https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/issue/feed Journal of Global Ecology and Environment 2026-07-15T10:31:20+00:00 International Knowledge Press [email protected] Open Journal Systems <p>Journal of Global Ecology and Environment (ISSN: 2454-2644) aims to publish high quality papers in all areas of ‘Ecology and Environment’. This journal considers following <a href="https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/about/submissions">types of papers </a>(<a href="https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/about/submissions">Link)</a>.</p> <p>The journal also encourages the submission of useful reports of negative results. This is a peer-reviewed, open access INTERNATIONAL journal. This journal follows OPEN access policy. All published articles can be freely downloaded from the journal website.</p> <p><strong>NAAS score: 4.54 (2026)</strong></p> https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10702 A Comprehensive Review of Three-way Catalytic Converters for Automotive Exhaust Emission Control: Materials, Performance, and Challenges 2026-06-10T11:57:59+00:00 Akinola Afolabi [email protected] <p>Catalytic converters are critical emission control devices employed in internal combustion engine vehicles to mitigate the release of harmful exhaust pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). By facilitating catalytic reactions that convert these toxic compounds into less harmful substances, catalytic converters play a vital role in reducing the environmental and public health impacts associated with vehicular emissions. This paper presents a comprehensive review of catalytic converter technologies, with particular emphasis on three-way catalytic converters (TWCs), which remain the predominant emission control technology in modern gasoline-powered vehicles. The study examines the fundamental aspects of catalyst materials, structural configurations, reaction mechanisms, and key operational parameters that influence catalytic converter performance. A systematic review of relevant literature published between 2003 and 2025 is conducted to evaluate recent developments in exhaust emission control technologies, highlighting advances in catalyst design, thermal management strategies, modelling approaches, and efforts to reduce dependence on costly noble metals. Furthermore, the review identifies major challenges affecting catalytic efficiency under real-world driving conditions, including catalyst ageing, thermal degradation, and cold-start emissions. Finally, potential future research directions are discussed, focusing on the development of cost-effective, thermally stable, and environmentally sustainable catalytic systems that can support increasingly stringent emission regulations, particularly within developing economies.</p> 2026-06-10T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10681 Dendrophthoe annamalayana S. Akash, K. Manikandan and A. Rajesh sp. nov. (Loranthaceae), a New Species from Tamil Nadu, India 2026-06-04T12:29:52+00:00 Sugaseelan Akash [email protected] Kathavarayan Manikandan Authinarayanan Rajesh <p><em>Dendrophthoe annamalayana </em>S. Akash, K. Manikandan, and A. Rajesh sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu. The species is closely allied to <em>Dendrophthoe falcata. </em>However, it can be easily distinguished by its opposite decussate, opposite-subopposite and alternate leaves, which are lanceolate and elliptic-lanceolate, cuneate, measuring 8–10 × 1.5–2 cm, with entire and undulate margins and a yellow border. The bract is reniform; the calyx is 1.5–2 mm long; and the buds are greenish-golden yellow. The corolla tube is split equally on all sides, with linear-oblanceolate lobes having acuminate apices and a dark green colouration on both surfaces. The filaments are greenish-golden yellow; the anthers are oblanceolate with obtuse apices and brown in colour; the ovary is cylindrical; and the fruit is elongated ovoid. A comparison table, detailed morphological description, and colour photograph are provided. According to IUCN guidelines 2024, version 16, the conservation status of the recorded species is Data Deficient (DD).</p> 2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10747 Utilizing Nuclear Energy to Drive Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review 2026-06-23T10:57:15+00:00 Orumo B. Kenoll [email protected] Anthony Ekedegwa Agedah Ebisomu Rasheed Olajide Alao <p>A considerable proportion of Nigeria's population lacks access to reliable electricity, and this continues to constrain economic productivity, industrial activity and social development. This review examines nuclear energy as a potential option for strengthening Nigeria's energy supply and supporting long-term economic development. It discusses Nigeria's current energy situation, including the limitations of conventional energy sources, the persistence of electricity shortages and the need to diversify the national energy mix. The review also considers the potential contributions of nuclear energy, particularly stable baseload electricity, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, lower operational greenhouse gas emissions, technological advancement, employment creation and support for industrial growth. Alongside these prospects, the study identifies major challenges that could affect nuclear energy deployment in Nigeria, including capital requirements, infrastructure limitations, regulatory readiness, public acceptance, waste management, security concerns and the need for specialised human capacity. Lessons from countries with established nuclear energy programmes are used to highlight the importance of long-term planning, strong institutions, public engagement, international cooperation and effective safety regulation. The review further outlines strategic approaches for Nigeria, including phased development, consideration of small modular reactors, grid modernisation, bankable financing models, capacity building and sustained policy commitment. The study concludes that nuclear energy could contribute to Nigeria's energy security and development goals if implemented through a cautious, transparent and well-regulated framework.</p> 2026-06-23T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10798 The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health in Africa: A Critical Narrative Review 2026-07-04T05:11:21+00:00 Enokela Onum Shadrach [email protected] S. M. Bebelade <p>Air pollution has emerged as one of the most consequential, yet historically under-examined, environmental health threats confronting the African continent. Rapid urbanisation, continued reliance on solid biomass fuels for domestic energy, expanding vehicle fleets composed largely of imported used vehicles, gas flaring, open waste burning, and seasonal Saharan dust intrusions combine to expose hundreds of millions of Africans to concentrations of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants that routinely exceed international health-based guidelines. This critical review synthesises evidence published over the past decade on the sources, distribution and health consequences of ambient and household air pollution across Africa, with particular attention to respiratory, cardiovascular, maternal, perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes, as well as the disproportionate burden borne by women, children and informal-sector workers. The review further considers the continent's air quality monitoring infrastructure, the substantial economic costs associated with pollution-related morbidity and mortality, and the fragmented policy and regulatory landscape that currently governs air quality across African states. Evidence indicates that household air pollution from solid fuel combustion remains the dominant exposure pathway for the majority of the population, while ambient pollution from transport, industry and waste burning is rising sharply in urban centres. Both exposure pathways are associated with substantial burdens of lower respiratory infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes and premature mortality, with the heaviest toll falling on children under five years of age and on women engaged in domestic cooking. Air quality monitoring infrastructure remains sparse relative to other world regions, constraining both the precision of exposure assessment and the capacity of governments to design and enforce effective mitigation policy. The review concludes that integrated investment in clean energy transition, strengthened monitoring networks, and harmonised regional air quality governance represents an urgent and achievable public health priority for the continent.</p> 2026-07-04T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10799 Zoos and Aquariums as Socio-Ecological Testbeds: Technological Pathways for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Development in Indian and Global Contexts 2026-07-04T05:17:54+00:00 N. D. Hitesh Santhebennur Jayappa Veeresh [email protected] H. T. Raghavendra Gowda <p>Zoos and aquariums have moved well beyond their historical role as menageries of curiosity. They now operate as composite institutions in which conservation science, public education, animal welfare and urban land management converge. This review examines the claim that zoos and aquariums function as socio-ecological testbeds: living laboratories where technological innovation is trialled, evaluated and diffused in ways that bear directly on climate change mitigation and the wider sustainable development agenda. Drawing on a narrative synthesis of recent peer-reviewed literature, the article follows four interlocking technological pathways. The first concerns genetic and reproductive biotechnologies, including cryobanking, assisted reproduction, genome editing and environmental DNA surveillance, which extend the reach of ex situ conservation as habitat loss accelerates. The second concerns digital and computational technologies, spanning artificial intelligence-assisted monitoring, immersive visitor experiences and behaviour-change communication, which reshape how institutions generate evidence and engage the public on climate science. The third concerns operational sustainability: renewable energy adoption, circular waste-to-energy systems and green infrastructure, each delivering direct mitigation benefits alongside habitat for free-ranging urban biodiversity. The fourth situates these pathways within India, where the Central Zoo Authority's regulatory architecture, conservation breeding programmes and emerging Vision Plan illustrate both the promise and the constraints of technological uptake in a resource-constrained, biodiversity-rich setting. Throughout, the review attends to governance gaps, equity concerns and unresolved debates about the educational efficacy of zoo-based interventions, arguing that technological capability alone cannot substitute for institutional reform, international cooperation and sustained investment in the Global South. The article concludes that zoos and aquariums, while no substitute for in situ conservation or systemic decarbonisation, constitute an underappreciated node within the global sustainability infrastructure, one whose testbed function merits closer integration into national biodiversity and climate strategies.</p> 2026-07-04T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10811 From Waste Streams to Superbugs: How Pharmaceutical and Hospital Effluents Drive Antimicrobial Resistance in Urban Ecosystems 2026-07-07T12:46:23+00:00 Rashidat Abolore Adeyemo [email protected] Olukunle O. Akanbi Ogunmekan Inumimo Chibuoke Chinenye Telma Tosin Abiodun Aderanti Mmesoma Somtochukwu Chime Chinasa Francis Njoba <p><strong>Background:</strong> Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health challenge, and environmental pathways are increasingly recognised as important drivers of resistance emergence and dissemination. Pharmaceutical manufacturing activities and hospital wastewater systems release antibiotic residues, resistant microorganisms, and antimicrobial resistance genes into urban aquatic environments, creating conditions that favour resistance selection and persistence.</p> <p><strong>Objective:</strong> This narrative review synthesises current evidence on the contribution of pharmaceutical and hospital effluents to antimicrobial resistance in urban ecosystems, identifies major environmental pathways, and examines existing mitigation and regulatory strategies.</p> <p><strong>Methods: </strong>Relevant literature published between January 2000 and August 2025 was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by reports from international organisations. Evidence relating to pharmaceutical pollution, hospital wastewater, environmental reservoirs, wastewater treatment technologies, and policy responses was synthesised using a thematic narrative approach.</p> <p><strong>Key Findings:</strong> Studies across diverse geographical settings indicate that pharmaceutical and hospital effluents frequently contain antibiotic concentrations capable of promoting resistance selection and introducing multidrug-resistant organisms and mobile resistance genes into municipal wastewater systems. Conventional treatment processes do not consistently remove these contaminants, enabling their persistence and dissemination within urban environments. Regulatory oversight remains uneven, with limited implementation of enforceable effluent standards and targeted pretreatment requirements.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Reducing environmentally mediated AMR requires strengthened environmental surveillance, improved wastewater treatment infrastructure, responsible pharmaceutical waste management, and integrated One Health governance frameworks. Coordinated action across healthcare, industry, and environmental sectors is essential to mitigate resistance amplification in urban ecosystems.</p> 2026-07-07T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10640 Effect of Agricultural Landuse Change on Food Security in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria 2026-05-26T12:13:53+00:00 Terna Korom [email protected] Caroline, N. Igbo-Uchi Egbeji, Thomas Egem <p>Agricultural landuse change has become a major issue affecting food security in many rural communities in Nigeria, especially in areas where farming is the main source of livelihood. In Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, increasing population growth, urban expansion, and conversion of farmland for settlement and infrastructural development have reduced the availability of arable land for food production, thereby contributing to household food insecurity. The study assessed effect of agricultural land use change on food security in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The researcher employed a survey research design combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Multistage sampling technique was used where 360 farmers were sampled using simple random sampling technique from the twelve (12) council wards and sixty (60) kindred areas that make up Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.&nbsp; The 360 farmers were interviewed with the help of research assistants using copies of semi-structured questionnaire to elicit information on the patterns of agricultural land use, factors responsible for changes in agricultural land use in the study area, effect of agricultural land use change on household food security. Data collected was analyzed using both descriptive statistics such as tables and simple percentages, while the t-test statistic was used to test the formulated hypothesis. The result indicated that increased agricultural activities coupled with other anthropogenic activities occasioned by increased population resulted in the changing agricultural land use. The result also revealed that the conversion of agricultural land for settlement and infrastructural development deprive farmers of arable land to cultivate, thereby reducing food crop production.&nbsp;&nbsp; The result clearly showed that most households were food insecure. The study further proved that agricultural land use change has a significant impact on household food security in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. It indicates that agricultural land use change greatly influences food production and availability in the study area. The study recommended among others sustainable land management, land use policy enforcement, balancing cash and food crops, provision of improved seeds, fertilizers, and affordable credit facilities, family planning and sustainable livelihoods, agricultural extension services and establishing community-based food reserves in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.</p> 2026-05-26T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10694 Spatiotemporal Quantification of Carbon Flux Dynamics in Malawi’s Forest Ecosystems and Other Land-use Systems 2026-06-08T13:51:52+00:00 Edward Missanjo [email protected] Henry Kadzuwa <p>Accurately tracking carbon dynamics by sources, sinks, and removals in Malawi’s Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector is critical for understanding the country’s contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) balances and for guiding effective climate policy. However, there is little research in Malawi on tracking these gas fluxes (emissions and removals) from their sources and sinks. A study was conducted to track carbon dynamics by sources, sinks, and removals in Malawi’s LULUCF sector for the period 2018-2022. Carbon Stock Change Approach, following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines, were employed. The approach integrated forest inventory data and Earth Observations from Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imager and ALOS-PALSAR-1. Activity datasets were categorised into land classification schema sources of Forestland, Cropland, Grassland, Wetland, and Settlement. Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis at a 95% confidence level was applied to assess data reliability and estimate uncertainties in emissions and removals. The results revealed that total emissions from the LULUCF sector declined by 10.29%, primarily due to reduced deforestation rates and increased forest regrowth. Forestland contributed the largest proportion of emissions (79.08%), followed by cropland (9.70%) and wetlands (8.50%). In contrast, the Grassland and Settlement categories contributed the lowest, 2.60% and 0.12%, respectively. Forest conversion to other land uses decreased, while natural regeneration and afforestation initiatives enhanced carbon removals. The overall uncertainty level was low, 4.16%. This greatly enhances Malawi’s ability to participate in carbon markets, report transparently under climate conventions, and attract climate finance with reduced risk. Finally, the study also contributes to Malawi’s first biennial transparency report (BTR1) and fourth national communication (NC4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement. Future studies should focus on assessing the impacts of climate variability and land management practices on long-term carbon dynamics to further improve the accuracy and policy relevance of LULUCF assessments.</p> 2026-06-08T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10709 Multi-Nutrient Assessment Using Two Universal Extractants in Effluent-Amended Weathered Tropical Soils Derived from Different Parent Materials 2026-06-12T10:22:50+00:00 Akanimo M. Ikpe Trenchard O. Ibia Ndifreke I. Udosen [email protected] <p>The accurate evaluation of available nutrients remains challenging due to problems associated with nutrient fixation, variable parent materials, and anthropogenic inputs resulting from agricultural and industrial activities. This work evaluated the effectiveness of two universal extractants, 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl<sub>2</sub>) and Agro-Services International (ASI) multi-nutrient extracting solution, employed for the extraction of available phosphorus, potassium, iron, and manganese within effluent-impacted soils in a highly weathered tropical region. These extractants were employed on soils underlying palm oil mill effluent and cassava mill effluents within coastal plain sands, beach ridge sands, and sandstone-shale parent materials in the study area in Southern Nigeria. Soil samples acquired at depths of 0-20 and 20-40 cm were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Results indicated that ASI extractants consistently extracted higher nutrient concentrations than CaCl<sub>2</sub> across all parent materials, treatments, and depths. Phosphorus was the dominant nutrient extracted, followed by manganese, iron, and then potassium, with greater nutrient accumulation observed within the 0–20 cm depths. Effluent-impacted soils recorded higher nutrient concentrations in comparison to control soils, indicating nutrient contributions from the palm oil and cassava mill effluents.&nbsp; Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between extractable nutrients and soil properties, illustrating the strong influence of soil physicochemical characteristics on nutrient dynamics and extractant performance. This study demonstrates that extractant choice impacts nutrient evaluation in effluent-amended tropical soils. It also establishes ASI extractants as a more efficient universal extractant for evaluating potentially available nutrient levels in highly weathered acidic soils.</p> 2026-06-12T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10727 Long-Term Assessment of Forest Fire Dynamics and Terrain Influences Using Remote Sensing Data in Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India 2026-06-15T12:25:53+00:00 Abhay Pratap Singh Shailesh Kumar Mohammed Latif Khan Devanand Maurya Satyam Verma [email protected] <p>Forest fires are major ecological disturbances influencing vegetation dynamics and ecosystem functioning in tropical dry deciduous forests. The present study assessed the spatial and temporal distribution of forest fires in Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS), Central India, using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Multi-temporal Landsat series data, MODIS active fire products and DEM-derived topographic variables were integrated for a 22-year period (2002–2023) to analyse forest fire frequency, hotspot distribution and the influence of topographic factors on recurrent fire occurrence. Forest fire frequency mapping revealed that the very high fire frequency class occupied the largest proportion (47.9%) of the sanctuary area, indicating repeated fire incidences across major parts of the landscape. MODIS fire analysis showed strong annual and seasonal variation, with maximum fire activity recorded during 2021–2022 and peak fire occurrence during February–April. Hotspot analysis identified the central and southeastern regions of the sanctuary as highly fire-prone zones. Topographic analysis indicated that moderate elevations (500–550 m), gentle slopes (0–10°), south-facing aspects and rugged terrain conditions were more vulnerable to recurrent forest fires. These results suggest that topographic influence and vegetation structure jointly regulate fire regimes in RWS. The findings enhance our understanding of long-term fire dynamics and terrain influences in Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, providing valuable scientific support for fire risk assessment, monitoring and conservation planning.</p> 2026-06-15T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10734 Physiological Health and Blood Profile of Labeo rohita in Biofloc Aquaculture: Implications for Sustainable Urban Fish Production in Tribal Chhattisgarh, India 2026-06-20T06:15:53+00:00 Jyoti Singh [email protected] Namita <p><strong>Background:</strong> Biofloc technology (BFT) is a resource-efficient aquaculture approach that supports water-quality management, nutrient utilisation and reduced environmental impact.</p> <p><strong>Aim:</strong> The present study aimed to evaluate the physiological health status of <em>Labeo rohita</em> reared under biofloc conditions through haematological and biochemical assessments and to examine the suitability of BFT for sustainable fish production in the tribal region of Sarguja, Chhattisgarh, India.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> <em>Labeo rohita</em> fingerlings were cultured for 90 days in a biofloc-based aquaculture system under controlled management conditions. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected and analysed using standard laboratory procedures. Haematological parameters, including haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, leucocyte profile and platelet count, were determined. Serum biochemical parameters, including cholesterol, glucose, SGOT, SGPT, albumin and total protein, were also evaluated to assess metabolic and physiological status.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The fish exhibited a haemoglobin concentration of 13.9 g/dL, an RBC count of 3.91 million/cumm, a total leucocyte count of 5,960 cells/cu.mm and a platelet count of 3.19 lakh/cu.mm, all of which were within the stated physiological reference ranges. Biochemical analyses showed serum cholesterol (11.2 nmol), glucose (41.2 mg/dL), SGOT (59.2 IU/L), SGPT (14.1 IU/L), serum albumin (19.3 g/dL) and total protein (52.3 g/dL), indicating normal metabolic function, satisfactory nutritional status and no evidence of marked physiological stress or hepatic dysfunction under the study conditions.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The observed haematological and biochemical profiles indicate that <em>Labeo rohita</em> maintained under biofloc conditions remained in good physiological health during the culture period. These findings suggest that BFT may be a suitable and resource-efficient aquaculture option for supporting fish production in tribal and semi-urban regions of Chhattisgarh.</p> 2026-06-20T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10763 Levels, Characteristics and Distribution of Micro- & Nanoplastics (MNPs) in River Ngadda’s Surface Water, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria 2026-06-27T10:27:37+00:00 Mathias Nzitiri Bwala [email protected] Abalis Ezra Gaya Ahmad Jibrin Nayaya Toma Buba <p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study assessed the occurrence, characteristics, seasonal distribution and environmental associations of microplastics and an operationally defined submicron plastic fraction in the surface water of River Ngadda, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.</p> <p><strong>Study Design: </strong>A longitudinal field-based environmental monitoring study involving seasonal sampling and multivariate statistical analysis was employed.</p> <p><strong>Place and Duration of Study: </strong>The study was conducted in River Ngadda, Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, across six sampling stations over eight months (March - October 2025), covering both the dry and wet seasons.</p> <p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Surface water samples were collected monthly from six sampling stations between March and October 2025, covering the dry and wet seasons. At each station, five 4 L subsamples were composited to obtain representative samples. Samples were processed using wet peroxide oxidation, followed by size separation with a 50 μm stainless-steel sieve and 0.45 μm membrane filtration. Microplastic particles were examined microscopically and confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, while the retained submicron plastic fraction was characterised using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, nitrate and sulphate, were also measured.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>All measured physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency. Microplastic abundance ranged from 29 ± 2.4 to 41 ± 1.6 particles/L during the dry season and from 27 ± 4.6 to 34 ± 8.3 particles/L during the wet season. Polymer-associated concentrations of the submicron plastic fraction ranged from 27.0 ± 1.4 to 38.0 ± 2.1 μg/L in the dry season and from 21.0 ± 0.3 to 34.0 ± 1.1 μg/L in the wet season. Fragments were the dominant microplastic form, while polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide and polyvinyl chloride were identified. Multivariate analyses indicated associations between plastic contamination and selected water-quality variables.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>River Ngadda is contaminated with microplastics and submicron plastic particles, although physicochemical parameters remained within regulatory limits. The predominance of fragmented plastics and diverse polymer types suggests continuous anthropogenic inputs and ongoing degradation processes. Environmental variables, particularly water-quality parameters, influence the distribution and dynamics of plastic pollutants within the river system. Continuous monitoring and improved waste management strategies are therefore necessary to mitigate plastic pollution and protect aquatic ecosystem health.</p> 2026-06-27T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10774 Anthropogenic Controls on Sediment Geochemistry and Environmental Quality in the Treichville Sector of the Ebrié Lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire 2026-06-29T11:14:03+00:00 Etche Mireille Amani [email protected] Housseu Elisée Gueu Ted Wango Sylvain Monde <p>The Treichville sector of the Ebrié Lagoon is exposed to domestic, industrial, and other anthropogenic inputs associated with surrounding residential and industrial activities. This study assessed the occurrence of trace metals in surface sediments and examined their implications for sediment environmental quality. Sediment samples collected from selected sites in the Treichville sector were subjected to granulometric and chemical analyses. Trace metals were quantified, and the results were interpreted using continental crust reference values, enrichment factors, geoaccumulation indices, and TEC-PEC sediment quality guidelines. Twelve metals were identified, with reported concentrations ranging from 7.20 to 12,094.28 mg/kg. Aluminium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc showed comparatively high concentrations, while arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead remained low. The enrichment and geoaccumulation results suggest that several elements reflect anthropogenic influence, particularly inputs linked to untreated discharges from domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities near the lagoon. Copper, zinc, and lead showed notable enrichment patterns, whereas arsenic, cadmium, and mercury did not indicate comparable contamination. Comparison with TEC and PEC values showed that most concentrations were below the TEC, although a proportion of copper and zinc concentrations exceeded the PEC. Overall, the findings indicate degraded sediment environmental quality in the Treichville sector and suggest potential concern for benthic organisms and human exposure pathways.</p> 2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10792 Fuelwood Consumption and Environmental Degradation in Benue State, Nigeria: An Assessment of Linkages and Impacts 2026-07-03T07:50:21+00:00 Geri Tor Godfrey [email protected] Aondoahemen Edward Adamgbe Terngu Paul Ugosor <p>This study examined the relationship between fuelwood consumption and environmental degradation in Benue State, Nigeria. It focused on five Local Government Areas: Guma, Otukpo, Katsina-Ala, Oju, and Gwer-East. The study investigated the factors responsible for fuelwood use, the major forms and frequency of consumption, perceived environmental effects and possible control measures. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining a questionnaire-based survey with oral interviews. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered, of which 392 were retrieved and analyzed, while 10 respondents were interviewed to provide qualitative insights. Quantitative data were presented using frequency and percentage tables, and interview responses were discussed descriptively. The findings showed that poverty and low income, free or easy access to firewood, the high cost of alternative fuels and limited support infrastructure for cleaner energy sources were major factors encouraging fuelwood consumption. Fuelwood was used mainly as firewood for cooking, processed into charcoal and used for brick burning and other heat-generating activities. Respondents associated fuelwood consumption with air pollution, deforestation, wall blackening, soil erosion, ecological imbalance, desertification, greenhouse gas emissions, disruption of the water cycle, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Suggested control measures included subsidizing alternative fuels, improving support infrastructure, regulating tree felling, promoting efficient stoves, encouraging cleaner fuels, creating public awareness, and supporting economic empowerment. The study concludes that reducing fuelwood dependence in Benue State requires practical, affordable and locally acceptable energy and environmental interventions.</p> 2026-07-03T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://ikprress.org/index.php/JOGEE/article/view/10852 Assessment of Ophidian Diversity In and Around Chitradurga Town, Karnataka 2026-07-15T10:31:20+00:00 S. Ganavi A. F. Pramod C. Roopa [email protected] Vijaya Kumara <p>Herpetofauna comprise amphibians and reptiles that are highly sensitive to habitat alteration, climate change, and pollution, making them valuable indicators of ecosystem integrity. Snakes are among the most fascinating yet misunderstood animals, although they play a crucial role in ecological communities. Semi-arid towns such as Chitradurga provide numerous microhabitats for both generalist and habitat-specialist snakes. The present study was conducted in Chitradurga town over one year, from June 2024 to June 2025, using opportunistic sightings and secondary data collection. The objectives were to document snake diversity, estimate sighting frequency and abundance, collect primary and secondary data from snake rescuers, and raise public awareness. The study recorded 19 snake species belonging to six families, with Colubridae accounting for 63% of the total species recorded. Non-venomous snakes comprised a greater proportion than venomous and mildly venomous species. Most species were classified as Least Concern, whereas the Red Sand Boa and Indian Rock Python were classified as Near Threatened. Seasonal variation showed that snake rescues were highest during the monsoon and post-monsoon months and lowest during the hot summer months. The Shannon diversity index indicated a moderately diverse snake community in the study area (H′ = 2.28). The community comprised common, moderately common, and rare species, indicating a relatively balanced distribution of individuals among species. The findings emphasise the importance of conserving snake diversity while addressing public safety. Regular monitoring, targeted awareness campaigns, and improved healthcare preparedness may facilitate human–snake coexistence.</p> 2026-07-15T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.