Environment & Ecosystem Science (EES)

This study examines the trends in monthly maximum, minimum, and average temperatures over a 20-year period (2003-2022) in Khulna district, Bangladesh. The temperature data were sourced from the Regional Inspection Center (R.I.C) of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Gollamary, Khulna. The aim was to assess temperature deviations in the district over time. Using linear trend analysis, long-term temperature changes were evaluated. The annual mean maximum, minimum, and average temperatures showed increasing trends when plotted against the years, though the year-to-year variability was not statistically significant. The regression equations obtained for maximum, minimum, and average temperatures were: (y = 0.0251x – 19.006, R² = 0.1525), (y = 0.0177x – 8.789, R² = 0.1492), and (y = 0.0098x + 2.5477, R² = 0.0476), respectively. A bimodal dispersion pattern was observed across all three temperature aspects throughout the months during 2003-2022. Monthly temperatures (maximum, minimum, and average) did not follow a consistent pattern, as shown by the linear regression analysis, with both increasing and decreasing trends identified over the two decades. May was found to be the warmest month, while January was the coldest when considering mean monthly maximum and average temperatures. Furthermore, the highest upsurge in mean monthly average temperature was recorded in July (0.05390C), while the bulk reduction was detected in February (0.03670C). Principal component analysis indicated that the first two components accounted for 93% of the total variation. The study recommends further temperature monitoring methods due to observed instability in temperature.

Rapid industrialization over the past few decades has led to significant environmental pollution, with heavy metals being among the most hazardous contaminants due to their high toxicity and abundance. These metals, including Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Iron, and Zinc are essential for plant growth in specific amounts but can be detrimental in excess, causing disruptions in photosynthesis and other physiological processes. Heavy metals like Cadmium and Lead are particularly harmful, affecting plant growth and enzymatic activities, leading to reduced crop yields. Soil ecosystems and plant growth are disrupted by heavy metal deposition, impacting the food supply and soil performance. This study aims to examine various types of heavy metals, their sources, significance in agriculture, mitigation activities, and recommendations for their control. Heavy metals are classified into essential and non-essential categories, both of which can be toxic at high concentrations. Sources of contamination include both natural processes and anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes, waste disposal, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers. The accumulation of heavy metals in soils affects soil microbial communities and enzyme activities, leading to soil degradation and reduced plant productivity. Understanding the sources, effects, and mitigation strategies for heavy metal contamination is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental health.

Made in Nigeria products are anticipated to expand the industrial sector, achieving proficiency and independence in production. This growth is expected to enhance the economy, create an export surplus, and integrate Nigeria into the global economy. However, increased production generates significant solid waste, posing public health and environmental challenges. This study aims to examine how Made in Nigeria products impact solid waste generation and the consequent effects on citizens’ health. A survey method was used to collect data, and a descriptive method of analysis was employed. Tables and graphs were utilized to analyze the results. The study found that open waste disposal and poorly designed landfills contribute to environmental degradation, water and air pollution, and groundwater contamination. Many Nigerians are reluctant to separate their waste, leading to ineffective waste management practices such as inadequate separation at source, collection, transportation, treatment, and clearance. The ineffective management of solid waste has resulted in degraded environmental sanitation and poor quality of life. Proper waste management is critical for public health and environmental quality, yet current practices are insufficient. The study recommends providing the Ministry of Environment with resources to improve citizens’ quality of life. Educating rural populations on modern waste management methods is essential. The government should reward firms with proper waste disposal equipment and sanction those without. Increased funding and personnel for waste management agencies, along with the involvement of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to promote appropriate waste disposal practices, are crucial. Encouraging scavengers by providing machinery to expand their services is also recommended. This study highlights the significant impact of industrial growth on waste generation and underscores the necessity of effective waste management practices to ensure sustainable development and public health in Nigeria.

This review paper provides a critical examination of the environmental impacts and performance characteristics of both plastic and jute products, utilizing extensive literature and empirical data. The comparative analysis of plastic and jute products reveals significant differences in their environmental impacts, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to plastic. Plastic products contribute extensively to environmental pollution through improper disposal and long-lasting presence in ecosystems, contaminating rivers and oceans, and posing severe threats to wildlife and human health due to entanglement, ingestion, and the leaching of harmful chemicals. Plastic production and decomposition release substantial greenhouse gases, exacerbating global warming and climate change, with plastic production demanding 63 GJ/ton of energy and generating 1340 tons of CO2 equivalent per ton produced. Conversely, jute products are celebrated for their biodegradability and sustainable sourcing. With a rapid growth cycle of 4-6 months and high cellulose yield, jute products decompose naturally, enriching the soil and reducing pollution. Although jute’s heavier weight can lead to higher transportation emissions, its benefits in terms of renewability, composability, and minimal carbon footprint make it a superior alternative, with jute production requiring only 2 GJ/ton of energy and emitting a negligible 0.15 tons of CO2 equivalent per ton produced. The historical significance and current trends of the jute industry in Bangladesh further underscore its potential as a sustainable resource, with the sector generating nearly $1 billion annually. The mechanical properties of jute, such as tensile strengths ranging from 12.69 MPa to 112.69 MPa and tensile moduli up to 39.1 GPa, combined with its physical properties like strong seam strength and resistance to temperature variations, enhance its versatility across various applications. The transition to jute products can significantly mitigate the adverse impacts of plastic pollution, promoting environmental conservation and sustainable industry practices.

This research paper is a comparative analysis of the communal and state-controlled approaches in biodiversity conservation within Akwa Ibom State. To achieve its aim, the study utilised both primary data obtained from a structured survey and secondary data from secondary sources. For the survey, a questionnaire was prepared and administered to a total of 300 respondents within both urban and rural communities of the study area. There was also a focus group discussion of 15 individuals to enhance the quality of the primary data gotten. Descriptive statistics, deductive and inductive reasoning were used to analyse the survey responses and the data drawn from other sources. The findings revealed that while communal and state-controlled biodiversity conservation approaches were quite ideal in protecting the region’s biodiversity, it would be more beneficial and cost-effective for Akwa Ibom State to adopt and invest primarily in the communal approach of biodiversity conservation.

The ecological restoration of mangroves is evolving from large monospecific replantation projects to the systemic approaches (hydro-geomorphological rehabilitation and local communities’ involvement). To evaluate the effectiveness of these emerging projects to restore mangroves, this paper combines the analysis of 198 restoration project through literature review and the evaluation of a case study in the Philippines, where a restoration project combining replanting mangroves, the construction of infrastructure to limit wave and swell energy, and the development of a sustainable local economy was conducted. The results are mixed, with the failure of most of the reforestation actions (average survival rate of 1.5%), the failure of the maintenance of infrastructure, such as sediment traps, and the unsustainability of four income-generating activities. On the other hand, the installation of breakwaters was a success in terms of sediment accretion, as was the implementation of two income-generating activities. In addition, local communities’ perceptions of the project are mostly positive. These results show that there are still important shortcomings in these projects, which are caused by a lack of knowledge regarding the ecology of mangroves’ social ecosystems, as well as the governance system.

Rainfall and temperature are crucial weather parameters in addressing climate change. Understanding the magnitude and severity of extreme events is essential for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. This study conducted a frequency analysis of monthly maximum rainfall and temperature data for Khulna station spanning 73 years (1950–2022) to identify the best-fit distribution models capable of predicting extreme events. Among the eight probability distribution models (Normal, Lognormal, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV), Extreme Value, Logistic, t Location-Scale, Gamma, and Weibull distribution) tested, GEV proved the best fit for rainfall data, while Extreme Value was the optimal choice for temperature data, as confirmed by statistical tests (AIC, K-S and A-D). Model parameters were calculated using the log-likelihood method. Furthermore, the study estimated extreme values of maximum rainfall and temperature for return periods of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 years. These findings can offer valuable insights for developing plans and strategies to mitigate the risks and damages associated with extreme weather events.

Advances in global industrialization and urbanisation have resulted in the development of a diverse group of chemical compounds with numerous applications that have a negative impact on the environment and pose human health risks. Air pollution associated with industrial emissions and the continuous discharge of various organic micropollutants (OMPs), without any regulatory measures, may cause environmental risks as well as potential adverse effects on humans even at their low concentrations. Degradation of air quality puts our efforts towards sustainable clean air at risk and impedes the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a number of developing nations worldwide. In recent years, the scientific community has faced the task of understanding the occurrence, fate, and potential ecotoxicological implications associated with OMPs in diverse environmental compartments. The goal of this review paper is to explain OMPs’ origin and occurrences, and adverse consequences on the atmospheric environment and human health. The detection and analysis of these OMPs at trace levels will enables researchers to understand the environmental fate and behaviour of persistent organic contaminants of concern. Therefore, development of novel technologies for effective detection of OMPs at trace levels and appropriate preventive measures need to be adopted. The development of reliable and sensitive techniques will be the first step in the detection and analysis of OMPs in the environment. Furthermore, long-term air quality monitoring is necessary for effective sustainable environmental management of OMPs as well as other related compounds and cost–effective risks mitigation strategies. Sustainable environment therefore require reduction in OMPs emmisions into the atmosphere, adoption of air pollution control policy, and development of effective risks mitigation strategies and by various developing countries.

Soil erosion, defined as a naturally occurring process that adversely affect all landform leads to increased pollution and sedimentation in rivers and streams which causes decline in fish and other forms of aquatic life. Suitable land use guided by scientific research findings can help reduce these impacts. The current study therefore aimed at characterisation and prediction of soil erosion by water using Modified Fournier Index methodology. Prior to final data analysis, data quality checks were deployed where outliers were detected, removed and replace by expectation maximum algorithm aided by SPSS. A machine learning algorithm, Neural Network was applied to forecast probable annual values of the Modified Fournier Index (Cp). Major findings exhibited a significant decreasing trend implying a high likelihood of drought events in the area. This phenomenon provides an insight for possible shift in the type of soil erosion risk to prevail in the near future, where soil particles will be prone to wind erosion. The Neural Network forecasted Fournier index values were seen diminishing annually. From these results it is therefore recommended that more studies be undertaken on drought risk analysis since Fournier index values are diminishing giving way to drought events. This information will provide details necessary for informed decision in the protection and sustainability of the Agricultural activities in the study area.

Trace elements with bio-importance are presence in some heavy metals but adverse effects of these elements called for concern in human system. Hence, the parameters involved must be put into consideration, such as the environment, health effects, and concentrations. The occurrences of the substance to our immediate environment, leaching processing, and their sources must be known. It is generally known that these substances are input into our immediate environment by both natural and anthropogenic means. The substance are imported into the subsurface water, flowing through water directions and finally depositing in the aquifer, or transported by erosion and end up in water and subsequently soil pollution. Heavy metals concentration level presence in soil samples from transformer oil was determined in Sango and Orita-Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). The heavy metals determined were: (Pd, Ni, Cd, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Co, K, Mg, Na, and Cr). It was affirmed from the results that some high level of heavy metals concentration from the transformer sites differs from one another, as a result of heavy metals content in the transformer oil released to the surrounding soil, while the analysis of some samples shows that the heavy metals fall below the detection limit or absent.