Advances in Environmental Research: Volume 86

This volume discusses the latest advancements in environmental research, including the ecological resources of forests, the extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, the environmental sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture, the accountability profile of maritime protected areas, urban parameters, phytoestrogens, and two new indexes for measuring environmental stability and sustainable development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 251 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2021
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc

This comprehensive volume encompasses seven chapters, presenting some of the most recent advancements in environmental research. In Chapter One, the ecological resources of forests are explored, emphasizing their capacity to absorb greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change. Chapter Two delves into the process of utilizing eutectic solvents in extracting bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, highlighting their potential applications in various fields. Chapter Three proposes a holistic framework for assessing the environmental sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture, taking into account various factors such as soil quality, water resources, and biodiversity. Chapter Four investigates the accountability profile for environmental sustainability of maritime protected areas, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in preserving these vital ecosystems. Chapter Five discusses the key urban parameters prevalent in regional models developed at the beginning of the 21st century, including the Single-Layer Urban Canopy Model (UCM), the Town Energy Balance (TEB), and the Building Effect Parameterization (BEP). Chapter Six aims to provide comprehensive information about phytoestrogens, exploring their beneficial and adverse effects on human health and the environment. Finally, Chapter Seven presents two innovative indexes for measuring specific aspects of environmental stability and sustainable development: the available resource sustainability index and the natural green surface replacement index. These indexes offer valuable tools for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in assessing and promoting environmental sustainability.

Chapter One:
The ecological resources of forests are explored in this chapter, highlighting their immense capacity to absorb greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass. This process, known as carbon sequestration, helps to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Chapter Two:
In Chapter Two, the focus shifts to the extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants using eutectic solvents. Eutectic solvents are a class of solvents that have a melting point below their boiling point, allowing them to dissolve a wide range of compounds. These solvents are particularly useful in the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants, as they can selectively extract specific compounds while minimizing the extraction of unwanted impurities.

Chapter Three:
Chapter Three proposes a holistic framework for assessing the environmental sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture. The framework takes into account various factors such as soil quality, water resources, biodiversity, and the impact of agricultural practices on the environment. By using this framework, policymakers and stakeholders can identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to promote sustainable agriculture in Bulgaria.

Chapter Four:
Chapter Four investigates the accountability profile for environmental sustainability of maritime protected areas. Maritime protected areas are designated areas of the ocean or sea where human activities are restricted to promote the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems. However, the effectiveness of these protected areas in achieving their environmental goals is often questioned.

Chapter Five:
Chapter Five discusses the key urban parameters prevalent in regional models developed at the beginning of the 21st century, including the Single-Layer Urban Canopy Model (UCM), the Town Energy Balance (TEB), and the Building Effect Parameterization (BEP). These models are used to simulate the energy and water dynamics in urban areas and to assess the environmental impact of urban development.

Chapter Six:
Chapter Six aims to provide comprehensive information about phytoestrogens, exploring their beneficial and adverse effects on human health and the environment. Phytoestrogens are natural compounds found in plants that have similar effects to estrogen, the female hormone. While phytoestrogens have been associated with various health benefits, such as reducing the risk of breast cancer and menopause symptoms, they can also have adverse effects, such as interfering with hormone signaling and promoting the growth of certain types of cancer.

Chapter Seven:
Chapter Seven presents two innovative indexes for measuring specific aspects of environmental stability and sustainable development: the available resource sustainability index and the natural green surface replacement index. The available resource sustainability index measures the extent to which natural resources are being used sustainably, taking into account factors.

The natural green surface replacement index measures the extent to which green spaces, such as parks and gardens, are being replaced by other types of surfaces, such as buildings and roads. These indexes offer valuable tools for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in assessing and promoting environmental sustainability.

ISBN-13: 9781685073701