International Journal of Environmental Engineering (12 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Citizens' Perceptions on the Implementation of Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Systems: Case Study of the Municipality of Kozani  
  by Theodoros Adamidis, Dionysis Latinopoulos 
  Abstract: Municipal solid waste management is a critical environmental challenge that requires innovative and fair economic instruments to reduce waste generation. This work explores both public acceptance and the potential impact of PAYT systems in the Municipality of Kozani, Greece. A web-based survey of 456 residents was conducted, and a mixed-method framework was applied: a Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (using Visual PROMETHEE software) to rank four PAYT alternatives (Bag, Bin, Card, Weighing), a SWOT analysis to identify key internal and external factors, and a Contingent Valuation Method to estimate citizens' Willingness to Pay. Findings suggest that the PAYT with bag option is the most preferred system, while the mean WTP for a prepaid 45L bag was Euros 0.592. Citizens expressed strong support for a fair and transparent charging based on the polluter pays principle. The proposed methodology can serve as a transferable reference for Greek municipalities preparing to implement PAYT schemes in order to comply with EU waste policy and can also inform national and EU policy targets.
  Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM); Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT); Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA); Contingent Valuation Method (CVM); SWOT Analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2025.10075899
   
  
• Semantic Segmentation of High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Based on Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Networks  
  by Shanshan Cheng 
  Abstract: High-resolution remote sensing imagery provides detailed spatial and semantic information essential for applications such as urban planning, agriculture, and disaster monitoring. However, challenges including intraclass variability, complex backgrounds, and large data volumes make semantic segmentation difficult. While advanced CNN-based models such as DeepLabV3+, PSPNet, and U-Net demonstrate strong performance, they often struggle with small object detection and computational efficiency. Multi-scale and attention-based approaches offer improvements but remain limited in robustness for multi-objective remote sensing tasks. To address these challenges, this study proposes a Multi-Scale Feature Convolutional Neural Network (MSFCNN) that integrates 3 x 3, 5 x 5, and 7 x 7 convolution filters with data augmentation and dropout regularisation. The model, trained on augmented high-resolution satellite imagery using TensorFlow with optimised hyperparameters and a multi-branch CNN architecture, achieves notable performance gains. Experimental results show an F1-score improvement of 1.09%, and overall accuracy of 95% on WHU and LEVIR-CD datasets, outperforming baseline models.
  Keywords: Multiscale CNN; Semantic Segmentation; High-Resolution images; Remote sensing; like DeepLabV3+; PSP Net.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076202
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Hydration and Mortar Properties of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash as a Cement Substitute  
  by Yongzhen Cheng, Weiye Mu 
  Abstract: Landfilling municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI BA) poses environmental pollution risks, while resource utilisation presents an effective solution. In this research, the particle composition, chemical ingredients, mineral constituents, and morphology of micronised powder recycled from bottom ash (MPBA) were analysed using micro-measurement techniques. Furthermore, the hydration minerals of cement paste with MPBA addition and properties of resulting mortar were investigated. The findings show that the MSWI BA can be classified into the chemical system of SiO2-CaO-Al2O3-Fe2O3. However, MPBA contains fewer effective active ingredients, which participated in cement hydration to produce less ettringite (AFt), hydrated calcium aluminosilicate (C2ASH8) and C-S-H gel, resulting in the lower mortar strength. The mortar containing 30% MPBA exhibited a 50.1% reduction in 28-day compressive strength and a 27.1% decrease in flexural strength compared to the reference mortar. However, the continuous participation of MPBA in the reaction leads to the 90-day compressive strength of these mortars being close to 62.9% that of the reference mortars.
  Keywords: Incineration bottom ash; physicochemical properties; mineral composition; hydration products; mortar strength.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076634
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Spatio-temporal coupling analysis between the regional tourism economy and eco-environment in the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan region  
  by Jie Su 
  Abstract: Studying the coupling relationship between the tourism economy and the eco-environment is important for the sustainable development of regional economy. This paper established evaluation models for the tourism economy and eco-environment using data of the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan region between 2010 and 2022. The entropy weighting approach was used to determine the weights. The development levels of the two systems were calculated. The spatio-temporal coupling relationship was analysed based on the Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) model. The overall development levels of the tourism economy and eco-environment in the three provinces showed an upward trend in that period. The CCD also increased annually. Yunnan Province achieved a good coordination level in 2022, while Guizhou and Sichuan Provinces were at an intermediate level, indicating room for further development. This study not only verifies the effectiveness of the CCD model but also provides useful references for the coordinated development of other similar areas.
  Keywords: spatio-temporal coupling; Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD); Guizhou Province; tourism economy; eco-environment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10076647
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Research on Road-to-Water Freight Shift for Inland Ports Based on Evolutionary Game Theory under China's Dual Carbon Strategy  
  by Zengli Fang, Yali Liang, Gaoling Li, Ding Yang 
  Abstract: Multimodal transport is a cost-effective lever for China's 2030-carbon-peak & 2060-carbon-neutrality pledge, yet road still accounts for 88 % of Henan's bulk freight. To address the issues of transport modal shift from road to waterway for inland bulk goods, this paper develops a tripartite evolutionary game model involving local governments, freight shippers, and carriers. The stability of equilibrium strategies is analysed to identify evolutionary stable strategy combinations. Using data from a Chinese inland port, numerical simulations are conducted in MATLAB to investigate how parameter variations influence the evolutionary process. The results indicate that the level of local government support is determined by the balance between the social benefits derived from the shift and the costs of guidance and fiscal subsidies. Moreover, government influence does not directly determine the modal choice of shippers and carriers, rather, it operates through indirect economic incentives that shape their decision-making.
  Keywords: inland river transportation; road-to-water modal shift; evolutionary game theory; the Dual-Carbon strategy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2026.10077033