This study investigates the distribution, enrichment, and environmental implications of natural radionuclides in surficial sediments of the Akwa Ibom coastal zone, southern Nigeria. Fifteen composite sediment samples were collected and analyzed using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Descriptive statistics, enrichment factor analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA), were employed to assess the influence of provenance, weathering, redox dynamics, and anthropogenic activity. Radionuclide concentrations ranged from 0.72 to 2.82 ppm, 0.68 to 17.66 ppm and 0.11 to 0.80 % for U-238, Th-232, and K-40, respectively. Thorium enrichment indicates lithological control, while uranium concentrations exceeding 2 ppm at Eket and Ikot Abasi reflect selective immobilization of U(IV) under reducing mangrove and tidal flat conditions. Potassium depletion reflects feldspar weathering. Mean Th/U ratios exceeded global crustal averages, consistent with felsic provenance and localized uranium retention under reducing conditions. Enrichment factor analysis reveals uranium values of 0.48-5.38, with the highest at Eket I, while potassium enrichment factors, on average, are <0.3, confirming strong depletion. PCA revealed similar to 95% of the variance, with PC1 (52%) linked to redox-sensitive uranium accumulation, PC2 (31%) to potassium depletion and anthropogenic influence, and PC3 (11%) to residual contrasts. Sites in Eket and Ikot Abasi were dominated by uranium enrichment, whereas Oron and Ibeno reflected thorium-rich provenance. These spatial trends highlight the transition from oxidizing, thorium-rich beach-ridge environments to reducing, uranium-rich mangrove substrates. The study introduces novel integrated application of U-Th-K systematics coupled with multivariate statistics to reconstruct paleo-environmental conditions in the Niger Delta coastal zone, where previous studies have focused mainly on radiological risk. Also, it indicates that radionuclide distributions are influenced by geogenic processes, redox-sensitive diagenesis, and minor anthropogenic factors, with implications for ecological health and coastal resource management within the coastal critical zone of the eastern Niger Delta.

This study presents a comprehensive economic and technological evaluation of renewable hybrid power systems for hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) in Nizwa, Oman, leveraging cutting-edge optimization algorithms to determine the most cost-effective and efficient hybrid energy system configurations. Three hybrid energy systems of photovoltaic-wind turbine-battery (PV-WT-B), photovoltaic-wind-fuel cell-battery (PV-WT-FC-B), and wind turbine-battery (WT-B) were evaluated based on net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The study employs advanced optimization techniques, including the Mayfly Algorithm, Genetic Algorithm, CUKO Search, Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Constrained Particle Swarm Optimization (CPSO), Harmony Search (HS), and Flower Pollination Algorithm to determine the most viable hybrid energy system for the HRS in Nizwa. The results indicate that CPSO consistently achieves the lowest NPC, LCOE, and LCOH, whereas HS and GWO yield higher costs due to convergence inefficiencies. Sensitivity analysis reveals a strong inverse correlation between PV capacity and cost metrics, highlighting the economic advantage of increased solar generation. Additionally, hybrid configurations integrating PV and wind turbine (PV-WT-B, PV-WT-FC-B) significantly reduce NPC compared to WT-B, reinforcing the role of solar energy in optimizing economic costs. Furthermore, fuel cell integration (PV-WT-FC-B) imposes additional economic burdens, making PV-WT-B the most viable solution for HRS deployment in Oman. More so, the annual worth and return-on-investment analysis demonstrated that the PV-WT-B is the preferred energy system to meet the needs of the HRS in terms of investment. The findings underscore the importance of renewable energy fraction and capacity factor in energy economics, demonstrating that higher PV integration enhances sustainability and cost-efficiency. This study provides a transformative framework for decarbonizing Oman’s transportation sector, offering insights into optimal hydrogen production strategies to advance the global clean energy transition.

This study examines the significant challenges presented by the rising frequency and severity of climate change-induced extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, floods, heatwaves, and snowstorms—on the reliability and efficacy of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Utilizing case studies from various global places, it underscores the susceptibilities of photovoltaic systems to environmental harm, encompassing structural failure, efficiency decline, and operational interruptions. The study presents a novel, resilience-oriented paradigm that incorporates sophisticated design principles, operational techniques, and policy innovations to alleviate these risks. Principal findings underscore the significance of site-specific risk evaluations, modular and adaptable system architectures, and cohesive resilience planning in photovoltaic system engineering. Proactive operational techniques, such as regular maintenance, emergency reaction plans, and intelligent system monitoring, are deemed essential for sustaining performance in extreme weather conditions. Innovative technological solutions, including resilient materials, sophisticated coatings, durable mounting methods, and thermal management technologies, are emphasized for their capacity to endure intense environmental stressors. The study delineates future research goals, encompassing the creation of innovative materials with superior durability, scalable energy storage integration, structural advances, and greater grid interconnectivity via smart grid technology. It emphasizes the significance of cybersecurity protocols to safeguard photovoltaic infrastructure and promotes legislative and regulatory enhancements to facilitate resilience implementation. Collaboration among researchers, industry executives, and policymakers is considered crucial for addressing the increasing difficulties presented by climate change. This paper establishes a framework for integrating resilience into all facets of solar PV system design and operation, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability, efficiency, and efficacy of solar energy systems in a swiftly changing climate environment. This comprehensive strategy is essential for ensuring the future of renewable energy amid global environmental difficulties.

Combining various techniques in delineating mineral deposits increases the chance of practical discovery and characterization of potential mineralization zones. Choosing a suitable dataset is a key factor for a detailed geophysical and geochemical mineralization mapping. geophysical and geochemical techniques have proven their effectiveness as tools for reliable mineral mapping. In this study, twenty (20) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were observed with maximum AB/2 of 300m and 5 transects electrical resistivity tomography traverses were conducted along selected profiles. The geoelectrical results revealed four to six electro-lithostratigraphic units. The electro-lithostratigraphic unit with resistivity varying between 10 Ωm and 90 Ωm were identified as kaolinite-rich zones. Samples of kaolinite collected were subjected to laboratory analyses ensuring their compliance with industrial standards. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of kaolinite as the dominant mineral, along with trace amounts of quartz and feldspar. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) revealed high concentrations of aluminum (Al2O3) 73. 5% and silicon (SiO2) 25.6% respectively. The low content of iron oxide (Fe2O3) 0,8% and titanium dioxide (TiO2) 0.1% observed established the purity of the kaolinite. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed well-formed kaolinite crystals with hexagonal platelets while the particle size distribution with the majority of particles being <2µm. The specific gravity (SG) test revealed an average 2.92kg on average and further support the high-quality index of the deposit. The findings revealed that the kaolinite deposits in Obudu Massif, Southeastern Nigeria possess the requisite quality and quantity for commercial exploitation. The geoelectrical resistivity method proved to be an effective tool for mapping and evaluating the deposits, offering a cost-efficient approach for preliminary exploration. This study provides a framework for future geoelectrical assessments of mineral deposits and underscores the potential economic benefits of developing kaolinite resources in the region.

The Middle Benue Trough (MBT) in Northcentral Nigeria is a geologically significant area with vast mineral resource potential.Employing airborne magnetic and radiometric data, this study utilized the Centre for Exploration Targeting on enhanced total magnetic intensity data to reveal geologic structures, lithological units and mineralization zones.Lineaments predominantly trended in NE-SW direction, with noteworthy orientations in NNE-SSW and E-W.Radiometric anomalies correlated with distinct lithological units, pinpointing granitic gneiss, alluvium, shale, siltstone and sandstone.A magnetically concentrated and potassium-rich area indicated potential polymetallic-magnetic mineralization.The 2D model illustrated igneous intrusions influencing prevalent geologic structures, such as sediment baking and doming.Thorough analysis, including source parameter imaging, standard Euler deconvolution and 2D forward modelling, revealed sediment thicknesses below 1500 m.This research enhances understanding of the MBT's geological features, offering valuable insights for mineral exploration and resource assessment in the region.

Peptidases, which constitute about 20% of the global enzyme market, have found applications in detergent, food and pharmaceutical industries, and could be produced on a large scale using low-cost agro-industrial waste. An acidophilic Bacillus cereus strain produced acidic peptidase on binary-agro-industrial waste comprising yam peels and fish processing waste at pH 4.5 with high catalytic activity. A five-variable central composite rotatable design of a response surface methodology was used to model bioprocess conditions for improved peptidase production in solid-state fermentation. Data generated was leveraged as the basis for applying the novel Manta-ray foraging optimization-linked feed-forward artificial neural network to predict bioprocess conditions optimally. Results obtained from the optimization experiments revealed a significant coefficient of determination of 0.9885 with low-performance error. The bioprocess predicted a peptidase activity of 1035.32 U/mL under optimized conditions set as 54.8 g/100 g yam peels, 23.85 g/100 g fish waste, 0.31 g/100 g CaCl2, 47.54% (v/w) moisture content, and pH 2. Peptidase activity was improved 5-fold, and was stable for 240 min between pH 2.5 and 3.5. Michaelis-Menten kinetics revealed a Km of 0.119 mM and a catalytic efficiency of 45462.19 mM-1 min-1. The bioprocess holds promise for sustainable enzyme-driven applications.

The application of innovative technologies in the manufacture of wind turbines (WT) has produced more efficient WT that can operate successfully in low wind speed (LWS) environments. This technology has not been implemented in many LWS parts of the world due to the paucity of enabling technical information (wind resource availability and wind turbine configuration). This study uses ten years wind speed data from twelve Nigerian cities and their population densities, remote sensing, and the configuration of some commercially available LWS turbines in generating technical information suitable for data-backed decision-making on low-speed turbine deployability, operational conditions, and energy yield at 50 and 400 m. Five different numerical and meta heuristic procedures were randomly selected and utilized to estimate Weibull parameters used in computing wind energy development (WEDP) parameters (effective wind power density, EWPD, and wind available time). WT with low cut-in speeds (similar to 2 m.s(- 1)) can be installed in all the cities. With the highest EWPD and WEDP ratings (100%) at both 50 and 400 m, Obudu is the most suitable location for the development of wind power infrastructure.

The earth's underlying hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs frequently leak.These reservoirs leak because of their inadequate sealing, and at high pressure, oil and gas escape vertically or nearly vertically to the earth's surface as seepage.Micro-seepages on the earth's surface cause oxidationreduction reactions, which cause anomalies in the soils and sediments beneath them.Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) are important tools for investigating hydrocarbon micro-seepage-induced changes and anomalies in overlying soil and sediments.In this study, ASTER remote sensing data was adopted to delineate pixels of hydrocarbon micro-seepage-induced anomalies in Ugwueme, south-eastern Nigeria.Band Ratio (BR) was used as a spectral enhancement technique to detect alterations and anomalies in the overlying soil and sediments.ASTER BR of 2/1 improves ferric iron; (5+7)/6 improves clay minerals; (1+4)/(2+3) improves ferrous iron; and 4/(6+9) improves gypsum.The study highlights that BR is an excellent spectral enhancement technique for delineating areas of alterations and anomalies induced by hydrocarbon micro-seepage.

In this study, geologic structures, as well as attendant orientations and sediment thickness, in the Nigerian Obudu Complex were delineated using the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET), and depth determination methods such as source parameter imaging (SPI) and standard Euler deconvolution (SED). The CET, SPI, and SED procedures were applied on the total magnetic intensity data. Also, the enhanced TMI data using analytic signal, first-vertical derivative, total-horizontal derivative, and tilt-angle derivative filters were further subjected to CET operation, with the aim of mapping both subtle and prominent lineaments. In general, mapped geologic structures trends in the NE-SW, NNE-SSW, E-W, and N-S directions. Overall, the dominant geologic structural orientations of NE-SW and NNE-SSW reflect the regional strike orientation. The regional striking of the lineation, which is caused by the Pan-African orogeny and subsequent post-orogenic processes, has an impact on these orientations. The N-S and E-W structural deviations from the main NE-SW and NNE-SSW trends are initiated by the YGS of the post-orogenic events. Overall, these complex geologic structures are probable sites for metallogenic minerals.

Neutral proteases are invaluable for food, pharmaceutical, and feed industries because of their mild catalysis. This study reports the production and potential food industry application of a neutral protease by a coastal sediment Bacillus cereus strain. An integrated approach involving response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network-ant-colony hybrid optimization (ANN-ACO) was adopted to develop a suitable bioprocess medium for improved yield. The enzyme was purified, characterized for activity and stability to physicochemical parameters, and investigated for fruit juice clarification. The ANN-ACO model was observed to be superior (predicted r2 = 98.5

Dipping dykes are geologically important structures since they are very important structures for hydrogeological, geothermal and hydrocarbon research. Many methods have been introduced by researchers to interpret dykes from magnetic anomaly data, but each of these methods have limitations. Therefore, new techniques are constantly being developed to achieve better results. This study introduces a novel method based upon the Social Spider Optimization algorithm and tests the method using synthetic examples. The algorithm developed to decipher the source body properties, is presented in detail. The test data consists of synthetic anomalies corrupted by different levels of random noise and field anomalies from mining records in China and Turkey. The obtained results have showed that Social Spider Optimization is a reliable, stable and efficient tool for deciphering the physical properties of deep and shallow located dykes from magnetic data. In addition, the proposed method is recommended for inversion of other geophysics data such as self-potential and gravity data.

In this paper, certain areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are assessed in order to map potential geothermal energy zones. To evaluate high-resolution aerial magnetic data, spectral depth analysis using a modified centroid approach was used. The calculated geothermal parameters were gridded in order to delineate the regions characterised by a shallow Curie point depth (CPD) and a high geothermal gradient (GG) as well as a high heat flow (HF). The CPD, GG and HF calculated from the analysed data varied in the ranges of 6.0–15.0 km, 40.0–100.0 °C/km and 90.0–270.0 mW/m2, respectively. The obtained results show the concurrence of the positions of shallow CPD (<8.0 km), high GG (>83.5 °C/km) and high HF (>211.0 mW/m2). The geothermal systems that are oriented in the E–W direction are related to the Red Sea tectonics, the tectonic opening of the Red Sea/Gulf of the Suez Rift, hot subterranean anomalies and high enthalpy from radioactive granites. Likewise, the geologic structures (fractures and faults) related to the Red Sea tectonics serve as channels for the movement of hydrothermal fluids and the deposition of associated minerals. All in all, another geophysical study involving deep boreholes, and seismic, magnetotelluric, electromagnetic and geochemical data should be conducted to evaluate and estimate precisely the economic reserves of geothermal resources.

The particle swamp optimization procedure was applied to high-quality magnetic data acquired from the Precambrian Obudu basement complex in Nigeria with the object of estimating the distinctive body parameters (depth (z), index angle (θ), amplitude coefficient (K), shape factor (Sf), and location of the origin (x0)) of magnetic models. The magnetic models were obtained from four profiles that ran perpendicular to the observed magnetic anomalies within the study area. Profile A–A’ with a length of 2600 m is characterized by inverted model parameters of K = 315.67 nT, z = 425.34 m, θ = 43°, Sf = 1.15, and x0 = 1554.86 m, while profile B–B’ with a length of 5600 m is described by K = 257.71 nT, z = 543.75 m, θ = 54°, Sf = 0.96, and x0 = 3645.42 m model parameters. Similarly, profile C–C’ with a length of 3000 m is defined by K = 189.53 nT, z = 560.87 m, θ = 48, Sf = 1.2, and x0 = 1950 m. Profile D–D’, which is well-defined by a 2500 m length, started at the crest of the observed magnetic anomaly and displays inverted model parameters of 247.23 nT, 394.16 m, 39°, 1.26, and 165.41 m. Correlatively, the estimated shape factor of the four models (Sf = 1.15, 0.96, 1.2, and 1.26) shows that the magnetic models are linked to thin sheets. Furthermore, quantitative interpretations of the models show that the PSO operation is rapid and proficient.

Some parts of the Middle Benue Trough (MBT) of Nigeria were evaluated with the aim of detecting prospective geothermal potential regions. Spectral depth analysis using a modified centroid procedure was applied to analyze high-resolution airborne magnetic data. The Curie point depth (CPD) within the study area is in the range of 6.0 and 16 km. It was observed that the Gboko Anticlines (GA) that are interrelated with the Santonian intrusions of Abakaliki Anticlinorium (AA) are characterized by thin CPD (6.0–8.0 km). The mapped geothermal anomalies within the GA with shallow CPD (<8.0 km) are dominated by the high geothermal gradient (GG) (>74 °C/km) and heat flow (HF) (>155 mW/m2) values. The adjoining areas within the study area are defined by medium-deep CPD (8.0–16.0 km), medium–low GG (<74 °C/km), and HF (<155 mW/m2) values. The further integrated geophysical investigation and subsequent exploitation programs should be sited in the delineated GA and adjoining AA

The Abakaliki Anticlinorium and its adjoining areas were appraised with the object of delineating high geothermal potential zones. Spectral depth analysis involving an improved centroid technique was used to analyze high-quality magnetic data. The obtained geothermal parameters were gridded to map various geothermal features within the investigated area. The obtained results varied from 4.99–9.35 km, 2.31–6.15 km, 6.11–16.28 km, 35.63°C–94.93°C/km, and 89.07–237.32 mW/m 2 for centroid depth, top depth, Curie point depth, geothermal gradient, and heat flow values, respectively. The delineated semioval structure in the central zone of the investigated region characterized by a shallow Curie point depth (< 8.5 km) correlates with the location of the high-heat flow (>191.0 mW/m 2 ) and geothermal gradient (>74.0°C/km) region. The high geothermal potential of the region is triggered by the massive post-rift tectonic event of the Santonian period related to the Abakaliki Anticlinorium. Further geophysical exploration programs should be carried out before exploitation activities at anomalous geothermal regions.

Using the Plasma analyzer (IAP) and Langmuir Probe (ISL) experiments of the Detection of Electromagnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions (DEMETER) lithospheric–atmospheric–ionospheric coupling has been observed before, during and after five major earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 6.5. The aim of this study is to use ionospheric parameters to identify the ionospheric perturbations associated with the five earthquake regions screened. All the three investigated ionospheric parameters of electron density, electron temperature and total ion density recorded perturbations within the investigative period. A total of 36 anomalies were obtained with 18 each for nighttime and daytime readings. The observed anomalies being screened for false alarm using the geomagnetic indices of Kernnifzer digit (kp) and disturbance storm time (Dst.) revealed 27.8

Some vertical electrical sounding (VES) data from tectono-thermal environments usually plot anomalously on a VES curve, thereby distorting the curve trend at the points of their occurrence. These datasets usually plot noisily in the form of a sudden rise and drop in electrical resistivity values. They constitute abnormal datasets that are usually deleted to recover trends and consequently develop confidence in both the datasets and the modelling and interpretational processes. This study was conducted to assess their origin and consequently gain an understanding of their contributions to groundwater accumulation and transmission in saprock aquifers. The results, supported by co-located drilling and pumping test data, show that these datasets are indicators of subsurface conditions where high-resistivity unconformal structures directly overlie saturated (low-resistivity) porous media, provided that the resistivity of the first breakout point is less than those from subsequent points. Remote sensing data reveal that these types of curves are common in hard rock and metasedimentary environments. Borehole groundwater yields can also be assessed qualitatively from the number and trend of breakoff points. The integrity of the breakoff points must be affirmed by using more sensitive equipment for data acquisition and repeating the measuring process using different potential electrode separations and—where possible—VES profile orientation.

High-resolution aeromagnetic data were enhanced using recent and advanced filters to map the geologic structures of the Ukelle and adjoin region (Southeast Nigeria). Aeromagnetic data were reduced to the equator (RTE) and upward continued to 100 m. Subsequently, enhancement operations like the tilt angle of the horizontal gradient (TAHG), logistic function of the horizontal gradient (LTHG), and fast sigmoid function (FSED) operations were carried out. The results from these filters indicated that the ENE-WSW, NE-SW, NNE-SSW, and NNW-SSE orientations dominate the structural pattern of the Ukelle region. In addition, the edge filters delineated NE-SW trending synclinal structures that match the location of thick (500-1400 m) sedimentation obtained by the tilt-depth (TD) method. Furthermore, the structural map obtained from remote sensing data validated the lineament orientations and position of the NE-SW trending synclinal structure. The results also showed that the study location’s southeastern and northwestern flanking portions, controlled by extensive Santonian igneous intrusions and metamorphisms, are characterized by high lineaments and thin (0-500 m) sedimentation. The observed thin sedimentation is believed to be caused by widespread Santonian tectonic events in the area. At the same time, related geologic structures served as migration pathways and accumulation zones for rift mineralization.

Lineament detector and depth estimation method involving modern aeromagnetic data were employed to study parts of the Obudu Plateau and Lower Benue Trough (southeast Nigeria) with the aim of mapping thermo-tectonic geologic structures and estimating sediment thicknesses. In this investigation, the enhanced horizontal gradient amplitude (EHGA) (applied to both simulated and real data) and tilt depth approaches were operated. The simulated magnetic model employing the EHGA detector generated sharp and properly defined edges of magnetic bodies with the capacity to place peaks over source borders. The tilt depth technique showed thin and thick sedimentations that vary from ∼ 500 to ∼ 1000 m and ∼ 1500 to ∼ 2500 m, respectively. The observed geologic structures trend mainly in the NW and NE, as well as minor NS directions. These structures, generated by the Younger Mesozoic Granitic intrusions of calc alkaline ring complexes, and the Santonian Abakaliki Anticlinorium serve as paths for super enriched hydrothermal fluids migration and deposition. The applied methods can be used to decipher the geologic structures in alike zones around the world.

The hydro-lithostratigraphic units of the coastal area of Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria were investigated involving electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and Wenner array. This procedure and electrode configuration were adopted because of their wide range of sensitivity and inherent characteristics to geological materials. This study is aimed at defining the extent of saltwater invasions into the coastal and inland aquifers. The investigated area is divided into three zones A (≤0 < 20 km), B (<20 < 40 km), and C (>40 km)) based on the distance from the survey locations to the shoreline. The saline aquifer of the control tomogram obtained at the shoreline (Ibeno Beach) is characterized by the electrical resistivity of 0.159–3.55 Ωm. Within Zone A, (Ukpenekang, Eastern Obolo, and Okoro Ette), the saline aquifer is defined by electrical resistivity values of 0.33–44.0 Ωm, 2.07–48.5 Ωm, and 8.0–60.0 Ωm respectively. In general, the Zone B saline aquifers are defined by electrical resistivity values of 0.602–64.5 Ωm. Furthermore, the third zone which is situated a distance >40 km from the shoreline, is described by relatively higher electrical resistivity values (38.9–3260 Ωm) and indicates a region free from saltwater incursions. Generally, the 2D ERT models showed that electrically resistivity values increase progressively inland.