Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences

Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change in Viet Nam: Evidence from Coastal Households, Quang Nam Province

Nguyen Bang Nong — 2025-05-29

Vietnam, with its twenty-eight coastal provinces, is one of the nations most profoundly affected by the adverse impacts of climate change (CC). These provinces face severe challenges as they contend with the escalating effects of CC, including rising sea levels, typhoons, flooding, and droughts. In this context, this article aims to assess the vulnerability of households' livelihoods in Quang Nam Province by applying the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) developed by Hahn et al., along with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change framework (LVI-IPCC). The study utilises five sources of household capital—human, social, physical, natural, and financial—to construct its indices. The data for this article is based on a survey of 200 households. The research methodology combines both quantitative and qualitative methods, including questionnaire interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The research period spans from 2021 to 2023. The study results revealed that the household LVI was 0.371, while the LVI-IPCC was 0.086, highlighting the critical need for access to food and clean water, which scored 0.458 and 0.351, respectively. The research underscores how CC significantly affects the livelihoods of coastal communities, particularly in sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, and agriculture. The study concludes that CC poses significant challenges to the livelihoods of coastal communities in Quang Nam Province and that adaptation measures are necessary to support these communities. The research highlights the importance of livelihood diversification, job transformation, and improving knowledge and skills to enhance the resilience of coastal communities to CC.

Interpreting the Geomorphology of Carolina Bays as Secondary Impact Structures

Christopher Cottrell — 2025-05-29

This study examines the Carolina Bays and Nebraska Rainwater Basins, using high-resolution LiDAR elevation models to analyze their unique shapes. The research reveals that well-preserved Bays exhibit precise elliptical geometry, distinguishing them from various oriented lakes they are often compared to. While the timing of their formation is discussed, the primary goal of this paper is to establish a repeatable method for quantifying the elliptical nature of these dominant geomorphic landforms. By applying the least squares method to points selected along the perimeters of these extraordinary basins, the study confirms their elliptical geometry with an error margin of less than 3%. This rigorous mathematical approach sets a high standard for any hypothesis attempting to explain the origin of these depressions using natural environmental conditions. Notably, the long axes of these elliptical basins converge near the Great Lakes region, and since ellipses can be described as conic sections, this finding supports the plausibility of a cosmic impact origin. The study suggests that these basins may be secondary impact features formed during a past glacial cycle of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. This research establishes a strong mathematical foundation to support future studies on the possible impact origin of the Carolina Bays and Nebraska Rainwater Basins.

Adopting Conservation Agriculture Systems in Morocco: A Case Study

Othmane Brache — 2025-05-28

This research paper addresses, from an ecogeographic perspective within a localised context, a new concept of nature conservation within modern farming systems: the direct seeding technique based on the principles of the Conservation Agriculture System (CAS). The adoption of CAS aims to increase soil fertility, promote biodiversity, and sustain production, making it one of the most effective adaptation solutions available to address the challenges of climate change. CAS is defined as a farming system based on three key principles: minimal soil disturbance (reduced or zero tillage), maintaining a permanent soil cover (with residues from previous crops), and adopting crop rotation (diversifying crops rather than limiting them to a single type in consecutive seasons). However, there is limited research and a lack of scientific studies on the implementation of conservation agriculture in developing nations such as Morocco, particularly in the Had Kourt region. This study aims to assess the feasibility of CAS compared to traditional agricultural systems by surveying the opinions of farmers who have experience with both systems and comparing the outcomes of their practices based on simple indicators as an initial stage, with further analysis of additional indicators planned through subsequent scientific investigations. The sampling method used in this study is non-discriminatory, as semi-structured interviews were conducted with a group of farmers to gather their opinions on CAS. The adoption of conservation agriculture has been linked to prior knowledge of the system, acquired through training and fieldwork via application platforms, which remain limited in scope.

Urban Flood Risk Management Based on Asset Life Cycle Method for Drainage System: Case Study Gedebage Area, Bandung, Indonesia

Rani Gayatri Kusumawardhani Pradoto — 2025-05-29

Flooding is a natural phenomenon influenced by various factors and occurs frequently across many regions in Indonesia, including Gedebage in Bandung City, West Java. Gedebage is one of the city’s lowest-lying areas, with an elevation of 666–669 meters above sea level, making it particularly prone to recurrent flooding. The main issue is the absence of an integrated disaster management system. This research aims to identify the drainage system's asset life cycle (planning, implementation, and operation & maintenance) and assess flood risk in Gedebage. The risk assessment was conducted using questionnaires to evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of risks. In response to major risks, appropriate mitigation strategies were developed. Mitigation efforts included both structural and non-structural measures. The structural mitigation design involved selecting technological alternatives using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision-making tool that helps compare multiple criteria and alternatives in a structured way. The results indicate that 27% of the assessed risks were unacceptable, 42% undesirable, and 31% acceptable. Flood risk in Gedebage can be managed through structural actions, such as drainage revitalization using a closed system, and non-structural strategies, including human-centric, administrative, and cultural approaches. Based on AHP analysis, the most effective technology was a closed drainage system and porous paving blocks.

Prediction and Modelling of Land Use Change in Pesawaran District Lampung Using ANN and Cellular Automata

Irma lusi Nugraheni — 2025-05-27

The simultaneous increase in development in Pesawaran Regency is closely correlated with the intense competition for land use. However, low policy implementation effectiveness has led to construction beyond designated spatial plan. The study used a quantitative survey using Landsat images in 2016, 2019, and 2022. The data analysis techniques used geographic information systems integrated with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Cellular Automata (CA) models. This study aims to predict land-use change in 2031, evaluate its alignment with spatial planning, and provide guidance for controlling land-use change. The results showed that there has been an increase in land use. In 2019, built-up land reached 7,069.65 Ha. The model shows its ability to predict land simulation and transformation, where it is predicted that built-up land in 2031 will experience an increase of up to 40.10%, so development and change cannot be avoided every year. This study also suggests that decision-makers and local governments should reconsider spatial planning strategies. This study shows that there have been many land use changes from 2016 to 2022. The model shows its ability to predict simulation and land transformation. When using the model, there are many changes in the land use area in 2031. This is due to wet agricultural land turning into built-up land by almost 70%. This study shows that road network influence land-use change. The cellular automata model managed to capture the complexity with simple rules. Predictions for future research should focus on conserving wetlands and primary forests.

Characterization and Management of Sewage Sludge in Abomey Calavi: Pathways to Sustainable Treatment Solutions

Nikita Topanou — 2025-05-28

In the Republic of Benin, as in many other West African countries, urban areas have experienced rapid population growth in recent years. This situation has led to an increasing demand for sanitation facilities, necessitating regular emptying of these systems. In a bid to reduce health risks and protect the surrounding natural environment, the management of the by-products from these systems has become a significant concern for decision-makers at various levels. This study aims to characterize fecal sludge at the Abomey-Calavi treatment station and suggest a mixed biological treatment approach. Fifteen sewage sludge samples were collected in 1,500 ml plastic bottles from Adjagbo's Sewage Treatment Station, operated by SGDS-SA, a Waste Management and Sanitation company. Physico-chemical parameters were determined using spectrophotometric analysis. Colonies were enumerated using membrane filtration and inoculation. Correlation analysis was performed on sewage sludge samples. The main results indicate an alkaline character (pH > 7) and a high organic pollutant load in the fecal sludge, with average concentrations of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days (BOD₅) at 18,730 mg O₂.L⁻¹ and 6,612 mg O₂.L⁻¹, respectively. The COD/BOD₅ ratio of 2.83 suggests that the material is partially biodegradable. Furthermore, the nutrients exhibited high concentrations of nitrates, with an average value of 4,786 mg.L⁻¹, while nitrites, ammoniacal nitrogen, and orthophosphates had average concentrations of 22.48 mg.L⁻¹, 119.74 mg.L⁻¹, and 239.0 mg.L⁻¹, respectively. This study characterized fecal sludge at the Abomey-Calavi treatment station and suggests a mixed biological treatment approach.

High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes from Optimized Single-Step Carbonized Michelia Champaca Biomass

Dibyashree Shrestha — 2025-05-16

This study explores the potential of Michelia champaca wood as a sustainable and locally available precursor for the fabrication of high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. Activated carbons were synthesized through single-step carbonization at 400 °C and 500 °C (SSC-400 °C and SSC-500 °C) and double-step carbonization at 400 °C (DSC-400 °C), with all samples activated using H₃PO₄. The effects of carbonization stratergy on the structural, morphological, and electrochemical characteristics of the resulting carbon materials were systematically evaluated, using techniques such as BET, SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman scattering, FTIR, CV, GCD and EIS. Among the samples, SSC-400 °C exhibited the best electrochemical performance, achieving a specific capacitance of 292.2 Fg⁻¹, an energy density of 6.4 Wh kg⁻¹, and a power density of 198.4 W kg⁻¹. This superior performance is attributed to its optimized pore structure, improved surface functionality and enhanced conductivity. SSC-500 °C showed marginally lower performance, whereas, DSC-400 °C displayed the least favorable results, indicating that double-step carbonization process may negatively affect material quality by disrupting the pore network. This work highlights a strong correlation between synthesis methodology and electrochemical efficiency, directly reinforcing the importance of process optimization in electrode material development. The findings contribute to the broader goal of developing cost-effective, renewable and environmentally friendly energy storage systems. By valorizing biomass waste, the study supports global movements toward green energy technologies and circular carbon economies, offering a viable pathway for sustainable supercapacitor development and practical applications in energy storage devices.

SIF: Satellite Image Fusion for Deforestation Analysis in the Amazon Using S-1 and S-2 Data for LULC Applications

Priyanka Darbari — 2025-05-26

Deforestation is the purpose of converting forest into land and reforestation compared to deforestation is very low. That’s why closely and accurately deforestation monitoring using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite images for better vision is required. This paper proposes an effective image fusion technique that combines S-1/2 data to improve the deforested areas. Based on review, Optical and SAR image fusion produces high-resolution images for better deforestation monitoring. To enhance the S-1/2 images, preprocessing is needed as per requirements and then, collocation between the two different types of images to mitigate the image registration problem, and after that, apply an image fusion machine learning approach, PCA-Wavelet. As per analysis, PCA helps to maintain spatial resolution, and Wavelet helps to preserve spectral resolution, gives better-fused images compared to other techniques. As per results, 2019 S-2 preprocessed collocated image enhances 42.2508 km² deforested area, S-1 preprocessed collocated image enhances 23.7918 km² deforested area, and after fusion of the 2019 S-1/2 images, it enhances 16.5335 km²deforested area. Similarly, the 2023 S-2 preprocessed collocated image enhances 49.2216 km²deforested area, S-1 preprocessed collocated image enhances 23.8459 km²deforested area after fusion of the 2023 S-1/2 images, enhancing 35.9185 km²deforested area. These improvements show that combining data sources gives a clearer and more reliable picture of forest loss over time. The overall paper objective is to apply effective techniques for image fusion of Brazil's Amazon Forest and analyze the difference between collocated image pixels and fused image pixels for accurate analysis of deforested area.