Soil samples from vegetable farmland in densely populated wards of Nepal were analyzed for natural radionuclide levels, employing a NaI(Tl) 3" [Formula: see text] 3" gamma detector. The study aimed to evaluate the causes of radiation risk, attributing it to soil contamination resulting from the rapid urbanization and concretization that followed the earthquake in 2015. The activity concentration of radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40 and the ranges observed are 2.080±0.084-33.675±1.356 Bq kg[Formula: see text], 17.222±0.198-119.949±1.379 Bq kg[Formula: see text], and 11.203 ± 0.325-748.828±21.716 Bq kg[Formula: see text], respectively. The average values obtained for hazard indices are as follows: radium equivalent activity (82.779 Bq kg[Formula: see text]), absorbed dose rate (36.394 nGy h[Formula: see text]), annual effective dose equivalent (0.045 mSv yearr[Formula: see text]), gamma index (0.291), external hazard index (0.224), internal hazard index (0.253), excess lifetime cancer risk (0.159), annual gonadal dose equivalent (243.278 mSv year[Formula: see text]), alpha index (0.054), and activity utilization index (0.716). However, in most places, thorium-232 concentration is greater than those of the world average and recommended values. In specific locations such as Ward 4 in Baluwatar, the soil was found to have concentrations of Ra[Formula: see text] and K[Formula: see text] exceeding recommended limits. Despite this localized concern, the overall analysis of hazard indices across the studied areas revealed that most values were within permissible limits. This suggests that, on a broader scale, radiation exposure may not be a significant concern in the investigated regions. Nonetheless, the study recommends regular monitoring in additional locations to ensure a comprehensive and ongoing assessment of radiation levels.
The spatial and temporal dynamics of daily ultraviolet index (UVI) for a period of 18 years (2004-2022) over the Indian state of Kerala were statistically characterised in the study. The UVI measurements used for the study were derived from the ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiance measured by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) of the AURA satellite and classified into different severity levels for analysis. Basic statistics of daily, monthly and seasonal UVI as well as Mann-Kendall (MK) statistical trend characteristics and the rate of change of daily UVI using Theil-Sen's slope test were also evaluated. A higher variability of UVI characteristics was observed in the Kerala region, and more than 79% of the measurements fell into the categories of very high and extreme UVI values, which suggests the need of implementation of appropriate measures to reduce health risks. Although the UVI measured during the study period shows a slight decrease, most of the data show a seasonal variation with undulating low and peak values. Higher UVI are observed during the months of March, April and September. The region also has higher UVI during the southwest monsoon (SWM) and summer seasons. Although Kerala region as a single whole unit, UVI show a non-significant decreasing trend (-0.83), the MK test revealed the increasing and decreasing trends of UVI ranging from -1.96 to 0.41 facilitated the delineation of areas (domains) where UVI are increasing or decreasing. The domain of UVI increase occupies the central and southern (S) parts, and the domains of decrease cover the northern (N) and S parts of the Kerala region. The rate of change of daily UVI in domain of increase and decrease shows an average rate of 0.34 × 10-5 day-1 and -2 × 10-5 day-1, respectively. The parameters (rainfall, air temperature, cloud optical depth (COD) and solar zenith angle (SZA)) that affect the strength of UV rays reaching the surface indicate that a cloud-free atmosphere or low thickness clouds prevails in the Kerala region. Overall, the study results indicate the need for regular monitoring of UVI in the study area and also suggest appropriate campaigns to disseminate information and precautions for prolonged UVI exposure to reduce the adverse health effects, since the study area has a high population density.
This study analyzed the spatial-temporal change pattern and underlying factors in production-living-ecological space (PLES) of Nanchong City, China, over the past 20 years using historical land use data (2000, 2010, 2020). A land use transfer matrix was calculated from the historical land use maps, and spatial analysis was conducted to analyze changes in the land use dynamics degree, standard deviation ellipse, and center of gravity. The results showed that there was a rapid spatial evolution of the PLES in Nanchong from 2000 to 2010, followed by a stabilization in the second decade. The transfer of ecological-production space occurred mainly in the Jialing and Yilong River basins, while the reduction of production space and the increase of living space were most prominent in the intersection of three districts (Shunqing, Jialing, and Gaoping districts). The return of production-ecological space was observed in the south and northeast of Yingshan, and there was little notable transfer of other types. The distribution of production space in Nanchong evolved in a north-south to east-west trend, with the center of gravity moving from Yilong to Peng'an County. The living space and production space expanded in a north-south direction, and the center of gravity position was in Nanbu, indicating a more balanced growth or decrease in the last 20 years. The changes in the spatial-temporal pattern of PLES in Nanchong were attributed to the intertwined factors of national policies, economic development, population growth, and the natural environment. This study introduced a novel approach towards rational planning of land resources in Nanchong, which may facilitate more sustainable urban planning and development.
The alarming rate of the mangrove ecosystem loss poses a threat of losing valuable carbon sinks. This study was conducted to (i) determine the growth structure in different vegetation types and (ii) compare the aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon storage in different vegetation types. The study was conducted at four vegetation types within the Rajang-Belawai-Paloh delta i.e., Matured Bakau-Berus Forest (MBBF), Bakau-Nipah Forest (BNF), Regenerating Forests (Debris pile) [RF-D], and Regenerating Forests (Machinery track) [RF-M]. Inventory plots (20 m × 20 m) are systematically located along the main waterways and smaller rivers/streams. Trees (≥ 5 cm diameter-at-breast height [DBH]), seedlings (< 2-cm stem diameter), and saplings (2-4.9-cm stem diameter) were measured. The trend of total trees per hectare is found to be decreasing across the least disturbed vegetation (MBBF) to the most disturbed vegetation (RF-M). The trends of total seedlings and saplings per hectare are found to be going upwards from the least disturbed vegetation to the most disturbed vegetation. Kruskal-Wallis H-test showed that there is a significant difference in the AGB and carbon storage between different vegetation types, χ2(2) = 43.98, p = 0.00 with the highest mean rank AGB and carbon storage in BNF (612.20 t/ha) and lowest in RF-M (287.85 t/ha). It can be concluded that although the most disturbed vegetations have higher regeneration, it may not contribute to the forest's carbon storage The naturally regenerated seedlings may not grow beyond the sapling stage unless sustainable forest management is conducted to ensure survivability and growth.
Urban environment and air quality are changing primarily due to land use land cover (LULC) changes, economic activity, and urbanization. Air pollution has been increasingly acknowledged as a major issue for cities due to its extensive effects on health and well-being. As the second most populous city in the country, Lahore faces alarming levels of air pollutants, which induced this study to focus on the pervasive issue of air pollution in Lahore. For this, the study collected air pollutants data from the Environmental Protection Department of Punjab and analyzed them using the ARIMA model. In the research results, both the observed data and predictive models uncovered concerning trends in pollutant concentrations, ultimately portraying a concerning picture for air quality management. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels show a consistent rise, surpassing Pakistan's environmental standards by 2025. Similarly, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations escalate, exceeding prescribed standards. Ground-level ozone (O3) also demonstrates a substantial increase, surpassing standards by 2025. Both PM2.5 and PM10 exhibit marked upward trends, projected to exceed recommended limits, particularly PM10 throughout the study year. The Air Quality Index exhibits an observable upward trend, fluctuating between 70 and 442 from 2015 to 2020. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between population growth and land use conversion into residential areas. Projections suggest a continuous increase, potentially hitting a severe level of 500 during winter by 2025. These findings point to an impending air pollution crisis, demanding urgent action to address the hazardous situation in the city. The study recommends that urban air pollution should be reduced, and the negative health effects of air pollution should be minimized using vegetation barriers, screens, and greening initiatives. Strict regulations and monitoring initiatives need to be put in place in big cities to monitor pollution and vegetation.
This research aims to understand the extent of microplastic contamination in Pekalongan waters, Central Java, and its potential impact on fishing grounds, aligning with Indonesia's National Action Plan for Handling Marine Debris 2018-2025. The study employs a 2D hydrodynamics modelling approach with Mike 21 Software to map the spatial distribution of microplastic movement concerning fishing areas during the west and east monsoon seasons. The results showed that microplastic particles follow tidal currents in Pekalongan waters, with their movement influenced by factors such as current, wind, and tidal conditions. The trajectory of microplastics entering fishing ground areas poses potential contamination risk for fish caught by fishermen, threatening the health of marine ecosystems and the stability of their structure and function.
To assess the sources, levels, spatial distributions and exposure to human health, the concentration of heavy metals Pb, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe in the sand/sediment of the Parki Beach area of Anowara, Chattogram, Bangladesh are determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for the first time. A total of 40 surface and subsurface sand and sediment samples were collected from 20 different sampling points along the 15 km long Parki Beach area, Bangladesh. Average concentrations of Pb, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe in surface samples are 14.60, 10.10, 283, 407 and 25,256 mg/kg respectively and 9.95, 4.20, 193, 156.6 and 24,404 mg/kg for sub-surface samples, respectively, which shows that the values are higher in surface samples than those in sub-surface samples. According to the Consensus-Based Sediment Quality Guidelines (CBSQG), the northern part of the beach becomes moderately polluted by Mn and Fe, and a smaller area of the southern part is highly polluted by Zn. The average Contamination Factor (CF) of Zn was greater than 1(CF > 1), while the CF of other metals was less than 1(CF
This study evaluates the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in monitoring coastal changes at Pantai Mengabang Telipot, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Addressing the limitations of traditional monitoring methods, such as ground-based surveys and satellite imagery, the research underscores the critical need for timely and precise coastal monitoring using drone technology. The study employs a comprehensive four-phase methodology involving area identification, data acquisition through UAV imagery, data processing, and accuracy analysis. The orthophoto accuracy achieved, compared to detailed shoreline surveys, is 0.064 m. Analysis of shoreline changes over two observation periods reveals a retreat of 0.056 m per day over 14 days, escalating to 0.180 m per day during the subsequent 20 days. These findings highlight the influence of the Southwest Monsoon and man-made structures on coastal dynamics. The results contribute significantly to advancing UAV-based coastal change assessments, emphasizing their pivotal role in precision-driven decision-making for sustainable coastal management.
This study investigates the effectiveness and efficiency of two topological data analysis (TDA) techniques, the conventional Mapper (CM) and its variant version, the Ball Mapper (BM), in analyzing the behavior of six major air pollutants (NO2, PM10, PM2.5, O3, CO, and SO2) across 60 air quality monitoring stations in Malaysia. Topological graphs produced by CM and BM reveal redundant monitoring stations and geographical relationships corresponding to air pollutant behavior, providing better visualization than traditional hierarchical clustering. Additionally, a comparative analysis of topological graph structures was conducted using node degree distribution, topological graph indices, and Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to evaluate the sensitivity and performance of these TDA techniques. Both approaches yielded valuable insights in representing the air quality monitoring stations network; however, the complexity of CM, which requires multiple parameters, poses a challenge in graph construction. In contrast, the simplicity of BM, requiring only a single parameter, is preferable for representing air pollutant behavior. The findings suggest an alternative approach for assessing and identifying redundancies in air quality monitoring stations, which could contribute to improved air quality monitoring management and more effective regulatory policies.
Climate change and global warming are terms used to describe the variation in the Earth's mean temperature as a result of human activities contributing to the formation of urban heat islands (UHI). One method for determining the temperature of a region is the land surface temperature (LST). The study of LSTs is important and closely related to climate change, as is the provision of convenient living and working conditions in cities, which support economic growth. The NASA Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) database was utilized to gather data on the LST for each subregion from 2000 to 2022. The study area comprises 11 capital cities from Southeast Asian (SEA) nations, organized into nine sub-regional super-regions. This study used the specific area of cities as a study area different from the previous study that covered islands. The objective of the present study was to employ a cubic spline model with seven or eight nodes to assess the periodicity and fluctuations in LST in SEA cities. A 95% confidence interval was then created using the LST variation. An adequate representation of the cyclical pattern in the cubic spline equation required eight knots. The research revealed a statistically significant increase in the mean daily LST in 8 of the 11 SEA super-regions. The findings showed a confidence interval of [0.295, 0.447] °C at the 95% confidence level and an overall average increase in the LST at SEA of 0.371 °C per decade. While the LST increased in Jakarta, Hanoi, Vientiane, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Phnom Penh, it remained unchanged in the Bandar Seri Begawan super-region. On the other hand, the LST was slightly lower in Naypyidaw and marginally greater in Manila. An increase in LST in SEA cities indicates global warming due to reduced green areas.
Soil conditions of croplands are a frequent topic of scientific research. In contrast, less is known about large-scale commercial plantations of perennial crops such as oil palm. Oil palm is a globally important tropical commodity crop which contributes to both food and energy security due to its exceptional productivity. However, oil palm crops are associated with short lifecycles and high nutrient demands, which may disproportionately affect soil health. With the goal of exploring baseline soil properties in commercial oil palm plantations, we evaluated data from two large-scale soil surveys carried out in 2014/2015 and 2018/2019 across more than 400 fields located throughout Peninsular Malaysia. We examined variation in field-measured soil quality indicators with a focus on soil organic carbon content at three depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, 30-45 cm) and investigated links with spatial covariates, including plantation age. We found SOC contents to be low (1.6-2%) across the sampled locations with limited correlation with spatial predictors employed in soil organic carbon modelling. Furthermore, we found that immature and young mature plantations, which consisted of fields that were re-planted as part of a 20-year-long oil palm rotation, were characterised by significantly lower soil organic carbon content than the mature plantations. This suggests that management practices should target younger oil palm plantations for soil organic conservation measures to increase the overall baseline SOC content, which will subsequently accumulate over the plantation's lifespan. We further provide recommendations for future soil sampling efforts, which could increase the robustness of collected data and facilitate their use for soil monitoring through modelling approaches involving, for example, digital soil mapping.
The power generation sector consumes significant amounts of water. A comprehensive water footprint (WF) assessment helps identify and monitor the processes consuming high amounts of water. This research evaluates the water footprint (WF) of electricity generation at a USC coal power plant, integrating on-site data for enhanced reliability. Based on the Water Footprint Assessment Manual, the electricity WF includes supply chain and operational WF. This study exhibits that the average electricity WF is 2.96 m3/MWh. The supply chain WF accounts for 95% of the total electricity WF, while operational WF contributes 5%. The blue WF accounts for 9.9% of the total electricity WF, while the grey water footprint accounts for 90.1%. The results of this research show a significant difference in the distribution of blue and grey WF in electricity WF. Factors contributing to the differences include the amount of coal consumption, power generation technology and power plant cooling technology. Furthermore, this study shows that grey WF depends on the concentration of pollutants considered. This research also conducted a WF impact assessment on local water resources and found that the blue and grey operational WF contributes to low impact. Monitoring the water footprint associated with electricity generation at a coal power plant would provide a more enhanced understanding of water consumption patterns, which could help influence water resources management.
Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is a plant virus transmitted by aphids that has spread throughout many countries, including Malaysia, causing yield losses and economic impacts to the papaya industry worldwide. PRSV infection in papaya-distinctive ring-shaped patterns on papaya leaves resulted in stunted growth and reduced fruit quality. Management strategies such as the use of resistant varieties, cultural practices, and vector control are employed to mitigate the spread of PRSV. However, the evolution of new virus strains and the uncertainties posed by climate change pose ongoing challenges for the management of PRSV worldwide. Therefore, in this present study, we aim to confirm the presence of PRSV in symptomatic papaya leaves, to depict the current status of PRSV in Malaysia. Using reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) targeting PRSV partial nuclear inclusion b protein (NIb) and coat protein (CP), 13 out of 40 papaya leaves collected were found positive for the PRSV strain-P (PRSV-P). Nucleotide analysis revealed a high similarity with strains from Taiwan and India, showing 96.83%, 97.03%, and 97.03% identity with the Taiwan strains (DQ340771, AY027810) and the India strain (KJ755852), respectively. Compared to the CP gene of Malaysian isolates reported in 2016 (EU082207), several nonsynonymous mutations have been discovered suggesting genetic diversity within the PRSV population in Malaysia. Overall, this study confirms the current circulation of PRSV infection in Malaysia since it was first identified in Johore in 1991. The re-occurrence of PRSV-P in this study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and targeted management strategies to prevent the further spread of PRSV-P in Malaysia.
This study investigates the potential of Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila as bioremediation agents for removing copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) from contaminated water. Although Cu and Zn are necessary in trace levels, excessive amounts can be harmful and can linger in aquatic environments, endangering the food chain. Bioremediation using microorganisms offers an alternative method for mitigating heavy metal pollution. In this study, 126 tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) were exposed to CuSO4 and ZnCl2 for 15 days, followed by treatment with E. coli and A. hydrophila. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) revealed that both bacterial treatments reduced copper and zinc accumulation in fish organs, though they did not fully heal external lesions. Histopathological analysis showed significant reductions in melanomacrophage centers (MMC), cell necrosis, cell dissociation, and vacuolization in fish liver tissue after bacterial treatment, particularly at concentrations of 2.5 mg.L-1 and 5 mg.L-1 for CuSO4 and 7.5 mg.L-1 for ZnCl2. These findings suggest that E. coli and A. hydrophila have the potential to be developed as effective bioremediation agents for CuSO4 and ZnCl2 pollution in aquatic environments.
Due to their resilience, various biological systems under environmental changes typically exhibit nonlinear responses with sudden, abrupt shifts. Although such shifts are theoretically expected, few studies traced state-and-transition dynamics in nature (Liu et al., Science 317:1513-1516, 2007). We analysed 18 years' data to trace biomass patterns, species assemblages and small mammals' population trajectories in spontaneously growing forest on formerly ploughed field, hereafter, the postagrogenic forest, and in unmanaged former pasture, hereafter, the grassland. The clear response at individual, populational and ecosystem scales triggered by extraordinary 2010 drought was observed. In the postagrogenic forest, transitioning to the historical ecosystem state, we found a shift from the grassland type of the small mammals' biomass pattern to the forest type with the abrupt reorganisation of the small mammals' community. In the grassland, a relatively steady novel ecosystem, we revealed only a long-term diminishing of total small mammals' biomass, i.e. a regime shift, while maintaining the same functional structure. The changes were based on population response. The bank vole did not show any population reaction, which testifies the ability of individuals to tolerate the drought. The common shrew experienced a population depression, which in postagrogenic forest resulted in the regimen shift after recovery, but in the grassland in only temporal decline with following return to the initial state. The root vole showed a delayed population response with the general decline of population in the grassland, and population collapse in the postagrogenic forest. Therefore, the same impact triggered various responses among different species and resulted in different effects in the successional and steady ecosystems.
Acacia invasion has shown a negative impact on the water resources of forest streams. Therefore, studies need to be conducted demonstrating the importance of managing invasive species to preserve stream and forest ecosystems. This study investigates the effects of Acacia invasion on the water quality of Kerangas forest streams in Brunei. Water samples were collected from an Acacia-invaded (IN) stream and a non-invaded (NIN) stream during the dry season at three locations along each stream. Water properties, including pH, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, and nitrite, were analyzed using in situ and laboratory methods. The results showed that Acacia invasion significantly increased pH (from 4.01 to 5.68), nitrate (by 256%), and phosphate (by 250%) levels, while reducing conductivity (by 208%) and salinity (by 20%) compared to non-invaded streams. These findings suggest that Acacia invasion alters water chemistry, potentially posing risks to aquatic ecosystems. Effective management strategies, such as controlling Acacia spread and restoring native vegetation, are essential to mitigate these impacts and preserve forest water resources.
In industrialized areas, air pollution is a recurring problem, especially in areas with high manufacturing and energy-intensive businesses. The challenge lies in the tension between industrial growth and environmental protection, as these sectors significantly contribute to pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. The objectives of the study were (1) to assess the contribution of each industrial group to the air quality in and around the Pasir Gudang industrial area, Malaysia, and (2) to evaluate the Air Pollution Index (API). Industrial emission sources were grouped into 10 specific groups, namely (1) biomass energy plants, (2) ceramic and mineral, (3) chemical, (4) electrical, (5) food and beverage, (6) metal industries, (7) paint, (8) rubber product, (9) waste recovery, and (10) wood respectively. For this, hourly, daily, and annual modelling of pollutant gases and particulate matter (SO2, NO2, and PM10) for 3 years (2019 to 2021) were conducted using the AERMOD dispersion model. The maximum hourly, daily, and annual average ground level concentrations of SO2 and PM10 were mainly contributed by Wood industry group emissions, while NO2 was dominated by metal industry group emissions. It was observed that the average hourly and daily NO2 levels exceeded Malaysia's standard limits. The API during the study period was 146.97, contributed by NO2, which indicates unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. Therefore, NO2 pollutant control measures from the Metal industry group should be prioritized in this industrial area.