selectivity of these nanoparticles in mixed contaminations. A composite experimental design was determined, being two fixed variables, the type of soil (clayey) and the type of zero valent nano iron (nZVI- NanoFerStar). The control variables were the different concentrations of nZVI (0, 50, 100 and 150 g/Kg); the concentration of PCP (0 and 200 mg / kg) and the concentration of Cr(VI), (0 and 800 mg / kg), in times of 0, 24, 48 and 144 hours. The results show that 97% degradation was obtained for Cr(VI). For pentachlorophenol, reached 87% in the experimental contamination. For the experiment of pentachlorophenol with mixed contamination, only 45% efficiency was reached for the concentration 150 g/kg. The results indicate that nZVI exhibit clear selectivity between organic and inorganic compounds.
  Keywords: Selectivity; Hexavalent Chromium; Pentachlorophenol; nZVI.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10079416
   
  
• Improved remote sensing systems for monitoring climate change in sustainable ecosystems - a data management approach  
  by Yimin An, Yin Liu, Shengcheng Xie, Yifan Liang 
  Abstract: Climate change is posing a threat to global ecosystems and biodiversity. The data management policy based on sustainable ecosystems (DMP-SES) is cost-effective and widely adaptable, and has been proven to be crucial for adaptation planners to address the challenges posed by climate change to the lives and livelihoods of people worldwide. This paper uses geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technology to study how climate, environment, and biodiversity affect vector borne diseases. Land cover monitoring, biodiversity conservation, ocean and coastal monitoring, erosion monitoring and management, agriculture and flood monitoring are the main application areas. In addition, this field covers from watershed and environmental science to coastal production and agriculture, and remote sensing technology greatly improves estimates of evapotranspiration and soil moisture by providing a more comprehensive view of the water cycle.
  Keywords: environmental processes; coast monitoring; climate change; watershed; agriculture; ecosystems; remote sensing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10079640
   
  
• Investigation on Intelligent Management System of Green Exhibition Based on Probabilistic Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm  
  by Ying Huang 
  Abstract: The traditional exhibition model, marked by high input and emissions, has caused resource waste and ecological degradation. To advance green exhibitions from theory to practice, intelligent management systems are essential. This paper develops a green exhibition intelligent management system using a fuzzy C-regression clustering algorithm and evaluates its performance across four dimensions: single-module response time, concurrent system response, CPU utilization, and memory usage. Results indicate that with 20, 60, and 100 concurrent users, average response times are 0.236s, 0.377s, and 0.489s respectively, demonstrating high speed and stability. Additionally, CPU and memory usage across modules remain within optimal ranges. Thus, the proposed system exhibits strong operational performance and practical value, meriting broader application in the exhibition industry.
  Keywords: Intelligent Management System; Probabilistic Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm; Green Exhibition; System Performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10080018