Fish eggs and larvae provide biological information for identifying areas associated with spawning and early development, yet ichthyoplankton remains poorly documented in tropical estuarine–coastal systems. This study examined ichthyoplankton at 16 stations in the coastal waters of Tam Hai, central Vietnam, during the dry season (April 2022) and rainy season (December 2022) to assess taxonomic composition, abundance, spatial organisation, seasonal variation, and associations with surface salinity. A total of 20,888 fish eggs and 1,812 fish larvae were collected, with 24 larval families identified. Mean fish egg density was substantially higher in the dry season than in the rainy season (634.30 ± 157.10 versus 60.18 ± 25.23 eggs/100 m³), while mean larval density was 50.28 ± 15.03 and 20.20 ± 5.71 ind./100 m³, respectively. Larval assemblage composition showed marked seasonal turnover and spatial differentiation across mangrove, transitional, and coral reef-associated habitats. Salinity was significantly associated with the abundance of four larval families: Gobiidae showed a negative association, whereas Nemipteridae, Dorosomatidae, and Terapontidae showed positive associations. The spatial separation between egg-rich and larva-rich stations indicates that early-life-stage distributions may reflect processes operating after spawning as well as habitat conditions. These findings provide baseline information for identifying areas associated with fish spawning and early development and for supporting fisheries conservation and ecosystem-based coastal management.
Pharmaceutical residues are now routinely detected in wastewater-impacted aquatic environments because medicinal compounds and their metabolites enter sewerage, industrial effluents, agricultural drainage and receiving waters through multiple, often continuous pathways. Their environmental significance cannot be inferred from occurrence alone: risk depends on potency, exposure duration, mixtures, transformation products, species sensitivity and the capacity of treatment systems to reduce biologically active mass. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on sources, ecological effects and bioremediation, with emphasis on wastewater-impacted freshwaters and on technologies that rely substantially on microbial, fungal, algal or plant-associated processes. Literature was selected through live searches of multidisciplinary and environmental or biomedical scholarly sources, supplemented by citation searching and DOI verification. The strongest causal ecological evidence comes from whole-ecosystem work with endocrine-active pharmaceuticals, while laboratory and field studies also support concern for behavioural disruption, chronic sublethal effects and antibiotic-driven selection for antimicrobial resistance. Nevertheless, extrapolation remains difficult because monitoring is dominated by parent compounds and targeted analytes, whereas mixtures and transformation products are incompletely characterised. Conventional activated sludge provides variable and compound-specific attenuation; apparent parent removal may reflect sorption or transformation rather than mineralisation. Membrane bioreactors, adapted bacterial consortia, white-rot fungi, microalgae and constructed wetlands can improve removal under favourable conditions, but evidence is uneven across scales and frequently relies on high test concentrations or parent disappearance. The synthesis indicates that no single biological technology provides universal control. Risk reduction is more defensibly pursued through source control, robust biological treatment and targeted polishing, supported by mass balances, transformation-product screening, effect-based endpoints and antimicrobial-resistance assessment. Future research should prioritise trace-level, full-scale comparisons and standardised demonstrations that connect chemical removal to reduced biological hazard.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces significant biotic constraints, particularly attacks by insect pests that hinder yield stability. Aims: To evaluate the spatial variability of agro-morphological traits, pest pressure, and the severity of damage caused by insect pests to rainfed rice (Oryza sativa L.) across major production basins in Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to inform targeted integrated pest management strategies. Study Design: A multi-site comparative field evaluation combining agro-morphological measurements with a quantitative phytosanitary diagnosis. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural fields across the production basins of Kailo, Kasongo, and Kibombo, Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the crop maturity phase. Methodology: A two-stage stratified sampling scheme was implemented across 384 rice fields (128 per basin), with 10 randomly selected plants evaluated per field (N = 3,840 plants). Recorded agronomic parameters included plant height, collar diameter, tiller count, and panicle grain load. In situ visual counts were used to assess pest abundance, infestation rate, and attack incidence. Qualitative canopy sweep sampling (n = 176) was used to identify pest taxonomic structure. Foliar and panicle attack severity were scored on a 0–9 scale to compute McKinney’s severity index (Is). Data were analysed using ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD test, Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test, and ecological diversity indices in R. Results: Plant height was homogeneous across basins (1.25 to 1.31 m; p = 0.0351), whereas collar diameter, tiller count, and grain load showed significant spatial variation (p < 0.001). Orthoptera dominated the entomofauna (60.80%), led by Oxya hyla (31.25%), followed by Hemiptera (15.34%). Kailo achieved the highest grain load (139.13 ± 23.92 grains/panicle) but had high grain damage (3.66 ± 1.72 grains/sample). Kibombo emerged as the primary epidemic hotspot, exhibiting the lowest Pielou evenness (J’= 0.68), the highest mean pest abundance (1.16 ± 1.46 ind./plant; p = 8.37 times 10-13), a 57.97% infestation rate, 88.05% attack incidence, and an alarming McKinney index of 53.03% (compared to 18.05% in Kailo and 20.56% in Kasongo). Conclusion: Entomological pressure and damage severity in rainfed rice are highly spatially dependent in Maniema. Kibombo requires urgent, localised intervention focusing on cultural controls and targeted biopesticides during tillering, whereas Kailo requires monitoring against sucking pests during grain filling.
Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) is the dominant plant species in the floodplain and littoral wetlands of Lake Victoria, where harvesting by riparian communities may affect plant growth and wetland ecosystem functioning. This study evaluated wetland functional responses to papyrus harvesting by integrating surface-water physicochemical parameters with macroinvertebrate diversity metrics. A controlled factorial field experiment compared plots harvested frequently (monthly), moderately (every 2.5 months), and infrequently (every 3.5 months) with adjacent unharvested controls. Water temperature (WT), dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity (EC) were measuredin situ, while triplicate samples were collected for total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and macroinvertebrate analyses. Data were analysed using robust two-way ANOVA in R (v4.6.0) because of heterogeneity and unequal sample sizes. Significant spatial variation was detected for EC (F = 12082.6, p = 0.001), WT (F = 31.168, p = 0.001), TN (F = 241.79, p = 0.001), and TP (F = 11.687, p = 0.006). Harvesting treatment did not significantly affect DO, EC, WT, TN, or TP. However, macroinvertebrate diversity was significantly affected by treatment (F = 4.766, p = 0.035), plot (F = 12.184, p = 0.005), and their interaction (F = 12.726, p = 0.004). Saf Wetland therefore maintained relatively stable physicochemical conditions after harvesting, although harvesting intensity influenced nutrient dynamics and macroinvertebrate diversity. Regulated harvesting is important for sustaining wetland ecological integrity and ecosystem-service provision in Lake Victoria papyrus wetlands.
This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological quality of borehole water during the post-monsoon period in Mushahari Block, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Water samples were collected from 15 sites representing slum, residential, and industrial areas and analysed using standard APHA and BIS methods. The assessed parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total hardness, alkalinity, major ions, selected trace elements, and total coliforms. The borehole water was neutral to mildly alkaline, with pH values of 7.25–7.61. Total dissolved solids ranged from 466 to 1046 mg/L, while total hardness ranged from 308 to 520 mg/L, indicating substantial mineralisation and hardness. Calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity were also elevated at several sampling locations. Iron and nitrate represented the principal chemical concerns, with mean concentrations of 1.99 mg/L and 71.21 mg/L, respectively, and multiple samples exceeding BIS limits. In contrast, chloride, sulphate, fluoride, arsenic, and manganese remained within the applicable permissible limits. Total coliforms were detected in 6 of the 15 samples, demonstrating localised microbiological contamination. Overall, the observed groundwater quality reflects both geogenic and anthropogenic influences. The findings indicate that treatment, sanitary protection of water sources, improved waste-management practices, and regular monitoring are necessary before the borehole water is considered suitable for safe domestic use.
Background: Urbanisation in developing countries has considerably changed land surfaces, including through urban expansion and its effects on natural landscapes. Aims: The present study investigates the spatial distribution and temporal variation of built-up regions. Study Design: The Normalized Difference Built-up Index was used to map and quantify the spatial distribution and temporal variation of built-up spaces. Place and Duration of Study: The NDBI was used to analyse spatio-temporal changes in urban expansion in Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh, India, using multi-temporal Landsat imagery from 2013, 2018, and 2023. Methodology: The Normalized Difference Built-up Index was used to assess built-up expansion in Ghaziabad district. To create NDBI maps and examine built-up growth trends, the satellite imagery was pre-processed and analysed using geospatial techniques. Results: The findings show that substantial urbanisation occurred over the study period, especially in the vicinity of the main transport corridors and fast-growing urban and peri-urban centres. Urbanisation was associated with increased infrastructure development and land-use change, leading to declines in open space and cultivated land. The built-up space increased from 639.12 km² in 2013 to 678.70 km² in 2018 and further to 683.96 km² in 2023. Correspondingly, the number of built-up pixels increased from 710,134 in 2013 to 754,106 in 2018 and 759,961 in 2023. The total built-up space increased by 44.84 km² (7.02%) during 2013–2023, with an increase of 39.57 km² (6.19%) between 2013 and 2018 and 5.27 km² (0.78%) between 2018 and 2023. Conclusion: The results offer important insights into the dynamics and intensity of urban expansion and may inform sustainable urban development, land management, and environmental protection in fast-growing areas.
The Asian Openbill Stork (Anastomus oscitans) is a colonial nesting waterbird widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent. Nesting habitat selection is influenced by tree characteristics, food availability, and the surrounding environment. The present study was undertaken to assess the nesting preferences of the Asian Openbill Stork (Anastomus oscitans) across different tree species in and around Dr. Rajendra Prasad Children’s Park, Aurangabad, Bihar, India, during the onset of the breeding season (July). The study focused on evaluating tree-species use and nesting density to identify species that were preferentially selected for nesting. Eleven tree species comprising 219 individual trees were surveyed. A total of 250 nests and 618 adult birds were recorded. Although Cordia myxa was represented by fewer trees than Ficus religiosa, it exhibited a higher nesting density (4.00 nests per tree) compared with F. religiosa (2.33 nests per tree), indicating a greater concentration of nests on individual C. myxa trees. In addition, Polyalthia longifolia and Peltophorum pterocarpum were among the most abundant tree species in the study area but supported relatively fewer nests per tree, indicating comparatively lower nesting density. Thus, their high representation in the tree community did not correspond to a proportionately high use for nesting. The results indicate a clear preference for large-canopied native tree species, particularly Ficus religiosa, which supported a relatively high number of nests and exhibited high nesting density. These findings highlight the ecological importance of conserving mature trees within urban landscapes to sustain breeding colonies of Asian Openbill Storks.
This study assessed the spatial distribution, waste composition, and microplastic contamination of illegal dumpsites along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in three peri-urban communities (Lotto, Loburo, and Ibafo). A cross-sectional design combined questionnaire surveys (n = 70), geospatial mapping, transect and quadrat assessments, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of soil samples. Respondents reported offensive odour (90%), growth in dumpsite size (77%), and health concerns (31%), with low compliance with waste regulations (only 18 acknowledged the laws, and 14 reported compliance). Waste bill payment was rare (45 respondents did not pay). Transect surveys documented 161 waste instances and 136 illegal recycling points in “going-to” data, and 103 waste instances and 91 illegal recycling points in “return” data. The highest concentrations occurred between Interchange - Mowe (47 cases) and Ibafo - Wawa (49 cases), while the spatial map showed that illegal waste was clustered within the Mowe and Redeem areas. Waste composition was dominated by packaging materials, nylon, and takeaway materials, with Ibafo recording the highest dumping intensity (358 items), followed by Loburo (325) and Lotto (267). FTIR analysis of soil samples revealed diagnostic peaks for polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. Two-way ANOVA results showed a marginal effect of axis on occurrence (F=3.07, p=.069), while neither the two characterised dumpsite types nor their interaction with the corridor axis was significant. The findings indicated that illegal dumping is prevalent along accessible sections of the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, which may be associated with weak enforcement and poor waste governance, with implications for environmental quality and public health.
Conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plants often rely on manual control, limited online instrumentation, and delayed laboratory analyses, which can restrict their response to hydraulic and organic-load fluctuations. This study developed an integrated industrial-automation proposal for the wastewater treatment plant examined under the requirements of NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021. The proposed architecture combines a Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 programmable logic controller, HMI/SCADA supervision, variable-frequency drives, spectrophotometric analytical sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters, radar level sensors, and process interlocks. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and prescriptive approach was organised into four phases: technical diagnosis, assessment of operational vulnerabilities, automation engineering design, and economic feasibility analysis. The diagnosis identified mechanical risks associated with pump dry running, environmental risks related to overflow and disinfectant-dosing variability, and biological risks linked to unstable dissolved-oxygen conditions. The proposed control strategy uses continuous measurements and automated feedback to support dissolved-oxygen regulation, equipment protection, sludge-management decisions, effluent-quality monitoring, and historical data traceability. The design also establishes a technical basis for monitoring operational variables relevant to regulatory compliance. As the proposal was not implemented experimentally, its expected operational and economic benefits remain subject to field validation. Nevertheless, the study provides a structured, practical, and replicable engineering framework for modernising conventional activated sludge facilities through integrated automation.
Animal husbandry constitutes an important livelihood activity for marginalised and resource-poor communities in the Indian Sundarban, particularly among households without cultivable land. However, livestock production is constrained by the limited availability and high cost of suitable fodder under saline coastal conditions. This observational case study documented the community-level use of Dhani grass (Porteresia coarctata), a naturally occurring saltmarsh halophyte, as supplementary livestock feed in Kashtala village, Kachuberia, on Sagar Island. Qualitative information was collected through personal interviews with 12 livestock farmers in two phases, involving seven farmers in the first phase and five in the second, together with field observations of grass collection and feeding practices. Farmers reported collecting two to eight sacks of Dhani grass per week, with one sack equivalent to approximately 15 kg, for cattle, goats and sheep. The respondents described the grass as locally available and palatable, and some reported perceived improvements in milk production after feeding it to cattle. These observations indicate that Dhani grass is already incorporated into local fodder-management practices where conventional fodder resources are constrained. Nevertheless, farmer-reported outcomes cannot establish nutritional adequacy or causal effects on animal health and production. Controlled feeding trials, nutritional and mineral analyses, and assessments of digestibility, voluntary intake and sustainable harvesting are therefore required before wider promotion as a livestock fodder resource.
Aims: This study aims to examine the spatial and seasonal variability of urban air pollution across major traffic corridors in Bengaluru by integrating traffic, meteorological, and air quality data. It also evaluates the performance of machine learning models for predicting PM2.5 concentrations and identifies the key factors influencing air pollution. Study Design: Quantitative observational study based on environmental data analysis and machine learning. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted across seven major traffic corridors in Bengaluru, India, using traffic, meteorological, and air quality data collected over different seasons. Methodology: Traffic, air quality, and meteorological datasets from seven traffic corridors were integrated into a unified dataset. The data were preprocessed and analyzed to evaluate spatial and seasonal pollution patterns. Linear Regression, Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were developed to predict PM2.5 concentrations. Model performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²). Results: The analysis revealed considerable spatial variation in PM2.5 concentrations across the selected corridors. Mysore Road and Tumakuru Road recorded the highest pollution levels (>90–100 µg/m³), whereas Jayadeva Junction showed comparatively lower concentrations. Seasonal analysis indicated lower pollution during the monsoon due to rainfall and higher pollution during the post-monsoon and winter seasons because of reduced atmospheric dispersion. Among the evaluated models, Linear Regression achieved the highest predictive performance (R² = 0.45), followed closely by ANN (R² = 0.44). Feature importance analysis indicated that traffic congestion contributed more to PM₂.₅ concentration prediction than the evaluated meteorological variables. Conclusion: The proposed framework demonstrates the feasibility of predicting PM₂.₅ concentrations using integrated traffic and meteorological data and supports evidence-based traffic management and air quality control strategies for sustainable urban development.
Nanotechnology is the use of materials at the 1–100 nm scale with unique properties, applied in environmental science for efficient pollution detection, treatment, and remediation of air, water, and soil contaminants. This narrative review examines the application of nanotechnology in environmental site remediation, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms, effectiveness, and limitations of nanomaterials used in pollutant removal from soil and water systems. A structured literature search was conducted using major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Relevant peer-reviewed articles, review papers, and selected gray literature published in English were screened using keywords such as “nanotechnology,” “nanomaterials,” “site remediation,” “soil pollution,” and “water remediation.” Studies focusing on the use of nanomaterials for the removal or degradation of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microbial contaminants were included in the review. The reviewed literature indicates that carbon-based nanomaterials, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, and polymer-based nanocomposites demonstrate considerable potential in enhancing remediation efficiency through mechanisms such as adsorption, catalytic degradation, advanced oxidation, and nano-enhanced bioremediation. Nanoscale zero-valent iron, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, graphene, and carbon nanotubes were among the most frequently investigated materials, showing improved contaminant removal compared to conventional remediation approaches. Evidence from the reviewed studies also highlights successful applications in both in-situ and ex-situ soil and water treatment systems. Despite these promising outcomes, the literature identifies important challenges related to environmental toxicity, long-term ecological effects, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory oversight. The review further discusses emerging trends, including the development of sustainable and eco-friendly nanomaterials and the integration of nanotechnology with biological and chemical remediation strategies. Overall, nanotechnology presents significant opportunities for sustainable environmental remediation; however, comprehensive risk assessment and stronger regulatory frameworks remain necessary for safe and effective implementation.
Background: The development of nature-based ecotourism requires a balance between environmental utilisation and conservation, along with active involvement from local communities. The increasing number of tourist visits to the Mengeruda Hot Springs area has the potential to place pressure on the environment, making sustainable management essential. Aim: This study aims to analyse the environmental conditions of the area and the level of community participation, as well as to formulate strategies for sustainable, community-based ecotourism development. Study Design: This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses to obtain a comprehensive understanding of environmental conditions and community participation. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from November 2024 to January 2025 in the Mengeruda Hot Springs area, located in Mengeruda Village, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Methodology: Environmental data were collected through field observations and water quality analysis, including parameters such as temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), turbidity, and total coliform. Community participation data were gathered using questionnaires based on the participation models propounded by Cohen and Uphoff (1980). The data were analysed descriptively and further examined using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis, to formulate development strategies based on the area’s internal and external factors. Results: The results show that the overall environmental condition of the area remains good, as indicated by water quality that meets established standards and vegetation that supports site comfort. However, increasing tourism activities have begun to place pressure on the environment, particularly in waste management. Community participation is relatively high at the implementation stage, but remains low in decision-making, benefit-sharing, and evaluation. The SWOT analysis indicates that the development of the area requires an approach that utilises internal strengths to address external threats. Conclusion: The development of ecotourism in the Mengeruda Hot Springs area requires strengthening community participation and controlling environmental pressures through a balanced environmental and social management approach to ensure long-term sustainability.
Environmental degradation, climate change impacts and increasing water pollution exacerbates the challenges and threats facing lotic and lentic ecosystems, resulting in the continued loss of aquatic habitats and biodiversity, contamination of drinking water sources and reduced fisheries production. We collected surface water and sediment grab samples during the dry conditions (March 2008 and February – March 2009) and characterized the trace element contents, sources and distribution in major perennial rivers, hot-spring and Lake Baringo, for better resource use planning and management. Dried sieved sediments and water sampled were acid digested with Aqua-Regia and concentrated Nitric acid respectively, before metal analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer equipment. Cold vapour technique was used for mercury analysis. Standard method were used for chloride and fluoride determination. Sediments accumulated higher trace elements than those in aqueous phase. Mean F levels in lake (92% of samples) and warm spring (83%) water were above the maximum allowable concentration for drinking water. Lake Baringo surficial sediments exhibited depletion to minimal enrichment for Cr, Mn, Zn, Co, Pb, Ni, Hg and the geo-accumulation index indicated moderate sediment pollution with respect to Ni, Hg, Co, Cu and Zn. River sediments were enriched with Mn, Zn and Cd, Ni, The findings indicate that anthropogenic sources contribute to sediment Cd, Zn and Mn contents in river and lake sediments, besides lithogenic sources. The Ramsar wetland area is sensitive to climatic changes and the previous dry conditions greatly contributed to the changes in the hydrochemistry due to increased processes of evaporative concentration.
Spent engine oil (SEO) contamination is a persistent and underregulated source of soil degradation in urban and peri-urban environments, particularly within mechanic workshop settings. This study provides a chronosequence-based assessment of the long-term impacts of SEO on soil physicochemical properties and microbial community dynamics across four workshops with operational histories of 1, 5, 10, and 20 years in Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total heavy metals (THMs), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), total organic nitrogen (TON), and culturable bacterial populations, including total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and hydrocarbon-utilising bacteria (HUB). Results revealed a pronounced temporal contamination gradient, with significantly elevated concentrations of TPH (up to 3,272 mg/kg), PAHs (up to 46.02 mg/kg), and THMs in older workshop soils (p < 0.05), indicating cumulative pollutant loading over time. Contaminated soils exhibited progressive acidification and depletion of TON, alongside increased TOC, reflecting altered nutrient balance and organic matter accumulation. Microbial assessments showed a marked decline in THB abundance with increasing contamination age, whereas HUB populations were selectively enriched, indicating adaptive shifts toward hydrocarbon-degrading taxa. Correlation analyses demonstrated strong positive associations among TPH, PAHs, and THMs (r = 0.99), alongside a negative relationship between TPH and TON, suggesting tightly coupled chemical accumulation and biological response processes. Regression modelling further indicated that TPH exerts a significant inhibitory effect on general microbial biomass, while TOC contributes positively but insufficiently to microbial resilience. Collectively, these findings highlight that prolonged SEO contamination promotes the co-accumulation of hydrocarbons and heavy metals, disrupts soil nutrient cycling, and drives microbial community restructuring toward specialised degraders without achieving effective natural attenuation. This study identifies mechanic workshops as long-term contamination hotspots and underscores the urgent need for systematic monitoring, improved waste-oil management practices, and targeted remediation strategies to mitigate escalating ecological and public health risks.
Phthalic Acid Esters (PAEs) are persistent pollutant and endocrine disruptors used as plasticizers. As these phthalates are not covalently bounded to its matrix, they are leached out from the plastic matrix. These leached out phthalates causes pollution of water, and soil. This study aims to evaluate the synergistic degradation efficiency of a novel four-member bacterial consortium, JPN, against Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Benzyl Butyl Phthalate (BBP). It also addresses the limitations of narrow substrate specificity in existing microbial strains. Consortium JPN comprises of Bacillus infantis, Atlantibacter hermannii, Bacillus subtilis and Stutzerimonas stutzeri which were isolated from plastic-contaminated sites. Optimization was conducted using the One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) method, followed by statistical validation using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Degradation was measured and validated through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Statistical analysis confirmed that the model is significant. Optimal conditions were identified as pH 8.0, temperature 25 °C, and a 10% (v/v) inoculum size. Under these parameters, consortium JPN demonstrated exceptional metabolic adaptability by achieving 99% degradation efficiency for both DBP and BBP within a rapid 24 h. incubation period. Unlike typical isolates restricted to either low or high molecular weight derivatives, consortium JPN can effectively overcome structural resistance in diverse phthalates. These findings highlights that these newly identified strains are rapid and potential for bioremediation of endocrine disruptors in contaminated ecosystems.
Community-based tourism contributes to the socio-economic development of an area in several ways. This study examines the contribution of nature-based tourism activities to the selected coastal community stakeholders. A quantitative research design was used to achieve the study objectives. A survey among tourism operators and community members in two coastal tourism sites (Malajog Ridge and Nature Park and Turtle Island). Tourism operators were composed of fisherfolks and women’s association, while the other group are ordinary community members. Purposive sampling was used for the tourism operators while random sampling was employed for community member interviews. Results show that majority of the respondents were adult male, have only attained primary formal education and has monthly income below poverty threshold in the Philippine economic setting. Social and economic impacts were tested using Mann-Whitney U analysis. This analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the two stakeholders on three economic impact factors: livelihood activities (U= 2692, p= 0.004), create business opportunities (U= 2912, p= 0.048), increase household income (U= 2742, p= 0.005), with tourist operators consistently rating impacts higher than the community members. No significant differences were observed across the seven social impact indicators (all p > 0.05). The economic disparities as perceived by the two stakeholders suggests that local policymakers should prioritize equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms — livelihood and income distribution — to ensure economic gains from ecotourism extend beyond tourism operators to the wider coastal community.
Land degradation has emerged as a critical environmental problem that affects agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in many parts of India. The present study examines the spatial distribution of land degradation in Jamui district of Bihar using geospatial techniques. Satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEM), and secondary data were integrated in a GIS environment to identify their spatial patterns. The results indicate that land degradation is unevenly distributed across the district. Results show that southern and south-western part of the district have high concentration of land degradation in comparison to other parts. The result shows that the high concentration of degraded land is strongly associated with terrain characteristics of the study area. It has been found that areas with steep slopes and sparse vegetation cover show higher levels of degradation. On the other hand, areas with plains demonstrate comparatively lower degradation levels. Moderate sheet erosion is most widespread problem in the Jamui district. Southern and south-western parts needs better management plans because topography is more uneven here and it is severely affected by soil & gully erosion. The study highlights the role of geospatial technology in monitoring land degradation. Present study will help policy makers and stakeholders in implementing sustainable developments projects.
Agarwood, also known as Gaharu, holds a prominent place in traditional medicine. Its wider adoption and increased yield will also make agarwood-based natural products more accessible to the public. This study aimed to develop reliable volume estimation models for agarwood trees under diverse farming situations. The study utilised both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through field measurements of height and diameter at breast height (DBH) from selected trees, while secondary data were collected with varying crop combinations and spacing arrangements, covering monoculture and intercrop systems with coffee, coconut, areca nut, cardamom, cocoa, banana, and shade trees from the Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Ponnampet. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to predict tree volume, with model performance evaluated through coefficient of determination (R²), standard error, and F-tests. Results demonstrated that all 21 regression equations were statistically significant at the 5% level, with R² values ranging from 94.78% to 99.39%, indicating strong predictive accuracy. The most robust model was observed in coffee + silver oak + agarwood systems at Alur (R² = 99.39%, SE = 0.00003), while the least preferred was in areca nut + banana + agarwood systems at Balegadde (R² = 94.78%, SE = 0.0021). Overall, the findings confirm that volume estimation based on DBH and height provides reliable predictions across farming situations, with silver oak associations yielding particularly strong correlations. These models offer practical tools for farmers and researchers to assess agarwood growth and optimise its integration into diversified cropping systems, thereby enhancing economic sustainability in the region.
The presence of antibiotics and biocidal agents in aquatic environments raises significant concerns due to their potential impacts on water quality and human health. This study aimed to detect residues of various antibiotics and biocides, in the Atavu River. Samples were collected from two distinct communities, Akpugo and Amodu, along the river stretch, as well as from a spring water source located on the same river site at Akpugo, Enugu. Fourteen (14) antimicrobial (antibiotics and biocides) from the rivers randomly collected from the head, mid, and tail regions and spring water were analyzed using a Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Different levels of antibiotics and biocides were recorded in the head, mid and tail regions of the river within both communities. Notably, concentration of tetracycline among all detected biocides in the river samples from Akpugo, and Amodu ranges from 0.10-0.19ug/ml and 0.50 -0.65ug/ml, respectively. Other biocides which include penicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, Amoxacillin, Ampicillin, Avilamycin, Gentamycin, Colistin, Lincomycin and Tylosin gave a concentration range of 0.01 – 0.18ug/ml. The pesticide aldrin (0.01ug/ml) and an antimalarial parent compound, quinoline (0.03ug/ml) was detected in mid region of Akpugo and head and downstream region of Amodu rivers respectively. Lincomycin and quinoline (0.01ug/ml) were detected in the spring water from Amodu respectively. The pervasive presence of antibiotics and biocidal residues in both the river and spring water is a considerable concern, as the river serves as a crucial source of drinking water and is utilized for agricultural activities, while the spring water is the primary source of potable water for the community. This persistent exposure to antibiotics and biocide-laden waters suggests a potential for adverse health effects and the development of resistance in microbial populations, highlighting an urgent need for intervention.
