Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
Not a member yet
468 research outputs found
Sort by
Aptness of Seedling Age of Important Avenue Woody Species of Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textTrees are an important component of our ecosystem, as far as ecological services provided by them are concerned. Especially in urban ecology, their role becomes more significant where they mitigate negative impacts of urbanization like deforestation; loss of wetlands; acquirement of agricultural lands; loss of biodiversity due to habitat clearing; degradation and fragmentation of the landscapes, etc. Trees make urban areas more resilient to these adverse impacts. Avenue plantation is an important part of Urban Forestry. In Avenue plantation, mostly tall seedlings are used. But planting very tall seedlings may affect the secondary growth of the tree, whereas planting small seedlings may be grazed by the animals. It is very important that the planting stock must be able of high rates of survival and good field performance to justify the expense of reforestation efforts. Therefore the present study is focused on the suitable planting age of some important preferred tree species of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and their growth performance in field conditions. The selected tree species were Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Imli (Tamarindus indica) Kathal (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Jungle Jalebi (Pithecellobium dulce), Kat sagaun (Haplophragma adenophyllum) and Karanj (Pongamia pinnata). These are the major woody species presently being planted in urban forestry. The species with large crown are planted in government garden, city garden, etc. Different age groups of these tree species were planted and their growth performance was studied under different field conditions. Aptness and importance of seedling age were recommended for studied trees for avenue plantation. It was concluded that species like Jungle Jalebi (Pithecellobium dulce), Katsagaun (Haplophragma adenophyllum), and Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo ) seedlings performed well for one year old age as well as for two year old age ones but species like Karanj( Pongamia pinnata), Imli ( Tamarindus indica ) and Kathal (Artocarpus heterophyllus), performed well more for one year old seedling. Therefore all these may be planted after one year of age in nursery to avoid the extra expense of maintaining these seedlings in the nursery stage
The Role of Folklore in Conservation of Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
No full textThis study set out to examine the role of folklore in conservation of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Attention was put on exploring the types of folklore that are available for conservation of mountain gorillas among the communities; and the application of folklore in conservation of mountain gorillas in the Southern Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The study involved in seeking an understanding of the people’s interpretations, perceptions, opinions, and ideas concerning the conservation of mountain gorillas. A purely qualitative case study research design was employed to achieve the study objectives. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents for the study. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions with the respondents were employed to collect the required data. The results confirmed an array of folklores including legends, myths, folkloric names, folk dances and songs, harvesting beliefs, taboos, and totems that were used in the conservation of the mountain gorillas. Folklores also inculcated conservation attitudes and behaviors that concerned some other plants and animals into the members of the local community. The research findings confirmed that folklores can be integrated into community-based conservation programs, conservation policies, resource access programmes, eco-tourism, school curriculum and education and awareness programmes for an effective conservation of important biodiversity including mountain gorillas.
Hence, documentation of folklore, integration of folklore in the National Education Curriculum, involvement of folklore users in the conservation policy making processes, and development of the Uganda national folklore policy are very essential for the continued conservation of the mountain gorillas
Investigating the Acute Cardiac Restoration for Rescuing Daphnia Magna Stressed from Environmental Disturbances Using Antioxidants
No full textFreshwater ecosystems face a significant challenge with the pervasive oxidative stress induced by pollution with global warming and ozone layer depletion. Amidst this concern, various companies assert their products\u27 antioxidant properties to restore them to normal. Elevated oxygen species, identified as a pivotal contributor to heightened cardiac functionality, particularly impact crucial organisms such as Daphnia Magna within aquatic environments. This study proposes a proactive approach to mitigate oxidative stress by introducing antioxidants into water, aiming to offer insights into fortifying the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems confronting oxidant escalation.
The primary objective of this research was to assess the impact of commercially available "antioxidants" on the heart rates of Daphnia Magna during the recovery phase from oxidative stress.
As methods the investigation unfolds in two phases: an initial toleration study to gauge Daphnia reactions to selected chemicals, followed by a recovery study where Daphnia was exposed to the oxidizing agent H2O2 for 30 minutes and subsequently immersed in antioxidant solutions as well as in culturing water for a comparison purpose. The central methodology revolves around comparing the heart rates of Daphnia exposed to H2O2 and analyzing their recovery in different solutions. Heart rate serves as a chosen metric due to its reliability as an indicator of stress and its non-invasive measurement, ensuring minimal harm to the organisms. A newly defined parameter, relative restoration power (RRP) as mean heartbeat %change, was estimated and compared.
Our conclusions revealed that certain antioxidants exhibit a modest yet noteworthy impact on enhancing the recovery of Daphnia magna. Consequently, the study concludes that improving antioxidant uptake or finding less intrusive delivery methods may be viable strategies to mitigate oxidative stress in Daphnia magna
Evaluation of the Perceived Ecosystem Services Provided by Selected Sites: the Imo River, Rivers State, Nigeria
No full textThe wetlands of the Niger Delta are home to a wide range of ecosystem services and are rich in biodiversity. The ecosystem services of selected sites along the Imo River, Rivers State were evaluated over the course of a year (April 2021 – March 2022) using structured questionnaires divided into two sections; Socio-economic characteristics of respondents (age group, gender, marital status, religion and occupation) and their perceived ecosystem services of the water bodies aside from fishing. The findings showed that the largest age range of respondents in Kono (25 (50%) fell between 31 and 40 years old, while Opuoko (23 (46%) and Oyigbo’s (27 (67.5%) age range fell between 41 and 50 years old. In Kono, Opuoko and Oyigbo respectively, males (50 (100%), 50 (100%), and 40 (100%) predominated. The majority of respondents were married; Kono 47, (94%), Opuoko 49, (98%), and Oyigbo 37, (92.5%). All respondents at the three selected sites were Christians (Kono 50, (100%), Opuoko 50 (100%), and Oyigbo 40 (100%); the majority of respondents were fishermen (Kono 47, (94%), Opuoko 49 (98%) and Oyigbo (37, (95%). In addition to fishing, respondents believed that Kono’s ecosystems provided transportation, fuel wood production and recreation. Sand mining, fuel wood production, recreation and transportation were the main ecosystem services provided in Opuoko. In Oyigbo the ecosystem provided recreation, fuel wood production and palm wine tapping. In conclusion, the Imo river provides a variety of ecosystem services to its residents; however, some of these services have not been fully utilized. As a result, it is recommended that residents be properly informed about the ecosystem services provided by the river as well as the need for proper monitoring and protection of the ecosystem from deterioration
Land Suitability Evaluation for Vannamei Shrimp Farming (L. vannamei) in Sendang Sikucing, Rowosari, Kendal
No full textThe development of vannamei cultivation in Kendal Regency mostly in intensive farming should be evaluated since the carrying capacity of the environmental seems getting decrease. Land suitability evaluation using GIS can determine the suitability of land for its designation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability and area of vannamei cultivation in Sendang Sikucing. The method used in this study is survey method combined with quantitative approach. Survey method was conducted to obtain primary data in the form of water physico-chemical data (DO, temperature, pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, depth, and brightness). A quantitative approach is used in weighting and scoring land suitability values using ArcGIS 10.8 software. The results of water parameters obtained DO ranging from 5.9-7.4 mg/L, temperature 27.2-28.9 C, pH 7.67-8.39, salinity 15-26 ppt, ammonia 0.08- 0.6 mg/L, nitrite 0.015-2.03 mg/L, nitrate 1.1-4.3 mg/L, phosphate 0.19-2.96 mg/L, depth 70-120 cm, and brightness 17 -45 cm. Evaluation of land suitability for vannamei in Sendang Sikucing found that the area with the S1 category (suitable) was 38.99Ha and the S2 category (moderately suitable) was 0.28Ha out of a total land area of 39.27Ha. This shows that the Sendang Sikucing can be used for the development of vannamei shrimp cultivation
Causes, Impacts and Policy Implications of Carbon Monoxide Air Pollution in Third World Countries
No full textGlobally, countries are grappling with significant complications, notably air pollution and global warming. One of the hazardous substances contributing to this problem is carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly, odorless, and colorless gas released through both natural processes and human activities. Among developing nations, Guatemala has experienced rapid and dramatic urbanization over the last decades. As a result of this urbanization, a disturbing correlation exists between increased respiratory disease cases and the presence of carbon monoxide in the air. Guatemalans face a surplus of health issues due to air pollution, including asthma, upper respiratory disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These health risks are not solely confined to urbanized areas but also extend into rural regions where Guatemalans use open fires inside their homes for cooking.
Unfortunately, current laws governing air quality oversight and management in Guatemala are inadequate as they fail to safeguard and benefit the well-being of their people. To assess the extent of air pollution in Guatemala, the study measured carbon monoxide levels in parts per million (ppm) using EasyLog USB at various locations and Guatemala City, the nation\u27s most populous urban city. Data was collected over six days, revealing alarmingly high levels of CO, specifically in densely populated areas with significant vehicular activity. The lack of proper ventilation systems and environmental regulations in these areas contributes to the persistence of elevated CO levels. This study\u27s primary objective is to highlight CO poisoning issues in developing countries like Guatemala, emphasizing the urgent need for the national government to implement appropriate legislation and monitoring systems to mitigate its adverse effects. By taking decisive action, Guatemala can further reduce and protect its people from the detrimental impact of air pollution and ultimately work towards creating a healthier, more sustainable environment
Loss of Forest Ecosystem due to Refugee Settlement: An Analysis of Underlying Causes at Bugoma Central Forest Reserve in Kyangwali Sub-Country, Kikuube District, Western Uganda
No full textRefugees who are settled around Bugoma Central Forest Reserve in Kyangwali Sub-County, Kikuube District have influenced the conservation and protection of the forest ecosystem. Adopting a cross-section research design, 265 respondents from Kyangwali Sub-County, Kikuube District were involved in the study using a questionnaire survey. Findings revealed an increase in charcoal burning by 26.4% and an increase in the cultivation of crops in Bugoma Central Forest Reserve by 19.6%. These activities are responsible for increasing vegetation cover within Bugoma CFR. There is increasing stone quarrying at 38.5% and agricultural intensification in some catchment areas (41.8%) within the Bugoma Central Forest Reserve. There is increasing forest degradation in Bugoma Central Forest Reserve by refugees. The Government of Uganda should enforce strict rules when resettling refugees to ensure that they don’t encroach on the forest reserves near their settlement
Polyethylene Degradation by Microbes (Bacteria & Fungus): A Review
No full textThe most often used predominant plastic made from petroleum-based material is polyethylene. It is a non-degradable plastic waste, which results in enormous accumulation in our environment. Plastics have been used inexplicably during the past few decades, including packaging, automotive, industrial, and agriculture in both rural and urban regions, because of their dependable mechanical characteristics, chemical inertness, cheap production costs, and ease of processing elevated major ecological concern posed by the improper disposal of plastic garbage and its pollutants. Around 64% of these plastics are polyethylene. Utilizing both physical and chemical methods to decompose polyethylene garbage has been criticized as an effect of an increase in ecological concerns they aggravate. It is crucial to evaluate a sustainable remediation strategy to conserve the ecosystem\u27s constituents while minimizing environmental and health anxieties. Currently, the biodegradation of plastic using microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) has gained importance because of their effectiveness and affordability, environmental friendliness, and sustainability, as well as the capacity to break down most of the inorganic and organic compounds, such as starch, hemicellulose, lignin, and celluloses. They accomplish this by secreting metabolites such as depolymerase and polyhydroxyalkanoate, which promote plastic degradation. Our review discusses the current status, different degradation processes, lists of polyethylene degrading microbes, mechanism of biodegradation of polyethylene by microbes, and factors affecting their biodegradation. This review highlights the necessity for establishing an explanation for the biodegradation of polyethylene based on biochemical processes, making it easier to compare the findings of experiments specifically designed to study the biodegradation of polyethylene
Variation of Wood Density and Shrinkage Characters of Pinus oocarpa in Malawi
No full textWood properties are generally a common and critical feature affecting wood processing and utilization and are essential in tree improvement programs. This study was conducted to assess the wood density and shrinkage (tangential, radial, longitudinal, and volumetric) properties of Pinus oocarpa grown in Malawi. Wood samples from six trees of P. oocarpa at the age of 26 years were used for the study. The estimated mean wood density was 455.4 ± 2.5 kg/m3. There were statistically significant (p<0.001) differences in wood density along the radial direction and stem height. Wood density increased from pith to bark and decreased from the butt upwards. A similar trend was observed for the shrinkage properties. This implies that wood near the bark and at the base of P. oocarpa trees is denser and would be suitable for structural purposes. The results further revealed that wood density had a positive and significant linear relationship with volumetric shrinkage (r =0.236, p<0.001), radial shrinkage (r =0.157, p<0.001), and tangential shrinkage (r =0.191, p<0.001). This warrants simultaneous improvement of wood density and shrinkage properties. Therefore, controlling wood density for the tree improvement program of P. oocarpa in Malawi would have a positive impact on wood shrinkage properties
Investigating the Relationship of Acute Cardiac Effects of Daphnia magna with Chemical Properties of Marine Pollutants
No full textPollutant inflow from the inland water body is one of the most significant factors affecting marine ecosystems\u27 health status. Common artificial pollutants that arrive at the sea include herbicides, pesticides, detergents, fertilizers, oil, industrial chemicals, and sewage. These chemicals can adversely affect marine organisms. Even though Daphnia mostly lives in freshwater, Daphnia magna is universally thriving worldwide. So, the cardiac effects on Daphnia by the pollutants were deemed to be thoroughly examined for estimating the impact of the chemicals on marine organisms. In this study, Daphnia was exposed to the serially diluted solutions of the ten most inland-spreading pollutants for 30 minutes, and the heartbeat changes after the incubation was measured in bpm. And the change percentages from the incubation were compared with the chemical properties to investigate their relationship. The result showed that the xlogP, rotatable bond count, and heavy atom count were somewhat correlated with the leading coefficients of polynomial functions derived from the heartbeat change graphs. Meanwhile, molecular weight, topological PSA, and complexity were more poorly related. The findings might contribute to developing new chemicals for using on-land environmental management eventually to conserve marine ecology