Ecosystem mapping and accounting are essential for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services maintenance. In this study, we tested a simple geographic information system approach by overlaying Armenia’s landscape zones with land cover data from the Environmental Systems Research Institute and the European Space Agency. This analysis resulted in maps of 20 combinations of woody and non-woody land cover classes across 10 landscape zones, which we term landscape-land cover classes (LLCCs) and use as proxies for natural ecosystems. The LLCC-based method employed in this study accounts for the landscape and geographic specificity of terrestrial ecosystems, providing data on the extent of LLCCs within ecosystem accounting areas (EAAs), identifying rare LLCCs, and tracking changes in their extent following updates to land cover data. We found this approach applicable for assessing the extent and changes of LLCCs whose area exceeds the margin of error in land cover identification. In addition, it provides a useful framework for developing a prototype of ecosystem accounting in EAAs lacking regularly updated ecosystem maps.

The present study aimed to explore the potential of bio-surfactant-based microemulsions (MEs) for extracting canola oil from canola press cake (CPC), a by-product of the oil industry. Lecithin, Tween 20, Tween 80, and Span 80, both with and without co-surfactants, were utilized to formulate ME premixes. The premixes were then combined with CPC at different ratios and subjected to centrifugation. For the Tween formulations, the effects of natural (pH 6.1) and alkaline (pH 10.0) conditions were also examined. Pure lecithin did not extract any oil, but when combined with CPC at a 1:3 ratio (CPC: premix [water:1-propanol: lecithin = 75:20:5 wt%]), approximately 50% of the oil was extracted, mostly in emulsified form. In contrast, using Tween 80 (at 70°C, with a CPC: premix ratio of 1:8 and natural pH), about 27% of residual oil from the CPC was extracted as free oil. Interestingly, under alkaline pH (10.0), Tween: water premix (0.15:99.85 wt%) at a 1:4 premix: CPC ratio resulted in the recovery of 40 - 50% of the oil from the CPC in emulsified form. These findings revealed the potential of the tested surfactants for partial oil extraction from CPC. The effectiveness of very low concentrations of Tweens under alkaline pH requires further investigations.

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic group of ancient, morphologically varied organisms that utilize oxygen for photosynthesis, contributing significantly to global carbon and nitrogen fixation while improving crop quality. With the rising population and increasing demand for food, advancing agricultural productivity is essential. Therefore, ongoing research is crucial for boosting crop development and increasing food output. According to previous studies, cyanobacteria are among the best sources for crop development and enhancement. In addition, the Azolla-Anabaena are environmentally significant organisms, as they can be used in bioremediation, the reclamation of infertile land, mosquito control, and the sustainable intensification of animal husbandry by serving as high-quality fodder. Furthermore, they play a role in bioenergy development, emphasizing bio-oil and biodiesel production. The applications of these cyanobacterial systems extend far beyond traditional agriculture, presenting opportunities for innovation in the bioenergy sector. This review provides in-depth information on the critical role of cyanobacteria in ecological restoration and socioeconomic improvement, offering valuable insights for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions. In addition, the review highlights broader applications of the Anabaena-azollae symbiosis in nitrogen fixation, plant growth, and animal feed, underscoring their multifaceted nature and vast potential for practical use.

Mussels, as filter feeders, efficiently accumulate various pollutants from the surrounding water, making them valuable bioindicators of marine environmental quality. This review focuses on their application in assessing trace element contamination in the Mediterranean Sea. Trace elements such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and zinc are commonly identified in mussels due to their potential toxicity and bioaccumulation. Seasonal variations in trace element concentrations in mussel tissues are influenced by factors such as phytoplankton blooms, gametogenesis, temperature, and salinity. However, anthropogenic activities, including industrial discharges, mining, and urban runoff, can significantly elevate these levels. The Mediterranean Sea is particularly vulnerable to pollution due to its enclosed nature and high human population density. Natural and geological phenomena contribute to the increased bioavailability of certain elements, such as arsenic and mercury, in the Adriatic Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. An in-depth understanding of these phenomena is fundamental for interpreting data from scientific studies and environmental monitoring. Regions with historical mining activities, such as the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, show elevated levels of elements such as lead and zinc. Areas with significant industrial activities, such as the Gulf of Taranto and the Gulf of Trieste (Italy), also exhibit elevated levels of trace elements in mussels. The Eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean and Marmara Seas, is characterized by widespread pollution from urban and industrial sources, as well as maritime traffic. Mussels from these regions often exhibit high levels of trace elements, particularly in areas near major cities and industrial centers. This review examines literature from the past 25 years concerning the use of mussels as bioindicators in the study of natural and anthropogenic phenomena affecting the bioavailability of trace elements in the Mediterranean Sea, providing an overview of case studies and environmental monitoring commonly carried out in this area.

Drawing on the case of Korea, this paper presents an argument on the comprehensive strategies that integrate technology, policy, and cultural changes to address the climate crisis and ensure a stable transition to renewable energy. Recently, Korea has been shifting its industrial focus to the eco-friendly energy sector, including electric vehicle industry, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This shift means that there is a growing demand for critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which are essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries. With growing interest in securing critical minerals and battery recycling, four key areas are explored from a Korean perspective: (1) the role of critical minerals in EV battery production; (2) advancements in battery recycling technology; (3) misconceptions and truths about climate crisis, energy transition, and battery recycling; and (4) ongoing policies on battery recycling in Korea. Addressing the global problems related to critical mineral procurement and battery recycling and introducing the recent implementations at the government level in Korea can contribute to sustainability, ensuring progression in the right direction.

Although susceptible to the negative consequence of climate change, rice production using continuous flooding in paddy fields contributes significantly to food security in Uganda. Alternate wetting and drying practice (AWD) is a sustainable irrigation technique with water-saving potential without reducing yields. Adopting this technique requires technical knowledge and understanding of AWD’s influence and its interaction with hydrological conditions - components of water balance including percolation and precipitation in paddy fields. This study investigated the climate suitability of AWD for improving water management with paddy rice farming in Uganda. The climate suitability analysis was conducted for Eastern Uganda considering the rainy (March - May) and dry seasons (June - July, November - February). First, we conducted a field survey from Kibimba and Doho, major rice growing schemes, and obtained FAO-WaPOR climatic data for climate suitability analysis. Ecological niche modeling in QGIS and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), a machine learning model, was used to evaluate AWD viability in paddy fields. Then, a hydrological assessment of paddy fields was performed using a water balance equation considering the ecological requirements of the paddy rice, climatic conditions, and soil properties. Results from the MaxEnt and Jackknife tests gave >92% and 90% high-performing metrics of area under the curves and percentage correctly classified, respectively. The significant environmental predictors identified include organic carbon stock (OCS) and available water, with OCS as the most influential factor. The percolation rate of 1 - 5 mm/day was unsuitable for AWD during the rainy season (when precipitation >20 mm/day since the increase in precipitation decreases percolation rates). Otherwise, AWD was suitable in dry and rainy seasons if the precipitation was <20 mm/day for all percolation rates, and over 70% of significant areas in Eastern Uganda favor AWD practice. These findings provide valuable quantitative insights based on climate suitability evaluation of AWD irrigation in Uganda to (i) upscale AWD technique for improving water management in paddy fields and (ii) support Uganda’s rice production goal.

We collected data from approximately 500 tourism destinations and revenues of Xinjiang region, China, to assess tourism resources and improve tourism industry development. We analyzed the characteristics, geographical distributions, and environmental conditions of these tourism destinations, summarized changes in regional tourism revenue over the past 34 years, and proposed strategic suggestions for the region’s tourism development. Historical sites and architectures were found to be dominant, followed by natural scenic sites, with major hotspots located in the Altay Mountains, Urumqi-Turpan-Hami line, Ili region, and Aksu-Kashgar-Hotan line. A total of 65% of tourism destinations are located mainly in low altitudes (<1,500 m), with only 20% located in high altitudes (>2,000 m). They correlate spatially with rivers and roads, often in areas with high heatwave index values. Although tourism revenues have grown rapidly in the past decades, with 1998, 2010, and 2015 as breakpoint years, Xinjiang’s tourism volume remains relatively low compared to China’s, especially in international tourism. In 2015, Xinjiang’s total tourism revenue made up 2.9% of China’s total, with international tourism accounting for just 0.5%. Based on the analysis, there is significant potential for tourism development in the Xinjiang region. Hence, we suggest developing mountainous forest tourism based on forest parks in middle and high-altitude areas with relatively lower heatwave index values, targeting the European market, expanding cultural tourism based on diverse ethnic groups, and creating “Silk Road” tourism routes with other western Chinese provinces.

Seed priming using natural biostimulants has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance germination, seedling vigor, and overall crop performance. Algal extracts - rich in phytohormones, antioxidants, osmoprotectants, and micronutrients - have gained attention for their multifaceted role in priming. This review explores the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which algal bioactive compounds influence early plant development. Phytohormones, such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins initiate metabolic activation, while antioxidants mitigate oxidative damage, improving seed resilience under stress. Simultaneously, essential nutrients support root and shoot development and enhance nutrient assimilation. These combined effects modulate key signaling cascades and gene expression patterns, promoting stronger and more adaptable seedlings. The findings of this work highlight the potential of algal extract-based seed priming as an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to conventional chemical treatments, offering a natural approach to improving agricultural productivity.

Environmental pollution is one of the most critical challenges facing modern society, and the textile industry is a significant contributor to this problem. As global demand for textiles rises, so does the environmental toll of textile production. This study explores the various ways in which the textile industry contributes to pollution and endangers both ecosystems and human health. A major source of pollution is the industry’s high energy consumption, often fueled by coal, oil, and natural gas. The burning of these fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions, contributing to air pollution, climate change, acid rain, and ozone depletion. Another major issue is the use of toxic chemicals and dyes in textile processing. Improperly treated wastewater from dyeing and finishing processes is frequently discharged into rivers, contaminating water sources, harming aquatic life, and threatening human health. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic also pose serious environmental risks. These non-biodegradable materials release microplastics during washing, which enter water systems, harm marine animals, and may even enter the human food chain. In addition, the industry generates significant solid waste, much of which ends up in landfills and releases toxic substances as it degrades. Human health is also directly impacted, particularly for those living near or working in textile facilities, who may suffer from respiratory diseases, skin disorders, and even life-threatening illnesses due to prolonged exposure to pollutants. In conclusion, addressing textile pollution requires stricter environmental regulations, sustainable production practices, better waste management, and increased awareness. Without urgent action, the negative impacts will continue to escalate.