Environmental Processes Research Articles

Geochemical fractionation, bioavailability, and ascertaining ecological risk of phosphorus in surface and core sediments of mangroves, western coast of India.

Phosphorus (P), a crucial macronutrient, is essential in the maintenance of ecosystem productivity and the biogeochemical processes of other biogenic substances found in marine settings. The aim of the present study is to quantify the different geochemical fractions, bioavailability, and ecological risk of phosphorus in surface and core sediment of mangroves, Gulf of Kachchh (GoK). To better understand the P dynamics, sequential chemical extraction techniques were used to study sediment P pool distribution such as exchangeable P; Fe-bound P; authigenic P; detrital P; and organic P. The total sedimentary P ranged from 539.51 to 7217.24mg/kg in pre-monsoon and 487.04 to 7180.26mg/kg in post-monsoon, and was primarily composed of inorganic P. Authigenic P and Fe-bound P were the dominant fractions of P in surface and core sediments, exhibiting a significant long-term P reservoir. Sources such as riverine inputs, industrial and sewage discharge, aquaculture farms, and seaport operations all have an impact on the P dynamics in GoK. Furthermore, organic matter, pH, ORP, and diagenetic processes in sedimentary environment have influenced P retention and release. FeBD:Fe-P ratio indicates the presence of Fe matrices, having strong adsorption potential for P, with the availability of a surplus of Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides serving as a significant P pool, governing the P dynamics. The P enrichment index (PEI) showed that sediments were highly impacted by anthropogenic P and could cause a high ecological risk. Bioavailable phosphorus (BAP) suggests the availability of an ample amount of bioavailable P fractions (average of 49.70% post-monsoon and 44.64% post-monsoon) in surface sediments. Sites 3, 13, 14, 20, 21, and 26 exhibited considerably higher BAP. Core 1 comprised significantly higher BAP (60.52%). Thus, sediments of GoK could act as a source of P to the overlying water if released from sediments.

Optimization of hydrochar production from cigarette filters for enhanced CO2 adsorption

In this study, CO2 capture using Hydrochar adsorbents synthesized from Cigarette Filter, specifically H-208 and HA-204, was rigorously investigated. Optimization using RSM was applied to fit a quadratic model to the data with F-value of 184.95 and R2 of 0.9847. H-208 and HA-204 display maximum CO2 adsorption capacities of 1028.35 mg/g and 1003.35 mg/g, respectively, at 9 bar and 25 °C. Isotherm studies ranked Freundlich and Sips models as effective descriptors, highlighting differences in adsorption behavior between HCs synthesized at different conditions. Kinetic modeling identified the Elovich model as suitable for predicting time-dependent CO2 adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis revealed differences in adsorbent affinity and spontaneity between HCs, with higher enthalpy values for H-208 indicating stronger adsorbent-adsorbate interactions. ΔH° values of −61.863 kJ/mol for H-208 and -47.442 kJ/mol for HA-204, signifying an exothermic adsorption process. The CO2 adsorption mechanism involves physical and chemical processes influenced by the polar structure, surface area, and functional groups of HCs. The effect of HCl on CO2 adsorption is insignificant, and the use of HCl only reduces the synthesis time. Adsorbent reusability tests showed minor capacity declines over multiple cycles, indicating their potential in environmental remediation and industrial gas separation processes.

Catalytic degrading agents for dyes from pyrimidine derived imine capped nickel nanoparticles: Colorization of cotton and antibacterial activity of colored cotton

In this multifaceted experimental study, Schiff base (SL) stabilized nickel nanoparticles (SL-NiNPs) were synthesized and comprehensively characterized for their diverse applications. The synthesis process involved the formation of these nanoparticles through the reduction of ethanolic nickel chloride with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) under nitrogen gas, followed by their stabilization in toluene using tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) as phase transfer agent and SL as capping agent. Characterization studies confirmed the successful synthesis and stabilization of SL-NiNPs, with UV-Vis spectral analysis, SEM, and TEM revealing their distinctive properties, including a spherical shape and a size of approximately 50 nm. The catalytic properties of SL-NiNPs was demonstrated in several reactions, including the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, the degradation of methylene blue, and the reduction of methyl orange. These catalytic reactions showcased the efficiency and versatility of SL-NiNPs as effective catalysts for environmental and chemical processes. Furthermore, SL-NiNPs were employed in the coloration of cotton, leading to surface modification with nano-sized particles. SEM imaging illustrated the successful modification of cotton, enhancing its surface properties. The antimicrobial potential of SL-NiNPs-embedded cotton was assessed against various bacterial strains, revealing a dose-dependent inhibitory effect. As the concentration of SL-NiNPs increased, the diameter of the inhibition zones also increased, further emphasizing the potent antibacterial properties of these materials.

Evolution and Trends in the Circular Economy: A Meta-Analysis from 2018 to 2024

The purpose of this work was to carry out a meta-analysis of research focused on the circular economy, to identify its evolution and trends in the period between 2018 and 2024. The systematic review method was used for the analysis, and in the coding, data extraction and results were using the Dimensions.ai platforms. (Digital Science) and Lens.org., each investigation was evaluated according to the quality standards of the PRISMA declaration; relevant studies were included in the review for discussion, provided they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. More than eight hundred seventy-four thousand seven hundred studies were identified, between grey literature and scientific articles, of which only 27 publications were included, representing the most essential of the systematic review. Between 2018 and 2024 there was a significant exponential growth of research in the circular economy, concentrated in a few countries, institutions, and disciplines; Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom lead in research. Areas where the circular economy is addressed: materials sciences, environmental sciences, and food sciences, among others. Finally, based on the meta-analysis of the last seven years, the circular economy presents an evolution and trends in the following topics: urban development, climate change, resource management, environmental processes, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, green infrastructure, smart cities, and resilience.

A taste of space: Remote animal observations and discrete-choice models provide new insights into foraging and density dynamics for a large subarctic herbivore.

Competition for resources and space can drive forage selection of large herbivores from the bite through the landscape scale. Animal behaviour and foraging patterns are also influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Fine-scale mechanisms of density-dependent foraging at the bite scale are likely consistent with density-dependent behavioural patterns observed at broader scales, but few studies have directly tested this assertion. Here, we tested if space use intensity, a proxy of spatiotemporal density, affects foraging mechanisms at fine spatial scales similarly to density-dependent effects observed at broader scales in caribou. We specifically assessed how behavioural choices are affected by space use intensity and environmental processes using behavioural state and forage selection data from caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) observed from GPS video-camera collars using a multivariate discrete-choice modelling framework. We found that the probability of eating shrubs increased with increasing caribou space use intensity and cover of Salix spp. shrubs, whereas the probability of eating lichen decreased. Insects also affected fine-scale foraging behaviour by reducing the overall probability of eating. Strong eastward winds mitigated negative effects of insects and resulted in higher probabilities of eating lichen. At last, caribou exhibited foraging functional responses wherein their probability of selecting each food type increased as the availability (% cover) of that food increased. Space use intensity signals of fine-scale foraging were consistent with density-dependent responses observed at larger scales and with recent evidence suggesting declining reproductive rates in the same caribou population. Our results highlight potential risks of overgrazing on sensitive forage species such as lichen. Remote investigation of the functional responses of foraging behaviours provides exciting future applications where spatial models can identify high-quality habitats for conservation.

Applications of zinc stable isotope analysis in environmental and biological systems: a review

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that is involved in both biotic and abiotic processes in Earth's surface environments. Over the last 20 years, advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation have enabled unprecedented high-precision Zn isotope abundance ratio determinations in natural and anthropogenic samples. Supported by a solid theoretical background inherited from the traditional non-metal stable isotopes (C, N, H, O, S), the understanding of the controlling factors of Zn isotope fractionation has rapidly evolved. In this article, we review the main applications and findings of Zn isotopes in a variety of scientific domains, including metal contamination, magmatic differentiation, plant uptake, weathering, global climate change, dietary and trophic chains, and biomedicine. The analytical aspects of Zn isotope determination in solid and water samples and the principles and mechanisms of Zn isotope fractionation are also reviewed. This work aims to provide a general yet in-depth panorama of Zn isotope chemistry and demonstrate the versatility and potential of this isotope system for studying the biological, geological, and chemical cycling of Zn. Supplementary material: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7240146

Continuous warming drives the colonization dynamics of periphytic ciliate fauna in marine environments.

In order to evaluate the influence of global warming on the ecosystem processes in marine environments, the changes in colonization dynamics of periphytic microbiota were studied using the periphytic ciliate communities as the test organism fauna under a continuous warming gradient of 22℃ (control), 25℃, 28℃, 31℃, and 34 ℃. The results demonstrated that (1) the test ciliate communities generally showed a similar temporal pattern in within the colonization process under the water temperatures from 22 up to 28℃; however, (2) the colonization dynamics were significantly changed, and the fitness of colonization curves to the MacArthur-Wilson model equation was failed under the temperature increased by 6 ℃, and (3) the loading or assimilative capacity of the test aquatic ecosystem was decreased with the increase of water temperature. Therefore, this study suggests that continuous warming may significantly drive the colonization dynamics of periphytic ciliates in marine ecosystems.

The City as an Evolutionary Hothouse—The Search for Rapid Evolution in Urban Settings

Cities are ubiquitous and, though a novel phenomenon by evolutionary standards, provide a home for many species and exert particularly strong and novel selection pressures on them. They thus offer a unique opportunity to study rapid evolutionary processes. We conducted a scoping review of published studies documenting evolutionary processes in urban environments, focusing primarily on more recent work. Unfortunately, cities have not been attractive environments for biological research and thus remain poorly studied, despite slowly growing interest in recent years. Nonetheless, we found studies documenting the effects of mutation, genetic drift, and selection in cities. However, studies show some geographic bias and were not always as conclusive as might be desired. There is even support for incipient urban speciation. Evidence across the board is less abundant and less conclusive than desirable, suggesting the need for more data collection. The urban setting, with its stronger selection, more common intermixing, and abundance of both human and widespread potential non-human zoonosis hosts and human-associated species offers great opportunities to further document evolution in action and explore its conservation implications.

Novel Functional Dressing Materials for Intraoral Wound Care.

Intraoral wounds represent a particularly challenging category of mucosal and hard tissue injuries, characterized by the unique structures, complex environment, and distinctive healing processes within the oral cavity. They have a common occurrence yet frequently inflict significant inconvenience and pain on patients, causing a serious decline in the quality of life. A variety of novel functional dressings specifically designed for the moist and dynamic oral environment have been developed and realized accelerated and improved wound healing. Thoroughly analyzing and summarizing these materials is of paramount importance in enhancing the understanding and proficiently managing intraoral wounds. In this review, the particular processes and unique characteristics of intraoral wound healing are firstly described. Up-to-date knowledge of various forms, properties, and applications of existing products are then intensively discussed, which are categorized into animal products, plant extracts, natural polymers, and synthetic products. To conclude, this review presents a comprehensive framework of currently available functional intraoral wound dressings, with an aim to provoke inspiration of future studies to design more convenient and versatile materials.

Collective signalling is shaped by feedbacks between signaller variation, receiver perception and acoustic environment in a simulated communication network.

Communication takes place within a network of multiple signallers and receivers. Social network analysis provides tools to quantify how an individual's social positioning affects group dynamics and the subsequent biological consequences. However, network analysis is rarely applied to animal communication, likely due to the logistical difficulties of monitoring natural communication networks. We generated a simulated communication network to investigate how variation in individual communication behaviours generates network effects, and how this communication network's structure feeds back to affect future signalling interactions. We simulated competitive acoustic signalling interactions among chorusing individuals and varied several parameters related to communication and chorus size to examine their effects on calling output and social connections. Larger choruses had higher noise levels, and this reduced network density and altered the relationships between individual traits and communication network position. Hearing sensitivity interacted with chorus size to affect both individuals' positions in the network and the acoustic output of the chorus. Physical proximity to competitors influenced signalling, but a distinctive communication network structure emerged when signal active space was limited. Our model raises novel predictions about communication networks that could be tested experimentally and identifies aspects of information processing in complex environments that remain to be investigated. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.

USING STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING METHODS TO ASSESS THE UNIVERSITY'S DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM

This paper explores the construction of a model for evaluating the digital ecosystem within a university, with a focus on identifying key factors influencing satisfaction with the implementation of new digital processes in the educational environment. The study employs mathematical methods, specifically factor analysis, to gauge the impact of these digital processes on the overall educational landscape. A questionnaire was designed to collect relevant data, and structural equation modeling, utilizing the asymptotically distribution-free estimation method with Grammian in STATISTICA software, was employed for survey result processing. The proposed model aims to provide insights into the dynamics of a university's digital ecosystem, offering a systematic approach to assess satisfaction levels and comprehend the implications of integrating novel digital processes within the educational framework. Mathematical methods, including factor analysis, add a quantitative dimension to the evaluation process, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between various factors. The study's methodology ensures a rigorous and systematic analysis of survey data, enhancing the reliability of the findings. The developed model and methodology contribute to advancing our understanding of the digitalization of university environments, providing valuable tools for decision-makers in shaping effective strategies for integrating digital processes in education. The study conducted a survey with 350 participants, including university staff and students. A questionnaire with 17 questions, both open and closed-ended, was developed to collect data. The authors employed structural equation modeling, specifically the asymptotically distribution-free estimation method, for data processing. The study's a posteriori model illustrates the structure of interaction factors influencing satisfaction with the university's digital ecosystem.

Core-shell nanofibers based on microalgae proteins/alginate complexes for enhancing survivability of probiotics

In this study, a novel one-step coaxial electrospinning process is employed to fabricate shell-core structure fibers choosing Chlorella pyrenoidosa proteins (CP) as the core material. These nanofibers, serving as the wall material for probiotic encapsulation, aimed to enhance the stability and antioxidant activity of probiotics in food processing, storage, and gastrointestinal environments under sensitive conditions. Morphological analysis was used to explore the beads-on-a-string morphology and core-shell structure of the electrospun fibers. Probiotics were successfully encapsulated within the fibers (7.97 log CFU/g), exhibiting a well-oriented structure along the distributed fibers. Compared to free probiotics and uniaxial fibers loaded with probiotics, encapsulation within microalgae proteins/alginate core-shell structure nanofibers significantly enhanced the probiotic cells' tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions (p < 0.05). Thermal analysis indicated that microalgae proteins/alginate core-shell structure nanofibers displayed superior thermal stability compared to uniaxial fibers. The introduction of CP resulted in a 50 % increase in the antioxidant capacity of probiotics-loaded microalgae proteins/alginate nanofibers compared to uniaxial alginate nanofibers, with minimal loss of viability (0.8 log CFU/g) after 28 days of storage at 4 °C. In summary, this dual-layer carrier holds immense potential in probiotic encapsulation and enhancing their resistance to harsh conditions.

Collaborative music making in the digital age: fostering creativity in vocal ensembles

ABSTARCT The article examines the role of collective music-making in the era of digital technologies in enriching and stimulating the creative process of vocal ensembles. The research utilized online surveys, questionnaires, and statistical data analysis for a comparative analysis of the impact of digital tools and online platforms on the creativity of students. Statistical methods, including comparative analysis of mean values and calculation of t-indicators, were employed for processing and analyzing the obtained data. Since t ≈ –6.85, which is less than the tabulated value of –1.655, it indicates that the difference between the mean values of the control and experimental groups is statistically significant at the significance level of 0.05. The analysis results indicate a statistically significant influence of using digital tools and online platforms for music creation on students’ creative process. The survey also revealed that digital tools allow for sound experimentation (28%), provide accessibility and flexibility in learning (27%), offer immediate feedback (20%), and enhance interactivity and collaboration (25%) through online platforms. This work expands understanding of effective approaches to integrating digital tools into music education and enhancing teaching methodologies aimed at developing students’ creative potential. The findings underscore the importance of integrating digital technologies into music education to enhance the quality and effectiveness of teaching in vocal ensembles. Thus, the research fills a gap in contemporary knowledge regarding the optimal use of digital technologies in vocal ensembles and may be beneficial for educational institutions and music teachers seeking to optimize teaching and student development processes in the modern digital environment.

Mass-Based Hybrid Nanofluid Model for Thermal Radiation Analysis of MHD Flow over a Wedge Embedded in Porous Medium

This study addresses the intricate interplay of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), thermal radiation, and porous media effects, which are crucial in numerous engineering applications, including aerospace, energy systems, and environmental processes. The development of a mass-based hybrid nanofluid model signifies a novel approach, potentially yielding more accurate predictions and insights into the thermal behavior of fluids in diverse scenarios. Thus, the current research explores the heat transfer characteristics of a unique nanofluid known as TiO2 (titania)-CuO (copper oxide)/H2O (water) hybrid nanofluid. This nanofluid flows past a static or moving wedge considering the impact of thermal radiation and magnetic field in the appearance of porous medium. To calculate the effective thermophysical attributions of the hybrid (TiO2-CuO) nanofluid, a mass-based strategy is employed. This approach involves analyzing the masses of both the first and second nanoparticles, along with the mass of the base fluid, as essential input parameters. The proposed mathematical model is modified to a dimensionless form by applying similarity transformations. The numerical solution is obtained by utilizing the bvp4c built-in function within the MATLAB environment. Graphs illustrate the influence of various parameters on temperature and velocity trends, including the magnetic field parameter and heat absorption/generation parameter as well as the thermal radiation parameter. It is noted that along with the enhancement in the values of parameters related to porous medium or magnetic field, the velocity of the hybrid nanofluid improves. This occurs when the moving wedge parameter’s value is below 1. Conversely, when the moving wedge parameter’s value exceeds 1, the velocity of the hybrid nanofluid decreases. The shape factor is more effective in the temperature profile for developed inputs of heat absorption/generation parameter. A juxtaposition of enhancement in heat transfer rate due to nanofluid (TiO2/H2O) and hybrid nanofluid (TiO2-CuO/H2O) is likewise presented. The main outcome indicates that the hybrid nanofluid exhibits superior thermal conductivity relative to the conventional nanofluid.

Plateau-Adapted Single-Pump, Single-Bed Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Generation Process Simulation and Optimization

To enhance the oxygen guarantee capacity in high altitude areas and address the challenges of traditional pressure swing adsorption oxygen generation fixed equipment with large volume and multiple device modules, a novel single-reversible-pump single-bed vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) oxygen generation process was proposed and simulated. This study investigated the effects of purge on oxygen productivity, purity, recovery, and energy consumption, determining that the optimum ratio of total oxygen in the purge gas to the total oxygen in the feed gas (P/F) was 0.176. A set of principle prototypes was developed and validated in plains. The process performance was then simulated and studied at altitudes of 3000 m, 4000 m, and 5000 m. Finally, the optimization was carried out by adjusting the product flow rate and feed flow rate, revealing that the best performance can be achieved when the oxygen purity exceeded 90% with lower energy consumption or larger productivity than the optimization goal. This study serves as a valuable reference for the optimization of the VPSA oxygen generation process in a plateau environment.

Active vibration control for flexible towers based on displacement observation and reduced-order controller in modal space: Theory and experiment

Active vibration control is not only suitable but also urgently needed in order to mitigate excessive vibration for dynamic systems such as wind turbine towers. However, there is a challenge of directly observing displacement and developing an efficient reduced-order control strategy. With this in view, a reduced-order controller based on displacement observation is developed for the vibration mitigation of flexible high towers, where the problems of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and intricate acceleration-based control algorithms are eliminated completely. The displacement can be measured by laser or modern videometrics technology. A reduced-order model with an active mass damper (AMD) at the top of the tower is created using modal truncation approach based on modal participation factor (MPF), which successfully preserves the dominant modes of the original structure, and reduces the influence of high-frequency uncertainties. Considering structure uncertainties caused by environmental factors and aging process, an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is introduced to identify the modal stiffness of the reduced-order model. The present study, using a 5 MW onshore wind turbine as an example, investigates active vibration control under wind and seismic loads and compares it with traditional tuned mass damper (TMD). From a dynamic perspective, the simplified model of wind turbine tower takes the form of a multi-degree-of-freedom series model. Consequently, a six-story steel frame platform has been constructed to experimentally validate the efficacy of the reduced-order controller. According to numerical simulation and laboratory testing, the control effect of the reduced-order controller with a few displacement states as feedback can be utilized as an active control strategy for high-rise flexible towers.

Conserved regulatory switches for the transition from natal down to juvenile feather in birds

The transition from natal downs for heat conservation to juvenile feathers for simple flight is a remarkable environmental adaptation process in avian evolution. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism for this primary feather transition is mostly unknown. Here we conducted time-ordered gene co-expression network construction, epigenetic analysis, and functional perturbations in developing feather follicles to elucidate four downy-juvenile feather transition events. We report that extracellular matrix reorganization leads to peripheral pulp formation, which mediates epithelial-mesenchymal interactions for branching morphogenesis. α-SMA (ACTA2) compartmentalizes dermal papilla stem cells for feather renewal cycling. LEF1 works as a key hub of Wnt signaling to build rachis and converts radial downy to bilateral symmetry. Novel usage of scale keratins strengthens feather sheath with SOX14 as the epigenetic regulator. We show that this primary feather transition is largely conserved in chicken (precocial) and zebra finch (altricial) and discuss the possibility that this evolutionary adaptation process started in feathered dinosaurs.

Modern architectural landscape planning and design based on environmental sensors and 3D point cloud processing

With the continuous development of modern technology, the application of sensor technology in architectural landscape planning and design is becoming increasingly widespread. The combination of environmental sensors and 3D point cloud processing technology provides new possibilities for modern architectural landscape planning and design. Environmental sensors can provide accurate environmental data support for the design process by monitoring the climate conditions of the building site in real-time, better understanding the natural environmental characteristics of the building site, and making targeted planning and design. Environmental sensors can accurately measure the intensity and direction of light, helping designers arrange the layout and window design of buildings to maximize the use of natural lighting. By monitoring and analyzing temperature data, the design team can effectively optimize the energy consumption management of buildings and improve their energy efficiency performance. The combination of 3D point cloud processing technology and environmental sensor data accurately restores the real environment of the building site to a digital model, allowing designers to conduct comprehensive spatial analysis and design. This digital and intelligent design process improves the precision and efficiency of design, allowing the design team to better understand the environmental characteristics of the building site and achieve intelligent and personalized landscape design, Injecting new vitality and creativity into future architectural planning and design.

Effects of Curing Defects in Adhesive Layers on Carbon Fiber-Quartz Fiber Bonded Joint Performance.

Due to their mechanical load-bearing and functional wave transmission, adhesively bonded joints of carbon fiber-quartz fiber composites have been widely used in the new generation of stealth aviation equipment. However, the curing defects, caused by deviations between the process environment and the setting parameters, directly affect the service performance of the joint during the curing cycle. Therefore, the thermophysical parameter evolution of adhesive films was analyzed via dynamic DSC (differential scanning calorimeter), isothermal DSC and TGA (thermal gravimetric analyzer) tests. The various prefabricating defects within the adhesive layer were used to systematically simulate the impacts of void defects on the tensile properties, and orthogonal tests were designed to clarify the effects of the curing process parameters on the joints' bonding performance. The results demonstrate that the J-116 B adhesive film starts to cure at a temperature of 160 °C and gradually forms a three-dimensional mesh-bearing structure. Furthermore, a bonding interface between the J-116 B adhesive film and the components to be connected is generated. When the curing temperature exceeds 200 °C, both the adhesive film and the resin matrix thermally degrade the molecular structure. The adhesive strength weakens with an increasing defect area ratio and number, remaining more sensitive to triangle, edge and penetration defects. By affecting the molecular structure of the adhesive film, the curing temperature has a significant impact on the bonding properties; when the curing degree is ensured, the curing pressure directly impacts the adhesive's performance by influencing the morphology, number and distribution of voids. Conversely, the heating rate and heat preservation time have minimal effects on the bonding performance.

Vegetation trends and dynamics in Shada Mountain, Saudi Arabia, (1984–2023): insights from Google Earth Engine and R analysis

This research analyses the long-term vegetation trends in Shada Mountain across six elevation zones, utilizing Landsat 5, 7, 8, and 9 imageries processed via Google Earth Engine and R. The study managed differences in images resolution through meticulous calibration and image processing techniques. The study is structured around two objectives: examining the relationship between vegetation and its proximity to streams and land surface temperature and analyzing trends in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between vegetation and proximity to streams in lower zones (1–3), with no significant effect in higher zones (4–6). NDVI trend analysis indicated an overall increase in vegetation across most zones, with the exception of zone 5, which displayed a negative trend (slope −0.0025). The findings reveal that the decline is particularly pronounced among key tree species such as Ficus cordata subsp. salicifolia and Acacia asak, suggesting potential impacts from climate change and land use alterations. These zone-specific insights deepen our understanding of the dynamic ecological processes in semi-arid environments and guide targeted environmental management and conservation efforts.