Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
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Geographical Assessment and Correlations between Flood Vulnerability Levels and Morphometric Parameters in the Lower Orashi River, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
No full textFlood is an important natural disaster type that needs to be studied better to reduce its impact on human life.The study examined the correlations between flood vulnerability levels and morphometric parameters in the lower Orashi River, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria To achieve this, the river course was divided into 30 segments whereby the information for morphometric parameters such as width, depth, velocity, cross sectional area and discharge are generated using standard methods. The flood vulnerability data were obtained using UNION method from ArcGIS platform and the point segment was overlaid on the flood vulnerability to actually observed actual flood vulnerability levels of each segment. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analysis. Findings showed that flood vulnerability is positively correlated with width of the river (R2=0.1994); cross sectional area (R2 = 0.1635) and discharge (R2=0.1762) while it was negative with the elevation (R2=0.0002); depth (R2=0.0387) and velocity (R2=0.0323). The study concluded that width of river, cross sectional area and discharge are the dominating river morphometric parameters influencing the flood vulnerability in the Lower Orashi River. It is thus recommended that the Lower Orashi River can be dredged so that the depth can be increased to reduce the levels of flood vulnerability
Nutrient Dynamics in a Tropical Lagoon: Seasonal Patterns of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Fresco Lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire
No full textSome nutrients from anthropogenic discharges contribute to the pollution of aquatic ecosystems due to the mineralization of the organic matter contained therein. The mineralization of organic matter influenced by the physicochemical factors of open waters often leads to the phenomenon of eutrophication due to the enrichment of waters in nitrogen and phosphorus in particular. Eutrophication is a serious environmental problem. The main objective of this study is to monitor the seasonal dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in the open waters of two locations in the Fresco lagoon, designated zone I and zone II. To do this, the physicochemical parameters of the open waters were determined using a multiparameter and the ammonium (NH4+), nitrite (NO2-), nitrate (NO3-) and phosphate (PO43-) contents of the waters by spectrophotometric dosage. The results reveal acidic waters in the main rainy season (pH = 6.25 ± 0.08 in zone I and pH = 6.31 ± 0.53 in zone II), high temperatures in the main dry season (32.04 ± 0.52°C in zone I and 30.59 ± 0.90°C in zone II) and low dissolved oxygen contents in the short rainy season (1.40 ± 0.43 mg/L in zone I and 1.78 ± 0.06 mg/L in zone II). The waters show high levels, respectively in zone I in the short rainy season for NO3- (15.46 ± 9.03 mg/L) and in the short dry season for PO43- (0.84 ± 0.18 mg/L) and in zone II, in the short rainy season for NO3- (16.77 ± 9.82 mg/L) and in the long dry season for PO43- (3.28 ± 3.20 mg/L). These high contents characterize a eutrophic environment due to the large quantity of nitrate and phosphate from coastal rivers. Wastewater treatment techniques before their discharge into nature and raising awareness among populations on environmental preservation could be considered
Vegetation Patterns and Anthropogenic Influence in Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary (GAWLS): An Analysis of Species Diversity and Ecological Status
No full textUnderstanding vegetation composition and the impact of human disturbances is critical for effective forest conservation. This study assesses the species diversity, density, and anthropogenic pressures on tree and shrub communities within the Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary (GAWLS). Data were collected from 72 sampling plots, recording species richness, abundance, and disturbance indicators. A total of 40 tree genera across 23 families and 46 shrub genera spanning 25 families were identified. Fabaceae emerged as the most diverse family, while Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) was the most dominant species, with a density of 1001.39 individuals/ha (37.51% relative density) among trees and 262.5 individuals/ha (12.41%) among shrubs. Lantana (Lantana camara L.) dominated the shrub layer, accounting for 33.81% of shrub density. Diversity indices revealed a Shannon Diversity Index (H) of 2.52, indicating moderate species richness, while the Simpson Diversity Index (0.83) reflected a well-distributed community with low dominance by any single species. Species evenness (0.64) suggested a moderate uniformity of species distribution. Anthropogenic disturbances were prevalent, with grazing observed in 52 out of 72 plots, grass cutting in 31 plots, and tree cutting in 40 plots. Evidence of cattle dung was recorded in 30 plots, while goat dung and tree lopping were present in 5 and 14 plots, respectively. The findings highlight the ecological significance of GAWLS Sanctuary’s vegetation while emphasizing the pervasive impact of human activities. This study provides baseline data for future monitoring and suggests that mitigating human disturbances is crucial to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the long-term ecological health of the sanctuary
Integrated Behavioural and Circular Economy Strategies for Plastic Waste Management in Rajshahi, Bangladesh
No full textPlastic waste has turned out to be very big issue to the environment and governance in very rapidly expanding secondary cities like Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The research carried out looks at the plastic consumption and the behavioural driving factors as well as management of plastic waste in Rajshahi, Bangladesh by using a mixed-methods approach that comprises of household surveys (n = 200), stakeholder interviews, and contextual analysis of national-level data. The research found out that Rajshahi produces around 15,927 tons of plastic waste annually but only 20% of that is recycled in a practical manner. This is mostly done through the informal sector. Most of the waste is disposed of in landfills (more than 70%), and the infrastructure for recycling that is formal is still underdeveloped. The statistical analysis shows that income, education, and residential area have a significant influence on the recycling participation, and people who live in central urban areas are more likely to be involved in recycling than those in peri-urban or industrial areas. Factor analysis illustrates that two major motivational axes environmental awareness and convenience/rewards can account for 65% of the change in household recycling patterns. Apart from that, although nationally, the recycling rate is estimated to be 42% in 2024, Rajshahi is behind because there is a lack of coordination among institutions and informal recovery networks dominate. The study is now putting forward the Circular Behaviour-Policy Loop (CBPL) framework, which fuses behavioural waste theory with circular economy principles to redesign policy in alignment with citizens\u27 motivations. The results of the study present practical advice for municipal policymakers planning to improve recycling systems, infrastructure planning, and community engagement in resource-constrained urban contexts
Regeneration Status of Trees in Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest of Southern Coromandel Coast, Peninsular India
No full textAims: Quantitative field study was conducted to assess forest regeneration status in ten tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF) sites at southern Coromandel Coast.
Study Design: Quantitative field survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Tamil Nadu, One year
Methodology: Forest regeneration study was conducted in ten tropical dry evergreen forest sites located on the southern Coromandel Coast. A twenty 10 m × 10 m (100 m2; 0.01 ha) square plots were randomly laid in all forest sites. All encountered plants were identified to species level in the field. Individuals up to the height <20 cm were considered as seedlings, whereas the height classes 20.1-40 cm, 40.1-100 cm, and 100.1-<10 girth at breast height (gbh) cm were considered as saplings. Height class classification followed Induchoodan (1993). Regeneration status of species was identified with density of seedlings, saplings, and adult plants. Five regeneration categories were recognized as in Shankar (2001): 1. Good regeneration: Seedlings > saplings> adults; 2. Fair regeneration: Seedlings > saplings ≥ adults; 3. Poor regeneration: (i) Species survives only as saplings but not as seedlings; (ii) Seedlings < saplings < adults; 4. No regeneration: Species absent both in seedlings and saplings but present as adults; and, 5. New regeneration: Species present only in seedlings or saplings but not as adult trees
Results: A total of 51640 seedlings were recorded from ten study sites. Seedling density varied from 1970 to 9050 ha-1. On an average each site had 5163 ± 2507 seedlings ha-1. A sum of 38130 saplings was encountered. Sapling density ha-1 ranged from 1560 to 7670 plants ha-1, while the mean sapling density was recorded as 3813 ± 1954 plants ha-1. Species richness of young plants ha-1 varied from 25 to 33 in study area. The mean species richness of the study area was 28.5 ± 3.20 species ha-1. On average, each mature individual had 11.84 ± 2.94 young plants in the study area. Young-mature plant ratios differed from 7.27 to 14.78. The proportion of species showing good, fair, poor and no regeneration varied considerably among study sites. The present investigation recorded a net loss of 3.11 to 43.78% of seedlings during the seedling-sapling transition stage, and a further loss of 66.44 to 84.4% of saplings in the developmental phase from saplings to trees. The seedling survival rate ranged from 5.61 to 12.10%.
Conclusion: The mean young plant density, diversity, and species richness obtained in the recent study are comparable with those of the world’s tropical forests
Bioremediation Potentials of Poultry Manure in Crude Oil Polluted Soil
No full textToday, petroleum-based products are the major sources of energy for daily life and for the industries. This study was conducted to investigate the bioremediation potentials of poultry manure in crude oil polluted soil, as well as its effects on microbiological composition of the soil. Top soil (0-15 cm depth) samples were collected from Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching and Research Farm, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. One kilogram of soil was measured into nine clean dry containers of three litres respectively. Exactly ten percent (10%) spiking of crude oil was adopted to achieve severe contamination. The poultry manure was homogenized with the soil samples atthe rate of 0, 50 and 100 g kg-1 soil in triplicates. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was adopted in the experiment. At 0 and 40 days, soil samples were collected from each container for Total Hydrocarbon Degrading Bacteria (THDB) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) determination using standard methods. Collected data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics to draw meaningful insights. The TPH (mgkg-1) of the soil before poultry manure application was 83.97. After the amendments at 0, 50 and 100 g kg-1, this value reduced to 55.12±1.0, 35.8 ±2.0 and 27.64±2.0, respectively after 40 days. A biodegradation efficiency of 67.08% was recorded after 10days in soil amended with 100 g kg-1 of poultry manure. Application of 100 g of poultry manurekg-1 soil was more effective in the remediation of crude oil polluted soil. Results demonstrated that poultry manure could be used to enhance activities of the microbial hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria duringbioremediation of crude oil polluted soil
Varietal Responses of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) to Different Animal Based Organic Manures in Obio Akpa, South Eastern Nigeria
No full textField experiment was conducted at Teaching and Research farm of Akwa Ibom State University to evaluate varietal responses of okra to varying animal based organic manures in Obio Akpa in April 2023. The factorial experiment (3×6) was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Okra varieties (3) were Yeleen (V1), Ikono 1 (V2) and Lady\u27s finger (V3) whereas animal based organic manures (5) were Cow dung, Poultry manure, Pig manure, Goat manure, Rabbit manure and control. Data were collected on growth, yield parameters for analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means compared with least significant difference (P>0.05) at 5% probability. Result showed significant differences (P<0.05) on plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, stem girth on the animal based organic manure at 2, 4, 6, 8 WAP and varieties at 4, 6, 8 WAP. The yield components indicated significant differences (P<0.05) on animal based organic manure and selectively on varieties. There was no significant difference on interaction on plant height, stem girth, whereas the leaf area and number of leaves showed significant differences (P<0.05) at 6, 8 WAP. Poultry manure and V3, showed higher values of plant height, leaf area, number of leaves and stem girth at 2, 4, 6, 8 WAP. The least value on variety was obtained with V2 on stem girth, number of leaves and V1 on leaf area, plant height at 4, 6, 8 WAP. For animal based organic manure, Pig manure produced least values on stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area and plant height. V3 produced higher values of yield components and number of days to 50% flowering, whereas Poultry manure produced higher fruit number (18.60), fruit circumference (6.18cm), fruit diameter (4.88cm), fruit length (8.76cm), Cow dung produced high fruit yield (4.98t/ha). The least number of fruits (14.75), length of fruit (8.30) and yield (3.60t/ha) were obtained from pig manure. The study therefore recommends V3 (Lady\u27s finger) with the application of poultry manures for good yield and growth of okra in Obio Akpa
Characterizing Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover in Urban Environment of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India
No full textUrban areas in India are growing rapidly along with increase in industrial expansions and installation of modern infrastructural facilities which creates a demographical pressure and bring changes urban environment. The Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) are the parameters changes in due course of time and places. Therefore, LULC analysis is essential to know the developmental trends in urban areas through the change in land use patterns of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In present study the Spatio-temporal LULC changes were analyzed in the study area by using GIS tools and techniques. Maximum likelihood supervised classification is used to produce LULC maps, backed by statistical and analytical methods of confusion matrix or error matrix to gain precise outcomes. The results revealed that, the land use land cover changed significantly from year 2011 to 2023 especially in built-up area in city area which was increased by 1.6% and agricultural land decreased by 6.8%. There was a significant increase of 8.7% in barren land in and around city area and tree cover has been dropped by 3.6%. Overall accuracy of the error matrix is 83% and 90% respectively. The downslide of agricultural land and tree cover is the result of an upswing of urbanization and confirming degradation of natural vegetation in study area
Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil and Sustainability Risks in Artisanal Mining Areas: A Case Study of Mayo-Sinna, Sardauna Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria
No full textArtisanal mining (ASM) is increasingly recognized as a critical source of environmental degradation and public health risk in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in soil samples collected from ASM sites in Mayo-Sinna, Sardauna Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of nine heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) were quantified using standard laboratory protocols at both mining and control sites. The results reveal significantly elevated levels of Pb (0.1085 ppm) and Fe (1.4060 ppm) in mining soils, exceeding WHO (2017) and NSDWQ (2007) thresholds by approximately 985% and 368%, respectively. Manganese concentrations also surpassed safety limits by 21.5%, raising concern over long-term neurological impacts. While Cd and Co exhibited anomalous Below Detection Limit (BDL) values likely due to instrumental detection limits, control site measurements for both metals approached or exceeded international safety thresholds. Zinc and nickel levels, though within permissible limits, suggest potential for bioaccumulation and ecological toxicity. These findings provide compelling evidence of anthropogenic contamination associated with unregulated ASM activities and underscore the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, environmental monitoring, and targeted remediation strategies
Sodium-Treated Iron-Bridged Clay for Arsenic Removal in the Presence of Lead and Cadmium: A Comparative Study
No full textContamination of environmental matrices by trace metals is mainly due to human activities. One of the chemical species released into the environment and hazardous to living organisms is arsenic. The present work aimed to study the elimination of arsenic in the presence of lead and cadmium using a sodium-treated, iron-bridged Ivory Coast clay. To achieve this goal, the fine fraction of a smectite-rich clay from Katiola in Côte d\u27Ivoire was extracted and treated with sodium (KAT-Na). In addition, this sodium-treated clay was iron-bridged (KAT-Na-Fex(OH)y). The clay was bridged by adding the bridging solution (Fex(OH)y) drop by drop to a clay suspension (0.5% w/v concentration) under constant agitation. Samples were analysed by XPS. For the analysis of clays using XPS - X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, the Escalab 250 Xi ThermoFisher spectrometer was used. Survey spectra were recorded in a range from 1350 to 0 eV, with a passage energy of 140 eV. High-resolution spectra were recorded for the photoemission peaks Fe 2p3/2,1/2, K 2p3/2,1/2, O 1s, C 1s, Cl 2p3/2,1/2, Si 2p3/2,1/2 and Al 2p3/2,1/2. KAT-Na and KAT-Na-Fex(OH)y clays were used to adsorb arsenic in aqueous solution. The method used was that of batch adsorption. Arsenic was determined by ICP-AES. For an initial concentration ranging from 0 to 20 ppm, arsenic removal on KAT-Na clay reached 73.64%. In contrast, bridging the clay with iron significantly improved the arsenic removal rate, reaching 91.75%. The adsorption isotherms plotted indicate that arsenic removal on KAT-Na is best represented by the Langmuir model. Whereas Freundlich linearization better describes arsenic adsorption on KAT-Na-Fex(OH)y clay. The presence of metal cations (Cd and Pb) did not prevent good arsenic removal. The higher Qmax of KAT-Na-Fex(OH)y than KAT-Na confirms that the bridged clay has a better adsorption capacity. The values of n and RL lie respectively in the intervals ]1; 10[ and ]0; 1[. These results suggest that the adsorption of arsenic in the presence of lead and cadmium on KAT-Na and KAT-Na-Fex(OH)y clays is favourable. This research contributes to the treatment of water to improve the health of living beings, using iron-bridged Katiola clay as an adsorbent