Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
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Evaluating Dendroclimatic Relationships of Plantation-grown Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) in Thrissur, Kerala, India
No full textDendroclimatology, a specialized branch of dendrochronology, offers critical insights into forest plantation management under climate change impacts, enabling historical climate reconstruction, growth forecasting, adaptive strategies, and carbon sequestration assessments through tree ring analysis. This study explored the climatic influences on teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) growth in selected plantation sites within the Thrissur district, Kerala. Tree samples spanning 1959–2009 were collected from three randomly chosen plantation sites. Tree ring widths were measured and cross-dated using the LINTAB-6 and TSAP-Win software. At the same time, the ARSTAN program was employed for standardization to isolate climate-related signals by eliminating non-climatic noise. The derived ring width indices (RWI) were subjected to correlation analysis. PAST software analysed the relationship between RWI values and climate parameters, specifically monthly rainfall and temperature, based on CRU TS V.3.21 dataset data. Results revealed a positive correlation between rainfall and tree growth, whereas temperature exhibited a negative correlation. Statistical metrics, including the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and expressed population signal (EPS), validated the dendroclimatic reliability of the study site. These findings underscore the potential of dendroclimatology in understanding climate-growth dynamics and its application in sustainable forest management. The observed climate-growth relationships can aid in developing climate adaptation strategies for teak plantations by guiding site selection, optimizing plantation management practices, and predicting future growth responses under changing climatic conditions. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and forest managers aiming to enhance climate resilience in plantation forestry
Assessment of Soil Quality and Erosion Hazards Using Statistical and PCA Analysis: A Case Study of the Arjasa Subwatershed
No full textThis study aims to analyze the soil quality and erosion hazard level of each cluster in the Arjasa Subwatershed, which is the upstream part of the Bedadung Watershed, Indonesia. Land use in this area is production forest, dry land agriculture, and mixed dry land agriculture with slopes varying from 3-8% to >40%. The soil types include Andic Dystrudepts, Lithic Hapludands, Typic Dystrudepts, Typic Eutrudepts, and Typic Hapludands. Soil samples were taken at 30 random sample points at a depth of 0-20 cm. Soil physical and chemical parameters were used in this study. Statistical analysis used were Anova, Duncan test, PCA, and regression-correlation. Quantitative analysis of erosion hazard level was conducted using the USLE formula developed by Wischmeier and Smith (1978). This research has identified three main problems, namely the unavailability of soil quality analysis data, the magnitude of the erosion hazard level in the sub-watershed, and the magnitude of the impact of erosion on soil quality. After assessing these issues, the soil quality index data was found to be in the medium (0.47) to high (0.65) range. Meanwhile, the amount of erosion hazard in each cluster has also been obtained, which shows a range of 4.39 tons/ha/year which is categorized as very light, covering 19.91% of the total area, to 184.81 tons/ha/year, which is included in the heavy category, amounting to 33.37%. In addition, it can be seen that there is a negative relationship at a moderate level (r = 0.56) between the level of erosion hazard and the soil quality index, which means that soil erosion can have an impact on reducing the soil quality index. Finally, it can be suggested that good soil conservation practices such as terracing and organic fertilizer application in agricultural practices are needed to prevent increased erosion so that soil quality does not further decline
Impact of Global Climate Change in the Distribution and the Range Dynamics of Endemic Orchid Habenaria suaveolens Dalzell in Northern Western Ghats of India
No full textClimate change and human activity have significantly contributed to the decline of biodiversity worldwide. Orchids, in particular, are sensitive to disturbances and may respond rapidly to the impacts of climate change than many other plant species. Due to their complex biology and the pressures placed on their habitats, orchids are considered a highly vulnerable group of plants. The lateritic plateaus of northern Western Ghats support a variety of life forms and are quite fragile in nature. The slightest pressure on the habitat affects all the flora and fauna thriving in these microhabitats. Habenaria suaveolens is one of the endemic orchids that can be found growing in these habitats only. In the present study, we examine the effect of climate change on the distribution of threatened H. suaveolens utilizing ecological niche modeling for present and future climatic scenarios (SSP 2-4.5 & SSP 5-8.5) to identify key environmental determinants and population parameters. A total of 25 occurrence records were used to study the SDM model using the MIROC6 global climatic model. The result revealed that only 19.50% (7921 km2) is highly suitable for the species in the current period. The highly suitable area reduces from 57.99% (SSP245) to 74.12% (SSP585) in 2090. Moreover, the total suitable habitat gets confined to less than 1000 km2 in future climatic conditions. The major environmental variable that predicts the distribution of the species are Bio17 (Precipitation of driest quarter), Bio1 (Annual Mean Temperature), Bio2 (Mean Diurnal Range), and aspect. Recently, the species is becoming less in population due to man-made activities like quarrying, tourism, grazing, trampling, etc., in and around the lateritic plateaus, leading to disturbances in the habitat. This study has provided a baseline data about the contiguous distribution of the species and its potentially suitable habitats in the future for conservationists to take precautionary steps for the protection of the species. Hence, a strategic plan can be compiled based on this to conserve these highly habitat specific plants
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics under the Pressure of Artisanal Mining in the Central Zone of Taraba State, Nigeria
No full textArtisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has emerged as an essential livelihood activity in Taraba’s Central Zone, driven by the increasing demand for mineral resources and limited employment opportunities. However, the sector\u27s rapid and largely unregulated expansion has raised serious environmental concerns, particularly regarding land degradation and deforestation. This study provides a comprehensive spatiotemporal assessment of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Central Zone between 1994 and 2024, focusing on quantifying the environmental impact of ASM activities. Multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery from 1994, 2004, 2014, and 2024 was analyzed using supervised classification techniques within a geographic information system (GIS) environment. Ground-truthing and field surveys conducted in 2025 were used to validate classification accuracy and interpret ASM footprints. Results indicate a significant decline in vegetative cover from 97.29% in 1994 to 69.15% in 2024, accompanied by a sharp increase in bare surface area from 2.05% to 29.71% over the same period. Built-up areas and water bodies showed minor fluctuations with no consistent trend. The spatial patterns strongly suggest that ASM has been a major driver of ecological disturbance, primarily through vegetation clearance, soil disruption, and surface scarring. The findings reveal the urgent need for targeted environmental policies, sustainable mining frameworks, and land rehabilitation programs to mitigate further degradation and promote ecological resilience in ASM-affected landscapes
Air Quality Index Analysis of Dangote Cement in Obajana, Kogi State, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the air quality index (AQI) and the associated environmental health risks in the vicinity of the Dangote Cement Plant, Obajana, Kogi State, Nigeria. Ambient concentrations of key air pollutants emitted from the plant including particulate matter (PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀,), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ammonia (NH₃), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O₃) were monitored across multiple sampling stations over a six -months period, covering both the wet (August–October) and dry (November–January) seasons. AQI was computed using the Central Pollution Control Board (CPBP) method, and environmental risk was assessed by comparing pollutant levels to national and international standards. The results revealed that PM 2.5 concentration in December fell within the hazardous category, while ozone (O₃) levels were consistently in the very in the very unhealthy category throughout the six- months period. Carbon monoxide (CO) recorded unhealthy level category in December but remained in the good category from August to November and in January. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) remained in the category of unhealthy for sensitive group throughout the study period. Ammonia (NH₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were within the moderate category for August, September and October. Several pollutants exceeded recommended limits during the months. The findings underscore significant environmental and public health risks posed by emissions from the cement production process at Dangote cement factory Obajana, and highlighted the need for targeted mitigation strategies and stricter regulatory enforcement
Grassroots Perspectives on Solid Waste Challenges: Identifying Disposal Barriers through a Bottom-Up Approach
No full textGlobally, solid waste management (SWM) continues to be a major environmental concern and Solid waste production has increased due to rapid urbanisation and population growth, making effective waste management systems necessary. This study explored the barriers to effective waste disposal at dumping points in Hisar city, focusing on personal, social, physical, economic, technical, and environmental factors. Data were collected from 50 residents and 25 sanitation workers (including Sweepers and supervisors/nodal officers) using structured surveys. The results revealed that hazardous and electronic waste were the most difficult to manage, with time constraints (62%) and lack of awareness (20%) being major hindrances to proper segregation. Social factors such as lack of social responsibility (52%) and residents’ apathy (48%) also limited community engagement. Physical barriers included partial road access (58%) and limited space for composting (56%), while economic challenges like time limitations (46%) and lack of knowledge on recycling (22%) reduced participation in waste reduction practices. Sweepers reported issues like social stigma, low wages, and occupational health risks, while supervisors highlighted inadequate infrastructure and harsh working conditions. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between waste disposal barriers and variables such as family size, gender, and media exposure. The study concludes that a multidimensional approach involving awareness, infrastructure, community participation, and worker support is essential to overcome the barriers to effective urban waste management
Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Organochlorine Pesticides in Water and Sediments from Otamiri River in Imo State, Nigeria
No full textEcological and health risk of selected heavy metals and Organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs) were assessed in Water and Sediments from Otamiri River in Imo state, Nigeria. Water and sediment samples were collected during rainy and dry periods from three different points and mixed together to form a composite sample. Pesticide residues and heavy metals were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometer respectively. The concentration of heavy metal during rainy and dry season ranged from ND to 1.56 mg/l and ND to 3.61 mg/l for water samples, 0.005 to 1.8 mg/kg, and 0.008 to 1.0 mg/kg for sediments respectively. The geo-accumulation index Igeo(x) of heavy metals on sediment ranged from 0 to 0.7 while the values of pollution index were greater than one, signifying heavy metal pollution status of the river. The ecological risk index showed that Nickel and Cadmium had moderate to considerable ecological risk ranging from 129.9-348. The OCP residues concentration ranged from ND to 6.35 mg/l and ND to 4.55 mg/l for water samples, ND to 3.22 mg/kg and ND to 3.5 mg/kg for sediments during rainy and dry season respectively, with predominance of BHCs, DDTs and heptachlor epoxide in water and sediment matrixes. The pesticide residues found in the present study were generally below the maximum residues limit (MRL) set by FAO/WHO bodies. Ecological risk using the Risk quotient was found to be (RQ ≥1) during both seasons and shows higher risks for β-HCH, endosulphan sulfate and p,p′-DDT. The non-carcinogenic risk hazard index (HI) values of both exposure routes were less than one. Conversely, the estimated carcinogenic risk by OCPs through ingestion exposure ranged from 8.142E−9 to 1.20E−7 and 6.36E-7 to 6.44E-4 while dermal range from 3.4E-11 to 2.14E-8 and 7.14E-7 to 8.6E-4 for adults and children respectively, showing considerable carcinogenic risk associated to p,p′-DDT, heptachlor epoxide, α- HCH and aldrin. There is need for regular monitoring of the river to ensure water quality sustainability due to environmental and health risk of the levels of heavy metals and OCPs
Assessing the Population of Weeds, Insects and Predators in the Organic and Conventional Fields in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India
No full textIn the present investigation an attempt was made to assess the frequency, density, abundance, relative frequency, relative density, relative abundance and important value index of flora and fauna in both the fields of organic and conventional methods of farming in Coimbatore district. The survey was conducted in the fields in three different locations in Coimbatore district, 1) Navakkarai, 2) Cheran nagar and 3) Chinnapampalayam near Anamalai. Weed species and Predators like spiders, ladybird bettles and grasshoppers were predominant in organic fields and earthworms were found to be more in organic fields. Pest management in organic farming depends mainly on crop husbandry and biological control. The prohibition of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides leads to conservation of natural enemies including predators and parasitoids
Arable Crop Farmers’ Awareness and Disposition Level to Organic Fertilizer in South - South, Nigeria
No full textThe main aim of the study was the assessment of arable crop farmers’ awareness and disposition level to organic fertilizer in south - south, Nigeria. The research engaged a multi-stage sampling technique in choosing 300 farmers. The data were collected with the help of questionnaires and analyzed using likert rating scales and descriptive statistics. The study showed that married female farmers were more involved in the usage of organic fertilizer in their productive age with moderate family size. Most respondent were secondary school holders having 10 years farming experience and personal savings and cooperative as credit sources. The study also confirmed that extension services were lacking with low mean farm size of 1.3 Ha. Majority were unaware on the usage of organic fertilizer for farming and relied more on inorganic fertilizer leading to low awareness level. The unawareness level of the above organic fertilizer is dangerous to organic agriculture trend globally. It is hereby recommended that vigorous awareness campaign on organic agriculture should be carried out especially extension agents which is also lacking in the area. The Government, NGOs and other bodies should be encouraged to be carried out the awareness campaign to meet up with the new trend of organic agriculture globally. Further sensitization campaigns be conducted to bridge whatever information gap still exists in the use of organic fertilizer in order to strengthen farmers’ commitment
Environmental Impact of Petroleum Hydrocarbons from Artisanal Refineries on Surface Water in the Niger Delta
No full textArtisanal petroleum refining in Nigeria is considered as an organized and well-orchestrated environmental crime with propelling disagreements and security problems within the Niger Delta. The study was aimed at quantifying the level of petroleum hydrocarbons that artisanal refineries release into the marine environments that surround them. Water samples were taken from rivers in four different LGAs in Rivers State: Omuma, Emuoha, Etche, and Eleme. The samples were sent to the lab to undergo hydrocarbon analysis. Agilent 6890N Gas Chromatograph - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) was used to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH). Samples from an artisanal refining area in Emuoha had the highest TPH content of 1,913.6 mg/l; highest phenanthrene PAH concentration of 172.42 mg/l recorded in Etche, Data gathered revealed possible pollution hotspots in Eleme and Etche, where greater amounts of certain PAHs were reported, thereby illuminating the varied distribution of PAHs across diverse water sources. While the impacted regions of Eleme and Etche are in dire need of environmental and health remedies, the risk in Emohua is lesser. To lessen the impact on public health, identified regions should enact effective regulations, pollution control measures, and community health protection programs