Environmental Challenges最新文献

{"title":"Mapping stakeholders’ dynamics for sustainable PKC distribution in cattle feed: An integrated MICMAC-MACTOR analyses","authors":"Priyono ,&nbsp;Atien Priyanti ,&nbsp;Robet Asnawi ,&nbsp;Yayat Hidayat ,&nbsp;I Gusti Ayu Putu Mahendri ,&nbsp;Dwi Yulistiani ,&nbsp;Hotmatua Daulay ,&nbsp;Arif Dwi Santoso ,&nbsp;Uning Budiharti ,&nbsp;Astu Unadi ,&nbsp;Adji Parikesit ,&nbsp;Umi Karomah Yaumidin ,&nbsp;Irawan","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Palm kernel cake (PKC), a by-product of the palm oil industry, is considered a sustainable and affordable cattle feed source in Indonesia. However, its adoption remained constrained by institutional fragmentation, market inefficiencies, and logistical challenges. To address this, the study evaluates how accessible PKC is as sustainable cattle feed, using an integrated approach that combines the Matrix of Cross-Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification (MICMAC) and the Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives, and Recommendations (MACTOR) analyses. A total of 32 respondents and 14 key stakeholders involved in the PKC supply chain from three districts in Riau Province participated in the study. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Respondents involved in cattle farming who rely on PKC as an alternative feed were selected using purposive sampling. The results of MICMAC analysis showed that government and institutional actors as key leverage points for improving access to PKC, with price, suppliers, and quantity being the main economic factors. The MACTOR analysis revealed that structural imbalances of dominant actors, such as the feedlot association, plasma association, and feed suppliers, wield significant influence. Meanwhile, relay actors, including livestock services, the directorate, estate services, and grassroots organizations, are highly dependent and under-resourced. Autonomous stakeholders like the palm oil association, universities, and banks remained under-mobilized. Additionally, divergence mapping showed tensions between stakeholders focused on export markets and those prioritizing food security. These findings highlight the importance of multi-level, collaborative governance to improve system alignment, infrastructure, and institutional capacity for sustainable livestock feed strategies. The study recommends establishing a cross-sectoral governance platform to align institutional priorities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve stakeholder coordination. Future research should also explore financial models for local cooperative-based PKC distribution systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing postharvest storage management using sensors and smart technologies: A national and global perspective","authors":"Awais Ahmad ,&nbsp;Fazal Jalal ,&nbsp;Shah Fahad ,&nbsp;Nazia Tahir ,&nbsp;Aqib Iqbal ,&nbsp;Rukhsar Bakhtaj ,&nbsp;Sarir Ahmad ,&nbsp;Zafar Hayat Khan ,&nbsp;Badshah Islam ,&nbsp;Mahmood Hemat ,&nbsp;Tanzeel Ur Rahman ,&nbsp;Shah Saud ,&nbsp;Taufiq Nawaz","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transformation of crop yield storage management through sensor technologies is the most promising solution, addressing the critical issue of post-harvest losses that threaten global food security. The present review explains various sensor-based systems in monitoring and controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and gas emissions to maintain crop quality and prevent spoilage. This review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews) guidelines to ensure transparency, rigor and reproducibility in literature identification, screening and synthesis. The review discusses sensor applications across various crop types that range wide from cereals and pulses to perishable fruits and high-value crops, emphasizing customized solutions targeting specific storage requirements. On a regional basis, disparities in technological advancement are evident, with high-tech automated systems being the predominantly concentrated in developed countries, whereas those that favor innovation with sensor solutions that are cheap and scalable, while developing countries are characterized by infrastructural constrains and a focus on affordable, scalable innovations. Pakistan’s early initiatives in sensor-based storage management illustrate how much technologies can enhance agricultural resilience in similar developing context. The initial disposition of Pakistan toward sensor-centered storage management serves as an emblem of how such technology can promote agricultural resilience in settings of comparable nature. Economic analysis indicates a favorable cost-benefit ratio for sensors deployment, hinged upon a reduction in post-harvest losses, energy efficiency in storage, and socioeconomic upliftment of smallholder farmers. Nevertheless, challenges such as high initial investment, skill gaps, sensor durability, connectivity challenges, and policy hurdles remain acute. The future is one where AI powered smart storage systems, nanotechnology-based sensors, and synergized digital ecosystems will offer precision, automation, and sustainability. This requires joint efforts between governments, the private sector, and international agencies to increase the scale of innovations and build capacity. Overall, sensors technologies are revolutionizing sustainable, technology-enabled agricultural storages systems that preserve food security, promote efficient resource use and improve livelihood worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 101379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145749829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Bayesian spatial prediction of soil organic carbon stocks in eastern DRC using INLA-SPDE and environmental covariates” [Environmental Challenges Volume 21, December 2025, 101303]","authors":"Alain Matazi Kangela ,&nbsp;Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru ,&nbsp;Serge Mugisho Mukotanyi ,&nbsp;Gerard Imani ,&nbsp;Yannick Mugumaarhahama ,&nbsp;Daniel Muhindo Iragi ,&nbsp;Dieudonné Shamamba Bahati ,&nbsp;Janvier Bigabwa Bashagaluke ,&nbsp;Wivine Munyahali","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101321","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101321","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ecosystem services provided by Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel in Benin: Local perception and associated factors","authors":"Mirabelle Rubielle Mahuwènan Gandji ,&nbsp;Kolawolé Valère Salako ,&nbsp;Guillaume Hounsou-Dindin ,&nbsp;Romain Glèlè Kakaï ,&nbsp;Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101378","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101378","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ricinodendron heudelotii</em> is a multipurpose wild oil tree native to Africa, including Benin, where it is less abundant compared to common NTFPs-providing species. Understanding socio-demographic and geographic factors associated with local perceptions of the ecosystem services (ES) it provides can offer valuable insights to better guide its valorisation and conservation. In this study, face-to-face interviews were conducted across the two biogeographical zones (Soudano-Guinean and Guineo-Congolian) where it is found in Benin to investigate local knowledge of its ecosystem services and associated factors. The diversity and perceived importance of ecosystem services were analysed using quantitative ethnobotanical indices. Results showed that provisioning services were mostly reported (58.50 %) in the Soudano-Guinean zone while cultural services (40.90 %) were mostly mentioned in the Guineo-Congolian population. In the Guineo-Congolian zone, the stem of its adult individuals is mainly used to make the \"Guèlèdè mask\" and the tam-tam (a kind of drum), which are used during local ceremonies. In both zones, the leaves and bark of the tree are widely used for medicinal purposes, primarily malaria, fever, and childbirth facilitation. Human food uses were only mentioned in the Sudano-Guinean zone where leaves are used as ingredient in Ocra sauce. Gender and residential status were associated to the knowledge of provisioning services<em>,</em> while age was the only factor associated with the knowledge of cultural services. These results show that the species is better known and valued by adults, particularly in the Guineo-Congolian zone. Raising local awareness of the species’ ecological and economic importance aims to promote the sustainable use of its resources, foster its integration into agroforestry systems and reduce pressure on natural populations, thereby supporting its long-term conservation and sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 101378"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145749822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction of soil available nitrogen using machine learning and digital mapping techniques in Northeast India","authors":"Amit Kumar ,&nbsp;Pravash Chandra Moharana ,&nbsp;Roomesh Kumar Jena ,&nbsp;Sandeep Kumar Malyan ,&nbsp;Ram Kishor Fagodiya ,&nbsp;Aftab Ahmad Shabnam ,&nbsp;S.N Vinodakumar ,&nbsp;Dharmendra Kumar Jigyasu ,&nbsp;Azad Gull ,&nbsp;Kasthala Mary VijayaKumari ,&nbsp;Gandhi Doss Subramaniam","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101375","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101375","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for crop growth, influencing both agricultural productivity and ecosystem processes. Conventional fertilizer recommendations often rely solely on soil N availability at sampling points, lacking information on its spatial variability. High-resolution spatial data are therefore crucial for sustaining sericulture production. This study represents the first effort to develop a spatial prediction map of available N in the Lakhimpur district, using 160 soil samples along with local environmental covariates. Five machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), Cubist, XGBoost, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)—were employed to predict available N in the plough layer (0–15 cm) at a 30 m resolution. Measured N values ranged from 102 to 580 kg ha⁻¹. Under random cross-validation, RF consistently outperformed other models (R²c = 0.96, RMSEc = 40.69 kg ha⁻¹ in calibration and R²v = 0.35, RMSEv = 70.44 kg ha⁻¹ in validation). In contrast, spatial cross-validation resulted in markedly lower accuracy across all models, with R² values varied between 0.02 and 0.27. Predicted N values varied between 172 and 438 kg ha⁻¹, while uncertainty, expressed as standard deviation, ranged from 101 to 111 kg ha⁻¹. The Dissimilarity Index (DI) and Area of Applicability (AOA) maps were used to delineate areas where model predictions are most reliable. Overall, the study demonstrates that machine learning combined with digital mapping provides a practical framework for predicting soil available N. The resulting high-resolution maps offer valuable insights for site-specific nutrient management and support precision agriculture planning in sericulture-based systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 101375"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing urban stormwater resilience through lot-scale outlet strategies","authors":"Muhammad Baitullah Al Amin ,&nbsp;Joko Sujono ,&nbsp;Radianta Triatmadja","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101372","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101372","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban lot-scale drainage design plays a crucial role in mitigating surface runoff and enhancing stormwater resilience in residential areas. This study investigated the hydrological responses of three outlet configurations—direct, garden, and bioretention cell (BRC) modes—under varying pervious-area ratios (<em>α_PA</em>). A conceptual lot-scale model was developed using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to simulate rainfall–runoff processes for five representative residential lots. Model performance was evaluated in terms of runoff volume reduction, peak discharge reduction, and flow delay. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were applied to assess the statistical significance of outlet configurations and antecedent moisture conditions (AMCs), while a sensitivity analysis was conducted on the saturated hydraulic conductivity (<em>K_sat</em>) of BRC media. The results show that outlet configuration significantly influences lot-scale hydrologic performance. The BRC mode consistently achieved the greatest reductions in runoff volume and peak discharge, followed by the garden and direct modes. Statistical tests confirmed that outlet configuration effects were significant (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), whereas AMCs exerted minimal influence. Sensitivity analysis indicated that performance was stable across a realistic <em>K_sat</em> range (100–300 mm/hr), confirming model robustness. Notably, runoff mitigation benefits became more evident when the pervious-area ratio exceeded approximately 25 %–35 %, suggesting a practical design threshold. Although the analysis was limited to a single 2-year design storm without field calibration, the findings provide comparative insights for optimizing lot-scale drainage design. Overall, the study highlights the potential of decentralized outlet strategies—particularly BRC systems—to enhance urban flood resilience and support sustainable stormwater management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101372"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145576026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lead (II) adsorption by KOH-modified rice straw biochar from battery wastewater: Adsorption optimization, isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies","authors":"Dan Tigalana ,&nbsp;Bernard Ouma Alunda ,&nbsp;Mary Nelima Ondiaka ,&nbsp;Ildephonse Nibikora ,&nbsp;Ocident Bongomin ,&nbsp;Joseph Ddumba Lwanyaga","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lead (Pb(II)) contamination from battery manufacturing poses a major threat to aquatic systems in Uganda, necessitating cost-effective and sustainable treatment solutions. This study investigates KOH-modified rice straw biochar (KRSB) as an efficient and eco-friendly adsorbent for Pb(II) removal from battery wastewater. Rice straw was pyrolyzed to produce raw biochar (RSB) and subsequently activated with KOH. Both materials were characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy coupled energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), considering adsorbent dosage, initial Pb(II) concentration, contact time, temperature, and pH as key variables. The optimal conditions, 0.8 g/L dosage, 121 mg/L Pb(II), 52 min contact time, 33 °C, and pH 5.6, resulted in 85.1 % Pb(II) removal from real battery wastewater. XRF and SEM–EDX analyses suggested ion exchange and surface complexation as dominant mechanisms, supported by FTIR evidence of oxygen-containing functional groups (–OH, –COO⁻). Adsorption followed the Langmuir–Temkin isotherms and pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption with a maximum capacity of 129 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the process was spontaneous and endothermic. Although KRSB demonstrated strong potential for wastewater remediation, further studies on activation energy, co-ion interference, adsorbent regeneration, and scale-up are recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101371"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Institutional governance and design principles on collective action for sustainable water management in Vietnam","authors":"Ong Quoc Cuong ,&nbsp;Vu Duong Quynh ,&nbsp;Bui Tan Yen ,&nbsp;Bjoern Ole Sander ,&nbsp;Trang Vu ,&nbsp;Jennifer Barnard ,&nbsp;Katherine M. Nelson","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rice production is firmly situated at the nexus between food security, water resources, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) has been suggested as a climate-resilient irrigation practice in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. This study investigates how irrigation governance affects AWD uptake by applying Elinor Ostrom’s design principles for collective action. Focus group discussions with local agricultural authorities and one-on-one surveys with irrigation service providers were conducted in An Giang Province. The results show that 51 % of the providers reported AWD adoption in the Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn seasons. Irrigation governance follows a hierarchical structure with nested management levels, and cooperatives and collaborative groups show more substantial institutional capacities than individual providers. However, key governance functions, such as monitoring and sanctioning, remain weakly implemented. Applying Ostrom’s design principles to collective action can improve the adoption of AWD technology. The findings of this study can provide insight into the evolution of irrigation governance and what is needed to implement institutions (rules, regulations, and norms) that would foster collective benefits effectively. The results can be used to analyze other common resource systems or to study the institutional governance of irrigated rice systems in other locations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101370"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145576027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the sustainability of AnMBR for domestic greywater treatment in small islands","authors":"Iga Maliga ,&nbsp;Suryo Purwono ,&nbsp;Rika Harini ,&nbsp;Juliansyah Harahap ,&nbsp;Tasliati Djafar","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Greywater management on small, highly populated islands is becoming increasingly important due to environmental degradation and limited freshwater resources. <strong>The purpose</strong> of this study is to assess AnMBR technology's potential for sustainability as a greywater wastewater management solution on small islands. <strong>This research</strong> used a case study method with two major stages: the development of a laboratory-scale AnMBR design and a sustainability evaluation with 13 key informants chosen by snowball sampling and in-depth interviews. The Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) RAPFISH technique was used to assess sustainability, with six essential dimensions considered as technical, environmental, economic, socio-cultural, public health, and institutional framework. <strong>Key findings</strong> of this research are (1) AnMBR technology is technically quite sustainable for treating household greywater on densely populated small islands; (2) the sustainability aspects of AnMBR are multidimensional and interrelated; (3) long-term sustainability depends on the capacity of local institutions, regulatory support, and the availability of resources for operation and maintenance; (4) social acceptance among the community is still limited but can be improved through a participatory approach, and (5) the development of AnMBR by-product utilization has the potential to be integrated with aspects of the circular economy. <strong>The implications</strong> of this research are that it has greater development potential, particularly in an industrial context, to lay the groundwork for building modular, low-power wastewater treatment technologies suitable to decentralized settings and small geographic areas. <strong>Future research</strong> should focus on pilot-scale implementation, cost-benefit analysis, and long-term performance monitoring in real-world conditions to validate the overall scalability and sustainability of AnMBR technology, resulting in an integrated wastewater management system that incorporates the circular economy concept for environmental sustainability on small islands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101369"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable management of urban groundwater in Lahore central business district: Trends, challenges, and economic implications","authors":"Usama Majed ,&nbsp;Ghulam Nabi ,&nbsp;Muhammad Rashid ,&nbsp;Riaz Hussain ,&nbsp;Saif Haider ,&nbsp;Abu Bakar Arshed","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assesses the groundwater status in Lahore's newly developed Central Business District, examining both shallow and deep groundwater supplies, and emphasizes the need for alternative water sources to preserve deep aquifers for future use. Data was collected from different authorities from 2003 to 2022 and analyzed using GIS software to map groundwater variations across Lahore. The study found consistent fluctuations in groundwater levels, with significant decreases in areas of Gulberg and Shadman. In 2003, Shadman had the lowest groundwater level at 34.74 m, while Gunj Kalan was 6.78 m. By 2022, Gunj Kalan's groundwater level had risen to 12.84 m, while those in Muslim Town and Shadman had dropped to 51.82 m. The average annual groundwater depletion was 1.13 m. The economic analysis highlighted the capital-intensive nature of conjunctive deep and shallow water supply systems but noted their lower operational and maintenance costs. Using deep aquifers for drinking water and shallow aquifers for other needs optimizes groundwater usage, potentially conserving over 90 % of deep aquifer volume. Increasing groundwater pumping by 18% could further deplete resources by 0.4 m per year, while an 18 % decrease could raise levels by 0.19 m per year. Conjunctive use of deep and shallow aquifers could save 21,854 m³ per day of deep aquifer water, presenting an efficient solution for managing groundwater depletion and promoting sustainable water resource practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101368"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145576028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}