Research in Ecology

Climate Change Awareness: An Imperative for Environmental and Earth Stewardship

2025-08-26T14:49:33+08:00

The accelerating impacts of climate change, rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss underscore the urgent need for widespread public awareness. This research explores why climate change awareness is not just beneficial but essential for effective environmental stewardship and the long-term health of our planet. The research proffers informed communities, encouraging sustainable practices, and driving policy advocacy, awareness serves as a model for collective action. This call to consciousness challenges individuals, institutions, and nations to recognize their role in shaping a resilient, sustainable future for the Earth. Methodology adopted in this research is a mixed-method design, involving both qualitative and quasi-experimental designs, which engages the use of focus group discussions and oral interviews to explore deeper insights into perceptions, biodiversity loss consciousness, and environmental depletion challenges. Also, applicable under the qualitative method is the secondary data collection mode, namely, reports from IPCC, government policy documents, and existing literature related to the context of the research. The empirical and scientific data analysis was presented from the data collected and was coded and subjected to analysis using a paired samples t-test. The study is grounded on the theory of “Value-Belief-Norm”(VBN) developed by Stern et al. The VBN theory posits that individuals are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviour when their values (especially biosphere and altruistic), beliefs (about environmental consequences), and norms (personal responsibility to act) align. The findings of this study underscore the critical role of climate change awareness in fostering environmental and earth stewardship. The paper recommends that Governments of the country (State and federal) should take urgent steps in sensitising the general public on the causes and impact of climate change.

Water Quality Dynamics of Sumber Suko Spring in East Java, Indonesia: Towards Sustainable Management

2025-09-19T13:42:46+08:00

Springs are vital freshwater sources for rural communities, yet they are increasingly threatened by nutrient enrichment, microbial contamination, and declining ecological integrity. This study assessed the water quality of Sumber Suko Spring in East Java, Indonesia, through an integrated ecological approach combining physicochemical, microbiological, biological, and hydrological parameters across wet and dry seasons. Physicochemical results showed stable temperature (24.1–26.7 °C), near-neutral pH (6.4–6.9), and adequate dissolved oxygen (6.2–7.4 mg/L). However, nitrate concentrations were elevated (39.37–48.16 mg/L), exceeding natural background levels and indicating agricultural leaching, while phosphate values ranged between 0.12–0.21 mg/L. Microbial analysis revealed high total coliform counts (24 CFU/100mL), far above WHO standards, although E. coli was not detected. Plankton analysis identified 10 genera, with Microcystis aeruginosa dominating, particularly in the dry season, signaling risks of eutrophication. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H’) ranged from 1.25 to 1.67, with evenness values between 0.43 and 0.56, reflecting low-to-moderate community stability. Hydrological measurements showed seasonal discharge fluctuations from 14.6 L/s in the wet season to 7.8 L/s in the dry season, strongly correlated with rainfall. Overall, the integration of nutrient enrichment, coliform contamination, and cyanobacterial dominance indicates that Sumber Suko Spring is under ecological stress and does not meet drinking water standards without treatment. The findings highlight the urgent need for source protection, disinfection, and continuous monitoring within a water safety plan framework. This study provides evidence-based insights to support local policy alignment with WHO guidelines and emphasizes the importance of community participation in sustaining spring ecosystems for long-term water security.

New Distribution Records of Cardaria Desv. Species in the Flora of the Southern Caucasus (Azerbaijan)

2025-07-24T09:38:02+08:00

The article discusses the new distribution areas of species belonging to the genus Cardaria Desv. in the flora of the Nakhchivan Botanical-Geographical Region of the South Caucasus (Republic of Azerbaijan). Four species of the genus Cardaria Desv. are recorded in the flora of the Nakhchivan Botanical-Geographical Region: Cardaria boissieri (N. Busch) Soó (Lepidium boisseri N. Busch), Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. (Lepidium draba L.), Cardaria propinqua (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) N. Busch (L. propinquum (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.)), and Cardaria repens (Schrenk) Jarm. Based on the expeditionary research and collected materials from the mountainous areas surrounding several settlements in the Julfa and Ordubad districts of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the following species have been identified: Cardaria boissieri (N. Busch) Soó, Cardaria draba (L.) Desv., Cardaria propinqua (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) N. Busch, and Cardaria repens (Schrenk) Jarm. Additionally, information about the life forms, phenophases, ecological groups, distribution coordinates, altitude ranges, and geographical elements of the species has been provided. The species composition of the phytocenosis involving the species Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. has been studied, and these data are presented in a tabular format. In addition, information is provided on the distribution of Cardaria Desv. species across the Botanical-Geographical Regions of the Azerbaijani part of the South Caucasus.

Field Application of SeMNPV (Spodoptera exigua Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus) for Controlling Spodoptera exigua on Shallot and Scallion in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

2025-11-26T09:35:12+08:00

Shallot and scallion are among the essential horticultural crops in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, and their yields and quality are affected by the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. To control this pest, farmers have used a large number of insecticides, which has led to resistance due to continuous use and environmental harm, thereby increasing interest in biological methods, including the Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV). The study aims to assess the efficacy of the liquid and powder formulation of SeMNPV against Spodoptera exigua under the actual agricultural conditions of Soc Trang (Shallot) and Vinh Long provinces (Scallion). The experimental arrangement used four treatments: SeMNPV liquid, SeMNPV powder, Radiant 60SC (a chemical insecticide), and the control. Some of the factors evaluated were larval density, level of leaf damage, yield, and natural enemies attack. The SeMNPV powder had the least damage, only 0.97 per cent (damage of plant), and a yield of 28.59 t/ha, and was almost equally good as the Radiant 60SC, which produced a damage of 2.53 per cent (damage of plant) and a yield of 29.41 t/ha. SeMNPV treatments significantly reduced larval numbers (down to fewer than 10 larvae/m² by day 40) and enhanced natural enemies, parasitoids, and microsporidia. The untreated one had the highest damage (8.03%), while the yield was lowest at 19.61 t/ha. Therefore, SeMNPV in powder form has the potential to control S. exigua infestations and to encourage biological control, making it a favourable, environmentally friendly addition to synthetic insecticides in the cultivation of shallot and scallion.

Effect of Land Use on Daytime Climatic Comfort in High-Rise Urban Developments in Delhi

2025-04-30T11:34:51+08:00

This research offers valuable insights into the relationship between land use and daytime climatic comfort in high-rise urban developments in Delhi. This city is navigating rapid urbanisation and facing critical environmental challenges like pollution, heat stress, land degradation etc. The study aims to enhance understanding of how diverse land use patterns influence thermal comfort by utilising satellite data from the Landsat/Resourcesat series for classification and MODIS for land surface temperature (LST) extraction. The findings highlight that regions with dense construction and limited green and blue spaces tend to experience lower levels of climatic comfort, with 17.17 Percent of Delhi's geographical area feeling the adverse effects of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. On a positive note, 40.20 Percent of the area is associated with high climatic comfort, primarily due to natural features such as vegetation and water bodies. Furthermore, the research indicates a noteworthy increase in land surface temperatures (LST) from 2000 to 2022, with peak recorded temperatures rising from 38.35°C in 2000 to 47.27°C in 2022. In summary, this study emphasises the importance of understanding and addressing the UHI effect in urban settings, providing constructive recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders dedicated to fostering improved livability and sustainability in urban environments.

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of the Vegetation Cover in a Northern Forest of Morocco: Izarene Forest

2025-08-26T16:17:12+08:00

The study presents an analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of vegetation cover in the Izarene forest, using LANDSAT satellite images collected for the years 1984, 2003, and 2022. The methodological approach is based on the use of ArcGIS 10.8 software for processing multispectral images, as well as the calculation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which enables the observation of variations in vegetation cover over time. The findings show that biodiversity is pretty abundant, but they also show that some places with low vegetation density are under a lot of stress. Due in large part to overuse of natural resources, uncontrolled human activity, and environmental factors, these regions seem to be more vulnerable to degradation. However, a decrease in deforestation over the past 20 years is revealed by comparing the two periods (1984–2003 and 2003–2022). The participation of governmental agencies, especially the Department of Water and Forests, through concrete projects like reforestation, forest fire prevention, and awareness-raising campaigns among local communities, is responsible for this progress. In several areas, these measures have stabilized or even improved the state of the vegetation. The analysis emphasizes how crucial sustainable, integrated, and participatory management is to protecting the Izarene forest, which is a significant resource for maintaining the region’s ecological balance.

Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystems from Coastal Lakes (Agigea, Tuzla, and Costinești)

2025-08-05T16:49:06+08:00

This study presents an integrated assessment of sedimentological, granulometric, physico-chemical, and biological characteristics in three Romanian coastal lakes, based on 2022 field surveys. A total of 59 sediment samples were analyzed lithologically and granulometrically, and 12 were examined for macrozoobenthic community composition. Water samples were assessed for nutrient and pigment concentrations to evaluate trophic status and ecological condition. Sediments were predominantly silty–clayey, indicating low-energy depositional environments. Organic matter content was highest in Lakes Agigea and Tuzla, suggesting enhanced primary productivity and organic detritus accumulation, while Lake Costinești showed higher biogenic carbonate content from mollusc shells. Macrozoobenthic assemblages were dominated by taxa tolerant to organic enrichment and hypoxia, including Chironomidae larvae, Oligochaeta, and Cyprideis torosa. Water quality analysis indicated good ecological status in Agigea Lake, whereas Tuzla Lake was severely eutrophic, with phosphate and nitrite in Class IV and chlorophyll-a exceeding Class V thresholds (>250 µg/L), consistent with cyanobacterial blooms. Elevated sulfate (Class III) and suspended solids further impaired Tuzla’s transparency. In Costinești, marine taxa presence and variable salinity reflected periodic seawater exchange. Anthropogenic influences were evident—nutrient enrichment from fisheries in Tuzla and marine species introduction in Costinești—highlighting system vulnerability to human pressure. The integration of sediment, water quality, and biological indicators emphasizes the need for continuous, interdisciplinary monitoring to track ecological shifts, support adaptive management, and conserve biodiversity and ecosystem integrity in Romanian coastal lakes.

The Habitat Ecology Species of (Pteropus vampyrus) and (Pteropus lylei) Natural Exploitation as Food Sources in Tra Vinh, Vietnam

2025-09-19T13:42:14+08:00

Bat population appears is maintained as the last habitat of these species in the La Ca Pagoda (old) area of the Khmer ethnic people in Tra Vinh. Methods are interview, count individuals in the habitat, species, population, determine the type of plants, the height of the living bats; results of the current status of species, quantity, distribution, residence and reproduction of species; impacts on 2 species of horse bats related to the conservation of horse bats; compared to previous by the Ehb function, with the parameters Hchb (Horseback bat community) the existence of the community compared to the previous time, at least 1 breeding season; Hhhb (Horse bat habitat) on living conditions; Hfhb (Horse bat food) on food sources for the community to live; Hphb (Horse bat protection) on conditions to protect the community; evaluated by score (0–1); the results the species Pteropus vampyrus decreased by 79.51%, the species Pteropus lylei increased by 6.8 times. The total number is 1239 individuals, including 1072 THB and 168 LHB. Both of these species have been recorded in previous surveys. The number of individuals counted was larger than the previous survey (1239 individuals compared to 957 individuals); the number of LHB in this survey was much smaller than the previous count (168 individuals compared to 820 individuals); the number of THB was 1072 individuals compared to 137 individuals). Using a function-based assessment method with ecologically relevant parameters can objectively assess the distribution and status of threatened populations to effectively protect their survival.

Quantifying the Cooling Potential of Urban Tree Species: A Trait-Based Approach Using Envi-Met Simulations and Regression Analysis

2025-07-10T15:39:10+08:00

Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects are exacerbated by the expansion of impervious surfaces and loss of vegetation in urban centers, leading to elevated air and surface temperatures and reduced thermal comfort. Urban trees, through shading and evapotranspiration, are among the most effective Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for passive cooling. This study assesses the cooling potential of selected tree species by analyzing their morphological and physiological traits using a combination of ENVI-met microclimate simulations and multiple regression modeling. A total of 15 urban tree species were selected from the literature and analyzed based on their dependency of their cooling efficacy. Later validated in urban setting by Envi-met simulations. Key traits, such as Leaf Area Index (LAI), canopy density, transpiration rate, tree height, rooting depth, and water availability, were analyzed. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to quantify the contribution of each trait to ambient temperature reduction. Results revealed that LAI (R² = 0.76, p < 0.001) and transpiration rate (R² = 0.71, p < 0.001) were the most significant predictors of daytime cooling, while canopy openness and tree height were more strongly correlated with nighttime heat dissipation. High-performing species, such as Ficus benghalensis, Azadirachta indica, and Samanea saman, demonstrated a maximum temperature reduction of 2.5–4.2 °C, especially in compact, low-rise, and mid-rise zones. The study provides a quantitative trait-based framework for tree selection in urban greening initiatives and offers evidence to guide landscape planning and UHI mitigation strategies through scientifically informed plantation design.

Water Governance in Secondary Cities in Togo: Issues and Challenges in Noèpé and Kovié

2025-10-10T15:07:31+08:00

Although progress has been made nationally in terms of drinking water coverage, access remains a significant challenge in Togo's secondary cities, particularly in Noèpé and Kovié. These areas are experiencing rapid urbanization and sustained population growth, which is putting increasing pressure on often dilapidated infrastructure. This study aims to examine the institutional, regulatory and organizational mechanisms that shape water governance in Noèpé and Kovié, to identify the main obstacles and potential pathways towards equitable and sustainable access to drinking water. The research combined a literature review with qualitative fieldwork, including 67 semi-structured interviews and focus groups with institutional actors, municipal authorities and community association. Thematic analysis was used to triangulate institutional discourse, policy documents and community perspectives. The findings reveal that governance is hindered by institutional fragmentation, weak inter-institutional coordination, compounded by centralized governance. Community-based models, although widespread, suffer from lack of professionalization, financial fragility, weak community participation and conflicts interest. Infrastructure deficits, dependence on ad hoc external funding, and limited regulation exacerbate service inequalities. To address these challenges, this study concludes that water governance in secondary cities must be adapted to institutional and regulatory frameworks while taking local specifics into account. Strengthening institutional and community capacities, updating stakeholder mapping, developing participatory governance mechanisms and establishing shared governance mechanisms are essential. Local master plan aligned with urban planning strategies are recommended to anticipate demographic pressures and climate variability. Such reforms would help to ensure sustainable access to drinking water.

Adverse Effects of Coastal Reclamation on the Environment and Ecosystems: A Case of Hai Phong—Ha Long Area (Vietnam)

2025-09-10T11:10:29+08:00

The Hai Phong-Ha Long coastal area, with its World Natural Heritage site of Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba islands, has been under intense pressure from rapid development to meet the socio-economic goals set by Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province. As such, urgent land needs for infrastructure construction of economic sectors and urbanization have led to intensive coastal reclamation and seafill leveling, and their environmental consequences. The objective of this study is to assess the adverse environmental effects of coastal reclamation in the Hai Phong—Ha Long area, focusing on ecosystems, environmental quality, and seabed morphology at a regional scale. To achieve this objective, the study employed the regular techniques of environmental assessment methods, such as checklists, matrices, network diagrams, and overlay maps, to appraise these environmental consequences. The results show three main impacted natural components, including coastal ecosystems, environmental qualities, and morphological seabeds, besides coastline changes and socio-economic issues. The most impacted component was coastal ecosystems, followed by the coastal environmental qualities of seawater and sediments, and then the morphological seabed. Based on the study results, it is recommended that during the development of an integrated coastal management plan for the coastal area of Hai Phong – Ha Long, environmental issues of coastal reclamation and seafill leveling must be given much attention.

Greenhouse Effect Evaluation: Giga Chat Optimization Algorithm (GCOA)

2025-12-09T15:10:27+08:00

The algorithm is designed to solve the global problem of multi-objective optimization with constraints in the context of greenhouse gas assessment and mitigation. Artificial intelligence provides unique opportunities for analyzing large amounts of data and identifying hidden relationships between various factors affecting emissions. The use of AI makes it possible to develop effective emission reduction strategies, predict the consequences of various scenarios, and evaluate the effectiveness of decisions made. Machine learning algorithms are capable of modeling complex systems such as energy infrastructure, transportation, and industry to determine the best ways to minimize emissions. The greenhouse effect and related climate change pose one of the most serious threats to our future. Innovative approaches and modern technologies are needed to effectively combat these problems. Government intelligence, in particular, Giga Chat, offers a variety of services for analysts, forecasting, and user support. Their use can significantly accelerate the transition to sustainable development and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature growth to 1.5 ℃. However, realizing the potential of AI requires careful preparation and consideration of many factors, including data quality, ethics, and technical aspects. Only through the joint efforts of scientists, politicians, and society will we be able to overcome the challenge of climate change and build a future that is safe for future generations.

A Critical Review of Urban Geochemical Pollution and Health Risks from Harmful Elements Using Geochemical Indices

2025-08-18T16:03:55+08:00

Urban geochemical alteration and transformation are complex processes that affect air, water, and soil, potentially posing serious health risks to the residents. Our health is determined by where we live now, and where we have previously lived and how long we have been there. This review explores patterns of urban environmental pollution and public health risks associated with potentially harmful elements. Academic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used to find pertinent peer-reviewed papers, reports, and case studies. It discusses urban environmental and medical geochemistry, focusing on toxic heavy metals of public health concern and their urban sources. Case studies on geochemical anomalies in street dust, atmospheric, lithochemical, and hydrochemical contexts are critically examined. The review evaluates the effectiveness of geochemical indices in assessing pollution and health risk patterns in road dust, soil, air, and water, emphasizing the importance of geochemical background in urban geochemistry and medical geology. Strategies to reduce toxic heavy metal pollution in urban areas are also reviewed to protect public health. Finally, it offers conclusions and recommendations for future research. It is obvious that the environmental geochemistry of soil, street dust, water, and air contain a wealth of information about the state of urban environments. The outcomes of this study will help to raise public awareness of urban pollution and associated health risks, promoting environmental preservation and health protection in urban settings.