Areas Of Sudan Research Articles

Harnessing genetic diversity in Sudanese sorghum wild relatives for stay-green drought tolerance via microsatellite (SSR) marker assessment

AbstractSudan is the birthplace of sorghum, and vast genetic diversity exists among its wild relatives. To assess the genetic potential of Sudan wild sorghum accessions, we used 41 stay-green-specific microsatellite (SSR) markers to analyze the genetic variability and population structure of 256 accessions. Overall, 17 SSR markers were polymorphic, with 55 alleles on average 3.3 per locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.49 to 0.57, with an overall mean of 0.53, indicating the potential of these markers for capturing the genetic construction of wild sorghum. Linkage disequilibrium analysis identified the two most informative markers, Xcup05 and Xtxp212. Accordingly, the Nei gene diversity of the populations varied from 0.032 to 0.127, with an overall mean of 0.083. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) demonstrated that 99% and 1% of the genetic variations were within and among populations (Fst = 0.066; P 0.001), respectively. However, gene flow (Nm) values varied from 0.058 in populations 1 and 2 to 1.018 in populations 2 and 3. Neighbor-joining trees identified from 21 Sudanese wild sorghum accessions clustered closely to the universally drought-tolerant landrace B35. Structural analysis generated the highest Delta K value (58.2) at K = 2, revealing two distinct subpopulations. While this work provides valuable information about the potential of sorghum wild relatives from Sudan as sources for stay-green drought tolerance, further research should be directed toward identifying the exact mechanisms and genes underlying this stay-green trait using advanced molecular omics techniques. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of Sudanese sorghum accessions as reservoirs of ready-to-use stay-green genes for the design of climate-resilient sorghum cultivars in drought-prone areas of Sudan and beyond. However, these wild relatives would require extensive pre-breeding and validation efforts before their genes can be effectively incorporated into elite cultivars.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Soil Enzyme Activities in Different Fonio Millet (Digitaria exilis Stapf.) Agroecosystems in Senegal

In plant roots, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the most prevalent microsymbionts, and thereby provide many key ecosystem services to natural and agricultural ecosystems. Despite AMF’s significance for the environment and the economy, little is known about the mycorrhizal inoculum potential and diversity of AMF associated with orphan African cereal crops, specially fonio millet (Digitaria exilis stapf.) under field conditions. We hypothesized that the type of fonio millet agroecosystem influences the AMF density and distribution in soils. We therefore, assessed the inoculum potential, density and diversity of AMF spores and soil enzyme activities in five fonio millet agroecosystems belonging to three climatic zones (Sudanian, Sudano-Sahelian and Sudano-Guinean). By combining AMF spore identification from field-collected soils and trap culture, 20 species belonging to 8 genera (Acaulospora, Ambispora, Dendiscutata, Gigaspora, Glomus, Racocetra, Sclerocystis and Scutellospora) were identified. Glomus was the most represented genus with 8 species, followed by Gigaspora (5 species) and Acaulospora (2 species); the remaining genera were each represented by one species. Except for Ambispora which was not found in the Sudanian area, all genera occurred in the three climatic zones. The abundance and diversity of AMF species and FDA-hydrolytic and phosphatase activities varied between fonio millet agroecosystems as well as between climatic zones. Soil pH and soil texture were the variables that best explained the density and distribution of AMF spores. Our results contribute to paving the way towards the development of microbial engineering approaches for agronomic improvement of fonio millet.

Persistent carriage of subpatent Plasmodium falciparum parasites associated with clinical malaria in a low transmission area in Senegal

ObjectivesIn low malaria transmission areas, the elimination of the disease has been hampered partly by the existence of a reservoir of subpatent Plasmodium falciparum infections within communities. This reservoir, often undetected, serves as a source of parasites and contributes to ongoing transmission and clinical malaria cases. MethodsThis study, spanning a period of 9 years from June 2014 to December 2022, examined individual variations and long-term subpatent P. falciparum carriage in two matched cohorts of 44 individuals each living in Dielmo village in the Sudanian area of Senegal. Biannual blood samples, collected in June/July and December of each year, underwent P. falciparum diagnosis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. QGIS and R analytical tools were used to map infections, assess the occurrence and clustering of subpatent and clinical P. falciparum infections, and determine the risk of infection in the vicinity of asymptomatic P. falciparum carriers. ResultsThe point frequency and long-term P. falciparum carriage were significantly higher among the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) positive cohort compared to the negative cohort across the 16 cross-sectional surveys analyzed in this study (19.76% vs 10.99%, P-value <0.001). Asymptomatic carriage events in qPCR-positive group were 18.86 ± 1.72% and significantly greater (P-value = 0.001) than in the qPCR-negative group (11.32 ± 1.32%). The relative risk of P. falciparum infection or clinical malaria calculated with a 95% confidence interval significantly increased in the vicinity of infected individuals and was 1.44 (P-value = 0.53) and 2.64 (P-value = 0.04) when at least one individual in the direct (household) or indirect (block of households) vicinity is infected, respectively. The risk increased to 3.64 (P-value <0.001) if at least 1/5 of individuals in the indirect vicinity were P. falciparum-infected. ConclusionsThe study provides a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the asymptomatic P. falciparum reservoir and its temporal and spatial dynamics within two subgroups of P. falciparum-infected and non-infected individuals in Dielmo village. It identified high-risk populations known as “hotpops” and hotspots that could be targeted by innovative interventions to accelerate the elimination of malaria in Dielmo village.

Reference intervals of complete blood count parameters in the adult western Sudanese population

BackgroundA complete blood count (CBC) analysis is one of the most common conventional blood tests that physicians frequently prescribe.The objectiveof this study was to determine the reference intervals (RIs) of CBC parameters in the population of healthy adults living in the western Sudan region.MethodsA cross-sectional study of healthy people residing in the western area of Sudan was carried out. We assessed the CBC RIs in samples taken from 153 individuals using an automated haematology analyser (Sysmex KX-21) and a modified Box–Cox transformation procedure to transform the data into a Gaussian distribution after eliminating outliers using the Dixon method. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used to analyse the data, and t tests were employed to examine variations in the mean CBC parameters according to sex and age. P was considered significant at ≤ 0.05.ResultsBeyond all the other measured values, the only CBC parameters that significantly differed between the sexes were haemoglobin (HGB) and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Women were found to experience more WBC counts than men did. However, they have less HGB RIs.The male participants in our study exhibited lower WBC count RIs, a significantly lower limit, and a greater upper limit of platelet RIs than did the individuals from other nations.ConclusionsCompared with males, females had higher platelet and WBC counts and lower HGB.

Population genetic structure of Aedes aegypti subspecies in selected geographical locations in Sudan

Although knowledge of the composition and genetic diversity of disease vectors is important for their management, this is limiting in many instances. In this study, the population structure and phylogenetic relationship of the two Aedes aegypti subspecies namely Aedes aegypti aegypti (Aaa) and Aedes aegypti formosus (Aaf) in eight geographical areas in Sudan were analyzed using seven microsatellite markers. Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) for the two subspecies revealed that Aaa deviated from HWE among the seven microsatellite loci, while Aaf exhibited departure in five loci and no departure in two loci (A10 and M201). The Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA) plots revealed that the Aaa populations from Port Sudan, Tokar, and Kassala clustered together (which is consistent with the unrooted phylogenetic tree), Aaf from Fasher and Nyala populations clustered together, and Gezira, Kadugli, and Junaynah populations also clustered together. The Bayesian cluster analysis structured the populations into two groups suggesting two genetically distinct groups (subspecies). Isolation by distance test revealed a moderate to strong significant correlation between geographical distance and genetic variations (p = 0.003, r = 0.391). The migration network created using divMigrate demonstrated that migration and gene exchange between subspecies populations appear to occur based on their geographical proximity. The genetic structure of the Ae. aegypti subspecies population and the gene flow among them, which may be interpreted as the mosquito vector's capacity for dispersal, were revealed in this study. These findings will help in the improvement of dengue epidemiology research including information on the identity of the target vector/subspecies and the arboviruses vector surveillance program.

Assessment of observed changes in drought characteristics and recent vegetation dynamics over arid and semiarid areas in Sudan

Assessment of observed changes in drought characteristics and recent vegetation dynamics over arid and semiarid areas in Sudan

Investigation of petrophysical and hydrogeological parameters of the transboundary Nubian Aquifer system using geophysical methods

The recent research aims to investigate the petrophysical and hydrogeological parameters of the Nubian aquifer system (NAS) in Northern Khartoum State, Sudan, using integrated geophysical methods, including surface electrical resistivity and geophysical well-logging. The Nubian aquifer is a transboundary regional aquifer that covers vast areas in Sudan, Egypt, Libya and Chad. The well-logs, including self-potential (SP), natural gamma ray (GR), and long normal resistivity (RS), are integrated with Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) measurements to delineate the hydrostratigraphical units. As a result, two aquifers are detected. An upper aquifer comprises coarse sand with an average thickness of 50 m and a lower aquifer of sandstone with more than 200 m thickness. For a thorough evaluation of the aquifers, in the first stage, the petrophysical and hydrogeological parameters, including formation factor, total and effective porosity, shale volume, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity, are measured solely from geophysical well-logs. In the second step, the results of geophysical well logs are combined with VES and pumping test data to detect the spatial variation of the measured parameters over the study area. As a result, the hydraulic conductivity of the Nubian aquifers ranged from 1.9 to 7.8 m/day, while the transmissivity varied between 120 and 733 m2/day. These results indicated that the potentiality of the Nubian formation is high; however, in some regions, due to the sediment heterogeneity, the aquifers have intermediate to high potential. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the Nubian Aquifer in Khartoum state is ideal for groundwater development. This research discovered that geophysical approaches can be used to characterize moderately heterogeneous groundwater systems by comparing the Nubian aquifer with similar aquifer systems that have similar hydrogeological settings. This study emphasized the application of universal principles in extrapolating hydraulic parameters in hydrogeophysical surveys. This approach aims to reduce the costs and efforts associated with traditional hydrogeological approaches.

Introduction of Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-indica F. Inermis) in Semi-arid Areas of Sudan as a Strategic Fodder and Drought Mitigation

Introduction of Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-indica F. Inermis) in Semi-arid Areas of Sudan as a Strategic Fodder and Drought Mitigation

Prevalence of non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in an urban area in Sudan and the role of medical students in health promotion of patients with NCDs

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases are prevalent conditions in developing countries, such as Sudan. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ongoing surveillance of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCDs in urban area in Sudan and the role of medical students in health promotion of patients with NCDs. Materials and methods: A community–based cross-sectional study, conducted in 2022 among families in Wad-Medani city in central part of Sudan. A structured interviewer- administered; questionnaire was used for data collection, it included demographic data, the presence of any type of NCDs. The last part of the questionnaire was filled by medical students about their role in health promotion and health education to patients with NCDs. Results: The total number of population who participated in this study was 607. The prevalence of NCDs in the study population was 20%. Out of those who had NCDs 35% had diabetes mellitus, 40% had hypertension. Bronchial asthma was found in 12% of the individuals, cardiovascular diseases were found in 4%. There were significant association between the age of the patient and the occurrence of diabetes and hypertension (P-value. 0.000 and 0.001) respectively. Role of medical students in the health promotion of patients with NCDs was health education, advised for regular follow up in PHC centres to 40% 0f patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of NCDs among the study population was high with hypertension as the most prevalent chronic condition. Medical students play great role in the health promotion of patients with NCDs.

Frequency of HEV Antibodies in Pregnant Women and Its Association with Existent Risk Factors, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an increasing global problem and high endemicity is observed in many developing countries. Pregnancy predisposes women to chronic infection and various complications.&#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to investigate sero-positivity of HEV and existent risk factors among pregnant women in Gezira State, Sudan.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional design was followed, and a non–probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect 120 venous blood samples from pregnant women. Separated serum specimens was used for the quantitative detection of specific anti-HEV IgM and IgG by competitive ELISA method (MIKROGEN GmbH - Germany).&#x0D; Results: The frequency of positive results for HEV IgG antibodies in the study population amounted to 44.2 (53/120). Of the 53 HEV IgG positive pregnant participants 47.2% (25/53) were in the third trimester period, 39.6% (21/53) had preterm labor, 39.6% (21/53) had a history of abortion and 24.5% (13/53) with jaundice. Significant association was found between HEV IgG positive women and preterm labor (p-value 0.004), and history of jaundice (p-value 0.009).&#x0D; Conclusion: This preliminary study highlighted the high frequency of sero-positivity of hepatitis E virus in pregnant women in the studied area of Sudan.

Towards early response to desert locust swarming in eastern Africa by estimating timing of hatching

Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) plagues threaten agricultural production, food security and the environment across Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia. Control methods targeting adult desert locusts present significant challenges and financial costs. Recognizing this, we developed a ground-breaking fuzzy set Mamdani type inference model that provides an innovative solution for early warning alerts. The model aids in predicting the juvenile stages of locust development, thereby preventing wide-scale locust swarming and mitigating its extensive damages and socioeconomic costs. The novelty of our approach lies in our unique application of environmental variables relevant for locust breeding to estimate the timing and location of desert locust hatching. Additionally, we improved the algorithmic handling of these variables, with localized desert locust bands data used as a proxy for hatching timing with a temporal offset of 35 days. The model's boundary conditions were determined using a training area in Sudan, where comprehensive ground data was available. This rule set was subsequently applied to Turkana County in Kenya, a data-scarce region, demonstrating the model's applicability and success in different contexts. The model's accuracy, assessed by data from the Sudan training site, demonstrated a remarkable score of 82% for true predictions. Furthermore, the model correctly identified the months of highest hatching probabilities in Turkana during 2020, demonstrating its real-world effectiveness and practical value. A correlation analysis affirmed that hatching was associated with increases in chlorophyll levels and precipitation accumulations. Our study marks a significant advancement in predicting the timing of hatching using fuzzy logic in data-scarce environments. By operationalizing more targeted early responses to desert locust infestations, our model facilitates more effective locust control. This study stands as an important contribution to locust management strategies, with substantial implications for agricultural production and food security in affected regions.

Molecular Detection of Hemoglobin O-Arab in the Sudanese Population.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobin disease affecting the red cells and causing hemolytic anemia. It is a very common, endemic disease in Sudan, particularly in the central and western areas of Sudan. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is when the patient has beta-globin gene variant (Hb S variant). In this study, we screened the co-inheritance of hemoglobin O-Arab mutation among Sudanese sickle cell disease patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Sudan-Khartoum state from November 2016 to December 2021. Blood samples were collected from a random sample of the known sickle cell disease patients of Kordofan-central Sudan origin. Study-appropriate blood samples were subjected to complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin capillary electrophoresis (CE) and molecular laboratory investigations. Initial laboratory investigations were done in Sudan, where the DNA sequencing technique was carried out at the Egyptian National Research Center (NRC)-Cairo-Egypt. The final study's main results revealed the presence of HB O-Arab genetic mutations among Sudanese Sickle cell disease patients, which estimated to be (5%) co-inherited mutations among our study population (Hb-O Arab; (HBB):c.364G>A (p.Glu122Lys)). The frequency of Hb-O Arab gene mutations was determined among Sudanese sickle cell disease patients, and the results have shown a (5%) frequency of Hb-O Arab mutation. The study result is the first molecular confirmation of co-inherited Hb-O Arab/sickle cell disease clinical condition in Sudan. The results raise the importance of extended studies of other sickle variant conditions.

Mechanization Assessment of Field Operations for Production of Sugar Cane in the White Nile Area-Sudan

There are many types of machines and implements used for field operations and production of field crops such as sugar cane in the White Nile area of Sudan. Therefore the main objective of this study is to assess the mechanization used in the field operations for production of sugar cane crop. This study was based on data collected from the field operations and recorded information from the two sugar companies in the area. The field operations included, the up-rooting, harrowing, reharowing, leveling, ridging, planting, fertilization, spraying and harvesting. The measured parameters were the work rate of machinery, power requirement and the cost of mechanization of field operations. The actual field data was compared with the calculated ones. Some correjation regression analysis was carried out. The results showed that the calculated rate of work was positively correlated to the actual rate of work, speed and width of cut (r = 0.99). The highest calculated rate of work was for spraying operation as 36.2 fed/hr, while the lowest was for harvesting as 2.1 fed/hr. Most of the calculated rates of work were lower than the actual ones. Power requirements were found to increase with the weight of machines. Generally the calculated power requirements were lower than actual ones and the correlation between the machine weight (KN) and the actual power (kW) used for field operation was positive (r = 0.83). The highest calculated power requirement was recorded for the harvester as 350 kW whereas the lowest was for the fertilizer as 32.7 kW. The highest mechanization cost was for harvesting field operation as 253.4 $/hr and was mainly due to the higher cost of power requirement, while the lowest was for leveling operation as 25.8 $/hr. It was concluded that although most of the field operations are well mechanized, yet the power source and requirements for some operations to be reviewed to match the size and type of machinery used, to reduce costs of field operations and production and to protect the enviroment.

Utilizing the k0-IAEA program to determine rare earth elements in soil samples from gold-mining areas in Sudan

Utilizing the k0-IAEA program to determine rare earth elements in soil samples from gold-mining areas in Sudan

Fruit Evaluation of Minor Nubian Date Palm Cultivars

Domestication of date palm in the Nuba-land of Mahas andSakkot tribes since ancient times had been well documented inarcheological records. The commercially valuable Sudanese date palmcultivars originated there and were distributed country-wise. Besides,there are many minor cultivars in that habitat, rarely recognized in otherdates producing areas in Sudan. In this study, the physical, chemical andsensory attributes of 10 of these cultivars were studied in comparison toBarakawi, the major date cultivar in Sudan. Kulmat Al Borgaig scored toprank for fruit weight, width and pulp thickness, sharing weight positionwith Kajnosa, while Barakawi fruit was the longest. The highest total andnon-reducing sugars were recorded in Zagloul and Kulumtoad fruits. Themoisture content of all cultivars was extremely low, except for KulmatAlBorgaig which was characterized by relatively higher moisture. Theoverall acceptance in the panel of sensory evaluation was in favour ofKulmat Al Borgaig and Kajnosa, with relatively higher grades for tasteand palatability for Kulmat Al Borgaig.

Structure and morphology of the Red Sea, from the mid-ocean ridge to the ocean-continent boundary

The diversity and complexity of existing models on the structure of the Red Sea is the result of a mobile sedimentary cover that not only hides most of the basement and oceanic structures but also hamper the geophysical signals. In this study, we combined published with new unpublished geophysical data to propose a revised interpretation of the structure of the lithosphere between the Hanish Islands (ca. 13.5°N) and the Dead Sea Fracture Zone (ca. 27.5°N). The recognition of allochthonous salt and overburden allows to propose a structural model with simple geometries that are consistent with the present-day kinematic constraints (GPS velocities and Euler Poles) and with the rules of plate's motion on a sphere (Euler Theorem).We mapped a continuous Mid Ocean Ridge segment parallel to the main rift orientation in the southern Red Sea that becomes highly discontinuous and more oblique towards the north as it gets closer to the Euler Pole. These segments all point towards the Euler pole and are consistently offset to the right by transform faults in the central and northern Red Sea cumulating an offset of 400 km. The transform faults are accommodating seafloor spreading in the Red Sea and cluster in three main fracture zones: (1) the Ikwan Fracture Zone near the Ikwan (or Brother) Islands, (2) the Zabargad Fracture Zone in the vicinity of the Zabargad Island and (3) the Jeddah Fracture Zone offshore the Jeddah/Port Sudan area (central Red Sea). Based on a new seismic reflection dataset and published data we propose an interpretation of the Ocean Continent Transition (OCT) in the Red Sea. We bring new evidence (magnetic lineaments, distance of the OCT to the ridge, basin stratigraphy) to support a Middle Miocene (ca. 14 Ma) age for the initiation of seafloor spreading throughout the Red Sea, and we discuss this event with the initiation of strike-slip motion in the Aqaba-Dead Sea transform zone. Finally, compiling all available data and literature, we propose a regionally coherent geodynamic reconstruction using two different poles of rotation for the rifting and seafloor spreading phases.

Quantifying the Historical Development of Abugadaf Natural Forest Using GIS-Remote Sensing Analytical Techniques/ Blue Nile State/Sudan

The main objective of this research is to provide current information about the growth and general status of Abugadaf natural forest reserve in Blue Nile State, Sudan, and to identify the possible agents and factors that contributed to the current forest status whether positive or negative. The secondary objective of the study is assess and demonstrate the capabilities of RS and GIS analytical tools in addressing the issue of monitoring and assessing natural forest areas in Sudan. Four satellite images covering the period1990, 2000, 2010 and 2018 were selected from cloud-free Land-Sat (TM, ETM and Land-Sat 8) covering the study area. All images were false color composite (FCC). Images 1990 and 2000 were thematic mapper (TM), while Image 2010 was enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM), and image 2018 was Land-sat 8. Land-sat 8 was used as a base to assess the change detection, and GPS data used to extracts topographic information in the study areaThe tentative locations of the Land cover and land use sites were selected using image analysis aided by actual ground surveying. GPS (Garmin 62C) was used to navigate among check samples and to record the coordinates (X, Y and Z values) of all samples. The total number of samples covering the study area were 144 (800 x 400 m). The recorded data in each sample include tree species, regeneration, grass type, tree stumps, dead trees, density of survival trees, diameter at breast height, and total tree height. All training sites were utilized in the generation of signatures required for supervised maximum likelihood classification. Supervised maximum likelihood classifier used the Gaussian threshold stored in each class signature to determine if a given pixel fell within class or not. The study with the help of remote sensing facilities has succeeded to highlight the condition and development of the study area during the period 1990 – 2018. The study concluded that although there were some fluctuations in the amount of annual rainfall in the area, there are no enough evidences to support their direct effect on the growth of vegetation cover. The study also indicated that the availability of other vegetation cover, such as grasses, in the forest can reduce the pressure on mature forest tress and seedlings caused by domestic animal herders. In the last decade of the study period, the decrease of forest cover is mostly associated with decrease or absence of vegetation cover as in that case forest trees and young seedlings become the main source of animal feeding. If other forest destruction agents are added due to the absence of management control, the present forest will disappear within the coming five years.

Case Report: Right atrial organized thrombus three years after tricuspid annuloplasty

Background: Occurrence of right atrial masses, especially in patients with history of cardiac surgery, is rare. Differential diagnosis between malignant and non-malignant aetiologies might be cumbersome, and surgery is often required to prevent complications or disease evolution. Case: We report the case of a 16-year-old girl from a rural area of Sudan, who underwent surgery for a modified De Vega’s tricuspid annuloplasty, and mitral and aortic valve replacement with mechanical prostheses. The patient was on regular follow-up but demonstrated a poor compliance to anticoagulation therapy with a time in therapeutic range between 52% and 20%. She remained asymptomatic, but a right atrial mass was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography during a follow-up visit 41 months after the first operation. Surgical removal of the mass revealed an organized thrombus arising from the point where the Prolene stitches for the tricuspid annuloplasty were previously passed. The patient recovered from surgery, was discharged home on post-operative day 10 and the first follow-up visit at 30 days after discharge confirmed a good clinical status and a normal transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Conclusions: This case report describes the diagnostic and therapeutic work-out of a thrombus formation on the suture lines of a tricuspid annuloplasty. Moreover, it highlights the importance of a strict and long follow-up after valvular surgery and of the adherence to anticoagulation therapy, especially for patients living in rural areas of developing countries.

Ecological and health risk assessments of rare earth elements in soil from gold mining areas in Sudan

The increasing demand for rare earth elements (REE) has led to increased mining activities, which may result in potential ecological and health risks. Our objective was to evaluate the potential ecological and analyze the health risks associated with REE in soil samples obtained from the gold mining region, employing neutron activation analysis (NAA). The pollution load index (PLI) was carried out to evaluate the REE contamination. The findings indicated that the soils in gold mining regions were generally uncontaminated, with the exception of two specific locations. The correlation among of the REE with Au were carried out taking into account the chemical weathering indices (CIA). The potential ecological risk was calculated to conduct an ecological risk assessment of REE in the soil. The outcomes revealed that the RI values for the soil samples gathered from the mining area were within safe limits, signifying a low ecological risk, With the exception of Lutetium in three specific sample sites, suggesting a low to moderate level of ecological risk. Also, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk assessment was conducted in order to investigate potential adverse health risks. The hazard quotient values for both adults and children remained below 1, indicating that there were no significant non-carcinogenic risks to the inhabitants associated with all REE in the soil through ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation pathways.

Determination of a new gravimetric geoid modelling for Sudan using the least-squares collocation technique

The main purpose of this study is to compute a new gravimetric geoid model for Sudan by using the least-square collocation technique (LSC method) and applying the remove-compute-restore (RCR) technique. The computation of the model contains different datasets which are the gravity contribution of the model GO_CONS_GCF_2_TIM_R6e degree/order 300, BGI free-air gravity dataset in Sudan, GPS/levelling data, and high-resolution topographic information from ASTER digital elevation model. The “residual gravity anomalies” were run through the GEOCOL program using the GRAVSOFT software package, and the effects were restored to calculate the quasi-geoid surface (height anomalies). The gravimetric geoid was computed by adding the (N − \U0001d701 h ) separation term to the quasi-geoid and was fitted to the GPS and levelling data provided by Sudan. The accuracy of our gravimetric geoid model SDN-LSC-G22 of the area of Sudan and some areas of bordering countries has been investigated by using geoid undulations computed from GPS and levelling data and by investigating the differences between the geoids of the GGM models which are EGM2008 and SGG-UGM-2. Our gravimetric geoid model (SDN-LSC-G22) has indicated an accuracy of 17.4 cm, in terms of a standard deviation compared with 66 GPS and Leveling data distributed in the area of Khartoum (most of these points are control points and benchmarks). Also, we evaluated our gravimetric geoid model by using 19 points distributed in the area of Sudan, and they indicated a standard deviation of 51.3 cm. The overall accuracy of SDN-LSC-G22 compared with the geoid undulation of all GPS and levelling has indicated an STD of 34.1 cm. The model SDN-LSC-G22 has shown better accuracy and significant differences compared with the GGM models EGM2008 and SGG-UGM-2 in terms of the differences with the available GPS and levelling data which have shown ~17 cm differences using (Abdalla, 2009) GPS and levelling data. It has demonstrated STD of ~17 cm differences by using 66 GPS and levelling data. Therefore, the model SDN-LSC-G22 provided better improvements and reliable geoid heights over Sudan compared to EGM2008 and SGG-UGM-2 gravity field models.