Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences

Ten-Year Analysis of the Dynamics of the Goulbi’N Maradi Alluvial Aquifer from 2013 to 2022 in Niger

2025-08-18T11:44:33+08:00

In the Maradi region, the alluvial aquifer of the Goulbi'N Maradi rests on the aquifers of the Continental Hamadien. It represents an essential reserve for irrigation and drinking water supply. However, due to its high demand and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in irrigation, a ten-year analysis of the dynamics of this alluvial aquifer has proven necessary. Hence, this study, based on hydrodynamic and hydrochemical approaches, aims to improve knowledge of the dynamics of the alluvial aquifer from 2015 to 2023. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive coverage of the entire Goulbi N’Maradi valley in Niger, employing a multidimensional approach. The data used were composed of water samples taken from forty-five structures, piezometric monitoring sheets, and digital terrain models. The results reveal that the Goulbi'N Maradi aquifer exhibits continuous piezometry, characterized by a general flow pattern from south to northwest and a relatively strong hydraulic gradient in the southern part, indicating recharge from recent infiltration of rain and floodwaters. The water balances calculated at a monthly time step showed that only July and August had surpluses, with average infiltrations of 25.4 mm and 23.9 mm for 2018 and an RFU of 50 mm. For 2021, the average infiltrations were 30.8 mm and 6.6 mm, respectively, for August and September, and for the same RFU. The water conductivity values between 115 and 800 µS·cm⁻¹. The hydrogen potential varied between 5 and 7 pH units, giving the water an acidic character that makes it corrosive to equipment.

Sustainable Dyeing of Polyamide 6 Fabrics Using Waste Pods of Cassia fistula as a Novel Source of Natural Colourants

2025-09-08T14:41:55+08:00

Environmental concerns over synthetic dyes, including water pollution and high energy demands, have driven interest in sustainable alternatives. This research investigates the colouration of polyamide 6 (nylon 6) textiles using a natural dye derived from the mature pods of Cassia fistula, which serve as a source of anthraquinone-based pigments. The study systematically evaluated the influence of dyeing parameters-namely temperature (30–90 °C), duration (10–60 min), pH range (4–11), dye concentration (10%–70% owf), and post-mordanting using alum, ferrous sulfate, and stannous chloride-on the resulting colour strength (K/S) and CIE Lab* coordinates. The fastness characteristics of polyamide 6 fabric were assessed, with the corresponding results detailed in the subsequent sections. Maximum dye absorption was achieved at 90 °C for 60 minutes under acidic conditions (pH 4), and from the conditions was given K/S 2.242. An increase in dye concentration led to higher K/S values, which were further augmented by mordanting, with aluminum potassium sulfate and stannous chloride yielding the greatest results. Colour fastness assessments indicated good to excellent resistance to washing, water exposure, rubbing, and perspiration, all of the properties were up to 4. Whereas resistance to light was found from 1 to 2. The findings confirm Cassia fistula extract as a renewable, eco-friendly dye for polyamide 6, offering commercially viable colour strength and fastness while supporting sustainable textile processing.

Toward Sustainable Land Management in Morocco: Environmental Governance and the Role of Digital Tools

2025-08-22T17:44:21+08:00

Sustainable land management is a pressing challenge in Morocco, where environmental pressures, rapid urbanization, and informal land practices undermine legal frameworks and planning efforts. Despite progress in service digitization, land governance remains weakened by inefficiency, overlapping claims, limited environmental oversight, and poor integration between cadastral data and ecological regulations. This paper examines the environmental and institutional shortcomings of Morocco’s land management system and advocates for a shift toward digitally enabled environmental governance. Current weaknesses in administration contribute to urban sprawl, land degradation, and climate vulnerability, particularly in peri-urban and rural zones. A review of legal frameworks and planning instruments reveals gaps in enforcing environmental regulations, protecting sensitive ecosystems, and securing tenure in high-risk areas. To address these challenges, we propose a governance-centered strategy that leverages digital tools—not as technical ends, but as enablers of sustainability. Innovations such as automated verification, spatial planning systems, and simplified registration workflows can enhance the enforcement of zoning laws, prevent unauthorized construction, and facilitate climate-resilient planning. We also assess Morocco’s commitments to environmental goals, including Nationally Determined Contributions and SDGs 11, 13, and 15, demonstrating the central role of sustainable land governance in achieving them. The study concludes with a roadmap for institutional reform that balances tenure security, ecological resilience, and equitable land access. Findings aim to guide policymakers, land managers, and planners in Morocco and across the MENA region, offering an integrated and adaptable model that bridges land administration with environmental protection.

Assessing the Impact of Development Projects on Wildlife Abundance in Campo-Ma’an National Park, Southern Cameroon, from 2008 to 2020

2025-08-18T11:09:48+08:00

The concentration of development projects near protected areas can undermine their conservation objectives. This study examines the impact of such projects on wildlife abundance in Campo-Ma'an National Park (CMNP). Information from the CMNP Conservation Department was analysed to investigate the link between development projects around the park and changes in wildlife populations, and analysis was conducted using statistical tools, including Excel 2020 and SPSS. Pearson's correlation coefficient was employed to assess the relationship between wildlife abundance indicators and the number of development projects surrounding the park. The findings reveal a significant decline in the abundance of key species, including elephants, great apes (such as gorillas and chimpanzees), and mandrills, over the past decade. Although a brief period of improvement was observed in the early 2010s, these gains were quickly reversed. Overall, the pattern shows that as development activities increased, wildlife numbers tended to decrease. These results underscore the urgent need for stricter regulation of development near the park and for comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments to be conducted before projects commencement. This process must receive greater attention from authorities and stakeholders to regulate activities around national parks and foster conservation efforts. Strengthening this oversight will help to maintain the park's ecological integrity and promote sustainable conservation.

Intelligent Sapling Shield: An Autonomous System for Sustainable Plant Care

2025-08-29T17:40:06+08:00

Plant health is increasingly threatened by environmental stressors, improper irrigation practices, and animal interference, leading to decreased growth and vitality. Current solutions often fail to integrate autonomous irrigation with effective deterrent mechanisms in a single system. This paper presents the Intelligent Sapling Shield, an innovative device designed to enhance plant protection and optimize growth conditions. The system features an autonomous soil moisture regulation mechanism to optimize water usage, reducing wastage and irrigation costs, while a vibrational deterrent system mitigates animal interference, preventing crop damage. Constructed from plastic mesh, the device ensures proper sunlight exposure, airflow, and shade, with an integrated waterproof LED strip for night-time illumination. Results demonstrate that the system maintains optimal soil moisture levels, reducing water consumption compared to traditional irrigation methods. Additionally, automated plant care minimizes labour requirements, ensuring consistent hydration and protection while enhancing crop resilience and yield. The design emphasizes affordability, portability, and ease of installation, making it suitable for both small-scale urban gardening and large-scale agricultural deployment. Its modular structure allows for customization depending on plant type and environmental conditions, further extending its applicability. By integrating irrigation efficiency, protective deterrence, and energy-efficient illumination, the Intelligent Sapling Shield creates a holistic solution that addresses multiple challenges faced in plant cultivation. By promoting cost-effective, resource-efficient, and sustainable agricultural practices, the Intelligent Sapling Shield contributes to urban greening initiatives and biodiversity conservation, supporting long-term ecological sustainability and offering significant potential for future smart farming innovations.

Feasibility Studies and Analysis of Geopark in Kutch Region of Gujarat, India as the UNESCO Recognised World Geoheritage and Tourism Site

2025-08-28T17:01:22+08:00

Sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a comprehensive approach of conservation, education, and sustainable development in UNESCO Global Geoparks, which comprise a single, cohesive geographic area. A growing number of people are adopting the bottom-up strategy, which involves local communities and combines sustainable development with conservation. The viability of creating a UNESCO-recognized geopark in Kutch is assessed in this study. This study examines the key geoheritage features of the Kutch region, explores the socio-economic prospects of a geopark through geotourism and community development, and evaluates its conformity with UNESCO’s Global Geopark criteria on conservation, education, and sustainability. The study also evaluates the overall feasibility of the project, its economic, social, and environmental implications, and the adequacy of the requisite infrastructure.. Its geological, cultural, and historical significance, as well as socioeconomic and environmental factors, are the parameters considered for investigation. Despite multiple applications to UNESCO, the Gujarat region of Kutch, which is rich in geological, cultural, and historical elements, is not recognised as a World Heritage Site. In actuality, there are 195 geoparks in 48 nations worldwide as of 2023, however India does not have one. The findings of the study provide critical insights that can direct initiatives to establish India’s first geopark and promote regional sustainability.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of NO₂ Dynamics and Anthropogenic Activity in the Navoi Region of Uzbekistan: A Comparative Study Across the COVID-19 Period (2019–2023)

2025-08-19T10:06:11+08:00

Air pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the twenty-first century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 7 million premature deaths occur annually as a direct consequence of exposure to polluted air, which is estimated to affect over 90% of the global population. Air pollution manifests in two principal forms: outdoor pollution, largely driven by industrial emissions, transportation, and energy production, and indoor pollution, often linked to inadequate ventilation, heating systems, and household fuel use. Both forms contribute significantly to a wide range of health outcomes, including chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular complications, strokes, and various types of cancer. Vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions—are disproportionately at risk. Efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution include stricter emission regulations, adoption of clean and renewable technologies, expansion of sustainable public transportation networks, and public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness of health risks and preventive strategies. Uzbekistan is not exempt from these challenges. In particular, the Navoi region, recognized as one of the country’s most industrialized areas, faces heightened exposure to harmful substances released into the atmosphere. A comparative analysis of air quality indicators in Navoi’s urban centers before and after the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a significant post-pandemic rise in pollution levels, linked to economic recovery, industrial activity, and transport flows. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and local authorities in developing targeted environmental and public health interventions.