Human Activities Research Articles

Synthesis and Application of LTA Zeolite for the Removal of Inorganic and Organic Hazardous Substances from Water: A Review

Industrialization and human activities have caused significant environmental challenges, with water pollution posing severe risks to human health. This underscores the urgent need for effective water treatment solutions. Zeolites, known for their high specific surface area and stability, have gained increasing attention as adsorbents for water treatment. Among zeolites, LTA varieties stand out due to their low Si/Al ratio, which enhances ion-exchange capacity, and their cost-effectiveness. This review focuses on the synthesis of low-silica LTA zeolites, particularly zeolite A, using natural materials and solid wastes without relying on organic-structure-directing agents (OSDAs). Common pretreatment processes for such synthesis are also highlighted. The review further explores the applications of LTA zeolites in water treatment, emphasizing their exceptional performance in adsorbing inorganic and organic pollutants. In particular, LTA zeolites are highly effective at removing inorganic cation pollutants through ion exchange. An updated ion-exchange selectivity order, based on previous studies, is provided to support these findings. Overall, this review aims to guide future research and development in water treatment technologies.

Bacterial accumulation in edible bivalve, Villorita cyprinoides of Ashtamudi estuarine wetland, a Ramsar site in Kerala State, India

The Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala, recognized under the Ramsar Convention, showcases rich biodiversity but faces pollution threats from human activities. Of particular concern is the potential bacterial contamination of inland fishery resources due to these anthropogenic influences. The present study, seasonally analysed the total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and E. coli in water, sediment and Villorita cyprinoides respectively using pour plate and MPN methods. Water temperature, pH, salinity, DO and BOD of water samples were also estimated. The results showed the presence of THB in water was more in monsoon season and in sediments and the organism in premonsoon season. However, E. coli counts were more in all the media in monsoon season. The E. coli count slightly exceeded the standards set by European Union for Class A waters. In general, THB and MPN E. coli values were the highest in the oyster. Pearson’s correlation showed highly significant positive correlation between THB and E. coli in all the phases. pH and salinity showed highly significant positive correlation with BAF and highly significant negative correlation with DO and rainfall. Conversely, rainfall and BOD showed significant negative correlation with BAF. The present study indicates that the density of E. coli in shellfish at some locations exceeds the standard limit set by Indian Standards.

Land use dynamics and their impact on hydrology and water quality of a river catchment: a comprehensive analysis and future scenario.

Land use changes profoundly affect hydrological processes and water quality at various scales, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water resource management. This paper investigates the implications of land use alterations in the Gap-Cheon watershed, analyzing data from 2012 and 2022 and predicting changes up to 2052 using the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The study employs the Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) model to assess water quantity and quality dynamics. Seven land use classes were identified, and their evolution was examined, revealing significant shifts in urban, agricultural, grassland, wetland, and forested areas. The model performance across observed data was evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2), percent bias (PBAIS), and mean absolute error (MAE). Results show the dynamic nature of land use changes, highlighting shifts in urbanization, agriculture, and forested areas. Notably, the study explores the consequences of these changes on water quantity and quality, scrutinizing surface runoff, evapotranspiration, stream flow, and nutrient loads. Urban green spaces emerge as key mitigators, regulating runoff and enhancing water absorption. Forests (vegetation) also play a crucial role in maintaining water balance, while wetlands act as natural filters for flood mitigation and water quality improvement. The findings underscore the importance of informed land use planning, recognizing urban green spaces, forests, and wetlands as integral components for sustainable watershed management. As society navigates environmental challenges, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between human activities and the natural environment emphasizing the need for nature-based solutions in land use planning for resilient and balanced ecosystems.

Anthropogenized Karst Landscapes in the Area of the Pismata Locality in the Canyon Valley of the Rusenski Lom River near the Village of Ivanovo

The present paper is an attempt to reconstruct and assess the impact of localized, studied and documented permanent changes in anthropogenic rock sections, forms and formations. The karst rock crown shapes to a large extent the area of Pismata near the village of Ivanovo, Ruse region. It has for centuries suffered an active anthropogenic impact. The same has led to the gradual transformation of the vast majority of natural rock niches, caves, sheds, rock bridges and other karst formations into sites with different purposes for humans. The stages of human economic, household and cultural activity in the region have influenced the modern appearance of entire rock sections, passages, terraces and have led to the gradual formation of typical samples of anthropogenic karst landscapes. These samples can be used as a model and comparative material in identifying and studying different types of architectural, cultural and historical anthropogenic karst landscapes in the canyon valleys of the Rusenski Lom River and its tributaries, and in other areas with similar landscapes.

Analysis of Land Use in the Seaside Regions of Ukraine in 2017—2022 Based on Satellite Information

Introduction. Land is recognized as a primary national asset under the special protection of the state, as mandated by Ukrainian law. It serves as the foremost natural resource, a vital foundation for human life and activity, and underpins the establishment and development of all sectors of the national economy. Therefore, an eff ectively organized, sustainable economy is unattainable without the rational utilization and protection of land resources.Problem Statement. Research on land use in Ukraine’s coastal regions has become especially relevant. Since parts of these areas have been under occupation since 2014, understanding the spatial-temporal variability of land use in these regions presents significant challenges for Ukraine.Purpose. To analyze land use in the coastal regions of Ukraine using satellite data to assess spatio-temporal changes.Materials and Methods. This research utilized land use/land cover (LULC) mapping based on satellite data from Sentinel-2, analyzed through deep learning models using artificial neural networks.Results. The spatial distribution of land use in Ukraine’s coastal regions in 2022 was thoroughly analyzed. Additionally, the spatio-temporal variability of land use from 2017 to 2022 was assessed, revealing distinctive patterns in the spatial distribution of various land cover classes. The findings show that the innovative approaches to LULC mapping and the resulting data can be effectively applied to land resource management in Ukraine.Conclusions. The LULC mapping approach demonstrates significant potential for interdisciplinary research and applied work in natural resource management and territorial planning at both the national and regional levels. Moreover, these innovative LULC mapping methods present a robust tool for identifying and understanding the scale of natural, anthropogenic, and military-induced emergencies.

Radar Signal Processing and Its Impact on Deep Learning-Driven Human Activity Recognition

Human activity recognition (HAR) using radar technology is becoming increasingly valuable for applications in areas such as smart security systems, healthcare monitoring, and interactive computing. This study investigates the integration of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with conventional radar signal processing methods to improve the accuracy and efficiency of HAR. Three distinct, two-dimensional radar processing techniques, specifically range-fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based time-range maps, time-Doppler-based short-time Fourier transform (STFT) maps, and smoothed pseudo-Wigner–Ville distribution (SPWVD) maps, are evaluated in combination with four state-of-the-art CNN architectures: VGG-16, VGG-19, ResNet-50, and MobileNetV2. This study positions radar-generated maps as a form of visual data, bridging radar signal processing and image representation domains while ensuring privacy in sensitive applications. In total, twelve CNN and preprocessing configurations are analyzed, focusing on the trade-offs between preprocessing complexity and recognition accuracy, all of which are essential for real-time applications. Among these results, MobileNetV2, combined with STFT preprocessing, showed an ideal balance, achieving high computational efficiency and an accuracy rate of 96.30%, with a spectrogram generation time of 220 ms and an inference time of 2.57 ms per sample. The comprehensive evaluation underscores the importance of interpretable visual features for resource-constrained environments, expanding the applicability of radar-based HAR systems to domains such as augmented reality, autonomous systems, and edge computing.

Layout Design Method of Indoor Space Environment Artistic Elements Based on GA-SA Hybrid Algorithm

In order to efficiently lock the optimal layout strategy and avoid the trap of local optimal solution of a single SA algorithm, a layout design method of artistic elements in indoor space environment based on GA-SA hybrid algorithm is proposed. On the basis of analyzing the basic principles of indoor space environment layout, we should establish the goal of maximizing hierarchy, the relevance of artistic elements, simplicity, comfort, the distance between adjacent artistic elements and the utilization of effective activity space, and this goal should not be interfered with by space boundaries and artistic elements. The layout optimization model for artistic elements in indoor spatial environments, considering constraints such as human activity accessibility, is solved using a GA-SA hybrid algorithm. This approach involves initializing the population, defining a fitness function, and applying selection, crossover and mutation operations. The Metropolis-based jumping mechanism is incorporated to enhance solution exploration, iterating with a gradually decreasing temperature until the optimal layout is achieved. Experimental results indicate that this method effectively arranges artistic elements within indoor spaces, conserving floor area while creating a more spacious, comfortable and functionally distinct activity zone. The user satisfaction score reached 4.8, demonstrating the effectiveness of this layout strategy.

Geological Complexity: Bridging Cosmic Evolution and the Evolution of Life

Earth occupies a unique position in Big History as a bridge between cosmic evolution and the rise of complex life. While discussions often emphasize monumental events like the Big Bang or the rise of civilizations, the intermediate phase of planetary formation and life’s emergence reveals the intricate interplay of cosmic, geological, and biological processes. Earth’s development—from the chaotic dynamics of the early solar system, including the Moon-forming collision, to the establishment of a protective magnetic field and diverse energy gradients—created the conditions necessary for life to arise and co-evolve with the planet’s systems. This co-evolution is evident in feedback loops such as carbon sequestration, atmospheric oxygenation, and life-driven erosion processes, which shaped Earth’s environment over billions of years. Despite challenges like Snowball Earth events, asteroid impacts, and mass extinctions, the planet’s systems maintained a delicate balance of habitability, with life itself playing an active regulatory role as suggested by the Gaia hypothesis. Understanding Earth’s improbable trajectory highlights the rarity of life-bearing planets, the fragility of planetary systems, and the profound interconnectedness of cosmic and biological evolution. As human activity increasingly disrupts Earth’s delicate balance, this perspective provides valuable insights into planetary sustainability and informs the search for life on other worlds.

Effect of reserve protection level and governance on tree cover loss and gain.

Terrestrial protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, yet it is not fully understood when and how different types of protected areas are most effective in achieving specific conservation objectives. We assessed the impact of reserves on tree cover loss and gain through a case study in Tasmania, Australia. We considered varying protection levels (strict, where human activities are restricted, and multiple use) and governance types (public and private). We used a counterfactual matching approach to compare tree cover loss and gain between reserves and matched unprotected areas from 2004 to 2021. We accounted for forest policy changes, environmental covariates, and human pressures to reduce placement bias. We also characterized reserves by size, governance, management, and vegetation and compared covariates inside and outside reserves to define baseline conditions. Reserves established from 2004 to 2016 were overall 75.4% less likely to have lost tree cover and 16.0% more likely to have had tree cover gain compared with controls. Patterns of loss and gain varied by protection level and governance type. Multiple-use reserves were as effective as reserves in which human activities were more restricted. Privately managed reserves contributed to tree cover growth, and public reserves helped avoid loss. This highlights reserves' distinct contributions to conservation targets, with private reserves allowing for growth and restoration and public reserves acting as stable anchor points. Our results emphasize the importance of having a diverse array of protected areas to enhance the resilience of reserve networks. We advocate for adaptive regional measures and robust monitoring to achieve global ecological targets.

Biomonitoring of the Paraopeba river: Cytotoxic, genotoxic and metal concentration analysis three years after the Brumadinho dam rupture - Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The rupture of Vale S.A. mining tailings dam in Brumadinho, Brazil, in January 2019 had significant environmental impacts on the Paraopeba River basin. Additionally, severe floods in early 2022 contributed to the transport of particles in the river. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of Paraopeba River water. Thus, the Allium cepa test system was applied, along with physicochemical analyses, flow cytometry, and metal concentration, comparing the results between the rainy and dry seasons three years after the dam rupture. The tests were conducted on water samples collected during three periods: January 2022, July 2022, and January 2023, at five points along the river and its tributaries. Allium cepa seeds were exposed to the collected water samples, as well as negative (water) and positive (trifluralin) controls. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the mitotic index and flow cytometry, and genotoxicity by the chromosomal alterations index. The analysis of metals and physicochemical parameters revealed that most values complied with current regulations. However, there were exceptions, with ammonia levels exceeding the permitted limits at all points in the three collections. High levels of aluminum, iron and nitrite were found at most points, before and after the dam collapse, mainly during the rainy season. This indicates the impact of rainfall on water quality, which increases the transport of contaminating particles, probably resulting from human activities and the high concentration of nitrogen compounds released into the Paraopeba River. The results of the bioassay suggest a relatively low cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the samples evaluated. However, this study highlights the continuous contamination of the river by unidentified anthropogenic factors, requiring continuous monitoring and analysis to track the evolution of water quality and its environmental effects.

Neolithic pastoralism and plant community interactions at high altitudes of the Pyrenees, southern Europe

The Neolithization process introduced remarkable ecological impacts, especially in Mediterranean mountain areas. We generated a comprehensive sedimentary ancient DNA record from the central Pyrenees, spanning 12,200 to 1300 years before present, revealing the earliest continuous presence of sheep (6500 years before present) and cattle (5900 years before present) in alpine southern Europe. This evidence suggests pastoralism nearly concurred with the Neolithic in the Iberian lowlands, challenging prior assumptions of only sporadic occurrence and confirming Neolithic pastoralist use of mountain ecosystems. A notable plant community shift arose at 6000 years before present, with deciduous forests transitioning into diverse open grasslands. This change became pronounced at 4200 years before present, aligning with continuous presence of domesticates and a regional cooling climate, suggesting a synergistic relationship between past climate change and human-induced plant community alteration. These findings highlight complex interactions between climate, human activities, and landscape dynamics during the Neolithic in Mediterranean mountains.

Assessing Spatial Correlations Between Land Cover Types and Land Surface Temperature Trends Using Vegetation Index Techniques in Google Earth Engine: A Case Study of Thessaloniki, Greece

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, combined with reduced vegetation and heat generated by human activities, presents a major environmental challenge for many European urban areas. The UHI effect is especially concerning in hot and temperate climates, like the Mediterranean region, during the summer months as it intensifies the discomfort and raises the risk of heat-related health issues. As a result, assessing urban heat dynamics and steering sustainable land management practices is becoming increasingly crucial. Analyzing the relationship between land cover and Land Surface Temperature (LST) can significantly contribute to achieving this objective. This study evaluates the spatial correlations between various land cover types and LST trends in Thessaloniki, Greece, using data from the Coordination of Information on the Environment (CORINE) program and advanced vegetation index techniques within Google Earth Engine (GEE). Our analysis revealed that there has been a gradual increase in average surface temperature over the past five years, with a more pronounced increase observed in the last two years (2022 and 2023) with mean annual LST values reaching 26.07 °C and 27.09 °C, respectively. By employing indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and performing correlation analysis, we further analyzed the influence of diverse urban landscapes on LST distribution across different land use categories over the study area, contributing to a deeper understanding of UHI effects.

Spatial and temporal distribution patterns and conservation status of seagrasses in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea.

Seagrasses represent a significant class of marine foundation species, yet the distribution of seagrasses in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea remains uncertain, thereby impeding the efficacy of conservation and restoration practices. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of seagrasses was simulated by the MaxEnt model based on the construction of marine environment and human activity datasets. The main controlling factors affecting seagrass potential distribution were analyzed, and the response of seagrass distribution to global change was clarified. Additionally, the current status of protected and disturbed seagrass meadows was determined. The results indicate the accuracy of the MaxEnt model was enhanced (AUC=0.987) through the integration of a human activity index, pinpointing a highly suitable seagrass area of 867.64km2. The primary factors dictating seagrass distribution were identified as human activities index (18.4%), water quality indicators (including nitrate 20.9%, silicate 11.3%, and dissolved iron 6.4%), and topographic elements (such as bathymetry 15.1% and slope 12.0%). The highly suitable areas for seagrasses showed a gradual expansion in the future, with a projected increase of 12% in 2100 under the SSP585 scenario. A binary overlay analysis showed that only 2.61% of seagrass potential habitats (highly and moderately suitable areas) were adequately protected, highlighting a significant conservation gap in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea regions. On the contrary, seagrass potential habitats exposed to mariculture activities were as much as 49.76%. These findings underscore the urgent need for monitoring and protecting seagrasses in the study area, with the establishment of MPAs emerging as a viable conservation strategy. This research provides a scientific basis for understanding the degradation and conservation status of seagrass meadows and has important practical implications for targeted conservation and restoration efforts of these critical marine foundation species.

Ecological interactions amplify cumulative effects in marine ecosystems.

Biodiversity encompasses not only species diversity but also the complex interactions that drive ecological dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Still, these critical interactions remain overwhelmingly overlooked in environmental management. In this study, we introduce an ecosystem-based approach that assesses the cumulative effects of climate change and human activities on species in the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem, eastern Canada, by explicitly accounting for the effects arising from species interactions within a multiple stressors framework. Our findings reveal previously unrecognized threats to exploited and endangered fishes and marine mammals, exposing noteworthy gaps in existing management and recovery strategies. By integrating the less obvious yet no less substantial effects arising from species interactions into cumulative effects assessments, our approach provides a robust tool to guide more comprehensive and effective management and conservation efforts for marine species.

Characteristics and analysis of PM2.5 particles in a light-polluted atmosphere in winter

To study the micro-morphological characteristics of PM2.5 and its effect on ambient air quality, a 7500F scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized in this study to examine the micromorphology and elemental composition of PM2.5 and its impact on ambient air quality during heavily polluted weather in Yining City in the winter of 2018–2019. The results revealed the presence of numerous large solid shapes, small strip shapes, and a few irregular shapes. Additionally, the quantity of PM2.5 particles adsorbed on the glass fiber filter membrane was high, indicating a significant impact of PM2.5 particles on the urban area. Based on the analysis of particulate matter, heating time, and environmental conditions of samples during the winter heating season, it was concluded that the PM2.5 sample is rich in N, S, P, C, Na, Ge, Rb, Zn, Fe, Mg, Al, Mo, Pt, and Pb. The findings suggest that the urban area is predominantly influenced by industrial dust, road dust, construction cement dust, vehicle exhaust dust, and coal combustion during winter heating. The analysis and evaluation of the sample data indicate that PM2.5 in the urban area is influenced by human activities.

Structural Characterisation of the <i>Afzelia africana</i> <i>Smith ex persoon </i>Stand in the Benoué National Park, North Cameroon

Assessing and monitoring forest species is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies that support biodiversity. This study investigates the structure and growth dynamics of the <i>Afzelia africana</i> (<i>A. africana</i>) stand along the periphery of Benoué National Park (BNP) in northern Cameroon. A forest inventory was carried out at 4 sites located at the four cardinal points of the Bénoué National Park (PNB). Twelve 3000 m x 50 m transects were used, with three transects per study site. Data were collected on density, height, diameter at breast height (Dhp), crown diameter, and biological and vegetative types. To compare <i>A. africana</i> populations between sites, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Results indicate that wood density is higher in the northern (120 ind. /ha) and southern (90 ind. /ha) peripheries compared to the eastern (54 ind. /ha) and western (28 ind. /ha) peripheries. The distributions of trunk and crown diameters, as well as height, exhibit a bell-shaped pattern, indicating a dominance of middle-class individuals and a scarcity of both regenerating and mature individuals. This distribution suggests that the <i>A. africana</i> stand is under pressure, particularly in the eastern and western peripheries of the BNP. Human activities such as gold panning, charcoal production, and branch pruning, which are most pronounced in the eastern periphery, as well as agriculture and urbanization in the western periphery are contributing to plant instability and the decline of key socio-economic species like <i>A. africana</i>, which is also facing threats of extinction. Raising awareness among local communities and stakeholders could significantly enhance the conservation efforts for this species, particularly by focusing on the protection of juvenile plants and the most disturbed areas.

Effects of Low-Severity Fire on the Composition and Stability of Soil Organic Carbon in Permafrost Peatlands (Northeast China).

Climate change and human activity are increasing the frequency of wildfires in peatlands and threatening permafrost peatland carbon pools. In Northeast China, low-severity prescribed fires are conducted annually on permafrost peatlands to reduce the risk of wildfires. These fires typically do not burn surface peat but lead to the loss of surface vegetation and introduction of pyrogenic carbon. However, the long-term effects of repeated low-severity fires on soil carbon stability in these ecosystems remain unclear. Thus, we conducted low-severity prescribed fire experiments over 3 years in the permafrost peatlands of the Great Khingan Mountains. Our findings showed a gradual decline in the total carbon content, primarily due to the reduction in free particulate organic matter (fPOM). Initially, fPOM was higher in the burned sites but decreased with repeated burning. Chemical analyses revealed a 32% increase in the aromaticity of the fPOM at the burned sites, which diminished the thermal stability of the soil. Furthermore, both prescribed fires and the addition of pyrogenic carbon reduced biological stability while increasing enzyme activity and CO2 production, which was attributed to the introduction of post-fire pyrogenic carbon. These results suggest that low-severity fires compromise the stability of permafrost peatlands, particularly because the pyrogenic carbon input alters the chemical composition of the soil carbon fraction.

Psycho-physiological foundations of human physical activity behavior and motivation: Theories, systems, mechanisms, evolution, and genetics.

Physical activity is a meaningful part of life, which starts before birth and lasts until death. There are many health benefits to be derived from physical activity, hence, regular engagement is recommended on a weekly basis. However, these recommendations are often not met. This raises the question: when and why are people motivated to be physically active? Attempts to explain the motivation for physical activity (or lack thereof) have been the research interest for many years and disciplines. In this review, we provide evidence suggesting that physical activity behavior and the psycho-physiological foundations thereof Physical activity is a meaningful part of life, which starts before birth and lasts until death. There are many health benefits to be derived from physical activity, hence, regular engagement is recommended on a weekly basis. However, these recommendations are often not met. This raises the question: when and why are people motivated to be physically active? Attempts to explain the motivation for physical activity (or lack thereof) have been the research interest for many years and disciplines. In this review, we provide evidence suggesting that physical activity behavior and the psycho-physiological foundations thereof are influenced by evolution, genetics, life stage, and the environment. The psycho-physiological foundations in turn comprise motivational and volitional factors as described in traditional psychological theories, psychological states and traits such as affective and stress reactions, as well as physiological states and systems (e.g. anatomical development and neural networks and transmitters). Importantly, physical activity elicits differential physiological responses and subjective experiences, which may impact future physical activity behavior and motivation. In summary, the interplay of psycho-physiological mechanisms and the importance of examining the ultimate mechanism for physical activity behavior are emphasized. The synthesis of knowledge provided in this review provides impetus for theory development and can facilitate the promotion of physically active lifestyles.

Variations in land surface temperature increase in South-East Asian Cities.

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.

Assessment of Mangrove Cover Change Based on Combining Remote Sensing Technique and Hydrodynamic Model Simulation

Mangrove ecosystems along Vietnam's coastline face significant degradation due to human activities, despite their crucial role in coastal protection against natural hazards. This study aims to assess the spatial and temporal changes in mangrove coverage along Vietnam's southern coast by integrating remote sensing techniques with hydrodynamic model simulations. The research methodology combines the Collect Earth tool analysis of Spot-4 and Planet satellite imagery (2000-2020) with Mike 21-HD two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic modeling to evaluate mangrove coverage changes by simulating shoreline erosion. Results analysis reveals that a significant increase of 109.83 ha in mangrove area within Vinh Chau Town of Soc Trang Province during the period 2010-2020, predominantly in the eastern region. Hydrodynamic simulations demonstrate that the coastal zone is primarily influenced by the interaction of nearshore currents, East Sea tides, and seasonal monsoon wave patterns. The model results effectively capture the complex interactions between these hydrodynamic factors and mangrove distribution. These findings not only validate the effectiveness of combining remote sensing and hydrodynamic modeling for mangrove assessment but also provide crucial insights for sustainable coastal ecosystem management. The study's integrated approach offers a robust framework for monitoring mangrove dynamics and developing evidence-based conservation strategies, highlighting the importance of maintaining these vital ecosystems for coastal protection.