Sustainable Management Research Articles

The role of digital transformation in achieving sustainable supply chain management in Industry 4.0: an editorial review perspective

ABSTRACT Before and aftermath of COVID-19 has created multiple waves of digital transformation adoption in supply chain management. The power of potential benefits is realised as a multitude however the transformation phases are not sustainable. This editorial special issue has edited papers of scholarly research contributions to the theory and practice of digital transformation aspects in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Based on the summary of each contribution and an extended literature review on the theme, this editorial paper proposes a novel framework that could facilitate the logistics industry at times of disruptive technologies when firms are struggling to cope with the challenges created due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery.

Soil fertility in mixed crop-livestock farming systems of Punjab, Pakistan: The role of institutional factors and sustainable land management practices

CONTEXTSoil salinization is a significant environmental challenge prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions, causing adverse effects on crop yields and jeopardizing household food security. Previous research has examined the influence of institutional dynamics and the adoption of sustainable land management practices in bolstering agricultural output, and some have investigated the interplay among socioeconomic determinants, institutional frameworks, and the uptake of climate-resilient and sustainable methodologies, or the association between soil health and agricultural productivity. Yet, there has been a lack of studies that considered this relationship altogether and their role in enhancing soil fertility. OBJECTIVEWe investigate the relationship among socioeconomic and institutional factors, adoption of sustainable land management practices, and the resulting changes in soil fertility between 2016 and 2019 within the context of mixed crop-livestock farms in the three irrigated agroecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. A household survey was conducted in 2019 to complement soil attributes data collected by the Government of Punjab in 2016. Households that implemented sustainable land management practices between 2016 and 2019 were analysed to investigate the effect of various factors on soil fertility, including the adoption of sustainable land management practices and their influence on soil fertility dynamics. METHODSA structural equation model was employed to examine the relationship among exogenous variables, moderating variables, and endogenous variables, to explain their collective influence on soil fertility between the two periods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe key findings highlight the significant role of institutional factors, including access to formal information channels such as extension services, demonstration trials, and credit facilities, alongside secure land rights, in predicting the adoption of sustainable land management practices such as gypsum application, laser land leveling, farmyard manuring, and agroforestry. Furthermore, specific SLM practices, particularly agroforestry featuring intercropping with Acacia spp. and farmyard manure application, exhibited positive impacts on change in soil organic matter, albeit with agroforestry showing a negative influence on soil phosphorus levels. The adoption of gypsum and LLL displayed positive effects on soil phosphorus levels over time, contrasting with LLL's adverse impact on soil organic matter. SIGNIFICANCEOur findings suggest that soil fertility benefits from policies enacted through public-private partnerships that lead to improved access to sustainable land management information, reduced credit barriers, establishment of local soil testing facilities, and expedited land entitlement processes. These findings highlight the critical role of collaborative partnerships and institutional arrangements in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

Community-based assessment of the dynamics of urban landscape characteristics and ecosystem services in the rainforest and guinea savanna ecoregions of Nigeria

Understanding the dynamics of urban landscapes and their impacts on ecological well-being is crucial for developing sustainable urban management strategies in times of rapid urbanisation. This study assesses the nature and drivers of the changing urban landscape and ecosystem services in cities located in the rainforest (Akure and Owerri) and guinea savannah (Makurdi and Minna) of Nigeria using a combination of remote sensing and socioeconomic techniques. Landsat 8 datasets provided spatial patterns of the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalised difference built-up index (NDBI). A household survey involving the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire to 1552 participants was conducted. Diminishing NDVI and increasing NDBI were observed due to the rising trend of urban expansion, corroborating the perception of over 54% of the respondents who noted a decline in landscape ecological health. Residential expansion, agricultural practices, transport and infrastructural development, and fuelwood production were recognised as the principal drivers of landscape changes. Climate variability/change reportedly makes a 28.5%–34.4% (Negelkerke R2) contribution to the changing status of natural landscapes in Akure and Makurdi as modelled by multinomial logistic regression, while population growth/in-migration and economic activities reportedly account for 19.9%–36.3% in Owerri and Minna. Consequently, ecosystem services were perceived to have declined in their potential to regulate air and water pollution, reduce soil erosion and flooding, and mitigate urban heat stress, with a corresponding reduction in access to social services. We recommend that urban residents be integrated into management policies geared towards effectively developing and enforcing urban planning regulations, promoting urban afforestation, and establishing sustainable waste management systems.

Impact of Humic Substances on Alleviation of Soil Salinity and the Enhancement of Plant Productivity: a review

Humic substances (HS) are a major component of organic matter in soil, and they have long been recognized for their ability to promote plant growth in a sustainable manner. Recently, there has been a lot of effort put into using multiple approaches to study the connection between the chemical structure of HS compounds and their effect on plant biological processes. Positive physiological responses at the local and systemic levels have been linked to the presence of specific functional groups in HS. Hormone-like signaling pathways are responsible for eliciting these reactions. This review was written with one goal in mind: to help readers gain a firm grasp on the research surrounding the application of HSs. The spatial arrangement of hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, as well as the dosage, source, molecular size, degree of hydrophobicity, and aromaticity, all contribute significantly to HS's biological efficacy. Therefore, our hypothesis explains the beneficial effect of HS in salt-affected rhizospheres, likely attributed to both direct and indirect influences on plant metabolism, soil microorganism metabolism, soil nutrient uptake dynamics, and soil physical conditions. Keywords: Humic substance, germination, salinity, plant growth

Developing TiCo2O4 spinel based on rGO nanosheet to enhance electrochemical performance of OER activity

The reduction of fossil fuel reserves and the deterioration of environmental conditions have led to a worldwide concern with producing significant amounts of energy in a sustainable manner. The production of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is imperative for widespread commercialization of water electrolyzers. The electrocatalysts must exhibit improved electrocatalytic behavior while being cost-effective. This work presents simple hydrothermal route for producing a TiCo2O4 nanostructure with a spherical morphology, which is supported on reduced graphene oxide sheets (rGO). The nanocomposite has been subjected to an investigation of its morphological, structural and electrochemical characteristics. This material exhibits promise for electrochemical water splitting due to its significant electroactive surface area, distinctive morphology and metal ions (M+) synergetic effect on its electrocatalytic performance. The nanostructure of TiCo2O4/rGO-has been observed to exhibit robust electrocatalytic activity, underscoring the significance of the present study. Additionally, presented are the enduring stability of the OER, along with the reduced overpotential (269 mV@10 mA cm−2), decreased Tafel slope (37.56 mV dec-1) with greater electrochemical active surface area. Our finding suggests that the TiCo2O4/rGO nanohybrid exhibited high electrocatalytic efficiency and can be utilized in diverse electrochemical applications.

Quantifying the water use efficiency of karst ecosystems and response to environmental factors

Study regionThe study area is located in Guizhou province, the centre of the karst region in southwest China. Study focusAs a typical karst region, Guizhou has long faced challenges with water scarcity. Quantifying water use efficiency (WUE) is crucial for the efficient use of water resources and sustainable management. This study examined the spatio-temporal evolution patterns and its driving factors on WUE in Guizhou using Theil-Sen's slope, partial correlation methods, and the geographic detector model. New hydrological insights for the region(1) The multi-annual mean WUE of non-karst region (NKR, 2.75 gC kg-1 H2O yr-1) is higher than that of karst region (KR, 2.10 gC kg-1 H2O yr-1) during 2001–2020. (2) The rate of increase of WUE was three times higher in KR than in NKR. (3) Precipitation and temperature were identified as the key factors influencing WUE. Interactions between each environmental factors were observed to have both bi-variate and non-linear enhancement effects. Notably, in the NKR, soil moisture, vegetation type and leaf area index were the dominant factors influencing WUE, with interactions between environmental factors had both enhanced and weakened effect on WUE. (4) The synergistic effects of these interactions exceeded the individual or cumulative effects of the two environmental factors. These findings contribute to our understanding of the environmental factors driving changes in WUE in the KR.

Development of alginate beads loaded with bioactive ingredients from Chlorella vulgaris cultivated in food industry wastewaters

Microalgae are increasingly recognized for their potential in the food sector due to their rapid growth and rich content in proteins, carbohydrates, and pigments. The extraction of pigments from microalgal biomass holds promise for their utilization as natural colorants and antioxidants. To address the economic challenges associated with microalgae cultivation, particularly high nutrient costs, this study focused on cultivating Chlorella vulgaris in a mixture of food industry wastewaters (brewery wastewater, expired orange juice and cheese whey). This resulted in a microalgae-bacteria consortium with a concentration of 2.2 g·L−1 dry weight after 5 days of cultivation. The wastewater bioremediation ranged between 23 and 77 %, and the produced microalgae biomass contained 21.68 ppm lutein, 36.47 ppm a-chlorophyll and 11.19 ppm b-chlorophyll. The extraction process employed a solvent screening strategy with food industry-accepted solvents used to extract high-value compounds efficiently. Ethanol was the most effective solvent, outperforming acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane. An upscaled extraction process was conducted using 10 g lyophilized microalgae. After ethanol evaporation, the microalgal extract was re-diluted in sunflower oil and encapsulated in alginate beads, achieving an encapsulation yield of 93.3 %. Lutein, identified as one of the main compounds in the extract, exhibited a satisfactory encapsulation efficiency of 55 %. The efficient encapsulation of the microalgae components in alginate beads was verified by the alteration of the colorimetric parameters of these alginate beads compared to those loaded with pure sunflower oil as well as empty beads. These findings highlight the potential of microalgae as a valuable tool for transforming food industry wastewater into high-value products, especially when microalgal extract is encapsulated in alginate beads. This strategy presents substantial prospects for the food industry, merging effective wastewater valorization with biomass production and bioactive compound extraction. It exemplifies a circular bioeconomy, showcasing sustainable resource management and value creation.

Optimizing ELD in power systems applying GWO: A Practical Approach

Addressing the Economic load Dispatch (ELD) Problem in power systems is crucial for minimizing generation cost and transmission losses while meeting the load demand. This research explores the application of Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) to solve the ELD problem, leveraging ‘GWO’s inspiration from grey wolf social behavior. Through simulation, ‘GWO’s superior convergence speed and solution quality compared to traditional techniques is demonstrated. The finding highlights ‘GWO’s effectiveness in enhancing the economic and operational efficiency of power systems, offering promising avenues for sustainable energy management strategies.

Community participation and effective water management: A study on water user organizations (WUOs) in Thailand

This study examines the factors enhancing the effectiveness of Water User Organizations (WUOs) in Thailand, spotlighting the integration of geo-informatics and community involvement in water management. Employing a community-based participatory research approach, we assessed the impact of advanced technological tools and increased community engagement on WUOs' operations and sustainability. Our methodology included surveys, interviews, and an analysis of water management practices before and after geo-informatics implementation. Findings reveal a significant increase in community participation and an improvement in water management knowledge. The use of geo-informatics led to notable advancements in water allocation efficiency and conflict resolution, directly contributing to the financial sustainability of WUOs. Specifically, the application of geo-informatics facilitated more accurate and timely water resource allocation, evidenced by enhanced community engagement metrics and the resolution of longstanding conflicts. These results underscore the value of combining geo-informatics with community-driven approaches to water management, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners. The study advocates for policies that support the adoption of technological innovations and promote community-centric governance, providing a scalable model for sustainable water resource management. This approach not only improves the functionality and sustainability of WUOs but also sets a precedent for holistic water governance practices globally.

Changing pasture management practices on the Greek island of Samothraki: Obstacles and opportunities

ContextOn the Greek island of Samothraki, decades of overgrazing by the large domestic population of small ruminants accelerated soil degradation and surface erosion, with direct consequences for ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services. ObjectiveThis manuscript reports on a 5-year research project to achieve more sustainable pasture management practices among small ruminant farmers on the island, through the introduction of Sown Biodiverse Pastures (SBP). This practice, based on sowing a seed mixture of legumes and grasses that increase pasture productivity, has proven to be a successful tool to overcome degradation of ruminant pastures in Portugal. MethodsLocal small ruminant farmers on Samothraki, a difficult group when it comes to the acceptance of new practices and ideas, were engaged in the transdisciplinary research process, and trained in appropriate management practices of SBP. This led to the adoption and implementation of SBP by nine farmers on 13 parcels. Results and conclusionsQuantitative data on species composition and productivity shows that the performance and persistence of SBP on Samothraki is favourable, if soil preparation and sowing is practiced as recommended, and relevant management practices are adopted. Comparing with conventional agricultural practices, i.e. annual crop – fallow rotation, productivity in SBP outperformed the forage quantity in fallow land, while yield in the annual crop was approximately equal as compared to SBP. The increasing forage capacity of SBP instigates several environmental and economic benefits, such as a reduction of grazing pressure in vulnerable areas, and less expenditure on supplementary feed requirements. However, lack of will and trust in these new practices and seed mixtures among local farmers resulted in discontinuation in almost half of the parcels. The adoption of new management practices by the farming community on Samothraki required continuous efforts, and the short-term framework of the research project did not favour long-term success. SignificanceIt is recommended for any programs aiming at changing farming practices to engage with local stakeholders, especially farmers, and to closely collaborate with local institutional partners who can carry the work forward after scientific researchers have left.

River Stream Flow Prediction through Advanced Machine Learning Models for Enhanced Accuracy

The Narmada River basin, a significant water resource in central India, plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural, industrial, and domestic water supply. Effective management of this basin requires accurate streamflow forecasting, which has become increasingly important. This study delves into streamflow forecasting using historical data from five major river stations, covering the upper reaches in the East and middle sections. The dataset spans from 1978 to 2020 and undergoes rigorous screening and preparation, including normalization using StandardScaler. The research adopts a comprehensive approach, developing models for training on 70% of historical data, validation on the most current 15%, and testing against future targets with another 15% of the data. To achieve precise predictions, a suite of machine learning models is employed, including CatBoost, LGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine), Random Forest, and XGBoost. Performance evaluation of these models relies on key indices such as mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), root mean square percent error (RMSPE), normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE), and R-squared (R2). Notably, among these models, Random Forest emerges as the most robust for streamflow prediction, showcasing its effectiveness in handling the complexities of hydrological forecasting. This research contributes significantly to the field of streamflow forecasting in the Narmada River basin by providing insights into the performance of various machine learning models. The findings not only enhance our understanding of watershed dynamics but also highlight the pivotal role that machine learning can play in improving hydrological forecasting for sustainable watershed management.

Regionalization of GRACE data in shorelines by ensemble of artificial intelligence methods

Groundwater (GW) plays a crucial role in coastal aquifers and arid regions, serving as a lifeline for communities by providing a reliable and resilient water source, making its monitoring essential for sustainable water management. This study aimed at modeling GW via regionalization of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data based on two methods. The first method directly regionalized the GRACE data for modeling GW via in situ measurements, including the lake level, precipitation, temperature, observed GW and Penman-Monteith-Leuning (PML) evapotranspiration data. The second method included two stages, in the first stage, the GRACE data were downscaled via the Famine Early Warning Systems Network Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS) data which contains satellite based precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, and snow water equivalent data. In the second stage, the downscaled GRACE was bias corrected to provide regionalized data. Artificial intelligence models consist of shallow networks (Feed Forward Neural Network (FFNN), Adaptive neuro fuzzy (ANFIS), Support Vector Machine (SVR)), the ensemble of shallow networks and Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) deep learning method were employed in the modeling process and the observed GW level data were targeted for the regionalization. The Link CluE clustering ensemble method was implemented to cluster the piezometers of the aquifer to separate different GW patterns in the area. The proposed methodology was examined over the Miandoab plain, one of the sub-basins of the Lake Urmia, located in Northwest Iran. The modeling results demonstrated that the first method could exhibit superior performance with the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of up to 17% higher than the second method. Thus, using in situ observed data for downscaling proved to be more accurate than relying on the data based on the satellite imagery. The results indicated that the ensemble of shallow networks could lead to more precise results than using the deep and shallow learning models, individually, where the NSE for the ensemble of shallow networks was up to 50% higher compared to the LSTM model.

A thorough assessment of various forest management planning initiatives and development of improvement strategies towards an ecosystem-based planning

Management planning for forests in Turkey has undergone gradual evolution over the last century. Developing and implementing a comprehensive management planning framework present significant challenges. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of various forest management planning approaches implemented across the country over different time periods, with overarching planning principles. It formulates a robust planning framework and proposes improvements grounded in scientific advancements and international standards. The assessment indicated that the management plans were developed using reputable scientific methods and principles aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources with certain strengths and opportunities presented by SWOT analysis. All management plans shared a common planning concept primarily focused on maximizing wood production through the area-control harvest scheduling method (except for continuous cover forest, which employed the single tree selection method). Each management plan established its unique vision, targets, policies, objectives, and planning guidelines. Forest inventory data were gathered through a combination of ground surveys and remotely sensed data to characterize and stratify the landscape. A robust in-house management authority and governance system with appropriate technical capacity and guidelines were developed and implemented, fostering a sound common working culture and tools. However, some notable drawbacks were identified, including political pressure, biomass/carbon accounting, growth-yield modelling, economic analysis, limited characterization of the full range of ecosystem services, risk and uncertainty analysis, food security and, particularly, long-term sustainability and scenario analysis with the appropriate decision-making tools and methods. Despite a few strengths, these limitations may raise concerns about the far-sighted design and application, potentially jeopardizing the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Proposed improvement strategies for an efficient forest ecosystem management planning system include characterization of ecosystem services, modelling their productivity, scenario analysis with a decision support system, stakeholder involvement, balancing utilization and conservation targets, conducting risk and uncertainty analysis and economic analysis of management actions.

Nanoinert diatomaceous and emamectin benzoate: Enhancing wheat protection against fall armyworms for sustainable management

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a significant global threat to agriculture due to its wide geographic range, high reproductive rate, and ability to thrive in diverse climates and habitats. A field study was conducted to evaluate the potential of nano-inert dust particles, specifically nano-diatomaceous earth (N-DE) and nano-potassium silicate (N-K2SiO3), individually and in combination with emamectin benzoate, to manage FAW larvae infesting wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). The field experiments occurred during the winter seasons of 2021 and 2022 in Qaha, Qalubya Governorate, Egypt. Results revealed that the combined application of N-DE and N-K2SiO3 with emamectin benzoate outperformed other treatments, achieving larval reduction rates of 93.33 % and 86.66 % in 2021 and 89.31 % and 86.90 % in 2022 after a 10-day interval from the second spray. Moreover, supplementation with N-DE and N-K2SiO3 enhanced plant height, tiller count, leaf number, foaming, suspensibility, surface tension, and pH compared to using emamectin benzoate alone. Additionally, foliar application of N-K2SiO3 and N-DE increased total flavonoids (4.23 and 3.24 mg CE/g) and total phenolic compounds (1.35 and 1.12 mg/g F. Wt.), as well as plant silicate content, indicating improved plant health and pest resistance. This study underscores the efficacy of N-DE and N-K2SiO3 in reducing FAW infestations and enhancing plant growth and defense mechanisms.

Mix-method toolbox for monitoring greenhouse gas production and microbiome responses to soil amendments

In this study, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating agronomic field experiments with soil chemistry, molecular biology techniques, and statistics to investigate the impact of organic residue amendments, such as vinasse (a by-product of sugarcane ethanol production), on soil microbiome and greenhouse gas (GHG) production. The research investigates the effects of distinct disturbances, including organic residue application alone or combined with inorganic N fertilizer on the environment. The methods assess soil microbiome dynamics (composition and function), GHG emissions, and plant productivity. Detailed steps for field experimental setup, soil sampling, soil chemical analyses, determination of bacterial and fungal community diversity, quantification of genes related to nitrification and denitrification pathways, measurement and analysis of gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, and CO2), and determination of plant productivity are provided. The outcomes of the methods are detailed in our publications (Lourenço et al., 2018a; Lourenço et al., 2018b; Lourenço et al., 2019; Lourenço et al., 2020). Additionally, the statistical methods and scripts used for analyzing large datasets are outlined. The aim is to assist researchers by addressing common challenges in large-scale field experiments, offering practical recommendations to avoid common pitfalls, and proposing potential analyses, thereby encouraging collaboration among diverse research groups.•Interdisciplinary methods and scientific questions allow for exploring broader interconnected environmental problems.•The proposed method can serve as a model and protocol for evaluating the impact of soil amendments on soil microbiome, GHG emissions, and plant productivity, promoting more sustainable management practices.•Time-series data can offer detailed insights into specific ecosystems, particularly concerning soil microbiota (taxonomy and functions).

Smart Slot Assignment for Urban EV Charging Using Folium API Integration

Abstract: Efficient management of electric vehicle (EV) charging distribution in urban areas is crucial amid increasing demand and varying traffic conditions. This study proposes a novel web-based solution that integrates Folium Map API for realtime location tracking and Python Flask backend with MySQL database storage to allocate charging demands. By leveraging real-time traffic information from the Folium Map API, the proposed model optimizes charging resource allocation across multiple stations and road networks. The web interface, built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allows users to interact with the system seamlessly. Charging allocation is dynamically adjusted based on real-time data, prioritizing maxi- mum returns. Additionally, an emergency charge counter facility is introduced to cater to unforeseen charging needs, enhancing user flexibility. The system offers two interfaces and a dashboard for both station administrators and users, en- abling pre-booking services for travelers during their journey, facilitating access to nearby charging stations, and providing a facility for prebooking. These features contribute to improved station revenue and pile utilization, highlighting the efficacy of the proposed web-based approach. By leveraging advanced web technologies and APIs, this comprehensive strategy enhances charging infrastructure efficiency, fosters the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and contributes to sustainable urban mobility management.

Investigating Natural Polymer Nanocomposites in Relation with Eco-Friendly Potential in Environmental Contexts

Abstract: The escalating global waste crisis and precipitous decline in biodiversity have emerged as two of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. These interconnected issues pose grave threats to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the myriad species that inhabit them. This research Endeavor seeks to harmonize these critical spheres by proposing an integrated approach to waste reduction and wildlife preservation, recognizing their inextricable linkages within the intricate web of life. This research explores the synergistic potential of integrating waste reduction strategies with targeted wildlife preservation efforts. By promoting circular economies, sustainable production and consumption practices, and innovative recycling technologies, the influx of harmful pollutants into ecosystems can be mitigated, alleviating the burden on vulnerable species and habitats. Complementarily, robust conservation measures, ecosystem restoration initiatives, and the engagement of local communities can safeguard biodiversity, thereby maintaining the ecological integrity that underpins sustainable waste management.

Future directions in geological research impacting renewable energy and carbon capture: A synthesis of sustainable management techniques

Geological research plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of renewable energy and carbon capture initiatives, offering insights into sustainable management techniques. This review synthesizes the future directions in geological research that impact renewable energy and carbon capture, focusing on sustainable management techniques. Future geological research will increasingly focus on enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources into existing energy systems. This includes the development of innovative geological mapping techniques to identify and characterize renewable energy resources with greater precision, aiding in the selection of optimal sites for energy production. Additionally, there will be a growing emphasis on utilizing geological data to assess the feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, particularly in volcanic regions, where the unique geological characteristics offer potential for efficient carbon sequestration. Another key aspect of future geological research is the advancement of monitoring and modeling techniques to evaluate the long-term performance and environmental impact of renewable energy and CCS projects. This includes the use of advanced geophysical and geochemical methods to monitor subsurface changes associated with energy extraction and carbon storage, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of these practices. Furthermore, future research will explore the potential of geological formations, such as deep saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs, for large-scale carbon storage. This will involve developing strategies to enhance storage capacity and mitigate the risk of CO2 leakage, contributing to the sustainable management of carbon emissions. In conclusion, future geological research will play a critical role in advancing renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, offering sustainable management techniques that are essential for addressing climate change. By focusing on innovative mapping, monitoring, and modeling approaches, researchers can pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Impacts and implications of anthropogenic activities on mangrove forests: A review

The purpose of this paper is to review and evaluate published literature on the causes, impacts, implications and mitigation strategies of anthropogenic activities on mangrove forests. A systematic method was utilized to access research works of literature on “Impacts and implications of anthropogenic activities on mangrove forests”. A total of fifty-three (53) research papers published between the years 1975 to 2024 was accumulated and used for this review. A subjective approach was used to select the topics: impact and implications of anthropogenic activities on mangrove forests. In this paper, five (5) roles of mangroves were assessed and presented. Anthropogenic activities that threaten mangrove forests such as land conversion, mining and logging activities and household and industrial activities were also evaluated. Further, four (4) detrimental anthropogenic activities and the potential impacts they have on natural mangrove forests and the ecosystems they thrive in was also reported on. In addition, this paper reviewed some mitigation strategies for sustainable management and conservation of our mangroves, their ecosystems and the coastlines. The published works of literature established that reduced mangrove forests, altered mangrove composition, unequal species abundance, mass mangrove mortality, pollution in mangrove areas, rising sea levels, global climate change and coastal erosion or abrasion are all effects of anthropogenic activity that have a negative impact on mangrove forests and the ecosystems. This review highlights the fact that more studies on the impact and implications of anthropogenic activities on mangroves should be done in neotropical countries since there are paucity of such information on research and published data in these biodiversity rich regions.

Sustainable water resource management by business organisations: empirical investigation applying stimulus-organism-response theoretical perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to study sustainable water resource management using a stimulus-organism-response (SOR) perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis research study was an exploratory qualitative study. Thematic content analysis was used based on semi-structured interviews with 30 experts operating in the USA, representing 26 water-intensive organisations across different industries. The study was anchored in the theoretical foundations of SOR perspectives.FindingsThe results of this study revealed several fundamental factors, processes and forces that were considered by organisations for sustainable water resource management. Managers evaluated risks relative to water resources and developed strategic initiatives regarding water management. The authors found that often organisations considered water resources management aspects while deciding business operations. This was especially true for substantive water resource-consuming organisations with wide geographical operations.Research limitations/implicationsThrough this study, the authors explained how the interrelationship between organisations and water resources presented risks and challenges. The authors applied SOR theoretical perspective in this research study. This was while factoring in an organisation’s present considerations and future plans regarding sustainable water resource management. Thus, the study findings were expected to further interdisciplinary research at the intersection of organisational and environmental studies.Practical implicationsThe finding that water sustainability challenges and efforts could act as strong motivating forces for innovation and technology was significant. Water sustainability challenges could also be a catalyst for synergistic collaborations amongst organisations and diverse groups of institutions. The study insights were relevant to organisational scholars, the water management industry regulators and managers involved with organisational sustainability programmes.Originality/valueOrganisational challenges regarding sustainable water resource management have been influenced by growing populations and climate change. Furthermore, the increasing context of scarcity was compounded by increased pressures from numerous stakeholders. Although critical water management issues were recognised by organisations, relatively little was known about how organisational managers were planning for and responding to these issues. This research study contributed towards addressing the mentioned research gap.