Research in Ecology

Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Characterization of River Kapingazi in Embu County, Kenya

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Surface water provides crucial support to the aquatic ecosystem and humans in numerous ways. However, its quality is paramount in determining its impact on the health of the aquatic ecosystem and humans. Currently, the malady of pollution arising from anthropogenic activities poses a significant threat to the quality of most rivers. The quality of water in the Kapingazi river in Embu County has received limited attention which is a concern that needs to be addressed. This study therefore, sought to investigate the status of water quality in river Kapingazi. The study analyzed 96 samples from four locations in a span of eight months which combined the dry and wet seasons of the year. Parameters measured in-situ included turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and electrical conductivity (EC) while ex-situ parameters were phosphates, nitrates and concentrations of heavy metals: iron and manganese. Results showed that Water Quality Index (WQI) during the drought period was74.05, suggesting that the water quality is only recommended for agricultural and industrial applications. During wet season, the water quality index was 89.67, reflecting a poor status, as more contaminants were likely introduced through surface runoff. Overall, the WQI averaged to 88.02. This study concludes that water in River Kapingazi is not suitable for human consumption; therefore, appropriate treatment is essential prior to its use. Similarly, the findings indicate that both rainy and drought periods significantly affect water quality, presenting challenges for its use for various purposes. It is recommended that the allocation of resources towards water treatment facilities and regulation of pollution sources should be enforced to ensure the safety of river water for diverse applications.

Long-Term Flood Inundation Trends and Their Effects on Diverse Agricultural Systems in Ben Tre of Vietnam

Tran Xuan Dung, Phan Thi Diem Quy — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), a critical agricultural hub, faces recurrent flooding that poses substantial threats to livelihoods and productivity. Ben Tre province, with its low-lying coastal terrain, is particularly vulnerable. Effective risk management and sustainable agricultural development necessitate a thorough understanding of these flood dynamics. This study leveraged the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery to analyze flood inundation patterns and their impacts on diverse agricultural land uses in Ben Tre province from 2015 to 2023. The methodology involved SAR data pre-processing, Otsu thresholding for water body delineation from VH polarization data and change detection using a 2020 land use map to quantify annual flooded areas and their impact on specific agricultural categories. The total inundated area peaked in 2018 at 58,334 ha, a significant increase from 27,934 ha in 2015, before stabilizing around 42,000–44,000 ha in 2021–2023. Flooded agricultural land mirrored this trend, increasing from 18,615 ha (2015) to a peak of 39,514 ha (2018), then decreasing to 28,841 ha (2023). Notably, wet rice cultivation experienced a 37.8% increase in its flooded area over the study period, while other annual crops and perennial crops saw increases of 38.9% and 68.4%, respectively. This research demonstrates the GEE platform's efficacy with Sentinel-1 SAR for robust, long-term flood monitoring and impact assessment, revealing escalating flood pressure on key agricultural systems and an expansion of flooding beyond traditional low-lying zones, providing crucial data for adaptive land use planning.

The Impact of Intensified Aridization Caused by Moisture Deficit on the Productivity of Grain Crops in Northern Kazakhstan

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The article examines the impact of increased aridization of the territory due to an increase in air temperature, reduced precipitation, and the formation of moisture deficiency on grain yields in Northern Kazakhstan. The most important result of the work is the revealed inverse relationship between grain yields and the temperature of the growing season: low-yielding years are associated with high temperatures and droughts, and high-yielding years are associated with lower temperatures and an optimal ratio of heat and moisture. The novelty of this study is the use of the method of hydrological and climatic calculations in identifying the nature of temperature variability and precipitation in the territory of Northern Kazakhstan for the modern period (1991–2020) compared with the base period (1961–1990). At all the studied meteorological stations, there is a tendency for the average annual temperature and the temperature of the growing season to increase: in the forest-steppe zone with an average warming intensity of 0.3–0.33 °C per decade; in the steppe zone by 0.2–0.43 °C per decade; and in the growing season by 0.2–0.7 °C per decade. The air temperature in the steppe zone is rising more intensively than in the forest-steppe zone, and precipitation in the forest-steppe zone has changed more than in the steppe zone. An increase in the average annual air temperature during the growing season (May–August), combined with a shortage of atmospheric moisture or a constant amount of it, led to an increase in the degree of aridization of the territory, an increase in the frequency of droughts in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan.

Dynamic Landslide Susceptibility Modeling and Risk Forecasting in the Nilgiris Using Geospatial Approaches

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Landslides remain a significant environmental hazard in India's hill regions, particularly in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, due to its steep terrain, fractured geology, and heavy seasonal rainfall. This study applies the Frequency Ratio (FR) model within a GIS and remote sensing framework to map landslide susceptibility and identify key contributing factors to slope instability. Ten thematic layers were used, including land use/land cover (LULC), NDVI, slope gradient, soil type and depth, geomorphology, aspect, rainfall, lineament density, and lineament proximity—derived from geological databases, DEMs, and satellite imagery. A landslide inventory was analyzed statistically to evaluate each factor’s role in landslide occurrence. Results indicate that slope gradient (9.15%) and LULC (8.37%) are the most influential factors, followed by geomorphology (7.78%), soil type (7.48%), and lineament density (4.50%). A key innovation of this study is the integration of lineament buffer zones to assess the influence of structural discontinuities, often overlooked in regional models. The model's predictive performance was validated using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) method, yielding a value of 0.879, indicating high accuracy. The resulting susceptibility map categorizes the landscape into low, moderate, and high-risk zones, providing a critical tool for regional planning, infrastructure development, and disaster management. This research supports climate-resilient development and sustainable land-use planning in vulnerable hill regions, emphasizing that both natural terrain characteristics and human-induced land alterations significantly contribute to landslide risk.

The Impact of Urbanization on Wetland Ecology in Delhi Using AWEI and GIS

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study examines the spatial and temporal patterns of wetland degradation in Delhi from 1991 to 2021 using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI) was applied to pre-monsoon Landsat imagery to delineate surface water bodies over the past 30 years accurately. Supervised classification was employed to generate land use maps, while census data was utilized to analyze urbanization trends across the region. Classification accuracy was assessed using Google Earth reference data through a confusion matrix, ensuring the reliability of the land cover analysis. Results reveal a significant decline in wetland extent, especially in densely populated and rapidly urbanizing districts such as North West, South, and East Delhi. During this time, the urban population increased from 52.7% to 97.4%, accompanied by a 70.2% expansion of built-up areas, while wetlands contracted from 32.9 km² to 30.2 km². South Delhi experienced the most severe wetland loss, with water body coverage dropping from 0.800% to 0.025%, whereas North East and Central Delhi maintained higher wetland coverage due to the influence of the Yamuna River and targeted conservation efforts. The study highlights the strong linkage between urban growth and wetland decline, which threatens biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and ecological stability. These findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated urban planning and conservation policies to safeguard wetlands, thereby promoting sustainability and water security in the National Capital Region.

Distribution of Species of the Genus Astragalus L. in Kyrgyzstan by Habitat Type

Orozbay Mamatkulov, Orunbek Kolanov, Kursantbek Attokurov, Zhanan Erkebaeva — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

According to literary data, there are 189 species of the genus Astragalus that inhabit the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The distribution of species of the genus Astragalus (Fabaceae) was studied by taking into account their occurrence in soil-climatic and relief types of plant habitats in the mountainous territories of Kyrgyzstan. The materials were collected during organized research expeditions to natural areas of plant habitats. The occurrence of species was studied by well-known methods. As a result of such analysis we have made the following conclusions for the first time: in the flora of Kyrgyzstan there are 189 species of the genus Astragalus, they are representatives of 7 subgenera of this genus; species occur in 24 types of plant habitats with soil and relief features, taking into account the altitudinal regularity of taxa distribution in mountain phytocenoses; subgenuses and specific species characterized by broad, smallest and intermediate sizes of habitats were identified; groupings of plant habitat types on the territory of Kyrgyzstan characterized by the largest, smallest and intermediate indicators on the number of subgenuses and species of the genus Astragalus were identified. The botanical description of each species has been supplemented with new information about the species as a taxonomic unit. The materials of our work can be successfully used in the field of systematics, evolution and ecology of plants.

Biochar of Reed (Phragmites autralis) on Representative Locations in Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Mo Danh, Luom Thanh Thai, Ngoc Thi Hong Dang, Thien Van Ngo, Maja Flörke-Staats — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

A new renewable material by use reed biochar (Phragmites autralis); a species strong grows and very high biomass, it can be exploit a renewable resources for agriculture and environmental treatment. People often used rice husks as materials for organic fertilizers in agriculture. This study is a new discovere to made of reed biochar to filter N, P, K of chemical mineral fertilizer and pig urine use to provide bio-organic fertilizer for rice plant (ST 25). Methods: (1) Made of biochar by use the local method; (2) analyse the chemical indicators of locations on trunks, leaves, flowers; (3) identify chemical indicators of peatland on locations of experiment; (4) adsorpting chemical fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus and potash), pig urine filter by reed biochar, analize its chemical indicators; (5) use fomulas of reed plant biochar mixed peat and mineral inorganic fertilizer. Results: Made of reed biochar and it can adsorpted as ammonium, nitrate, nitrogen, phosphorus and kalium the pig urine and it also adsorpted inorganic fertilizer as nitrogen, phosphorus and Kalium. Thus it used for environmental treatment in the region polluted and planting local rice ST 25 in the experiment area. Conclusion: Biochar of reed can use to environment treatment and agriculture fertilizer; chemical indicators of bichar indentified; the mixed biochar, peat and inorganic in formulas in 5 days and 10 days were not differences; biochar can adsorb some chemical components of pig urine and nitrogen, phosphorus and kalium; biochar can mixed peat and inorganic mineral to planting rice ST 25 in Mekong Delta.

Research on the Governance Path of Agricultural Carbon Emissions Based on Ecological Compensation Mechanism and Green Fiscal and Taxation Policies

Chien-Chi Chu, Xinyi Ren, Dan Luo, Xinyi Huang, Qi Huang — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Under the dual drivers of global climate governance and carbon neutrality goals, agricultural carbon emission reduction has become a pivotal component of regional green transformation.This study focuses on Guangdong, a major province, employing the LMDI decomposition mode to systematically analyze the driving mechanis of agricultural carbon emissions. It reveals that the low ecological compensation standard, industrial path dependence, and high-carbon energy lock-in constitute core constraints. The research finds that the absence of ecological compensation standards and the structural imbalance of traditional subsidy policies induce diminishing marginal benefits in carbon reduction due to structural imbalances, while persistent funding shortages in low-carbon technology R&D further weaken emission reduction efficacy, exacerbating compatibility contradictions between emission policies and production practices. Through the comparison of domestic and foreign experiences, it is found that under the global wave of low-carbon transformation in agriculture, the ecological compensation optimization layer should establish a calculation system for the carbon sink value of cultivated land and differentiated compensation standards; the fiscal and taxation policy coordination layer should implement a tiered carbon tax on agricultural inputs and carbon sink pledge financing incentives. Constructing a fiscal expenditure and fiscal and taxation coordination mechanism that suits regional characteristics is the key path to resolving the contradiction between the technical economy and ecological sustainability of emission reduction.

Optimizing Semi-solid Fermentation Substrates for Enhanced Conidia Production of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson as a Biopesticides for Insect Control

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Biological insecticides have gained importance in modern society because they cause minimal environmental harm and reduce pests' ability to develop resistance. Nomuraea rileyi, a facultative entomopathogenic fungus, is suitable for infecting lepidopteran pests, including Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera. This work aims to identify a suitable semi-solid fermentation medium to increase the conidia production of N. rileyi and enhance its biological control ability as mycoinsecticide. Research is carried out on broken rice, wheat, sorghum, and corn as substrates, both with and without nutrient addition. It also covers incubation under set conditions, colony harvesting, and conidial yield and germination determination using a haemocytometer. All the study was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) and a test of significance was set at p <0.05 using analysis of variance (ANOVA). This work aimed to establish the effect of various substrates on growth and conidia formation in N. rileyi. The highest conidia count of 10 × 10⁸ CFU/g on day 15. The result was obtained from BR + Nu followed by sorghum 7 × 10⁸ CFU/g, corn 7 × 10⁸ CFU/g and wheat 6.5 × 10⁸ CFU/g. Thus, post-drying, the highest corresponding viability was observed in the product containing BR+Nu – 6.20 ×10⁸ CFU/g. Adding rice bran (BR+RB, 150g each) still increases conidial yield up to 14×10⁸ CFU /g at 15 DAI. These findings thus assert that broken rice and supplementation affect conidia yield and viability.

Ecological Enhancement of Agaricus bisporus L. Mushrooms' Vitamin Content Using Carbon Nanotubes, Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles, and Biostimulants

Mustafa Algarawi, Hayyawi Al-Juthery, Rukaibaa Chechan — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus L. plays a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition, alongside its increasing importance in the food and nutrition industry. This study explored ecological interventions to enhance the mushroom's vitamin content by enriching its cultivation substrate with nanomaterials and biostimulatory agents. The experiment was conducted within the mushroom production project at Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, Iraq. The compost-based medium was amended with magnetic iron nanoparticles (N-FeO), carbon nanotube (CNT) suspensions, EM biofertilizer, and Atonik growth stimulant. Their ecological impact on the enrichment of fat-soluble (A, D, E) and water-soluble (B2, B3, B5, B6) vitamins in mushrooms was assessed. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. Results revealed that the synergistic application of these eco-friendly treatments significantly enhanced the vitamin profiles of A. bisporus. The highest concentrations of vitamins B2 and B5 (5.16 and 17.70 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) and vitamin A (6.87 IU ml⁻¹) were recorded under the combined quadruple treatment. Additionally, the triple treatment (N-FeO + EM + Atonik) notably increased levels of vitamins B2 (4.47 mg kg⁻¹), B6 (25.66 mg kg⁻¹), D (34.76 mg kg⁻¹), and vitamin A (6.87 IU ml⁻¹). Dual treatments (EM + Atonik) also significantly improved vitamin B2 (4.54 mg kg⁻¹) and vitamin E (3.30 mg kg⁻¹) contents. These findings demonstrate that integrating nanomaterials and biostimulants can serve as an ecological strategy to improve the nutritional quality of mushrooms while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Prospects of Algolization of Rice Fields in Osh Oblast

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The article discusses the prospects of using algae in the soil—to improve the fertility of rice fields in the Osh oblast of Kyrgyzstan. The authors note that the Fergana Valley, where Osh oblast is located, is an important rice-growing region, and there are currently plans to expand rice fields. In this regard, the study of methods to increase rice yields, such as algolization, is of particular relevance. The article emphasizes that rice fields are unique aquatic ecosystems where microorganisms, especially algae, play an important role. Algae, particularly blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), are capable of fixing nitrogen from the air and enrich the soil with it, which is especially important for rice, which needs nitrogen for growth. The algolization method helps to improve soil structure, reduce the need for mineral fertilizers, control weeds and is an environmentally friendly method of fertility improvement. The authors provide data on the species composition of cyanobacteria found in rice fields in Osh oblast, noting the predominance of Chroococcus and Hormogonium forms. They also indicate seasonal fluctuations in algae abundance associated with climatic conditions. In conclusion, the authors highlight the promising application of algolization in rice farming in Osh oblast and the need for further research to identify the most effective algal species and develop optimal methods of their application.

Bioaccumulation of Selected Heavy Metals in Bivalve Molluscs from Northeastern Vietnam: Implications for Safe Seafood Utilization

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Rapid industrial growth, urbanization, and agricultural activities have led to the discharge of large volumes of pollutants into coastal environments, raising levels of metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in water and sediments. Bivalve molluscs, such as Meretrix lyrata and Saccostrea glomerata can accumulate high amounts of toxic heavy metals in their tissues that pose potential risks to human health. They are frequently used as bioindicators due to their filter-feeding behavior and high accumulation potential. This study evaluates heavy metal accumulation in bivalve molluscs from Northeastern Vietnam, including Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted, combined with a bibliometric analysis, to synthesize and evaluate data on heavy metal accumulation in bivalve molluscs from Northeastern Vietnam. The analysis results showed bio-concentration factors exceeding 1,000 for As, Cd, and Hg in certain species, particularly in samples from Quang Ninh Province. Meanwhile, sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) were lower, suggesting that waterborne pathways predominantly contribute to heavy metal uptake. These findings highlight significant food safety risks due to toxic metal accumulation in seafood resources, emphasizing the urgent need for continuous monitoring and the establishment of local safety standards. The study provides important scientific evidence to support marine environmental management and public health protection.

Smart Ecotourism and Natural Ecology in Kazakhstan

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the tourism industry and affecting on natural ecology, making it more environmentally friendly, efficient and personalized. In 2025, AI technologies are being actively implemented to reduce the carbon footprint, optimize resources, and improve the travel experience. Here are the key applications of AI in environmentally sustainable smart tourism: AI in smart tourism is not just a technological trend, but a necessity for the sustainable development of the industry. Paper analyses personalized and green travel experience and smart tourism. AI-based applications (Google ARCore) allow tourists to get information about attractions without paper booklets. Virtual tours reduce the need for physical travel by reducing the carbon footprint. Platforms offer routes with minimal impact on nature (for example, hiking trails instead of car tours). Tourists can offset their carbon footprint through AI tools by financing tree planting. The introduction of AI solutions allows combining economic benefits with environmental responsibility, creating a future where travel becomes safer for the planet. Paper confirms idea about sustainable tourism development in developing countries and focus on premium ecotourism. Instead of mass tourism, AI helps promote unique destinations (safaris, diving, ethnographic tours), which increases income with less environmental damage. Smart cities with AI-driven transport and energy-saving solutions make tourism more sustainable.

Ecological Impact in Northern Tanzania using Heckman AI Two-Step Selection Model

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study explores the determinants of impact on ecology in Northern Tanzania. By examining key socio-economic, institutional, and structural factors influencing engagement the study provides insights in strengthening agribusiness networks and improving livelihoods. Data was collected from 215 farmers and 320 traders through a multistage sampling procedure. Heckman AI sample selection model was used in data analysis whereby the findings showed key factors influencing farmers’ decisions on ecology were gender and years of formal education at p < 0.1, and access to finance and off-farm income at p < 0.05. The degree of farmers participation in social groups was influenced by age, household size, off-farm income and business network at p < 0.05, number of years in formal education and access to finance at p < 0.01, and distance to the market at p < 0.1. The decision of traders to impact on ecology was significantly influenced by age and trading experience at p < 0.1. Meanwhile, the degree of their involvement in social groups was strongly affected by gender, formal education, and trust at p < 0.01, as well as by access to finance and business networks at p < 0.05. The study concluded that natural ecology is influenced by socio economic and structural factors but trust among group members determine the degree of participation. The study recommends that strategies to improve agribusiness networks should understand underlying causes of impact on ecology and strengthen available social groups to improve performance of farmers and traders.

Prickly Pear Cactus : An Excellent Crop to Mitigate Climate Change

Dramane Yewaga Koalaga, Zerhoune Messaoudi, Mohammed Ibriz, Lhoussain Ait Haddou — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Significant variations in global temperatures and weather patterns over time are known as climate change. Although it occurs naturally, human activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes—are accelerating these changes, which have various detrimental effects on the environment. This review aims to highlight the edapho-climatic requirements of this cactus and the advantages and challenges of its cultivation to mitigate climate change. The prickly pear cactus is a plant with numerous financial and environmental advantages. It needs well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil to avoid root rot and do best in full sun. With a strong tolerance for dryness, they thrive in arid or semi-arid regions with scorching summers and prefer sparing watering. Despite being suited to tropical climates, some species can tolerate freezing temperatures and sporadic frost. Once established, these hardy plants require little care and thrive in nutrient-poor soils, which makes them perfect for xeriscaping or challenging growing environments. Because of its high water use efficiency ratio and low water requirements, prickly pear can be grown in marginally dry and semi-arid areas. The cactus does contribute to the ecological and socioeconomic fight against climate change. For instance, it supports sustainable agriculture, biodiversity preservation, soil restoration, carbon sequestration, and effective water usage. Demarcating dry and semi-arid zones and fostering employment in these areas is beneficial from a socioeconomic standpoint. The prickly pear's traditional cultural heritage supports its current economic function as a crop that can withstand drought. While ecological threats necessitate balanced management, this adaptability promotes sustainable growth. Innovations in bioenergy and value-added goods build on its historical applications, increasing its socioeconomic advantages and, eventually, its worldwide significance.

Impact of Emerging Contaminants on Aquatic Ecosystems: A Mini-Review

El Mostapha Albou, Asmae Nouayti, Ali El Mansour, Ali Ait Boughrous — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and ecological toxicity. This mini-review examines their major sources, including industrial effluents, urban runoff, and landfill leachate, and highlights their detrimental impacts on aquatic biodiversity and human health. By synthesizing current research, the review emphasizes the urgent need for improved monitoring, regulatory interventions, and innovative mitigation strategies. It provides a concise overview to guide future research and inform policies aimed at safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Reviewing the Efficacy of Urban Landscape Design Strategies in China: A Systematic Review

Wang Xue, Noor Aisyah Mokhtara, Mohd Khairul Azhar Mat — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study evaluates the ecological effectiveness of urban landscape designs in Chinese cities through systematic PRISMA review methodology that integrates 70 peer-reviewed articles concerning design since 2018. Three core dimensions about cultural integration and ecological functionality and landscape integration receive explicit assessment for ecosystem services including carbon sequestration potential along with urban cooling intensity reductions and stormwater retention capacity as well as biodiversity outcomes including habitat connectivity indices and species richness gains and climate resilience. Research indicates that culturally sensitive design improves regional identity together with social cohesion yet maintains a superficial approach because it does not develop community‑driven stewardship programs. Plant cover increases between 15 to 25 percent and habitat connections increase 30 percent while temperature decreases between 1 to 2 degrees Celsius and pollinator populations grow through ecological network approaches to urban development despite planning gaps and funding problems and implementation challenges from governance restrictions. Public spaces gain improved multifunctional character and aesthetic appeal when stakeholders implement landscape integration yet regulatory inconsistencies with stakeholder disputes reduce its effective implementation. The paper ends with recommendations for adopting ecological standard indicators in evaluations together with urban masterplan inclusion of macro-scale ecological planning both with stronger participatory governance and improved green space management systems. These findings present practicable guidance for enhancing biodiversity preservation and ecological stability together with ecosystem service delivery within urbanizing areas.