Occurrence, emission sources, and risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and current-use brominated flame retardants in settled dust from end-of-life vehicle processing, urban, and rural areas, northern Vietnam

Uncovering pathways towards sustainable transportation: Investigating factors influencing societal acceptance of end-of-life vehicle management in Indonesia

Addressing the critical environmental challenge of end-of-life vehicle (ELV) management in Indonesia's transportation industry, this study investigates the complex interplay between societal factors and technical adoption. We use a comprehensive survey and path analysis to investigate the relationships between demographic characteristics (gender, age, income and education) and ELV acceptance, revealing complex preferences and concerns across several population groups. Comparative analyses with previous research reveal gender-specific inequities and age-related problems, emphasizing the importance of customized measures. Our findings indicate that environmental concerns exhibit a significant positive relationship with community acceptance (path coefficient = 0.426, p < 0.001). Moreover, technological familiarity (path coefficient = 0.352, p < 0.001) and infrastructure availability (path coefficient = 0.518, p < 0.001) demonstrate noteworthy positive associations, emphasizing the role of knowledge and accessible infrastructure in promoting acceptance. Conversely, the cost of adoption exhibits a negative relationship with societal acceptance (path coefficient = -0.269, p < 0.001), suggesting potential challenges that must be addressed. Mediation analysis uncovers the mediating roles of information exposure, perceived safety, as well as convenience and accessibility. Total effects analysis validates the collective influence of crucial factors while acknowledging the potential hindrance posed by the cost of adoption. Our findings contribute to inclusive policies and initiatives for sustainable ELV practices, offering insights to address a critical environmental issue in Indonesia. Although acknowledging limitations in scope and methodology, our research advances the discourse on sustainable transportation transitions and guides strategies to promote responsible ELV management in pursuing a greener and more socially equitable future.

Southeast Asia's environmental challenges: emergence of new contaminants and advancements in testing methods

Emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, pose a major threat to both ecosystems and human health in Southeast Asia. As this region undergoes rapid industrialization and urbanization, the increasing presence of unconventional pollutants in water bodies, soil, and various organisms has become an alarming concern. This review comprehensively examines the environmental challenges posed by emerging contaminants in Southeast Asia and recent progress in toxicity testing methods. We discuss the diverse range of emerging contaminants found in Southeast Asia, shedding light on their causes and effects on ecosystems, and emphasize the need for robust toxicological testing methods. This review is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and environmental practitioners working to mitigate the impacts of emerging contaminants and secure a sustainable future for Southeast Asia.

Barriers to effective implementation of end-of-life vehicle management in Indonesia

Effective end-of-life vehicle (ELV) management is crucial for minimizing the environmental and health impacts of Indonesia's growing automotive industry. However, proper ELV management has received limited attention. To bridge this gap, we conducted a qualitative study to identify barriers to effective ELV management in Indonesia's automotive sector. Through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, we identified internal and external factors influencing ELV management. Our findings reveal major barriers, including inadequate government regulation and enforcement, insufficient infrastructure and technology, low education and awareness, and a lack of financial incentives. We also identified internal factors such as limited infrastructure, inadequate strategic planning, and challenges in waste management and cost collection methods. Based on these findings, we recommend a comprehensive and integrated approach to ELV management involving enhanced coordination among government, industry, and stakeholders. The government should enforce regulations and provide financial incentives to encourage proper ELV management practices. Industry players should invest in technology and infrastructure to support effective ELV treatment. By addressing these barriers and implementing our recommendations, policymakers can develop sustainable ELV management policies and decisions in Indonesia's fast-paced automotive sector. Our study contributes valuable insights to guide the development of effective strategies for ELV management and sustainability in Indonesia.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Air and Dust Samples from Vietnamese End-of-life Vehicle Processing Workshops: Contamination Status, Sources, and Exposure Risks

Concentrations of 18 unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 11 methylated derivatives (Me-PAHs) were measured in polyurethane foam-based passive air (PUF-PAS) and settled dust samples collected from end-of-life vehicle (ELV) processing workshops in northern Vietnam. Concentrations of total 29 PAHs ranged from 42 to 95 (median 57) ng/m³ and from 860 to 18,000 (median 5700) ng/g in air and dust samples, respectively. PAH levels in ELV air and dust samples were 1.5 ± 0.4 and 9.4 ± 7.9 times higher than levels found in a control house, suggesting ELV processing as potential PAH emission sources. Concentrations and proportions of Me-PAHs in total PAHs of the ELV air (26% ± 7%) and dust (41% ± 14%) were higher than those found in control house (18% in both air and dust). The occurrence of PAHs and Me-PAHs in the ELV workshops are attributed to not only pyrogenic but also petrogenic sources (i.e., improper treatment and management of fuels, lubricants, and vehicle oils).