Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
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Microbial Ecology of Urban Green Spaces and their Influence on Mental Health in Industrially Stressed Communities
No full textUrban green areas are usually regarded the best for their beauty and recreational use, but growing evidence shows that they may also affect human health through exposure to microbes. The microbial nature of urban green space that is close to industrial zones were investigated in our research and we discovered how these microbes might affect individuals\u27 mental health in nearby residents. Air and soil samples were taken from selected three pressured neighborhoods, specifically parks and roadside green areas. These sites were compared to control locations with restricted vegetation and more industrial activities. Bacterial varieties and make up of each site, were classified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Concurrently, we overviewed 230 residents across these areas, with 127 (55%) living near green spaces and 103 (45%) in more industrial environments, to assess stress, mood, time spent outside and awareness of green areas.
Our results show that green space contains more importantly greater microbial varieties, especially beneficial ones linked to anti-inflammatory and supporting the immune system. Lower stress and good emotional well-being were discovered in communities living closer to these areas, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Among 230 participants analyzed, 83% of green space residents reported reduced stress, and 76% reported fewer depressive symptoms. 43% of industrial residents reported lower perceived stress, and 40% reported reduced depressive symptoms. On average, they scored 24% lower on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) than those in industrial zones (p < 0.05). Individuals who spent at least 30 minutes daily in green areas had more microbial effects on their skin and the lowest reported mental fatigue.
This study demonstrates the role of environmental microbiota in contributing to the mental health access of green areas, especially in industrial environments where pollution and mental stress are prevalent. Incorporating microbial perspectives into urban ecology and public health approaches is very important according to our research. While more research work is needed to conclude causal pathways, these results open new ways in understanding how our environments sharpen both microbial and mental health. We suggest that proper access to biodiverse urban nature should be considered an important factor to mental wellness in cities
Assessment of the Global Climatic Impacts due to El Nino and La Nina Events
No full textThe El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a naturally occurring coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon centered in the tropical Pacific Ocean, constitutes a primary driver of interannual climate variability on a global scale. Characterized by its warm (El Niño) and cool (La Niña) phases, ENSO involves significant anomalies in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and a concomitant disruption of the Pacific trade wind system, which ordinarily governs oceanic upwelling and global atmospheric circulation. This cutting-edge research synthesizes a comprehensive body of existing knowledge, derived from an exhaustive literature review across prominent academic and research repositories, to delineate the complex interplay between El Nino and La Nina and their far-reaching impacts on worldwide weather regimes and climate patterns. The study elucidates the mechanisms through which ENSO-induced perturbations in oceanic upwelling and the resultant SST anomalies act as critical instigators of global extreme weather events. The analysis shows that a significant reorganization of tropical convective patterns occurs during El Nino occurrences due to the unusual eastward displacement of warm oceanic waters. In the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and along the western coast of South America, this eastward shift increases precipitation, which frequently results in episodes of catastrophic floods and coastal erosion. On the other hand, in the western Pacific, which includes places like Australia and Indonesia, it suppresses rainfall, which frequently leads to severe and protracted drought conditions, water scarcity, and increased wildfire hazards. Moreover, the course and intensity of upper-level jet streams are altered by these ENSO-driven changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. In the Northern Hemisphere winter, El Nino conditions are associated with the development of the Pacific North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern, which typically manifests as milder winter temperatures across western North America and Canada, while the southeastern United States experiences increased rainfall and cooler temperatures. The study also highlights the observed attenuation of the Indian monsoon rainfall during El Nino events, underscoring the extensive reach of ENSO\u27s atmospheric teleconnections. Conversely, the La Niña phase, characterized by anomalously cool SSTs in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, generally intensifies the Walker circulation. In Australia and Southeast Asia, this intensification frequently results in increased monsoonal rainfall, raising the risk of flooding. At the same time, La Nina\u27s influence frequently causes extended periods of dryness and drought-like conditions in places like Peru and Ecuador along the western coast of South America. While the Pacific Northwest and western Canada typically experience harsher and stormier winter conditions, the Southern United States frequently experiences winter droughts during La Nina episodes. Notably, because of less vertical wind shear in the tropical Atlantic basin, La Nina is often linked to more active Atlantic hurricane seasons. This research emphasizes that both El Nino and La Nina serve as significant amplifiers of natural climate variability, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events globally. In certain places, El Nino can make heat waves and heavy rains worse, but in other places, it can make droughts and wildfires more likely. More active Atlantic hurricane seasons and a higher danger of flooding in Australia and Southeast Asia are associated with La Nina. Developing successful adaptation and mitigation strategies to counteract ENSO\u27s detrimental global climatic effects requires an understanding of the complex dynamics of ENSO, including its teleconnections and impacts on temperature, precipitation, and storm activity, especially in the context of long-term anthropogenic climate change. Clarifying the intricate relationship between ENSO and climate change, enhancing the accuracy and lead time of ENSO forecasts by integrating observational data and improved climate models, and examining the regional implications and predictability of ENSO-linked extreme weather events for better disaster preparedness and resilience should be the main goals of future research
Arsenic Absorption by Salvinia minima in Short and Long Times in Contaminated Waters and Its Possible Use for Phytoremediation
No full textArsenic (As) is a ubiquitous metalloid in nature, which represents a serious environmental impact due to its accumulation and difficult removal. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Salvinia minima L., with great vegetative reproduction, serves as a bioremediator. The plants were washed with a 10 mM EDTA solution and grown in batch hydroponics, using a modified Hoagland solution (190 μE·s⁻¹·m⁻²), 16/8h photoperiod (artificial light/darkness) and temperature of 25 +/- 2ºC, for 7 days of adaptation. The exposure to As was carried out with raw water and the addition of 0.2 ppm of Na2AsO4. Uptake was analyzed over short periods of time, for 42h, by extracting triplicate samples every 6,12,18,24,30,36,42h from contaminated water and plant material. Uptake was analyzed over long periods of time, extracting triplicate samples every 48,96,144,192,240,288,336 and 384 h from contaminated water and plant material. Leaf and root homogenates were subjected to HNO3 mineralization by wet microwave procedure using hermetic teflon reactors with a pressure valve. Water samples were extracted at the same times and acidified with 1% HNO3. [As] was determined by ICP-Mass. Statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey test, with ***p≤0.001. The variation of As over short periods of time showed a significant decrease in culture solution at 42h with p **p≤0.01 and in S. minima a significant increase was observed at times 36 and 42h with ****p<0.0001. The variation of As over long periods in S.minima showed a very significant increase between 48 h and 384 h with a**** p<0.0001. The fresh weight showed a significant increase al 384 h with **** p<0.0001 and in dry weight there were no significant difference. S.minima is a promising species for water remediation
Characterization and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Hydrocarbon Sludge in the Nsisioken Environment, Rivers State Nigeria
No full textThis study focuses on the characterization and risk assessment of heavy metals and hydrocarbon sludge contamination in the Nsisioken River environment, Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil and water samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The physicochemical parameters of the river revealed a mean pH of 7.29 ± 0.2, chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 47.5 ± 6.4 mg/L, and turbidity of 11.0 ± 2.4 NTU values that exceed WHO permissible limits for surface water quality. Soil samples showed high concentrations of cadmium (0.38 ± 0.10 mg/kg), chromium (46.99 ± 5.9 mg/kg), nickel (20.1 ± 2.8 mg/kg), lead (24.1 ± 4.0 mg/kg), and zinc (99.3 ± 8.0 mg/kg). Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) fractions in soil ranged from 12.8 mg/kg (C25–C30) to 45.6 mg/kg (C13–C16), contributing to a cumulative TPH risk value of 486,741.67. For water, the TPH risk was lower at 49,750, but still considerable. Health risk assessments revealed alarming Hazard Quotient (HQ) values arsenic had an HQ_ingestion of 15,525.11 and a cancer risk (CR_ingestion) of 6.99, far exceeding the USEPA’s acceptable cancer risk range of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁴. Lead also showed high non-carcinogenic risks (HQ_ingestion = 9432.49). These results indicate significant ecological and human health risks due to hydrocarbon and heavy metal pollution
Isolation and Characterization of Bacterial Endophytes Present in the Plant Parts of Mulberry (Morus indica L.)
No full textThe microbes which live inside the plant tissue without causing any harm to the plants are termed as endophytes which has a positive influence on the growth of host plant. Mulberry is the sole food crop to the silkworm Bombyx mori. Growth and development of mulberry is very important in silkworm rearing. Naturally, the endophytes are present in different plant parts of mulberry enhances the growth of mulberry plant. This study was done to isolate the endophytic bacteria present in the leaves, stem and roots of V1 and G4 varieties of mulberry (Morus indica L.). Based on the morphological and biochemical characterization studies, a total of 30 isolates of bacteria were obtained
Integrating Climate Resilience into Construction Project Management: A Global Narrative Review of Frameworks, Policies and Implementation Challenges
No full textClimate change increases the risk of floods, heatwaves, droughts, and sea-level rise for infrastructure investments. These dangers disrupt supplies, delay schedules, and raise costs, demonstrating that standard Construction Project Management (CPM)—focused on cost, scope, and time—must now include climate resilience. However, previous studies have not synthesized how resilience frameworks and policies translate into project management practices, leaving a gap between theory and implementation. This narrative study summarizes global frameworks, policy instruments, and implementation issues in integrating climate resilience into CPM. A structured literature search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Thematic analysis identified conceptual frameworks, governance mechanisms, and practice barriers from 2000 to 2025. Four main findings emerged: (1) existing frameworks such as the Sendai Framework, IPCC AR6 pathways, ISO 14090/14091, World Bank CSIF, and FIDIC guidance support adaptive project management; (2) policy deficiencies persist due to weak enforcement and lack of resilience KPIs; (3) barriers include financial disincentives, limited climatic data, and uneven capacity; and (4) emerging best practices suggest lifecycle alignment, digital integration (BIM–GIS–twins), and outcome-based procurement. Integrating resilience throughout the project lifecycle can shift construction management from reactive hardening to proactive, climate-informed infrastructure delivery
Impacts of Land use Dynamics on Montane Ecosystems in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Evidence from Satellite Images
No full textThe study provided information on the NDVI and extent of land use/cover in the montane ecosystems in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria which are generally lacking and this is critical for its proper functioning, sustainability and conservation. This study aimed at providing information on the impact of LUCC on the extent of the montane ecosystems which is crucial for policy makers and planners to conserving this disturbed ecosystem. The LUCC and NDVI were examined for a period of four decades (1986-2025) using Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM). Montane ecosystems were modelled using SPOT6 Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with a Ground Survey Distance (GSD) of 20m. There was steady increase in the NDVI values indicating the resilience of these ecosystems to anthropogenic activities. The dense vegetations were pronounced in altitudes above 700m and this covered 32% while low-lying ecosystems expanded to 62%. Rock-outcrops witnessed fluctuations and markedly a decline in 2001, 2006 and 2025 indicating they are being quarried for landscaping, constructions of roads and buildings. There was also increase in the extent covered by bare lands and built-up areas by 27%. The water body also recorded decline steadily over the periods examined. Concerted and timely interventions are crucial for policy making that will combat the human induced activities towards sustainability, conservations and proper functioning of these ecosystems
Nocardia corallina (Rhodococcus corallinus) Applicability for Bioremediation of Petroleum Wastes in Soil
No full textOil exploration, drilling, refining, and transport have the potential to release petroleum pollutants into water and soil. There is a natural but slow remediation from the action of microorganisms. In this minireview I propose, and support with evidence, that Nocardia corallina (currently Rhodococcus corallinus) should be investigated for solutions to remediation of accidental releases of crude petroleum and petroleum-derived chemicals. Many Nocardia species are found in soil and water and are recognized for their abilities to degrade complex organic compounds including hydrocarbons found in petroleum. Specifically, Nocardia corallina, an indigenous soil microbe, is a naturally transconjugant organism with combined potential for hydrocarbon utilization and heavy metal resistance. Thus, its utilization would not require molecular redesigning for this application. I am not aware of any reports that Nocardia corallina is a human pathogen; however, the Nocardia genus does contain human pathogens. The evidence for applying Nocardia corallina for remediation of petroleum spills is commanding and artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to design specific laboratory and field research to assure efficacy and safety
Carbon Dioxide, a Waste Product of Metabolism (Climate-change): Essential for Origin, Development and Functioning of Life on Earth
No full textRising atmospheric CO2 has become politically and scientifically controversial. However, CO2 is essential for the origin and development of all life on earth and required for life to function. It has a central role in the global carbon cycle. Plants, algae, and bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen as the basis for the ‘food chain’ and essential atmospheric oxygen is provided. To my knowledge, research from my laboratory was the first to show (using E. coli) that carbon dioxide deprivation was lethal. I address the complex roles of CO2 including: a brief historical perspective; the global carbon cycle; specific metabolic pathways of CO2, including Rubisco the most abundant enzyme on Earth; its essentiality for the origin and development of life; its vital role in human physiology; its toxicity; results from my laboratory, using a bacterium, that was the initial report that absence of CO2 was lethal; and (briefly) its role in climate change
Morphological and Ecological Characterization of Benthic Diatoms in Some Rivers of Bamenda, North-West Cameroon
No full textAims: Diatoms have been extensively studied by ecologists and taxonomists. They are used for monitoring water quality. Human activities more and more deteriorate the quality of rivers of the city of Bamenda due to rural exodus caused by the social crisis in the North-West Region in Cameroon. The objective of the study was to characterized benthic diatoms in some Rivers of Bamenda with the aim of restoring and monitoring them.
Study Design: Diatoms are used for monitoring water quality.
Place and Duration of Study: Study took place from January to December 2023 in the city of Bamenda.
Methodology: Sampling of Diatoms was done by scrubbing macrophytes for periphyton and scrapping rocks for epilithon. Some physicochemical parameters of water in the study sites were measured.
Results: The analyses were able to identify 44 abundant and dominant species were identified. Caloneis bacillum (Grunow) Cleve, Cymbella gamma (A. Schmidt) De Toni, Pinnularia gibba (Ehrenberg) Ehrenberg, Melosira varians (C.Agardh) Kützing and Aulacoseira granulata (Ehrenberg) Simonsen were frequent with the relative frequency located between 81 to 100%. Majority of genera were cosmopolitan and tolerated high level of salinity and nitrates.
Conclusion: Some Diatoms species identified in the study area are resistant to pollution and others sensitive, and could be used for developing biological diatom indices. They could be proposed to local council and government for managing water from rivers