Abstract: Wuhan is dotted with lakes, known as “ City with Hundreds of Lakes”, the development of the city is inseparable from the river and lake waters, the evolution of the lakes has been affecting the construction and layout of the city. Since the 20th century, the lake evolution in the main urban area of Wuhan is the most intense and the urban development is also the most rapid. Therefore, based on the precious high-precision historical maps of Wuhan in the early and mid-20th century, combined with the information of lakes in Wuhan obtained from satellite remote sensing images, the evolution characteristics of lakes in Wuhan in the past 100 years (1920~2019) were investigated through the theory of landscape fractal, and the response mechanism of lake evolution to urban expansion was further explored by combining with the trajectory of urban expansion. The results show that the area of lakes in Wuhan declined from 2,133.5 km² in 1920 to 550.8 km² in 2019, with a total decrease of 1,582.7 km², an area shrinkage rate of 74.18 % , and a strong amplitude of area change. The changes of fractal dimension and shoreline development coefficient of lakes in Wuhan city show synchronization as a whole, with occasional fluctuations, but on the whole the fractal dimension and shoreline development coefficient of lakes are getting smaller in a century. Specifically, the evolution of lakes in the Hankou area is mainly affected by the construction of dykes and lake filling, and most of the lakes are resolved and fragmented under the influence of urban expansion, whereas the evolution of lakes in Wuchang and Hanyang is mainly caused by the urban construction around the lakes, and many lake branches are cut for various urban constructions, and the shape of the lake tends to be simple and regular under the influence of urban expansion. This study is of great significance to fill in the history of lake evolution in Wuhan before the popularization of remote sensing, and to guide the rational development of lakes in Wuhan and the sustainable and healthy development of Wuhan.

Abstract: In this paper an integrated approach by using microwave and optical satellite data, respectively acquired by Sentinel-1 (S-1) and Sentinel-2 (S-2) was presented for monitoring vegetation status. Experimental data and electromagnetic models have been combined to relate backscattering from S-1 and optical indices from S-2 t to plant conditions, which were evaluated by measuring the vegetation photochemical reflectance index (PRI), the vegetation and the soil water content. Field data were collected in two sorghum fields close to Florence in Tuscany (Central Italy) dur-ing summers 2022 and 2023. The results show significant correlations between microwave and optical data with respect to field measurements, highlighting the potential of remote sensing techniques for agricultural monitoring and management, also in response to climate change.

Abstract: This study introduces Computational Historical Ecology, a framework that applies GIS mapping, text analysis, and AI tools to historical biodiversity data. The framework not only enhances the utility of archival sources but also highlights the potential of integrating computational techniques with historical and environmental humanities. The study works with the 1845 Bavarian Animal Observation Dataset: a historical survey documenting vertebrate species across 119 forestry districts in pre-industrial Bavaria, which offers invaluable insights into species distribution, habitat changes, and the ecological impact of human activities during the 19th century. By digitising, annotating, and analysing over 5,400 archival records, the research bridges historical ecology and computational methods to reconstruct past biodiversity patterns. Employing a data-centric methodology, the exemplary analyses reveal significant shifts in species presence, driven by land development, deforestation, and evolving agricultural practices. Notable examples include the decline of the Eurasian otter and the extinction of the Eurasian beaver in Bavaria. The interdisciplinary study demonstrates how historical records reflect both environmental transformations and the perspectives of the people who documented these changes. Findings underscore the importance of historical datasets as benchmarks for contemporary assessments and as contributions to ongoing debates in conservation science, restoration ecology, and environmental policy-making. The paper advocates for greater investment in digitisation and interdisciplinary collaboration, recognising the critical role of archival sources in shaping future biodiversity strategies.

Abstract: In this paper, we derive the luminous flux and spectral type of lighting systems of a region from colour images taken on board the International Space Station. On such images, one can only detect the illuminated area on the ground after the emitted photons experienced a reflection process. If one assume a typical reflectance of the underlying ground surface, a Lambertian reflection and a null Upward Light Output Ratio (ULOR) of the lighting device, it is possible to estimate the radiant flux of these lighting devices by integrating its associated illuminated area. Prior to such integration, we evaluated the interest of using a Richardson-Lucy deconvolution algorithm to facilitate the extraction of all light related to each light source. The intensity weighted center of the illuminated area is used to define the final source position. The extraction of the illuminated area is based on a watershed algorithm. Under some assumptions, the integrated photopic radiance may then be converted into light fixture luminous flux. Along with the flux, we derive the spectral type of the lighting device from the color-color ratios. The resulting lighting systems inventory is accurate in terms of positioning sources, but not in terms of retrieving the spectral class of these lighting systems.

Abstract:

An efficient method for efficiently cleaning pharmaceutical wastewater and eliminating micro-contaminants is the production of hydrochar from coal waste and sewage sludge using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) techniques. This procedure produces high-quality hydrochar, a potential adsorbent material for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment, by carefully converting coal waste and sewage sludge in proportions. This novel approach dramatically lowers the dangers to environmental health posed by excessive pharmaceutical pollutants. Essential elements include reaction temperature, reaction duration, feedstock qualities, pressure, total solids, solvents, catalyst composition, and a host of other biochemical and physicochemical parameters that all affect the quality of the hydrochar generated during HTC. To effectively remove pharmaceutical wastewater pollutants and lessen environmental concerns, this paper carefully reviews the use of hydrochar, an adsorbent made from particular ratios of sewage sludge (SS) and coal waste (CW).

Abstract: This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of the Yellow River Delta shoreline from 1976 to 2024 using 156 remote sensing images and hydrological data. By integrating waterline extraction, DSAS model, and EPR index analysis, quantified shoreline dynamics and identified dominant drivers. Results reveal distinct subregional patterns: the Diaokou Subdelta transitioned from severe erosion (-372.1 m/a, 1976–2002) to dynamic equilibrium (109.5 m/a post-2016) under alternating marine and anthropogenic controls. The Qingshuigou Subdelta exhibited extreme shifts from rapid progradation (1453.9 m/a, 1976–1996) to intense erosion (-1761.0 m/a post-1996) due to channel diversion and sediment deprivation. Dongying Port maintained weak deposition (11.2 m/a) through artificial levee effects, while the active river mouth sustained persistent accretion (3.75 km/a post-2016) under natural sediment supply. Key drivers include fluvial sediment flux (dominant in progradation phases), marine erosion (critical in abandoned lobes), and engineering interventions (e.g., levees reduced erosion by 68.55 m/a). This study highlights the necessity of balancing natural processes and human interventions for coastal resilience, providing a scientific foundation for delta management and sustainable governance.

Abstract: The Kashmir Valley, characterized by its rich loess-palaeosol sequences (LPS), provides a unique geo-archive for reconstructing Late Quaternary climate and paleoenvironmental dynamics. This study presents an extensive multi-proxy study, integrating high-resolution lithostratigraphy, geochemical analyses, stable isotope analysis of soil organic matter (δ13C-VPDB), and radiocarbon (14C) chronology of a sediment sequence approximately 200 cm thick, to unravel the complex interplay of climatic, pedogenic and environmental processes shaping the region spanning the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. The results establish a precise chronology of the sediment sequence between 13.4 ka and 7.2 ka, covering the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene Epoch. The results reveal distinct climatic and environmental conditions during this epoch. The study reveals substantial loess deposition during the cold and dry glacial climate towards the end of the Pleistocene, followed by a shift to a warmer and wetter interglacial climate at the onset of the Holocene Epoch. This climatic shift led to the development of soil units with pronounced fluvial characteristics around 10 ka, eventually transitioning to fluvial deposition. Geochemical indices such as Ca/Ti, Al/Ti, Si/Ti, and K/Ti indicate low weathering intensity prior to 11 ka, followed by a noticeable increase around 11 ka, possibly driven by enhanced precipitation. δ13C values, ranging from –26.2‰ to –22.5‰, suggest C3-dominated vegetation during the Late Pleistocene, indicating wetter climatic conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate interactions between climate, soil development, and vegetation dynamics during the critical Late Pleistocene-Holocene transition in the Kashmir Valley.

Abstract:

The rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy, driven by advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence-driven technologies, and industrial automation, is contributing to economic growth but also increasing technology-led greenhouse gas emissions (THGE). Globally, the hi environmental impact of digital infrastructure is gaining attention, yet limited research exists on its implications for developing economies like Nigeria. This study adopts a narrative review approach to assess the scale of THGE, identifying key emission sources. The analysis synthesizes peer-reviewed literature, national policies, and global best practices to highlight Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and the limited integration of renewable energy in ICT operations. Comparative insights from South Africa, Brazil, and India reveal gaps in Nigeria’s sustainability strategies and policy enforcement. Findings indicate that weak emission reporting systems, inefficient e-waste management, and a lack of green technology incentives exacerbate environmental risks. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as carbon taxation, enhanced regulatory enforcement, and incentives for renewable energy adoption in the ICT sector. Strengthening public-private partnerships and integrating sustainability into digital policies will be critical for aligning Nigeria’s technology-driven growth with global climate goals. Future research should focus on sectoral emission tracking, green ICT policies, and sustainable digital economy models.

Abstract:

The widely cited claim that 50% of supermarket products contain palm oil appears wrong. Our analysis of ~1,600 products from supermarkets in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Australia found palm oil in 7.9% of products, while maize (19%), rapeseed (15%), and soya (14%) were more common. However, up to 40% of products may contain palm oil through unspecified vegetable oils or oleochemicals. While reported declines in palm oil consumption in Europe and Australia, indicate a shift in consumer preferences, these figures correlate with an increased substitution of alternative oils. These alternatives often have higher land requirements than oil palm, raising sustainability concerns. Additionally, incomplete and ambiguous reporting of product composition, particularly for oleochemicals, may obscure the true prevalence of vegetable oils. Regulatory efforts like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aim to improve transparency, but challenges remain at the consumption supply chain node where consumers should not only know what vegetable oils are in products, but also the conditions under which those oils were produced. Our findings highlight the need for better food labeling, and impact evaluations, enabling consumers to make informed choices.

Abstract:

Contamination of water is currently one of the alarming issues all around the planet. Water that is contaminated with manganese (Mn) could potentially give rise to functional and aesthetic complications. Removal of manganese is critical and often has substantial implications for the layout of treatment trains. Precipitation, ion exchange, depth filtration, oxidation, adsorption, biosorption, and biological methods are the traditional chemical, physical, and biological processes for removing Mn (II) from contaminated water. All these treatment processes have some advantages and disadvantages and are based on which the implementation of any process varies. In recent years, the use of biofiltration to eliminate manganese (Mn) from water has grown owing to the progress made in molecular techniques for studying microorganisms found in biological Mn elimination systems. This study aims to contribute to the existing research on Mn occurrence and highlight the historical and current removal strategies used in drinking water treatment. The main objective is to assist future researchers in developing more efficient technologies and clarify the subject matter.

Abstract:

Abstract: The Liangzi Lake, a typical shallow lake in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, is important for water resource and biodiversity conservation. With the development of urbanization, anthropogenic activities have posed serious threats to the water quality and biodiversity of Liangzi Lake. To assess the aquatic ecosystem health of Liangzi Lake, the structure, environmental response, and interactions of plankton were investigated in 2022 and 2023. Results indicated that water temperature was a pivotal factor regulating plankton dynamics, while plankton assemblage patterns were predominantly shaped by phytoplankton species, which was Bacillariophyta in spring and Chlorophyta in summer. In terms of phytoplankton, dissolved oxygen, and N:P ratio significantly affects cyanobacteria distribution, and a high biomass and abundance of them in summer highlighted the potential risk of harmful algal blooms. In contrast to phytoplankton, zooplankton exhibited enhanced resilience to changes of the surrounding environment. Rotifera was the dominant group in summer in terms of both abundance and biomass. Most core genera of plankton were jointly identified by eDNA metabarcoding and microscopical analysis, and eDNA metabarcoding has advantages in revealing a higher diversity. However, some taxa among rotifers, such as Liliferotrocha, were only identified using the microscopical analysis. Therefore, a combination of both methods is recommended to better understand the structuring mechanisms of plankton assemblages in lake ecosystems.

Abstract: We modelled the water level variations in a protected playa-lake system (La Ratosa Natural Reserve, S Spain) comprising two adjacent playa-lakes: La Ratosa and Herriza de los Ladrones. For this pourpose, daily water balances were applied to reconstruct the water level. Model results were validated using actual water level monitoring over the past 20 years. We surveyed post-Pliocene geological structures in the endorheic watershed to investigate lake nucleation and to improve the hydrogeological model. Additionally, we investigated the groundwater level evolution in nearby aquifers, which have been profusely affected by groundwater exploitation for domestic and agricultural use. Then, the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios were applied to forecast the future of this lake system. We found that the playa-lake hydroperiod will shorten, causing the system to shift from seasonal to ephemeral, which appears to be a general trend in this area. However, the impact on La Ratosa-Herriza de los Ladrones system would be likely more severe due to local stressors, such as groundwater withdrawal for urban demand and agriculture, driving to the system to the complete desiccation of for extended periods. These results highlight the sensitivity of these protected ecosystems to changes in the watershed´s water balance and underscore the urgent need to preserve watersheds from any form of water use, other than ecological purposes. This approach aims to support informed decision-making to mitigate adverse impacts on these fragile ecosystems, ensuring their ecological integrity in the context of climate change and increasing water demand for various uses.

Abstract: In the past three decades, the city of Addis Ababa has grown significantly in population, facilities, and infrastructure. The area involved in the recent urbanization is prone to slow natural subsidence phenomena that can be accelerated due to anthropogenic factors such as groundwater overexploitation and loading of unconsolidated soils. The main aim of this study is to identify and monitor the areas most affected by subsidence in a context, such as that of many areas of emerging countries, characterized by the lack of geological and technical data. The increasing availability of SAR data acquired by the Sentinel-1 mission around the world and the refinement of processing techniques that have taken place in recent years, allow one to identify and monitor the critical conditions deriving from the impressive recent expansion of mega cities such as Addis Ababa. In this work, the Sentinel-1 SAR images from 2014 to 2021 were processed through the PS-InSAR technique, which allows us to estimate the deformations of the earth's surface with high precision, especially in urbanized areas. The obtained deformation velocity maps and displace-ment time series have been validated using accurate second-order geodetic control points and compared with the recent urbaniza-tion of the territory. The results demonstrate the presence of areas affected by a vertical rate of displacement of up to 21 mm/year. These areas correspond to sectors that are most predisposed to subsidence phenomena due to the presence of recent alluvial deposits and have suffered greater anthropic pressure through the construction of new buildings and the exploitation of groundwater. Satellite interferometry techniques are confirmed to be a reliable tool for monitoring potentially dangerous geologi-cal processes, and in the case examined in this work, they represent the only way to verify the urbanized areas exposed to the risk of damage with great effectiveness and low cost, providing local authorities with crucial information on the priorities of interven-tion.

Abstract:

This comprehensive review explores the critical role of microbial adaptation in enhancing food safety by responding to diverse environmental stressors—an essential aspect of microbial ecology with profound implications for biotechnology, environmental management, and public health. We examine the intricate mechanisms underlying microbial adaptation, including genetic modifications such as mutation and horizontal gene transfer, as well as phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic regulation, which enable microorganisms to thrive under adverse conditions. Case studies illustrate microbial resilience in extreme environments, shedding light on their sophisticated adaptive strategies. Additionally, we discuss the practical applications of microbial adaptation in biotechnological domains, including bioremediation, industrial processes, and its emerging contributions to drug development. By addressing future research directions and challenges, this review underscores the necessity of advancing our understanding of microbial-environment interactions to inform innovative strategies for food safety and broader scientific applications.

Abstract:

The cattle sector plays a critical role in Peru's agricultural economy, yet it faces challenges related to low productivity and environmental degradation. Sustainable alternatives like silvo-pastoral systems (SPS) offer promising solutions to enhance both economic returns and ecological outcomes in cattle farming. This study examines the economic and environmental viability of intensive SPS (SPSi) compared to traditional monoculture grass systems in San Martín, Peru. SPSi, which integrate grasses, legumes, shrubs, and trees, have the potential to enhance cattle farming profitability while simultaneously offering environmental benefits such as improved soil health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Through a discounted cash flow model over an eight-year period, key profitability indicators—Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BC), and payback period—were estimated for four dual-purpose cattle production scenarios: a traditional system and three SPSi scenarios (pessimistic, moderate, and optimistic). Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to assess risk, ensuring robust results. Results show that the NPV for the traditional system was a modest US$61, while SPSi scenarios ranged from US$9,564 to US$20,465. The IRR improved from 8.17% in the traditional system to between 26.63% and 30.33% in SPSi scenarios, with a shorter payback period of 4.5 to 5.8 years, compared to 7.98 years in the traditional system. Additionally, SPSi demonstrated a 30% increase in milk production and a 50% to 250% rise in stocking rates per hectare. The study recommends promoting SPSi adoption through improved access to credit, technical assistance, and policy frameworks that compensate farmers for ecosystem services. Policymakers should also implement monitoring mechanisms to mitigate unintended consequences, such as deforestation, ensuring that SPSi expansion aligns with sustainable land management practices. Overall, SPSi present a viable solution for achieving economic resilience and environmental sustainability in Peru’s cattle sector.

Abstract:

This review explores advanced sensing technologies and Deep Learning (DL) methodologies for monitoring airborne particulate matter (PM), critical for environmental health assessment. It begins with discussing the significance of PM monitoring and introduces surface plasmon resonance (SPR) as a promising technique in environmental applications, alongside the role of DL neural networks in enhancing these technologies. This review analyzes advancements in airborne PM sensing technologies and the integration of DL methodologies for environmental monitoring. The review emphasizes the importance of PM monitoring for public health, environmental policy, and scientific research. Traditional PM sensing methods, including their principles, advantages, and limitations, are discussed, covering gravimetric techniques, continuous monitoring, optical and electrical methods, and microscopy. The integration of DL with PM sensing offers potential for enhancing monitoring accuracy, efficiency, and data interpretation. DL techniques such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), autoencoders, recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and their variants, are examined for applications like PM estimation from satellite data, air quality prediction, and sensor calibration. The review highlights data acquisition and quality challenges in developing effective DL models for air quality monitoring. Techniques for handling large and noisy datasets are explored, emphasizing the importance of data quality for model performance, generalizability, and interpretability. The emergence of low-cost sensor technologies and hybrid systems for PM monitoring is discussed, acknowledging their promise while recognizing the need for addressing data quality, standardization, and integration issues. The review identifies areas for future research, including the development of robust DL models, advanced data fusion techniques, applications of deep reinforcement learning, and considerations of ethical implications.

Abstract: In Central Asian countries (CACs) atmosphere pollution is increasing due to population growth, economic growth, agricultural development, energy consumption and climate change. The countries of region developed climate change adaptation strategies - Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At the same time, regional integration, which should be a necessary condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the solving of general environmental problems, is not involved. This article shows the importance of a comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) and non-greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere for the entire Central Asian region as a single ecosystem. The energy intensity of national economies structure was chosen as the main factor determining the level of pollution. The analysis shows that over the past 30 years, the main part of the commodity exports (73.6 - 81.4%) of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan has been fossil natural resources. There is a strong economic dependence on coal and other types of fuel, which leads to the atmospheric emissions. The analysis shows that limited financial resources, lack of effective systemic monitoring and control of air quality that meets modern international requirements and standards, leads to absence of tangible changes in practice yet. Over 30 years in CACs, the share of CO2 emissions associated with the fossil fuels combustion has not decreased and amounts to 78%. The key mechanisms for reducing atmospheric emissions are significantly increase investments in the transformation of the economies in the context of regional development, interstate cooperation, the introduction of environmental norms, standards harmonized with world ones, green technologies based on alternative energy, sustainable transport and logistics infrastructure.

Abstract: Drones have become valuable tools in wildlife research due to their ability to access remote areas and collect high-resolution data with minimal human interference. However, their increasing use raises concerns about potential disturbances to wildlife. This review synthesizes existing research on the impacts of drone disturbances across terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic species, focusing on operational factors, sensory stimuli, species-specific sensitivities, and physiological and behavioral responses. Findings indicate that drone flight altitude, speed, approach distance, and noise levels significantly influence wildlife reactions, with some species exhibiting increased vigilance, flight responses, or physiological stress. Additionally, visual stimuli and environmental conditions shape species' perception of drones, affecting their disturbance thresholds. While short-term behavioral changes have been widely documented, the long-term effects of repeated drone exposure remain poorly understood. This paper underscores the importance of continuing research into drone-wildlife interactions, emphasizing the importance of minimizing disturbances through optimized flight parameters and technological advancements. Future research should focus on developing species-specific guidelines and mitigation strategies to balance conservation efforts with the responsible use of drone technology.

Abstract: The various speculations about the so - called "Japan Sinks" have been widely circulated, to the extent that movies have even been made on this topic. The "2024 MW 7.6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake" has triggered contemplation about the specific mechanisms of the "Japan Sinks". The article synthesizes and explores the connection among the 2024 MW 7.6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the 1993 MW 6.6 Off Noto Earthquake and the future fate of the Japanese archipelago. Both earthquakes occurred at the same inflection point in the central part of the paleo-rift beneath the Sea of Japan, indicating continuous impacts. This suggests that multiple impacts may have led to the complete breaking of the inflection point, resulting in a full revival of the entire paleo-rift. Over time, the paleo-rift will evolve into a new subduction zone, similar to the Benioff Zone, causing the Japanese archipelago to subduct westward beneath the Japan Sea. Recent scientific studies support this assertion. The dangers depicted in the Japanese movie "Japan Sinks" could be real, even though it might not sink into the Pacific as depicted in the movie, but rather would submerge in the Sea of Japan.

Abstract: Uganda, just like its counterparts around the globe, is transforming its land tenure systems, from communal systems to private individual ownership systems. However, through the establishment of privatized land rights, several criticisms and collisions have continuously marred the government's well-intentioned vision. They claim that this will negatively impact vulnerable groups, such as women, the disabled, and children. In Uganda, while structural transformation occurred in the economy at least thirty years ago, followed by the enactment of the land policy, the issue of rights through titling of individual ownership is not fully implemented to even 50% in the rural areas. This tenure security and ownership empowerment continues to bleed confusion and reportedly leads to the weakening of traditional communal land tenure systems and erosion of land rights, thus hampering sustainable agricultural production and investment. This paper, therefore, examines rural land rights, markets, and land structural transformation in Uganda, with a specific focus on the rural areas. In this work, several papers are reviewed to get facts about existing land rights, land market structure, performance, and challenges associated with them. Review analysis reveals three main issues: there's a lack of awareness of the new land policies and their implementation, land tenure security is not yet guaranteed, and therefore the vulnerable groups are not fully secure, and land markets, though not yet efficient, are increasing exponentially in many areas. In conclusion, this paper recommends the sensitization of the public, especially the rural landowners and institutions, continuous incentivization of formalization and acquisition of land documents, and finally the need to harmonize with different institutions on the implementation of existing land laws and policies.