Agricultural Activities Research Articles

Land use effects in trace element concentrations and bird biodiversity in mangrove environments within a Natural Protected Area.

Land use effects in trace element concentrations and bird biodiversity in mangrove environments within a Natural Protected Area.

Ecosystem services modelling to analyse the isolation of protected areas from a social-ecological perspective.

Ecosystem services modelling to analyse the isolation of protected areas from a social-ecological perspective.

Inversion of lake transparency using remote sensing and deep hybrid recurrent models.

Inversion of lake transparency using remote sensing and deep hybrid recurrent models.

Situational analysis of human and agricultural health practice: One Health and antibiotic use in an indigenous village in rural Punjab, India.

Situational analysis of human and agricultural health practice: One Health and antibiotic use in an indigenous village in rural Punjab, India.

Investigation of spatially varying relationships between cadmium accumulation and potential controlling factors in the topsoil of island of Ireland based on spatial machine learning approaches.

Investigation of spatially varying relationships between cadmium accumulation and potential controlling factors in the topsoil of island of Ireland based on spatial machine learning approaches.

Prediction of zinc, cadmium, and arsenic in european soils using multi-end machine learning models.

Prediction of zinc, cadmium, and arsenic in european soils using multi-end machine learning models.

A systemic C balance as a tool to evaluate the environmental role of complex and integrated productive systems.

A systemic C balance as a tool to evaluate the environmental role of complex and integrated productive systems.

Enhancing soil health with hydrochar: Improvements in chemical and biological properties.

Enhancing soil health with hydrochar: Improvements in chemical and biological properties.

Assessing perfluoroalkyl substances pollution in Taiwan and Luzon Straits, West Pacific Region: From provenance to ecological risk.

Assessing perfluoroalkyl substances pollution in Taiwan and Luzon Straits, West Pacific Region: From provenance to ecological risk.

Environmental impact and economic performance of Norwegian dairy farms.

Environmental impact and economic performance of Norwegian dairy farms.

Integrating stable isotopes and hydrological models to track nitrogen sources and transport pathways in plateau watersheds: a case study in Southwest China.

Integrating stable isotopes and hydrological models to track nitrogen sources and transport pathways in plateau watersheds: a case study in Southwest China.

Nontargeted screening of contaminants of emerging concern in the Nandu River Estuary.

Nontargeted screening of contaminants of emerging concern in the Nandu River Estuary.

Risk assessment for non-carcinogenic effect posed by sulfates in water on the health of residents around The Sumpur River, West Sumatra-Indonesia.

The extensive agricultural activity contributes to runoff and plays a significant role in elevated sulfate concentrations in many global water bodies. In tropical regions, sulfate pollution and its associated health hazards have intensified, emerging as an international concern. However, these issues are often overlooked despite their potential impact on water and citizen safety. Present study intends to assess the risks posed by sulfate contamination to human health, given its critical implications for water quality in the area. The assessment was conducted through observations in seven water sampling stations established along the Sumpur River and its estuary in Lake Singkarak. The analysis of the collected samples reveals that sulfate concentrations at all locations remain within permissible limits, confirming the water's suitability for consumption. The Sulfate Pollution Index (SPI) values at all sampling locations are below 1, classifying them as unpolluted with respect to sulfate content. Additionally, the Hazard Index (HI) values at all locations were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risks to the public. However, location S5 recorded the highest average HI value, nearing 1 (0.95). One of sampling observations at S5, located near rice fields and settlement areas along the riverbanks, showed a value exceeding 1, which requires attention. Sustainable management of agricultural is crucial for mitigating potential health and dangers sulfate contamination and ensuring the safety of water for consumption in this region. Mitigating sulfate pollution from agriculture and residential areas requires a combination of technology, education, and regulatory enforcement. This approach should actively involve the community to create a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Microplastics in rice-based farming systems and their connection to plastic waste management in the Chicoral district of Espinal-Tolima.

Microplastics in rice-based farming systems and their connection to plastic waste management in the Chicoral district of Espinal-Tolima.

Assessment of surface water quality based on physical and chemical parameters in a GIS, for three rivers in southern Brazil.

Assessment of surface water quality based on physical and chemical parameters in a GIS, for three rivers in southern Brazil.

Evaluation of Water Quality Monitoring Studies: Current Status and Practices

Water quality monitoring studies are of great importance for the sustainable use and protection of water resources. These studies entail the periodic measurement of physical, chemical, and biological parameters in water resources. These assessments are particularly crucial for the identification of alterations in surface and groundwater, and for the regulation of biological, chemical, and physical parameters within water bodies. This systematic observation process facilitates the implementation of effective management decisions by providing a comprehensive assessment of the current status of water bodies. The Water Framework Directive is widely acknowledged as a foundational document for the preservation and management of water resources within the European Union. It has played a pivotal role in the development of methodological approaches for the monitoring of water quality and the enhancement of data networks. The directive enables the precise evaluation of water resources contamination and environmental hazards. Water quality monitoring is also crucial for the early detection of water pollution and the timely implementation of interventions. These monitoring processes also reveal the impacts of agricultural, urban, and industrial activities on water resources. The objective of this study is to provide a comparative evaluation of water quality monitoring activities conducted under the European Union Water Framework Directive and those carried out in Türkiye. In this context, the institutional and legal infrastructure in Türkiye has been examined, and the compatibility of existing structures with the Water Framework Directive has been analyzed. In Türkiye, the responsibility for water quality monitoring is divided among various institutional bodies. It is evident that establishing precise responsibilities and operational domains for these institutions will enable more expeditious and effective access to the requisite data. The study also offers solution proposals and policy recommendations for improving water quality monitoring systems in Türkiye.

Assessing the Capacity of Mangroves to Remove Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Coastal Shrimp Farms in Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province

Among the ecosystem services provided by mangrove forests, there are environmental cleaning services based on their ability to adsorb and accumulate pollutants in sediment layers as well as adsorbtion and sequestration by forest plants. In order to estimate the ability of mangrove forests to remove nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from shrimp wastewater in Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, this study conducted some laboratory analyses to confirm the NH4+ and PO43- adsorption capacity of soil and estimated the monetary value of the mangrove forests based on the emission coeficients from the farming of black tiger shrimp, white leg shrimp and the biomass incorporation coeficients of N and P by mangrove forests. Based on the amount of wastewater generated and corresponding content of N and P to be treated, the monetary values derived from the N and P removal capacity of the mangrove forests in Kim Son district are estimated using the cost of similar treatment investment provided by other service providers. According to calculations, the amount pollutant load from shrimp farming in the coastal area of Kim Son district in 2023 is 36,953,064 kg of N, 7,550,382 kg of P and 4,576,894.86 m3 of wastewater. The estimated results for ​​719 hectares of mangrove forests in Kim Son district in 2023 show that this area of the forests is fully capable of removing 100% of N and P found in wastewater discharged from shrimp farming activities. The value of environmental cleaning services through the ability to sequester N and P in shrimp farming wastewater of Kim Son mangrove forest is equivalent to about 16,019 billion VND/year..

Eco-toxicological study, characterization, distribution and sourcing of persistent organochlorine pesticides in Shalatin (Halayeb Triangle) sediment samples.

This preliminary study looked at the concentrations, sources, and hazards of the persistent organochlorine pesticides in 71 sediment samples from the Shalatin area (Egyptian Red Sea coast). Conventional methods were used to study the persistent organochlorinated pesticide residue. The residues of 16 organochlorine pesticides were determined using the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer-mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS); selected reaction monitoring (SRM) technique. The total pesticide residue (ng g-1, dry weight) extended from < DL-0.628; < DL-7.128; and < DL-8.256ngg-1 for hexachloro-cyclohexane (HCHs), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro ethane (DDTs), and cyclodienes (CDs), respectively. DDD and DDE, metabolites of DDT, are abundant in the sediment samples, suggesting that the identified DDTs were ancient and not recently added to the Shalatin area due to the lack of potential sources of these metabolites such as rivers or agricultural activities near this area. The organochlorine pesticides in sediment samples are lower than those reported for other global regions. The source identification of organochlorine pesticides and the Eco-toxicological study were also investigated. The analysis of possible health and environmental issues showed that there were not many hazards to either people or animals in the area under study. The widespread use of organochlorine pesticides for non-agricultural and agricultural purposes is this study's leading cause of persistent pesticides.

Phytophotodermatitis and the effects of parthenium plants in india: a comprehensive review

Phytophotodermatitis is a skin condition which results when certain plant chemicals interact with sunlight, leading to dermatitis upon exposure. Parthenium hysterophorus, also referred to as Congress grass, is a growing concern in India due to its plethora of hazards to the environment, including its toxicity to livestock and its invasive nature, which disturbs the biodiversity and agricultural productivity and health related threats which include severe allergic reactions, contact dermatitis and triggering respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis and even asthma. This plant is invasive as well as contains phototoxic compounds, especially psoralens, which can trigger dermatitis following exposure to UV light in individuals who are sensitized. Clinical features in affected patients range from erythema, blisters, and changes in pigmentation of the skin, and especially impacts those who get exposed to the plant, primarily involving agricultural activities or outdoors. There is an increase in incidence of phytophotodermatitis secondary to Parthenium which highlights the need for intensified public awareness and plan of action. The general public needs to be made aware of the risks that are linked to Parthenium exposure and reforms regarding the same need to be implemented. Given the invasiveness of this plant species, policies to control its spread in the region are needed. This article brings into limelight the necessity of further research in the fields of environmental, socio-economic and clinical outcomes and prevention of Parthenium in India. Public health education and constructive management practices is indispensable to alleviate the risks posed by Parthenium.

Groundwater Contamination in Semi-Arid Zones: Assessing Organophosphorus and Organochlorine Pesticide Risks from Agricultural Intensification in the Guir Watershed

This study evaluates pesticide contamination in groundwater downstream of the Kaddoussa Dam (Guir watershed, Morocco) and investigates the influence of agricultural activities on water quality. Nine sampling stations were strategically selected during November 2023 (post-agricultural season) to analyze spatial patterns of 18 pesticide residues: 7 organophosphorus and 11 organochlorines. Identification and quantification were performed via gas chromatography method, targeting both compound classes. Key findings reveal moderate yet localized contamination. The total concentration of organophosphorus pesticides (∑POPs) ranged from 0 µg/L (S8) to 0.191 µg/L (S4), with peak concentrations at stations S3 (0.190 µg/L) and S4 (0.191 µg/L), correlating spatially with intensive agricultural zones. Otherwise, the total concentration of organochlorine pesticides (∑POCs) showed lower levels (0–0.060 µg/L), with maxima at S4 linked to endosulfan and HCH isomers. Notably, none of the detected organochlorine concentrations exceeded 0.06 µg/L, indicating relatively low levels of contamination. Central stations (S2–S6) exhibited co-occurrence of both pesticide groups, dominated by organophosphorus pesticides (0.135–0.191 µg/L), while peripheral sites (S1, S7, S8, S9) displayed negligible or undetectable residues. Despite sub-regulatory thresholds, the persistent detection of pesticides underscores ecological and public health risks, particularly in arid regions with heightened vulnerability due to limited healthcare access and water scarcity. Even at low concentrations, organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems through bioaccumulation, while also presenting acute health risks to farmworkers and local communities dependent on contaminated groundwater. This study highlights the urgent need for integrated pesticide management strategies to mitigate long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts in agriculturally intensive, water-stressed regions.