Adaptive Management Research Articles

Identifying and testing adaptive management options to increase river catchment system resilience using a Bayesian Network model

AbstractThe cumulative impacts of future climatic and socioeconomic change threaten the ability of freshwater catchments to provide essential ecosystem services. Stakeholders who manage freshwaters require decision-support tools that increase their understanding of catchment system resilience and support the appraisal of adaptive management options to inform decision-making. Our research aims to test the ability of a Bayesian Network model to identify adaptive management scenarios and test their effectiveness across future pathways to 2050. Using the predominantly arable river Eden catchment (320 km2) in eastern Scotland as a case study, we invited stakeholders from multiple sectors to participate in a series of workshops aimed at addressing water quality issues and achieving good ecological status in the catchment both now and in the future. Our participatory methods helped stakeholders overcome multiple layers of complexity and uncertainty associated with future-focused water management. Outputs of a Bayesian Network model simulated both current and future catchment resilience to inform the identification of six management scenarios. The effectiveness of each management scenario was tested using the Bayesian Network model. Two adaptive management scenarios increased catchment resilience and helped achieve good ecological status; a ‘Best Available Technology’ scenario, including aerobic granular sludge treatment, and a management scenario focused on ‘Resource Centre’, including phosphorus recovery from wastewater treatment works and constructed lagoons for crop irrigation. Stakeholders were interested in a 'Nature Based' management scenario including options such as wetland wastewater treatment methods and rural sustainable drainage systems, which improved water quality in the catchment, but had lower certainty in achieving desired outcome. Findings led to a recognition that innovative and collaborative action was required to improve current and future freshwater conditions.

Grid Integration Strategies for Optimizing Renewable Energy Deployment and Grid Resilience

This study explores the integration of renewable energy sources, namely, solar and wind, focusing on strategies to optimize their deployment into the electrical grid, and increasing the resiliency of the grid. Using four-year comprehensive data from Spain, including energy consumption, generation, pricing, and the condition of the weather, advanced statistical analysis, regression models, and optimization methods have been employed. Based on the results, it is clear that solar energy is seasonal, and wind energy is variable, with the weather playing a considerable role in the energy output. The optimization analysis showed that when the renewable capacity was increased to include 30 MW of solar and 120 MW of wind, the energy demand would be met at a significantly lower total system cost of $12.60 per unit. The costs related to operation and emissions would also decrease notably. However, with the regression models giving modest values of R² equal to 0.19 for solar and R² equal to 0.21 for wind, the extent of these developments and prediction can be fairly modest. Still, these results provide a strong backbone for the prediction of energy generation and show that modernization of the grid and adaptive management are of crucial importance. The results of the study could provide a guideline for policymakers and energy managers on how these goals can be achieved.

Management of innovative projects to ensure innovative development of enterprises

The subject of the study is theoretical provisions, methodology of adaptive management of innovation projects and innovative development of enterprises, methodological basis, practical proposals for its research in modern conditions. The purpose of the article is to summarize generalization of the theoretical basis of the features of innovative projects, the expediency of using organizational structures for managing the processes of their formation and implementation, analysis of adaptive methodologies for managing innovative projects to ensure the employment of workers, their innovative development, and development of practical recommendations on these issues for a working enterprise. The purpose is revealed by solving the following tasks: generalize the features of innovative projects that determine the success of their implementation; determine the feasibility of using organizational structures of enterprise management for the formation and implementation of innovative projects to ensure innovative development; identify and propose the use of adaptive management methodologies for innovative projects to achieve successful innovative development of enterprises; develop a hybrid organizational structure for innovation management; the main directions of innovative personnel management of enterprises to promote their employment and management of innovative development are proposed. To solve the tasks, the following methods were used: theoretical generalization, analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, structural and logical analysis, systemic and situational approaches, the method of working day photography, Agile adaptive management methodology, graphic method, and the authors' own practical experience. The conclusions and results of the article are as follows: it is proved that the management of innovation projects should take into account their features, be based on the use of project, matrix and hybrid organizational management structures and the application of adaptive methodologies for managing innovation development and the formation and implementation of innovation projects, such as Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean. For the operating enterprise Nebozvid LLC, using adaptive management methodologies, a hybrid organizational structure of the project department has been developed to ensure the innovative development of the enterprise through the implementation of innovative projects with the organization of small project teams. The main trends in innovative personnel management of enterprises are proposed, the use of which contributes to the success of innovative project management to ensure the innovative development of enterprises.

The Effect of Conflict Management Strategies on Job Satisfaction: A Study in the Accounting Sector

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of conflict management on job satisfaction for the accounting sectorand to examine the effect between the conflict management strategies used by employees and their job satisfaction. Also, demographic characteristics are to contribute to the related literature by examining the effect of job satisfaction, conflict management, and conflict management strategies. In this study, survey research method and relational screening model were used. Then, e-survey was applied to 451 accounting professionals through convenience sampling among approximately 200.000 accounting sector employees operating in Turkey and 403 questionnaires were analysed. The factor loadings of the scales were examined, followed by reliability and normal distribution analyses of the relevant scales and then parametric tests were performed. Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between constructive, adaptive, coercive, avoidant and compromising subscales of job satisfaction scale and conflict management strategy scale. According to the results, conflict management has a positive effect on job satisfaction. Also, constructive, accommodative, compromise, avoidant and coercive conflict management strategies were also found to have a positive effect on job satisfaction. When demographic characteristics were analysed, it was found that there was no significant difference between gender, marital status, age, education level variables and job satisfaction, conflict management, adaptive, constructive, coercive, avoidant and accommodative conflict management strategies. It was observed that there was a significant difference between the professional experience variable and compatible conflict management strategy, also between the occupation variable and coercive conflict management strategy.

Sustainable Tourism Development: A Model of Adaptive Destination Management in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Sustainable Tourism Development: A Model of Adaptive Destination Management in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Future Projection of Water Resources of Ruzizi River Basin: What Are the Challenges for Management Strategy?

This study investigates the impact of climate change on hydrological dynamics in the Ruzizi River Basin (RRB) by leveraging a combination of observational historical data and downscaled climate model outputs. The primary objective is to evaluate changes in precipitation, temperature, and water balance components under different climate scenarios. We employed a multi-modal ensemble (MME) approach to enhance the accuracy of climate projections, integrating historical climate data spanning from 1950 to 2014 with downscaled projections for the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, covering future periods from 2040 to 2100. Our methodology involved calibrating and validating the SWAT model against observed hydrological data to ensure reliable simulations of future climate scenarios. The model’s performance was assessed using metrics such as R2, NSE, KGE, and PBIAS, which closely aligned with recommended standards. Results reveal a significant decline in mean annual precipitation, with reductions of up to 37.86% by mid-century under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. This decline is projected to lead to substantial reductions in surface runoff, evapotranspiration, and water yield, alongside a marked decrease in mean monthly stream flow, critically impacting agricultural, domestic, and ecological water needs. The study underscores the necessity of adaptive water resource management strategies to address these anticipated changes. Key recommendations include implementing a dynamic reservoir operation system, enhancing forecasting tools, and incorporating green infrastructure to maintain water quality, support ecosystem resilience, and ensure sustainable water use in the RRB. This research emphasizes the need for localized strategies to address climate-driven hydrological changes and protect future water resources.

Reinforcement Learning-Based Adaptive Optimal Control Model for Signal Light in Intelligent Transportation Systems

Day-to-day mobility among the population has increased with economic growth. Smart cities are renovated with advanced technologies to admire modern life in which intelligent transportation becomes highly focused. Because the traffic signal control systems are fixed at a constant time. They split the traffic signal into predetermined intervals and function inefficiently; they result in long wait times, waste fuel and increased carbon emissions. This research study introduces a novel technique for traffic light management to reduce the uncertainties in the system. A dynamic and intelligent traffic light adaptive optimal management system (DITLAOCS) is implemented in this research. It does this by modifying the traffic signal duration in run time and using real-time traffic data as input. Furthermore, the proposed DITLAOCS executes based on three modes: fairness mode (FM), priority mode (PM) and emergent mode (EM). In fairness mode (FM), all vehicles are prioritized equally, while vehicles in different categories receive varying priority levels. Emergency vehicles, on the other hand, receive the highest priority. Furthermore, a fuzzy inference method based on traffic data is shown to choose one mode out of three (FM, PM and EM). This model uses deep reinforcement learning to switch traffic lights in three different phases (red, green and yellow). We evaluated and accurately simulated DITLAOCS on the Shaanxi city map in China using Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO), an open-source simulator. The simulation results illustrate the efficiency of DITLAOCS when compared to other cutting-edge algorithms on several performance measures.

Integration of Local Wisdom and Modern Policies: The Role of Traditional Village Government In The Implementation of Sasi In Maluku

This study aims to analyze the role of traditional village governments in implementing sasi in Negeri Lima, Leihitu District, Maluku, particularly focusing on the integration of local wisdom with modern policies in managing natural resources. Sasi, a traditional resource management system, has long been practiced in Maluku but has evolved alongside modern government policies and contemporary challenges. This research employs a qualitative method, with data collected through observation and in-depth interviews. The findings reveal that traditional village governments play a crucial role as intermediaries between local communities and modern policies. In Negeri Lima, the implementation of sasi is managed more systematically due to strong collaboration between traditional institutions, such as the Kewang, and local government policies. This integration enables more adaptive natural resource management, including boosting the economic value of local commodities like nutmeg and coconut. The study concludes that the role of traditional village governments extends beyond merely preserving traditions; it also involves innovating in sustainable natural resource management. This research offers a fresh perspective on how local wisdom can be preserved through the synergy between tradition and modern governance.

Research Mapping of Fisheries Resource Management in Coastal Areas: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on government budget efficiency. This bibliometric analysis explores the evolution and integration of themes within fisheries management research from 1959 to 2024. Utilizing VOSviewer for keyword co-occurrence and network visualization, the study identifies dominant themes such as "fishery management system," "conservation," and "sustainability," along with their interconnections and shifts over time. The analysis highlights a multidisciplinary approach, integrating ecological, economic, and technological aspects to address the challenges of sustainable fisheries management. The prominence of terms related to management strategies and environmental conservation reflects a global commitment to sustainable practices. Collaborative patterns among leading researchers and the evolution of research themes underscore the dynamic nature of this field, emphasizing adaptive management strategies that are informed by both socio-economic and ecological dynamics. The findings suggest that the ongoing integration of advanced technologies and interdisciplinary approaches is crucial for developing effective fisheries management practices that can adapt to environmental uncertainties and ensure the sustainability of both marine resources and dependent communities.

Unravelling the Seasonal Dynamics of Limnological Parameters and Assessment of Ecological Health: A Case Study of Lingadheeranahalli Lake in Bangalore North, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT: The present study investigates the seasonal dynamics of limnological variables and the developmental response of D. rerio in the wetland ecosystem of Lingadheeranahalli in the northern clutches of Bangalore in Karnataka. Once a vital water source for agriculture and replenishing groundwater, the lake faces degradation due to anthropogenic activities and the need for more awareness. A yearlong analysis was conducted with five sampling seasons and three sampling stations identified within the wetland. Parameters viz. physical, chemical, and biological were analyzed following American Public Health Association (APHA) guidelines. Somite development was studied using embryos while the heart rate was counted during the torpedo stage of D. rerio. The results of this comprehensive study revealed unique and significant seasonal variations over limnological parameters, providing novel insights into the dynamics of the wetland ecosystem. pH values are slightly acidic and influenced by precipitation and terrestrial vegetation. Turbidity spiked during winter due to colloidal dispersions, while conductivity peaked in spring due to sewage disposal. Reduced dissolved oxygen, high biochemical and chemical oxygen demand indicated organic pollution and microbial activity, particularly affecting the inlet station. Elevated phosphate and nitrate levels in spring indicated eutrophication potential. The influence of rains and mineral leaching during monsoons affected parameters such as alkalinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, and Magnesium. Analysis of D. rerio demonstrated delayed development and decreased heart rates in the inlet and deposit stations, indicative of potent stressors in the wetland ecosystem. All-inclusive Lingadheeranahalli Lake exhibited poor water quality, focusing on the need for adaptive management strategies to mitigate pollution and safeguard wetland ecosystems. Continued wetland research gives more insights into water quality and seasonal dynamics, paving the way for its conservation.

Divergent temporal responses of native macroinvertebrate communities to biological invasions.

Biological invasions pose a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being. Non-native species can have severe ecological impacts that are transformative, affecting ecosystems across both short-term and long-term timescales. However, few studies have determined the temporal dynamics of impact between these scales, impeding future predictions as invasion rates continue to rise. Our study uses a meta-analytical approach to dissect the changing taxonomic and functional impacts of biological invasions on native macroinvertebrate populations and communities in freshwater ecosystems across Europe, using a recently collated European long-term time series spanning several decades. Our findings reveal a complex temporal pattern: while initial stages of invasions (i.e. five years after the first record of non-native species) often exhibited benign impacts on macroinvertebrate abundance, richness, or functional diversity, the long-term (i.e. the period following the early invasion) effects became predominantly negative. This pattern was consistent between taxonomic and functional metrics for impacts at both the population and species level, with taxonomic metrics initially positively affected by invasions and functional metrics being more stable before also declining. These results suggest that even initially benign or positively perceived impacts could be eventually superseded by negative consequences. Therefore, understanding the magnitude of invasion effects increasingly requires long-term studies spanning several years or decades to offer insights into effective conservation strategies prioritising immediate and future biodiversity protection efforts. These findings also highlight the importance of integrating multiple taxonomic, functional and temporal components to inform adaptive management approaches to mitigate the negative effects of current and future biological invasions.

A UTERINE RUPTURE NOT TO OVERLOOK IN THE CONTEXT OF RETROPLACENTAL HEMATOMA

Objective: To report a rare case of uterine rupture in the context of a Couvelaire uterus in a patient with no history of uterine surgery or manipulation and to discuss the clinical challenges and management strategies for such cases. Case Summary: A 34-year-old multiparous woman presented at 34 weeks gestation with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and preeclampsia. Despite an unremarkable history with no prior cesarean deliveries or intrauterine interventions, she developed sudden hemodynamic instability and was diagnosed with uterine rupture during an emergency laparotomy. Intraoperatively, a large posterior uterine rupture was identified and repaired. Postoperatively, the patient experienced uterine atony and significant hemorrhage, necessitating additional surgical interventions including Tsirulnikov ligation and the B-Lynch uterine compression technique. The patient recovered well following intensive care management. Discussion: Uterine rupture in an unscarred uterus is an exceedingly rare event, particularly in the absence of classic risk factors. This case occurred in the context of a Couvelaire uterus, where extensive intramyometrial hemorrhage due to placental abruption may have weakened the uterine wall. The nonspecific clinical presentation, including the absence of abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, poses diagnostic challenges. Immediate surgical intervention is crucial, especially in low-resource settings where advanced treatment options may be limited. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for uterine rupture, even in patients without typical risk factors, and highlights the need for adaptable management strategies. Conclusion: Uterine rupture should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in pregnancy, regardless of the patients obstetric history. Early recognition, prompt surgical management, and flexible treatment strategies are essential for optimizing outcomes in such rare but potentially life-threatening situations. Further studies are needed to improve understanding and management of this rare complication.

Cycles, Breakthroughs, and Histories of Ecological Change: 1949 or 1972?

These reflections on Stevan Harrell’s An Ecological History of Modern China evaluate the book in relation to existing historiography of the ecological transformations that have accompanied China’s development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). After outlining the theoretical underpinnings of Harrell’s history of modern China as a “system of social-ecological systems” and his revisionist periodization of PRC history in terms of the “adaptive cycle,” the commentary contrasts Harrell’s central arguments with those advanced in earlier studies. Interpretative differences relate to whether 1949 constituted a watershed in China’s ecological history or a continuation of longer-term environmental trends, and the significance of the PRC’s acquisition of technology for synthetic fertilizer plants after rapprochement with the United States in 1972 in making it possible for China to replenish its nutrient-depleted soils, increase agricultural productivity, and overcome environmental constraints that limited economic growth. Despite bringing unprecedented economic prosperity, as Harrell shows, that growth has decreased ecological resilience and increased vulnerability. The commentary concludes by asking how Harrell’s arguments might be reconciled with alternative understandings of modern China’s ecological and environmental history.

Role of Climate Change in Altering Bird Migration Patterns in Vietnam

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of climate change in altering bird migration patterns in Vietnam. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Climate change has significantly altered bird migration patterns in Vietnam, primarily due to shifting temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and habitat loss. Warmer temperatures have caused many migratory birds to adjust their timing, either arriving earlier or delaying their departure, which often leads to mismatches with food availability and breeding conditions. Additionally, changes in rainfall patterns have impacted the availability of critical stopover sites, such as wetlands, which are essential for resting and refueling during migration. Habitat loss due to climate change and human activities has further compounded these challenges, threatening the survival of various bird species that rely on consistent migratory routes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ecological niche theory, phenological mismatch theory & climate envelope theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of climate change in altering bird migration patterns in Vietnam. Conservation practices should focus on adaptive habitat management that accounts for the changing migration patterns of birds due to climate change. Policymakers should prioritize the development of climate-responsive conservation policies that explicitly address the impacts of climate change on migratory bird species.

Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion in Miami

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the sea level rise and coastal erosion in Miami. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Sea level rise and coastal erosion in Miami are growing environmental concerns due to the city's low elevation and proximity to the ocean. Studies have shown that rising sea levels, driven by climate change, are accelerating the erosion of Miami's coastline, threatening infrastructure, homes, and ecosystems. The increased frequency of tidal flooding and storm surges exacerbates the problem, making coastal areas more vulnerable. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resilience theory, social vulnerability theory, ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) Theory may be used to anchor future studies on sea level rise and coastal erosion in Miami. Implement local ICZM strategies that involve stakeholders in decision-making processes, ensuring that community needs are met while enhancing coastal resilience. Advocate for policies that support adaptive management practices and funding for local ICZM initiatives.

An integrated simulation-optimization modeling approach for coupled risk management of blue water and green water under changing environmental conditions

Due to the impact of global climate change and land use changes, the spatiotemporal distribution and water cycle processes of watershed water resources are affected. In order to sustainably manage watershed water resources, it is necessary to accurately assess the available water volume to meet the coordinated management of the watershed's socio-economic subsystem and eco-environment subsystem. The amount of Bluewater resources (BW) is closely related to the amount of Greenwater resources (GW). BW is directly related to human consumption in the socio-economic subsystem, while GW is used to maintain the health of the ecosystem. A method called the integrated simulation-optimization modeling system (ISOMS) was developed to evaluate adaptive strategies for dealing with the combined effects of climate change and land-use changes. ISOMS not only predicts future hydrological trends under varying environmental conditions but also generates comprehensive risk management plans that incorporate different types of uncertainties, including random and fuzzy factors. The Copula function is introduced to handle the interaction between available BW and available GW. The results showed that: (i) uncertainties in the hydrologic system could result in alterations to the distribution of water resources; (ii) system benefits are, to some extent, affected by land use change and climate change; (iii) the shortage of BW is affected by the level of risk, and the joint risk increases, resulting in an increase in water scarcity; (iv) the planned annual agricultural water consumption is the highest, followed by domestic water consumption, and industrial water consumption is the lowest. Through the results of the model operation, the joint risk assessment and adaptive management of BW and GW in the East River Basin (ERB) under changing environments, as well as the BW allocation plan, are obtained to provide support for scientific and reasonable resource collaborative decision-making and promote the synchronized advancement of the socio-economic subsystem and eco-environment subsystem in the ERB.

Optimizing crop seeding rates on organic grain farms using on farm precision experimentation

Organic agriculture is often regarded as less damaging to the environment than conventional agriculture, though at the expense of lower yields. Field-specific precision agriculture may benefit organic production practices given the inherent need of organic farmers to understand spatiotemporal variation on large-scale fields. Here the primary research question is whether on-farm precision experimentation (OFPE) can be used as an adaptive management methodology to efficiently maximize farmer net returns using variable cover crop and cash crop seeding rates. Inputs of cash crop seed and previous-year green manure cover crop seed were experimentally varied on five different farms across the Northern Great Plains from 2019 to 2022. Experiments provided data to model the crop yield response, and subsequently net return, in response to input (seeding) rates plus a suite of other spatially explicit data from satellite sources. New, field-specific spatially explicit optimum input rates were generated to maximize net return including temporal variation in economic variables. Inputs were spatially optimized and using simulations it was found that the optimization strategies consistently out-performed other strategies by reducing inputs and increasing yields, particularly for non-tillering crops. By adopting site specific management, the average increase in net return for all fields was $50 ha−1. These results showed that precision agriculture technologies and remote sensing can be utilized to provide organic farmers powerful adaptive management tools with a focus on within-field spatial variability in response to primary input drivers of economic return. Continued OFPE for seeding rate optimization will allow quantification of temporal variability and subsequent probabilistic recommendations.

F116I mutation in CYP9A25 associated with resistance to emamectin benzoate in Spodoptera litura.

The F116V mutation in the substrate recognition site 1 (SRS1) of Spodoptera exigua CYP9A186 has been demonstrated to confer ~200-fold resistance to emamectin benzoate (EB). In this study, a novel mutation (F116I) in CYP9A25, orthologous to CYP9A186, was detected in a field population of Spodoptera litura (YJ22) collected from Yuanjiang, Yunnan province, China in 2022. The association of this mutation with EB resistance was investigated. Two homozygous strains, YJ22-116F (wild-type at 116 position of CYP9A25) and YJ22-116I (mutant) were isolated from YJ22 through two rounds of crossing and DNA genotyping. Compared with YJ22-116F, the mutant strain YJ22-116I exhibited 31.8-fold resistance to EB. Resistance in YJ22-116I was shown to be incompletely dominant, and genetically linked with the F116I mutation. Further, heterologous expression and in vitro metabolism assays confirmed that the recombinant CYP9A25 protein with 116I mutation obtained metabolic capability against EB, whereas the wild-type CYP9A25 protein (with 116F) did not metabolize EB. Molecular modeling showed that the F116I mutation within SRS1 reduces the steric hindrance to substrate entry and improves ligand-binding interactions. The causal association between the F116I mutation in CYP9A25 and medium-level EB resistance in S. litura has been verified. This finding is critical for the field monitoring of such mutations and thus for developing adaptive resistance management tactics for field populations of S. litura. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

What Can Frogs Teach Us about Resilience? Adaptive Renewal in Amphibian and Academic Ecosystems.

Examples of resilience in nature give us hope amid a growing biodiversity crisis. While resilience has many definitions across disciplines, here I discuss resilience as the ability to continue to adapt and persist. Naturally, as biologists, we seek to uncover the underlying mechanisms that can help us explain the secrets of resilience across scales, from individuals to species to ecosystems and beyond. Perhaps we also ponder what the secrets to resilience are in our own lives, in our own research practices, and academic communities. In this paper, I highlight insights gained through studies of amphibian resilience following a global disease outbreak to uncover shared patterns and processes linked to resilience across amphibian communities. I also reflect on how classical resilience heuristics could be more broadly applied to these processes and to our own academic communities. Focusing on the amphibian systems that I have worked in-the Golden Frogs of Panama (Atelopus zeteki/varius) and the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs of California (Rana muscosa/sierrae)-I highlight shared and unique characteristics of resilience across scales and systems and discuss how these relate to adaptive renewal cycles. Reflecting on this work and previous resilience scholarship, I also offer my own thoughts about academia and consider what lessons we could take from mapping our own adaptive trajectories and addressing threats to our own community resilience.

Spatial distribution, ecological and ecotoxicity evaluation of heavy metals in agricultural soils along Lala-Manjo Highway, Cameroon Volcanic Line

This study aims at assessing the spatial distribution, ecological and toxicity levels of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Lala-Manjo Highway in Cameroon. The soil samples were collected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The result shows that Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sr, V and Zn concentrations are higher than those of the upper continental crust reference values except those of As, Cd and Pb. Correlation coefficient indicate similar input sources governed by same geochemical characteristics. Spatial distribution maps show high concentration of heavy metals in east, south and western part of the study area. Pollution indicators show that enrichment factor varied from moderate to high enrichment of heavy metals. The contamination degree (27.12–35.59), geo-accumulation index (0.01–4.94), and potential ecological risk index (RI = < 150) revealed a low to moderate levels of metallic pollution. The majority of stations have pollution load index and Nemerow integrated pollution index values greater than one, indicating serious pollution. Modified hazard quotient and toxic risk index suggest significant severity of pollution and low toxicity risk of heavy metals, pointing low toxicity effects of heavy metals to fauna and flora in the soil ecosystem. Considering the factors governing soils accumulation such as geology, climate and anthropogenic activities as well as the correlation with commonly used environmental background, it is proposed that the data from this study can be considered as a baseline of pollution to plan major agricultural developments in the area. The study underlines the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management for the preservation of soil ecosystem. The results may assist companies and local population in setting realistic targets for monitoring and remediation programs.