Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
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Policy Interventions for Climate Change: Assessing Global Strategies to Reduce Carbon Footprint
No full textClimate change is still a critical issue in the world, and some trends should be combat with international efforts in the regions and some sectors. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of policy measures in fostering energy efficiency (EE) and reducing deforestation from 2000 to 2020 for Europe, California, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and others. The work focuses on assessing savings from EE and demand, and reductions in deforestation. The changes on EE on facilities were as percent changes while on the other hand deforestation was compared on the number of hectares of forest covers. These two areas with policy interference captured here as European union and California depicted sharp improvements in EE and had reduced the figure of energy consumption per GDP by 28 and 29 respectively. Where an implementation of a control on deforestation was done in Brazil, deforestation was reduced by 37.5%. China and India had no policy change, and they witnessed a magnitude of 10% increase in the efficiency of energy use and 5% increase in deforestation. It was observed that proactive policy areas recorded substantial positive changes while the lack of such measures incurred small gains. The study indicates the need to integrate climate policies to achieve climate sensitive development
Road Infrastructure as an Index for Rural Development in Imo State Nigeria
No full textThe study examines road infrastructure as a basis for assessing rural development in Imo State. The specific objectives that guided this study are to (i) evaluate the nature and spatial organization of road infrastructure; (ii) assess the contributions of road infrastructure to the development of rural communities; and (iii) determine the effects of poor road network on the development of rural communities in Imo State. This study is built on null hypothesis that there is no significance difference in the distribution of road infrastructure in rural areas of Imo State. The study area was stratified into three stratum, comprising Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri geo- political zones of Imo State. A total of 44 rural communities were randomly selected from 11 sampled Local Government Areas (LGAs) with a targeted population of 627 people. Primary data were generated from the 627 respondents using structured questionnaire, oral interview and direct field observation. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A comparative assessment of the road infrastructure traversing sampled local government Areas and communities reveals that Orlu zone attracted a highest scenario, followed by Owerri zone, while Okigwe zone attracted the least proportion in the series. The disparities are partly attributed to the immensity and geographical spread of the zones. The Gini index and student t-test were used to test hypothesis one and the result reveals that, there is fairly even distribution of state roads in Imo State, while a test of the degree of inequality indicates statistically insignificant. Also, there were no Federal Government Roads in most of the communities while very few state government roads were tarred. The study recommends that frantic efforts should be directed to the regular repairs and maintenance of state and rural roads for improved access and sustainable development in various communities within the sampled zones
Evaluating the Impact of Water Quality on Zooplankton Assemblages of Mbo and Eastern Obolo Estuary, South-Eastern, Nigeria
No full textThe study evaluates the impacts of water quality on Zooplankton assemblages of Mbo and Eastern Obolo estuaries, Southeastern Nigeria. This was to determine the productivity levels and assemblage regarding the impact of water quality. Zooplankton species belonging to eight (8) phyla were collected across the samples stations during the dry and wet seasons using a fifty five (55) micrometer hydro-bioplankton net mesh size and were preserved in 4% formalin. The eight (8) phyla of zooplankton collected were; Copepoda, Rotifera, Cladocera, Gastropoda, Protozoa, Polychaeta, Chordata and Lamellibranchia in the two estuary which are Mbo and Eastern Obolo estuary. Three (3) stations from Mbo were Ibaka port, Ewang and Ebughuo creek mouth while the three (3) in Eastern Obolo were Iko jetty, Iko estuary mouth and Etizar. Higher species richness and Shannon-wiener index were recorded in station Ewang in Mbo as 30(S) and 3.25(H’) respectively, while the lowest species richness and Shannon wiener observed at Iko Estuary mouth as 27(S) and 3.11(H’) respectively. Physicochemical parameters such as water temperature, salinity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and dissolved oxygen shows a seasonal variation between the dry and wet seasons. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between water temperature and Canthocampus staphylinus (p < 0.05), Gastropus sp (p < 0.01) and Euchlanis sp (p < 0.05). The spatiotemporal variability of water quality directly affect the zooplankton abundance and assemblages of the sampled stations especially in the wet season
Assessment of Heavy Metals Accumulation by Some Succulent Halophytic Species along Gulf of South-West Coast, Gujarat, India
No full textHalophytes, being salt-tolerant plants, are capable of thriving in extreme saline conditions. Some of these species have demonstrated the ability to accumulate heavy metals, offering a potential solution to heavy metal contamination in saline ecosystems. Halophytic species have considerable potential for use in phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated saline habitats. Their natural tolerance to harsh conditions and ability to absorb and sequester toxic metals make them valuable assets in environmental restoration initiatives. Hence, in this study attempts were made to evaluate the accumulation of heavy metals like Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cu from leaves or phylloclade’s of succulent halophytes species collected from 8 different habitats along south waste coast of Gujarat. Fe varied from 171 to 850 mg.kg-1; Mn between 113 to 398.33 mg.kg-1; Ni between 15 to 266 mg.kg-1; Zn between 14.33 to 100 mg.kg-1 and Cu from 2.33 to 14 mg.kg-1, in phylloclades of Salicornia brachiata, Roxb. and in leaves of Suaeda nudiflora, (Willd.) Moq., and Sesuvium portulacastrum, (L.) Linn. The present results reflected that succulent halophytes accumulate higher concentration of metals than their threshold values (Mn <50 mg kg-1; Cu <40 mg kg-1; Fe 644 mg kg-1 and Zn 63 mg kg-1). A common trend was observed for similar order of heavy metals accumulation as Fe > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cu in their phylloclades or leaves. The substantial accumulation of these metals suggests the potential of these succulent halophytes for phytoremediation, particularly phytoextraction or phytostabilization, in the metal-contaminated saline ecosystems of the region
A Comprehensive Review of Water-Absorbing Superabsorbent Polymers for Enhancing Concrete Performance
No full textSuperabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have become one of the most promising materials for improving the mechanical, durability, and functional performance of modern cementitious systems. This comprehensive review synthesizes findings from existing high-impact literature and studies to provide a unified understanding of SAP behavior in concrete. SAPs exhibit exceptional water absorption and controlled release capabilities. These features directly influence hydration kinetics, internal curing efficiency, shrinkage mitigation, microstructural refinement, and long-term durability. The review examines SAP impacts on compressive and tensile strength, shrinkage (plastic, autogenous, drying), water–cement ratio sensitivity, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) as an indicator of internal homogeneity. Extensive findings from microstructure analysis reveal that SAPs refine hydration products, modify gel porosity, and influence the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Moreover, SAP beads (>1 mm) called as water absorbing beads act as spherical internal reservoirs that provide prolonged water release, improving self-desiccation resistance while functioning as intentional lightweight inclusions that adjust density, thermal conductivity, and insulation capacity. SAP-modified concretes show improved resistance to chloride penetration, carbonation, salt-scaling, and mechanical degradation, particularly under low-humidity or sealed-curing environments. Thermal analyses demonstrate dual roles: (1) SAP voids enhance insulation by reducing conductivity; (2) SAP-driven microstructural refinement improves thermal mass stability for building energy applications. This review presents insights into SAP behavior and optimal dosages. The optimal dose of fine granular SAP (<1mm) is recommended as 0.15–0.35% by cement weight in dry form and is 8–12% by volume of coarse aggregates in expanded form for SAP beads (>1mm). Critical research gaps are identified regarding field-scale validation, SAP beads, thermophysical behavior, and multi-physics modeling. Recommendations for mix design, curing protocols, and performance prediction models are presented to support the integration of SAPs into advanced, durable, and sustainable concrete
Assessing the Characteristics, Disposal Methods and Practices of Wastes in the Capital Cities of Central Niger Delta, Nigeria
No full textWaste management in the developing nation is becoming a serious environmental and health issues especially in terms of disposal methods and practices in which few studies have reported in the literature. However, the present study assessed the characteristics, disposal methods and practices of wastes in the Capital Cities of Central Niger Delta, Nigeria. Four hundred copies of structured questionnaire were administered randomly to the residents of the study area in order to elicit information about the subject matter. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for the data analysis. Findings showed that 26–35 years age group constituted the largest portion of respondents (31.5%), the largest occupational groups were business/self-employed (24.7%) and most of the respondents had tertiary education (40.8%). Findings showed that in urban areas, the volume of non-biodegradable wastes included wastes types such as plastics, e-waste, and construction debris with their sources from households, markets, commercial hubs, and healthcare institutions while the peri-urban exhibited higher volumes of biodegradable waste, including food residue, agricultural litter, and animal droppings mainly generated from households, farms, and local markets. However, findings showed that the most frequently reported method of waste disposal is burning, with 25.2% indicating this as their primary method; followed by using large black polythene bags is the second most popular technique (22.7%), use of any polythene bags (18.9%) while use of commercial waste bins/drums only (10.1%), and only 4.5% engaged in recycling, and 6.0% in composting. There are statistically significant differences in waste disposal practices among respondents across the three states for all listed disposal methods (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the waste characteristics varied significantly between urban and peri-urban/rural ones, but the overall picture details a hazardous and unsustainable sanitation situation with volume of non-biodegradable wastes which included plastics, e-waste, and construction debris. In addition, the most frequently reported methods of waste disposal is burning which emits toxic chemicals, degrades the quality of air, and raises people\u27s risks of contracting respiratory infections; and using of large black polythene bags for dumping waste in a random manner, and causing blocked drains and street litter. The study therefore recommended among others that there is need to establish a decentralized waste management systems tailored to urban and rural realities in strategic places in the Niger Delta. This should include formal composting for organic waste, localized recycling hubs for plastics and e-wastes, and community education programs to reduce unsafe disposal practices witnessed in this study, thereby improving environmental health and sustainability across the study area
Spatial Design Responses to Urban Drought: Climate-adaptive Xeriscape Strategies in Istanbul
No full textThis study examines the applicability of xeriscape-based approaches in enhancing Istanbul’s climate resilience under the increasing pressures of global climate change—rising temperatures, irregular precipitation, and declining freshwater resources. Rapid urbanization, unequal green space distribution, and the intensifying Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect have weakened the city’s ecological stability. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary literature base that synthesizes principles of sustainable landscape architecture, urban ecology, and integrated water management, the research evaluates xeriscape strategies as adaptive frameworks rather than merely aesthetic interventions. Findings indicate that xeriscape-oriented models integrating sustainable water systems, native and drought-tolerant plant diversity, and spatial connectivity can effectively mitigate climate-induced stresses. Within this framework, a holistic planning model is proposed encompassing adaptive planting schemes, decentralized water infrastructure, multi-level governance, and participatory community engagement. Ultimately, the study not only presents a practical roadmap for strengthening Istanbul’s ecological resilience but also provides policy-relevant insights for urban planning institutions seeking scalable, evidence-based strategies for climate-sensitive urban management
Acute Toxicity of the Water-soluble Fraction of Nigerian Crude Oil on Fiddler Crabs (Uca tangeri)
No full textSix hundred and thirty (630) healthy samples of adult Uca tangeri were obtained from Chicoco mud in the oil- prone Buguma creek, Rivers State, Nigeria by handpicking and were transported to the laboratory in plastic containers where acclimation was done for 48hours prior to analysis. The crabs were divided into six groups in a randomized complete block design and monitored for 28 days. The test organisms were treated to different concentrations of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of Bonny Light crude oil. The WSF caused marked exposure risk to the littoral organism, (U. tangeri), and was observed to have elicited a concentration-dependent mortality on the test organism. At 5 mg/L, mortality ranged from 10% to 20%, showing the initial effects of the toxicants on crab survival. At 10 mg/L, mortality increased to 20% to 30%, and at 15 mg/L, it rose sharply to 40% to 60%, reflecting a more severe impact. The highest concentration tested, 25 mg/L, resulted in 100% mortality, marking a lethal concentration threshold for U. tangeri. The toxicity of the WSF points to the base constituents of the test compound as seen in the altered physico-chemistry of the organism’s simulated habitat. In the event of any spill affecting the littoral ecosystem, expedient reclamation and contingencies are recommended to avoid acute lethality of such organisms. This would also prevent bioaccumulation of serious hazards in the human food chain
Temporal Dynamics and Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests in Castor (Ricinus communis L.) under Tropical Agro ecosystem of Tamil Nadu
No full textAn intensive four-year field study (2013–2017) was conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, to monitor the seasonal incidence and population dynamics of major insect pests infesting castor (Ricinus communis L.). Weekly observations revealed that leafhoppers (Empoasca flavescens) were the dominant sucking pest, initiating infestation from the seedling stage and peaking between the 50th and 52nd standard weeks. Defoliators such as Achaea janata, Spodoptera litura, Euproctis fraterna, and Ergolis merione appeared sporadically, with capsule borer (Conogethes punctiferalis) damage observed from spike initiation onward. Significant late-stage infestations of thrips (Retithrips syriacus) and whiteflies (Trialeurodes ricini) were also documented. Pest incidence patterns closely followed crop phenology and weather variables. The findings are crucial for designing location-specific Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in castor agroecosystems
Pyrolysis Plant Design for Sustainable Conversion of Biomass and Tire Waste into Carbon Residues: Characterization and Environmental Impact
No full textThe growing challenge of managing biomass and synthetic waste materials, such as automotive tires, has prompted the need for sustainable recycling solutions. This study introduces the design and development of a prototype pyrolysis plant aimed at transforming diverse biomass and synthetic wastes into valuable carbon residues. The pyrolysis process utilized coconut shell, palm kernel shell, wood waste, and automotive tires as feedstock, achieving a batch processing capacity of approximately 17.5 liters. Experimental results indicate significant differences in the properties of carbon residues derived from biomass versus tire materials. Specifically, biomass-derived carbon exhibited an average pH of 9.33, bulk density of 0.56 g/ml, porosity of 0.043, ash content of 39.92%, and volatile matter loss of 68.68%. In comparison, tire-derived carbon showed a pH of 10.17, bulk density of 0.72 g/ml, porosity of 0.068, ash content of 67.30%, and volatile matter loss of 18.42%. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the plant in generating tailored carbon products with distinct properties suitable for various industrial applications. By offering an eco-friendly and efficient waste conversion process, this research contributes to advancing sustainable waste management practices and supporting the circular economy