Research Advances in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 8

The objective is to explore the seasonal trends in Musi River groundwater at various sampling stations in the Musi River command area. A total of ten parameters were analyzed of river groundwater during pre and post-monsoon in two years respectively 2020-21. The results were a drop in water quality with seasonal trends among the sites. The data have been compared with the health-based guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), increase in pollution load during the rainy season indicated the increase in organic matter in river water during the season due to an increase in anthropogenic interferences of the surrounding areas.

Except for fluoride, every parameter in the data analysis displayed in Table 11 has a high standard deviation. This is proof of seasonal variation and wastewater discharge variation.

According to Table 10's data analysis, there is a stronger association between post-monsoon This demonstrates how the monsoon water was added and how it seeped into the groundwater.

The following tables, which show the findings, are corresponding to 12, 13, 14, and 15.

According to WQI, the water is getting worse in quality. Seasonal changes and partially or fully treated industrial wastewater discharge are to blame for this.

The present study explores the diversity, availability, and pattern of use of tree stratum forage in the western Himalayas. Trees have been used for centuries for fodder globally. Tree foliage is a substantial source of feed for livestock. Several species of fodder-yielding trees are distributed in different elevation zones in the mountains of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. As in many other regions of the world, farmers in the Himalayan region depend largely on this practice for sustaining their livestock during the winter and summer seasons for almost half of the year. The Himalayas are remote and inaccessible; people depend mainly on forest resources to fulfil livelihood services. The availability of fodder in the hill villages of the Uttarakhand Himalayan region is insufficient, and some of this food is supplemented through the lopping of tree foliage. Most of the fodder species were used in summer due to the availability of deciduous species; however, the availability of fodder was scarce during winter. The dependency is very high (>70%) during the period beginning from October to February. Owing to changing climatic conditions, a farmer’s preference for a particular tree species is also variable, depending on where he lives, according to the low, middle, and high hill regions. The present study deals with the diversity, distribution, availability, and community preference of fodder trees in Uttarakhand. For the present study, a questionnaire survey was administered in different districts of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. A total of 41 species of fodder plants representing 24 genera taxonomically belonging to 18 families were enlisted and documented. Protected plantations of potential multipurpose fodder species are needed in the wasteland and need to initiate programs like afforestation, reforestation, and forest rehabilitation with participatory approaches.

Driven by rising pollution levels, there is an increasing demand for clean technologies that can effectively eliminate waste and produce harmless by-products. Traditional treatment methods are inadequate for eliminating complex organic and chemical industrial waste. Two viable alternatives are incineration and hydrothermal oxidation in supercritical conditions. Incineration is effective in removing hazardous waste but has notable drawbacks, including unwanted emissions and high operational costs. On the other hand, supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is seen as an environmentally friendly technology for destroying organic waste, achieving a removal efficiency of 99.99% in a brief period. This chapter highlights the treatment of organic waste using SCWO, focusing on the use of co-fuels and catalysts to enhance its efficiency. Detailed analysis provides essential information for researchers and engineers aiming to use SCWO for the efficient and safe treatment of organic contaminants. Additionally, this chapter explores the current industrial applications of SCWO, examining technological advancements made by various companies developing full-scale SCWO facilities.

This study explores variations in the biochemical composition of female and male warty crabs, Eriphia verrucosa, after the reproductive period in the Black Sea. Specimens were collected from fishermen at the conclusion of the breeding season (late July) for analysis. Biochemical analysis revealed significant differences between females and males. Females exhibited higher average moisture (77.89%), slightly lower crude protein (20.96%), similar crude lipid (0.91%), and slightly higher crude ash (2.66%) compared to males (moisture: 76.30%, protein: 21.44%, lipid: 0.79%, ash: 2.47%). The study highlighted significant differences in crude protein and lipid values (p < 0.05) between sexes, with females showing lower protein content. This suggests a metabolic shift post-reproduction, where females decrease protein and potentially increase lipid content, possibly to support energy demands during ovulation. These findings offer insights into the physiological adaptations of E. verrucosa in response to their reproductive cycle, enhancing understanding of their metabolic strategies in the post-reproductive period."

Recent works of research in Civil Engineering Sciences have noted with delight the significant role that subgrade plays in safe and cost-effective pavement construction projects and design in developing countries. Given that the materials used are durable, there is an increasing requirement/awareness for the improvement of both the plasticity and the bearing capacity of local existing soils especially in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Laterite soil is a residual soil that is noted for being soft when excluded from air and rapid hardening when exposed to air with high resistance to water and air penetration. Due to a series of wetting and drying processes over time, vertical movements in the soil mass can occur, leading to pavement failures such as settlement, cracking, and unevenness. This results in the collapse of the infrastructure project that is built or supported. Also, the scarcity of the utilization of crushed rock (CRR) and crushed stone (CRS) as base course materials for road pavement construction constitutes a problem in some locations within Tanzania due to the far location of the quarry site and the overall transportation and material costs. Laterite soil is therefore noted as one of the local materials that are readily available in large quantities in some areas. However, due to the fact that this type of soil has low strength for road base construction because it exhibits certain unique properties of thermal and mechanical instabilities that make it different from other road construction materials, not much attention is paid to it. Hence this research and the question: How can Natural Pozzolana through experiments be improved upon for soil stabilization in road and infrastructure projects in Tanzania? National Statistical figures show that Tanzania imports about 40,000 tons of fly ash on an annual average in the construction sectors. The use of pozzolana for soil stabilization will sustainably reduce the costs of these importations. The objective of this research is to determine how this can be carried out using the collected natural laterite soil after stabilization using Sieve analysis, Compaction test, Atterberg limit test and California Bearing tests in the Central Material Laboratory (CML).

Crude oil pollution has caused severe environmental issues and health risks in the Niger Delta, particularly affecting indigenous communities. This study aims to characterize and quantify heavy metal contamination in the soils of the Ihwrekreka community, a region significantly impacted by crude oil pollution due to illegal refining and bunkering activities. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration ranges in mg/kg for metals found in the contaminated soil were 4.85–17,078 for copper (Cu), 1.01–16.1 for cadmium (Cd), 0.22–36.8 for chromium (Cr), 8.28–40.9 for nickel (Ni), 7.51–6,474 for lead (Pb), and 8.84–12,851 for zinc (Zn). These levels significantly exceed World Health Organization permissible limits, with Cu, Zn, and Pb identified as the most contaminating metals. A strong correlation (91.5%) was observed between Cr, Zn, and Ni, indicating the substantial contribution of crude oil pollution to heavy metal contamination in the soil. The hazard index for chromium indicates a high likelihood of adverse health effects from daily exposure. Elevated risk levels were also identified for zinc, copper, and lead. For example, hazard quotients for lead ingestion reached critical levels, with values up to 23.0 for children and 0.985 for adults. These findings highlight the urgent need for soil remediation and public health interventions. The study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing monitoring and protective measures to mitigate the health risks associated with heavy metal exposure from soil contamination.

Water pollution or water pollution is any physical or chemical change in the quality of water, directly or indirectly, that negatively affects living organisms, or makes the water unsuitable for the required uses.

A reviewed the Aerial Photographs of Google Maps taken on the Shatt al-Arab river in Basra Province, Iraq, which clearly showed the presence of pollution in the river waters. Three regions (1,2,3) of the river are used for determining the pollution in these regions.

Chemical analysis of the three regions samples (1,2,3) was conducted in the laboratories of the University of Basra for the purpose of measuring the total dissolved salts (TDS), elemental Lead (Pb), and Sulfate compounds (SO₄).

The results confirmed an increase in the total dissolved salts (TDS) in the waters of the Shatt al-Arab towards the south, where the river waters meet with the Gulf waters. The results also confirmed an increase in Lead (Pb) concentrations in regions (2 and 3) to (0.8 mg/l), compared to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) international limit value of (0.05 mg/k). As sulfate (SO₄) compounds are recorded at a value of (750 mg/l) in the region (3) of the river, compared to the international limit value of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is (400 mg/l).

These results correspond to the statistics by the Basra Province Heath Directorate, which showed the increase in the proportion of casualties among the population of the province of Basra in the regions (2 and 3) adjacent to the Shatt Al-Arab river, such as the city center, Abi- AlKhaseb and Shatt Al Arab from the rest of the regions causing water pollution and the spread of E. coli causing diarrhea and intestinal colic with 50% of cases which was admitted to Basra hospitals.

Nitrogen-rich sea produces plankton, fish, and nitrogen, and water-rich land produces carbohydrates. Grain NO_x and N, P are the most important substances for CO₂ assimilation. However, seven developed countries started the elimination of NO_x around 1980 by the reason that NO_x is toxic. They eliminated NO_x by ammonia.

4NO + 4 NH₃ + O₂ \(\longrightarrow\) 4N₂+ 6H₂0

Developed countries are eliminating N and P in wastewater. Developed countries are forced to burn garbage at incinerators equipped with ammonia addition.

These NO_x and N, P eliminations caused the lack of N, P. CO₂ assimilation decreased and CO₂ absorption decreased. Food production decreased. And global warming has started. Developer countries should stop NO_x elimination by ammonia and close wastewater clean centers. Then CO₂ assimilation is activated and global warming will stop and much food will be produced.

The difficulty in selecting species that can grow in degraded bauxite areas is a result of limited information on the Silviculture and ecological requirements of tropical native/exotic species. The main aim of this project was to assess the phytoremediation properties of the native species in areas degraded by bauxite mining. This study was conducted on an experimental site located in Kara Kara bauxite mined dump in Linden, Guyana. Soil and plant samples were collected from the study area. The study site was colonized by four native species Chrysobalanus icaco (Fat pork), Tapirira guianensis (Duka), Maprounea guianensis (Awati), and Anacardium occidentale (Cashew). One-way ANOVA from Statistix 10 Software Package was utilized to compare the heavy metal concentrations at two soil depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm). Very low levels of heavy metals presence were observed from the results of soil analysis in the study area. Lead (Pb) recorded the highest heavy metals concentration (13ppm) in the soil. Cadmium (Cd) had the lowest (0.3ppm) when compared to Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) which had 3ppm and 1ppm respectively. The presence of heavy metals (Arsenic and Mercury) was found in plant tissues of the four species that colonized the study area. Awati and Cashew had the highest heavy metal concentration of Arsenic with 4ppm for Awati and 3ppm Cashew. The concentration of the other three heavy metals was too negligible to report on. In conclusion, the four native species Chrysobalanus icaco (Fat pork), Tapirira guianensis (Duka), Maprounea guianensis (Awati), and Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) have the ability to phytoremediate Arsenic and Mercury however not Cadmium and Lead. More trials needed to be conducted at different bauxite mined sites on the two species Awati and Cashew for phytoremediation and rehabilitation. This research should be replicated over a longer period of time at different bauxite sites with other species in order to identify those that can phytoremediate Pb and Cd.

Mycorrhizal Association Determination should be conducted on plant roots at depths greater than 30cm in the soil profile and on finer roots to identify the mycorrhizae in the species on the bauxite mined-out site.

Our research is based on the processing and territorial interpretation of statistical data from the Busk Forestry Enterprise. Based on these data, we constructed and analyzed maps showing species composition, age structure, and wood stock across different forestry districts. The following characteristic features of the region's forestry were identified: uneven forest cover in the studied area, significant fragmentation of the forest fund in the southern part of the forestry's activity zone, the location of large forested areas in the northwestern part of the forestry, dominance of species such as pine, oak, and alder, slight increase in forest cover in certain areas due to the creation of pine plantations on non-agricultural lands, and the active expansion of black alder forests on waterlogged pastures.

The aim of the proposed study is to conduct a geospatial examination of the species composition, age structure, and economic use of the Busk Forestry Enterprise's forest plantations, as well as a retrospective geographical assessment of the forestry territory formation. The practical importance of the research increases in the context of land resource management in newly created communities. The spatial aspects we have developed will also be useful for forestry workers both in the process of consolidating forestry enterprises and in the formation of new forest plantations.

The research was conducted using cartographic materials from different periods, allowing us to trace the development of typical forested areas from the late 18th century to the present. We employed the method of temporal cross-sections and a diachronic approach. The study includes fragments of cartographic materials for key areas.

We examined the division of the forest fund by categories and established that the largest portion of the Busk Forestry Enterprise's forest fund is occupied by operational forests. Protective forests account for 1.5% of the total forest area in the studied region. Forest availability for the population in the Krasnensky territorial community averages 0.12 hectares per person, while in the Busk community, it is 0.61 hectares per person.

Iraq was very different two decades ago. Dust fills the air and is stirred up by hot winds. There are vast areas of barren land dotted with stubborn palm trees that struggle patiently to withstand the elements. Climate change in Iraq is having impacts that make Iraq's environment, security, politics, and economic challenges worse, high temperatures, severe drought, declining rainfall, desertification, salinization, and the increased prevalence of dust storms have undermined the agricultural sector in Iraq.

In addition, Iraq's water security depends on the deteriorating Tigris and Euphrates river systems. National and regional political uncertainty will make mitigating climate change and addressing transnational water governance very difficult for the state of Iraq for years to come. Greenhouse gas emissions per capita are higher than the global average.

Human emissions of greenhouse gases are the primary driver of climate change today. CO₂ and other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide are emitted by burning fossil fuels in Iraq, Annual emissions figures for Iraq; CO₂ country profile are often used for contribution to climate change.

Climate changes in Iraq due to greenhouse gas emissions lead to a decline in the Ozone layer, and thus the Ultraviolet radiation index that reaches northern, central and southern Iraq is very high.

Three steps of solutions are illustrated in this work to address climate change in Iraq for treatment of the burning of associated gas due to oil operations, which contributes effectively and extensively to pollutant gases to the atmosphere, which contribute to the phenomenon of global warming of the atmosphere, as it affects climate change in Iraq and the world.

The solutions that are reviewed can be implemented for the purpose of benefiting from the production of liquefied gas for export to support the national economy of Iraq or establishing gas-powered electric generating stations, in addition to developing plans to eliminate gas burning as a measure for environmental safety and preserving the health of humans and other organisms.