Sustainable Environmental Management Research Articles

How can AI reduce carbon emissions? Insights from a quasi-natural experiment using generalized random forest

This study examines the impact of a recent regional artificial intelligence pilot zone (AIPZ) policy in China on firms' carbon performance using a quasi-natural experiment. Using the Difference-in-Differences (DID) methodology, the findings reveal that the AIPZ policy significantly reduces firms' carbon emissions. This effect is most pronounced for firms with high talent levels, positive media sentiment, and strong internal control, while heavily polluting firms experience a relatively minor effect. A variable importance analysis using the generalized random forest approach identifies return on assets (ROA) and Tobin's Q as significant contributors to the variation in firms' responses. Specifically, when ROA is negative, the treatment effect is relatively large and increases slowly. In contrast, when ROA is positive, the treatment effect decreases rapidly, showing a zero-boundary effect. Additionally, Tobin's Q exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with the treatment effect. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for policymakers in China and beyond, highlighting the importance of considering firm-specific characteristics to achieve effective and sustainable environmental management alongside economic development.

Assessing and predicting the dynamics of land use/land cover in northern Bangladesh using cellular Automata-Markov chain model

ABSTRACT Rapid urbanization and land use changes significantly impact environmental sustainability and resource management, particularly in developing regions. Therefore, this study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) in Rangpur, Bangladesh, from 1991 to 2021 and projects future trends to 2041. Using supervised and unsupervised classification techniques, along with cellular automata and Markov-chain models, we assessed historical LULC changes and predicted future scenarios. Results show a 38.86% increase in built-up areas (BAs) and a 49.86% decrease in vegetation land (VL) during the study period, with classification accuracy above 87%. Projections indicate a further loss of over 210 km² of VL and an increase of more than 123 km² in urban areas by 2041. Notably, urban expansion is linked to the development of road networks, with significant growth from 115.06 km2 in 2021 to 124.33 km2 by 2041 within a 15-kilometer radius around the city center. These findings offer crucial insights for urban planning, emphasizing the need for sustainable strategies to manage urban expansion and protect environmental and socio-economic resilience in Rangpur.

Tackling soil erosion and contamination within the SDGs framework: a case study of the Erdenet copper-molybdenum mine

Mining operations in Mongolia have contributed significantly to national economic growth. However, the lack of adequate mine land rehabilitation practices has resulted in various forms of land degradation, including land cover change, soil erosion and contamination with heavy metals and metalloids. These issues have negatively affected ecosystems and posed potential risks to human health due to the interconnected relationships between land, water and human activities. This study focuses on the copper-molybdenum mining site of Erdenet, the oldest and one of the largest copper mines in Mongolia, to investigate the main drivers of soil degradation and evaluate effective rehabilitation strategies. By combining findings from our previous studies on soil erosion and contamination in the Erdenet area with a review of existing research, we assess key rehabilitation priorities. Taking a Nexus approach, this study explores the interconnections between environmental, economic and social sectors, emphasizing the importance of balancing mining activities with sustainable land management. The previous studies suggest that for the next 10–15 years, priorities should focus on tailings storage facility rehabilitation and soil contamination remediation, while longer-term goals include developing sustainable environmental management strategies that foster cooperation between mining corporations and local communities, enforce regulations and improve monitoring in the Erdenet mining area. The study aligns these priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals, offering science-based recommendations for managing soil erosion and reducing contamination.

Applying Environmental Sustainability Practices in Martial Arts Sports Clubs: A Case Study of Poznan

Background: Growing environmental challenges necessitate the implementation of sustainable practices across various sectors, including sports club management. The aim of this study was to investigate environmental management practices in martial arts clubs in Poznan, Poland, with a particular focus on energy and water conservation, waste management, and the promotion of sustainable mobility. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a group of fourteen martial arts clubs operating in Poznan. A semi-structured interview method was employed with club owners and managers, asking about their approaches to reducing energy and water consumption, waste sorting, waste reduction, and promoting sustainable transportation. Data analysis involved thematic analysis, where the practices adopted by individual clubs were compared and qualitatively assessed based on recurring themes. Results: The results indicate significant variability in approaches among the surveyed clubs. Only one club implements comprehensive solutions for energy and water conservation and four take moderate actions, while nine do not pay much attention to these issues. Similarly, only some clubs actively engage in waste sorting and waste reduction efforts, while others do not see the need for such actions. In terms of promoting sustainable transportation, some clubs encourage the use of bicycles and public transport, but the majority do not take any action in this regard. Conclusion: The study reveals that most martial arts clubs in Poznan do not prioritize sustainable environmental management practices, citing other priorities such as athlete comfort and organizational needs. Implementing more systematic pro-ecological actions in these facilities requires greater awareness and support in terms of knowledge and financial resources. These findings provide practical insights for martial arts clubs in Poznan, suggesting that by adopting more comprehensive sustainability practices, they can improve their environmental impact while enhancing their community engagement and organizational reputation.

Comprehensive Study on Amino‐Modified Salix Wood Powder Membranes: Preparation, Adsorption Mechanism and Desorption Conditions for Efficient Chlortetracycline Removal

The wastewater of Chlortetracycline (CTC) poses a threat to the balance of aquatic ecosystems, promoting the formation and dissemination of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains in the aquatic environment. Moreover, such pollution can directly or indirectly affect human health through water sources, exacerbating the issue of antibiotic resistance. In response to this pollution challenge, Amino‐modified salix wood powder membrane(ASPPM) was prepared by phase transition and wet spinning techniques, aimed at removing CTC from water bodies. Adsorption experiment results show that the ASPPM maximum adsorption capacity for CTC is 458.99 mg/g. In the desorption process, the highest desorption rate of ASPPM for CTC was 79.65%. By fitting pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models, it is found that the adsorption process of ASPPM on CTC is predominantly chemical adsorption. By fitting three isotherm models, it is found that the adsorption behavior of ASPPM on CTC is more in accordance with the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. The preparation of ASPPM study not only transforms renewable biomass materials into effective tools for environmental purification but also offers a cost‐effective new approach for sustainable environmental management, expanding the application of biomass materials in the field of environmental protection.

The Local Wisdom of the Sasi Culture and Green Accounting (A Qualitative Approach from a Sustainability Perspective in Maluku Province)

This study explores the relationship between the local wisdom of the Sasi culture and green accounting within the framework of sustainability in Maluku. The Sasi culture, as a community-based natural resource management practice, reflects values of environmental preservation that align with modern sustainability principles. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a phenomenological approach, involving interviews, observations, and documentation. The research informants consist of community leaders, local residents, village heads, and business practitioners. The results show that the Sasi culture plays an important role in environmental preservation and sustainable natural resource management. The integration of Sasi principles into green accounting enhances the quality of sustainability reporting and compliance with environmental regulations. These findings highlight the importance of combining traditional and modern approaches to create an inclusive sustainability model. The study recommends that the government, businesses, and communities adopt the Sasi culture in sustainability policies and explore further research opportunities in other regions.

FeBTC MOF‐Derived Fe3O4@C Nanocomposite: Controlled Synthesis and Application as Potential Adsorbent for Rhodamine Dye Elimination From Wastewater

ABSTRACTThis study explores the controlled synthesis of a novel Fe3O4@C magnetic nanocomposite derived from FeBTC metal–organic framework (MOF) and its application as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of rhodamine dye from wastewater. The FeBTC MOF was first synthesized and then thermally decomposed in a controlled oxygen atmosphere at 375°C (1 h) to form the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite with a magnetic Fe3O4 core embedded in a porous carbon matrix. A comprehensive characterization of the nanocomposite was performed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the successful formation and to evaluate its structural and morphological properties. The morphological investigation revealed that the particles of Fe3O4 had a spherical shape with diameter of 10–15 nm. The carbon coating appeared as a thin amorphous layer surrounding the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@C for rhodamine B (RhB) dye was assessed under various conditions, including different pH values, contact times, initial dye concentrations, and temperatures. Complete dye removal was attained in 45 min using 50 mg of the nanocomposite and 50 mL of 5.0 ppm RhB at the optimum pH of 9.1. Under the same experimental conditions, the highest adsorption capacity of 13.0 mg/g was obtained, but using 15.0 mg of the nanocomposite. Fe3O4@C nanocomposite exhibits high adsorption efficiency, with a maximum removal capacity of 100%, which is clearly superior to many conventional adsorbents. This performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the magnetic Fe3O4 and the large surface area of the carbon matrix. Kinetic models were employed to understand the adsorption mechanism. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo‐second‐order model. The reusability of the adsorbent was tested over multiple cycles and showed a minimal loss of performance (drops to 93.0% after five removal cycles). The study demonstrates that the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite is a promising candidate for the effective removal of organic dyes from wastewater, offering potential benefits for environmental remediation and sustainable water management.

Climate change is intensifying rainfall erosivity and soil erosion in West Africa

Soil erosion is a critical environmental challenge with significant implications for agriculture, water quality, and ecosystem stability. Understanding its dynamics is essential for sustainable environmental management and societal welfare. Here, we analyze rainfall erosivity and erosion patterns across West Africa (WAF) during the historical (1982–2014), near future (2028–2060), and far future (2068–2100) periods under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs 370 and 585). Using bias-corrected-downscaled (BCD) climate models validated against reference data, we ensure an accurate representation of rainfall—a key driver of erosivity (R-factor) and soil erosion. We compare Renard's approach and the Modified Fournier Index (MFI) to calculate the R-factor and note a strong correlation. However, Renard's method shows slightly lower accuracy in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and The Gambia, likely due to its inability to capture high-intensity, short-duration rainfall events. In contrast, the MFI, utilizing continuous rain gauge data, proves more reliable for these regions. We also attribute fluctuations in erosivity, such as those seen during the 2003 West Africa floods, to synoptic weather patterns influenced by multiple climate processes.Furthermore, our analysis reveals regions where future soil erosion could exceed 20 t/ha/yr due to climate change. Under the SSP 370 scenario, soil erosion in WAF is projected to rise by 14.84 % in the near future and 18.65 % in the far future, increasing further under SSP 585 to 19.86 % and 23.49 %, respectively. The most severe increases are expected in Benin and Nigeria, with Nigeria potentially facing a 66.41 % rise in erosion by the far future under SSP 585. These findings highlight the region's exposure to intensified climatic conditions and underscore the urgent need for targeted soil management and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate erosion's ecological and socioeconomic impacts.

Paleoenvironmental characterization and historical trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of Nutrias Lagoon, Uruguay

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were assessed in a sediment core retrieved from Nutrias Lagoon, located within the Rocha Lagoon Protected Area along the SE Uruguayan coast. Using a 210Pb chronology, we reconstructed the historical accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons over the past 123 years (1895-2018). This study, the first of its kind in Uruguay, fills a research gap in understanding historical PAH accumulation and source changes. Our examination of dating, geochemical, and sedimentological data unveiled four main events, with minor instances in 1956±5 and 1964±4, and more significant occurrences in 1914±9 and 1997±2. Additionally, two prominent trend shifts were identified, one predating 1900 and the other in 1986±2. Before 1900, a dry spell was apparent, supported by all proxies, alongside a notable surge in heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, likely attributed to fires during this arid period. Post-1986±2, a rise in sedimentation rates in the lagoon was observed, possibly due to increased rainfall. Also, the eutrophication of the lagoon over the years can be observed. Furthermore, a recent increase in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons influx at the core's surface was linked to the construction of a nearby lagoon bridge and associated roadwork. Our findings suggest that atmospheric deposition constitutes the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the lagoon, offering insights into its recent environmental history and basin dynamics. This study establishes a critical baseline for future research in the region and facilitates the development of effective and sustainable environmental management strategies.

Sustainable Environmental Management: Evaluating the Effects of the Tail Number Restriction Policy on Air Quality in Lanzhou, China

In recent years, haze pollution in China has garnered significant attention from both the government and the public, with vehicle emissions being identified as a key source of pollution. This study analyzes the impact of the tail number restriction policy (TNRP) on air quality using daily data from Lanzhou, China, in 2020, by employing the regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) method. The results show that the TNRP significantly reduced the air quality index (AQI) and concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO, indicating a positive effect on air quality, though this is not a long-term standalone solution. Unlike previous policies, the current TNRP restricts traffic during peak hours, yielding consistent effects. This study recommends continuing the restriction policy and developing a comprehensive environmental governance system to promote new energy vehicles and enhance public transportation infrastructure.

Supervised land cover classification of Nueva Ecija using random forest in google earth

Land cover classification is essential for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and sustainable land use management. This study presents a supervised land cover classification in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, utilizing Google Earth Engine (GEE) and the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, applied to Landsat 8 imagery. A total of 1,523 samples were collected representing five land cover types: built-up areas, agricultural lands, water bodies, forests, and barren land. The classification achieved an overall accuracy of 87.69% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.841. Future work should explore the integration of seasonal imagery and topographic indices for improved performance. This methodology provides crucial insights for resource management and supports regional policy development in Nueva Ecija.

DOMESTIC ENERGY DEMAND AND CONSUMPTION BETWEEN TWO CONTRASTING COMMUNITIES IN GEREI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The problem of domestic energy demand and consumption between two contrasting communities, Sangere Village and Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (MAUTECH) Campus, in Gerei Local Government has been examined. The study aims to investigate whether the rate and choice of energy utilization of the two different communities will impact sound environmental management. Thus, they highlighted some of the socio-demographic factors that informed the choice of domestic energy types and the volume used as well as some environmental repercussions between these contrasting communities. Data was gathered using a questionnaire survey of 120 adult residents and was complemented by personal observation. The result indicates fuelwood was the highest energy utilized (30%) in the Sangere community, while the highest energy choice in MAUTECH community was cooking gas (27%). The implication of this perpetual fuelwood utilization, especially among Sengere residents will exacerbate deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution, thereby undermining sustainable environmental management. Thus, a serious awareness campaign is urgently needed among Sangere residents where the literacy rate is low and population growth is visible. The study finally recommends government policies/legislation and public enlightenment/education as a panacea to attitudinal change for sound environmental management in the area.

Preparation of A Map of Potential Areas For the Installation of A Sanitary Landfill in The Porto Murtinho/MS Region

Objective: The main objective is to prepare a map to identify areas with potential for the installation of a landfill in the region of Porto Murtinho/MS. Theoretical Framework: This study addresses the relevance of the careful selection of locations for the implementation of Sanitary Landfills, with an emphasis on environmental and social aspects, using geotechnologies as fundamental tools for a comprehensive and effective analysis. Method: The mapping was based on the acquisition and processing of geospatial and environmental data. The factors were classified as limiting or not, considering watercourses, areas subject to flooding, roads, land use and occupation, slope, soil and urban proximity. Data integration through map algebra was performed in QGIS software, and WRPLOT View was used for wind analysis. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the majority of areas with high installation potential are located at a distance of 2 (two) to 5 (five) kilometers from the urban perimeter. The supplementary analysis of Rosa dos Ventos demonstrated that areas located to the east are more suitable for the implementation of sanitary landfills. Research Implications: The multifaceted approach, which includes environmental and operational aspects, makes it possible to identify areas suitable for the implementation of sanitary landfills. Originality/Value: This study demonstrates the relevance of geotechnologies in choosing locations for landfills, where limiting factors exclude unsuitable areas, and non-limiting factors classify the installation potential, being a methodology replicable in other locations for sustainable environmental management.

Sustainable environmental management impact on tourist areas Anza and Cap Ghir in Agadir (Center of Morocco) between 2010 and 2022: Integrated Biomarker response

This research investigates the effects of environmental interventions on pollution levels along the Anza coast of Morocco from 2010 to 2022 through the analysis of biomarkers in Perna perna. Historically, the Anza area has been highly polluted compared to the nearby Cap Ghir coast. Following the relocation of a cement factory and the establishment of wastewater treatment facilities, notable environmental improvements were noted in Anza. Pollution biomarkers such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed to assess these changes. The findings indicated an increase in catalase and AChE levels at Anza, suggesting reduced contamination, while GST activity declined, indicating lower exposure to pollutants. In contrast, Cap Ghir showed an increase in oxidative stress biomarkers, suggesting worsening environmental conditions. The Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) index demonstrated a significant reduction in pollution levels in Anza, with a corresponding increase at Cap Ghir. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) supported these outcomes, revealing a positive correlation between catalase activity and reduced oxidative stress at Anza, whereas Cap Ghir showed elevated oxidative stress markers linked to variations in temperature and salinity. These results underscore the effectiveness of the interventions in enhancing marine health at Anza and highlight the necessity for protective actions at Cap Ghir. This study emphasizes the importance of biomonitoring in shaping environmental policies for coastal areas of Agadir city.

The Adoption and Applications of Earth Observations and Allied Geoinformation Systems for Environmental Management in Ghana

Earth Observations (EOs) and allied technologies were initially adopted and applied to inform sustainable environmental resource management in Ghana. This paper examines the initial adoption of EOs in the early 1990s and subsequent applications. It highlights the transformative potentials of EO technologies in addressing critical environmental issues while also identifying barriers to their widespread adoption and options for optimal up-scaling. Literature review, in-depth interview, and personal experiences of the author were analyzed. The initial optimism bias generated may have masked the need for establishing the necessary sustainability arrangements. The adoption of EOs was driven by the need to generate data to inform natural and environmental resource management in the mid-1990s. Initially, EOs facilities were established in public organizations, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Survey Department, and the University of Ghana. Since then, EOs have been applied in various sectors for research and environmental resource management. Granted, there have been successes. Yet, challenges undermine the optimization and scaling-up of actual benefits. These include the misconceived technocentric view of EOs, which is a restricted domain for the technically initiated and map-making tool. Others, such as unfavourable organizational processes, unsustainable funding, and limitations in research and applications, have adversely contributed to suboptimal outcomes. Suboptimal institutionalization of EOs into management decisions has constrained EOs infrastructure acquisition, maintenance and data procurement. To sustainably enhance EOs applications in resource management, research, and governance, a shift from present misconceptions for effective mainstreaming and a leveraging of EOs as integral parts of decision-making processes are prerequisites. Decision-makers and management personnel should be educated on the relevance of EOs’ functionalities to the core strategies of environmental management.

Analyzing the Impact of Vision 2030’s Economic Reforms on Saudi Arabia’s Consumer Price Index

This study examines the relationship between CO2 emissions, labor force participation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade openness on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia, within the context of Vision 2030’s economic reforms. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependency, and promote sustainable growth, making it crucial to understand the factors influencing inflation and economic stability. Using annual data from 2001 to 2022 and the nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) bounds testing approach, the study analyzes both short- and long-term effects. The findings reveal that higher CO2 emissions have a deflationary effect, reducing the CPI in both the short and long term, while FDI shows an inflationary impact with a delayed effect. Labor force expansion contributes to lowering the CPI, reflecting its deflationary pressure, especially over the long term. Trade openness is also examined for its dual effects on CPI, In the short run, both positive and negative trade openness reduce consumer prices, while in the long run, positive trade openness increases inflation, and negative trade openness lowers prices. This shows the differing inflationary impacts of trade openness over time. These findings contribute to the policy discourse on balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inflation management, offering strategic insights for policymakers in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.

Smart forest monitoring: A novel Internet of Things framework with shortest path routing for sustainable environmental management

AbstractForests play a pivotal role in protecting the environment, preserving vital natural resources, and ultimately sustaining human life. However, the escalating occurrences of forest fires, whether of human origin or due to climate change, poses a significant threat to this ecosystem. In recent decades, the emergence of the IoT has been characterised by the utilisation of smart sensors for real‐time data collection. IoT facilitates proactive decision‐making for forest monitoring, control, and protection through advanced data analysis techniques, including AI algorithms. This research study presents a comprehensive approach to deploying a dynamic and adaptable network topology in forest environments, aimed at optimising data transmission and enhancing system reliability. Three distinct topologies are proposed in this research study: direct transmission from nodes to gateways, cluster formation with multi‐step data transmission, and clustering with data relayed by cluster heads. A key innovation is the use of high‐powered telecommunication modules in cluster heads, enabling long‐range data transmission while considering energy efficiency through solar power. To enhance system reliability, this study incorporates a reserve routing mechanism to mitigate the impact of node or cluster head failures. Additionally, the placement of gateway nodes is optimised using meta‐heuristic algorithms, including particle swarm optimisation (PSO), harmony search algorithm (HSA), and ant colony optimisation for continuous domains (ACOR), with ACOR emerging as the most effective. The primary objective of this article is to reduce power consumption, alleviate network traffic, and decrease nodes' interdependence, while also considering reliability coefficients and error tolerance as additional considerations. As shown in the results, the proposed methods effectively reduce network traffic, optimise routing, and ensure robust performance across various environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of these tailored topologies in enhancing energy efficiency, data accuracy, and network reliability in forest monitoring applications.

Sustainable materials for corrosion-resistant energy harvesting: a conceptual framework for innovations in biodegradable solutions for nuclear applications

The demand for sustainable materials in energy harvesting technologies has led to significant advancements, particularly in the development of biodegradable solutions for nuclear applications. This conceptual framework explores innovations in corrosion-resistant materials that combine sustainability with enhanced performance for nuclear energy systems. The integration of biodegradable materials into nuclear applications presents an opportunity to reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and safety standards in harsh conditions. This review focuses on the dual challenge of corrosion resistance and biodegradability, which are critical for long-term operation in nuclear environments. Traditional materials used in nuclear reactors, such as stainless steels and superalloys, often struggle with corrosion and disposal issues. By contrast, biodegradable materials offer potential solutions to these challenges, with recent innovations providing sufficient resistance to radiation and corrosive environments. This framework investigates the properties of biodegradable polymers, composites, and coatings that have been adapted for nuclear energy harvesting systems. A central theme of this framework is the application of nanostructured and hybrid biodegradable materials designed to withstand the extreme conditions within nuclear reactors. These materials exhibit self-healing and passivation capabilities, contributing to their corrosion resistance. The review also discusses various strategies for optimizing the performance of biodegradable materials, including surface treatments, alloying, and coating techniques, which enhance both sustainability and durability. Moreover, the framework highlights ongoing research in bio-based materials and their potential for scalability in nuclear applications. Although challenges remain in ensuring consistent performance over extended periods, the prospects for integrating biodegradable, corrosion-resistant materials in energy harvesting systems are promising. In conclusion, this conceptual framework outlines the potential of biodegradable solutions for revolutionizing nuclear applications by addressing corrosion resistance, environmental sustainability, and material lifecycle management. Continued research and innovation in this field could transform energy harvesting technologies, driving the shift toward greener, more sustainable nuclear energy systems.. Keywords: Sustainable Materials, Corrosion Resistance, Energy Harvesting, Biodegradable Solutions, Nuclear Applications, Nanostructured Materials, Bio-Based Composites.

Advanced Graphene-Based Technologies for Antibiotic Removal from Wastewater: A Review (2016–2024)

The increasing presence of antibiotics in wastewater poses significant environmental risks, including the promotion of antibiotic resistance and harm to aquatic ecosystems. This study reviews advancements in graphene-based technologies for removing antibiotics from wastewater between 2020 and 2024. Graphene-based platforms, such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphene composites, have shown great promise in this field because of their exceptional adsorption capacities and rapid photocatalytic degradation capabilities. Functionalized graphene materials and graphene integrated with other substances, such as metal oxides and polymers, have enhanced performance in terms of antibiotic removal through mechanisms such as adsorption and photocatalysis. These technologies have been evaluated under various conditions, such as pH and temperature, demonstrating their practical applicability. Despite challenges related to scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, the advancements in graphene-based technologies during this period highlight their significant potential for effective antibiotic removal, paving the way for safer and more sustainable environmental management practices.

Assessment of soil erosion risk and vulnerability in the transboundary Sio-Malaba-Malakisi watershed in Kenya and Uganda

Persistent soil erosion poses a significant threat to water quality, ecosystem viability and soil health in many regions of the world. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive understanding of local soil erosion rates, including the identification of vulnerable areas, to facilitate effective and integrated environmental management. In East Africa, however, many affected regions are data poor and lack measured hydrological data from which soil erosion estimates can be derived. This study used the physically based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate the annual rate of soil erosion in the transboundary Sio-Malaba-Malakisi catchment, straddling Kenya and Uganda. Soil erosion events were quantified by integrating input factors derived from physical datasets using a Geographical Information System (GIS). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique was then used to assess the importance of selected physical factors influencing the soil erosion process in order to identify regions of increasing environmental vulnerability. The results obtained indicate a wide range of soil erosion rates across the region, with an estimated mean annual rate of 250 t ha−1 yr−1 for the whole catchment. Upstream areas characterized by intensive agricultural activity had erosion rates of up to 2000 t ha−1 yr−1, while downstream areas recorded erosion rates below 600 t ha−1 yr−1. Areas with intensive agriculture, unprotected soils, and a soil loss tolerance value above 12 t ha−1 yr−1 were found to be most vulnerable. Rainfall and vegetation cover were identified as key factors influencing erosion susceptibility. Regions with soil erosion rates above 50 t ha−1 yr−1 were identified as high priority regions for targeted soil and water conservation measures. The identification of vulnerability zones, including the classification of their severity, provides an opportunity to prioritize sustainable environmental management interventions; a process that can be replicated for such affected regions elsewhere.