Environmental Management Strategies Research Articles

Opportunities for achieving landscape scale conservation in England

The English countryside is set to undergo significant changes in the way it will be managed in the coming year. The incoming Environmental Land Management schemes represents a shift in scale and focus of public goods provisioning, with the Landscape Recovery scheme in particular now geared more in favour of a coordinated landscape scale delivery of these public goods. This also comes at a time when the countryside has been experiencing a diversification within the land management community, which are moving towards an increasingly heterogenous mix of values and motivations for occupying and managing land. This will have implication as to how effective these public goods can be delivered on a landscape scale. Further complicating this is that while the idea of landscape scale collaboration to deliver more meaningful outcomes towards conservation has been widely accepted in scientific circles, uncertainty about how to achieve this in practice remains. This prompts a growing need to better understand how willing these increasingly diverse range of landholders are in collaborating together.To address this, this paper explores how collaborations consisting of a heterogenous mix of stakeholders might function, and the drivers and interventions required for such collaboration to be sustained in the long term. Utilising Q-methodology, we establish various models of collaboration based around the range perspectives of different stakeholders. Our findings yield five models of collaboration: the “Traditional Farmer”, “Social Farmer”, “Hybrid Collaboration”, “Modern Collaborators” and “Pragmatic Collaborators”. While distinction between the groups are reflected by the aspects of collaboration they placed most importance to, several commonalities in views have emerged as well. This includes the trust required between conservation groups and landholders for effective conservation outcomes, and the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience in collaborations. Ultimately, the models of collaboration suggest a need for future policies to think more directly about how different landholders might be grouped according to their perspective on collaboration and how they can be incentivised. This will facilitate more effective, and sustained, landholder collaborations that fulfils landscape scale ambitions of upcoming policies.

Environmental impacts in water resources surrounding world surfing reserves: A case study in the Madre Watershed, Brazil

In order to promote the adoption of an ecosystem-based approach in environmental management processes, integrated assessment studies can be conducted to link human activities and observed impacts on natural environments. Analytical models such as DPSIR are used, based on the monitoring of environmental indicators, to improve planning and management processes for water resources at multiple scales. World Surfing Reserves (WSRs) are institutions that have been utilizing this environmental assessment model to successfully implement environmental management strategies and instruments in coastal zones. Building upon the adaptive co-management model developed in the 6th WSR of Bahía de Todos Santos (Mexico), which incorporates DPSIR analysis and the use of GIS (remote sensing) tools in environmental assessment, this research develops a protocol for integrated environmental assessment, focusing on water resource management, through a case study conducted in the 9th WSR of Guarda do Embaú, Santa Catarina, Brazil. It is understood that this protocol can be utilized in other surfing reserves, especially in estuarine regions, to identify priority aspects for water resource management through: (i) water quality indicators, (ii) institutional environmental monitoring reports, and (iii) georeferenced statistical data (GIS). Based on these data, integrated analyses were conducted to determine which polluting agents pose a greater risk to the sustainable management of water resources surrounding the 9th WSR. Among the observed results, it was found that multiple pressure factors pose high environmental risk to the water resource stocks, mainly due to the discharge of urban and agricultural effluents into rivers, as well as deforestation in protected areas directly associated with the conservation of water reservoirs. As a result of these factors, a moderate risk of eutrophication, water scarcity, unavailability of recreational water use, disease spread, and sedimentation was observed, alongside a high risk of biodiversity loss, habitat loss, and unavailability of drinking water. Due to the risks of the mentioned impacts, the aspects identified in this study require management at the appropriate scale for processes occurring in the watershed, in order to gradually mitigate the effects of polluting activities.

Complex network analysis of climate and landscape satellite data to explore spatio-temporal patterns in urban environment: the case of Athens

Motivated by the significance and complexity of exploring spatiotemporal patterns - regions within an urban environment, particularly in the context of extreme heat events- this research analyzes meteorological time series through complex network analysis. The data collected for the examination area is focused on Athens, Greece, and covers sections of the city’s urban landscape. The data was obtained from the Copernicus observation component of the European Union. Initially, the time series are transformed into networks using correlation network methodology, followed by examination of the discriminative capability of the topological measures of networks degree and modularity as community - region detection methods. Of particular interest is that our findings suggest that the proposed complex network analysis can lead to the extraction of spatial urban regions closely linked to land use and building heights in corresponding areas. These results may help investigate the spatial variability of heat in the urban environment and inform urban planning and management strategies in policy decision-making regarding the intensity of urban heat throughout the city and the planning of climate change adaptation strategies.

Chemical and micronutrients assessment in Himalayan Foothill highway soil surface

This study examines the chemical properties and micronutrient concentrations of roadside soil in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, India. The primary objective is to assess soil contamination levels and their implications for urban ecosystem services. Soil samples from 13 locations were systematically collected, processed, and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results indicated average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni at 9.94, 3.28, 24.32, 17.35, and 0.28 mg/kg, respectively. Significant variations in soil chemical properties and micronutrient levels (p < 0.05) were observed across different sites, excluding phosphate levels. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted environmental management strategies to mitigate soil contamination and preserve vital ecosystem services in urbanized regions. The data provided can guide administrators in developing policies that promote sustainable development and environmental resilience.

Numerical simulation of a partially ionized Oldroyd-B nanofluid flow driven by two homocentric rotating disks with motile microorganisms

Nanofluids are assumed to be an excellent source of enhanced heat transfer with advanced thermophysical characteristics. Nanofluids are the backbone of the heating and cooling in the industrial processes. This research delves into the dynamics of a partially ionized Oldroyd-B nanofluid flowing between stretchable rotating disks. The study investigates heat transfer mechanisms incorporating a modified Fourier law and convective heat conditions. The viscoelastic fluid model presented here allows for the examination of relaxation and retardation times. Furthermore, the heat and mass transport of the Oldroyd-B nanofluid is characterized using a Buongiorno model, which considers thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion effects. Additionally, the study explores the impact of gyrotactic microorganisms in nanofluids, potentially enhancing environmental management strategies. The governing equations transform into dimensionless forms using Von Karman similarity variables. Numerical investigation of the anticipated model is conducted using the bvp4c scheme in MATLAB. The variation of different parameters in the dimensionless equations is illustrated through graphs and in tabulated format. The results indicate that increasing thermophoresis and Lewis numbers lead to a decrease in fluid concentration. Moreover, the temperature of the fluid rises at the lower disk and declines at the upper disk relative to the Biot number. The proposed model is validated through comparison with closely related published work.

Phytosociological Analysis and Vegetation Structure in Tehsil Timergara, District Dir Lower, Pakistan: A Comprehensive Study of Five Distinct Plant Communities

Biodiversity is the variation of life on the soil surface and includes differences in biotic structure at every level, from genes to species and vary to every ecological system. This study explores the phytosociology and vegetation structure in Tehsil Timergara, District Dir Lower, Pakistan, focusing on five distinct plant communities. The investigation utilizes TWINSPAN classification to categorize these communities, revealing their composition, dominance, and ecological attributes. The identified communities include &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Monotheca-Persicaria-Nerium&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (MPN), &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Punica-Indigofera-Isodon&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (PII), &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Myrtus-Dodonaea-Origanum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (MDO), &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Berberis-Cornus-Teucrium&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (BCT), and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Dodonaea-Salix-Pennisetum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (DSP). The dominance of Megaphanerophytes and the prevalence of Microphylls in leaf spectra highlight the ecological dynamics of the region. In each community, the study examines the importance of values, and soil characteristics, providing insights into the environmental conditions influencing plant distributions. Additionally, the study calculates similarity and dissimilarity indices between these communities, revealing the degrees of overlap and uniqueness. The highest similarity is observed between &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Myrtus-Dodonaea-Origanum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Dodonaea-Salix-Pennisetum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; communities. This comprehensive phytosociological analysis enhances our understanding of the vegetation dynamics in Tehsil Timergara, offering valuable insights for conservation and sustainable management. The findings underscore the significance of considering multiple plant communities to formulate effective environmental management strategies.

Distribution and source analysis of soil toxic organic compounds of coal-electricity production base in arid and semi-arid region of China

The presence and distribution of toxic organic compounds in soil pose significant challenges. Whether their distributional characteristics are more complex, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with harsh climatic conditions? This study analyzed the composition, classification, spatial distribution, and sources of 123 toxic organic compounds in 56 soil samples of coal-electricity production base. Those compounds were classified into 11 categories, mainly pesticides (41 compounds), organic synthesis intermediates (31 compounds), and drugs (23 compounds). Seventeen of those compounds were detected over the rate of 30 %, with 13 of them being under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory. The primary sources of toxic organic compounds were determined using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF), including the degradation of pesticide residues (22.03 %), emissions of plastic pellets (16.64 %), industrial waste emissions (12.80 %), emissions from livestock (12.74 %), plastic films (11.22 %) and coal-to-liquid projects (10.78 %). This research underscores the widespread presence of toxic organic compounds in soil, highlighting their origins and distribution patterns, which are essential for developing targeted environmental management strategies in arid and semi-arid regions.

Trends in poisoning associated with the use of insecticides for bed bug infestations: a 20-year retrospective study in France

Bed bugs are pervasive global pests that have reemerged in the last 20 years as a significant public health concern, especially in densely populated urban areas. Beyond financial losses, expenses, inconvenience, and psychological distress, bed bug infestations often necessitate chemical management, posing poisoning risks to those with an infestation. The French Poison Control Centers recorded 1056 cases of exposure to bed bug insecticide products between 1999 and 2021. This study followed cases over 2007–2021, with a notable surge in reports of adverse reactions from 2016 onwards. Data revealed an increased recurrent misuse of insecticides, including substances banned or not approved for this use. Our findings underscore the growing public reliance on chemical insecticides for home bed bug management. With this is the concern of increased poisoning risks, and potential long-term health consequences from non-professional efforts by the public to manage bed bugs in their homes. This escalating trend emphasizes the need for safer and more sustainable pest management strategies in urban environments.

Retraction Note: System simulation of land use spatial planning method and environment management strategy analysis by using machine vision

Retraction Note: System simulation of land use spatial planning method and environment management strategy analysis by using machine vision

Planning Green Infrastructure: Provisions and Alteration in Prominent Cities of Nigeria

Abstract: Green infrastructure provides physical aesthetics, healthier and quality environment for urban settlements globe. However, many urban centres in the third world countries are deprived the benefits of green infrastructure and subjected to unhealthy conditions that endanger human safety, land uses and the entire ecological system of both macro and micro environment due to poor planning and government policies. This research therefore, compared the effect of green infrastructure alteration on the physical environment of two major cities (Port Harcourt and Calabar) Nigeria. The study sampled 6 green zones and 250 residents for both cities under investigation while Duncan Multiple Comparism analysis (DMCA), mathematical percentage (MP) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was adopted as the statistical analysis implements. The findings established that calabar benefits from green infrastructure that improves the city aesthetics and other aspect of the environment through proper physical planning and government policies than Port Harcourt city of Nigeria at (P&lt;0.05). In furtherance, the study revealed that usage understanding, budget constraint, wrong cost benefit analysis, and poor environmental management and maintenance strategies were identified as the key determinants of naturally retained and planned green infrastructure alteration in both cities, and discovered that, the city of Calabar was built on smart and resilient development strategies than Port Harcourt metropolis of Nigeria. The study recommended that town planning authorities should be charge with the responsibilities of smart and resilient city building through green infrastructure development and avoidance of informal alteration of such infrastructure. Also, suggested the need for frequent acquisition of data on green infrastructure development and inclusion in all land use development.

An assessment of ground subsidence from rock salt mining in Maceió (Northeast Brazil) from 2019 to 2023 using remotely sensed data

This study investigates ground subsidence in Maceió, the capital of Alagoas, Brazil, utilizing Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from November 2019 to December 2023. Ground subsidence poses significant risks to urban infrastructure and requires comprehensive monitoring and mitigation strategies. We employed the Interferometric Wide Swath (IW) mode of Sentinel-1A, acquiring high-resolution data in descending orbit with VV polarization. Through interferometric processing, including co-registration, phase unwrapping, and coherence estimation, we produced detailed subsidence maps for key neighborhoods such as Bebedouro, Farol, Mutange, Pinheiro, and Bom Parto. Our results reveal that subsidence in Maceió is highly variable across different neighborhoods, with cumulative subsidence reaching up to 3.83 meters in the most affected areas. The Bebedouro neighborhood, for instance, experienced subsidence up to 0.33 meters over an area of 41.85 hectares, while Farol saw significant ground movement impacting 59.49 hectares. The analysis indicates that high-density urban areas are particularly susceptible to subsidence, correlating with increased structural damage and flood vulnerability. The study underscores the importance of integrating geotechnical, urban planning, and environmental management strategies to address subsidence. We recommend the implementation of adaptive urban planning measures and enhanced monitoring techniques using satellite data to mitigate the impact of subsidence on infrastructure and communities. These findings provide a critical foundation for developing resilient urban environments in coastal cities prone to geological and anthropogenic subsidence.

Newcastle viral disease causation web correlations with laying hen productivity

Environmental conditions profoundly impact the health, welfare, and productivity of laying hens in commercial poultry farming. We investigated the association between microclimate variations, production indices, and histopathological responses to accidental Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection within a controlled closed-house system. The study was conducted over seven months in a laying hen facility in Cairo, Egypt. Microclimate measurements included temperature, relative humidity (RH%), air velocity (AV), and the temperature humidity index (THI) that were obtained from specific locations on the front and back sides of the facility. Productivity indices, including the egg production percentage (EPP), egg weight (EW), average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, were assessed monthly. During an NDV outbreak, humoral immune responses, gross pathology, and histopathological changes were evaluated. The results demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in EPP and EW between the front and back sides except in April and May. AV had a significant (p = 0.006) positive effect (Beta = 0.346) on EW on the front side. On the back side, AV had a significant (p = 0.001) positive effect (Beta = 0.474) on EW, while it negatively influenced (p = 0.027) EPP (Beta = − 0.281). However, temperature, RH%, and THI had no impact and could not serve as predictors for EPP or EW on either farm side. The humoral immune response to NDV was consistent across microclimates, highlighting the resilience of hens. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic NDV-associated lesions, with no significant differences between the microclimates. This study underscores the significance of optimizing microclimate conditions to enhance laying performance by providing tailored environmental management strategies based on seasonal variations, ensuring consistent airflow, particularly near cooling pads and exhaust fans, and reinforcing the importance of biosecurity measures under field challenges with continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Evaluating impacts of climate and management on reservoir water quality using environmental fluid dynamics code

Climate change and human interference, notably nutrient input, affect the water quality. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are pivotal in managing eutrophication. This study investigated the effects of water dynamics and chemical constituents on water quality in Hongfeng Lake, a typical weakly stratified reservoir suffering from algae blooms in Southwest China, using the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code. Leveraging climate, hydrological, and water quality data, we constructed, calibrated, and validated the temperature-hydrodynamics-water quality-sediment model. Various scenarios were analyzed, including wind speed, air temperature, solar radiation, rainfall, water discharge, N and P external input, and internal release. The findings revealed that no rain and warming increased trophic state index (TSI) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration, and no solar radiation initially elevated nitrate concentration, followed by an increase in ammonium concentration. Besides, no solar radiation and changes in rainfall significantly increased total phosphate concentration. The management scenarios of N and P reduction, halving tributary, and mainstream flow scenarios improved water quality and reduced eutrophication. The wind speed under the N and P reduced scenarios showed that a doubling in wind led to increased concentrations of the particulate organic matter, Chl-a, and dissolved oxygen, alongside decreased ammonium and nitrate, while TSI exhibited minimal change. However, 5- and 10-times wind speed scenarios amplified TSI in shallow water, potentially due to a substantial rise in internal nutrient release. The degradation trend observed in drinking water quality amid climate change (warming and flooding) raises concerns regarding health-related risks. These simulations provided the quantified influence of climate change and environmental management strategies on water quality in the weakly stratified reservoir, notably highlighting the looming threat of exacerbated eutrophication due to warming, necessitating more stringent N and P reduction measures compared to current practices.

Water quality management in a tropical karstic system influenced by land use in Chiapas, Mexico

Urbanization and agricultural activities are increasingly threatening karstic systems and the water resources they provide, which are crucial for the livelihood of rural communities. Over the past decade, the Río Grande de Comitán-Lagos de Montebello (RGC-LM) watershed in Chiapas, Mexico, has experienced significant deterioration in water quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the water quality dynamics within the RGC-LM watershed and their potential interaction with land use change. We conducted assessments of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters across the lotic and lentic systems within the watershed over eight monitoring campaigns (from 2013 to 2020). Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) statistical approaches were performed to identify the main drivers of surface water quality variability. This approach aims to enhance water quality assessments within environmental management strategies, with the goal of promoting sustainable land-use practices aimed at protecting and improving water resources within the watershed. Our findings indicate that there is a substantial difference between the upper and lower watershed water quality. The good water quality conditions observed in the higher altitude lakes (mountain lakes) can be attributed to favorable topographical features, specific land use patterns, and effective conservation measures. In contrast, the lotic system in the middle watershed and the lentic water bodies located at lower altitudes (plain lakes) exhibit signs of water quality degradation due to inefficient wastewater treatment and agricultural runoff. This study highlights the importance of implementing adequate environmental management strategies to address these water quality challenges effectively. Given the pressing issue of water quality degradation in karstic environments, we emphasize on the need for increased monitoring frequency of both physicochemical and microbiological parameters to capture seasonal variations and to further understand the vulnerability of water resources in karstic environments. Future assessment of nutrient concentrations, pesticide levels, and blue-green algae populations will also be crucial for evaluating the trophic state at a watershed scale.

AKUNTANSI MANAJEMEN LINGKUNGAN, INOVASI HIJAU, DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP KINERJA MANAJERIAL

Purpose: The study aims to explain how the application of environmental management accounting and green innovation affects managerial performance in manufacturing companies listed in the BEI in 2021. Methodology/approach: Research methods using explanatory methods. Of the 198 manufacturing companies sampled using purposive sampling, 60 companies obtained samples. Findings: Research results show that environmental management accounting has no impact on managerial performance, and product innovation has an impact on management performance. Environmental management accounting has no impact because some companies charge relatively small environmental costs. But in a descriptive analysis test on the mean value, it yields a minus value, which means that the accounting company's operating cash flow value in 2020 is smaller than in 2021, thus yielding a minus. Practical implications: This is because, at the time of the COVID pandemic, the results were in line with the triple bottom line theory, which measures the performance of a company in a comprehensive way by focusing on profit-making, social concerns, and environmental conservation. Originality/value: In Stakeholder Theory, companies determine and determine environmental management strategies and accounting that are able to maintain the interests of stakeholders, which later stakeholders can contribute to the company to improve company performance and value in the future. Green Innovation can also improve managerial performance by applying new technologies (hardware or software) related to production processes that will lead to energy efficiency, pollution reduction, waste recycling, environmentally friendly design and environmental management within the company

Long-term nitrogen deposition alters the soil bacterial community structure but has little effect on fungal communities

Subtropical Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests have become hot spots for nitrogen (N) deposition in China. However, the effect of long-term N deposition on the structure of soil microbial communities in different horizons of these forests remains unclear. To investigate the influence of extended N deposition on soil bacteria and fungi, a simulated N deposition field study was conducted in Fujian Province with four N deposition levels (0, 20, 40 and 80 kg N hm−2 a−1). The absolute abundances, diversity, community structure, and potential functions of soil bacteria and fungi were investigated after 10 years of simulated N deposition. The results indicated that there was no significant effect of N deposition on the abundance or diversity of soil microbes in either the organic or mineral horizons of Moso bamboo forests. However, under rates of 40 and 80 kg N hm−2 a−1, long-term N deposition altered the structure of the soil bacterial community in the organic horizon. Specifically, there was a 27.75∼36.40 % increase in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, while that of Acidobacteria decreased by 24.40∼27.52 %. Redundancy analysis (RDA) demonstrated that soil total carbon (TC) was the key variable influencing the bacterial community structure in the organic horizon. Analysis of potential microbial functions showed that in the organic horizon, the rates of chemoheterotrophy significantly decreased under 80 kg N hm−2 a−1. However, N deposition did not noticeably impact the fungal community structure in either soil horizon. Our study suggested that under 10 years of N deposition, only the bacterial community composition and function in the organic horizon was affected, indicating that soil bacteria are more sensitive to N deposition than fungi in subtropical Moso bamboo forests. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the impact of N deposition on fungal community composition in the soil organic horizon and on the microbial community in the mineral horizon of subtropical bamboo forests. This study provides valuable insights for informing future environmental management and conservation strategies.

ANALYSIS OF RISK MANAGEMENT AMONG BROILER FARMERS IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

The study assessed risk management among broiler farmers in Kuje Area Council, FCT, Nigeria. The study used three-stage sampling technique and primary data were collected from 67 broiler farmers. The analytical technique involved descriptive statistics and principal component analysis. The results revealed that 79.1% of the respondents were males with a mean age of 42 years, 47.8% had education to secondary level and 53.7% had more than 1-3 years of farming experience with the mean of 5 years and 46.3% of the household size had a range between 1-5 members with a mean of 6 members. The result of the risks encountered by the broiler farmers showed that shortage of feed was the major production risk encountered with a mean value of 3.23, unforeseen funding shortage was the most critical financial risk encountered (3.18), unfavorable weather condition was the most significant environmental risk encountered (3.61), high cost of feed was the highest ranked market risk encountered (3.84). The risk management strategies adopted by the broiler farmers showed that Feed, general health, disease prevention, financial and environmental management strategies were the five factor components left after factor analysis. The study concludes that the risk management strategies were possibly not being properly implemented and adopted; hence, they often continue to encounter these risks. This study recommends that government in collaboration with broiler farmers should make good intervention and policies through the relevant agricultural agencies in order to minimize risk, reduce cost of production and achieve increase farm incomes in the study area.

A strategic approach to sustainable wastewater management and reuse in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) faces challenges in protecting its limited natural water resources. The centralized sewage treatment plants (STPs) contribute to conserving natural water resources in various regions of KSA. For sustainable wastewater management strategies in arid environments, the performance of STPs needs to be assessed for various beneficial uses in addition to the existing regulations. The present study used extensive effluent quality data of four STPs to develop a performance assessment approach using multi-criteria and principal component analyses. The performance levels were derived from the compliance rate of effluent standards with different reuses and the efficacy of biosolids management. The proposed approach evaluated the STPs based on the planned applications of treated effluents, considering the land use characteristics of each plant’s disposal point. The factors loadings obtained for the STPs, encompassing total suspended and dissolved solids, and total dissolved solids, oxidizing demanding pollutants (BOD and COD), and nutrients (NO3 and PO4), with 3 to 4 principal components demonstrating above 60% of the effluent monitoring data, established the importance of the effluent quality parameters. The effluent quality index (EQI) was developed for existing and potential reuses, e.g., irrigation, landscaping, fishery, and recreation, during dry (summer) and wet (winter) periods. All STPs showed high EQI for both periods for the present reuse standards of unrestricted irrigation and landscaping. The overall performance index, aggregating EQI and the efficacy of sludge management practices, illustrated declining performance, suggesting staged improvements (tertiary-level treatment, air floatation, sludge digestion, and waste-to-energy) through a periodic assessment process. STPs must enhance their sludge management efficacy to produce Class-A biosolids and waste-to-energy. The proposed approach will help make strategic decisions regarding improvements for STPs and the allocation of financial resources to protect natural resources in various regions across KSA.

Integrated environmental management and GPS-X modelling for current and future sustainable wastewater treatment: A case study from the Middle East

In the context of today's rapidly changing environmental challenges, accurately predicting the performance and efficiency of environmental management strategies is crucial. Particularly in the Middle East, where research on wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is notably lacking, addressing this need is imperative. This study investigates the treatment efficiency of a wastewater treatment plant and proposes various techniques to enhance its performance. Employing a case study method, we utilise the GPS-X model to forecast the plant's performance under diverse scenarios, offering solutions for future challenges. The results reveal that the current plant layout operates efficiently, with removal efficiencies for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) at 98.3 %, 95.1 %, and 96.1 %, respectively. The outlet Dissolved Oxygen (DO) of 1.9 mg/L meets local wastewater reuse standards. Furthermore, the GPS-X model forecasts the plant's performance under different scenarios, suggesting the feasibility of a new layout within 20–25 years and the need for additional units after 40 years. As inflow approaches maximum design capacity, simulation results underscore the importance of utilising the full plant design and expanding it for optimal operation over 60 years. This research provides critical insights for improving WWTP performance and emphasizes the significance of strategic planning in addressing long-term environmental management challenges. Moreover, this study represents a pioneering effort in addressing critical water scarcity challenges in Jordan by exploring the potential of treated wastewater (TWW) as a sustainable solution, thus contributing to the advancement of environmental management practices in the region.

Accelerating Glacier Area Loss Across the Andes Since the Little Ice Age

AbstractAndean glaciers are losing mass rapidly but a centennial‐scale context to those rates is lacking. Here we show the extent of &gt;5,500 glaciers during the Little Ice Age chronozone (LIA; c. 1,400 to c. 1,850) and compute an overall area change of −25% from then to year 2000 at an average rate of −36.5 km2 yr−1 or −0.11% yr−1. Glaciers in the Tropical Andes (Peru, Bolivia) have depleted the most; median −56% of LIA area, and the fastest; median −0.16% yr−1. Up to 10 × acceleration in glacier area loss has occurred in Tropical mountain sub‐regions comparing LIA to 2,000 rates to post‐2000 rates. Regional climate controls inter‐regional variability, whereas local factors affect intra‐region glacier response time. Analyzing glacier area change by river basins and by protected areas leads us to suggest that conservation and environmental management strategies should be re‐visited as proglacial areas expand.