Title: SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences E-ISSN: 3079-6261
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GIS-Based Analysis of Wetland Conversion and Its SocioEconomic and ‎Environmental Implications in BonnyLocal Government Area, Rivers ‎State, Nigeria
This study examines spatial and temporal changes in wetland extent in Bonny Local Government ‎Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, over 20 years, utilising Landsat satellite imagery from 2005, 2015, and ‎‎2025, analysed through remote sensing and GIS techniques. Key findings show an increase in ‎built-up areas from 8,125.7 ha (22.70%) in 2005 to 24,485.2 ha (68.34%) by 2025, while ‎mangroves and vegetation decreased from 12,011.3 ha (33.52%) to 3,625.4 ha (10.10%). Wetlands ‎initially grew but significantly declined to 3,725.6 ha (10.40%) by 2025. Major drivers of these ‎changes include urbanisation, industrial growth, and land reclamation, resulting in ecosystem ‎deterioration, resource depletion, and increased flooding risks. Socioeconomic impacts include job ‎losses and community displacement. The study concludes that poor development strategies threaten ‎wetland ecosystems and recommends integrated land-use planning, enhanced environmental ‎regulations, and wetland conservation for sustainable development‎.
Copyright (c) 2026 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
Information Technology in Environmental Protection:From Real-Time ‎Monitoring to IntelligentSustainability Systems
Information Technology (IT) has emerged as a powerful enabler in addressing contemporary ‎environmental challenges by enhancing monitoring, analysis, and decision-making processes. ‎Advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and cloud computing have significantly improved the ability to track environmental changes, predict risks, and implement sustainable management strategies. These tools support real-time air and water quality ‎monitoring, climate modeling, biodiversity conservation, waste management optimization, and ‎energy efficiency improvements. Furthermore, digital platforms facilitate environmental ‎governance, public awareness, and policy enforcement through transparent data sharing and ‎participatory approaches. Despite these benefits, challenges such as the high energy consumption of data centers, data security concerns, and unequal access to digital infrastructure remain critical issues. This review highlights key IT-driven solutions for environmental protection, evaluates ‎their practical applications, and discusses future directions for integrating green computing ‎practices to minimize the ecological footprint of digital systems. The study underscores the ‎transformative role of IT in promoting sustainable development while emphasizing the need for ‎responsible and energy-efficient technological deployment‎.
Climate Classification of Nigeria Using K-MeansClustering and ‎MODIS Data
Understanding spatiotemporal climate patterns is essential for agricultural planning, water resource management, and biodiversity conservation, particularly in climatically diverse regions like Nigeria. Traditional climate classification systems, such as Köppen-Geiger, rely on long-‎term monthly averages and stationary weather station data, which often suffer from spatial discontinuities and latency. This study proposes ‎an alternative, data-driven approach to climate zoning by applying unsupervised machine learning (K-means clustering) to high-resolution ‎remote sensing data. Utilizing the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform, we processed Terra and Aqua MODIS time-‎series data for the year 2020, specifically the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) products. By extracting seasonal phenological signatures and thermal profiles across the Nigerian landscape, the study generated a spatially continuous climate classification map. The analysis revealed distinct clusters corresponding to Nigeria's major ecological zones: Man-‎grove/Swamp Forest (South), representing 25.0% of the total, Rainforest (South-West/South-East) with a percentage of 13.4%, Guinea ‎Savannah accounting for 28.8%, Sudan Savannah at 15.9%, and Sahel Savannah at 17.0%. The results demonstrate that K-means clustering ‎of MODIS data effectively captures the hydro-thermal gradients driving Nigeria’s climate variability, offering a robust, scalable methodology for dynamic climate monitoring at a high spatial resolution (1km)‎.
A Comparative Analysis of Groundwater Quality and ItsPrediction Using ‎Machine Learning Techniques
Groundwater is a key water source; even small variations in its quality may result in ‎detrimental impacts, necessitating its regular monitoring for effective water management. This study emphasized monitoring and assessing groundwater from Mudirajupalem, Madalvarigudem, and the Lingayas Institute of Management and Technology, Vijayawada campus, Andhra Pradesh, India. The groundwater was analyzed for quantifying acidity, ‎alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and total hardness according to standard methods. ‎All the groundwater sources showed high alkalinity values, whereas Mudirajupalem ‎groundwater exhibited high TDS (962±20 mg/L) and pH (9.2±0.3) values due to proximity to ‎farming fields. The obtained water quality index (WQI) values (358.34±15.2, 59.29±4.8, and ‎‎20.32±3.1 for the three sites, respectively) indicate that Mudirajupalem groundwater is unfit ‎for public intake. This study demonstrated promising results in forecasting water quality ‎parameters using a hierarchical reconciliation algorithm and predicted the WQI using gradient ‎boosted tree (GBT), random forest (RF), and decision tree (DT) techniques. The predicted ‎WQI values closely matched the experimental results, confirming that Mudirajupalem ‎groundwater is not fit for drinking. The GBT demonstrated superior performance (R²=0.95-‎‎0.98) compared with RF (R²=0.89-0.93) and DT (R²=0.84-0.87) for the selected study area ‎, and this study demonstrates that the application of advanced machine learning enables a proactive ‎approach for better water quality management to address the future water needs‎.
Determination of Some Heavy Metals in The Sediment Samples Collected from Selected Dams in Katsina State, Nigeria‎
Heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments is a major ecological and public health concern ‎due to the toxic, non-biodegradable, and bioaccumulative nature of these elements. In particular, ‎sediments serve as both sinks and potential sources of heavy metals in aquatic systems, playing a ‎crucial role in regulating their distribution and bioavailability. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals ‎in sediments can impair benthic communities, disrupt food web dynamics, and pose long-term risks to ‎ecosystem stability and human health through trophic transfer.This study assessed levels of cadmium ‎‎(Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in sediment samples from three multipurpose dams in ‎Katsina State—Gwaigwaye, Maska, and Zobe important for water supply, irrigation, fishing, and ‎livestock use. Sampling was conducted during both dry and wet seasons using composite methods. ‎Metal concentrations, determined via MP-AES after acid digestion, were all below USEPA and ‎NOAA limits, indicating good sediment quality. One-way ANOVA showed no significant seasonal ‎variation (p > 0.05). Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Geoaccumulation Index (I_geo) values were ‎below critical thresholds, indicating no contamination across both seasons‎.
Copyright (c) 2025 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
Etiquettes and ethics for the responsible herpetological collections and management
‘‘A person without ethics is a type of wild beast loosed upon this world, “Albert Camus”. “Herping” is the act of searching for rep-tiles and amphibians, usually applied to scientific data collection in the field, and for any survey procedure, they directly seek out herpetofauna. Herping is often a hands-on activity, involving the subject's capture, survey for population estimation, diversity, and photography. Being hands-on with a subject is more interactive and useful, allowing you to closely examine the animal and take detailed and beautiful photographs, which can sometimes be necessary if you plan to collect data about a species in the field. How-ever, hands-on training can introduce various negative impacts on wildlife, such as stress, habitat destruction, and even reptile dis-eases in the studied area, so responsible interactions with these animals are necessary to avoid such negative effects.
Groundwater quality analysis and water quality index prediction by means ‎of machine learning methods‎
The study of variations in the quality of groundwater due to subsequent changes in society is a ‎matter of unease as groundwater is regarded as a vital water supply source among all the water ‎sources available. Water quality assessment via monitoring paves the source for arbitrating the ‎appropriateness of quality of water for various purposes including management of water quality. ‎This study was mainly focused on monitoring and assessing the quality of groundwater collected ‎from Madalvarigudem and Mudirajupalem, both from Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. ‎Standard methods were used for analyzing the collected samples for five parameters that include ‎alkalinity, acidity, pH, total hardness (TH) and total dissolved solids (TDS). The groundwater ‎quality parameter analysis indicate high values of pH and TDS, especially in the Mudirajupalem ‎samples as it is located near to agricultural fields. Further, the water quality index (WQI) values ‎supported that groundwater collected from Mudirajupalem is unfit for drinking purpose. This ‎study employed random forest, decision tree and gradient boosted tree techniques for predicting ‎the WQI values and, a hierarchical reconciliation algorithm proved favorable in foretelling water ‎quality parameters. The predicted WQI values meticulously complemented with the obtained ‎experimental results, further endorsing that Mudirajupalem groundwater is not apt for public ‎consumption. Further, this study proposes implementing simple rainwater harvesting systems, which ‎would eventually result in improving the groundwater recharge and maintain groundwater balance ‎so as to making it as a viable source of life‎.
Preliminary assessment of the pollution status of Sapang Balen river, Mabalacat city, Philippines
Scarcity of freshwater is a significant global threat, particularly in ecosystems like rivers, which are crucial for biodiversity, drinking water, and community sustenance. This study evaluates the ecological health of the Sapang Balen River in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Philippines, by examining plant species, solid waste accumulation, heavy metals, coliform counts, and physicochemical parameters. Field measurements and laboratory analyses revealed low biodiversity in the river, characterized by many fast-growing and invasive plants that threaten ecosystem balance. Water quality assessments indicate alarmingly high levels of microbial contamination, with coliform counts significantly exceeding safe limits, likely due to urbanization and domestic waste. Despite these challenges, ongoing remediation efforts, such as bioflocculants, filtration systems, and water revetments, show promise for improving water quality. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management to restore and sustain the health of the Sapang Balen freshwater ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2024 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
The implications of climate variability and change on urban water security of Lagos mega-city, Nigeria: a narrative review
There has been continuous population growth in some of the cities in the sub-Saharan African coastal region since the mid-20th century. This has led to the emergence of mega-cities, which include Lagos in Nigeria. However, rapid urbanization alongside the threats of climate variability and change may alter the intensity of the features of urban water security in these cities. The framing of the concept of urban water security by policymakers and academia is to make society aware of the urban water threats, for the sake of managing them effectively. This study is a narrative review of literature of the changes in the features of urban water security of Lagos Mega-city. The study indicates that changing climate alongside urbanization trends has implications on the features of urban water security in the city. Keywords: urbanization, Lagos Mega-city, urban water security, changing climate, Climate variability and change, and water security.
A review analysis of the poaching and illegal trade of tortoises and freshwater turtles (TFTs) in Pakistan
Despite legal protection, illegal trade in turtles and freshwater turtles continues in Pakistan, with many trade species destined for foreign markets. Pakistan's tortoises and hard-shelled turtles are mainly used in the pet trade, while its soft-shelled turtles are used in the meat trade. Given different economic conditions, the economic conditions of different groups of turtles and freshwater turtles will be different and therefore require different interventions. However, a systematic review of the illegal trade in turtles and freshwater turtles that considers the differences between these markets is not currently available. This study uses media seizure data to examine tortoises/hard-shell turtles (in demand in the pet trade) and softshell turtle (meat trade) supply chains. The tortoise/hard-shell turtle network has a larger geographic area and more global trade connections than the soft-shell turtle network. Our current clinical research provides insight into the similarities and differences in illegal activity for different groups of turtles and freshwater turtles, addressing the needs of different markets and demonstrating the need for effective strategies to tackle illegal trade in each group.
Status of captive wild animals in safari park, Malakand, Dir (L), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Captive breeding is the process of raising wild animals under controlled conditions in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. In this study, the conditions of animals kept in wild park located in Dir lower District of Malakand were analyzed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the status of the vertebrate fauna and to identify important problems regarding its captive breeding, conservation and management. This study suggests that mitigation measures can be taken as planning for future conservation and development. This study aims to investigate the status of different wild animals from November 2021 to September 2022 and understand the basics of conservation and management of Malakand Wildlife Park. The park covers 240 acres and is fenced. Animals are treated with good care and environment. Some of the species of animals protected in the park include leopard, urial, gray goral, monkey and pheasant which are included in the IUCN list of threatened or endangered species. The park also has a well-developed Kalij breeding Centre. This protected park also aims to promote tourism and raise the awareness of local communities to be directly involved in the management and protection of wildlife and the environment.
Trends of recycling management in Taiwan during 1999 – 2021
Purpose: Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. It can prevent the waste useful materials and reduce the environmental pollution. Approach: Using rates of recycling materials information during 1999 – 2021. We approached the trend of resource and recycling management in Taiwan. Results: The years was significantly correlated with the recycling fund (r = 0.82, p<0.05) recycling rate of waste electronic and electric appliances (r = 0.92, p<0.05), waste containers (r = 0.88, p<0.05), waste lubricating oil (r = 0.87, p<0.05), waste information technology equipment (r = 0.73, p<0.05), waste dry cell batteries (r = 0.73, p<0.05), waste tires (r = 0.66, p<0.05), waste lead-acid batteries (r = 0.59, p<0.05), and waste lighting sources (r = 0.52, p<0.05) separately. Conclusion: The relations of raters of recycling materials and the years were higher than the relations of recycling materials and the recycling fund. This feedback system including participating people, cleaning teams, recycling enterprises, and the recycling fund has encouraged nationwide participation.
Copyright (c) 2023 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
Clean air: an outlook for achieving sustainable development goals: the state of the indoor environment in Michika area of Adamawa state, Nigeria
This study assessed the health implications of air quality decline in residential, workplace, and school indoor environments and its implications on the health of the inhabitants of the Michika Area of Adamawa State. Pollutants such as PM, CO, NO2, and SO2 were evaluated in the morning and evening hours within 10 days using an in situ gas sampler. The data were compared to WHO and NESREA limits for human exposure. Anova and student t-test statistics were adopted to hypothesize the mean differences in the diurnal and spatial conditions of indoor air pollutants. The air quality index was estimated using the US EPA equation to determine the level of indoor air quality in relation to health implications. The study found, among other things, that ambient pollutant concentrations were statistically different in the respective indoor environments for CO (P value = 0.000), SO2 (P values of 0.02 and 0.000), NO2 (P value = 0.000), and PM2.5 (P = 0.001 and 0.0001). The residential indoor environment was reportedly dangerous for sensible groups due to the poor AQI rating for SO2, NO2 and PM10. In conclusion, air pollution is evident in the Michika area of Adamawa State, and the rate of exposure is particularly higher in the residential indoor space.
Copyright (c) 2022 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
Re-examination and illustration of shells of interspecific hybrid tortoises of Testudo horsfieldii (Gray, 1844) and Testudo h. hermanni (Gmelin, 1789) (Testudines: Testudinidae) from the collection of Walter Kirsche in the Dahme-Heideseen nature park,
In this paper, we have re-examined and assessed the only existing shells of two interspecific hybrid tortoises of Testudo horsfieldii and Testudo h. hermanni from the Walter Kirsche collections. It is the first detailed examination and measurements of important preserve shells of hybrid tortoises of Testudo taxa. An overview of the systematic relationship and the literature debate is given. Â Â Â
Copyright (c) 2021 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
Geoelectric / hydrogeologic characteristics and aquifer types of ground water in the basement rocks of the area south of Zakum bello. Nasarawa state. north-central Nigeria
Interpretation of vertical electrical soundings (VES) and study of lithologic logs were carried out to identify the geoelectric/hydrogeologic characteristics of the Basement Complex rocks in the area south of Zakum Bello. Geoelectric sections drawn from the interpretation results (layer resistivities and thicknesses) reveal mainly four to five layers with the first four layers constituting the weathered basement. Two aquifer types were identified. These are fractured (confined) and weathered (unconfined) aquifer. Ground water yield varies from 0.63 L/S (for the weathered layer aquifer) to 0.28 L/S (for the fractured aquifer) making the weathered basement more prolific. The fracture occurred mainly in the gneiss and thickness ranges from 5 to 10m mainly within the depth of 15 to 40m. Chemical analysis of borehole, well and stream waters which include titrimetric method for chloride and bicarbonate, UV method for nitrate and calorimetric method for sulphate shows the water to be slightly acidic and indicate good water quality throughout the area despite the variation in lithologic units. Prospective borehole sites were recommended for villages or communities without borehole. Â Â
The relationship of motor vehicles and soil lead levels in Pingtung, Taiwan
Purpose: Most of lead consumption is for the motor vehicles. The soil is polluted by leaded aviation fuel. Approach: Using enrolled motor vehicles during 1995 – 2018. We approached the effect of lead emission on soil quality of Pingtung County that is known its agriculture in Taiwan. Results: The enrolled motor vehicles was peak in 2011, The mean lead levels in soil was peak in 2013. The enrolled motor vehicles was correlated to the mean lead levels in soil significantly ( r = 0.71, p < 0.05). Soil quality was not improved after the banned or reduced lead in gasoline product. Conclusions: Decreasing motor vehicles could cause a lower contaminated lead level in soil. The soil should be protected by diminishing automobile emission. Â Â
Taphonomy and contextual Zooarcheology of the first Mesolithic hunting station in Thuringia, central Germany, (central Europe)
Taphonomy and contextual zooarcheology of the first Mesolithic hunting station in Thuringia, Central-Germany (Central Europe) was the study area of this paper. The new site at Göttern is of special importance as it is the first excavated hunting station in Thuringia. Until now, we have depended upon numerous discoveries of surface finds, special single finds and a few burials, for the exploration of the Mesolithic Era. Bone remains of wild boar/pig, red deer, moose, roe deer, aurochscattle, wild horse, brown bear, wolf/ dog, mouse and birds have been discovered. Â Â
Environmental vulnerability of people to brick kiln
The study aimed to assess the vulnerability to brick kilns hazards based on questionnaire surveys. It was conducted at 12 selected brick kiln clusters in Rajshahi and Gazipur Districts of Bangladesh. A total number of 700 respondents taking part in the survey from both the study areas. The study identified that most (75%) of the brick kilns were fixed chimney type kilns that impacted crop production, river grabbing, deforestation, solid waste generation, labors right violation, etc. The survey results illustrated that the emission of dust particles, harmful gases, and hot air cause several health hazards such as asthma, eye or skin irritation, etc. The brick kilns have exerted environmental stress on fruit plants such as mango, banana, jackfruit, etc., resulted declining in fruit production. The relationship between the brick kiln owners and community people is not well due to the negative impacts of brick kilns. About 69% of respondents thought that the brick kilns were a vital source of air pollution. Finally, the study concluded that the brick kilns caused threats to society, human health, and the environment around the kiln areas. Â Â
A review of environmental hazards and vertebrate biodiversity of upper San Marcos river, Texas, USA
The San Marcos River arises in a series of springs in Hays County, Texas. This is the second largest and important spring system in Texas, which has more environmental stability and a diverse known biotic diversity of any other ecosystems in the southwestern United States of America. The upper San Marcos River contains a relatively larger number of protected biota, including the vertebrate fauna like San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana) and the fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola). Many environmental hazards are increasing day by day due to human’s development and groundwater extraction. This area receives a great deal of conservation efforts to protect/ enhance habitats, protect biodiversity and ecological condition of the river but still much more priority actions are needed. Â Â
Physico-chemical characteristic of gorewada lake water in Nagpur, India
Â The proper control and appraisal of lake water condition and its purification is very crucial for appropriate care and management purposes. Water quality checking and investigation of the Gorewada Lake was implemented for numerous physico-chemical parameters in the month of June, 2016.These components are: (i) pH, (ii) Temperature, (iii) Electric Conductivity, (iv) Dissolved Oxygen, (v) Biochemical Oxygen Demand, (vi) Chemical Oxygen Demand, (vii) Total Phosphorous, (viii) Suspended Solid (ix) and Total Nitrogen respectively. The lake water is not suitable for drinking, bathing and other life supporting activity. Â Â
Investigation of the Quality of Shapura Lake Water, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
The present study is based on Physico-Chemical Parameter of Shahpura Lake of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The water of Shahpura Lake is polluted due to substantial release of contaminated materials without acceptable treatment to expunge pernicious compounds. The Physico-Chemical parameters such as Chloride(Cl), Total Hardness(TH), Alkalinity(A), pH(pH), Electric Conductivity(EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Fluoride(F), Iron(Fe), Turbidity(Td), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD) and Sulphate (S) were examined to know the present status of the Lake water quality. Statistical analysis like Pearson Correlation matrix and Factor loadings were implemented to the data set to know the relationship among the studied parameters. Â Â Â
Copyright (c) 2020 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
New findings of neogene tortoises Titanochelon kayadibiensis sp. nov. and Protestudo bessarabica (Riabinin, 1918) (Testudinidae) from the Miocene of western Turkey, with a review of fossil turtles of Turkey
Fossil remains of turtles were discovered in various localities of Lower to Upper Miocene within the western part of Turkey. We revised the taxonomic position and describe the systematic paleontology, distribution, phylogeny and palaeo-environments of two Neogene taxa Titanochelon kayadibiensis sp. nov. and Protestudo bessarabica (Testudinidae) of Western Turkey and give an updated list of fossil turtles of Turkey which include Trionyx triunguis (Forskål, 1775), Mauremys aristotelica Vlachos et al, 2019, Testudo marmorum Gaudry, 1862, Protestudo bessarabica Riabinin, 1918 and Titanochelon kayadibiensis sp.nov. Â Â
A review of distribution, threats and conservation of freshwater turtles of Ontario, Canada
There are four families and eight species of freshwater turtles found in Canada, and the same families and species have also been recorded in Ontario province, all species are listed in CITES Appendices, in which six are declared as threatened species. Three families are hard shelled turtles viz Family Emydidae, Family Kinosternidae, and Family Chelydridae while Family Trionichidae is the only soft shelled turtle. Legally, all freshwater turtles in Ontario have been protected. Many efforts have been made by the Government, Non-governmental organizations and Academia for the protection and conservation of turtle population in Ontario. IUCN, WWF Canada, Ontario Wildlife Department, and Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), Canadian Wildlife federation, Wildlife preservation Canada, Ontario turtle conservation center (OTCC) and some other organizations are contributing in efforts for the conservation of freshwater turtles in Ontario. But still, freshwater turtles are facing serious threats due to climatic changes and some anthropogenic activities. Â Â
Some aspects of morphometry, systematics and biogeography of the freshwater turtles, Pangshura (testudines: Geoemydidae) of Pakistan
The present paper based on multivariate morpho-metry, systematics and biogeographically analyses of the hard-shell freshwater turtles of genus Pangshura found in Pakistan. Allo-metric changes in the size of body were examined in the live collected specimens. The morpho-metric measurements and comparative study of Pangshura clearly revealed sexual di-morphism and both the sexes can easily be differentiated. Females are larger in size than males in of this texon. The present study revealed that P. tecta are less common in distribution than P. smithii in in the studied area of Pakistan. The current study presents a morpho-metric relationship between extant and extinct species of Pangshura taxon for the first time. A holotype of this taxon, Pangshura tatrotia is described here, which is also considered a sister to P. tecta and a fifth species so far of this texon.
Environmental impact assessment of Nagarpur bridge construction over the Dhaleshwari river at Tangail in Bangladesh
The study was conducted to investigate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed bridge during the pre-construction, construction and operation phase using the matrix method. The study also aims to formulate an environmental management plan (EMP) to minimize the probable impacts on the construction of the proposed bridge. A field mobilization was conducted in proposed project area to find out the environmental baseline (surface water, ground water, soil, sediments, air, noise and ecology) information and identification of possible impacts. The focused group discussions (FGDs), questionnaire survey (QS) and key informants interview (KII) were conducted to collect relevant information. Secondary data were also collected from different books, journals, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Upazila Agriculture Office (UAO), Upazila Fisheries Office (UFO) and Department of Environment (DoE). All the samples were analyzed in the laboratory of the Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh. The study showed that the proposed bridge will be able to connect three Upazila (Nagarpur, Mirzapur and Dhamrai Upazila) directly and will be an easy communication way for local community, along with socio-economic and health facilities development. The EIA study also found major negative impacts of the study area that would be pollutions (air, surface water, ground water, sediments, noise and soil), accidents and soil erosion. The study also found that the dust and exhaust emission may have profound effect on flora, fauna, fish breeding, water flow, wastewater, solid waste from labor camp, construction waste, and noise during pre-construction, construction and operation phase. The EIA study found that possible negative impacts are considerable and the project can be implemented. The EIA study also suggested some defined EMPs that will minimize the probable adverse impacts of the bridge construction project over the Dhaleshwari River, Tangail, Bangladesh. Â Â
Major barriers to the enforcement and violation of building codes and regulations: a global perspective
For centuries now, building codes have been a vital instrument for minimizing susceptibility to natural hazards. These codes are guides to architects and engineers when designing new buildings or renovating existing buildings in vulnerable areas. However, the productive implementation of building codes demands a good institutional structure and training of construction practitioners including artisan. This implies that the introduction of building codes and its proper administration will not be effective unless there is a strategic plan for its enforcement process. This is because the deficiencies and violations of building codes/regulations could lead to a large number of shortcomings, particularly regarding the minimum requirements for public health, safety, general welfare, building quality and environmental protection. It is thus clear that there is a need to explore the barriers associated with the implementation and enforcement of building codes/regulations in different countries. This paper seeks to provide a better understanding on the major barriers to the enforcement and violation of building codes and regulations from a global perspective by reviewing building codes, exploring how they are enforced and the penalties for non-compliances in different countries. Finally, this paper concludes that some of the building codes and regulations are too complex for construction and building professional, and as such, many countries still struggle to understand the proper enforcement of building codes. Â Â
The status quo of building codes and construction practices in Somaliland: practitioners' perceptions
For several years, building codes have been perceived as one of the significant ways of establishing building quality, environmental protection, public health and safety, and energy efficiency in the building and construction industry. Conversely, some least developing countries like Somaliland are yet to adopt and enforce the current building codes and as such allowing the construction of buildings that do not meet the minimum international standards on public health and safety. Consequently, this paper seeks to review the overall and genuine picture about Somaliland 's building traditions, history, and advancement alongside the construction practices in Somaliland. In addition, unstructured interviews were held with some top governmental officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Ministry of Environment & Rural Development, the Somaliland Fire Agency, and Hargeisa Regional Court to carefully explore the status quo of building codes in Somaliland. This was achieved by generating qualitative data via the use of open-ended questions. The findings from the study revealed that there are currently no building codes or regulations in Somaliland. Meaning that the building industry is presently self-governed by the owners and the construction professionals. The study concludes that in spite of the absent of building codes and regulations, there have been a rapid development in the building and construction industry and the increase of mid-rise building of four to six story buildings in Somaliland. Â Â
Trends of eutrofication and effects of measures in Feitsui reservoir during 1987 – 2018
Purpose: Reservoir watershed is one of the most important sources of domestic water of people. The quality of water is crtical for the users. Approach: Using trends of environmental water quality information during 1987 – 2018. We approached the Carlson trophic state index (CTSI) and evaluated the effects of measures on water quality of Feitsui reservoir compared to the controlled Shihmen reservoir. Results: The CTSI (46.4) was peak in 2001 and decreased to 36.8 in 2018. Water quality was improved after the establish of Best Management Practices (BMPs) after 2003. The CTSIs in Feitsui reservoir were lower than that in Shihmen reservoir generally. Conclusions: Non-point source pollution could cause a higher CTSI. The eutrofication shold be prevented by use of total phosphorus. Â Â
Levels of serum copper and zinc in healthy adults from the west of Algeria
Essential trace element include zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential elements that play an important role in the whole-body metabolism. They have been implicated to play important roles in immuno-physiologic functions. The concentration of these elements in human organism varies widely between geographical areas depending on its content in soil and plants, dietary intake, bioavailability and retention, mineral interactions and other factors. The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace element concentrations, including Zn and Cu in one hundred and fifteen healthy adults (fifty-two males and sixty-three females) living in the west of Algeria using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) on a hanging mercury drop electrode. The mean copper and zinc concentrations were 105.26±19.63 μg/dL and 79.44±10.28 μg/dL, respectively. Serum concentrations of these elements were in the same range as those found for populations of other European countries. Â
Copyright (c) 2019 SPC Journal of Environmental Sciences
Phytoremediation of mixed reactive Azo dyes in contaminated water by Ceratophylum demersum and its toxicity analysis on other life forms
Textile dyes are toxic in nature as they exert various harmful effects on living organisms. These effluents are the main source pollutant to various ecosystems, especially to soil. In this study, mixed azo dye from a local fabric dyeing industry were analysed for their toxicity effects on Trigonella foenum graecum, Lampito mauritii, and bacterial pathogens. The results presented in the study showed that the toxicity of the mixed azo dye prompted Trigonella foenum graecum root and shoot growth inhibition on 1000 ppm of mixed azo dye contaminated soil, and this effect decreased when performed on remediated soils with higher concentrations of the effluents. Phytoremediation of water contaminated with different concentrations of mixed azo dye solutions was performed using Ceratophylum demersum where, the dye removal percentage was minimal and the plant couldn’t sustain more than 500 ppm of dye. Dye toxicity on earth worms showed increased percentage of protein content of the body in response to stress (azo dye). These results revealed that the textile dyes we toxic to eukaryotic cells and that can potentially lead to adverse health conditions. Further their toxicity was also tested against earthworms and pathogenic bacterial strains. Â Â Â Â