Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 7

Enhancing Science-Driven Blue Growth with an AI-Enabled Cloud/HPC Platform for Strategic Innovation Policy

Phoebe Koundouri — 2026-05-11

SDSN Greece, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, supported by SDSN Europe, have established the Sustainable Euro-Asian Seas Initiative (SEAs) to accelerate science-driven blue growth and SDG implementation in the Euro-Asian Seas and beyond. The study aims to support the objectives of the SEAs by leveraging the AI-driven capabilities of the IntelComp platform to enhance science, technology, and innovation (STI) policymaking for sustainable blue growth. Two essential components to provide knowledge, legal certainty and security in the blue economy are the following: ensuring marine knowledge to improve access to information about the sea and enforcing maritime spatial planning to ensure efficient, sustainable, job-based and inclusive management of activities at sea. IntelComp (H2020 project) seeks to build an innovative Cloud Platform that will offer AI-based services to public administrators and policymakers across Europe for data- and evidence-driven STI policy design and implementation. One of IntelComp’s focus areas is the climate change challenge, targeting the Blue Growth perspective. Within the project’s framework, Living Labs (LLs) will take the role of implementing a co-creation approach and engaging all relevant stakeholders to explore, experiment with and evaluate STI policies at all stages.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination Using an Indices Analysis Approach in Buli Bay, Halmahera Island, North Maluku

Edward Edward — 2026-05-11

Heavy metals remain a critical subject of environmental research owing to their toxicity even at trace concentrations, their persistence in the environment, and their tendency to bioaccumulate in organisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contamination levels of heavy metals in sediment. Sediment samples were collected from six stations located along Buli Bay in November 2014. Metal concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Environmental indices, including the enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (I_geo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI), were used to assess contamination severity. The results showed that concentrations of Pb (1.248 ppm), Cd (0.26 ppm), Cu (15.078 ppm), Zn (34.5 ppm), Ni (24.113 ppm), and Fe (43,025.88 ppm) did not exceed sediment quality guidelines, except for Ni, which exceeded NOAA, ANZECC, and Ontario thresholds. Sediments were classified as uncontaminated and unpolluted (CF < 1, I_geo < 0, and PLI < 1). Potential ecological risk factors (Erⁱ) and the ecological risk index (RI) were less than 40 and less than 300, respectively, indicating no significant ecological risk. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.871) revealed a strong positive correlation between Cu and Cd, suggesting that these metals share common geochemical pathways, whereas Pb, Zn, and Ni exhibited distinct behaviour, likely attributable to their association with crystalline mineral structures and potential influences from sediment trapping in deeper areas or long-distance transport. Comparison with sediment quality guidelines indicated that contamination poses minimal risk to the marine ecosystem, does not disrupt biological functions, and does not adversely affect benthic organisms, particularly in near-coastal areas.

Assessing Indoor Air Quality and Health Risks from Laundry Activities in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Olanrewaju John A. — 2026-05-11

During washing, ironing, and dyeing, laundry workers are exposed to chemicals that could be damaging to their health and the environment. These chemicals can cause everything from throat and skin irritation to cancer. Information on indoor air quality (IAQ) in laundry environments in underdeveloped nations, particularly Nigeria, was scarce. It is obvious that a high ventilation rate helps to minimise indoor air pollution. However, a variety of circumstances may interfere with this straightforward approach, necessitating the consideration of alternatives, compromises, and acceptable levels or suggested maximum concentrations of air pollutants. The study aims to assess indoor air quality and health risks from laundry activities in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. The energy cost of ventilation in terms of heating, cooling, or dehumidification, as well as the deliberate restriction of ventilation in some places under specific circumstances where the air outside may be more contaminated than that within, are the most significant of these considerations. In an effort to save energy, numerous nations have recently taken steps to lower ventilation rates. As a result, the study evaluated the risks to indoor air quality related to laundry activities in the Nigerian metropolis of Ibadan.

In Ibadan North (IBN), Ibadan North-East (IBNE), Ibadan South-West (IBSW), Ibadan North-West (IBNW), and Ibadan South-East (IBSE). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 consenting laundry operators selected at random.

Multi Testers N21FR were used to monitor temperature and relative humidity (RH). Using a Met One GT 321, CO₂meter, and an air sampler, the IAQ parameters were tracked. The values obtained for all parameters were compared to WHO limits of (Temp) 26°C, RH 60%, (PM10) 50g/m³, (TBC) 5x10² CFU/m³, and (CO₂) 1,000ppm (ASHRAE) every day for eight weeks. With SPSS (version 20), Chi-square, Pearson Correlation, and p0.05, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Both the mean indoor and outdoor total bacterial counts (TBC) CFU/m³ values were much lower than the WHO-recommended guideline limit of 5x10² CFU/m³. While indoor RH and temperature were above WHO guideline levels, PM₁₀ and CO₂ were below WHO and ASHRAE guideline levels, respectively, and TBC and TFC were within WHO guideline limits in all research locations.

The laundry building's outdoor and indoor air quality are typically closely related. Although it is not common, it is feasible to purify outdoor air before allowing it into a laundry building. Additionally, it is uncommon to filter air that is expelled from a laundry building; instead, the outdoor environment is typically used to dilute air pollution. Contaminants are often introduced into a laundry building's air by its occupants and their activities. The building materials and contents are frequently the source of additional pollutants. In reality, all of these pollutants are often removed from a building through forced or natural ventilation, in which some of the contaminated air is replaced with outside air.

Therefore, in order to improve indoor air quality, it is advised to increase cross ventilation in the laundry rooms. The operation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems in laundry environments must be improved in order to better maintain thermal comfort parameters and reduce levels of chemical pollutants emitted by launderers and product use during services.

Incentivizing Indigenous Ecosystem Restoration: Perceptions of Local Climate Action in the Barotse Cultural Landscape

Mulambwa Mwanang’ono — 2026-05-11

Background: Rural livelihoods are generally threatened by climate impacts, particularly for agrarian and pastoralist communities, like Barotseland. Although extreme weather events have always been there, the frequency of their occurrence has risen, and the exposed populations have been growing even at a global scale.

Aim: The study aims to examine how indigenous ecosystem restoration practices can be effectively incentivised to enhance local climate action in the Barotse Cultural Landscape.

Methods: The study used a qualitative research design to explore community perspectives on indigenous ecosystem restoration. It combined two main approaches: Appreciative inquiry and the abductive approach. The research was guided by ethnographic and phenomenological perspectives to capture cultural practices and lived experiences of the community. For sampling, non-probability methods (purposive and convenience sampling) were used. A total of 69 respondents (15.6% of 441 households) participated, including elders, men, women, and youth. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used, including non-participant observation that was focused on appreciating visual impressions of land cover change, ecosystem damage and realities of fragile livelihoods attributed to climate change impacts.

Results: Findings revealed that indigenous ecosystem restoration practices, such as communal canal dredging, natural weir construction, and voluntary labour systems, were widely used in the past and contributed to sustainable ecosystem management. The indigenous systems that flourished in the pre-independence era were curtailed by governance system shifts from the decentralised indigenous governance system to the state-controlled centralised governance system, effectively alienating the people from their sacred duty of directly managing their ecosystems. The majority (43.5%) of the respondents believed the government should provide paid labour for restoration. 29.0% cited corruption and inefficiencies in contract-based restoration systems, 71% of respondents blamed government policy shifts for weakening indigenous systems.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the decline in indigenous ecosystem restoration is driven by governance changes, socio-economic constraints, and altered community perceptions. Arising from the observed impediments to locally-led ecosystem restoration efforts, the study has recommended intentionally incentivising indigenous ecosystem restoration efforts using the proposed modalities as outlined herein. The motive to incentivise locally-led restoration efforts is to ignite a recurrence of voluntary efforts that were a characteristic phenomenon that sustained sound ecosystem management practices in the pre-political independence era.

Performance Evaluation of Broadband Stations in Nigeria Based on Noise Analysis, Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Receiver Functions: Case Study of NASRDA’S Monitoring Network

Umar Afegbua Kadiri — 2026-05-11

Nigeria is not located in regions with frequent incidences of earthquakes; however, recent occurrences of low to medium magnitude earthquakes required a robust seismicity monitoring in the country for seismic risk mitigation. Nigeria is presently expanding its critical facilities to meet the demands of the ever-increasing population. Hence, the evaluation of the performance of the Broadband Seismic Stations in Nigeria has become imperative. This study, therefore, aims to test the recording capability, data quality for research, and estimation of the signal-to-noise ratios of the stations. The methodology involved the noise analysis for the Kaduna station located in the basement complex in the northern part of Nigeria, and the Nsukka station on the sedimentary basin in the South, using the Pascal Quick Look Extended (PQLX) package, since Nigeria lies on the two predominant geology foundation. In the first instance, data used in the research were continuously recorded during 2010 for 1 year. Power spectral densities were computed from one-hour-long data segments from both stations. Secondly, possible sources of noise to the stations, as well as their signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), were estimated. The first and second approaches were compared with the global noise models of Peterson’s. Thirdly, data from both stations were tested for research reliability using noise correlation and receiver function techniques. The results showed high noise levels at both stations; low SNR at Nsukka and high SNR at Kaduna. Noise levels exceeded the high-noise model at periods >10 s at Kaduna, while Nsukka was dominated by noise at <1 s, with interstation spacing of 77–574 km preventing reliable tomography. Findings also showed that sources of noise to the stations are both natural and anthropogenic in nature. Results from noise correlations and receiver functions indicated that the correlations are antisymmetric, indicating that the noise sources are non-uniform. The seasonal variations of the noise were also observed in the monthly correlations. The receiver functions computed from the Nsukka station did not provide a sufficient number of receiver functions. There was no clear Moho conversion at Kaduna station, and the results of the H-K stack were poor. This study is intended to serve as a reference to illuminate operational impediments associated with broadband stations in Nigeria and suggest measures to improve data quality for healthy research. Future work should prioritise improved station installation and insulation, accurate instrument orientation and levelling, and replacement of short-period sensors with long-period sensors to enhance SNR and data quality.

Assessment of the Causes and Impacts of Gully Erosion in Auchi, Nigeria Using Integrated Techniques

Umar Afegbua Kadiri — 2026-05-11

Soil erosion, or the removal of the upper layer of soil, poses a significant threat to many vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries, due to several factors, which include poor drainage systems, composition of soil, location of the settlements, soil dynamics, triggering agents from geohazards, etc. This study, therefore, aims to critically assess the causes and impacts of the gully erosion menace in the Auchi community of Edo State, Nigeria. An integrated approach to data collection was adopted in this study. The methods include the remotely sensed data, data acquired from field observations, and responses from questionnaires, as well as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, which were used to delineate the boundary of the contributing watershed upstream of the study site. After thorough data processing and analysis, it was determined that several factors contribute to the gullying in the Auchi area. These factors include excessive rainfall, the underlying geology of Auchi, the characteristics of the soil at the affected sites, deforestation, and local practices that encourage runoff. Additionally, inadequate drainage systems and a lack of effective erosion control measures by governments at various levels have exacerbated the issue. These combined factors have led to significant erosion, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of settlements and other infrastructure. However, the natural causes of the gullying far outweigh the anthropogenic ones. The main implications of the findings herein are that the Gully erosion in the Auchi area has significantly impacts the environment, economy, and communities by causing soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and threats to water resources and human livelihoods. After examining the causes of gullying in Auchi and its impacts on the residents and the environment, a number of recommendations have been proposed. These include: 1. Adoption of coordinated measures by governments at all levels to address the erosion issue in the area. 2. Enactment of relevant laws to discourage factors that contribute to erosion and the expansion of gullies in Auchi. 3. Implementation of specific reclamation measures. 4. Deliberate efforts by the relevant Federal ministries to refill and construct a proper drainage system for the area, ensuring that it channels water to safe discharge points downstream. These recommendations aim to mitigate the effects of gully erosion and protect the community from its damaging impacts.

Diversity and Quantitative Assessment of Aquatic Macrophytes in Lake Kharungpat, India

Konthoujam Khelchandra Singh — 2026-05-11

Macrophytes constitute a fundamental structural and functional component of aquatic ecosystems, playing a critical role in maintaining ecological integrity and biogeochemical processes. Variations in the abundance, distribution, and species composition of macrophyte communities often serve as sensitive indicators of environmental change. Despite several studies on aquatic macrophytes in freshwater ecosystems, existing research has largely focused on isolated aspects such as phytosociology, biomass, or physico-chemical characteristics. However, there is a lack of comprehensive, site-specific quantitative assessments integrating multiple ecological indices (frequency, density, abundance, abundance by frequency (A/F) ratio, and importance value index (IVI) for many wetlands, particularly in northeastern India. Therefore, the present study has been undertaken in Lake Kharungpat, situated in Manipur state, India. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the quantitative characters of the aquatic macrophytes, viz., frequency, density, abundance, A/F ratios and importance value index IVI. The lake was divided into four study sites, represented as Site I, II, III and IV, which are locally named as Panchao, Pangalpat, Kambong Leiram and Kharungpat Khong, respectively. The aquatic macrophytic plant samples were collected at regular monthly intervals during the period January, 2008 to December, 2009 from the study sites. The statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS Ver-20, and the statistical tools like ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Box Plot techniques were used for interpretation of the findings. During the whole study period, a total of 54 macrophytic plant species belonging to 28 families were found distributed in the lake. The aquatic plant species recorded were grouped into different categories, viz., submerged (7 species), rooted with floating leaves (6 species), free floating (8 species) and emergent (33 species) respectively. Alternanthera philoxeroides, Azolla pinnata, Brachiaria mutica, Ceratophyllum demersum, Echinochloa stagnina, Eichhornia crassipes, Enhydra fluctuans, Hygroryza aristata, Ludwigia adscendens, Pistia stratiotes, Salvinia cucullata and Zizania latifolia were the dominant species found to occur in all the study sites during the entire study period. The maximum frequency was exhibited by Echinochloa stagnina (85%), whereas the maximum density value was shown by Ceratophyllum demersum (213.60 plants m^–2). The highest abundance value was exhibited by Echinochloa stagnina (506.67 plants m^–2). The higher ranges of A/F ratios were reported in some species, viz., Alternanthera philoxeroides (0.44), Echinochloa stagnina (0.42), Azolla pinnata (0.38), etc. Alternanthera philoxeroides (42.41) recorded peak value of importance value index (IVI). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for all the aquatic macrophytes reported from the lake indicates that there is no significant variation within the four study sites in terms of distribution. However, the F-test result indicates significant variation in the quantitative characters between the different macrophytic plant species of the lake. The analysis was primarily based on short-term field observations and does not capture long-term ecological trends. In future, long-term monitoring programs should be conducted to assess seasonal and interannual variations in macrophyte communities.

Community Engagement in the Maintenance of Urban Green Systems: Barriers and Coordination Challenges in Tanzania

Helene Stephene Francis — 2026-05-11

Urban green systems are vital for city resilience, yet their maintenance relies heavily on the effective engagement of diverse actors. This study examined community engagement in the maintenance of urban green systems: Barriers and cooperation challenges in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania. Empirical data were collected through six Focus Group Discussions, 29 key informant interviews, consultations with 15 Mitaa leaders from Dar es Salaam, and document reviews. A total of 92 respondents were interviewed regarding their perceptions of engagement in urban green system maintenance. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, whereas quantitative data were processed using Excel 2013 to generate tables. Results showed that the engagement was hindered by the varying interests and absence of formal agreements between government authorities and community groups, consequently influencing their accountability in the maintenance of urban green systems. Moreover, the results indicated that community-level actors lack the requisite knowledge and skills to formulate constitutions that would enhance the sustainability of their groups. Consequently, they are unable to register their groups with the appropriate institutions, thereby adversely affecting the sustainability of group membership in maintaining urban green systems. This study underscores the need for the establishment of an independent institution to harmonise conflicting interests and coordinate roles to effectively engage community-level actors in maintaining urban green systems, thereby enhancing their resilience and sustainability.