Utilizing spontaneous plants for sustainable development in residential green spaces: Insights from environmental drivers and niche analysis in Fuzhou City, China.

This study, aimed at exploring low-maintenance, high-diversity, and sustainable greening strategies for residential areas, conducted a comprehensive survey and analysis of spontaneous plants in residential green spaces in Fuzhou City, documenting 361 species. Employing methods such as variance partitioning, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), and ecological niche analysis, we investigated the environmental factors influencing the distribution and composition of these plants, as well as their interrelationships. The study found that the composition of spontaneous plants in residential green spaces differs from other urban environments, with a high proportion of alien species (43.77%) due to influences such as resident activities, including a large number of ornamental and edible plants. Maintenance level, urbanization gradient, and green space ratio are common factors affecting the composition and distribution of spontaneous plants in urban environments, while unique residential socio-economic factors like building age, housing prices, and population density significantly affect the spontaneous plants in residential green spaces. The overall dominant plant community shows a significant positive association, indicating a relatively stable stage of succession. Although competition among most species is not significant and interspecific connectivity is weak, the presence of seven dominant invasive species intensifies competition. Based on these findings, the study proposes several specific sustainable management measures: adopting the concept of New Naturalistic Ecological Planting Design, selecting native spontaneous plants with strong adaptability, and constructing plant communities that are ecologically stable and have ornamental value by mimicking natural ecosystems. Additionally, specific methods for managing specific invasive species in residential green spaces using competitive replacement control methods are proposed. These measures aim to promote the health and sustainable development of urban residential green spaces.

Re-using an oleic by-product in the manufacturing of fired clay bricks.

Background: The high demand for building bricks underscores their essential role in the construction industry, which pushes researchers to continuously improve the characteristics of these products. This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating oleic components (Margins) in fired bricks manufacturing of by substituting water with different percentages of margins. Methods: Fired bricks were produced at the laboratory using clays taking from the Tangier region in northern Morocco. During this process, water used in the bricks production was substituted with margins in increasing percentages ranging from 10 % up to 30 %. To validate the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses performed on the manufactured bricks, three types of vegetable samples from three different regions of Morocco were utilized. Result: The study results are very remarkable, demonstrating a significant enhancement in compressive strength. The strength increased from 15.16 MPa for conventional bricks to 33.77 MPa for bricks manufactured with a 30 % substitution. Furthermore, porosity decreased from 33 % to 19 %. Conclusion: By integrating oleic components into the manufacturing process, we were able to achieve three main objectives.1. We have improved the characteristics of the bricks, which tend towards the load-bearing wall standards.2. We reduced the water quantity used in the bricks manufacturing by 30 %.3. We minimized the processing cost of the waste resulting from olive oil production, as well as its harmful effects on the environment.

Food waste generation and its industrial utilization: An overview.

Food waste is produced for intended human consumption and is normally lost, discharged, contaminated, or finally degraded. The rising problem of food waste is increasing rapidly, so every sector is involved in minimizing food waste generation as well as waste management from collection to disposal, and scientists are developing the best eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for all sectors in the food supply chain, from the agricultural sector to the industrial sector and even up to the retailer to human consumption. Sustainable management is needed for the food wastes in the agricultural and industrial sectors, which are a major burning headache for environmentalists, health departments, and the government all over the earth. Various strategies can be employed to effectively control food waste, and these strategies can be ranked in a manner similar to the waste management hierarchy. The most desirable options involve the act of avoiding and donating edible portions to social agencies. Food waste is utilized in industrial operations to produce biofuels or biopolymers. The next stages involve the retrieval of nutrients and the sequestration of carbon through composting. The government implements appropriate management practices, laws, and orders to minimize food waste generation. Different contemporary methods are utilized to produce biofuel utilizing various types of food waste. In order for composting techniques to recover nutrients and fix carbon, food waste must be processed. Both the management of food waste and the creation of outgrowths utilizing biomaterials require additional study. This review aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing discourse surrounding the definitions of food waste, the production and implementation of methods to reduce it, the emergence of conversion technologies, and the most recent trends.

Coordination analysis and evaluation of population, water resources, economy, and ecosystem coupling in the Tuha region of China.

The non-coordination between the socio-economic systems and ecosystems of a region is a crucial obstacle to sustainable development. To reveal the relationships between complex urban systems and achieve the goal of sustainable and coordinated urban development, we constructed a coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) and coupling angle model (CAM) and analyzed the degree of coupling coordination and evolution process among the population, water resources, economy, and ecology (PWEE) system of the Tuha region for 2005-2020. The results indicated that: (1) During 2005-2020, the comprehensive development index (CDI) of the population, water resources and economy subsystems was 0.21-0.65, with the three subsystems portraying an overall increase; the average values of the RSEI at five-year intervals were 0.29, 0.28, 0.28, and 0.26, indicating a downward trend in the environmental quality. (2) The coupling coordination effect of the PWEE system portrayed a low level; the coupling coordination degree (CCD) values were 0.28-0.58, portraying a fluctuating upward trend. The level of CCD increased from low disorder to marginal coordination. (3) The PWEE system's scissor difference reflects large evolutionary characteristics. The ecological support capacity was not observed until the late stage. We conclude that the PWEE composite system of the region is in a stage of disordered development. These findings significantly bolster the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable development studies, offering essential scientific theories and methodological frameworks for crafting sustainable development policies tailored to urban systems in the Tuha region.

Watching the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam from a distance: Implications for sustainable water management of the Nile water.

Increased demands for sustainable water and energy resources in densely populated basins have led to the construction of dams, which impound waters in artificial reservoirs. In many cases, scarce field data led to the development of models that underestimated the seepage losses from reservoirs and ignored the role of extensive fault networks as preferred pathways for groundwater flow. We adopt an integrated approach (remote sensing, hydrologic modeling, and field observations) to assess the magnitude and nature of seepage from such systems using the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa's largest hydropower project, as a test site. The dam was constructed on the Blue Nile within steep, highly fractured, and weathered terrain in the western Ethiopian Highlands. The GERD Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Terrestrial Water Storage (GRACETWS), seasonal peak difference product, reveals significant mass accumulation (43 ± 5 BCM) in the reservoir and seepage in its surroundings with progressive south-southwest mass migration along mapped structures between 2019 and 2022. Seepage, but not a decrease in inflow or increase in outflow, could explain, at least in part, the observed drop in the reservoir's water level and volume following each of the three fillings. Using mass balance calculations and GRACETWS observations, we estimate significant seepage (19.8 ± 6 BCM) comparable to the reservoir's impounded waters (19.9 ± 1.2 BCM). Investigating and addressing the seepage from the GERD will ensure sustainable development and promote regional cooperation; overlooking the seepage would compromise hydrological modeling efforts on the Nile Basin and misinform ongoing negotiations on the Nile water management.

Nutritional upgrade of olive mill stone waste, walnut shell and their mixtures by applying solid state fermentation initiated by Pleurotus ostreatus.

Present study concerns the transformation of the agro-industrial by-products olive mill stone waste (OMSW) and walnut shell (WS) to a protein-enriched animal feedstuff utilizing the solid state fermentation (SSF) technique. For this purpose, various mixtures of these by-products were exploited as substrates of the SSF process which was initiated by the P. ostreatus fungus. The respective results indicated that the substrate consisted of 80% WS and 20% OMSW afforded the product with the highest increase in protein content, which accounted the 7.57% of its mass (69.35% increase). In addition, a 26.13% reduction of lignin content was observed, while the most profound effect was observed for their 1,3-1,6 ß-glucans profile, which was increased by 3-folds reaching the 6.94% of substrate's mass. These results are indicative of the OMSW and WS mixtures potential to act as efficient substrate for the development of novel proteinaceous animal feed supplements using the SSF procedure. Study herein contributes to the reintegration of the agro-industrial by-products aiming to confront the problem of proteinaceous animal feed scarcity and reduce in parallel the environmental footprint of the agro-industrial processes within the context of circular economy.

Effects of 3-year organic farming management on soil antibiotic resistant genes and virulence factors in a double rice cropping system.

Investigating the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) within soil microbial communities is crucial for understanding microbial ecology and the evolution of antibiotic resistance. However, the study of ARGs, VFs, and their predominant microbial hosts in soils under varying rice production management practices remains largely underexplored. To this end, a three-year field experiment was conducted under organic management within a double rice cropping system in South China. The study revealed that, in contrast to conventional management (CK), organic farming practices did not significantly alter the total reads of ARGs and VFs. However, there was a notable alteration in the ARGs abundance at the antibiotic class level, such as an increase (P < 0.05) in the abundance of Multidrug ARGs (by 1.7 %) and a decrease (P < 0.05) in Rifamycin (by 17.5 %) and Fosfomycin ARGs (by 15.3 %). Furthermore, a significant shift in VFs was observed under organic farming compared to CK, characterized by an increase (P < 0.05) in offensive VFs and a decrease (P < 0.05) in nonspecific VFs and the regulation of virulence-associated genes. Key microbial taxa identified as influencing ARGs and VFs in the tested soil samples, e.g., Proteobacteria. The findings highlight the need for more detailed attention to soil ecology within organic rice production systems in South China, particularly concerning the significant alterations observed in ARGs and VFs.

Sustainable struggling: decoding microplastic released from bioplastics-a critical review.

This comprehensive review delves into the complex issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the emergence of biodegradable plastics (BDPs) as a potential alternative to traditional plastics. While BDPs seem promising, recent findings reveal that a large number of BDPs do not fully degrade in certain natural conditions, and they often break down into microplastics (MPs) even faster than conventional plastics. Surprisingly, research suggests that biodegradable microplastics (BDMPs) could have more significant and long-lasting effects than petroleum-based MPs in certain environments. Thus, it is crucial to carefully assess the ecological consequences of BDPs before widely adopting them commercially. This review thoroughly examines the formation of MPs from prominent BDPs, their impacts on the environment, and adsorption capacities. Additionally, it explores how BDMPs affect different species, such as plants and animals within a particular ecosystem. Overall, these discussions highlight potential ecological threats posed by BDMPs and emphasize the need for further scientific investigation before considering BDPs as a perfect solution to plastic pollution.

Exploring the reproductive features of Clupisoma garua from Ganges River, Bangladesh: insights into eco-climatic factors for sustainable management and advancements in aquaculture practices.

The Garua bacha, Clupisoma garua, holds considerable commercial and nutritional significance as a fish species. This study investigates the relationships between GSI (gonadosomatic index) and eco-climatic conditions, and provides comprehensive insights into several facets of reproduction, such as size at first sexual maturity (Lm), spawning season, peak spawning period, and proposes sustainable management strategies for C. garua in the Ganges River, northwestern, Bangladesh. Since January to December 2017, 570 female individuals have been gathered from the Ganges River using cast nets, gill nets, and square lift nets on a monthly basis. The total length (TL) of the specimens varied from 3.90 to 26.30 cm. Lm was estimated as 14.30 cm based on the results of the TL vs. GSI, MGSI (modified gonadosomatic index), DI (Dobriyal index), 14.00 cm through TL-FL regressions, and 15.18 cm depending on Lmax for this species. Furthermore, the spawning period was observed from May to August, peaking in June and July, based on greater GSI, MGSI, and DI values. Throughout the peak spawning season, there was not a significant differ from a value of 100 in the relative weight (WR) of the female species. During the spawning season, a substantial association between temperature and GSI (p = 0.0038); rainfall and GSI (p = 0.0043); DO and GSI (p = 0.0043); pH and GSI (p = 0.0002); and alkalinity and GSI (p = 0.0001) was detected. Analyzing a 55-year data series (1964-2018), it became clear that an increase in average air temperature of 0.0289 °C and a decrease in rainfall of 2.988 mm per year might possibly delay the spawning season of this species. As a consequence, the results of this study provide crucial information for developing management strategies to safeguard C. garua populations in the Ganges River and its adjacent ecosystems.

Life cycle assessment of plastic waste in Suzhou, China: Management strategies toward sustainable express delivery.

The explosive growth of China's express delivery industry has greatly increased plastic waste, with low-value plastics not effectively utilized, such as PE packaging bags, which are often not recycled and end up in landfills or incinerators, causing significant resource waste and severe plastic pollution. A gate -to- grave life cycle assessment was adopted to assess the impacts of express delivery plastic waste (EDPW) management models (S1, landfill; S2, incineration; S3, mechanical pelletization), with Suzhou, China as a case. Results showed that mechanical pelletization, was the most environmentally advantageous, exhibiting a comprehensive environmental impact potential of -215.54 Pt, significantly lower than that of landfill (S1, 78.45 Pt) and incineration (S2, -121.77 Pt). The analysis identified that the end-of-life disposal and sorting stages were the principal contributors to environmental impacts in all three models, with transportation and transfer stages of residual waste having minimal effects. In terms of all environmental impact categories, human carcinogenic toxicity (HTc) emerged as the most significant contributor in all three scenarios. Specifically, S1 exhibited the most detrimental effect on human health, while S2 and S3 showed positive environmental impacts. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the application and innovation in mechanical recycling technologies be enhanced, the promotion of the eco-friendly transformation of packaging materials be pursued, and a sustainable express delivery packaging recycling management system be established. These strategies are essential for achieving more eco-friendly management of EDPW, reducing its environmental pollution, and moving towards more sustainable express delivery management practices.

Biodegradation of ciprofloxacin using machine learning tools: Kinetics and modelling.

Recently, the rampant administration of antibiotics and their synthetic organic constitutes have exacerbated adverse effects on ecosystems, affecting the health of animals, plants, and humans by promoting the emergence of extreme multidrug-resistant bacteria (XDR), antibiotic resistance bacterial variants (ARB), and genes (ARGs). The constraints, such as high costs, by-product formation, etc., associated with the physico-chemical treatment process limit their efficacy in achieving efficient wastewater remediation. Biodegradation is a cost-effective, energy-saving, sustainable alternative for removing emerging organic pollutants from environmental matrices. In view of the same, the current study aims to explore the biodegradation of ciprofloxacin using microbial consortia via metabolic pathways. The optimal parameters for biodegradation were assessed by employing machine learning tools, viz. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and statistical optimization tool (Response Surface Methodology, RSM) using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under optimal culture conditions, the designed bacterial consortia degraded ciprofloxacin with 95.5% efficiency, aligning with model prediction results, i.e., 95.20% (RSM) and 94.53% (ANN), respectively. Thus, befitting amendments to the biodegradation process can augment efficiency and lead to a greener solution for antibiotic degradation from aqueous media.

Bois noir management in vineyard: a review on effective and promising control strategies.

Among grapevine yellows, Bois noir (BN), associated with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani', represents the biggest threat in the main wine-growing areas worldwide, causing significant losses in berry quality and yields. BN epidemiology involves multiple plant hosts and several insect vectors, making considerably complex the development of effective management strategies. Since application of insecticides on the grapevine canopy is not effective to manage vectors, BN management includes an integrated approach based on treatments to the canopy to make the plant more resistant to the pathogen and/or inhibit the vector feeding, and actions on reservoir plants to reduce possibilities that the vector reaches the grapevine and transmit the phytoplasma. Innovative sustainable strategies developed in the last twenty years to improve the BN management are reviewed and discussed.

A review of social-ecological system vulnerability in desertified regions: Assessment, simulation, and sustainable management.

Desertified regions face considerable vulnerability due to the combined effects of climate change and human activities, which threaten regional ecological security and societal development. It is therefore necessary to assess, simulate, and manage the vulnerability of desertified regions from the perspective of the social-ecological system, to support desertification control and sustainable development. This study is a systematic review of the vulnerability of the social-ecological system in desertified regions (SESDR) based on a bibliometric analysis, and a summary of the research progresses in vulnerability assessment, simulation, and sustainable management is provided. It was found that SESDR vulnerability research started relatively late, but has developed rapidly in recent years, with an emphasis on the coupling between natural systems and human activities, and multi-scale interactions and dynamics. Using various indicators at different scales, SESDR vulnerability could be assessed in terms of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability. Modeling the complex interactions among natural and human factors across multiple scales is essential to simulate the vulnerability dynamics of the SESDR. The sustainable management of SESDR vulnerability focuses on rational spatial planning to achieve the maximum benefits, with the right measures in the right places. Four priority research directions were proposed to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms of vulnerability and smart restoration of desertified land. The findings of this study will enable researchers, land managers, and policymakers to develop a more comprehensive understanding of SESDR vulnerability, thereby enabling them to better address the challenges posed by complex resource and environmental issues.

Resistance to Cassava Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) among Eastern and Southern African Elite Cassava Genotypes.

Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, directly damages cassava leaves by feeding on phloem, causing chlorosis and abscission, leading to a yield loss of up to 50%. The pest also causes indirect damage through sooty mold formation. Most Ugandan cassava varieties resist cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and tolerate cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), but little is known about their response to whitefly infestation. The main objective of this study was to identify cassava genotypes with putative resistance to whitefly in Uganda. This was conducted on 24 improved cassava varieties in three agro-ecological zones during the second rains of 2016. Monthly data were taken for adult and nymph counts, whitefly and sooty mold damage, and CMD and CBSD severities from 2 to 9 months after planting (MAPs). The results show that the whitefly population is highly significantly (p < 0.000) amongst varieties across the three agro-ecological zones. Mkumba consistently supported the low adult numbers and nymphs. The findings demonstrate the potential of the improved cassava varieties as sources of whitefly resistance for sustainable management.

Assessment of bioremediation potential of Calotropis procera and Nerium oleander for sustainable management of vehicular released metals in roadside soils.

Land transportation is a major source of heavy metal contamination along the roadside, posing significant risks to human health through inhalation, oral ingestion, and dermal contact. Therefore, this study has been designed to determine the concentrations of vehicular released heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu) in roadside soil and leaves of two commonly growing native plant species (Calotropis procera and Nerium oleander).Two busy roads i.e., Lahore-Okara road (N-5) and Okara-Faisalabad roads (OFR) in Punjab, Pakistan, were selected for the study. The data were collected from five sites along each road during four seasons. Control samples were collected ~ 50 m away from road. The metal content i.e. lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) were determined in the plant leaves and soil by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Significantly high amount of all studied heavy metals were observed in soil and plant leaves along both roads in contrast to control ones. The mean concentration of metals in soil ranged as Cd (2.20-6.83 mg/kg), Pb (4.53-15.29 mg/kg), Ni (29.78-101.26 mg/kg), and Cu (61.68-138.46 mg/kg) and in plant leaves Cd (0.093-0.53 mg/kg), Pb (4.31-16.34 mg/kg), Ni (4.13-16.34 mg/kg) and Cu (2.98-32.74 mg/kg). Among roads, higher metal contamination was noted along N-5 road. Significant temporal variations were also noted in metal contamination along both roads. The order of metal contamination in soil and plant leaves in different seasons was summer > autumn > spring > winter. Furthermore, the metal accumulation potential of Calotropis procera was higher than that of Nerium oleander. Therefore, for sustainable management of metal contamination, the plantation of Calotropis procera is recommended along roadsides.

A critical review of soil algae as a crucial soil biological component of high ecological and economic significance.

Aero-terrestrial algae are ecologically and economically valuable bioresources contributing to carbon sequestration, sustenance of soil health, and fertility. Compared to aquatic algae, the literature on subaerial algae is minimal, including studies of distinctive habitats such as forest soils, agricultural fields, deserts, polar regions, specific subaerial zones, artificial structures, and tropical soils. The primary goal here was to identify the gaps and scope of research on such algae. Accordingly, the literature was analyzed per sub-themes, such as the "nature of current research data on terrestrial algae," "methodological approaches," "diversity," "environmental relationships," "ecological roles," and "economic significance." The review showed there is a high diversity of algae in soils, especially members belonging to the Cyanophyta (Cyanobacteria) and Chlorophyta. Algal distributions in terrestrial environments depend on the microhabitat conditions, and many species of soil algae are sensitive to specific soil conditions. The ecological significance of soil algae includes primary production, the release of biochemical stimulants and plant growth promoters into soils, nitrogen fixation, solubilization of minerals, and the enhancement and maintenance of soil fertility. Since aero-terrestrial habitats are generally stressed environments, algae of such environments can be rich in rare metabolites and natural products. For example, epilithic soil algae use wet adhesive molecules to fix them firmly on the substratum. Exploring the ecological roles and economic utility of soil and other subaerial algae could be helpful for the development of algae-based industries and for achieving sustainable soil management.

Innovative applications of whey protein for sustainable dairy industry: Environmental and technological perspectives-A comprehensive review.

Industrial waste management is critical to maintaining environmental sustainability. The dairy industry (DI), as one of the major consumers of freshwater, generates substantial whey dairy effluent, which is notably rich in organic matter and thus a significant pollutant. The effluent represents environmental risks due to its high biological and chemical oxygen demands. Today, stringent government regulations, environmental laws, and heightened consumer health awareness are compelling industries to responsibly manage and reuse whey waste. Therefore, this study investigates sustainable solutions for efficiently utilizing DI waste. Employing a systematic review approach, the research reveals that innovative technologies enable the creation of renewable, high-quality, value-added food products from dairy byproducts. These innovations offer promising sustainable waste management strategies for the dairy sector, aligning with economic interests. The main objectives of the study deal with, (a) assessing the environmental impact of dairy sector waste, (b) exploring the multifaceted nutritional and health benefits inherent in cheese whey, and (c) investigating diverse biotechnological approaches to fashion value-added, eco-friendly dairy whey-based products for potential integration into various food products, and thus fostering economic sustainability. Finally, the implications of this work span theoretical considerations, practical applications, and outline future research pathways crucial for advancing the sustainable management of dairy waste.

Assessing the spatial distribution of elemental concentrations in surface sediments of Lake Victoria, Kenya: implications for ecological health and management.

Lacustrine sediment quality indicates the effects of both natural and anthropogenic activities on the ecosystem and communities. Despite its ecological importance, myriad complexities, and potential contaminant sources, the spatial distribution of surficial sediments in Lake Victoria's Winam Gulf has never been comprehensively documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the spatial distribution, pathways, and ecological risk of metal elements in the lake using a sediment matrix. Sediment samples were collected throughout the gulf in November 2022. The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, U, and Zn were compared to different contamination metrics and ecological risk assessment indices. The average concentrations were in the following decreasing order: Zn > > > Cr > > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd with mean (± SD) of 185 ± 45 mg kg-1, 56 ± 15 mg kg-1, 45 ± 16 mg kg-1, 37 ± 11 mg kg-1, 24 ± 5 mg kg-1, 20 ± 7 mg kg-1, 3.9 ± 1.3 mg kg-1, 0.30 ± 0.09 mg kg-1, respectively, with strong indications of anthropogenic sources. Average concentrations were in the following decreasing order: Zn > > > Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, As, and Cd levels (mean ± SD) were 185 ± 45 mg kg-1, 56 ± 15 mg kg-1, 45 ± 16 mg kg-1, 37 ± 11 mg kg-1, 24 ± 5 mg kg-1, 20 ± 7 mg kg-1, 3.9 ± 1.3 mg kg-1 and 0.30 ± 0.09 mg kg-1 with strong indications of anthropogenic sources. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor categorisation schemes, respectively, classified these as uncontaminated (level 0) and depletion to minimal enrichment (level 1), while the ecological risk analysis classified them as "low risk". The mouth of the Nyando River, as well as Kisumu, Kendu, and Homa bays, were the most element-enriched and should be prioritised for focused monitoring and remediation. As a result, targeted land management of urban, industrial, transportation, and agricultural areas offers the opportunity to reduce sediment inputs into the lake ecosystem.

The effect of organic pollution on the seasonal dynamics of water quality in a semi-arid zone: case of the Hammam Boughrara Dam, Tlemcen (Algeria).

The present study aims to assess the impact of human activities on the water quality of the Hammam Boughrara dam. It also highlights the crucial importance of sustainable management of water resources in the face of persistent challenges related to various forms of pollution. The study is based on an exhaustive database covering a period spread over 16 years, with monthly measurements of organic pollution indicator parameters, namely BOD5, COD, [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], Organic Matter (OM), TDS, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and pH. The box plots showed an asymmetric distribution of almost all the parameters, with significant seasonal variations in the interquartile (IQR) range. The IQR ranges for [Formula: see text] extends from 0.575 mg/l (summer) to 4.445 mg/l (spring), and for [Formula: see text] from 1.3075 mg/l (autumn) to 1.8625 mg/l (spring). This led to the use of the Spearman method for the analysis of correlations between different parameters. The seasonal study of the five categories of water quality, according to the Organic Pollution Index (OPI), revealed considerable organic pollution. At the 1% significance level, the seasonal correlation between OPI and [Formula: see text] varies between -0.71 and -0.85, while that with [Formula: see text] fluctuates between -0.69 and -0.86. During the period analyzed, the COD/BOD Ratio (CBR) reveals two dominant categories with seasonal variations, i.e. the Moderately Biodegradable Effluents (MBE), with 96 cases, reaching 29 in autumn and 20 in spring. The Difficult to Biodegrade or Non-Biodegradable Effluents (DBE or NBE) category records 94 cases, with a maximum frequency of 26 in winter and minimum of 21 in autumn. These results therefore show the persistence of organic pollution, which had an impact on water quality over the four seasons and throughout the period studied. The results indicate persistent organic pollution affecting water quality. Therefore, prompt actions and sustainable strategies are deemed necessary to mitigate these harmful impacts and to ensure the sustainability of the water resource.

Emerging technology effects on combined agricultural and eco-vermicompost.

This study focused on the waste management of livestock manure and wetland plant residues and their increasing effect on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The benefits of nutrient-rich plants and manures are often overlooked. By conducting a soil column experiment with a fully factorial design, this work found that adding the vermicompost amendments of wetland plants [combination of Canna indica (CiV), Cyperus alternifollius (CaV), Acorus calamus (AcV), and Hydrocotyle vulgaris (HvV) vermicompost] to agricultural wastes affected maize growth throughout its growing season. The results demonstrated that the use of combined AcV and HvV wetland plant-based vermicompost as an organic fertilizer increased the plant total nitrogen (TN: 92% increase) and soil organic matter (SOM: 192% increase) compared with those in control CK. Meanwhile, the combination of CaV with HvV increased the shoot biomass by 3.4 and 4.6 folds compared with that in NPK and CK, respectively. Overall, a new approach for transforming ecological wastes into organic fertilizers was proposed.