This paper systematically reviews various applications, economic advantages, and development prospects of vetiver, which is believed to serve many sectors as an industrial commodity. Its robustness to multi-environment and multi-soil situations makes it a valuable instrument for environmental protection, especially for the control of soil erosion and soil stabilization, as well as phytoremediation. In addition, it has significant economic value for use in perfume production, mainly due to its distinct and exotic fragrance, and offers great promise for biofuel production and agroforestry. According to economic analysis, there might be several opportunities in terms of economies of scale for vetiver culture and processing that can enhance profitability and local economies. Those benefits will depend on land availability and initial investment capital necessary for vetiver development, as well as upon the demand of end users and current regulations at play in the countries. Future research and development efforts should be put in place to optimize the vetiver culture and processing to yield high quantities of essential oil at low cost. Moreover, the review highlights the immense research potential of vetiver, particularly in the field of phytoremediation and biofuel productions, cultivation of food/horticultural crops for erosion control, carbon sequestration, perfumery, other agricultural applications, multidisciplinary socio-economic impact studies and human health benefits. Vetiver’s inherent versatility and adaptability can pave the way for a better understanding of a multifaceted, interdisciplinary platform for sustainable, eco-friendly research-based strategies and future technological innovations that would act as a blueprint for environmentally and economically sustainable solutions between the earth and its inhabitants. The results accentuate the fact that there is a need for more scientific studies as well as utilization of the crop for fruitful output, hence paving the way for a better and more economically viable future.
The Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of soil represents its capacity to retain and exchange nutrient cations with plant roots. In Sudanian savannas, sandy soils are characterized by a dominance of coarse particles, which exhibit a low specific surface area and low cation retention capacity, in contrast to clayey soils. A low CEC restricts soil fertility and the capacity of the soil to sustainably provide essential nutrients to plants. It was hypothesized that the CEC of the topsoil in savannas of western Burkina Faso would demonstrate a significant increase due to substantial environmental changes during the fallow period. To test this hypothesis, a comparison was made between soil fertility in savannas and fallows, and that of cultivated plots, which were considered the control for this increase. A total of 15 plots were selected, with five plots allocated to each situation. The vegetation and soil of the plots were described in detail. Composite soil samples were taken from the 0-20 cm horizon. The soil analyses in the laboratory were conducted on several parameters, including texture, pH-H2O, pH-KCl, carbon, nitrogen, CEC and exchangeable bases. The results of the observations enabled the classification of the soils as tropical ferruginous soils with iron and manganese sesquioxides. The original materials indicate that the soil exhibits sandy properties. This was demonstrated by the granulometric study, which revealed that the soils under investigation exhibited an essentially sandy texture on the surface horizon. This results in a low retention capacity for exchangeable bases. The woody vegetation of the savannas exhibits a greater diversity of flora than that of the fallows. This has a significant impact on the enhancement of the CEC, due to the replenishment of the soil with plant debris of varying organic compositions. The overall pH is slightly acidic, with a range of 5.63 to 5.71. The soils of the savannas exhibit higher concentrations of carbon and nitrogen than those of the fallows and fields. The observation of chemical balances has enabled the identification of savannas as an environment conducive to optimal plant nutrition. Overall, the savannas enhance the CEC and exchangeable bases, despite the values being below the threshold recommended for tropical sandy soils. It is therefore necessary to implement measures to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance agricultural productivity in this region, where soil nutrients are naturally scarce.
The objective of this work was the development of a framework for assessing just compensation for environmental damage on a single mine site. Previously, the models applied in this work have only been used at the national or regional level. As a result, a sustainable extraction rate was calculated for a single mine site in Potosi, Bolivia for a mixed mine (zinc, lead, and silver). By using an interdisciplinary approach, a dollar value was assessed for environmental damages for a period of years. These were compared to the profitability of the mine with the result being an estimation of the quantity of mining rents that should be reinvested in social and infrastructure capital. This approach assumed that economic development does not exclude environmental protection and may aid in policy decisions at the local level benefiting the longevity of the economy.
Risk management encompasses all measures taken before the occurrence of risk events to mitigate potential future losses. Although volunteer firefighters serve in a voluntary capacity, their disaster response duties expose them to various risks similar to those faced by professional firefighters. Furthermore, due to differences in training, auxiliary methods, and physical conditions, they may encounter distinct risk factors and potentially higher disaster risks. This paper explores risk identification, control, and reduction for volunteer firefighters through organizational responsibilities and risk management perspectives, employing a group decision making model. Utilizing the Operational Risk Management Integration Tools (ORMIT) and the modified Delphi method, the analysis identifies 54 major risk factors for Taitung County's volunteer firefighters during disaster response duties. These risk factors are categorized according to the 5M model (Man, Machine, Media, Management, Mission), prioritized and addressed using the Main Operational Risk Management List (MOL) and the Risk Control Option Matrix (COM). After proposing corresponding risk control measures, the Average Risk Index (ARI) for the "Potential Risks in Volunteer Firefighters' Disaster Response Duties" decreased from 14.31 to 5.06. The Average Risk Rating (ARR) improved from a high-risk level (H-7) to a low-risk level (L-16). The results demonstrate that through risk identification, assessment, and control procedures, the potential risks faced by volunteer firefighters in disaster response can be significantly reduced.
This paper delves into the critical exploration of hydrogen supply chains downstream (HSCD) in the Western U.S., responding to the nation’s prioritization of hydrogen as a clean alternative and its ambitious Hydrogen Program Plan for net-zero emissions and enhanced exports. We develop a conceptual model which is utilized to identify gaps in the existing 116 regional and global review papers published from March 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, to November 2023. This leads us to HSCD segments, decision levels, research properties, and sustainability as the necessary criteria to analyze 48 peer-reviewed original journal papers published about HSCD in the Western U.S. until November 2023. Accordingly, we offer future research directions and contribute to the development of effective strategies for a sustainable hydrogen-based future.
Phosphorus (P) runoff is a major factor contributing to water quality decline in waterways and waterbodies of coastal Western Australia (WA). Soils with naturally low P retention or those with increased P saturation from P application have higher risk of P loss via leaching or runoff. Substantial research has been carried out to minimise P loss via leaching and runoff through modifications of soil P retention capacity. We review literature of P retentive soil amendments, natural clays and tillage of soil to lift clay to the surface to increase P retention and reduce P loss from poorly retentive sandy soils and P stratified soils, and which have been tested for efficacy and safety. This review includes published research, previously unpublished trial data, research in unpublished reports and published research in limited circulation with particular emphasis on the Swan Coastal Plain due to unabated P loss and limited uptake of soil amendment in the region to combat it. Key findings are that amending leaching sands with bauxite residue from alumina refining, neutralised used acid (NUA from mineral sands processing) and clay, as well as tillage or mixing of P stratified soils have been shown to be very effective at reducing P loss. Increases in plant productivity have been found, depending on conditions such as soil pH and soil test P. For the materials tested, soil amendment did not lead to undue uptake of trace elements or concerning levels of radiation. Trials of NUA have shown Mn is close to acceptable limits or slightly exceeds them and is the subject of further research to determine application rates and field conditions required to minimise Mn or other contamination. The P retentive effect of soil tillage is restricted to soils with high P levels in the soil surface and higher P retention below the surface, reachable by soil tillage equipment.
It is paramount to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes and their drivers. This is because it helps generate information on biodiversity, land productivity, ecology, and livelihoods for decision-making. Due to land degradation, deforestation, shifting cultivation, high population pressure, and the three national megaprojects (NMPs), the Fincha'a Neshe sub-basin (FNSB) LULC, changes may be unprecedented. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of LULC changes and their drivers using remote sensing (RS) data and geographic information systems (GIS). Landsat images 5, 7, and 8 were used for the discrete periods of 1986, 2000, and 2016, respectively. Field observations (Ground control points) and interviews were conducted with key participants to validate the data. Supervised classification with a maximum likelihood algorithm was used to classify the Landsat imagery. The results showed that the FNSB experienced substantial changes in LULC between 1986 and 2016, of which 13.8% (457.3 km2 ) were due to NMPs. The cropland cover has expanded by 694.4 km2 (57.81%) at a rate of 24.60 km2 year-1 at the expense of shrubland, forest, wetland, and grassland. In contrast, shrubland, forest, wetland, and grassland have declined at the rates of 16.8, 3.9, 3.4, and 1.7 km2 year-1 over the entire study period. Population growth and NMPs were the principal drivers of the changes in the LULC of the sub-basin. Thus, the LULC transformation rate observed in the sub-basin requires due attention and mitigation strategies, as it might seriously threaten the sustainability of natural resources and NMPs.
In the era where human communities have been plunged into unprecedented environmental problems, scientists and policymakers have been forced to revisit and reflect on the relationship between humanity and the natural environment. In light of all these developments, fundamental questions have been asked, such as, should nature be left alone? Are humans separate from nature? Is it too late to turn back the clock? How can we tackle the climate crisis? At the core of these questions lies the issue of the human-environment relationship, with humans being both dependent on and simultaneously harming the environment. Although the dependence of humans on natural systems is acknowledged, there seems to be uncertainty about balancing human well-being, ecosystem, and environmental integrity. It appears as though these three factors cannot co-exist harmoniously. In this contribution, we discuss the axioms of the environment and humanity and extract lessons that can be used to address the increased environmental concerns that have challenged the world. We also present a rationale for using an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to address environmental problems, proposing a Nature-integrated in Whole Systems Framework. We argue that environmental problems cannot be successfully addressed without incorporating human dimensions and treating systems as wholes. We base our argument on the fact that the challenges facing humanity are so intertwined that addressing one issue without considering the others is futile. We propose that we need to integrate nature into every aspect of life.
The study was conducted in the commune of Bagaroua, (Tahoua region). The Tahoua area has agro-climatic characteristics favorable to agricultural production. This area is now threatened by the rapid degradation of its natural resources due to climatic hazards and human activities. It is in this context that the present study proposes to analyze the perceptions of farmers on land degradation and the adaptation strategies of producers faced with the impact of this degradation. The data was collected by interview using a questionnaire submitted to 254 agricultural producers sampled using the formula n=t² *p*(1-p) /m². The results showed that agricultural producers clearly perceive the manifestations of soil degradation by the appearance of glacis with percentages by 66% of respondents; formation of “erosion” ravines (13.17%); presence of pebbles and sandy bulge (10.07%). Farmers perceive the impacts of this soil degradation through parameters such as the reduction in cultivable areas (12%); attacks by crop enemies (7%); increased food insecurity (32%); the influx of able-bodied young people to big cities (11%) inside and outside the country and delinquency (6%). This situation puts the population in a situation of extreme poverty (16%), indebtedness (8%) and conflicts between households (8%). Faced with this shock, producers adopt adaptation strategies, the most widespread of which are, among others, the use of water and soil conservation techniques, the use of organic and mineral manure, the use of improved varieties early.
The main objectives of this study are, (1) to investigate the influences of farmland policies on land use patterns and, (2) to examine the changes and statuses of land transactions and farmhouse construction projects and determine the influence of changes in the restrictions of farmland use and farmhouse construction on the trends of farmland transactions and transfers and the locations of farmhouse constructions projects, thereby validating the development trends of farmland and farmhouses. Aspatial analysis was performed to examine the spatial clustering conditions and locations of farmland transactions and farmhouses in Taitung County. Regional analysis was performed by examining local indicators of spatial association (LISA). A year-over-year analysis was performed on the scope and degree of farmhouse clustering within the target area to determine farmland use patterns, distribution statuses, and the impact of annual location change on rural development in the target area. An analysis of the historical land transaction and building change data revealed that "laws and regulations" were the main factors influencing farmland transaction. The density of farmland transactions increased closer to main traffic routes. The findings of this study highlighted rural change and validated urban sprawl.
Pesticides use boosts agricultural yield by reducing crop losses. However, some pesticides are mutagens and while technical grade active ingredients may produce mixed results in cytotoxicity and mutagenicity tests in in vitro and in vivo assays, synergistic interaction of pesticides, their metabolites or impurities in pesticide formulations often produce cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. This study assessed three concentrations (mg mL-1) (0.04, 0.08 and 0.16) each of Aphicide Plus® (AP) (imidacloprid at 20g L-1); Eco Fruit-fly Bait GF120® (EF) (spinosad at 0.24 g L-1) and Rosecare 3® (RC3) (combination of bifenthrin at 2.0 g L-1 and myclobutanil at 7.5 g L-1) for their effect on the (P+M)/ (A+T) Ratio, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using the Allium cepa assay. A. cepa seedlings were treated for 24 hours, root tip squashes were prepared and the slides were examined under the microscope. For each pesticide treatment and the negative control, 6000 cells were examined and the cells were classified into interphase, normal (N) or aberrant (ABN) mitotic division stage. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by each pesticide concentration was compared with the value for the negative control using t-test. The 0.08 mg mL-1 of AP, 0.04 mg mL-1 of EF, and 0.08 and 0.16 mg mL-1 of RC3 induced significant change in the (P+M)/(A+T) ratio, (p > 0.05). All three concentrations of each pesticide significantly depressed the mitotic index (MI) and were adjudged cytotoxic (P < 0.05). Genotoxicity (GT) was expressed as the number of aberrant mitotic cells (AMC) per 100 mitotic cells scored. The three concentrations of each pesticide induced genotoxicity (P < 0.05). Pesticides use boosts agricultural yield by reducing crop losses. However, some pesticides are mutagens and while technical grade active ingredients may produce mixed results in cytotoxicity and mutagenicity tests in in vitro and in vivo assays, synergistic interaction of pesticides, their metabolites or impurities in pesticide formulations often produce cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. This study assessed three concentrations (mg mL-1) (0.04, 0.08 and 0.16) each of Aphicide Plus® (AP) (imidacloprid at 20g L-1); Eco Fruit-fly Bait GF120® (EF) (spinosad at 0.24 g L-1) and Rosecare 3® (RC3) (combination of bifenthrin at 2.0 g L-1 and myclobutanil at 7.5 g L-1) for their effect on the (P+M)/ (A+T) Ratio, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using the Allium cepa assay. A. cepa seedlings were treated for 24 hours, root tip squashes were prepared and the slides were examined under the microscope. For each pesticide treatment and the negative control, 6000 cells were examined and the cells were classified into interphase, normal (N) or aberrant (ABN) mitotic division stage. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by each pesticide concentration was compared with the value for the negative control using t-test. The 0.08 mg mL-1 of AP, 0.04 mg mL-1 of EF, and 0.08 and 0.16 mg mL-1 of RC3 induced significant change in the (P+M)/(A+T) ratio, (p > 0.05). All three concentrations of each pesticide significantly depressed the mitotic index (MI) and were adjudged cytotoxic (P < 0.05). Genotoxicity (GT) was expressed as the number of aberrant mitotic cells (AMC) per 100 mitotic cells scored. The three concentrations of each pesticide induced genotoxicity (P < 0.05).
We conducted a one-year study in TWS, Bangladesh, to test socioeconomic-related impacts on the sanctuary caused by three performers marked as forest-endorsed settlers, illegal settlers, and forest-nearest villagers. The performer’s activities were marked as cattle ranching, gardening, paddy cultivation, vegetable growing, betel-leaf growing, and forest resource collection. These factors had a marked impact on the elephant’s use of fodder species, water bodies, feeding trails and resting places, as well as soil types. We revealed that 8% of the intruders were engaged in cattle ranching, 17% in gardening, 32% in paddy cultivation, 25% in vegetable growing, 6% in betel-leaf growing and 12% were forest resource collectors. These numbers were taken out of a recorded total of 26,937 incidences of forest intrusions, including forest endorse settlers (4%), illegal settlers (35%) and nearest forest villagers (61%). The disturbance rate differed statistically significantly across 6 study sites on the east coast and 4 study sites on the west coast in response to socioeconomic-related activities. Almost 2827 hectares of forestland was replaced by paddy cultivation (575 ha), vegetable growing (529 ha), betel-leaf growing (480 ha), gardening (448 ha), and illegal settlement (795 ha). Thus, a total of 11615 hectares of the sanctuary was permanently damaged, posing challenges to elephant survival.
This study aimed to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) dynamics under fallow lands influenced by the perennial grass Andropogon gayanus and to show how the biological activity is improved during the Sudanian tillage system in the area of Bondoukuy (Western Burkina Faso). Soil samplings were done through cultivated plots (CP), ten (F10) and twenty (F20) years old fallow lands. Measurements were done in thickets and intergrowth areas of the perennial grass in two horizons: the topsoil (0-10 cm) and the subsoil (10-20 cm). Results showed that SOC concentrations are generally higher in the old (0.35%) than in the young fallow lands (0.29%) and in the cultivated plots (0.23%). TN concentrations followed the same pattern (0.022%, 0.017% for the old and young fallows lands and 0.013% for the cultivated plots). The C:N ratio observed (15~20) suggests an important soil organic matter (SOC and TN) maturation state in the fallow lands (F10 and F20) than in the cultivated plots (CP). Soil mineralization is also more important in the two fallow lands than in fields. For the total nitrogen mineralization, we have an important production of mineral nitrogen always in old fallow lands and a positive effect of the thicket on the net mineral nitrogen accumulation (p<0.05). The transition from thicket to intergrowth area permits obtaining positive variations which are relatively significant (p<0.05). A. gayanus fallow lands play an active role in managing SOC and TN dynamics. The most SOC and TN accumulated was found in the topsoil of thickets, where the maximum plant debris is located. Old fallow lands are best conditions for the recovery of SOC and TN from their steady states. Then, when clearing the vegetation for cultivation after the old fallow lands, there is an important input of fresh OM available for plants in the soil for 3 or 4 years. It is recommended to observe the old fallow phase prior to clearing for cropping.
The pest status of Cosmopolites sordidus has been related to farm sanitation, environmental conditions and local weevil biotypes. This study was to confirm the inherent fecundity of endemic weevils, soil moisture effect and planting material health status that may contribute to weevil behaviour. Adult banana weevils were confined to plantain rhizomes, which were then subjected to four soil moisture regimens for 65 days. In another experiment to measure potential fecundity, weevils collected from the farmer’s field were dissected to determine the internal egg follicles. Planting material with different initial weevil egg infestations on the pseudostem were confined below insect screening net in growing pots. Larva damage and stage populations were determined after 22 weeks. The results showed that weevils confined to plants under moisture stress had higher corm damage than irrigated and vigorously growing plants. A lower number of weevils were associated with plants under moisture stress than vigorously growing plants. The maximum number of mature egg follicles present in the ovaries of female weevils was 17. In general, the mean number of mature egg follicles was 4 per female adult weevil. Infested planting material with initial estimated number of 0.3 eggs per sucker resulted in 2.3 adult emergence and ≈ 34% corm cross section damage after 154 days. The potential egg follicles albeit slow weevil population build-up reiterates the k-selected nature of the banana weevil. The egg follicles in adult female ovaries were high and comparable with weevils in other banana growing regions. The default health status of planting material was confirmed to be a contributing factor to weevil build-up in confinement. Soil moisture increased weevil survival but the improved plant vigour compensated for weevil damage.
This study aimed to identify and strengthen the resilience of livestock and agro-pastoralists in the face of changing climatic conditions. The study was conducted in the urban commune of Tera. The methodological approach consisted of desk research and data collection. In order to find the number of households to be surveyed in the selected camps, the method of taking a sample (8%) of the target households is adopted. In total, forty-eight (48) herders and agro-pastoralists are selected. The analysis of the perception of the herders and agro-pastoralists on the climate trend showed a decrease in the amount of rainfall (94% of respondents), increasingly high temperatures (92%) and an increase in strong and sandy winds in all seasons (96%). The disappearance of plant cover was the main cause of climate change according to 79.2% of respondents. The impacts of climate change are numerous. Pastoral resources (water and fodder) have been greatly reduced. The health of the animals has been affected, as has their production. Strategies have been developed by farmers and agro-pastoralists to reduce or anticipate the negative effects of climate change. According to some respondents, the strategies have not fully met expectations.
Developing a simple and proper model that can accurately predict runoff generation for various locations is in strong demand. This study developed a simple model based on the interactive effects of rainfall intensity and soil physicochemical properties on runoff using a locally produced rainfall simulator. The drop velocity (DV) was calculated to be 8.101m/s and 2.443 m/s when operated at maximum and minimum intensity, respectively, and the performance test revealed the experimental coefficient of uniformity (CU) and rainfall intensity from the simulator to be 79.86 % at 31.79 mmhr-1 and 78.03 % at 16.08 mmhr-1 at maximum and minimum intensity respectively. Results showed that the soils were loamy sand, with clay having the lowest percentage between 3.55% - 4% and sand having the highest percentage between 78.4% - 80.1% on both plots. Runoff significantly correlated with pH(H20), nitrogen and rainfall intensity for vegetative plot (p < 0.001, R2 = 86.29%) while for bare plot, runoff significantly correlated with pH (KCl), Electrical Conductivity, Exchangeable Calcium, and rainfall intensity (p < 0.001, R2 = 92.39%). This result revealed that rainfall intensity and alkalinity are key factors influencing runoff in the study location.
Quarry is a small scale industry generating materials used for construction, thus contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. This study was carried out to evaluate the socio-economic and health impact of quarry on the inhabitants of Kenta Logemo Village in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State. The sampling was carried out in three different distances (100, 200, 300 m) around the quarry site and 1000 m (control). The air quality monitored are (gaseous component) CO2 NO2, CO, volcanic organic compound (VOC) and particulate matters (PM) and noise level. Thirty copies of questionnaire were administered to the workers and inhabitants. The result showed that the gaseous pollutants were more pronounced at 100 m and there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the distances and they were below Federal Ministry of Environment (FmEnv) limit. The PM10 at 200 m (137.1 ug/m3 ) was highest among three types of particulate matters and distances monitored. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) across distances from the quarry. Noise level ranges from 59.3 to 86.3 dB(A) and higher than the control (50. 8 dB(A) but below FmEnv limit (90 dB(A). The analysis of the questionnaire revealed that the vegetation (40.0 %) and animal (46.7 %) were into extinction and threatened and dust (30.0 %) covered food or cash crops. Water bodies were affected by taste, colour and turbidity (63.3 %). Among the diseases suffered were catarrh (53.3 %) and eye irritation (46.7 %). In conclusion, the surrounding of the quarry is not polluted with CO2 NO2, CO, VOC, PM and noise but there is significant effect of the activity of quarry on the health and socio-economic of the inhabitants hence, improved the economic status.
This was a formative study whose main aim was to obtain useful information for designing co-management interventions of Chyulu Hills National Park (CHNP) and other protected ecosystems in Kenya. Among the specific objectives that we have covered in this article were to; (1) examine the competing livelihood interests of communities living within the catchment of CHNP. (2) to assess the challenges that undermined community support towards co-management of the ecosystem. The findings showed that communities were highly dependent on park resources for both direct and indirect livelihood services. This over-dependence on the resources by local communities made it difficult for management agencies to control access to the protected area leading to illegal encroachment. There were gaps that required urgent attention to to ensure suatainable management of CHNP. First, communities were not engaged effectively when mangement decisions were being made but only received information on decisions that have already been made elsewhere and were required to abide by them. Secondly, incidences of human-wildlife conflicts jeopardized cooperation between communities and wildlife management agency. Thirdly, in spite of the protected area being in their neighbourhoods, community members felt entitled to the ecosystem resources and therefore they perceived it unfair that the authories kept them off from the National park. In conclusion, there was no balanced tradeoff between the livelihood interests of local communities and conservation interests of the National Park. To promote collaboration between the communities and wildlife management agencies in management of the park there was an urgent need to address the livelihood interests of the local communities.
Research in the world, and more specifically in Africa, on various subjects requires knowledge of previous work from several angles in order to orientate possible research. Thus, the literature review is considered the most suitable approach to have a more complete idea of the innovations or studies carried out on varied topics. To this end, on the issues of vegetal cover protection, environmental management and wildland fire in Ghana, we have adopted this review approach to identify the works already done in Ghana on wildland fire, the methodologies and angles that studies approached their objectives. This paper aims to review and provide a comprehensive report on research works done on the vulnerable vegetation of Ghana by bush fires. Thus, studies published from 1940 to 2021 were extracted from Research Gate, Google Scholar and Google and other indexed journal sites such as Scopus journals using a defined selection criterion. A total of 136 documents: these include reports of international organisations and relevant articles extracted. However, 52 of them were used for this review to better understand their approach and to highlight research gaps that could make those researches innovative. It is noted that most of the research done in Ghana on wildland fire analysis has little or no consideration for the influence of climatic and environmental parameters on understanding wildland fire behaviour, though some respondents from some research show their awareness of the role these parameters play on the fire propagation. However, it should be noted that the majority of studies have focused more on sociological and economic aspects. This observation thus reflects gaps in areas regarding the roles of climatic and environmental parameters in different ecological conditions to better assess the behaviour of wildfires in Ghana.
A new bounded well function is suggested for processing well tests data. A solution of the basic partial differential equation with physically meaningful initial and boundary conditions is given using its Laplace transform simultaneously with the proof of its unicity. A model for distance-dependence of drawdown is suggested. Results reveal the link between unsteady and steady state of pumping. Related computational problems are discussed. Examples of processing actual data using these results are presented. They illustrate high accuracy of results and a considerable increase of information obtainable from a well test.
