Abstract: : Due to the lack of in-situ observations in mountainous locations, the use of remote sensing data is an alternative to analyze rainfall distribution patterns during the passage of major hurricanes. In this work, gridded precipitation data from the CHIRPS database are evaluated by comparing with observations from weather stations during the passage of category 3–5 hurricanes for the period 1980–2024. The comparison between estimated and observed values is performed by regression analysis and the use of the K and K0 coefficients. An advantage of using K-ratio and K0-ratio is the identification of overestimated or underestimated precipitation in the pixel records. The distribution of daily precipitation helped in a more concise way to better understand how well CHIRPS reproduced the observed rainfall patterns. Results show that correlations between observations and database estimates are in the range of 0.42–0.67, for eastern Pacific hurricanes, and 0.29–0.74 for Atlantic hurricanes all of which are statistically significant; however, these results do not imply congruence between observations and estimates since CHIRPS fails to adequately reproduce the position of the highest precipitation core. In the initial stages of a tropical cyclone, near- zero correlations between observations and estimates indicate that CHIRPS is not able to reproduce the observed rainfall. It is recommended to use CHIRPS with caution when the focus is on analyzing rainfall patterns during the development of intense tropical cyclones.

Abstract:

Ethiopia, a biodiversity-rich country in the Horn of Africa, faces growing threats from invasive alien plant species, notably Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine). This study assessed the current and projected future distribution of Cryptostegia grandiflora under climate change scenarios using ensemble species distribution models (MaxEnt, GLM, and Random Forest) and eight key bioclimatic variables. Model performance was high, with a mean AUC of 0.96 and a mean TSS of 0.88. The most influential predictors were mean diurnal temperature range, temperature seasonality, and precipitation seasonality. Under current climate conditions, 98% of Ethiopia (2018932.7 km²) is climatically unsuitable for the species, with suitable habitats concentrated in the central highlands and limited northern pockets. Future projections indicate substantial expansion of suitable habitat. By 2040, highly suitable areas are projected to increase by 162.0% under SSP2-4.5 and 131.2% under SSP5-8.5. By 2060, these areas are expected to expand further by 232.3% and 226.6%, respectively, relative to current climatic conditions. These projected shifts indicate an elevated invasion risk in central and southeastern Ethiopia, with significant ecological and socio-economic challenges, including suppression of native vegetation, reduced pasture productivity, and threats to pastoral livelihoods. Therefore, this study highlights the need for proactive monitoring, early containment, and climate-informed management strategies to mitigate future impacts of Cryptostegia grandiflora on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Abstract: Geochemical, petrographic, and geochronological analyses of granitoids from Kan-chanaburi Province, western Thailand, reveal key insights into magmatic evolution and metallogenesis within the Western Granite Belt. U–Pb zircon dating identifies two main magmatic episodes: Late Triassic (227-214 Ma), and Late Cretaceous (79-68 Ma). The granitoids, including quartz monzonite, granodiorite, and quartz-rich gran-ite, are composed of quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, and biotite, with minor horn-blende and accessory minerals such as titanite, zircon, magnetite, ilmenite, and garnet. Magnetic susceptibility values (0.0001 × 10-3 to 0.0199 × 10-3 SI units) indicate pre-dominantly ilmenite-series granitoids, with localized magnetite-series occurrences. Geochemical data classify these intermediate to felsic plutonic rocks as calc-alkaline to shoshonitic, with a peraluminous, S-type affinity. U-Pb cassiterite and wolframite ages of 80-77 Ma suggest that W-Sn mineralization occurred during the Late Cretaceous at early-stage magmatism. The temporal and spatial distribution of these granitoids is closely linked to Pb–Zn–W–Sn mineralization, reflecting the influence of post-collisional magmatism on regional metallogenesis in the Sibumasu Terrane. This study refines the tectono-magmatic framework of western Thailand and underscores the importance of granitoid emplacement timing in controlling mineral deposit for-mation.

Abstract: By visualising seismic data in three dimensions, it becomes evident that epicentres cluster along interfaces formed by colliding plates. These interfaces appear to be solid structures, established years before the mainshock, and remain largely stationary even after the event concludes. Major earthquakes tend to occur along such surfaces, and because seismic ac-tivity increases in these regions prior to a mainshock, their observation may provide a ba-sis for earthquake prediction. With plate positions near Japan now more clearly defined, existing models require revision. Furthermore, analysis reveals that both the number of aftershocks and the seismic energy released during a mainshock decay with distinct half-lives. This represents a fundamentally different decay pattern from the formula long regarded as correct. Employing modern statistical methods therefore yields more accurate insights, essential both for advancing our understanding of earthquake mechanisms and for improving predictive capability.

Abstract: The Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb traditionally valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, however, growing attention has shifted toward the technical and environmental potential of the plant’s industrial by-products, particularly the fibrous material left after extraction. This review integrates botanical knowledge with engineering and industrial perspectives, highlighting the role of licorice fiber in advancing sustainable innovation. The natural fiber obtained from licorice roots exhibits notable physical and mechanical qualities, including lightness, biodegradability, and compatibility with bio-based polymer matrices. These attributes make it a promising candidate for biocomposites used in green building and other sectors of the circular economy. Developing efficient recovery processes requires collaboration across disciplines, combining expertise in plant science, materials engineering, and industrial technology. The article also examines the economic and regulatory context driving the transition toward more circular and traceable production models. Increasing interest from companies, research institutions, and public bodies in valorizing licorice fiber and its derivatives is opening new market opportunities. Potential applications extend to agroindustry, eco-friendly cosmetics, bioeconomy, and sustainable construction. By linking botanical insights with innovative waste management strategies, licorice emerges as a resource capable of supporting integrated, competitive, and environ-mentally responsible industrial practices.

Abstract: The toxic effects of fluorides on aquatic organisms have raised widespread concerns on their pollution in water bodies. This study derived water quality criteria for fluorides by collecting acute and chronic toxicity data globally and conducted an ecological risk assessment of fluoride concentrations in China's surface water: the acute toxicity data covered 34 species across 14 families and 4 phyla, while the chronic toxicity data covered 7 species across 5 families and 3 phyla; Using the species sensitivity distribution (SSD), the water quality criteria SWQC and LWQC were determined to be 17.47 mg/L and 3.334 mg/L, respectively; An ecological risk assessment of fluoride concentrations in China's surface water was conducted using the risk quotient (RQ), identifying the Shahe River, Xihe River, Ebinur Lake, and Chagan Lake as high risk areas among 32 river and lake basins. Among 21 provincial-level administrative regions, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was assessed as no risk, while the remaining river and lake basins and administrative regions were classified as moderate risk or low risk. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for subsequent research and detailed optimization in related fields.

Abstract: Rapid urbanization has intensified challenges in urban water management, highlighting the growing importance of sponge city development. However, at present, the unique role of groundwater aquifers in regulating the water cycle process has been ignored, and overly simplistic construction methods are relied on. To address these limitations, this study introduces an integrated spatial optimization framework for urban-scale sponge ecosystems by coupling hydrodynamic modeling, ArcGIS-based spatial analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation. The framework systematically incorporates surface water depth, formation lithology, and groundwater depth to construct a comprehensive evaluation system for sponge ecological suitability. Shenzhen serves as the empirical case to demonstrate the framework’s applicability. Surface water depth is quantified using the Finite-Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM), while groundwater conditions are assessed through a calibrated groundwater model, thereby improving the scientific precision of ecological suitability evaluation. Leveraging GIS and Monte Carlo simulation, the study develops a streamlined yet robust methodology for optimizing the spatial configuration of sponge ecological infrastructure. Building on ecological redlines and protected areas, a landscape ecology–oriented matrix–corridor–patch analysis is applied to delineate ecologically suitable zones. Tailored planning and management strategies are subsequently formulated for each zone based on its ecological attributes. The findings offer methodological advances for sponge ecosystem construction and contribute to enhancing urban climate resilience and adaptive capacity under accelerating environmental change.

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) enter terrestrial ecosystems through various pathways, including the use of plastic mulching films, treated sewage sludge, chemical and organic fertilizers. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are the dominant polymers found in both traditional and facility-based farmland soils. MPs negatively impact soil microbial communities and also harm soil invertebrates such as earthworms, nematodes, and springtails. In plants, MPs can induce oxidative stress, damage cells and inhibit growth. Polystyrene (PS) is often identified as the most hazardous polymer, frequently linked to reduced plant growth, which is the most commonly reported effect of soil MP contamination. This review provides novel insights beyond those reported in previous literature, revealing that greenhouse-based cultivation, vegetable crops, orchards, and vineyards are significant contributors to increased soil microplastic contamination. Furthermore, the findings underscore pronounced global heterogeneity in microplastic concentrations within paddy soils, with recorded levels varying widely from 16 to 10,300 items kg⁻¹. Oxidative stress and additive leaching are the dominant mechanisms driving soil microplastic toxicity across exposed organisms. Quantitative studies of fungal-mediated microplastic biodegradation report mean degradation efficiencies of ~7.5% after 50 days, with mass losses of ~23.8% after 30 days and 35–38% after 90 days.

Abstract:

Protected areas (PA) constitute a fundamental strategy for mitigating biodiversity loss. Land-sparing approach has expanded in response to international agreements, but expansion of PA does not guarantee conservation objectives. The objective was to assess PA effectiveness in conserving Nothofagus antarctica forests in Santa Cruz (Argentina) evaluating human impacts (fire, animal use, harvesting). The research was conducted within pure native forests in Santa Cruz, Argentina. This province encompasses 52 protected areas, representing the highest concentration of conservation units within the forested landscapes of the country. At least eight of these areas include N. antarctica forests. Three land tenure categories were evaluated: protected areas (PA), buffer of 15-km from PA boundaries on private lands (BL), and private lands (PL). 103 sampling plots were established, where 38 variables were assessed (impacts, soil, forest structure, understory, animal use). Three indices were developed to analyze ecosystem integrity: forest structure (FI), soil (SI), and animal use (AI). PA presents highest FI (0.64 for PA, 0.44 for BL, 0.30 for PL) and AI (0.60 for PA, 0.55 for BL, 0.52 for PL), and together with buffer zones, the highest SI (0.43 for PA, 0.47 for BL, 0.32 for PL. PA showed superior integrity regarding compared to BL and PL, indicating effective preservation despite anthropogenic impacts.

Abstract: Prosopis juliflora is a highly invasive tree species in semi-arid and arid regions in eastern Africa. Its ability to displace herbaceous and woody species has been attributed to allelopathic effects, but this has rarely been tested in competition experiments on natural soil and experimentally binding potentially allelopathic substances. We tested the effect of soil collected underneath and outside of P. juliflora canopies, or treated with P.julilfora leaf litter, on the survival, growth and competitive ability of three resident tree species in the presence and absence of activated carbon. Survival and growth of tree seedlings was reduced on, compared to seedlings growing on soil collected outside P. juliflora canopies. When activated carbon was added to the soils, seedling performance significantly increased and did not differ anymore from that on soil collected outside P. juliflora canopies. Competition significantly reduced seedling height irrespective of the type of competitor (P. juliflora or resident tree species). There was no significant interaction between soil type and competition, suggesting that the effect of competition was independent of soil type. The results suggest that P. juliflora releases allelochemicals into the soil which have allelopathic effects on resident tree species and that at least part of these allelochemicals originate from leaf material.

Abstract: The central Bohai Sea (CBS) serves as a distribution center and wintering ground for the migration of economically important species of fish, shrimp, and crabs from the Yellow Sea and the BS. The frequency of hypoxia has gradually increased, posing a threat to the ecology of the CBS. Data from an on-site investigation of the cold water mass coverage area in the southern part of the BS in the spring, summer, and autumn of 2022 were an-alyzed to determine the relevant factors using stratification data and the nutritional status quality index. The results indicated that stratification was the leading cause of hypoxia. The 'boot-shaped' distribution of hypoxia in summer was primarily the result of the intrusion of cold and highly saline water in the northern part of the study area, as well as the intrusion of high-temperature and low-salinity water from the Yellow River estuary and the high salinity water in the northeast corner of the study area. The study found that the cold water mass in the northern part of the Bohai Sea invades the cold water mass in the southern part. This study provides novel insights into the formation and distribution of hypoxia in the CBS.

Abstract:

The survival and growth of mangrove along the coastal China was threatened by the invasive smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). Due to the high mortality and frequent replanting of mangrove trees and impacts of invasive smooth cordgrass, it is still unclear about the exact mangrove forest area in Zhejiang Province, China. Based on provincial scale UAV imagery and large numbers of field survey plots, this study classified the area and distribution of mangroves and the invasion status of smooth cordgrass using the identified machine-learning method. The accuracy assessment indicated that the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient were 97% and 0.96, respectively for land cover classifications. The total area of mangrove forest and smooth cordgrass was 140.83 ha and 52.95 ha, respectively in Zhejiang Province. The mangrove forest area was mostly concentrated in Yuhuan, Dongtou, Yueqing and Longgang districts. The overall survival rate of mangrove trees was only 36.41%, with lower than 20% survival rates in all northern and some central districts. At spatial scale, the mangrove trees showed a scattered distribution pattern, and over 70.04% of the planting area has canopy coverage lower than 20%, indicating a high mortality rate. Smooth cordgrass has widely invaded in all 11 districts, accounting for about 13.7% of the total planting area of mangrove trees. Over 67.3% and 85.4% of the planting area has been occupied by smooth cordgrass in Wenling and Jiaoxiang districts, respectively, which calls for an intensive anthropogenic intervention to control the spreading of smooth cordgrass in these districts. Our study provides a more accurate monitoring of the mangrove and smooth cordgrass distribution area at a provincial scale. The findings will help guide the replanting and management activities of mangrove trees and the control planning of smooth cordgrass, and also provide data basis for accurate estimation of carbon stock for mangrove forests in Zhejiang Province.

Abstract: The North American Prairies are a region of critical importance to continental hydroclimate and agriculture, exhibiting high sensitivity to variability in atmospheric moisture transport. This study investigates the seasonal and interannual variability of integrated moisture flux over the Prairie region (246°–264°E, 49°N–53°N) using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Reanalysis dataset from 1979 to 2022. We employ a combination of composite analysis and Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis to identify the dominant modes of variability and their associated large-scale synoptic drivers. Our results confirm a strong seasonal reversal: winter moisture flux is predominantly zonal (westerly), contributing an average of 26.2% to total inbound flux, while summer flux is primarily meridional (southerly), contributing a dominant 72.6%. Composite analysis of extreme moisture years reveals that anomalously high moisture winters are associated with an intensified Aleutian Low and a strengthened pressure gradient off the North American west coast, facilitating enhanced westerly flow. Conversely, a strengthened continental high-pressure system characterizes anomalously low moisture winters by. During summer, high moisture years are driven by an enhanced southerly component of flow, likely linked to a strengthened Great Plains Low-Level Jet (GPLLJ). The first EOF mode for winter explains 36.4% of the variance in eastward flux and is characterized by a pattern consistent with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection pattern. These findings underscore the control of Pacific-centric circulation patterns on Prairie hydroclimate and have significant implications for predicting seasonal water availability.

Abstract: A method is presented for studying the influence of disjunctive geological faults on the formation of conditions that lead to gas-dynamic phenomena (GDP) during the ex-traction of outburst-prone coal seams. The methodology is based on numerical model-ing of the stress–strain state of the rock mass using the finite element method (FEM) to determine the magnitudes of principal stresses in the zone between the excavation and the fault. Based on the adopted coal–rock strength theory, areas of disturbed rock in-tegrity are identified, which are considered potentially hazardous in terms of sudden coal and gas outbursts. The results of modeling a real gas-dynamic event that occurred in an operating mine confirmed the applicability of the proposed approach for pre-dicting outburst-prone zones during excavations within disjunctive tectonic faults. The scientific novelty of this research lies in identifying the specific features of stress-field formation resulting from the interaction between natural geological faults and tech-nological disturbances induced by mining operations. On this basis, a method has been developed to detect potential zones of gas-dynamic manifestations. After validation under mine conditions, the proposed method can be recommended for practical im-plementation in the design and planning of mining operations to forecast and prevent GDP.

Abstract:

Driving rain or ‘wind-driven rain’ (WDR) arrives at the ground on an oblique trajectory, and drops may strike at a speed greater than their still-air terminal velocity. Oblique rain can affect a range of geomorphic processes including the splash dislodgment and transport of soil particles, and hydrological processes including overland flow, canopy interception and the generation of stemflow. The mean rain inclination angle at which WDR strikes the ground has been estimated from the catch of paired gauges, one with a conventional horizontal orifice, and one with a vertical orifice. Such data allow the resolution of rain vectors to find the rain inclination. This can only be carried out over periods sufficiently long for a measurable rain depth to be measured, and does not permit the real-time recording of rain inclination. Here, a new acoustic method for measuring rain inclination is introduced that provides an inexpensive tool for the continuous, real-time monitoring of WDR. Furthermore, the method also permits the simultaneous recording of rainfall duration and intermittency at high temporal resolution, with no additional apparatus. Data on rain inclinations collected during showers on a tropical coast exposed to strong trade-winds are presented to illustrate the operation of the acoustic measurement system. However, the focus of this paper is the presentation of the new method itself, and not on the climatology of WDR.

Abstract:

Reliable upscaling of peatland carbon stocks is fundamentally challenged by fine-scale microrelief heterogeneity, which remains unresolved by conventional field or satellite methods. We demonstrate the critical advantage of Unmanned Aerial System LiDAR (UAS-LiDAR) for mapping the hierarchical microrelief (ridges/hollows, hummocks/depressions) of a Western Siberian ombrotrophic bog to enhance ground-layer phytomass estimation. We developed and validated a straightforward, rule-based method to classify microforms from a normalized digital terrain model using optimized elevation thresholds. The resulting map was used to upscale field-measured phytomass and compared against estimates from satellite imagery (SuperView-2) and traditional field-visual extrapolation. While total landscape-level phytomass stocks were similar across methods (~93–97 t ha⁻¹), their spatial allocation among microtopographic elements differed fundamentally. Crucially, the satellite-based method exhibited a predictable, landscape-dependent systematic bias (overestimation in ryam with hollows, underestimation in ryam), which remained hidden when using only aggregate accuracy metrics. Only the LiDAR-based approach accurately resolved the biomass of critical small microforms (e.g., hummocks within hollows), which were missed or misaggregated by traditional techniques. We conclude that objective, high-resolution microrelief mapping via UAS-LiDAR is essential for spatially explicit and ecologically coherent phytomass upscaling, providing an indispensable structural template for accurate carbon accounting in heterogeneous peatlands.

Abstract: Leachate in landfills becomes difficult to treat due to its complex and widely variable composition, containing a large amount of organic, inorganic substances and heavy metals. When it seeps into the ground, leachate pollutes groundwater, and if discharged into surface water, it will harm the aquatic environment in the corresponding area. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to treat leachate before discharging it into the environment to prevent this negative impact. In this study, a lab-scale A2O (Anaerobic–Anoxic–Oxic) system integrated with a Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR) was established. We evaluated key water quality indicators of wastewater pretreated by internal electrolysis, the effluent from the A2O–MBBR system, and the combined treatment process. The wastewater was taken from Nam Son landfill, Soc Son, Hanoi, in Viet Nam. COD, BOD5, NH4+-N, and pH of the input leachate wastewater were 2140 mg/L, 250 mg/L, 895 mg/L, and 8 ± 0.5, respectively. The conditions of internal electrolysis were as follows: 120 minutes of reaction time, pH =4, 4.0 g/L Fe/Cu dosage and 100 mg/L PAM dosage. Following the internal electrolysis pretreatment, the removal efficiencies of COD, BOD₅, and NH₄⁺–N reached 49.0%, 4.8%, and 11.2%, respectively. After 24 hours of operation, the integrated treatment process exhibited markedly enhanced performance, achieving removal rates of 85.0% for COD, 85.2% for BOD₅, 94.1% for total nitrogen, 98.0% for total phosphorus, and 96.7% for NH₄⁺–N. These results demonstrate the high synergistic efficiency of the combined internal electrolysis–A₂O–MBBR system. Furthermore, all post-treatment parameters complied with the Vietnamese standard QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT (Column B2) for leachate wastewater, confirming its effectiveness and environmental suitability.

Abstract: Existing soil remediation approaches are either lacking in cost effectiveness, environmental impacts or societal acceptance. Environmental remediation techniques are often characterized by considerable time requirements, and may leave residual effects on the natural ecosystems, thereby potentially compromising net environmental benefits. This study investigated the oil adsorption capacity of aerogels produced from waste orange peels. Aerogels are highly porous three-dimensional materials made from organic and inorganic materials, with low density, and high adjustable specific surface area. Orange peels aerogel was produced from waste orange peels using combined methods of physical, chemical, and thermal modification process, and was dried using freeze-drying method. Adsorption and reusability test were conducted after characterization of the aerogel. Surface characterization of the orange peels aerogel indicated it has an ultra-light density of 0.010417g/cm3, high porosity of 99%, and contact angle measurement of 102o. Adsorption experiment was conducted with sandy and clay soils, and the maximum oil adsorption capacities of the orange peels aerogel was 13.55mg/g and 9.60mg/g for sandy and clay soil respectively. High oil adsorption capacity was shown by the produced aerogel and attributed to the ultra-light density of 0.010417g/cm3 and high porosity of 99% of the orange peel aerogel. In conclusion, the higher oil adsorption capacity of orange peels aerogel in sandy soil than clay soil indicated that soil texture and aerogel properties influenced the oil remediation capacity of orange peel aerogels. The reusability test in three adsorption trials indicated that orange peels aerogel is a sustainable material for the remediation of oil-contaminated soil.

Abstract: The demand for ready-to-eat salads made from leafy vegetables such as wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) continues to rise due to their convenience and high levels of bioactive compounds. However, both organically enriched substrates and sustainable packaging alternatives to conventional plastic films are required to reduce the envi-ronmental impact of wild rocket production. This study assessed the effects of three cultivation substrates as growing media and three biodegradable packaging materials (polylactic acid (PL), cellulose kraft (CK), and kraft-reinforced polylactic acid (PLK)) on the postharvest performance of wild rocket stored at 4 °C for 7 and 14 days. Plants were grown in coco peat (CP), coco peat supplemented with livestock compost (90:10; CP+LC), and coco peat combined with mushroom compost (50:50; CP+MC). Yield and key pre- and postharvest quality attributes, including nitrate accumulation, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, colour, and weight loss, were evaluated. CP+LC pro-duced the highest harvest yield, whereas CP promoted greater phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Among the packaging materials, PLK provided the most bal-anced internal atmosphere, effectively reducing dehydration and condensation while preserving superior sensory quality after 14 days. Overall, the integration of organic compost amendments, particularly CP+LC, with PLK bio-based packaging represents a promising and sustainable strategy to maintain postharvest quality and reduce the en-vironmental footprint of minimally processed wild rocket within short food supply chains.

Abstract: The advance and delay of the rainy season is among the most frequently cited effects of climate change by Ecuadorian farmers. However, its assessment is not feasible using the conventional indicators recommended by the standardized indices of the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). This study aims to analyze such advances and delays through harmonic analysis in Tungurahua, a predominantly agricultural province in the Tropical Central Andes, where in-situ data are scarce. Daily in-situ data from five meteorological stations were used, including precipitation, maximum, and minimum temperature records spanning 39 to 68 years. The study involved an analysis of the region’s climatology, climate change indices, and harmonic analysis using Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) and Wavelet Coherence Transform (WCT) to identify seasonal patterns and their variability (advance or delay) by comparing historical and recent time series, and Kriggin for regionalization. The year 2000 was used as a breakpoint for comparing past and present trends. Results show a generalized increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures. In the case of extreme rainfall events, no significant changes were detected. Harmonic analysis was found to be sensitive to missing data. Furthermore, the observed advances and delays in seasonality were not statistically significant and appeared to be more closely related to the geographic location of the stations than to temporal shifts.