Sustainable Environmental Management Research Articles

USE OF GEO-INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR GROUNDWATER MONITORING

Abstract . The article is devoted to the study of the possibilities of using geographic information systems (GIS) for monitoring the state of groundwater, which is important for ensuring environmental safety and sustainable management of water resources. Groundwater is an important source of fresh water for the population, industry and agriculture, but it is vulnerable to various pollutions caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Therefore, the implementation of reliable monitoring systems that allow timely detection, assessment and forecasting of changes in water quality is necessary to prevent the deterioration of the ecological situation and prevent the spread of pollution. Geographic information systems (GIS ) offer significant opportunities for the collection and integration of large volumes of spatial data, including satellite images, remote sensing results, automated sensor data, and field observations. GIS allow creating multi-layered maps reflecting the ecological state of underground aquifers, modeling pollution processes and predicting their possible impact on nearby ecosystems and water sources. Thanks to the use of GIS, it is possible to combine data from different sources in a single interactive system, which simplifies analysis and provides the ability to quickly respond to any detected deviations. The article examines in detail the key methods used within GIS for groundwater monitoring, including satellite sounding to analyze changes in the earth's surface, spectral indices to assess the state of vegetation and soil salinity, and radar methods to determine soil electrical conductivity. Particular attention is paid to the application of three-dimensional modeling, which allows visualization of the spread of pollution in underground aquifers, which facilitates decision-making regarding the optimal location of monitoring stations and the design of protective structures. In combination with automated sensors recording water parameters in real time, GIS provides continuous monitoring of the physico-chemical indicators of groundwater and allows for prompt assessment of their condition. The article also analyzes the possibilities of using predictive modeling in GIS to assess the further spread of pollution and develop environmental risk management measures. It is described how mathematical models in GIS can help predict the impact of anthropogenic and natural factors on groundwater, which ensures the development of scientifically based solutions to reduce pollution and maintain water quality at a safe level. The implementation of GIS in groundwater monitoring is an important step towards increasing the efficiency of water resources management, ensuring their protection from pollution and preserving the ecological stability of the regions.

Legal Regime Covering Mineral Resources Benefit Sharing in the International Seabed Area

This paper presents recommendations for developing a legal framework for sharing benefits derived from mineral resources in the international seabed area. Establishing a legal regime that encompasses benefit sharing is of paramount importance for promoting the principle of a common heritage of mankind, for narrowing the technological gap that exists between developing and developed countries in the field of deep-sea mining, for safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries, and for advancing global development. However, the international seabed management system is confronted with considerable challenges, including uncertainty regarding its contribution and redistribution mechanisms, the criteria for equitable distribution, and the initial distribution mechanism. These challenges have the potential to undermine the principle of a common heritage of mankind. To address these issues, it is imperative that the International Seabed Authority establish a robust legal regime for benefit-sharing without delay. To this end, a comprehensive approach is required, encompassing theoretical, institutional, and practical considerations, with the aim of enhancing the legal system governing the international seabed area. From a theoretical standpoint, the primary challenge lies in striking a balance between private and public interests in the initial distribution of benefits and addressing any subsequent distributional imbalances. Furthermore, it is imperative to prioritize environmental protection and sustainable resource management in the international seabed area. At the practical level, criteria for equitable sharing should be established, the order of distribution of benefits should be clarified, and a common heritage fund should be established. At the institutional level, it is necessary to establish a system of information transparency, implement the principle of intergenerational equity, and establish a standardized mechanism for stakeholder consultation.

Environmental Fate and Sustainable Management of Pesticides in Soils: A Critical Review Focusing on Sustainable Agriculture

Pesticides are inevitable agrochemicals employed as plant protection agents and their application follows good agricultural practice (GAP). Although pesticides are primarily used for plant protection purposes, the residual pesticides may pose a threat to the next crops and/or off-target biota. Another important aspect of applied pesticides is the transformation into toxic metabolites. As a result, misuse or overuse of pesticides can lead to raised residual uncertainty, hidden risk of transformed metabolites, and potential risk to off-target biota. As per pesticide safety guidelines, regulations for the maximum limit of residual pesticides, addressing toxic metabolites derived from parent pesticides, and managing the potential risk of pesticides for off-targets are considered vital components. Despite the countable number of studies that have already been published on pesticide fate, residual risk, and metabolism in soils and plants, several vital research gaps remain untouched. In this study, the vital research gap of pesticide fate and transport is explored through vital keyword searches, followed by sorting of relevant articles using scholarly search engines. According to the study outcomes, residual uncertainty, secondary pollution, diversified fate and transport, and toxic metabolites, including their persistence, were detected as key research pitfalls. Thus, this paper critically addresses the current trends and research gaps and suggests specific recommendations for pesticide fate and potential risk studies.

Statistical approach to the monitoring of groundwater quality for drinking in Northern Algeria

The scarcity of surface water during prolonged droughts makes the Mitidja quaternary aquifer in north-central Algeria essential for drinking water supply. This study aims to improve understanding of the hydrochemical behavior of this aquifer using multivariate statistical analysis. The main objective is to identify the factors influencing the chemical composition of the water and determine its suitability for domestic use. To this end, water samples were taken from 20 boreholes and analyzed for electrical conductivity, pH, and significant ions during the dry and wet seasons. The results showed significant spatial variations in salinity, particularly in the plain's extreme eastern and western regions, where several parameters exceeded WHO standards. Chemical quality was higher in the western and central boreholes than in those to the east, which were deemed unsuitable for human consumption. Various chemical facies result from the dissolution of dolomitic and evaporitic formations, leading to increased mineralization. In addition, human activity has affected water quality, notably through the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and the discharge of untreated wastewater. This study underlines the need for sustainable environmental management to preserve water quality in the Mitidja quaternary aquifer, which is essential for guaranteeing local communities' drinking water access.

Analysis of Annual Spatiotemporal Variations in Carbon Stock in the Urban Agglomeration of the Middle Yangtze River Basin, China

Terrestrial ecosystem carbon stock (TECS) is critical to socioeconomic development and ecosystem services and is jointly affected by land use and cover and climate change. However, the dynamics of long-term annual TECS levels in urban agglomeration remain largely unknown, and research mostly ignores the spatial heterogeneity of climate factors, compromising sustainable environmental management and land planning strategies. To this end, we integrated field observations of carbon density, land use, and climate factors to map the annual distribution of TECS and analyzed their spatiotemporal variations and policy implications in the urban agglomeration of the middle Yangtze River Basin in China from 1990 to 2020. The results showed that 43,855.47 km2 of the land of the urban agglomeration changed from 1990 to 2020, accounting for 12.54% of the study area. The farmland and forest land area fluctuated and reduced, and the construction land area increased significantly. The increase in construction land was mainly from farmland and forest land. The TECS in urban agglomerations underwent a remarkable change, the overall trend fluctuated downward, and the maximum interannual variation was 1560 Tg. The transfer of construction land, farmland, forest land, shrubs, grassland, and other land mainly caused the change in carbon storage. Due to abnormal climate change, the urban agglomeration in some areas illustrated carbon storage with a spatially aggregated distribution. When considering the impact of climate change on carbon density, the TECS changes of land types other than forest land were found to be consistent with the area change but more significant due to climate change. The research results can provide reference data for regional land management policy formulation and realization of “dual carbon” goals.

Agroforestry-Silvopastoral Systems Suitability for the Plateau Landforms: Devrekani Plateau (Northern Turkiye)

The Devrekani Plateau, located in the Kure Mountains massif (Kastamonu-Türkiye), is a geomorphological unit with flat areas ranging between 1000 and 1300 meters in altitude. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry activities are standard on the plateau. Due to environmental constraints, versatile, holistic, and sustainable land use plans are needed in such high areas. This study examines land use patterns compatible with natural environmental conditions for the Plateau Landforms. Agroforestry-silvopastoral systems where agriculture, pasture, forest lands, and recreational functions are applied together have been evaluated in the study area. Criteria that have a high relationship with land use have been identified. Using Geographic Information Systems, weighted overlay analysis was carried out with factor maps regarding Lithology, Slope, Elevation, and Actual Land Use. The model output reveals that the regions between agriculture and forest are the most suitable for the agroforestry-silvopastoral systems (outside urban areas) and recreation. The most suitable areas for mixed land use plans on the plateau are generally karst areas with sparse vegetation, located above 1200 meters, and having a 6-12% slope. The lower border of these areas is agricultural areas with flat or nearly flat slopes, commonly formed by alluviums. The upper limit consists of forest areas with steep slopes surrounded by high hills. Implementing agroforestry-silvopastoral land use models on plateau landforms can be an effective strategy for sustainable environmental management and land use.

Agroforestry-Silvopastoral Systems Suitability for the Plateau Landforms: Devrekani Plateau (Northern Turkiye)

The Devrekani Plateau, located in the Kure Mountains massif (Kastamonu-Türkiye), is a geomorphological unit with flat areas ranging between 1000 and 1300 meters in altitude. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry activities are standard on the plateau. Due to environmental constraints, versatile, holistic, and sustainable land use plans are needed in such high areas. This study examines land use patterns compatible with natural environmental conditions for the Plateau Landforms. Agroforestry-silvopastoral systems where agriculture, pasture, forest lands, and recreational functions are applied together have been evaluated in the study area. Criteria that have a high relationship with land use have been identified. Using Geographic Information Systems, weighted overlay analysis was carried out with factor maps regarding Lithology, Slope, Elevation, and Actual Land Use. The model output reveals that the regions between agriculture and forest are the most suitable for the agroforestry-silvopastoral systems (outside urban areas) and recreation. The most suitable areas for mixed land use plans on the plateau are generally karst areas with sparse vegetation, located above 1200 meters, and having a 6-12% slope. The lower border of these areas is agricultural areas with flat or nearly flat slopes, commonly formed by alluviums. The upper limit consists of forest areas with steep slopes surrounded by high hills. Implementing agroforestry-silvopastoral land use models on plateau landforms can be an effective strategy for sustainable environmental management and land use.

Assessing climate-driven glacial retreat, snow-cover reduction and GLOF risks: implications for water resource management amid rising global temperatures and CO2

Context The consequences of climate change, including alterations in snow and glacier patterns and rising temperatures, pose a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can have cross-border impacts, leading to the loss of life and property downstream. Aims This research focused on the assessment of changes in snow cover within Chitral district imposed by temperature increase. Methods ArcGIS and Origin programs were used in this research to study the glacier pattern of Chitral. Results Therer was a significant increase of 266.7% in urban development and an expansion of 135.9 km2 in agricultural areas within this remote mountainous region. The findings of the study show that in the year 2000, >51.6% of Chitral district’s total land was covered by snow during early winter. However, this coverage drastically declined to ~6.8% by 2008. Across the initial two 4-year periods, ~44.7% (5694.6 km2) of the glaciated area transitioned to barren rock, whereas the overall reduction in snow-covered areas accounted for ~43.3% (5514.6 km2). Conclusion Owing to the increasing stress on freshwater resources, it is essential to conduct thorough analyses and monitoring of snow patterns to ensure sustainable freshwater availability and effective environmental risk management. Implications This study emphasises the critical consequences of climate-driven glacial retreat, waning snow cover and increased risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) for the management of water resources with the rise in global CO2 and temperatures levels. These changes threaten the timing and availability of water supply, with impacts on agriculture, ecosystem and hydropower. Effective adaptation measures and sustainable management practices are crucial to alleviate these risks and ensure water security in a warming world.

Harnessing the Power of Plants: Innovative Approaches to Pollution Prevention and Mitigation

Innovative and sustainable environmental management strategies are urgently required to address the escalating global pollution crisis. Phytoremediation, which involves using plants to mitigate, remediate, or contain environmental contaminants, is a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional remediation methods. This review summarizes current research to elucidate the multifaceted roles of plants in pollution mitigation, detailing mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, and rhizofiltration; we highlight successful case studies that demonstrate practical applications across diverse environments, such as the use of hyperaccumulator plants for heavy metal removal and genetically engineered species for organic pollutant degradation. Furthermore, this review explores recent technological advancements that have enhanced the effectiveness of phytoremediation, such as the integration of nanotechnology and genetic engineering. It also analyzes the economic and social implications of adopting plant-based pollution control strategies, emphasizing their potential for community involvement and socioeconomic benefits. Despite the promising outlook, we acknowledge the inherent challenges and limitations of phytoremediation, including public acceptance and scalability issues. Finally, we identify key opportunities for future research and innovative approaches that could expand the scope and impact of phytotechnologies in pollution mitigation. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of plants as both agents of environmental restoration and essential components of sustainable pollution management systems.

Life cycle assessment and thermodynamic performance of biomass-based combined cogeneration

Abstract This study presents a thermodynamic and life cycle analysis of a biomass-based integrated energy system, comprising a biomass gasification cycle, a steam Rankine cycle, and an ammonia fluid Organic Rankine cycle. The primary objective of the system is to efficiently convert olive husk, a sustainable biomass source, into electricity and heating. The gasification process generates syngas, which fuels a gas turbine, producing high-temperature exhaust that drives a Rankine cycle. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the overall system achieves an energy efficiency of 20.85% and an exergy efficiency of 11.70%. The Rankine cycle exhibits an energy efficiency of 23.91%, while the Organic Rankine cycle demonstrates a higher exergy efficiency of 68.87%. Parametric studies reveal that increasing the combustion chamber temperature significantly enhances system efficiency and output, with energy efficiency rising linearly as the temperature increases from 800 °C to 1000 °C. Additionally, the analysis emphasizes the importance of the compressor's compression ratio on system performance. A life cycle assessment conducted using the ReCiPe methodology evaluates the environmental impact of the system throughout its lifecycle, revealing critical insights into its sustainability. This comprehensive evaluation highlights the potential of utilizing agricultural waste, such as olive husk, to produce renewable energy, thereby supporting environmental sustainability and waste management goals. The findings underscore the viability of the proposed system for enhancing energy production while minimizing environmental impacts, making it a promising solution for renewable energy generation in regions with abundant biomass resources.

Phycogenic nanoparticles efficiently catalyse pesticide degradation through a novel metabolic pathway utilizing solar light

Cypermethrin (Cy) is a widely used insecticide, leading to significant environmental contamination in homes and agricultural areas. Effective methods to minimize or eliminate insecticidal residues are essential. Seaweeds, traditionally used in agriculture as soil conditioners, offer a promising solution for remediating pesticide-contaminated soils through biogenic nanoparticle synthesis. In this study, we synthesized biogenic silver nanoparticles (UL-AgNPs) from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca Lin (Ulvaceae) to degrade Cypermethrin. The UL-AgNPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis, confirming their presence, size (81.29 nm), structure and stability. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to assess the catalytic concentration of photocatalyst for degradation of pesticide including variables, Cy concentration and destined exposure time duration. The degradation efficiency of UL-AgNPs was evaluated, with the highest degradation (91.2%) achieved at pH 7 after 12 hours using 16.6 mg L-1 of UL-AgNPs, following pseudo-first order kinetics with a rate of 2.7 hour-1. GC-MS and UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed a novel degradation pathway, where Cypermethrin was broken down into compounds like Tetradecane, Dodecane, and Tetracosanoic acid through ester cleavage and benzene ring breakdown. The study also demonstrated the reusability of UL-AgNPs for four cycles, highlighting their potential for sustainable environmental management by reducing the long-term hazards of Cypermethrin.

The Waste Management System in the Parking and Traders Arrangement in the Borobudur Temple Area, Central Java, Indonesia

The Indonesian government continues to accelerate the resolution of all problems related to the planning, infrastructure development, and arrangement of tourist visits, including the arrangement of parking spaces and commercial areas in the Borobudur temple area. The purpose of this study is to develop a waste management system in the parking and commercial areas of Kujon as an alternative to structuring the Borobudur temple area. The research method is a descriptive-qualitative observational approach. Surface water and groundwater examinations are carried out in laboratories and compared with quality criteria determined by the Indonesian government. Toxic and hazardous waste is stored in temporary facilities until it is collected by a company licensed by the Indonesian environmental ministry. The Shannon-Wiener Plankton and Benthos Diversity Index measures the diversity of organisms in a community. The study’s findings highlight the need to establish a waste processing facility based on the reduction, reuse, and recycling principles. Waste will be collected at a certain site and stored temporarily in line with the technical instructions for the Minister of Environment and Forestry’s Regulation. The findings of surface water and groundwater studies demonstrate that all measured parameters continue to meet the Indonesian government’s quality thresholds. Plankton Bioindicator Measurements: Plankton diversity index values range from 1.040 to 1.943, indicating moderate pollution, while benthos values range from 0.811 to 0.918, indicating weakly to moderately contaminated conditions. Sustainable environmental management is critical and should serve as a baseline for environmental quality in the activity area.

Ecological benefits of artificial vegetation restoration on local climate condition in abandoned mining area

The abandoned mining area in Hami, Xinjiang, suffers from severe ecological degradation, necessitating urgent vegetation restoration to improve local climate conditions. This study examines the ecological benefits of artificial re-vegetation conducted by our team since 2021. Using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT) backward trajectory model and Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) meteorological data, the long-range movement paths of air masses reaching the study area were identified. Simultaneously, on-site monitoring of meteorological factors (air temperature and humidity) was conducted to compare differences between the control point (non-vegetated area) and the artificially vegetated area. Additionally, wind speeds were monitored on both the windward and leeward sides of the vegetation restoration area for 66 days. Wind directions perpendicular to vegetation, to assess windbreak efficiency. The results indicated that the HYSPLIT model and the K-means clustering technique classified air masses’ long-range transportation into three categories: NW, N, and ES clusters. This classification illustrated the impact of regional climatic systems on local conditions. It showed cooler and more humid air masses from the northwest contributing significantly to local climate improvements. In the restored areas, high vegetation coverage and height significantly reduced air temperature by up to 1.5 °C and increased humidity by 2.7 % compared to the control area. Windbreak efficiency was notably enhanced, with wind speeds at 0.5 to 1 m heights on the leeward side reduced by approximately 1.2–1.7 m/s. This study underscores the critical role of artificial vegetation restoration in mitigating mining activities’ adverse effects, improving local climatic conditions, and promoting sustainable ecological rehabilitation in arid regions. The findings provide valuable insights for future ecological restoration projects and sustainable environmental management in similar degraded landscapes.

Analysis of vegetation dynamics from 2001 to 2020 in China's Ganzhou rare earth mining area using time series remote sensing and SHAP-enhanced machine learning

Rare earth mining, essential for modern industries and economic growth, often leads to severe environmental degradation. Previous research has explored the ecological impacts of rare earth mining but has not fully investigated the intricate interplay and subdivisions of environmental and anthropogenic factors driving vegetation changes over extended periods. This study addresses this gap by employing time series remote sensing and SHAP-enhanced machine learning to analyze vegetation dynamics in China's Ganzhou rare earth mining area from 2001 to 2020. Using the kNDVI derived from Landsat data, we identified three distinct vegetation trajectory types: pro-environment, des-environment, and res-environment. An ensemble machine learning model combined with SHAP analysis revealed the cropland area proportion, PM10 levels, and shrubland area proportion as the most influential factors affecting vegetation across all mining types. Additionally, after 2012, the palmer drought severity index and downward surface shortwave radiation emerged as positive contributors to vegetation health, while population pressure had a more substantial negative influence in des-environment areas. Our findings highlight spatial heterogeneity in vegetation recovery patterns and highlight the complex interactions among land cover changes, air quality, climate factors, and human activities in shaping vegetation dynamics. This study provides valuable insights for developing targeted, context-specific restoration strategies in rare earth mining areas, contributing to more sustainable mining practices and global environmental management.

Study Of Mangrove Ecotourism Gunung Anyar And Medokan Sawah Using The Concept Of RRR (Right, Restriction, Responsibility)

Abstract In 2018, the Surabaya City Government established the Kebun Raya Mangrove Surabaya as a form of conservation and as an implementation of the protection outlined in Regional Regulation Document Number 12 of 2014 on the Spatial Planning of Surabaya City for 2014-2034, which designates mangroves as a protected area in the form of ecotourism. In space utilization related to this area, the RRR (Right, Restriction, Responsibility) concept can be applied. The RRR concept is a land administration principle that provides a foundation for area management in terms of defining authority boundaries, responsibilities for management (Right and Responsibility), and management/utilization restrictions (Restriction). The importance of RRR in studying the utilization of the KRM Surabaya area is to emphasize licensing, boundaries with surrounding areas, and a sustainable environmental management system that can reduce conflicts and enhance positive aspects within the cadastral system. Through visual interpretation of aerial photos from 2016 and 2024 to identify changes in area size, analysis related to responsibility will be obtained, along with supporting data from relevant agencies to identify licensing and spatial planning boundaries. The result of this study is an analysis of the RRR concept in the utilization of the KRM Surabaya area.

Impact of artificial intelligence and knowledge management on proactive green innovation: the moderating role of trust and sustainability

PurposeIn this research, we seek to understand the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge management (KM) processes in enhancing proactive green innovation (PGI) within oil and gas organizations. It also aims to investigate the moderator role of trust and sustainability in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a quantitative analysis. Surveys have been gathered from the middle-line managers of twenty-four oil and gas government organizations to evaluate the perceptions of the managers towards AI, KM processes, trust, sustainability measures and proactive measures toward green innovation. Analytical and statistical tools that were employed in this study, including structural equation modeling with SmartPLSv3.9, have been used to analyze the data and to examine the measurement and structural models of this study.FindingsThe study results reveal a significant and positive impact of AI utilization, KM processes and PGI within oil and gas organizations. Furthermore, trust and sustainability turn out to be viable moderators affecting, and influencing the strength and direction of AI, KM and PGI relationships. In particular, higher levels of trust and more substantial sustainability commitments enhance the positive impact of AI and KM on green innovation outcomes.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the impact of AI, KM, trust and sustainability offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers seeking to promote proactive green innovation within the oil and gas industry. Thus, organizations can increase the efficiency of sustainable product development, process improvement and environmental management by using robust AI technologies and effective KM systems. Furthermore, fostering trust among stakeholders and embedding sustainability principles into organizational culture can amplify the effectiveness of AI and KM initiatives in driving green innovation outcomes.Originality/valueThis study extends the current knowledge by assessing the effect of AI and KM on proactive green innovation while accounting for trust and sustainability as moderators. Utilizing quantitative methods offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between these variables, thereby advancing theoretical knowledge in the fields of innovation management, sustainability and organizational behavior. Additionally, the identification of specific mechanisms and contextual factors enriches practical insights for organizational practitioners striving for a practical understanding of the dynamics of the complexities of sustainable innovation in an AI-driven era.

USOS DEL CANNABIS EN LA BIORREMEDIACIÓN DE SUELOS CONTAMINADOS CON METALES PESADOS

<p><strong>Background. </strong>Bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals is a vital area of research given the growing concern about environmental contamination. However, understanding of the ability of <em>Cannabis sativa</em> for this task has been limited. <strong>Objective</strong>. undertake a thorough analysis of the existing scientific literature to assess the role of Cannabis systematically and critically in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals, emphasizing its effectiveness and potential applicability in restoring ecosystems affected by pollution. <strong>Methodology. </strong>A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out, consulting databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SpringerLink. Relevant studies investigating the ability of <em>Cannabis sativa</em> to accumulate heavy metals and the factors affecting this process were selected and analyzed. <strong>Results. </strong>It was found that <em>Cannabis sativa</em>, especially the sativa variety and subvarieties such as Henola and Bialobrzeskie, exhibit a notable hyperaccumulation capacity of heavy metals, especially in roots and stems. Factors such as soil type, metal concentration, and weather conditions affect its effectiveness. <strong>Implications. </strong>These findings have important implications for agriculture and environmental management, offering a sustainable and less invasive alternative for the remediation of contaminated soils. However, the need to balance bioremediation with agricultural production and to properly manage the resulting waste is highlighted. <strong>Conclusions. </strong><em>Cannabis sativa</em> shows promising potential in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. Its hyperaccumulating capacity and the factors that influence its effectiveness offer significant opportunities for environmental restoration, remediation and sustainable resource management. The importance of future research is emphasized to maximize its effectiveness and minimize its impact on agricultural production.</p>

Land use and land cover changes in Notwane watershed, Botswana, using extreme gradient boost (XGBoost) machine learning algorithm

ABSTRACT Botswana’s Notwane watershed is crucial for supplying water to Gaborone and surrounding areas. However, urbanization and climate variability threaten its water resources. Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes contribute to climate variability, impacting food security, water supply, and weakening rural economies and socio-cultural structures. This study employs geospatial techniques to model LULC changes and inform sustainable environmental management. This study utilized Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) algorithms to classify multi-temporal Landsat images from 1984 to 2022. The XGBoost model achieved the highest overall accuracy of 0.81%. Results indicated a 21,239.2% increase in built-up areas between the year, while agricultural land and natural vegetation decreased significantly by 9.38%. These shifts are driven by urbanization, which heightens climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions and reduced carbon sinks. Variations in water-covered areas were, influenced by dam construction, droughts, and cyclones. A strong correlation between built-up areas and population data highlights the impact of urban expansion. To ensure sustainable urban growth and mitigate negative effects on biodiversity, urban planners must integrate sustainable land use strategies. These findings highlight the necessity for informed decision-making to balance development with environmental sustainability in the Notwane watershed.

Inclusive Maritime Spatial Planning: Stakes at the Regional Level

The paper focuses on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and the importance of incorporating participatory democracy and inclusivity, from a region-wise perspective. Traditionally MSP is a top-down (central government) process. Most responsibilities, competencies and jurisdictions lie at the national level, with usually limited input from local or regional stakeholders. However, the growing complexity of marine activities and the need for sustainable management of the marine environment require more inclusive and collaborative approaches. In other words, it calls for a more bottom-up approach, where local and regional stakeholders are involved in a meaningful way. Drawing on the REGINA-MSP project, the study presented in this paper identifies categories of regional and local stakeholders relevant to MSP. The paper identifies seven categories of MSP stakeholders deriving from the local communities of coastal regions. Following an in depth stakeholder analysis and mapping, fishers were identified as the ones having the lowest level of engagement and degree of representativeness in the MSP process, despite being among the most traditional marine users. The general public is also considered a “weak” MSP stakeholder. Regarding regional authorities/goverments (NUTS 2 level according to the EU classification), their role and voice may also need further strengthening in the—nationally driven—MSP process. Communities of Practice is a tool that may encourage and advance participation and inclusivity in MSP, especially as regards local stakeholders of coastal regions.

Artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring: in-depth analysis

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications in environmental monitoring, based on 4762 publications from 1991 to 2024. The research highlights a notable increase in publications and citations since 2010, with China, the United States, and India emerging as leading contributors. Key areas of research include air and water quality monitoring, climate change modeling, biodiversity assessment, and disaster management. The integration of AI with emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote sensing, has significantly expanded real-time environmental monitoring capabilities and data-driven decision-making. In-depth analysis reveals advancements in AI/ML methodologies, including novel algorithms for soil mapping, land-cover classification, flood susceptibility modeling, and remote sensing image analysis. Notable applications include enhanced air quality predictions, water quality assessments, climate impact forecasting, and automated wildlife monitoring using AI-driven image recognition. Challenges such as the “black-box” nature of AI models, the need for high-quality data in resource-constrained regions, and the complexity of real-time disaster management are also addressed. The study highlights ongoing efforts to develop explainable AI (XAI) models, which aim to improve model transparency and trust in critical environmental applications. Future research directions emphasize improving data quality and availability, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across environmental and computer sciences, and addressing ethical considerations in AI-driven environmental management. These findings underscore the transformative potential of AI and ML technologies for sustainable environmental management, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in addressing global environmental challenges.