Environmental Monitoring and Assessment最新文献

Watershed characterization is essential for sustainable watershed management and effective resource utilization, particularly in assessing changes resulting from interventions. This study investigates the biophysical and socio-economic conditions of the Agewmariam watershed, aiming to develop land capability and suitability maps while identifying viable management options. Biophysical data, including land slope, soil properties, erosion severity, stoniness/rockiness cover, and vegetation cover, were collected through field surveys and analyzed using overlay analysis in ArcGIS. Socio-economic data, encompassing population demographics, income, and expenditure, were gathered via individual interviews, complete census, and focus group discussions and summarized using descriptive statistics. The study identified 259 households with an average family size of 4 and a demographic dependency ratio of 96.6%. The major sources of income are crop production and livestock rearing supplemented by casual labor and food aid. The average farmland holding size is 0.5 ha, with sorghum, barley, teff, and wheat as the dominant crops. The watershed is characterized by six land capability classes (classes II, III, IV, VI, VII, and VIII). The suitability analysis indicated that the watershed is not currently suitable for wheat and teff crops unless physical, chemical, and biological management improvements are implemented. The study revealed that the major limiting factors for land capability and suitability were slope, erosion severity, stoniness, soil organic matter, and soil texture. The socio-economic characterization enhanced awareness about the local socio-economic condition, informing appropriate planning and management strategies. The study recommends intensive soil and water conservation intervention, afforestation on hillsides, changing the land use system, and the addition of organic matter and fertilizers to enhance land capability and suitability for sustainable agricultural practices.

Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is a plant virus transmitted by aphids that has spread throughout many countries, including Malaysia, causing yield losses and economic impacts to the papaya industry worldwide. PRSV infection in papaya-distinctive ring-shaped patterns on papaya leaves resulted in stunted growth and reduced fruit quality. Management strategies such as the use of resistant varieties, cultural practices, and vector control are employed to mitigate the spread of PRSV. However, the evolution of new virus strains and the uncertainties posed by climate change pose ongoing challenges for the management of PRSV worldwide. Therefore, in this present study, we aim to confirm the presence of PRSV in symptomatic papaya leaves, to depict the current status of PRSV in Malaysia. Using reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) targeting PRSV partial nuclear inclusion b protein (NIb) and coat protein (CP), 13 out of 40 papaya leaves collected were found positive for the PRSV strain-P (PRSV-P). Nucleotide analysis revealed a high similarity with strains from Taiwan and India, showing 96.83%, 97.03%, and 97.03% identity with the Taiwan strains (DQ340771, AY027810) and the India strain (KJ755852), respectively. Compared to the CP gene of Malaysian isolates reported in 2016 (EU082207), several nonsynonymous mutations have been discovered suggesting genetic diversity within the PRSV population in Malaysia. Overall, this study confirms the current circulation of PRSV infection in Malaysia since it was first identified in Johore in 1991. The re-occurrence of PRSV-P in this study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and targeted management strategies to prevent the further spread of PRSV-P in Malaysia.

In the present study, piped water samples from Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, Karachi, were evaluated for their Health Risk Assessment (HRA) and Water Quality Index (WQI). For this, different physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed, and the results were evaluated according to the guidelines established by the WHO (2011) and the National Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) (2008). With the exception of sulphate, all physicochemical parameters were well within the guideline values. The mean concentrations of the metals in the samples were in the following order: Ca²⁺  > Mg²⁺  > Zn > Fe > Pb > Ni > Cr > As. More than 70% of the samples tested for Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Faecal Coliform Count (TFC), Total Feacal Streptococci (TFS), and Total Aerobic Count (TAC) were feacal contaminated. E. coli was also isolated in almost 84.61% of the tested piped water samples. Results from the WQI revealed that 95.6% of samples had good physico-chemical characteristics, and 26% of the piped water samples had good microbiological quality. The WQI readings of all the samples for metals showed that they were unfit for human consumption. The mean Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) values, respectively, were in the following order: Zn > Fe > Pb > Ni > Cr > As, and Pb > As > Ni > Cr > Zn > Fe. All HQ values for As and Pb were greater than 1, and 50% of piped water samples had an HQ value for Ni that was greater than 1, indicating that people may suffer serious health issues as a result. All of the piped water samples except the area of block 13 D (S-5), had HQ values of less than 1 in relation to iron, but Zn HQ values of less than 1 indicated only mild health problems. Discharge of untreated sewage and cross-contamination are all potential sources of contamination that could result in diseases that are harmful to the public’s health. Water monitoring and management projects should be implemented in order to improve pipeline infrastructure and reduce sewage leakages.

To establish a radiological national reference for agricultural soil across Tunisian oases and assess the risk to human health associated with date consumption, with a focus on comparing the impact of traditional and modern fertilization, radiological parameters and activity levels of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were determined for 27 oases. These oases were located in three southern Tunisian governorates. The activity concentration of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K was measured using a 3 × 3 inch NaI(Tl) scintillation detector, which was found to be 21.82 ± 1.0 ({text{Bq kg}}^{-1}), 26.51 ± 1.1 ({text{Bq kg}}^{-1}), and 559.21 ± 23.0 ({text{Bq kg}}^{-1}), respectively, for traditional oases and 26.56 ± 1.2 ({text{Bq kg}}^{-1}), 24.45 ± 1.1 ({text{Bq kg}}^{-1}), and 661.28 ± 26.3 ({text{Bq kg}}^{-1}), respectively, for modern oases. In addition, ambient dose equivalent rate was measured during sampling using a multipurpose hand-held radiation CsI(Tl) detector, which was found to be 0.075 µSv/h in traditional oases and 0.078 µSv/h in modern oases. The resulting radiological parameters and activity concentrations were then compared to results from neighboring countries and the average soil activity worldwide.

Drinking natural mineral water often contains minerals and trace elements essential for human beings, such as strontium and silicon. As people’s quality of life improves, so do their requirements for drinking water. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and develop high-quality groundwater that is rich in metasilicate and other minerals. The aim of this study is to reveal the distribution pattern and causes of high-quality metasilicate-rich groundwater in Liaocheng City through scientific methods, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the rational development and protection of mineral water resources. The results shown that Dong'e County was the main concentration area of high-quality metasilicate mineral water in Liaocheng City. The main reason for its high concentration of metasilicic acid was due to water–rock interaction. There was bedrock fissure water in the underlying water supply rock groups in Dong'e County, and the reaction between the metasilicate minerals in the rock groups and water was the main source of metasilicic acid. In addition, the development of fissures in the area provided a good storage and conductivity system for the enrichment of metasilicic acid in groundwater. Based on the analysis of hydrogeological conditions and the mechanism of formation of enriched areas, the enriched areas were divided into developable areas, protected and restricted development areas, and restricted development areas. The results of the study can lay a theoretical foundation for the systematic and scientific development, utilization, and protection of high-quality metasilicate mineral water in Liaocheng City.

Vegetation is one of the important components of ecosystems that usually changes seasonally. An accurate parameterization of vegetation cover dynamics by developing time series models can strengthen our understanding of vegetation change. This research aims to investigate and model the temporal changes of net primary production (NPP) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) across bioclimatic regions of Iran, including the Khazari, Baluchi, semi-desert, steppe, semi-steppe, and arid forests. We used Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor products for NPP and NDVI time series (MOD17A2 and MOD13Q1, respectively). The SARIMA (Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) time series model is developed for NPP and NDVI time series. The investigation of autocorrelation functions (ACF) showed a strong seasonality in NPP and NDVI at the 12-month lag time. Comparing the lag times from 1 to 24 month for different regions shows that the NPP variable has a stronger seasonality. The evaluation of error criteria which showed NPP time series models based on RMSE, R², MRE, and CE criteria was better, while based on the ME criteria, the models perform better for NDVI time series (for example, in Khazari region for NPP and NDVI time series, respectively, ME = 3.67, 0.05, RMSE = 0.12, 0.18, R² = 0.87, 0.63, MRE = 0.02, 0.12, and CE = 0.84, 0.12). The selected models provided a short-term forecasting of the NPP and NDVI index for study regions at 24-month time, which is useful for the planning and management to reduce vegetation degradation and preserve ecosystem and biodiversity.

Soil erosion by water is a serious problem in Ethiopia, contributing to diminishing crop yields and food shortages. Apart from understanding the magnitude, risk, and spatial distribution of the problem, identifying erosion hotspot areas is essential for effectively reversing the problem. This study aims to identify erosion hotspots in the Gotu watershed, in northeastern Ethiopia, using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and incorporating local farmers’ perspectives to prioritize conservation efforts. The RUSLE model reveals that 29,744.3 metric tons of soil is lost annually from the Gotu watershed, with an average loss of 65.3 to t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The main contributing factors to soil erosion in the watershed include undulating topography, loss of plant cover, and continuous cultivation. The highest soil loss rates (> 80 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) were found in the western, northern, and southern parts of the watershed, where cultivation occurs on moderate to steep slopes with sparse vegetation cover. These areas should be prioritized for conservation interventions. Farmers identified poor crop yields and damaged conservation structures as key indicators of soil erosion prevalence in the watershed. Increasing farmer’s understanding of soil erosion and the importance of soil and water conservation is essential for effectively controlling soil erosion and improving food security in the area.

The current study assessed the contamination levels and associated ecological and health risks due to hazardous trace elements in soils from Awanda and Mvengue, located in the vicinity of the Lolodorf uranium deposit in Southern Cameroon. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the soil samples were performed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of metallic and trace elements in soil samples increased in the following order: U < As < Th < Pb < Cu < Ni < Zn < Cr < Mn < Fe < Al. The average concentrations of U, As, Th, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Al ranged between 0.9—3, 2.9—3.8, 9.2—15, 13.1—20.3, 11.5—42.5, 31.1—60.7, 42.9—91.6, 94.50—170.9, 100.45—500.57, 4874.8—88340 and 226147.5—324240.0 mg/kg, respectively. The contamination levels of trace elements were assessed and the human health risk of chemical elements was determined. The investigated elements' average contamination factors (CF) results showed the highest mean CF recorded for Al followed by Cr, Th, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, U, Mn, and As. Furthermore, the findings showed that 90% of soil samples can be classified as considerably contaminated with Al, 100%, and 60% as moderately contaminated with Cr and Th, respectively. The Geo-accumulation indices of Mn, Cr, Th, U, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, and Pb were lower than 1, suggesting low contamination levels for these elements. The ecological factors and risk indices indicated a low ecological risk in the investigated area. In terms of human health risk, ingestion was identified as the primary pathway for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, with children found to be more exposed to both risks than adults. Al, Cr, and Fe were found to be the main contributors to non-carcinogenic health risks, while Cr and Ni were the main contributors to carcinogenic health risks.

Effective solid waste management is a critical environmental challenge, particularly in rapidly growing Global South countries like Nigeria. This issue is exacerbated by burgeoning populations, lax waste regulations, and the widespread practice of open dumping. The deterioration of soil quality and alteration of water quality are major consequences of open waste dumping, posing significant environmental and public health risks. This study aims to assess the environmental risk and pollution status of soil and water resources near major dumpsites in Lagos. It aims to offer insights that can inform targeted interventions and policy measures not only in Lagos but also in comparable urban settings worldwide. Results indicated that important soil parameters, including TN (11.89–13.83 mg/kg), pH (6.45–7.35), sulfate (36.71–39.49 mg/kg), phosphate (9.31–14.39 mg/kg), and electrical conductivity (342–566 µS/cm), were significantly affected by the dumpsites. Additionally, concentrations of heavy metals varied, with some exceeding permissible limits set by international standards, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by improper waste disposal in urban settings like Lagos. The analyzed parameters for water were mostly within acceptable limits, indicating a lesser impact of the waste dump on water resources. Water samples from boreholes and hand-dug wells near three dumpsites showed that pH, TDS, and heavy metal concentrations were mostly within WHO limits, with borehole water deemed safe for drinking and hand-dug wells suitable for cleaning. To alleviate the environmental impacts of open dumpsites, it is recommended to implement effective waste segregation, recycling programs, controlled landfilling, and investment in waste treatment technologies, along with regular water quality monitoring to prevent further pollution and protect public health. While these measures offer opportunities, they also face significant challenges due to financial and land constraints. Therefore, strong public awareness, infrastructure investment, and government commitment are essential, along with coordinated efforts among the government, private sector, and communities.

The rapid increase in carbon and other greenhouse gases is likely to change the regional and global temperature, and planning of these gases is needed. The present study focused on National Highway-16 of the Srikakulam district, which was upgraded from 4 to 6 lane standards to facilitate traffic. This study intended to compute the carbon sequestration and storage capacity of above and belowground biomass. This helps in the comparison and impact of the road project on flora and its carbon pool, from where future tree stock changes can be prepared. A total of 1930 plots were constructed of criss-crosses of equal size (2 × 100 m). All woody trees with dbh ≥ 30 cm were considered and their diameters were measured. A total of 29 tree species belonging to 13 families were identified; the quantity of macrobiotic carbon sequestered as a whole, i.e., above and below ground, was 768,890.29 _tC and 199,911.48 _tC, respectively. The mean sequestration rate of carbon as biomass above ground was 1.19 tC/tree, and that below ground was 0.31 _tC/tree. The estimated average C-Stock per tree was 1.5 _tC; however, the mean C-Stock per quadrate was 250.2 _tC.