Plastic pollution is a global crisis with severe environmental and health repercussions. Consequently, research into the management of plastic waste (PW) has grown significantly over the last decade. This article provides an updated systematic review of life cycle assessment (LCA) of PW research from 2019 to June 2025, utilising the Scopus and Web of Science databases and following PRISMA guidelines. The analysis evaluates key parameters: objectives and scope, functional units, environmental impact categories, and inventories of software and data while considering geographical contexts. Theoretical information on the life cycle of PW, circular economic strategies, and their environmental impacts was also included. Most studies analyse different end-of-life management systems, such as recycling, landfilling, incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification, among others. Functional units typically vary between 1 kilogram (kg) and 1 tonne (t). The environmental impact category most frequently evaluated is global warming, an indicator of the greenhouse effect. These studies use primary sources, such as national reports, material flow analyses, industry data, surveys and interviews, as well as LCA databases. This systematic review aims to identify emerging research areas and knowledge gaps that require attention, providing an essential roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and industry seeking sustainable, evidence-based solutions to the PW crisis.

This study is based on the PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, SO2, O3, precipitation, and temperature data of Zhangye City from 2016 to 2022 and uses the factor analysis model and multiple regression analysis method to demonstrate the variable relationship between the environmental air quality index (AQI) and its factors in Zhangye City, aiming at understanding the relationship between air quality and its influencing factors. The results of the study show that the independent variables NO2, O3, precipitation, and temperature have a significant impact on the dependent variable AQI, and a multiple linear regression model is established, and the fitting degree of the regression equation is good. This study uses the latest data, which can more effectively reflect the actual situation of air quality in Zhangye City and the dynamic changes of influencing factors compared with previous studies. In addition, this study comprehensively considers the impacts of various air pollutants as well as meteorological factors such as precipitation and temperature on air quality and is able to reveal the complex relationship between air quality and its influencing factors more comprehensively and deeply.

This study presents an innovative wastewater treatment approach that combines hydrodynamic cavitation with ozonation, achieving remarkable efficiency and environmental sustainability. Addressing critical issues such as water scarcity and persistent pollutants, the research emphasises the need for advanced, eco-friendly treatment technologies. The effectiveness of this novel method was tested on greywater sourced from a lake quarry in India. Over a 3-week period, the wastewater was treated daily for approximately 7 h, leading to substantial improvements in water quality. Notably, within the first week, the initial green discoloration and unpleasant odour were completely eliminated without the use of chemical compounds. The bacterial load was notably reduced from 105 colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL to 102 CFUs/mL, showcasing the treatment’s strong disinfection capabilities. In addition, the chemical oxygen demand dropped from 110 ppm to below 10 ppm, whereas the biological oxygen demand was reduced from 55 ppm to undetectable levels. Minor deviations were detected in chloride concentration, total dissolved solids, clarity, and water hardness. These results demonstrate the considerable potential of the combined cavitation–ozonation method for transforming contaminated, tarnished, and foul-smelling water into clean water, suitable for various practices.

This study explores the potential of dairy processing sludge (DPS) as a resource for producing biochar to treat dairy wastewater. DPS contains hazardous pollutants such as antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, disinfectants, and microplastics, posing environmental risks. Through pyrolysis at 250°C–350°C, DPS was converted into biochar using an innovative, low-cost, small-scale system called BioCharan, which utilises a modified mustard oil tin for on-site production. The resulting biochar displayed favourable characteristics, including 40.067% carbon, 5.354% hydrogen, and 2.743% nitrogen content, confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analysis. A filtration system combining this biochar with river sand was developed and tested for its pollutant removal efficiency. The system effectively removed total suspended solids (83.71%), oil and grease (66.82%), chemical oxygen demand (42.86%), biochemical oxygen demand (31.55%), sulphate (30.77%), phosphate (26.67%), nitrate (25%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (23.53%), total dissolved solids (11.72%), and fluoride (1.72%), while also improving pH from 6.30 to 6.74. Key parameters like porosity and surface area supported the biochar’s strong adsorptive capabilities. This research highlights a sustainable approach by converting sludge waste into an effective treatment medium, offering an eco-friendly solution for both waste disposal and water purification, thus presenting a circular strategy in dairy wastewater management.

With increasing urbanisation and industrial activity, municipal wastewater treatment faces growing challenges, particularly in nitrogen removal. This study developed a bioelectrochemical system to enhance microbial activity and nitrogen removal pathways through electrochemical properties. A mathematical evaluation model was constructed, and experiments were conducted to analyse the effects of electrochemical characteristics, dissolved oxygen levels, and carbon/nitrogen ratios on nitrogen migration, conversion, and removal. Results showed that applying a power supply shortened the domestication time of nitrifying bacteria and improved nitrogen removal efficiency. Under high dissolved oxygen conditions (4.5–5.5 mg/l) with applied voltage, NO3−-N removal reached 73.72%. At a high carbon/nitrogen ratio of 8, removal increased to 89.63%. With 0.2 V constant power, high dissolved oxygen, and a high carbon/nitrogen ratio, NO3−-N levels dropped to nearly 0 mg/l, achieving a total nitrogen removal rate of ≈99%. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed bioelectrochemical denitrification method, offering a new technological approach for municipal wastewater treatment.

Groundwater is the only source available for drinking in the study area. Water samples from 25 sampling sites were collected (handpumps, motors and borewells) for period (October to November) 2022 with the aim to evaluate the water suitability for irrigation and drinking purpose. Physico-chemical parameters (n = 15), heavy metals and water quality index (WQI) were determined to check the drinking water suitability. The obtained results were then compared with the BIS-2012 and WHO drinking water standards. Results indicate 52% of water samples from study area under good category of WQI. Groundwater was found suitable for irrigation purposes according to different irrigation indices except permeability index for which 60% samples were found unsuitable. According to heavy metal evaluation index, groundwater of the study area found to be highly contaminated with arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). High contamination of Fe (heavy metal pollution index [HPI] = 120.45) and Cr (HPI = 7240.8) was recorded as per HPI. For different age groups in the study area, hazard quotient value for Cr and As was found at risk. Study region was found contaminated with the Cr, As and Pb concentrations which impact the health of locals. So, continuous monitoring of the groundwater of study area is suggested.

Exposure due to chemical toxicants emanating from landfill leachates is considered among major global concerns. This study aims to critically review the impact of selected non-threshold heavy metals mainly lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and chromium. The study also reviews their effects on groundwater and surface water resources. It also reviews their effects on fauna and flora ecosystems. Health burdens from air pollutants and odours emitted by landfills/leachates on human populations are discussed. In addition, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with leachates/landfills and emerging sustainable mitigation measures are summarised. Among these heavy metals, lead consistently contaminates surface water and groundwater, while mercury levels often fall below World Health Organisation guidelines. Studies show DNA damage in aquatic fauna and growth inhibition in flora due to pollutant exposure. Common air pollutants from landfills include particulate matter, hydrogen sulfide, and airborne bacteria/fungi, linked to respiratory issues, cancer risks, and cellular disruptions in humans. Methane is the predominant GHG emitted from landfills. While nature-based solutions effectively remove organic matter and major cations/anions, their efficacy in heavy metal removal remains limited. Further research, including source apportionment and epidemiological studies, is needed to understand the public health and climate change impacts of landfills/leachates as sources of environmental pollution.

Geographic information system (GIS) technological assessment of drought conditions is essential for water-sensitive development, especially in areas like Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. This semi-arid region faces severe water scarcity, worsened by weather patterns and farming methods. GIS offers a comprehensive method for assessing, visualising, and managing drought vulnerabilities, enabling targeted interventions. By evaluating the spatial distribution of drought vulnerability, GIS techniques facilitate the creation of spatial maps that highlight climate and environmental factors. The Weighted Overlay Tool of GIS generates a drought vulnerability index, incorporating variables like vegetation, soil moisture, and precipitation levels to provide a detailed understanding of drought effects. GIS modelling also identifies suitable sites for groundwater recharge by integrating successful water management practices. This study aims to enhance inter-district assistance and self-sustainability by mapping interventions to ensure efficient resource use. The results offer valuable insights to policymakers and urban planners, promoting sustainable development in Anantapur. In addition, the approach provides a replicable model for other water-scarce regions, aiding decision makers in resource allocation and infrastructure development to mitigate drought impacts.

Dye pollution represents an important portion of the pollutants in industrial waste water. Sediment from the Sebou River (Morocco) was utilised in this investigation to adsorb malachite green (MG) in aqueous solution. The optimisation of parameters associated with adsorption was performed by conducting batch adsorption studies and utilising the response surface approach. The adsorption process was accurately described by both the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the maximum capacity for adsorption was determined to be 5.98 mg/g. In addition, the adsorption rate was effectively determined by intraparticle diffusion. The thermodynamic parameters determined in the study revealed that the adsorption of MG dye by the sediment was unspontaneous and endothermic in nature. The regeneration of the sediment in three cycles following adsorption was confirmed. The adsorption process of MG dye onto the sediment was found to be driven by two types of interactions – electrostatic and hydrogen (H) bonding. These results indicate that the sediment has the potential to be an effective adsorbent for removing dyestuffs from contaminated industrial effluent. Moreover, the ready availability of the sediment in the area further enhances its suitability for this purpose.