Quality of institution and the FEG (forest,energy intensity,and globalization) -environment relationships in sub-Saharan Africa

The current share of sub-Saharan Africa in global carbon dioxide emissions is negligible compared to major contributors like Asia, Americas, and Europe. This trend is, however, likely to change given that both economic growth and rate of urbanization in the region are projected to be robust in the future. The current study contributes to the literature by examining both the direct and the indirect impacts of quality of institution on the environment. Specifically, we investigate whether the institutional setting in the region provides some sort of a complementary role in the environment-FEG relationships. We use the panel two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) technique to deal with the simultaneity problem. Data consists of 43 sub-Saharan African countries. The result shows that energy inefficiency compromises environmental standards. However, the quality of the institutional setting helps moderate this negative consequences; countries with good institutions show greater prospects than countries with poor institutions. On the other hand, globalization of the region and increased forest size generate positive environmental outcomes in the region. Their impacts are, however, independent of the quality of institution. Afforestation programs, promotion of other clean energy types, and investment in energy efficiency, basic city infrastructure, and regulatory and institutional structures, are desirable policies to pursue to safeguard the environment.     

Screening of compost for PAHs and pesticides using static subcritical water extraction.

Static subcritical water extraction (SubWE) along with solid phase extraction (SPE) was used for the analysis of PAHs and pesticides in municipal solid waste compost. Yields obtained for PAHs in certified reference sediment (CRM 104) were acceptable. The extraction method was simple, rapid, used small sample sizes, and no sample drying was required. Analysis of samples was performed by GC/MS and HPLC. Recovery of spiked pesticides was greatest at 110 degrees C for 20 min extraction time. The optimum extraction for PAH analysis was achieved at 150 degrees C for 20 min. Addition of C-18 resin as an "alternate sorbent" upon cooling increased recovery of PAHs but not of pesticides, however, it increased the stability of atrazine and propazine at higher temperatures. Analysis of three municipal compost samples from the Dayton, OH (USA) area showed no pesticides above the detection limit, however, PAH totals for 11 PAHs were 15.97, 14.42, and 20.79 microg g(-1). The totals of six of the seven carcinogenic PAHs, for which remediation goals in the United States is 4.6 microg g(-1), were determined to be 9.89, 6.77, and 13.06 microg g(-1) dry weight. The highest PAH totals were obtained from compost containing sewage sludge.     

Synthesis of Biobased Soft-Packaging Polyesters from 2,5 Thiophenedicarboxylic Acid

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Demand for light-packaging materials for food and beverages is on the rise globally, especially in developing countries where several depend on packaged...