Research in Ecology

Low-cost Adsorbents: Review on Current Trends and Developments

Relebohile Hlabana, Saheed Oke, Thandi Gumede — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Pollution from human activities causes water contamination that impacts aquatic ecosystems and threatens public health while endangering environmental sustainability. This highlights the need for water restoration and biodiversity protection using indigenous, low-cost, and sustainable technologies. Adsorbents currently used in wastewater remediation are evolving from traditional materials to more cost-effective options. This study is focused on tracking advancements and the evolution of adsorbents while maintaining ecological sustainability, and to identify gaps requiring further research. The review consolidated the ongoing work on adsorbents collected from Google Scholar and dated 2020-2025 to evaluate emerging trends and developments in low-cost adsorbents. The evolution of these materials demonstrates remarkable adaptability and multi-functionality, enabling low-cost adsorbents to address a wide range of water quality issues efficiently; however, there is a need to maintain minimal environmental impact. Multifunctional adsorbents derived from biomaterials, nanotechnology, and stimuli-responsive materials show promising potential for simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants. These adsorbents also facilitate tailored recycling and secondary applications of exhausted materials, thereby reducing secondary pollution. The integration of biomaterials, nanotechnology, and stimuli-responsiveness marks a significant advancement in creating more versatile and effective wastewater treatment technologies capable of tackling diverse challenges. Their notable features—such as high surface area for adsorption, responsiveness to environmental stimuli, and photocatalytic abilities—enable low-cost adsorbents to effectively eliminate pathogens, as well as organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater. The study highlights current challenges related to real-world pilot studies, secondary pollution, and scaling up. It concludes that integrating low-cost adsorbents with enabling technologies can be the key to their successful deployment in practical pilot settings that are easy to scale up, ultimately supporting ecosystem health and enhancing ecological resilience.

Ecological Implications of Fungicide Use in Rice Blast Control: A Review of International In Vivo Trials

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Rice blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is one of the most damaging fungal diseases affecting rice production worldwide, with major implications for food security and agroecosystem stability. Chemical control, particularly the use of tricyclazole, has been widely adopted in many rice-growing regions due to its specific action on the pathogen’s melanin biosynthesis pathway. This review compiles and analyzes findings from in vivo field studies conducted in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America to assess the agronomic efficacy, environmental risks, and sustainability of tricyclazole-based treatments. Results consistently show that tricyclazole provides effective protection against both leaf and panicle blast, contributing to improved plant health and enhanced grain yield. However, long-term reliance on this fungicide presents challenges, including the potential development of pathogen resistance, residue accumulation in rice grains and soil, and ecotoxicological impacts on non-target organisms in integrated rice–aquatic systems. The review emphasizes the importance of integrated disease management approaches that combine fungicides with genetic resistance, crop rotation, optimized fertilization, and ecological practices. Special attention is given to sustainability issues, highlighting the need for the rotation of active ingredients, residue monitoring, and ecological risk assessments. By providing a balanced perspective on both the benefits and limitations of tricyclazole, this paper supports more informed decisions in rice disease management and contributes to the transition toward more resilient and environmentally responsible agricultural systems.

Integrating Emerging Technologies and Eco-Friendly Materials for Soil Health and Environmental Resilience

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Soil is the basic component of the ecosystem responsible for life. The quality of the soil or soil health is the driving force in the ecosystem. Globally with changing climatic scenario, soil health is greatly affected thus having a greater impact on the agriculture and food production. Attributes like physico-chemical and biological properties of soil determine the status of the soil health. Although, several impacts pertaining to the climate change, unsustainable farming practices, overuse of agrochemicals have led to the depletion of the soil quality. A multifaceted approach is required for conserving and enhancing soil productivity by means of integrating conventional knowledge with modern technology. Modern technologies and concepts like precision agriculture, site-specific nutrient management are gaining importance due to accurate and immediate decision making ability by optimizing input use, enhancing nutrient management, and supporting environmentally sustainable practices. These tools rely on data-driven techniques to monitor and manage soil conditions effectively, thereby promoting soil fertility and reducing ecological harm. Nanotechnology is the other concept giving a promising results under the emerging innovations. Soil fertility that includes the plant growth, nutrient availability and diversified microbial population has improved by application of nanomaterials. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in the widespread adoption of soil health monitoring technologies, including remote sensing and smart sensors. Issues such as limited spatial resolution, inconsistent ground-truth data, and the requirement for specialized skills continue to hinder long-term monitoring efforts. The challenges in adoption of the technologies are due to a lack of skill and high installation costs.

Species Composition of Rodents of the Genus Muridae Illiger and Their Parasitic Gamasoid Mites (Gamasoidea) in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Rodents of the family Muridae are among the most widespread and ecologically adaptable mammals in Kyrgyzstan. They play important ecological roles in seed dispersal, insect regulation, and food chains, while also serving as reservoirs of dangerous zoonotic pathogens such as plague, tularemia, and leptospirosis. Understanding their species composition and distribution is therefore essential for both zoological and epidemiological research. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, distribution, and ectoparasite associations of Muridae in southern Kyrgyzstan. Field surveys were carried out in the foothill and mid-mountain zones between [insert years/seasons]. Small mammals were captured using live traps, identified by morphological features, and their relative abundance was estimated using standard density indices with statistical error (± SE). Parasitic mites were collected and identified with conventional parasitological methods. A total of 11 rodent species belonging to four genera were recorded. In the foothill zone, the dominant species were the grey rat (Rattus norvegicus, 21.1 ± 2.57%) and house mouse (Mus musculus, 19.1 ± 2.47%), while subdominants included the red-tailed gerbil (Meriones libycus) and the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). In the mid-mountain zone, A. sylvaticus (23.1 ± 2.96%) and the archaic vole (Microtus juldaschi, 21.2 ± 2.87%) prevailed. In total, 18 gamasid mite species from nine genera and four families were identified, with Lealaps agilis (31.42 ± 2.22%) as the predominant parasite. These findings clarify the composition, distribution, and host–parasite relationships of Muridae in southern Kyrgyzstan and provide a baseline for future ecological and sanitary-epidemiological monitoring.

Two Decades Without the Mediterranean Monk Seal in the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area: Habitat Suitability Assessment and Monitoring Insights

Souhail KARIM, Hasna BOUAZZATI, Hinde CHERKAOUI DEKKAKI — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is an endangered pinniped species historically distributed along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast. Despite confirmed historical presence in the Al Hoceima region, no sightings have been recorded for over two decades. Between 2024 and 2025, a coastal habitat monitoring campaign was conducted within the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area (MPA) to assess the structural availability and oceanographic suitability of haul-out caves for potential monk seal recolonization. A total of 15 sea caves were surveyed along a 40 km segment of coastline, using geospatial mapping, geomorphological characterization, and swell exposure assessment. Caves were classified into three suitability categories based on morphological depth, elevation of resting platforms above tidal influence, exposure to prevailing hydrodynamic conditions, and degree of anthropogenic disturbance. Three caves (Category A) were identified as highly suitable, exhibiting deep, sheltered configurations with minimal swell penetration and structurally stable platforms above mean sea level. Eight infrared camera traps were deployed in selected high-potential caves to monitor biological and human activity. Although no monk seals were detected (~240 camera-days), the study confirmed the integrity of several key marine cavities and highlighted episodic human presence, including artisanal fishing and ecotourism. These findings provide a critical geospatial and structural baseline for marine habitat monitoring in the region and emphasize the relevance of integrating coastal morphology, marine dynamics, and spatial protection in future monitoring frameworks. The results support adaptive management strategies and inform oceanographic approaches to habitat restoration and species recovery in semi-enclosed Mediterranean systems.

Types of Medicinal Plants of Kyrgyzstan with Sufficient Resource Potential

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The flora of Kyrgyzstan includes about 4000 species of higher plants, more than half of which have medicinal properties to some extent. The current status of 23 species of medicinal plants in Kyrgyzstan has been studied, and their resource potential can be successfully used as a reliable source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. The resource potential of each of the studied species was determined using well-known geobotanical methods. As a result, the resource potential of each studied species within the territory of Kyrgyzstan for one growing season was clarified, and information about their botanical, phytogeographical, and economic characteristics as biological species was supplemented. Among the recorded species of medicinal plants of Kyrgyzstan, 9 species have herbs as a source of raw materials, 3 have rhizomes with roots, 3 have roots, and 5 have mature fruits. Such types of raw material sources as flower buds, immature fruits, seeds, milky plant juice, and flowers are represented only in 1 plant species each. The largest amount of raw materials of plant origin is found in Rumex paulsenianus, Echium vulgare, Crataegus turkestanica, and species (there are only 7 of them) representing the genus Rosa. In the rest of the studied plants, this index is relatively lower than in the previous species.

Radiological Assessment of the Min-Kush Uranium Tailing Dump and the Specifics of Its Rehabilitation

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study examines the current radioecological condition of the former uranium production site in the village of Min-Kush, Kyrgyzstan, which was one of the largest uranium mining centers in the Soviet Union. From 1946 to 1970, Kyrgyzstan served as the primary uranium-producing republic of the USSR, leaving behind a vast legacy of radioactive waste. Inefficient mining and ore processing during this period resulted in the accumulation of approximately 7.5 × 10⁸ m³ of radioactive residues stored in tailings and spoil heaps distributed across the country. One of the key facilities associated with this legacy is the Kara-Balta Mining Plant (KGRK), which remains the largest uranium-processing enterprise in Central Asia. This article presents the findings of a comprehensive radioecological assessment conducted in Min-Kush, including former production sites, mining shafts, industrial infrastructure, and adjacent territories. The study was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) using the ERICA Tool 2 software for environmental risk assessment. The methodology included field sampling, radiometric measurements, site mapping, and data analysis to evaluate residual contamination levels and their ecological impact. The results show that all major contaminated sites, including industrial buildings and surrounding lands, have been remediated in accordance with international environmental and radiation safety standards. Post-rehabilitation monitoring confirms that radiation levels have been reduced to natural background values. This case study of Min-Kush provides an important example of successful reclamation of former uranium production areas and serves as a reference for future environmental restoration projects in post-Soviet regions.

Assessing Climate Change Reporting Disclosure Indexes (CCRDI) in Malaysia Plantation Sector: Toward Sustainable of Food-Security

Ummi Junaidda, Matin Chowdhury — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Climate change is a phenomenon that will raise the number of hydrological extremes, namely floods and droughts, that will affect the plantation sector. This sector is vital to ensure the country's food security in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) of zero hunger. Due to the phenomenon of the environment, the government focuses on both the resilience of businesses and economic sustainability. Climate-related disclosures are essential decision-useful information that enables users to understand the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities. Currently, the practice of Malaysian plantation companies shows limited focus on climate risk reporting, and the report is superficial. Thus, this study is designed to examine the current practice among plantation companies in Malaysia on climate change matters, and to propose an index of sustainability-resilience to climate change in the sustainability report. This study applies a content analysis approach that examines 41 plantation companies listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia. The findings indicate that none of the companies in the sample achieved an 80% level on the climate change reporting disclosure indexes (CCRDI). This presents a situation of inadequate climate disclosures in one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regions, Malaysia, indicating that ASEAN's Agri-sector hinders economic resilience, distorts investment flows, threatens food security, and sustainable growth amid growing climate and geopolitical risks. This specifies a need for a practical policy that should prioritise mandatory climate-related financial disclosures that align with global sustainability frameworks, and enhance capacity building in the plantation sector. Labour skills, knowledge, and resources need to improve to support sustainable practices, climate adaptation, and resilient investment.

Drought Forecast Using Traditional and Custom Models for Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Water scarcity and climate change are two of the biggest worldwide concerns. A complicated and sometimes underappreciated occurrence, drought has an impact on many facets of human existence. Early drought forecasts are therefore essential for water resource management and strategic planning. In order to improve the accuracy of drought prediction, this work presents a unique hybrid model that combines the Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA), Holt-Winters (Exponential Smoothing) model, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), and Random Forest Regressor model. We do a thorough analysis of the Dhaka Division, Bangladesh, daily precipitation data from January 1981 to March 2025. In contrast to other research that only examined standalone machine learning algorithms or conventional statistical models, our study combines the two and offers a comparative performance analysis of hybrid models in the context of drought prediction using SPI. Furthermore, the study uses these models in the understudied setting of Dhaka, Bangladesh, a place where little previous research has been done on drought forecasting. When examined side by side, our hybrid model Holt-Winters with LSTM model outperforms the hybrid approach. For SPI daily predictions, significant statistical parameters like Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) are especially crucial. This noteworthy enhancement highlights how much more accurate the innovative model is in forecasting droughts in Bangladesh's Dhaka Division. Our findings highlight the hybrid model's vital importance in tackling the problems caused by drought in the larger framework of climate change and water resource management.

New Research on the Brassicaceae Burnett. Family: A Systematic Review

Afag M. Aliyeva — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The study of the Brassicaceae family holds particular relevance in the modern era, especially in the context of ecosystem conservation. The ecological plasticity of the species within this family allows them to be regarded as resilient plants under conditions of global warming. Research on this family is also of great importance for agriculture and food security. Some species of Brassicaceae are widely used in the production of pharmaceuticals, bioactive compounds, and industrial products. Scientists around the world are conducting comparative studies on the distribution and adaptation strategies of Brassicaceae species across various climatic and geographical conditions. The study of the Brassicaceae family by scientists worldwide constitutes a significant part of the natural sciences and geography. The Brassicaceae family provides insights into the dynamics of natural phenomena, which are dependent on various factors related to changes in climate conditions and ecosystems on Earth. These studies also have a broad impact on the analysis of vegetation, animal diversity, water resources, soil formation, and other ecological factors. This article discusses recent global research on the Brassicaceae family by scientists. The analyses conducted by researchers and their findings are summarized here. Information about the research directions of scientists on Brassicaceae plants is provided. The results obtained by researchers while studying these plants and their contemporary significance are also discussed.

Citizen Participation and Ecosystem-Based Territorial Adaptation to Climate Change in Morocco: A Case Study from Settat

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Climate change poses increasingly severe risks to ecosystems, livelihoods, and the socio-spatial dynamics of both urban and rural areas, particularly in semi-arid regions such as central Morocco. These territories, already marked by ecological fragility and water scarcity, are especially vulnerable to rising temperatures and recurrent droughts. While national strategies and institutional frameworks provide an essential backbone for climate adaptation, they often remain top-down in orientation and insufficiently connected to local realities. In this context, the engagement of citizens emerges as a decisive yet underutilized factor for strengthening community resilience. This study investigates the ecological and participatory dimensions of adaptation in the municipality of Settat, combining conceptual analysis with field surveys and participatory assessments. It explores how local populations perceive ecological transformations, including biodiversity loss, irregular rainfall patterns, and soil degradation, and how they translate these perceptions into practices of adaptation. Although findings reveal a growing awareness of environmental risks, they also point to the limited inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes. The research underlines the importance of nature-based solutions and participatory ecological tools as levers for building both social and ecological resilience. By advocating for the integration of ecosystem-based approaches into local governance and inclusive frameworks that empower communities as co-managers of climate risks, the study contributes to bridging policy with practice. Aligning local strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), it advances the field of applied and participatory ecology in climate-vulnerable contexts.

Drought-Induced Alterations in Topsoil Characteristics and Acidification Risks in a Floodplain Ecosystem: A Case Study from Tam Nong District, Vietnam

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The Tam Nong district, a flood-prone, low-lying area within Dong Thap province, Vietnam, benefits from nutrient-rich sediments deposited by the upper Mekong River. Its soils, predominantly thionic Fluvisols with smaller areas of Gleyic Acrisols and Histic Fluvisols, are vital for regional agriculture. This study investigates the impact of severe drought events, specifically in 2016 and 2024, on the physicochemical properties of topsoil (0–25 cm). A comparative analysis between drought-affected (2024) conditions and pre-drought/less severe drought (2016 reference) conditions revealed significant, statistically supported detrimental alterations. Drought conditions promoted increased soil acidification, evidenced by reduced pHKCl values across all soil types (p < 0.05) and elevated total sulfur (SO₄²⁻) concentrations. Conversely, organic matter (OM) content, overall fertility, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) generally declined, indicating acid sulfate-driven degradation and diminished fertility. Fine-textured thionic Fluvisols and Epi-prothothionic Histic Fluvisols exhibited greater vulnerability to drought-induced degradation compared to medium-textured Gleyic Acrisols. Thionic Fluvisols underwent the most severe acid sulfate degradation, transitioning from slightly acidic to increasingly acidic states, with pHKCl values frequently dropping below 4.0. Gleyic Acrisols were less affected, maintaining moderate OM and CEC. Histic Fluvisols displayed notable acidification despite their high OM content. These findings underscore the progressive nature of drought-induced soil degradation, posing increasing threats to agricultural sustainability and farmer livelihoods in this vulnerable floodplain ecosystem, and highlight the urgent need for tailored soil management strategies.

Integrating Ecology into Vertical Housing: Critical Success Variables for Green Building Adoption in IKN

Iwan Suprijanto, Moh. Khusaini, Antariksa, Anthon Efani — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The transition to ecologically integrated vertical housing is pivotal to the sustainable development vision of Indonesia’s new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). This study identifies and prioritizes the critical success variables influencing the implementation of green building initiatives within IKN's vertical housing projects. By employing the MICMAC (Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement), a structural analysis approach, the study evaluated inter-variable influences across five sustainability dimensions: environmental, social, economic, institutional, and infrastructural. A total of 91 expert respondents were selected through purposive sampling to assess the strength and dependence of 30 operational variables. The analysis reveals a clear hierarchy, identifying 11 determinant (driver) variables and 9 key (relay) variables as most critical to the system's success. Among the most influential drivers are policy synergy and fund allocation efficiency, which serve as foundational enablers. Meanwhile, community involvement and effective waste management were identified as highly sensitive relay variables that connect strategic policies to tangible outcomes. The research highlights that sustainable high-rise development in IKN requires not only green technology and regulation, but also multidimensional coordination, ecological sensitivity, and inclusive design strategies. The findings offer a practical framework for guiding decision-makers, planners, and developers in achieving ecologically resilient urbanization in tropical environments.

Propagation and Bioecological Peculiarities of Higher Water Plants in Conditions of Karakalpakstan

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study investigates the adaptation strategies, reproductive potential, and bioecological characteristics of four higher aquatic plant species - Pistia stratiotes, Azolla caroliniana, Eichhornia crassipes, and Nelumbo nucifera - under the arid and saline environmental conditions of Karakalpakstan. These species were selected for their ecological significance and potential applications in environmental management. Field observations and controlled experiments were conducted to assess their growth dynamics, reproduction rates, and responses to key environmental variables such as water salinity, temperature fluctuations, nutrient concentrations, and light availability. The results revealed that all four species exhibited high levels of ecological plasticity and tolerance to abiotic stress factors characteristic of the region. Azolla caroliniana and Eichhornia crassipes, in particular, showed rapid vegetative reproduction and significant nitrogen-fixing capacity, which can improve water quality and soil fertility. Pistia stratiotes and Nelumbo nucifera demonstrated efficient biomass production and potential for phytoremediation. All studied species contributed to ecosystem services such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and habitat creation for aquatic organisms. These attributes suggest their utility in integrated water resource management, wetland restoration, and climate adaptation frameworks in arid zones. The study emphasizes the necessity of including such resilient aquatic macrophytes in regional biodiversity strategies to enhance ecological stability and sustainability. The findings provide a scientific basis for the future use of these species in biotechnological and conservation-oriented projects across Central Asia, where water scarcity and environmental degradation pose ongoing challenges.

Eco-Cultural Tourism through Community Participation: Promoting Environmentally Friendly Practices and Cultural Preservation in Prachinburi Province

Issara Siramaneerat, Pornnapa Thanapotivirat, Usana Aree, Areewan Hunsadit — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study investigates the role of community participation in promoting eco-cultural tourism with a focus on environmentally friendly practices and cultural preservation in Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi Province, Thailand. Conducted as a cross-sectional survey, the research sampled 400 individuals from a population of 85,988, using Taro Yamane's formula for sample selection. Data collection took place from March 1 to 31, 2024, gathering information on individual demographics, levels of community engagement, eco-cultural tourism knowledge, and perceptions of tourism impacts. Statistical analyses, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and multi-classification analysis (MCA), explored the relationship between socio-demographic factors and community participation in eco-cultural tourism. The analysis revealed significant overall differences, with an F-value of 14.662 and p = 0.000, indicating that the analyzed factors substantially impact eco-friendly tourism development. Age was found to have a highly significant effect (F = 37.602, p = 0.000), showing a strong relationship between respondents' age and environmentally friendly tourism development. Additionally, eco-tourism knowledge was significantly influential (F = 7.658, p = 0.006), highlighting the role of awareness in shaping community behavior. Moreover, tourism-derived income significantly influenced eco-friendly tourism development (F = 52.137, p = 0.000), underscoring the economic benefits from tourism in fostering community engagement. Furthermore, significant differences were observed for gender, marital status, education, and community residence, showing statistical significance (p < 0.05). Findings underscore the potential of educational and cultural awareness initiatives to enhance community engagement in eco-cultural tourism, suggesting targeted educational efforts as a means for policymakers and stakeholders to foster sustainable tourism practices that respect both the environment and cultural heritage.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Variability on Migratory Bird Patterns and Habitat Dynamics: A Case Study of Bharatpur, India

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Climate change, largely driven by the rapid rise in greenhouse gas emissions, is now widely recognized as a major force reshaping ecological systems around the world. One of the clearest signs of this transformation is the noticeable shift in bird migration patterns, particularly among species that travel long distances. This study explores how unusual changes in temperature and rainfall are influencing migratory bird behavior in Bharatpur, a renowned wetland region in India. Using a combination of firsthand insights from local communities and sanctuary staff, along with official climate data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the research follows a mixed-method approach. Fieldwork, ecological monitoring, and statistical analysis were conducted to better understand these dynamics. The results show a clear decline in the arrival of iconic species, such as the Indian Sarus and the Siberian Crane, which is linked to irregular rainfall and warmer winters. Changes in seasonal timing, such as earlier blooming of plants and insect emergence, are also creating mismatches with bird breeding periods, resulting in food shortages for chicks. The study also notes that while monsoon rains tend to support crane populations, excessive winter rainfall may have the opposite effect. In addition to climate pressures, human-related challenges such as shrinking habitats and the spread of invasive species are further endangering these migratory birds.