Abstract: Arsenate As (V) is a toxic aquifer/underground water element with a high potential to harm humans. Adequate treatment of arsenic-contaminated water is vital to ensure public health. The present investigation describes As (V) removal by iron oxide-coated in batch experiments at dif-ferent levels of adsorbent amount, contaminated solution initial concentration, contact time, and system temperature. Different As (V) initial concentrations showed that adsorption in the Langmuir isotherm model has a higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.99) than the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.73). According to the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity was 4.84 mg∙g-1 of As (V) after 2 h exposure with 0.15 g/50 mL iron oxide coated ignimbrite adsorbent concentration. Likewise, a pseudo-first-order model kinetic study was more adequate in de-scribing the adsorption process at As (V) concentration of 15 mg∙g-1 by using 0.15 g / 50 mL ad-sorbent concentration at 283 K, 293 K, and 303 K. Observed results in the batch experiments in-dicate that iron oxide-coated ignimbrite is a potential adsorbent for reducing high concentrations of As (V) in contaminated water.

Abstract: The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, known as the "water tower of the world," is experiencing severe water scarcity due to declining spring discharge. This decline is driven by climate change, unsustainable human activities, and rising water demand, leading to significant impacts on rural agriculture, urban migration, and socio-economic stability.This review investigates the factors behind reduced spring discharge and advocates for a transdisciplinary approach to address the issue. It stresses integrating scientific knowledge with community-based interventions, recognizing that water management involves not just technical solutions but also human values, behaviors, and political considerations. The paper explores the benefits of public-private partnerships (PPP) and participatory approaches for large-scale spring rejuvenation. By combining the strengths of both sectors and engaging local communities, sustainable spring management can be achieved through collaborative and inclusive strategies. It also highlights the need for capacity development and knowledge transfer, including training local hydrogeologists, mapping recharge areas, and implementing sustainable land-use practices. In summary, the review offers insights and recommendations for tackling declining spring discharge in the HKH region. By promoting a transdisciplinary, community-centric approach, it aims to support policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Abstract: Saprotrophism is a life mode exhibited by microfungi. Saprobes are cosmopolitan and occur in various habitats and ecological niches dwelling on diverse substrates and this contributes to the high numbers of fungi. Being abundant in litter, soil and decaying matter, they play crucial roles specifically towards mediating carbon and nutrient fluxes. Saprobic fungi in forest ecosystems may be host-specific or have host preferences and revealing this phenomenon will provide insights towards predicting global fungal numbers. In recent years, elucidation of saprobic fungi has been revolutionized through advances in molecular phylogenetics and the availability of genomic data, particularly in the Asean region. High-throughput sequencing and metagenomic approaches have revealed that the mycota are more diverse than previously established in samples in tropical forest ecosystems. This review discusses the role of fungi as saprobes, their host-specificity and host preference, their importance in litter decomposition and nutrient recycling, and their global dispersal. Approaches to establish fungal prevalence in the current genomic era are also discussed.

Abstract: The Eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica), a sub-group of Tyto alba, the most common species of owl in the world, is classified as “of least concern” under local legislation but appears to be affected by urban development. Between 3/8/ 2010 and 31/12/2021, 412 wild Eastern barn owls were presented for treatment to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. A retrospective study of their medical records shows a strong association between season and the number of admissions, with a combined total of 80% of admissions occurring in winter and spring (the breeding season for this species) in southeast Queensland. There were no significant association between age and admissions. The most common diagnosis was traumatic injuries, especially in winter and spring. Of all admissions, 46.61% died or were euthanased, 36.17% were transferred to wildlife carers, and 13.83% were released. We postulate that the breeding season results in an increase in the owls’ activity, in turn resulting in greater risk exposure, and an increased admissions to veterinary clinics. These findings appear to confirm that and thus provide information about the vulnerability of this species to anthropogenic activities, and the implications for outcomes of injured owls.

Abstract: Open-burning of agricultural residues is a widespread practice with significant environmental implications. This study explores the potential of satellite remote sensing to detect and analyze small-scale agricultural fires in Portugal, focusing on their spatial and temporal characteristics. Using active fire detection products from various satellite platforms, including VIIRS, MODIS, SLSTR, and SEVIRI, we conducted a detailed analysis across two local case studies and a national-scale assessment. The study evaluates both active fire detections and post-fire burned area estimations, including high-resolution satellite imagery to overcome the limitations associated with the small size and low intensity of these fires. Results indicate that while active fire detections are feasible for larger-scale burnings, challenges remain for smaller fires due to resolution constraints. A systematic comparison with an agricultural burning request database further highlights the need for enhanced temporal and spatial precision in data to improve detection reliability. Despite these limitations, this work underscores the importance of remote sensing tools in monitoring agricultural burning practices and enhancing environmental management efforts.

Abstract: Mountain ecosystems, including Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), are particularly vulnerable to climate change, affecting biodiversity, water resources, and community livelihoods. This study integrates remote sensing data, meteorological records, and local community insights over 35 years (1988–2023) to assess land use and land cover (LULC) changes and climate resilience strategies. Analysis of vegetation health (NDVI) and snow cover (NDSI) alongside community perceptions reveals a 13% increase in vegetation, reduced barren land, and notable adaptation practices, including water conservation and climate-adjusted agriculture. Findings highlight the importance of blending scientific data with local knowledge to drive sustainable resource management policies, contributing to SDGs 6 and 13. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for adaptive water management, resilient agricultural practices, and participatory conservation to support sustainable development in vulnerable mountain ecosystems.

Abstract: Despite being considered a form of green energy, Photovoltaic panels face a logistical challenge when it comes to proper disposal. As the end-of-life for first-generation panels approaches, exploring methodologies more suitable for the Brazilian context is essential, as this technology has not yet been widely adopted. This study analyzed recycling treatment methods from photovoltaic modules using the SWOT analysis tool, focusing on the Brazilian economy scenario. It used bibliometric searching for methodology. The three main comminution methods—thermal, physical, and chemical—were discussed among the other methods available for photovoltaic panel recycling. Scenario identification was used to evaluate these methods by cross-referencing the factors of the SWOT matrix to determine how each technique fits into a growth, development, maintenance, and survival scenario. The study concluded that the most suitable treatment method for Brazil's reality is thermal treatment, explicitly utilizing the Solvothermal Expansion with Thermal Decomposition (SSTD) or Electrothermal method, chosen from 11 possible methods. It was found that all chemical and physical treatments can produce some form of toxic effluent/waste during the process. In contrast, thermal treatments are already widely commercialized and make the smallest number of toxic compounds, dependent only on the energy source.

Abstract: Permafrost thawing is potentially a crucial but poorly investigated factor that influences vegetation dynamics in the Arctic. We studied permafrost thaw rate beyond the Polar Circle in Siberia and analyzed its influence on the larch (Larix spp.) growth and the Arctic vegetation (sparse larch forests, tundra, and forest-tundra communities) productivity (NPP and GPP). We checked the hypothesis: (1) satellite gravimetry is valid for permafrost melt analysis; (2) melt water runoff stimulated trees’ growth and vegetation NPP. We used dendrochronology, field studies, and satellite (GRACE, Terra/MODIS) data. We found a stable decreasing trend (r2 = 0.67) of the water content in the permafrost soils in the Siberian Arctic. Melt water runoff is about 7.7 ± 4.4 kg/m2/yr (with maximal values 9.7 ± 2.9 in West and Mid Siberian Arctic sectors and negative ones (-2.9 ± 3.2) in the Chukotka Peninsula sector). Permafrost meld led to an increase in vegetation productivity. We found that larch radial growth index (GI) and vegetation NPP correlated with melt water runoff (r = –0.7 and r = 0.55, respectively). The VPD (vapor pressure deficit), air and soil temperatures increase stimulated larch growth and vegetation NPP (r = 0.7…0.9 and r = 0.6, respectively). With warming, permafrost degradation leads to improving hydrothermal conditions for trees and vegetation growth and by that contributes to the preservation of the Arctic as a carbon sink territory despite the burning rate increase.

Abstract: Senegalese cities have experienced rapid urbanisation, leading to profound landscape changes. Dakar, one of the cities with the fastest urban expansion, has seen major negative impacts on the availability and quality of its green spaces. This study examines the spatio-temporal evolution of Dakar’s green spaces over recent decades. Using satellite imagery, this study produces land use maps to quantify green space coverage. The results show a gradual decline in green spaces in Dakar between 1990 and 2022. 1990 green spaces covered an estimated 13.36 % of Dakar’s area, which decreased significantly to 9.54 % by 2022. Meanwhile, other land uses, such as built-up areas, increased significantly during this period, from 19.23 % in 1990 to 39.34 % in 2022. This pattern highlights the growing challenge of green space availability as built-up areas expand rapidly, particularly when growth is unplanned. This study underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning that integrates the protection and conservation of Dakar’s vegetation to preserve vital ecosystem services.

Abstract: LEO satellites offer reduced signal loss, fast movement, multi-beam, typically providing single coverage. This paper introduces a novel multi-beam power positioning method for low-orbit single-satellite, addressing the slow convergence and low accuracy of Doppler positioning. It establishes a power observation equation system, initializes with the nearest neighbor algorithm, and refines with the least squares method. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that with good initial values, the method converges in under 10 iterations, achieving 88.06% availability at 20° elevation with errors of 5331m (vertical) and 8798m (horizontal), and a timing error of 205μs. At 70° elevation, all users converge with errors of 1614m and 1088m, and a timing error of 31.3μs, demonstrating high power positioning availability. The statistical results show that power positioning users can obtain the positioning accuracy of kilometers and the timing accuracy of microseconds, which meets initial timing needs under strong confrontation, enhancing the medium and high orbit satellite navigation.