Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences

Volcanic Geomorphology and Morphometry Classification of Cinder Cone in Harrat Lunayyir Saudi Arabia by Using GIS and Remote Sensing

Azizah Aziz al Shehri — 2025-05-08

Harrat Lunayyir, a volcanic field in western Saudi Arabia, exhibits diverse geomorphological and topographical features shaped by volcanic, tectonic, and climatic processes. This study integrates field observations, remote sensing, and GIS analysis to investigate the spatial distribution and relationships between volcanic landforms, lava flows, and topographical variation result obtained is a morphological classification of the cinder cones of Harrat Lunayyir, which can be sub-divided into four types: tephra rings, horseshoe-shaped volcanoes, multiple volcanoes and volcanoes without craters.All of these are monogenetic volcanoes, unlike central volcanoes (stratovolcanoes) which live for tens or hundreds of thousands of years and erupt numerous times. In Harrat Lunayyir, there is a clear dominance of arched horseshoe-shaped volcanoes (58) over ring-shaped cinder cones (10), A1_symmetric cones (circular, uniform cinder cones with a single crater) (32), A2_asymmetric cones (elongated, irregular cones and may feature one or more craters) (8), volcanoes without craters (55) and multiple volcanoes (20). The classification presented in this paper makes it possible to include all morphological types of volcanoes found in the region. This fact also renders the present classification a useful tool to apply in other, both insular and continental volcanic areas to eventually analyze and systematize the study of eruptive edifices with similar traits. Hence, this research will explore the standard physical volcanology literature so as to follow accepted definitions.

Increasing Area of Banlaem Mangrove Forest at Nakhon Si Thammarat in Southern Thailand: Land Cover Changes and Predictive Models

Sinlapachat Pungpa — 2025-05-14

Land cover changes significantly affect mangrove forests, driven by both anthropogenic activities and natural processes. The Banlaem mangrove in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, supports numerous mangrove plantation projects but lacks comprehensive assessments and monitoring related to land cover changes. This study aimed to (1) investigate land cover changes in the Banlaem mangrove from 1995 to 2023, and (2) generate a predictive model for future land cover changes. For land cover assessment, satellite imagery from multiple sources, including Sentinel-2 (Level 2A) and Landsat (Collection 2 Level 2), was utilized to examine and classify changes in mangrove cover within the Banlaem mangrove forest from 1995 to 2023, using supervised classification with the maximum likelihood algorithm. Various regression models were analysed to develop a predictive model based on area size and time. The mangrove area in the Banlaem mangrove forest steadily grew throughout the study period, with the total area increasing from 56.16 ha in 1995 to 527.55 ha in 2023. This study represents the first analysis of changes in the Banlaem mangrove cover. Throughout the tested models, they reveal an unclear pattern of mangrove expansion, yet they indicate a high rate of expansion in the Banlaem mangrove forest. In addition, these results are expected to encourage greater community involvement in the monitoring and management of the Banlaem mangrove. We recommend establishing a community monitoring network to engage local residents in tracking changes in mangrove cover, supported by training and resources.

Characteristics and Significance of Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Compositions of the PTB Boundary in Haidai Section, Xuanwei Area of China

Chenming Liu — 2025-05-06

The End-Permian mass extinction (EPME), Earth's most severe biocrisis, occurred proximal to the Permian-Triassic Boundary (PTB), with marine ecosystems experiencing catastrophic collapse. This study employs stable carbon (δ¹³C) and oxygen isotopes from marine carbonates in the Haidai Section (Xuanwei, northeastern Yunnan) to decipher paleoenvironmental drivers. The well-preserved stratigraphic sequence encompasses the Upper Permian (Yangxin and Xuanwei Formations) transitioning into the Lower Triassic (Feixianguan and Jialingjiang Formations), providing a continuous marine sedimentary archive. A marked negative δ¹³C excursion (-9.66‰ V-PDB) occurs at the PTB, initiating from +0.82‰ with subsequent gradual recovery. This geochemical signature correlates with: 90% reduction in primary productivity Biodiversity collapse exhibiting cluster extinction patterns Prolonged suppression of ecological recovery Concurrently, reconstructed seawater temperatures reveal extreme thermal fluctuations, surging from 23℃ to 32℃ at the PTB before precipitously declining to 16℃. These perturbations demonstrate coupled biogeochemical dynamics wherein: • Carbon cycle destabilization disrupted nutrient fluxes • Temperature oscillations exceeded marine taxa thermal tolerances • Synergistic environmental stresses amplified extinction selectivity The δ¹³C-temperature covariance (r²=0.085) establishes mechanistic linkages between physicochemical perturbations and biotic responses. Our findings demonstrate that the EPME was driven by positive feedback loops in which: Volcanic CO₂ emissions triggered carbonate saturation decline Thermal stratification exacerbated anoxia Biogeochemical cycling perturbations suppressed primary producers This integrated geochemical record from the Haidai Section provides critical insights into environment-organism coevolution during Phanerozoic Earth's most profound mass extinction.

Banana Peel and Beyond: Transforming Agricultural Waste into Eco-Friendly, Biodegradable Plastics

Nageswara Rao Lakkimsetty — 2025-04-17

The management of agricultural wastes is essential for resource conservation and environmental sustainability. Due to escalating worries regarding plastic pollution and the surging expenses linked to petroleum-based plastics, there has been a notable transition towards the creation of biodegradable alternatives sourced from natural materials. Biofibres and bioplastics, especially those derived from agricultural waste, have garnered significant attention for their prospective uses in food packaging, biomedical sciences, and sustainable manufacturing. This study examines the viability of employing banana peel as a natural and environmentally sustainable raw material for the production of biodegradable bioplastic sheets. Due to its abundant polysaccharides and lignocellulosic fibers, banana peel presents advantageous structural and mechanical characteristics for bioplastic manufacturing. Experimental findings demonstrate that bioplastic derived from banana peels has enhanced biodegradability and environmental compatibility relative to traditional synthetic plastics, positioning it as a feasible alternative to mitigate the worldwide plastic waste epidemic. An optimal formulation was constructed using Design Expert software, comprising 55.38 g of banana peel, 27.63 g of fish scales, and 20 g of chitosan powder. This formulation improves the film’s tensile strength, flexibility, and degradation rate, ensuring its efficacy in industrial applications including food packaging and molding. The study’s results highlight the promise of bioplastics made from banana peels as an economical and sustainable alternative, decreasing dependence on petroleum-based plastics and alleviating environmental pollution.

Hydrological Regime Variability between the Tien and Hau Rivers under the Impact of Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Change

Nguyen Dam Quoc Huy — 2025-04-23

The distribution of flow discharge between the Tien and Hau Rivers in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) plays an important role in Vietnam’s agricultural and aquaculture production activities. However, recent variations in water levels and flow patterns, driven by both human activities and climate change (CC), have posed significant challenges for water resource management. This study evaluates the impacts of unsustainable exploitation and CC on the hydrological regime of the Tien and Hau Rivers using non-parametric statistical methods. Long-term water level data (1978–2023) from Tan Chau, Chau Doc, and Vam Nao observation stations were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test (MK), Sen’s Slope (SS) estimator, and Pettitt’s test to detect trends, quantify change magnitudes, and identify abrupt shifts. The results indicate a significant decline in flood-season water levels, with annual decrease rates ranging from 41.5 to 72.9 mm in September and November. Conversely, a slight increasing trend in water levels was observed in the dry season (DS) during the studied time. Additionally, findings reveal that the upstream Tien River exerts greater control over the hydrological regime in the Vam Nao River. These insights contribute to disaster risk assessment, sustainable water resource planning, and ecological risk evaluation. Furthermore, the results contribute to providing a foundation for applying hydrological and hydraulic models to forecast hydrodynamics, thereby supporting effective water management strategies and mitigating flood and dry risks in the VMD.

Role of Ochrobactrum Bacteria and Organic Matter in Plant Growth and the Content of N, P, and K Under Soil Salinity Stress

Huda Krebit Hundi — 2025-04-23

Organic matter increases biological activity within the root zone because it contains beneficial microbes that stimulate vital processes. This study aimed to determine the effect of Ochrobactrum anthropi added to the soil as a single or mixed solution with different concentrations of organic matter on the vegetative growth of the zinnia plant and its content of nutrients. The study was conducted with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The plant was grown in soil with a high salinity level of 8 ds m^–¹. Plant characteristics were estimated 30 and 60 days after planting the plant. The treatment with the addition of bio-inoculum produced the best results; within 30 days, there was a 56.89% increase in plant length; after 60 days, there was a 52.56% increase; additionally, there was a 52.56% increase in leaf count within 30 days; after 60 days, there was a 53.50% increase; and finally, there was an increase in flower count. For plants after 60 days, it reached 3.66%. With the addition of bio-inoculum to soil at a level of 3 gm kg^–¹ of organic matter, the mixing treatment achieved the highest dry weight, 29.86%. The addition of bio-inoculum resulted in the largest and most significant increase in chlorophyll content in leaves, reaching 18.76%. In the mixing addition of the biological inoculum treatment, the organic content of the plant showed an increase in nitrogen (14.38%), phosphorus (21.18%), and potassium (39.75%) at 2 and 3 gm kg^–¹ organic matter, respectively.

PM10 Indoor/Outdoor Air Quality Relationship in School Buildings: A Case Study in Barreiro

João Garcia — 2025-05-09

This article analyses the relationship between PM₁₀ concentrations inside and outside two schools in Barreiro, Portugal: Primary School No. 5 and D. Luís Mendonça Furtado Basic School. The main objective was to understand the impact of external and internal sources on indoor air quality (IAQ) in school environments. Monitoring campaigns were carried out in different indoor spaces, including classrooms, the gym, and the canteen, and the results were compared with PM₁₀ levels outside the building. At Primary School No. 5, indoor PM₁₀ concentrations were consistently higher than the outdoor values measured on Avenida do Bocage, with an average Indoor/Outdoor (I/O) ratio of 2.2, indicating a significant impact of indoor activities on particle levels. Similarly, at the D. Luís Mendonça Furtado Basic School, there was an increase in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations during school hours, with the highest I/O ratio (3.04) recorded on school days. In the evenings and at weekends, when the spaces were unoccupied, particle concentrations dropped considerably, reaching an I/O ratio of 0.70. Said results suggest that indoor activities are a determining factor for particle levels in indoor air, emphasizing the need for ventilation and pollution control strategies in schools to protect the health of students and staff.

Comprehensive Utilization of Borehole AFET and Logging Method Detecting Goaf Area in Coal Mines

Zipeng Guo — 2025-04-17

China, as the world's largest coal producer and consumer, faces increasingly severe challenges from coal mine goaf areas formed through decades of intensive mining. These underground voids, resulting from exhausted resources or technical limitations, not only cause environmental issues like land subsidence and groundwater contamination but also pose critical safety risks for ongoing mining operations, including water inrushes, gas outbursts, and roof collapses. Conventional geophysical methods such as seismic surveys and electromagnetic detection demonstrate limited effectiveness in complex geological conditions due to susceptibility to electrical heterogeneity, electromagnetic interference, and interpretation ambiguities.This study presents an innovative integrated approach combining the Audio-Frequency Electrical Transillumination (AFET) method with multi-parameter borehole logging to establish a three-dimensional detection system. The AFET technique employs 0.1-10 kHz electromagnetic waves to identify electrical anomalies associated with goafs, enabling extensive horizontal scanning. This is complemented by vertical high-resolution profiling through borehole measurements of resistivity, spontaneous potential, and acoustic velocity. Field applications in Shanxi Province's typical coal mines achieved breakthrough results: Using a grid-drilling pattern (15m spacing, 300m depth), the method successfully detected three concealed goafs missed by conventional approaches, with spatial positioning errors under 0.5m. Notably, it accurately identified two un-collapsed water-filled cavities. This surface-borehole synergistic approach overcomes single-method limitations, enhancing goaf detection accuracy to over 92%. The technique provides reliable technical support for safe mining practices and represents significant progress in precise detection of hidden geological hazards in Chinese coal mines, offering valuable insights for global mining geophysics.

Sub-Watershed Prioritization of Chambal River Basin Using Morphometric and Topo-Hydrological Parameters

Teja Ram Nitharwal — 2025-04-23

Natural resource management is essential to sustain human well-being and the environment. Water and soil are two of the most important natural resources that require careful management. The western part of India faces multiple challenges, including climatic variability, soil degradation, water scarcity, deforestation, etc. The basin’s sub-watersheds are delineated and prioritised using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Sub Watershed Prioritization Tool (SWPT), respectively, using morphometric and topo-hydrological characteristics, and the sub-watersheds are further ranked using Weighted Sum Analysis (WSA). The findings indicate that SWS19, SWS18, SWS1, SWS17, SWS16, and SWS15, which are drained by the rivers Chambal, Kali Sindh, Mashi, Parbati, Parwan, and Beradi, are highly vulnerable sub-watersheds. By integrating remote sensing, GIS techniques, and quantitative morphometric analysis, parameters such as drainage density, stream frequency, bifurcation ratio, and slope gradient were evaluated. The analysis revealed critical sub-watersheds characterized by steep slopes, high drainage density, and poor vegetation cover, indicating their susceptibility to erosion and runoff. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted soil conservation measures, such as contour bunding, afforestation, and water retention structures. This study highlights the utility of geospatial tools for sustainable watershed management and provides a replicable framework for prioritizing sub-watersheds in similar regions.

Effect of Moisture Content on Selenate and Selenite Determination Using DGT

Yu Zhang — 2025-05-09

Traditional studies on transforming selenate and selenite are often limited by static measurements and low spatial resolution. They do not fully consider the impact of moisture content. This paper uses the DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) technique to deeply explore how moisture changes affect the transformation of selenate and selenite in the environment (changes in properties over time). First, representative soil samples (loess) are prepared, and their moisture content is adjusted. Fixed concentrations of selenate and selenite are added, and then the DGT device simulates their migration in the natural environment. The experiment covers drought, moisture, and high moisture environments, and the experiment is repeated under each condition to ensure the accuracy of the data. The sample quality is verified and further analyzed by ion chromatography (IC) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). This article uses DGT technology to study the influence of moisture content on the migration and transformation of selenate and selenite in soil. Results indicate that increased moisture content leads to higher concentrations, diffusion rates, and DGT capture efficiency of both selenium species, highlighting the importance of moisture in their environmental behavior. When the moisture content increased from 25% to 65%, the coefficient of variation of selenate and selenite increased. The DGT technique proved effective in capturing spatial heterogeneity and providing high-precision measurements, offering robust data to advance research on selenium behavior in soils.

Design and Effectiveness of Coastal Protection Structures: Case Studies and Modelling Approaches

Leo C. van Rijn — 2025-04-22

Beach groynes are structures for erosion protection along sandy coasts near inlets and can reduce the coastal erosion substantially, but open groynes cannot stop erosion completely because sand can be removed from the groyne compartments by cross-shore processes. Beach groynes should be designed with sufficient bypassing of sand to minimise erosion. Regular beach maintenance is required to keep a sufficient beach width for recreational purposes. The effectiveness of groyne compartments can be significantly improved by using T-head groynes or by using a submerged sill or breakwater in between the groynes. An economic evaluation shows that the beach maintenance costs over 50 years may be substantially higher than the construction costs of a submerged breakwater. An important parameter to be studied is the longshore transport, which requires detailed information of the wave climate, preferably based on measured data (offshore buoys) in combination with deep water wave modelling. Various models have been used to determine the net longshore sand transport and coastline changes. The design of groynes to reduce coastal erosion is illustrated by three field cases (Atlantic coast near Soulac, France; Lagos coast, Nigeria and Black Sea coast, Romania). These example cases show that beach groynes are effective structures, but sufficient bypassing of longshore sand transport is essential to minimise erosion. Regular beach fills in the groyne compartments may be required at high-energy (exposed) coasts. A submerged or emerged breakwater can be built between the groynes to protect the beach in the groyne compartments against erosion by cross-shore processes.

Higher Methane Emission Rates in the Vegetative Rice Growing Stages in the Lower Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Bui Thi Ngoc Oanh — 2025-05-06

The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is a region that produces rice and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Vietnam’s rice exports, which rank among the top four globally, have a significant impact on the world’s food suppy. The Eddy Covariance system, positioned in the rice field, has been recording methane emission rates and bio-meteorological factors. This study presents the findings of three crop seasons (Summer-Autumn 2020 (S-A20), Winter-Spring 2021 (W-S21), and Spring-Summer 2021 (S-S21)) from the year 2020 to 2021. The highest CH₄ emission value was observed inthe S-S21 crop, reaching 4.14 µmol s^–¹ m^–². Elevated CH₄ emission rates were predominantly recorded during the vegetative stage within first 21 days after planting, while lower CH₄ emissions were observed during the reproductive and ripening stages. This pattern clearly indicates higher methane emissions at the vegetative stage of the growing rice, likely due to the abundance of organic matter in the rice fields. The average CH₄ emission rate was 0.1 µmol m^–²s^–¹ . Notably, high methane emissions were recorded when the soil surface temperature was below 33 °C. As a results, the S-S21 exhibits the highest methane emission rates compared to other seasons.

Using Extension Materials to Improve Efficiency and Promote Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development in Contemporary Chinese Lacquer Arts

Yang Song — 2025-05-07

Industrial paints exacerbate air pollution by emitting volatile organic compounds during application and drying processes. This study seeks to enhance the efficiency of Chinese natural paints and increase their accessibility as bio-based alternatives, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of industrial paints on the environment. The researchers incorporated ten materials into the Chinese natural lacquer, with the formulations containing 5% titanium dioxide nanoparticles and 5% polyurethane demonstrating superior performance. These formulations reduced the drying time of the Chinese natural lacquer to 12 hours and 8 hours, respectively, under climatic conditions of 34 degrees Celsius and 64% humidity, while also improving the physical properties of the expanding materials. By experimenting with the materials and processes of contemporary lacquer art, modern lacquer material drying time test, scanning electron microscope (SEM), water droplet angle test, pencil hardness test, adhesion test and other tests, expanding the modern lacquer art materials; the researchers carried out comparative experiments of creative practice, using modern Chinese lacquer materials completely original 32 lacquer paintings, 20 of which were successful; the creation of lacquer paintings using the traditional methods The creation cycle of the works using the traditional method was around 2 months, as a control, the creation cycle of the lacquer paintings using the innovative method was between 2 weeks and 3 weeks, which is a drastic reduction in time. Expanded Chinese natural lacquer can contribute to the sustainable development of traditional Chinese lacquer art.

Research on Biomass and Biochar of Reed (Phragmites australis) in U Minh Thuong National Park, Vietnam

Luom Thanh Thai — 2025-05-08

Aims: Reed (Phragmites australis) is a plant species with a seasonal reproductive cycle; it has a very high biomass in U Minh Thuong National Park, in Vietnam. This study aims to evaluate fresh and dry biomass of the reed and the production of biochar from the plants. The biochar is then used as a bio-organic fertilizer for watermelon cultivation in agriculture. Methods: To achieve these objectives the following experiments were conducted (1) investtigating the fresh and dry biomass of reeds producing biochar using local methods; (2) adsorption with pig urine and chemical fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus and potash) to examine the uptake of chemical components into the water environment; (3) mixing biochar with inorganic mineral fertilizers and peat to creat inorganic fertilizer – biochar formulas, followed by an analysis of the chemical compositions of the mixtures; (4) using various biochar-based fertilizers to grow watermelon with local varieties. Results: The results show that reeds produce very high for biomass biochar fertilizer production. Reed biochar can adsorb components of pig urine, such as ammonium, nitrate, nitrogen and phosphorus along with inorganic substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. Therefore this study proposes the use of this biochar for watermelon cultivation and environment treatment in polluted regions. Conclusions: Biomass and biochar of reed are very high. The biochar can adsorb nitrogen, phosphorus and potash fertilizers. Additionally, biochar can be mixed with peat and inorganic mineral fertilizers for to watermelon cultivation in Mekong Delta. Implications of the research: Forest fires in U Minh Thuong National Park, caused by reed vegetation, occur annually and result in damage to property and human livelihoods. This research not only exploits renewable raw materials but also helps control the risk of forest fires. Originality/Valeu: This study aims to provide methods for controlling forest fires by producing biochar of from reed (Phragmites australis) U Minh Thuong National Park Vietnam. This species thrives and produces a large biomass during the rainy season, supllying dry material that contributes to the intensity of forest fires in the dry season in Vietnam.

Energy and Environmental Impacts of Greece’s Agricultural Sector: A Diachronic Study with Regional Insights from Western Macedonia

Stavros P. Migkos — 2025-05-08

The research explores the long-term connection between Greece's agricultural output, with a focus on both crop and livestock production, and crucial environmental factors like water usage and energy consumption. Through linear regression analysis, the study investigates how these factors affect agricultural value-added, providing insights into the sustainability and efficiency of Greece’s farming sector. The results show a significant (p < 0.05) positive relationship between crop production and agricultural value-added, as well as the significant influence of water usage and energy consumption on the productivity of both crops and livestock. For livestock farming, the analysis revealed a weaker contribution to agricultural value-added at the national level, likely due to structural inefficiencies in the sector. While livestock production benefits significantly from water and energy inputs, it does not have as substantial an economic impact compared to crop production. This research contributes to the field of agricultural economics by offering a historical perspective on how resource management influences agricultural performance over time. It highlights the significance of sustainable practices, especially in areas like the periphery of Western Macedonia, which are shifting from conventional energy sources like lignite to renewable energy. The findings advocate for policies that promote water conservation, energy efficiency, and smart agriculture to enhance productivity and support regional development.

Geological Characteristics and Preliminary Genesis Exploration of the Sakay Gold Deposit in Vientiane, Laos

Demin Yang — 2025-05-06

The Sakay gold deposit in Vientiane, Laos, is located in the Indochina landmass of the southeastern segment of the Tethys orogenic belt, specifically within the Vientiane-Pakse micro-landmass and the Vientiane-Pakse metallogenic belt. This area is regionally significant for the concentration of minerals such as gold, copper, and tin. The host rocks of the deposit are intermediate volcanic lavas and volcanic tuffs, occurring in near-east-west brittle shear structural fractures through hydrothermal filling and metasomatism. The ore exhibits granular texture, subhedral texture, porphyritic texture, and oriented polycrystalline texture, with structural features such as disseminated, vein-like, and cataclastic breccia. The main ore minerals are pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite, while the gangue minerals are primarily quartz, calcite, and dolomite. Gold is mainly present as included gold or fissure gold within the crystal lattices and microfractures of minerals such as pyrite and sphalerite. Based on mineral assemblages and generation timing, the mineralization can be divided into three stages: arsenopyrite-pyrite-dolomite-quartz (I), sphalerite-galena-chalcopyrite-calcite (II), and siderite (III), with the latter stages often overlaying the former, showing evident cross-cutting and metasomatic phenomena. The surrounding rocks in the mining area are altered, mainly showing silicification, carbonatization, limonitization, sericitization, and chloritization. Preliminary studies suggest that this deposit is a low-temperature hydrothermal gold deposit within a brittle shear zone.

Harnessing Avicennia Marina Leaves for Dye Contaminant Removal: An RSM and ANN-Based Study

Nageswara Rao Lakkimsetty — 2025-05-09

This study examines the efficacy of Avicennia marina (AM) leaves as an environmentally sustainable biosorbent for the extraction of methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. A hybrid approach of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) was implemented to assess, optimize, and forecast biosorption effectiveness across different operating parameters. The experimental design employed a Central Composite Design (CCD) methodology, focusing on critical parameters including pH, initial dye concentration, temperature, and biosorbent dosage. The ideal biosorption parameters were identified as a temperature of 44.3°C, pH 7.1, a biosorbent dosage of 0.3 grams, and an initial dye concentration of 48.4 mg/L, resulting in a maximum removal efficiency of 84.26%. The ANN model exhibited significant prediction accuracy, so confirming its appropriateness for predicting and enhancing intricate biosorption processes. The findings underscore that AM leaves constitute a cost-efficient, plentiful, and ecologically sustainable resource for wastewater treatment purposes. Furthermore, the amalgamation of RSM and ANN shown significant efficacy in process optimization and forecasting. These findings provide significant insights into the advancement of eco-friendly solutions for the treatment of dye-contaminated water. Subsequent study must prioritize the amplification of the procedure for industrial applications, the execution of ongoing system assessments, and the evaluation of the enduring environmental and economic ramifications of utilizing AM leaves as a biosorbent.

Contribution of Granulometric Analyses to the Understanding of Wind Dynamics in the Figuig-Bouarfa Region (Eastern Morocco)

Smail Harchane — 2025-05-06

Morocco, like many arid countries, is facing desertification, particularly in its southern and southeastern regions. A clear indication of this process is the movement of sand dunes in the southern part of the country. Studying wind dynamics in this area provides insights into the conditions and processes driving desertification, including sand erosion, transport, and deposition. This study focuses on the dune sands in eastern Morocco, analyzing their granulometric properties to better understand transport mechanisms and wind dynamics in the region. Granulometric analysis was performed on various sand deposits to investigate aeolian transformations in the area. The results show that the sand deposits in the eastern region consist primarily of a well-sorted dominant granulometric fraction, along with a minor fraction. The sand grains range in size from very fine to medium (150 to 218.8 µm) and are classified as having good to fairly good sorting (36 to 114.2 µm). The grain size symmetry varies from weak to strong, with a range of –0.34 to 0, indicating a tendency toward either finer or coarser grains. The grain size distribution varies, ranging from platykurtic to very leptokurtic (0.7 to 2.15). The deposits display a unimodal distribution with a minor tail on both sides of the dominant mode, suggesting significant wind deflation. Five particle size classes were identified, reflecting the sands’ evolution under wind dynamics.

Advanced Time Series Forecasting for CO₂ Emissions: Insights for Sustainable Climate Policies

P. M. Hrithik — 2025-05-09

To address the global issue of climate change and create focused mitigation plans, accurate CO₂ emissions forecasting is essential. Using CO₂ emissions data from 1990 to 2023, this study assesses the predicting performance of five sophisticated models: Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM), and ARIMA To give a thorough evaluation of the models’ performance, measures including Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) are used. To guarantee dependable model implementation, preprocessing procedures are carried out, such as feature engineering and stationarity tests. Machine learning models outperform ARIMA in identifying complex patterns and long-term associations, but ARIMA does better with data that exhibits strong linear trends. These results provide important information about how well the model fits various forecasting scenarios, which helps develop data-driven carbon reduction programs. Predictive modeling should be incorporated into sustainable climate policy to encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies and proactive decision-making. Achieving long-term environmental sustainability requires strengthening carbon trading systems, encouraging clean energy investments, and enacting stronger emission laws. In line with international climate goals, suggestions for lowering CO₂ emissions include switching to renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, and putting afforestation initiatives into action.

Sustainable Tourism Development in the Ždiar Highland Municipality in the Transition Zone of the Tatra Biosphere Reserve (Slovakia)

Veronika Piscová — 2025-05-09

The Goral municipality of Ždiar (a Conservation Reserve of Folk Architecture since 1977) is one of the most attractive areas in Slovakia under the growing influence of the developing tourism. Since 1949 it has been part of the protection zone of the Tatra National Park and since 1993 it has been part of the transition zone of the Tatra Biosphere Reserve. In recent years, tourism has taken a major role in the transition zone of this biosphere reserve. In the presented contribution, we therefore evaluate the impact of developing tourism in the cadastral area of the municipality of Ždiar between 1950 and 2022.. We rely primarily on available statistical data from various sources and on the analysis of the historical and contemporary landscape structure. During this period, almost 50% of the area has changed land cover. The activities that have significantly changed the landscape include afforestation, deforestation, agrointensification, deurbanisation (naturalisation), urbanisation (anthropisation): tourism development and construction of a water reservoir. Tourism has become the main driver of the economy here and opens up opportunities especially for local inhabitants. However, the lack of completed tourism infrastructure is a drawback. We recommend the establishment of the Coordinating Council of the Tatra Biosphere Reserve and permanent employees at the National Park Administration.

Materiality in Environmental Information Disclosure: A Comparative Analysis of the Securities Law of the United States and China

Wu Huihui — 2025-05-06

The purpose of this study lies in exploring the role of materiality in environmental information disclosures under the securities laws of the United States and China, discussing the differences in the regulatory mechanism, limits of enforcement, and challenges of seeking global harmonization. The paper does a comparative legal analysis of statutory provisions, judicial interpretations, and regulatory frameworks of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Furthermore, it provides frameworks of global sustainability reporting such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The findings show that U.S. securities law uses a financial materiality standard with respect to what companies must disclose to investors. On the other hand, China’s regulatory approach has a double materiality in considering not only financial impacts but also wider environmental and social factors. Although there are these distinctions, both of these jurisdictions face issues of common obstruction such as ambiguities in materiality determination, inconsistent enforcement, and fear of greenwashing. This paper asserts that the U.S. and China regulatory frameworks need to converge more to promote greater corporate transparency and ESG disclosures. Regulators can even align disclosure practices with internationally recognized standards of work to add confidence for investors, fight off misleading sustainability claims and ensure accountable reporting in pertinent environments. The study concludes that the green challenges of global markets can only be tackled by regulating cooperative actions and using standardized reporting guidelines.

Empirical Research on Supply Chain Finance Innovation Promoting Environmental Governance and Ecological Protection of SMEs

Song He — 2025-05-08

This research examines the relationship between supply chain finance innovation and environmental governance effectiveness among SMEs, with technological capability as mediator and institutional support as moderator. Unlike previous isolated analyses, this study develops an integrated framework capturing the interplay between financial mechanisms and environmental outcomes. The innovative analytical approach incorporates "hard" and "soft" indicators, blockchain-based environmental performance management, and regulatory-financial integration. Hierarchical regression analysis of data from 1,682 manufacturing SMEs (2019-2023) reveals that supply chain finance innovation significantly improves environmental governance effectiveness (β = 0.412, p < 0.01), with 32.9% mediated through technological capability. Institutional support demonstrates substantial moderating effects (β = 0.228, p < 0.01), emphasizing the combined influence of finance innovation and technological capability on environmental outcomes. Cross-sectional analysis shows these effects are stronger among larger firms, private enterprises, and in developed regions. The findings enhance understanding of how financial innovation interacts with environmental sustainability through technological capability while highlighting institutional support's importance. This research contributes to policy formulation and practice by demonstrating how innovative financial mechanisms can encourage improved environmental governance among SMEs.

Controls on Faulted Sub-Depression Patterns in Continental Rifted Basins: The Beier Depression, Hailar Basin, Northeastern China

Fangju Chen — 2025-05-06

In contrast to well-studied rift basins in NE China, the Hailar Basin has received relatively less attention regarding the combined patterns of different types of grabens and half-grabens. This study aims to explore whether the combined patterns of grabens in the Hailar Basin exhibit similar characteristics to those in other NE China rift basins and to identify the underlying causes. To achieve this, a comprehensive analysis of the major fault systems and the combined patterns of faulted sub-depressions, as well as their controlling mechanisms, was conducted. This analysis utilized the latest 3D seismic data that cover nearly the entire Beier Depression. Three groups of pre-existing fault systems were observed in the basement of the Beier Depression, and they are the NEE-EW-trending fault systems, the NE-trending fault systems, and the NW-trending fault systems. The NEE-EW-trending fault systems were distributed in the central part of the Beier Depression and primarily controlled the sedimentary filling of the Tongbomiao and the Lower Nantun Formations. The NE-trending fault systems were distributed in the southwestern part of the Beier Depression and primarily controlled the sedimentary filling of the Upper Nantun Formations. The NW-trending fault systems were distributed rarely in the Beier Depression. Five kinds of combined patterns of the sub-depressions were developed in the Beier Depression, and they are the parallel, en echelon, face-to-face, back-to-back, and S-shaped combined patterns. They were controlled by the NEE-EW-trending and the NE-trending fault systems with different orientations, arrangements, and activation sequences.

Climate Change’s Impact on Honeybee Distribution and Population, Habitats, Bioproducts, and Pest Threats as Protective of SDGs

Mohamed Ezzat Elshekh — 2025-04-23

Bees are essential to human life and ecosystems, significantly contributing to medicine, economics, and environmental equilibrium. Bees serve an essential function as pollinators, facilitating the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables. Bees contribute approximately 117 billion US dollars annually to the economy through their role in crop pollination. They have a direct impact on 35% of agricultural crops and 84% of cultivated plants. Bee products, including honey, propolis, and royal jelly, have been utilized in various traditional medicine practices across numerous countries. These substances have been utilized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. In addition to their economic, ecological, and medical significance, they serve as bioindicators for assessing the health of ecological systems by monitoring distribution and population dynamics. This offers important insights into the current situation, especially regarding the substantial impacts of climate change on the environment. This article seeks to synthesize data from various studies to examine the impact of climate change on bee populations and their habitats. This study illustrates the significant effects of future climate models for 2050 and 2070 on bee distribution, resulting in the decline of specific species populations.

CO2 Emissions among Industrialized Countries amidst Climate Change: South Africa versus Other Selected BRICS Countries and the USA

Joseph Sello Kau — 2025-05-07

Despite countries having signed agreements and developed policy to reduce CO₂ emissions, there is disproportionate compliance with the agreements, with developed countries continuing to be the largest emitters. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of South Africa’s population growth, economic growth, and fertilizer consumption on CO₂ emissions, with those of the US, China, and other BRICS countries. The study used panel data sourced from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators ranging from 1960 to 2023. Results of the fixed effects panel regression show that the coefficient of change for China’s population size (β = 9.156, p < 0.01) is the highest among the six countries. It is followed by the USA (β = 9.156, p < 0.05) and South Africa (β = 1.474, p < 0.01). The effects of GDP for China (β = 1.128, p < 0.01) on CO₂ emissions are the largest, followed by South Africa (β = 1.098, p < 0.01) and the USA in third place (β = 0.614, p < 0.05). These results show that South Africa is highly reliant on coal-based energy resources. As a policy recommendation, South Africa needs to diversify its energy mix and invest more in renewable energy resources.

Study of Chemical and Biological Indicators of Saline Pollution of the Coastal Lake Sidi Boughaba (Kenitra, Morocco)

Manal Maaroufi — 2025-04-24

For around fifty years, the regression and degradation of wetlands were considered so worrying that they were the subject of an international Convention signed on 2 February 1971, in Iran (RAMSAR). This treaty aims to conserve wetlands meeting criteria of international importance through the notion of rational use of these spaces and their biodiversity. The national and even international value of Lake Sidi Boughaba (Kenitra, Morocco) lies in its biodiversity which allowed its inclusion on the Ramsar list in 1980. This importance motivated us to begin an ecological assessment of the level of its pollution through spatiotemporal monitoring and analysis of physicochemical tracers from surface waters at seven sampling stations between January and December 2023. The waters of Lake Sidi Boughaba are relatively basic (pH=8.63), cold (15.14°C), very hard (64 meq/L), quite turbid (7.65 NTU), very salty (1935.85 µs/cm) and well saturated with Calcium ions = 312; Magnesium = 605; Chlorides = 5892; Sulfates = 944; Silicates =26 (mg/l). Other elements including nitrates (1.29 mg/l), ammonium (1.56 mg/l), fluorides (410 µg/l), iron (350 µg/l) and manganese (35 µg/l) are low. This study concludes that Lake Sidi Boughaba is classified in the category of oligomesotrophic lakes and that it is too threatened by the progressive transformation of its fresh water into brackish water and consequently the change in its benthic and planktonic fauna necessary for food of avian fauna. The study further concludes that this wetland is under significant threat, and to protect its biodiversity, innovative approaches to hydrological development are necessary.

The Importance of Ecotourism Development in Kosovo National Park

Bekë Kuqi — 2025-05-12

The Kosovo National Park is an area rich in exceptional natural values, including mountainous landscapes, rivers, green forests, and a rich biodiversity. This park offers opportunities for scenic views and is an ideal destination for those who wish to explore untouched nature. The region is rich in rare flora and fauna, which are important for the preservation of local ecosystems and the global environment. The main objective of this paper is to examine the opportunities and challenges of ecotourism development in the Kosovo National Park, focusing on balancing biodiversity conservation with economic benefits for the local community and sustainable tourism development. The methodology used in this paper is multidimensional, combining analysis of existing literature, similar case studies, and interviews with experts in the field and local stakeholders. This process allows for an in-depth understanding of the opportunities and challenges that ecotourism development presents. To collect reliable data, interviews were conducted with local authorities and environmental experts, and management policies and strategies of similar parks were analyzed. The data were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methods. The research results show that the development of ecotourism in the Kosovo National Park can have a positive impact on nature conservation and can contribute to the economic development of the region. However, this development requires careful management and a balance between biodiversity conservation and economic benefits. Ecotourism activities should be guided by sustainable practices that respect the environment and provide long-term benefits.

Eco-Driven Leadership in Pharmaceutical Industry: The Impact of Knowledge Sharing, Innovation, and Shared Vision on Environmental Performance

Mohammad Nurul Alam — 2025-04-22

Corporate environmental sustainability has become a critical concern, particularly in resource-intensive industries such as pharmaceuticals, where regulatory pressures and stakeholder expectations continue to rise. Despite increasing attention to green leadership, limited research has explored how environmentally responsible leadership (ERL) influences corporate environmental performance (CEP) through employee-driven sustainability behaviors. This study addresses this gap by examining the mediating roles of green knowledge-sharing behavior (GKSB), green innovative behavior (GIB), and voluntary green behavior (VGB), as well as the moderating role of green shared vision (GSV) in the ERL-CEP relationship. The study is grounded in Resource-Based View (RBV), Knowledge-Based View (KBV), Environmental-Based View (EBV), and Triple Bottom Line (TBL) theories, which collectively explain how leadership-driven sustainability efforts create long-term competitive advantages, drive environmental responsibility, and balance economic, social, and environmental sustainability. A quantitative research design was employed, using survey data from 384 employees in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in Smart-PLS 4.0 to assess direct, indirect, and moderating effects. The results confirm that ERL has a significant positive impact on CEP, with GKSB, GIB, and VGB acting as mediators, while GSV strengthens the ERL-CEP relationship. This study provides novel empirical evidence on the mechanisms linking green leadership to corporate sustainability, extending the application of RBV, KBV, EBV, and TBL to leadership-driven environmental management. The findings emphasize the importance of leadership training programs, sustainability-focused organizational cultures, and shared environmental visions. Policymakers should consider incentives for companies adopting ERL practices, ensuring that sustainability becomes a strategic, rather than compliance-driven, priority. This study contributes to leadership and sustainability literature by offering a comprehensive framework for integrating ERL into corporate governance and environmental strategies.

Mineralogical Characterization of Dune Sands in Eastern Morocco (Figuig-Tendrara Region): Mineralogical Composition and Source of Sand Stocks

Smail Harchane — 2025-05-08

The aim of this article is to study and reveal the mineralogical composition of dune sands from the Bouarfa Figuiget region (eastern Morocco) and to find the potential source of these dune sands. The mineralogical study was made by combining field studies to collect samples and determine the facies of the surrounding area with labortory studies, including geochemical analysis (DRX analysis), morphoscopic study of the sands under a binocular magnifying glass according to the fractions making up these sands, heavy mineral extraction and analysis under a microscope, and calcimetric analysis. The results revealed two main categories of minerals in sandy deposits: light and heavy minerals. These include quartz, plagioclase feldspar, calcite platelets, and fragments of greyish, greenish, and whitish rock. Quartz was the dominant mineral. Heavy minerals include dark (opaque) minerals such as garnet, tourmaline, epidote, zircon, rutile, and rock fragments. This composition is the result of erosion, transport, and deposition processes in the crystalline sandstone and sedimentary formations of the eastern High Atlas, which feed the study area via aeolian pathways, including winds from ERG CHBI. The quartz grains in the dune sands of the eastern region, accumulated by wind action, are mainly round, matte grains of aeolian origin. The mineral associations observed show the presence of two types of sandy deposits: (1) Sand dominated by matte, round quartz grains (fraction 225 µm), associated with accessory minerals (garnet, tourmaline, zircon, rutile, kyanite, and epidote), oxides (magnetite and ilmenite), and rock fragments of mixed mineral, crystalline, and sedimentary origin. (2) Totally dominant matte round quartz sand associated with iron oxides and a few rock fragments (fractions 142 µm, 180 µm and 357 µm). Sand with fraction 225 µm consists almost entirely of quartz (88%) with garnets and a few rock fragments. These results suggest that the variation in the composition of the dune sands in the study area depends on the nature of the granulometric fraction studied, and therefore on the variety of sources feeding the sands studied (Chott Tigri, crystalline and sedimentary formations of the Eastern High Atlas).

Enhancing Organizational Sustainability through Green HRM: A Conceptual Review

Md. Abu Issa Gazi — 2025-04-21

This study delves into Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) as well as its link with organizational sustainability. Through a review of literature, this research hopes to fathom the place of eco-sustainability in employee involvement and enhancing environmental responsibility via Green HRM. The main aim of this study is to thoroughly examine the literature on GHRM and its contribution to improving organizational sustainability through employee engagement and diminished environmental impact. The PRISMA guidelines were utilized in this conceptual review in order to investigate the impact that Green HRM has on the sustainability of organizations. The results show that Green HRM is vital for organizational sustainability since it reduces their ecological footprint, raises employee morale, and improves reputation. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of including Green HRM practices into organizational strategies and operations so as to achieve long-term sustainability. Findings indicate that through implementing green HRM practices organizations can record increased employee engagement levels, reduced turnover rates and improved customer satisfaction. Moreover, there are lower costs associated with green human resource management practices because of less waste and a better image for the brand. Nonetheless, some challenges and constraints towards change have been observed in relation to the implementation of these practices by companies. This study therefore gives an overview of how green HRM enhances organizational sustainability, thereby urging firms to adopt sustainable HR practices for successful operations in the future. These findings are important for human resource professionals, policymakers, or organizations who want to embed sustainability into their business strategy.

A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Forest Therapy Research: Investigating the Impact of Forest Environments on Human Physiological and Psychological Well-Being

Wei Hong — 2025-05-13

Human interaction with natural environments is gaining increasing attention in environmental sciences as research consistently shows that access to green spaces, clean air, and biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing physical health, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. This study conducts a bibliometric and visualization-based analysis of forest therapy research, emphasizing its physiological and psychological benefits. Using the Web of Science database, we identified and analyzed 414 studies from 1998 to 2023. Through CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we mapped these documents to examine research trends, publication networks, leading scholars and institutions, key journals, and thematic evolution. Findings indicate that forest therapy research is predominantly concentrated in East Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe, with strong collaborative networks among authors and institutions. The concentration of publications, research evolution, and keyword trends reflect the development of forest therapy research. The analysis further identifies sixteen research clusters and discusses two research themes: physiological and psychological effects. By analyzing how the natural environment contributes to human well-being, we provide a comprehensive and visually structured understanding of forest therapy as an intersection of environmental science, public health and well-being, and ecosystem conservation. Our findings offer a new perspective for future interdisciplinary research, emphasizing the need for well-designed clinical trials to substantiate forest therapy’s diverse health effects and its role in promoting sustainable interactions between human societies and natural environments.