Research in Ecology

Ecogeographical Analysis of Brassicaceae Species Distributed in the Southern Caucasus (Azerbaijan Region)

Afag Aliyeva — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This article presents a systematic analysis of Brassicaceae species distributed in the Azerbaijani sector of the Southern Caucasus, structured for the first time according to five major phytogeographical regions. Although representatives of the Brassicaceae family in the flora of Azerbaijan are characterized by high ecological adaptability, their distribution across different regions and their relationship with ecological and geographical factors have not yet been systematically studied. The aim of this study is to identify the distribution patterns of species across phytogeographical regions and to assess their correlations with ecological factors and anthropogenic impacts. Although previous studies reported 74 genera and 248 species of the family in the flora of Azerbaijan, recent research—taking into account taxonomic revisions and newly discovered species—has identified 77 genera and 255 species. The degree of anthropogenic impact was assessed based on field observations and population density indicators. Based on literature sources, this section presents the Brassicaceae species included in Azerbaijan’s “Red Book,” their conservation status, as well as endemic and subendemic species, highlighting the unique floristic value of the region. This research distinguishes itself from previous studies by moving beyond traditional taxonomic inventories. It offers an integrated assessment of species distribution in relation to ecological gradients and human impact—an approach that has not previously been systematically applied to the flora of this region. The findings highlight the significance of conserving both the floristic richness and the biodiversity of Azerbaijan’s phytogeographical zones.

The Impact of Sustainable Foods on Biodiversity, Soil Health, and Farmer Incomes in Rural Communities

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The objective of the present study is to discover the implications of agroecological practices for sustainable agriculture, predominantly biological diversity, soil health, and farmer incomes, in Sikkim, India, which is the first entirely certified organic state in the world. As a sustainable agricultural method, agricultural ecology, which integrates ethical principles into smart farming, is an emerging consideration. In the context of farming communities in Sikkim, the present study investigates agroecological practices and the implications of the South Asian ecosystem across a range of agriculturally and environmentally friendly regions. Using an array of field research, soil sampling, and biological diversity measures, this research measures key indicators of biological diversity (species richness, crop diversity, and pollinator abundance), soil organic matter, nutrient availability, water retention capacity, and financial results (farmer income, input costs, crop yield, and market access). These results presented a significant improvement in biological diversity and soil health as agroecological practices increased. Farms that practice agroecological practices have significant biological diversity, improved soil health, and enhanced water storage capacity, all of which promote a more robust, productive, and sustainable agriculture. When it comes to the economy, agroecological practices minimise input costs and improve farmer incomes, particularly for businesses that can access precise markets, such as organic or sustainable agricultural production. The study recommends that agroecological practices can enhance financial support for rural farming areas, emphasising their key role in providing nutritious food, particularly in dry areas.

Corporate Governance and Regional Ecological Restoration: Insights from an Environmental Science Perspective

Jingwei Bao, Kezhen Zhang, Atqa Abdullah Asna, Sabarina Mohammed Shah — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The growing destruction of natural ecosystems highlights the importance of the urgency to provide frameworks that would efficiently involve corporate governance principles in the ecological restoration of the regions. Ecological restoration that aims at restoring the degraded ecological settings so that ecological functionality is restored entails cooperation between industries, policymakers, and the community. This research explores the effects of Transparency (Tr), Accountability (Ac), environmental responsibility (ER), and Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder engagement Integration (CSI) in corporate governance mechanisms on sustainable ecological restoration. Respondents were sampled from 520 participants in industries, environmental groups, and governmental agencies, with regional reports on environmental and corporate sustainability added as supplementary data. It proved the governance restoration framework using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with SPSS, using outstanding model fit indices (CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.043). The results found that ER () and Tr () have the greatest positive impact on the restoration's performance, followed by. Ac () and CSI (). The analytical findings demonstrated that the positive impact on the success of the restoration in the regions was higher in terms of governance Tr and stakeholder Ac than environmental disclosure practices and cross-sector partnerships. The quality of governance was found to be a significant factor in ecological efficiency, with regions of high quality showing around 26% improvement in ecological efficiency, which confirms that corporate integrity and openness have a significant impact on improving biodiversity recovery, pollution mitigation, and community involvement.

Detecting Changes in Land Degradation Trends in the Arab Gulf Countries for the Period 2000 to 2020

Ahmad Salih Muhaimeed, Mohamed Sobhi Nassar, Basem Mohamed Katalan — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study aims to monitor land degradation changes in the Arab Gulf countries using time series NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) images generated from the MODIS13 dataset from 2000 to 2020. The data, collected on bi-monthly basis, were downloaded from NASA Earth Observation data with an accuracy of 250 meters, covering the whole area of the AGC, for the purpose of analyzing the distribution and spread of NDVI vegetation. A simple linear trend approach was used to examine potential land degradation trends, utilizing the Mann-Kendall statistical confidence limits for 122 selected sites during the study period. Seven classes of land degradation status were identified, representing: degraded land, land with no significant change, and improved land. The results indicated that more than 95% of AGC lands are bare land vulnerable to degradation processes. In contrast, less than 5% of the land showed improvement in land quality reflected by vegetation cover. The findings emphasized an increase in land degradation status over time, as evidenced by a decline in vegetation cover. The main causes of land degradation were climate change, characterized by rainfall decline and more moisture loss resulting from the increase in temperature and evapotranspiration, in addition to poor human activities. Land improvement occurs in some areas of the AGC, mainly in Iraq and the coastal region due to agricultural activity and geographic location.

Assessing Domestic Waste Composting for Sustainable Agriculture in South Sumatera

Muhammad Arbi, Sriati, Muhammad Yamin, Tertiarto Wahyudi — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Environmental control and conservation are essential to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in waste management and sustainable resource use. The Gasing Industrial Area in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia, hosts approximately 72 industries and 1726 households engaged in manufacturing, palm oil processing, livestock, and other activities. Despite its economic contribution, the area lacks a formal management body, resulting in unmanaged domestic waste, limited implementation of reduce–reuse–recycle (3R) practices, and minimal composting initiatives. This study analyzes how stakeholder perspectives influence domestic waste management performance in the Gasing Industrial Area, with particular attention to the potential conversion of organic waste into compost to support sustainable agriculture. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to assess direct and indirect relationships among variables, including government policy, waste-processing infrastructure, socio-economic characteristics, public behavior, and environmental management outcomes. The results show that government policy, infrastructure availability, and socio-economic background significantly shape public behavior, which is the strongest determinant of overall waste management performance. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated stakeholder collaboration to strengthen domestic waste processing, promote composting practices, and enhance agriculture–industry linkages. Strengthening policy implementation, improving infrastructure, and increasing community participation are critical to transforming domestic waste into valuable compost and achieving sustainability in the region.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Moroccan Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Varieties to Salinity Stress: Implications for Environmental Stress Adaptation

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Salinity is a major environmental constraint limiting grapevine growth, productivity, and long-term sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Understanding the mechanisms underlying varietal tolerance is therefore essential for improving vineyard resilience. This study evaluated four Moroccan grapevine varieties (Bezoul Awda, Sbiea Bnat, Zbarjel, and Krichi) subjected to increasing NaCl concentrations, using morphological, physiological, biochemical, and enzymatic indicators. Salinity significantly reduced shoot and root growth, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigments, and relative water content across all cultivars. Conversely, stress-related metabolites such as proline, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide increased markedly, reflecting enhanced oxidative pressure. Antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase) exhibited strong activation, suggesting the triggering of defense pathways to mitigate cellular damage. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations among growth and morpho-physiological traits, and negative correlations between these traits and stress indicators. Conversely, antioxidant activities were positively correlated with salinity intensity. Principal component analysis showed that Bezoul Awda and Krichi displayed better growth maintenance and water balance under stress, indicating stronger tolerance strategies compared with Sbiea Bnat and Zbarjel, which exhibited higher biochemical stress responses. Hierarchical clustering grouped SB and KC as tolerant cultivars, whereas ZL and BA formed a more sensitive group. Overall, the integration of morpho-physiological and biochemical markers proved effective in differentiating tolerance mechanisms and identifying grapevine genotypes adapted to saline environments.

Evaluations of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extracts for the Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Maize

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) threatens global maize output. Synthetic pesticides are linked to pest resistance and environmental damage, making sustainable alternatives necessary. This study tested neem (Azadirachta indica) extracts at six concentrations T1: 10 mL bio-extract + 20 mg plant material + 90 mL D.H₂O, T2: 8 mL bio-extract + 40 mg plant material + 92 mL D.H₂O, T3: 6 mL bio-extract + 60 mg plant material + 94 mL D.H₂O, T4: 4 mL bio-extract + 80 mg plant material + 96 mL D.H₂O, T5: 2 mL bio-extract + 100 mg plant material + 98 mL D.H₂O, T6: control, effectively controlled fall armyworm (FAW) in lab and field settings. Our investigation showed that larvae were most susceptible, and mortality increased dose-dependently. Larval mortality ranged from 13.36% to 31.32% at low values (T1–T2) to >80% at higher concentrations (3–5%). At 5% concentration, pupae mortality peaked at 15.14. All therapies had low adult mortality, 6.67%. Statistical analysis showed significant treatment differences (p < 0.001). The FAW mortality rate correlated most with grain yield (r = 0.927), indicating that larval suppression directly boosted productivity. High correlations (r > 0.80 across all traits) show that neem-mediated FAW inhibition reduced insect pressure and promoted vegetative growth, increasing cob output and grain yield. These findings underscore neem extracts as an effective, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. Integrating neem into pest management programs could enhance sustainable maize production, though long-term ecological impacts and resistance development warrant further study.

Evaluating the Effects of Climate Change on Soybean Production and Economic Outcomes: Strategic Approaches to Ensure Global Food Security

Saeed Mohammed Algarni — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Climate change poses a major challenge to global agricultural systems, with the soybean sector being particularly vulnerable to environmental fluctuations, which can negatively affect both the quantity and quality of production. This study aims to analyze the impact of climate change on the efficiency and overall economic losses in soybean production systems and to explore appropriate adaptation strategies to ensure the sector’s contribution to meeting global food demand. The study employs a qualitative descriptive research approach, focusing on assessing the effects of climate change on efficiency and economic losses in soybean production to safeguard global food security. The results revealed a clear relationship between climate stressors, economic losses, and reduced productivity and efficiency in the soybean sector, especially in regions with limited adaptive capacity. However, the adoption of climate-smart practices, such as using heat-resistant cultivars, improving water and nutrient management, and applying sustainable agricultural techniques, produced positive outcomes for both environmental and economic sustainability. To ensure global food security, it is imperative to implement integrated adaptation strategies that encompass investment in research and technology, policy support for sustainable practices, and capacity building for farmers. Furthermore, international cooperation will be essential to strengthen the resilience of soybean production systems in the context of climate change. Of particular significance is the application of the Integrated Framework for Soybean Resilience and Strategic Adaptation to Climate Change, which ensures that soybean production can withstand climatic variability while maintaining long-term food security and economic stability.

Assessing the Sustainability of Smallholder Salt Enterprises on Madura Island, Indonesia: A Comparison of Four Salt Production Methods (Technologies)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study compares the quality characteristics of salt produced using four different production methods on Madura Island, namely traditional production technology, tunnel technology, geomembrane technology, and land-integrated production technology. The research employed a descriptive quantitative approach, supported by systematic field observations and laboratory-based measurements to ensure reliable and objective results. Salt samples were collected from nine production sites located across three regencies on Madura Island, representing variations in production scale, environmental conditions, and technological adoption. The analysis focused on three key quality indicators—NaCl content, salt whiteness, and water content—which were assessed in accordance with standards established by Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and SNI 8207. Salt quality testing was conducted using a Saltdec M102 salt detector to maintain consistency and accuracy throughout the evaluation process. The findings indicate that salt produced using tunnel technology, geomembrane technology, and land-integrated production technology generally demonstrates superior quality compared to traditional methods. These technologies tend to yield higher NaCl concentrations, lower moisture levels, and better salt cleanliness, making them more suitable for meeting industrial and consumption standards. Nevertheless, each production method presents distinct advantages and limitations related to investment costs, labor intensity, technological complexity, and environmental suitability. Traditional salt production, for instance, remains widely practiced due to its simplicity, low capital requirements, and adaptability to local conditions, despite its relatively lower salt quality. Based on these findings, future policy efforts by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries should prioritize the promotion of improved production technologies, including the corporatization of salt lands through land integration, as a strategy to enhance productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and improve the overall welfare of salt farmers.

A Review of Variations in Magnetic and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields for Earthquake Forecasting

Kakharbay Nasirbekovich Abdullabekov, Valijon Rustamovich Yusupov — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study analyzes geomagnetic and electromagnetic anomalies recorded in seismically active regions of Uzbekistan before, during, and after significant earthquakes, including Tavaksay (1977), Nazarbek (1980), Gazli (1976), Chimion (1982), Alay (1978), and others. Based on data obtained from geodynamic test sites (Tashkent, Charvak, East Fergana), four types of geomagnetic field anomalies were identified: long-term, medium-term, short-term, and post-seismic. Our research established stable correlations between the dynamics of the geomagnetic field and the processes of seismic event preparation. It was found that precursor geomagnetic anomalies can manifest 2–3 years before an earthquake, reflecting stages of tectonic stress accumulation. The shape and amplitude of anomalies depend on the distance to the epicenter, which opens possibilities for mapping focal zones. Distortions of bay-shaped magnetic field variations are considered indicators of local physico-mechanical changes in the Earth's crust, while post-seismic deviations serve as markers of relaxation processes in the earthquake focus. The work includes an analysis of anomalous variations in magnetic and impulse electromagnetic fields identified through long-term observations and proposes empirical relationships between magnitude and time, as well as magnitude and distance. A geophysical model of earthquake preparation was developed, along with methodological recommendations for improving forecasting systems. The obtained results contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of predicting the location, timing, and strength of upcoming earthquakes and expand scientific understanding of the electromagnetic manifestations of seismicity. This study significantly advances the development of seismology and geophysical field monitoring by offering new approaches to early seismic hazard warning.

The Impact of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Consumption on Environmental Sustainability in Central Asian Countries

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study investigates the impact of non-renewable energy production, renewable energy production, and population size on per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Central Asian (CA) countries over the period 2000–2024, utilizing the Panel ARDL–PMG (Pooled Mean Group) estimation technique. The analysis provides both long-run and short-run country-specific insights into the determinants of emissions, offering a nuanced understanding of environmental dynamics in the region. The long-run results reveal that non-renewable energy production is positively and significantly associated with per capita greenhouse gas emissions, indicating that reliance on fossil fuels continues to drive environmental degradation. In contrast, renewable energy production is found to have a negative long-run effect, suggesting that investments in clean energy sources can effectively mitigate emissions over time. Population size also exhibits a negative long-run association with per capita emissions, reflecting potential demographic influences on energy consumption patterns. Short-run estimates demonstrate heterogeneous effects across countries: in two Central Asian nations, non-renewable energy production substantially increases per capita emissions, whereas in the other two, it reduces emissions. Similarly, renewable energy production has a positive short-run impact in three countries, a negative impact in one, and an insignificant effect in another. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing country-specific dynamics and adopting tailored energy and environmental policies. The study contributes to regional policy discussions by highlighting the need for a balanced transition towards renewable energy while addressing the unique socio-economic contexts of each country.

AI-Powered Land Classification: Analyzing Deep Learning Models for Urban and Desert Images

Nishpa Das, Fathima Hasna Zainulabdeen, Smitha Sunil Kumran Nair — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Land degradation and environmental concerns resulting from rapid urbanization in Oman in recent years have made innovative and advanced strategies and approaches for sustainable urban planning & environmental preservation a necessity. This research presents an AI-based classification and analysis method that utilizes Deep Learning algorithms to analyze satellite and drone images for monitoring urban growth and desertification. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based binary image classification model was developed to distinguish between urban infrastructure and natural landscapes based on the datasets retrieved from Kaggle and its performance was evaluated by accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The CNN model achieved an accuracy of 53%, but the confusion matrix demonstrated poor performance for classifying urban areas with a recall of 0.00 for the Urban class. To address this issue, a pre-trained model was implemented, achieving 54% accuracy and stronger class-wise recall for both categories compared to the baseline CNN model. The results demonstrated both the potential and the limitations of deep learning models for land classification tasks, delivering valuable insights for urban planning and environmental monitoring, where visual similarities pose major challenges. Despite modest accuracy, the study demonstrates the feasibility of AI-driven land assessment as an additional tool for environmental monitoring, urban expansion tracking and desertification analysis. Furthermore, it aligns with Oman Vision 2040 digital transformation and supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by emphasizing data-driven approaches for sustainable development and ecological resilience.

Monitoring Post-Fire Severity and Recovery in “La Danta” Eco-Reserve in Colombia, Using Remote Sensing Data

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Wildfires represent a growing threat to transitional ecosystems of the Colombian Orinoquía, where savannas and gallery forests converge under increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate variability. This study assesses fire severity and post-fire vegetation recovery in the La Danta Eco-Reserve using high-resolution multispectral imagery from Sentinel-2 processed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-computing platform. A multi-temporal analysis was conducted for the period 2021–2025, during which a cumulative burned area of 1845 hectares was identified. Fire severity was quantified using the Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR), allowing spatial discrimination of burn impacts across heterogeneous land covers. Results indicate that 73.8% of the burned area was affected by low to moderate-low severity fires, while 26.2% experienced moderate-high to high severity, leading to substantial biomass loss and structural vegetation damage. Post-fire vegetation dynamics were evaluated through time-series analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), revealing marked contrasts in ecosystem resilience. Savanna formations exhibited rapid recovery, reaching pre-fire NDVI levels within 6 to 12 months, reflecting high adaptive capacity to fire disturbances. In contrast, gallery forests and areas subjected to high-severity fires showed delayed and incomplete recovery even after 24 months, suggesting long-term ecological degradation. Additionally, fire recurrence analysis identified persistent hotspots spatially associated with roads, settlements, and other anthropogenic infrastructure. Overall, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of Sentinel-2 imagery for fine-scale fire monitoring and provide actionable insights to support targeted ecological restoration and fire management strategies in vulnerable Orinoquía ecosystems.

Returning to Nature Preservation Practices: Collective Strategies of Common Community Groups in Avoiding Ecological Exploitation

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Anchored on Collective Action Theory, this study examines how Philippine community-based organizations develop and sustain cooperative strategies to prevent ecological exploitation. While national conservation policies exist, enforcement gaps at the grassroots level often permit illegal logging and unregulated land conversion. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty (20) purposively selected barangay environmental officers, community volunteers, and indigenous representatives. The findings reveal that communities operationalize a hybrid governance model, effectively integrating national mandates with local ordinances and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Results indicate that compliance is maintained through tiered enforcement mechanisms—escalating from restorative social pressure to formal legal sanctions—and participatory monitoring systems like "Bantay Gubat" patrols. Furthermore, communities demonstrate high adaptive capacity, modifying ecological interventions such as reforestation and mangrove rehabilitation in response to site-specific failures. However, the study identifies that these collective efforts are increasingly vulnerable to external pressures, specifically capital penetration and climate change, which threaten internal cohesion and traditional planning cycles. The study concludes that while local collective action is effective, it requires stronger institutional integration to remain sustainable. Consequently, the research recommends the institutionalization of Joint Management Agreements (JMAs) and the statutory deputization of volunteer enforcers. These measures would formally empower communities, transforming them from informal volunteers into legally protected agents of environmental governance.

When Growth Meets Heritage: Rethinking Sustainability in a Vietnam’s Coastal Frontier

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This paper re-examines and synthesizes environmental and biodiversity data collected between 1995 and 2004 to reconstruct a reference baseline for the Hai Phong–Quang Ninh coastal system prior to Vietnam’s most transformative phase of socio-economic development. This period—captured through extensive Vietnam–Italy scientific cooperation—documents one of the last scientifically recorded states of near-pristine environmental conditions in Ha Long Bay and its adjoining coastal waters, offering an indispensable benchmark for evaluating the magnitude and direction of change over the past twenty-five years. Over the past two decades, Vietnam’s coastline has undergone profound transformation driven by industrial expansion, port construction, aquaculture, and mass tourism. Yet it remains unclear whether this growth has been sustainably absorbed by ecosystems of global significance, including the UNESCO World Heritage seascape of Ha Long–Cat Ba. By reinterpreting early-2000s baseline datasets, this paper provides a reference against which current and future ecological trajectories can be assessed and proposes indicator frameworks to support integrated coastal zone management and World Heritage conservation. Ultimately, the analysis highlights the enduring tension between rapid development and heritage protection, and it questions whether sustainable development in such complex coastal systems remains an achievable outcome or an aspirational ideal.

Trends in Sediment Modeling Research and Their Ecological Implications for Ecosystem Sustainability: Web of Science Bibliometric Analysis (2006–2025)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Sediment transport and deposition in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are influenced by both natural processes and human activities. Excessive sediment accumulation in clarifiers reduces efficiency, increases turbidity, and deteriorates water quality. Despite growing research, there is limited bibliometric evidence on global trends and methodological approaches in clarifier modeling. This study addresses this gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis of sediment transport and turbidity management research from 2006 to 2025. Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using the keywords “Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)” and “sedimentation tank.” A total of 110 publications were systematically reviewed to identify thematic patterns, leading authors and institutions, and influential journals. The results show that China and India are the most active contributors, with the National Institute of Technology (India) ranking as the top institution (7 publications). Approximately 90% of studies employed CFD or related mathematical and hydrodynamic models to investigate sediment behavior and flow dynamics. Water Research emerged as the most influential journal in this domain.This review demonstrates that clarifier research remains technically oriented, dominated by engineering and hydrodynamic modeling, while ecological perspectives are gradually emerging. The findings provide a clearer understanding of global research directions and highlight the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration to strengthen ecological applications of sediment modeling.

What are the Main Concerns for Global Mangrove Management Research? Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Mangroves are crucial ecosystems that provide significant ecological, economic, and social benefits, including coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support. However, their long-term survival is increasingly threatened by human activities, climate change, and ineffective governance. This study aims to identify major trends, thematic clusters, influential publications, and emerging issues in mangrove research. Through PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) approach, a total of 210 published between 1190 and 2025 peer-reviewed articles was retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using bibliometric methods to uncover research patterns and gaps. Visualization tools such as VOSViewer and the Biblioshiny R package were employed to map key concerns in mangrove management. The results indicate a steady increase in mangrove-related research, driven by the growing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation. Research is largely dominated by institutions and countries with extensive mangrove distributions. Eight primary research clusters were identified, including Coastal Zone Management, Environmental Policy, Degradation, Remote Sensing, Co-Management, and Community Participation. The findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated, multidisciplinary approaches to mangrove management that integrate ecological conservation with socio-economic dimensions. This study offers a comprehensive roadmap for future research, emphasizing areas such as socio-ecological resilience, innovative governance models, and the integration of local knowledge into policy-making.

Comparison of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Nypa palm (Nypa fruticans) and Mangrove (Rhizophora spp.) Parts as Remediating Agents in Polluted Sites

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Environmental pollution from crude oil and heavy metals is a significant challenge, particularly in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. Phytoremediation presents a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional cleanup techniques. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and mangrove parts as remediating agents in polluted soil. Soil samples from a contaminated site at Eagle Island, Rivers State, were treated with dried and ground parts of water hyacinth, mangrove (stem and seed), and Nypa palm (leaves and seed). The concentrations of heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead, Zinc) and Total Hydrocarbon (THC) were analyzed pre- and post-treatment. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) among the treatments. The result shows that, although there was no statistical significance, mangrove stems had lower chemical concentrations than Nypa palm and water hyacinth. For instance, the total hydrocarbon concentration in mangroves was lower (12.11 mg/kg) than in Nypa palm (13.07 mg/kg) and water hyacinth (13.51 mg/kg). Similarly, the concentration of THC in soil before the application of the plant parts was twenty-one times higher before (543.3 mg/kg) than after (26.15 mg/kg) the ground parts were added. This study concludes that mangrove parts are the most promising agents for the phytoremediation of crude oil-contaminated soils, offering an effective and environmentally friendly approach to site rehabilitation.