Search Results (113)

Nature-based systems predominantly treat faecal sludge in developing regions due to their cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity. These systems, including solid–liquid separation, anaerobic digestion, dewatering, phytofiltration, and composting produce, treated sludge with variable characteristics. However, application-specific characterisation of treated sludge from these systems remains limited, hindering evidence-based agricultural application. This study investigated thirty treated faecal sludge samples from unplanted drying beds, planted drying beds, and co-composting, with a focus on their soil application potential. Nonparametric statistical analysis revealed that treatment processes significantly influenced the key properties, including electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and potassium content. The co-compost yielded comparatively higher conductivity (4.9 dS/m) and potassium levels (1.09%) but lower total nitrogen (2.15%) and organic carbon contents (28%). Additionally, co-composted sludge exhibited a balanced nutrient profile with a wide range of micronutrients and high variability. Despite this variability, all samples met the Indian compost quality guidelines for heavy metals. The findings underscore the importance of treatment-specific characterisation to inform appropriate soil application rates and ensure safe use. This study contributes to the development of quality criteria and guidelines for use of faecal sludge in agriculture, particularly in regions such as India, where no regulatory framework currently exists for faecal sludge application. Full article

Groundwater nitrate (NO₃⁻) contamination has emerged as a critical global environmental issue, posing serious human health risks. This study systematically investigated the hydrochemical processes, sources of NO₃⁻ pollution, the impact of land use on NO₃⁻ pollution, and drinking water safety in an urban area of southwestern China. Thirty-one groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major hydrochemical parameters and dual isotopic composition of NO₃⁻ (δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ and δ¹⁸O-NO₃⁻). The groundwater samples were characterized by neutral to slightly alkaline nature, and were dominated by the Ca-HCO₃ type. Hydrochemical analysis revealed that water–rock interactions, including carbonate dissolution, silicate weathering, and cation exchange, were the primary natural processes controlling hydrochemistry. Additionally, anthropogenic influences have significantly altered NO₃⁻ concentration. A total of 19.35% of the samples exceeded the Chinese guideline limit of 20 mg/L for NO₃⁻. Isotopic evidence suggested that primary sources of NO₃⁻ in groundwater include NH₄⁺-based fertilizer, soil organic nitrogen, sewage, and manure. Spatial distribution maps indicated that the spatial distribution of NO₃⁻ concentration correlated strongly with land use types. Elevated NO₃⁻ levels were observed in areas dominated by agriculture and artificial surfaces, while lower concentrations were associated with grass-covered ridge areas. The unabsorbed NH₄⁺ from nitrogen fertilizer entered groundwater along with precipitation and irrigation water infiltration. The direct discharge of domestic sewage and improper disposal of livestock manure contributed substantially to NO₃⁻ pollution. The nitrogen fixation capacity of the grassland ecosystem led to a relatively low NO₃⁻ concentration in the ridge region. Despite elevated NO₃⁻ and F⁻ concentrations, the entropy weighted water quality index (EWQI) indicated that all groundwater samples were suitable for drinking. This study provides valuable insights into NO₃⁻ source identification and hydrochemical processes across varying land-use types. Full article

Climate change poses a significant threat to Ethiopian agriculture, impacting both cereal and livestock production through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increased pest and disease outbreaks. These challenges intensify food insecurity, particularly for smallholder farmers and pastoralists who rely on climate-sensitive agricultural systems. This systematic review aims to synthesize the impacts of climate change on Ethiopian agriculture, with a specific focus on cereal production and livestock feed quality, while exploring effective adaptation strategies that can support resilience in the sector. The review synthesizes 50 peer-reviewed publications (2020–2024) from the Climate Change Effects on Food Security project, which supports young African academics and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using PRISMA guidelines, the review assesses climate change impacts on major cereal crops and livestock feed in Ethiopia and explores adaptation strategies. Over the past 30 years, Ethiopia has experienced rising temperatures (0.3–0.66 °C), with future projections indicating increases of 0.6–0.8 °C per decade resulting in more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and landslides. These shifts have led to declining yields of wheat, maize, and barley, shrinking arable land, and deteriorating feed quality and water availability, severely affecting livestock health and productivity. The study identifies key on-the-ground adaptation strategies, including adjusted planting dates, crop diversification, drought-tolerant varieties, soil and water conservation, agroforestry, supplemental irrigation, and integrated fertilizer use. Livestock adaptations include improved breeding practices, fodder enhancement using legumes and local browse species, and seasonal climate forecasting. These results have significant practical implications: they offer a robust evidence base for policymakers, extension agents, and development practitioners to design and implement targeted, context-specific adaptation strategies. Moreover, the findings support the integration of climate resilience into national agricultural policies and food security planning. The Climate Change Effects on Food Security project’s role in generating scientific knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for building institutional and human capacity to confront climate challenges. Ultimately, this review contributes actionable insights for promoting sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture across Ethiopia. Full article

This study elucidates soil–climate regulatory mechanisms on regional health baselines in China and hydrogeochemical roles in cardiovascular biomarker differentiation. Utilizing data from 26,759 healthy adult samples across 286 Chinese cities/counties, seven core factors were identified via Pearson correlation analysis from 25 indicators, including longitude (X₁, r = −0.192, p = 0.009), elevation (X₃, r = 0.377, p = 0.001), and precipitation (X₇, r = −0.200, p = 0.006). Ridge regression analysis (R² = 0.714) was subsequently applied to simulate predicted values for 2232 cities/counties. The synergistic effects of soil calcium sulfate content and salinity (X₂₅) on serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) reference values were rigorously validated, explaining 25.5% of regional cTnI elevation (ΔR² = 0.183). The findings demonstrate that precipitation leaching and groundwater recharge processes collectively drive a 25.5% elevation in cTnI levels in northwestern regions (e.g., Nagqu, Tibet: altitude > 4500 m, annual sunshine > 3000 h) compared to southeastern areas. To mitigate salinity transport dynamics, optimization strategies targeting soil cation exchange capacity (X₁₈/X₁₉) were proposed, providing a theoretical foundation for designing gradient water treatment schemes in high-calcium-sulfate zones (CaSO₄ > 150 mg/L). Crucially, regression equations derived from the predictive model enable the construction of a geographically stratified reference framework for cTnI in Chinese adults, with spatial analysis delineating its latitudinal (R² = 0.83) and longitudinal (R² = 0.88) distribution patterns. We propose targeted strategies optimizing soil cation exchange capacity to mitigate sulfate transport in groundwater, informing geographically tailored water treatment and cardiovascular disease prevention efforts. Our findings provide localized empirical evidence critical for refining WHO drinking water sulfate guidelines, demonstrating direct integration of hydrogeochemistry, water quality management, and public health. Full article

Historically, agriculture has been a key driver of rural development. Therefore, outlining strategies that enhance agricultural production for economic sustenance, quality of life, and the durability of natural resources puts us on the right path to ensure sustainability. This is the focus of the green business model proposal, which aims to provide farmers with tools to strengthen their daily activities while preserving the ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its benefits. Opening a marketing channel under green business guidelines for iceberg lettuce as a biofortified food crop in the municipality of Chocontá in Cundinamarca, Colombia, is an innovative approach to addressing food security issues. Currently, 24.8% of households in 23 cities consume two meals a day or fewer. This proposal also seeks to influence crop rotation in the municipality, helping to mitigate soil degradation in the area. Full article

Turmeric powder has gained widespread popularity due to its culinary and medicinal value and has become a target for economically motivated fraud. The history and exportation of turmeric in Africa were reviewed, and the safety issues of some toxic adulterants were discussed. Priority adulterants were determined from global food safety alerts. A systematic bibliographic search on Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was performed to identify appropriate methods and techniques for authentication and safety. The quality of each study was assessed according to PRISMA guidelines/protocol. African turmeric exportation is on the rise due to recent insights into the suitability of local cultivars, soil and climate for growing high-quality turmeric, with curcumin levels >3%. There are limited data on turmeric adulteration for domestic consumption and export markets. This is important when considering that some turmeric adulterants may serve as risk factors for cancer following exposure. Global alert databases revealed lead chromate as the top hazard identified of all adulterants. Current techniques to detect adulterants are laboratory-based, and while efficient, there is a need for more rapid, field-friendly, non-destructive analytical tools for turmeric fraud/authenticity testing. This enables on-the-spot decision-making to inform rapid alerts. Portable technologies, such as portable X-ray fluorescence, were highlighted as showing potential as a Tier 1 screening tool within a “Food Fortress” systems approach for food safety, combined with validation from mass spectrometry-based Tier 2 testing. Full article

Biochar is a stabilised, carbon-rich material created when biomass is heated to temperatures usually between 450 and 550 °C, under low-oxygen concentrations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sawdust, cocoa pod ash and rice husk biochars in remediating metal-contaminated paddy soil in Nobewam, Ghana. Biochar was applied 21 days before cultivating the rice for 120 days, followed by soil sampling and rice harvesting for metals and physicochemical analyses. Compared to the untreated soils, biochar treatments exhibited an enhancement in soil quality, characterised by an increase in pH of 1.01–1.20 units, an increase in available phosphorus (P) concentration of 6.76–13.05 mg/kg soil and an increase in soil total nitrogen (N), and organic carbon (OC) concentration, ranging from 0.02% to 0.12%. Variabilities in electrical conductivity and effective cation exchange capacity were observed among the treated soils. Concentrations of potentially toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead and zinc) in paddy soils and rice analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the sampled soils. The concentrations of arsenic and lead in all soil samples exceeded the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment soil quality guideline for agricultural soils, with untreated soils having the highest levels among all the soils. Cadmium had a potential ecological risk index > 2000 and a geoaccumulation index above 5, indicating pollution in all samples. In contrast, arsenic and mercury contamination were only found in the untreated soils. Among the tested treatments, rice husk and its combinations, particularly with cocoa pod ash, showed significant efficacy in reducing metal concentrations in the soils. The potential non-carcinogenic human health risks associated with the consumption of rice grown in biochar-treated soils were lower for all the metals compared to the control samples. Future research should focus on long-term field studies to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms governing metal immobilization in paddy fields. Full article

With the acceleration in urbanization, surface hardening has increased, urban flooding and soil erosion problems are frequent, and urban water resource management faces great challenges. Sponge city construction can effectively alleviate these problems by simulating the natural water cycle and constructing blue–green infrastructure. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the ArcGIS weighted overlay tool were used to construct a framework for assessing the suitability of sponge city construction in Suzhou from the three dimensions of Geo-Smart spatial productive forces, Eco-Dynamic green productive forces, and Resilio-Tech responsive productive forces. A zoning strategy based on new quality productive forces is also proposed. The results show that Suzhou can be divided into three types of construction zones according to the suitability level: key construction zones, secondary key construction zones, and general construction zones. The key construction zones account for about 28.01% of the total land area, mainly covering the built-up areas of Suzhou, covering the developed urban areas such as Gusu District, Xiangcheng, Suzhou Industrial Park, and other key zones such as Northern Kunshan. The secondary key construction area and general construction area, on the other hand, account for 61.94% and 10.05% of the total area, respectively. From the new quality productive forces, this study proposes the following construction guidelines for sponge city zones: (1) enhance the coordinated development of urban planning and sponge city construction; (2) promote blue–green infrastructure development, strengthen inter-departmental cooperation, and ensure ecological and economic co-development; and (3) encourage public participation in governance. This research offers theoretical and practical guidance for sponge city construction in Suzhou and other cities from the perspective of new quality productive forces. Full article

Institutional environmental measures play a fundamental role in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027, which primarily focuses on eco-schemes and for which the EU Member States must allocate part of their direct payment budget. The total budget under eco-schemes in the EU is an important part of Pillar I of the CAP 2023–2027. The aim of this study is to determine the capacity of Polish agriculture in ANCs to adopt practices under eco-schemes in the first year (2023) of the CAP 2023–2027. In the international literature, there is an apparent paucity of such analyses conducted for the newly designated ANCs in the EU Member States based on the European Commission’s guidelines under the CAP 2014–2020 and applicable under the CAP 2023–2027. Practices under eco-schemes are now fundamental for EU agriculture, increasing soil fertility, using rational fertilization and, as a result, improving the quality of products offered to consumers. It was pointed out that at this moment in ANCs, the use of eco-schemes is not satisfactory. The conclusions emphasized that in the EU, including Poland, eco-schemes should be implemented by as many farmers as possible, regardless of the size of the farm they have and the natural conditions in which they carry out agricultural production. Full article

This paper critically examines Brazil’s legislative framework for pesticide waste management, highlighting recent advancements and persistent challenges. The introduction of Law 14785/2023 marks a pivotal shift in pesticide regulation, streamlining registration processes and enhancing safety measures. This law consolidates various aspects of pesticide management, from research to disposal, aiming for more efficient oversight. Complementary to this, foundational laws such as the Federal Constitution (1988), Law 6938/1981 (National Environmental Policy), Law 12651/2012 (New Forest Code), and Law 13123/2015 (Biodiversity Law) establish broad guidelines for environmental protection and the sustainable use of resources. Specific regulations, including the Environmental Crimes Act (Law 9605/1998) and CONAMA Resolutions No. 465/2014 and No. 420/2009, address critical aspects of pesticide waste, focusing on proper disposal and soil quality management. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in the effective implementation of these laws. Inadequate monitoring systems and limited stakeholder awareness hinder regulatory enforcement. Strategic recommendations to address these issues include enhancing monitoring technologies, strengthening educational initiatives, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and adapting legislation to keep pace with technological advancements. A robust pesticide waste management system is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability in agricultural production. Inefficient disposal practices can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to biodiversity and public health. By reinforcing regulatory enforcement and integrating sustainable waste management strategies, Brazil can mitigate the environmental impact of pesticide use while promoting safer agricultural practices. The ongoing evolution of legislation reflects a commitment to sustainability; however, continuous efforts are necessary to fully realize these goals and align agricultural development with environmental conservation. Full article

The use of pesticides is essential for the production of high-quality agricultural products. However, the repeated application of pesticides has led to the contamination of environments, such as the atmosphere, soil, and surface water, affecting ecosystems and leading to residues on crops, which pose potential risks to human health. Accordingly, regulations regarding pesticide usage, application frequency, timing, and maximum residue limits have been established to manage residual pesticides. The Positive List System (PLS), with a default tolerance of 0.01 ppm, has been applied to both domestic and imported agricultural products for which no established maximum residue limits (MRLs) exist in Korea. This study developed a multi-residue analytical method for the simultaneous determination of six pesticides, including 2,4-DB and 2,4,5-T, for which no domestic MRLs have been established, as well as for 2,4-D, 4-CPA, Dicamba, and Dichlorprop, for the management of imported agricultural products. The target pesticides were extracted and purified using the QuEChERS method and quantified by LC-MS/MS. The analytical method was validated according to the CODEX (CAC/GL 40-1993) and the Guidelines of Standard Procedures of Test Methods for Foods and Other Substances established by the MFDS. Using the developed and validated analytical method, monitoring of imported agricultural products was conducted. Full article

Water scarcity presents a critical challenge to global sustainability, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and environmental pollution. In this context, graywater reuse has emerged as a promising solution, offering substantial water savings with significant potential for agricultural applications. However, efficient treatment methods are essential to ensure safe reuse, as contaminants vary depending on the source. This study introduces a cyclic graywater treatment system that integrates both mechanical and biological filtration processes. A key feature of this system is the inclusion of Chenopodium quinoa, a resilient plant known for its phytoremediation potential, which enhances filtration efficiency and facilitates contaminant removal. The study examines the impact of treated graywater on soil and quinoa properties, focusing on its suitability for irrigation. The results show that the cyclic treatment system significantly improves graywater quality, enhancing the removal of biological and microbiological contaminants, such as BOD, with a significant decrease ranging from 31.33 mg O₂/L to 15.74 mg O₂/L is observed after treatment. For COD, the average values decreased from 102.64 mg O₂/L to 54.19 mg O₂/L after treatment, making the treated graywater compliant with Tunisian regulation NT 106.03 and WHO guidelines. Cyclic treatment significantly reduced the microbial load of graywater. For example, for E. coli, the average decreased from 0.87 log 10/100 mL in RGW to 0.58 log 10/100 mL in GWT3. The results demonstrate that the cyclic treatment process can predict the graywater quality beyond the three tested stages. This study highlights the potential of plant-based cyclic graywater treatment systems as an eco-friendly and scalable approach for sustainable water management in agriculture. Full article

Groundwater is crucial for domestic, agricultural, and ecological uses, particularly in the lower reaches of arid basins, where its quality often limits availability. A total of 26 phreatic groundwater samples were collected from a typical endorheic watershed on the Tibetan Plateau to assess the hydrochemical characteristics of phreatic groundwater in the lower reaches of arid inland watersheds. The hydrochemical characteristics, quality, and formation mechanisms of groundwater were analyzed using the Entropy-Weight Water Quality Index (EWQI), irrigation water quality indexes (such as sodium adsorption ratio, soluble sodium percentage, and permeability index), hydrochemical diagrams, and correlation analysis. The findings indicate that phreatic groundwater in the lower reaches is slightly alkaline, with a substantial TDS variation from 252.58 to 1810.41 mg/L. Groundwater is predominantly characterized by fresh hydrochemical facies of HCO₃-Ca and HCO₃-Na types, with a few saline Cl-Na types present. The concentrations of NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻ and NH₄⁺, in groundwater range from 0.32 to 100.00 mg/L, 0.00 to 0.48 mg/L, and 0.00 to 0.20 mg/L, respectively, and 3.59%, 26.92%, and 7.69% of the samples exceeding the permissible drinking limits recommended by Chinese guideline and World Health Organization. Groundwater is classified as fresh at 80.8% of sampling sites and brackish at 19.2%. Approximately 96.2% of the sampled groundwaters is rated as excellent to medium quality according to EWQI assessments, suitable for domestic use, while 3.8% is of extremely poor quality and should be avoided for direct consumption. Groundwater from all sampling sites is suitable for agricultural irrigation and does not pose permeability hazards to the soil. Most groundwaters are suitable for long-term irrigation in terms of sodium hazards, with only 3.8% and 7.7% of samples falling into the “Permissible to Doubtful” and “Doubtful to Unsuitable” categories, respectively. Salinity poses the primary threat in long-term irrigation, with 38.5%, 53.8%, and 7.7% of sampled groundwaters exhibiting moderate, high, and very high salinity risks, respectively. Groundwater chemistry is primarily governed by water-rock interaction and evaporation, with additional impacts from agricultural inputs of nitrogen contaminants and chemicals. Agricultural practices contribute to elevated groundwater salinity in the study area, while natural evaporation drives salinity accumulation in the lower parts. In managing and utilizing groundwater resources in the study area and similar arid regions globally, attention should be paid to salinity caused by agricultural activities and natural evaporation, as well as nitrogen pollution from farming. Full article

This study investigated the effects of applying olive mill wastewater (OMWW) at different periods prior to corn (Zea mays) sowing on germination rate (GR), growth, and soil nutrient availability in calcareous soil. The OMWW was applied at rates of 0, 20, 40, and 60 m³ ha⁻¹ and was allowed to remain in soil for zero, one, two, three, or four months before sowing corn seeds. Immediate planting after OMWW application significantly reduced the GR, with rates of 83%, 75%, and 63% at 20, 40, and 60 m³ ha⁻¹, respectively. Germination improved when corn was sown one month after OMWW application, with a GR of 92% at both 20 and 40 m³ ha⁻¹ and 79% at 60 m³ ha⁻¹. The GR increased to 96% for the 40 and 60 m³ ha⁻¹ rates when OMWW was applied two months before planting. The adverse impact on GR disappeared when OMWW was in the soil for three months before sowing, providing a GR similar to the unamended control. Corn dry matter yield also improved when OMWW was applied two to three months before planting. The phytotoxic effects of OMWW, due to its high polyphenol content, diminished over time due to rapid degradation in calcareous soils. Soil available N and P were highest, and plant N, P, and K content increased, when OMWW was applied two months prior to planting. Soil pH decreased from 7.8 to 7.2 at 60 m³ ha⁻¹ of OMWW at planting time. Results suggest that OMWW can enhance soil quality and corn growth if applied one to two months before planting to avoid possible negative impact on germination. This work bridges the gap between waste management and sustainable agriculture, offering practical guidelines for OMWW utilization. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in soil is a global issue threatening human health and ecosystems. Accurate spatial maps of heavy metals (HMs) are vital to mitigating the adverse effects on the ecosystem. This study utilizes GIS and multivariate analysis to evaluate HMs in agricultural soils from Al Ghat Governorate, Saudi Arabia, analyzing Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn using ICP-AES in 35 soil samples. Methods included contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), risk index (RI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), soil quality guidelines (SQGs), and multivariate analysis. The soils, characterized by sandy texture, low organic matter, and alkalinity due to arid conditions and high calcium carbonate, had the following HM concentrations (mg/kg) in descending order: Fe (11,480) ˃ Al (7786) ˃ Mn (278) ˃ Zn (72.37) ˃ Ni (28.66) ˃ V (21.80) ˃ Cr (19.89) ˃ Co (19.00) ˃ Cu (12.46) ˃ Pb (5.46) ˃ As (2.69). EF, CF, and Igeo suggest natural sources for most HMs, predominantly from the sedimentary sequence, with localized Zn, Pb, Co, Mn, and Cu enrichment linked to mixed natural and agricultural influences. PLI and RI indicated acceptable contamination levels, posing no ecological risk. All samples fell below SQG thresholds for As, Cu, Pb, and Cr, confirming minimal ecological threat. Statistical analysis highlighted sedimentary cover as the primary HM source, with agricultural activities contributing to Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb levels. Full article