Abstract: Atmospheric lightning is an outcome of interplay among the meteorological parameters under the influence of convective processes occurring in troposphere. Radiation, temperature and wind are the prime driving parameters of the convective phenomena. Often, the reanalysis data has been utilized to understand the precursor of the lightning occurrences. As the lightning is a disaster where nowcasting is important, for operational utilization, it is deemed to utilize space-borne near real-time measurements. The present study investigates the utilization of existing near real-time Indian remote sensing Satellite data to identify the signatures of of the lightning occurrences. Results reveal a lead-time of about 2.5 hours can be achieved when these precursors are used for lightning occurrences. The study provides first step into the prediction of the lightning occurrences over India using the Indian remote sensing geostationary satellite.

Abstract: The Dead Sea region, characterized by its hypersaline conditions, significant base-level fluctuations, and active tectonic processes, presents a uniquely challenging environment for geological and geophysical studies. Recent advancements in remote sensing techniques have opened new avenues for exploring and understanding the complex subsurface dynamics. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies that employed diverse remote sensing methods to investigate the geomorphological, tectonic, and hydrological processes shaping the Dead Sea region. The studies underscore the effective use of drone-based photogrammetry, frequency domain electromagnetic methods, and integrated geophysical techniques, providing comprehensive insights into the subsurface geology and the mechanisms driving environmental changes. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges posed by sinkhole formation to major industrial operations in the region and how remote sensing has been pivotal in monitoring and mitigating these hazards. The successful integration of these methods demonstrates their potential in overcoming the limitations imposed by the extreme conditions of the Dead Sea, delivering valuable data for both scientific inquiry and environmental management.

Abstract: Studying natural hazards in the context of human-induced landscape transformation is complex, especially in regions with limited information. Elderly narratives can play a role in filling these knowledge gaps at the multi-decadal timescale. Here, we build upon a citizen-based elderly approach to understand natural hazard patterns and landscape transformation in a tropical mountainous environment, the Kigezi highlands (Uganda). We engaged 98 elderly citizens (70 years old and above) living in eight small watersheds with contrasting characteristics. Through interviews and focus group discussions, we reconstructed historical timelines and used participatory mapping to facilitate the interview process. We cross-checked the information of the elderly citizens with historical photographs, archives and field visits. Our results show that major land use/cover changes are associated with a high population increase over the last 80 years. We also evidence an increase in reported natural hazard events such as landslides and flash floods from the 1940’s until the 1980’s. Then, we notice a stabilization in the number of hazard events per decade, although the two most impacted decades (1980’s and 2000’s) stand out. Despite this new information, an increase of natural hazard frequency due to land use/cover change cannot yet be quantitatively validated, especially when the probable modulator effect of climate variability is considered. Nevertheless, the increase in exposure of vulnerable population to natural hazards is clear, and population growth together with poor landscape management practices are key culprits to explain this evolution. This study demonstrates the added value of historical narratives to understand natural hazards in the context of environmental changes.

Abstract: This study was carried out to appraise the groundwater fluoride removal effectiveness of Al-Fe oxide-infused diatomaceous earth (DE) in a continuous flow fixed-bed column. The adsorbent was optimally synthesized and then characterized. A glass column designed for the experiment was packed with the test adsorbent at specific doses. The effects of flow rate, influent fluoride concentration and bed height (adsorbent dose) on fluoride removal were evaluated by fixing the value of a parameter while varying the other. The breakthrough volume was the volume of treated water obtained until the concentration of fluoride in treated was 1.5 mg/L, being the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017) maximum limit of fluoride in drinking water. The maximum breakthrough volume obtained in the study was 118.2 mL at the optimum conditions of influent F- concentration = 5 mg/L, 1–g adsorbent giving an initial bed height = 7.5 cm, and flow rate = 1.97 mL/min. Channeling and co-existing anions were limiting factors for the attainment of breakthrough volume for groundwater defluoridation. Further work using granulated adsorbent may probably improve the rigidity of adsorbent and reduce channeling effect.

Abstract: One of the primary focal points is the critical evaluation of the role that prescribed burning plays in temperate and boreal forests. The significance of understanding the intricate interplay between human intervention and natural processes in these ecosystems. While non-intervention strategies are often heralded as the optimal approach for preserving biodiversity, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role that wildfires, both naturally occurring and prescribed, play in shaping and maintaining the robustness of forest ecosystems. This study a scoping review aims to explore in-depth the intricate and multifaceted relationship between forest wildfire protection and biodiversity conservation strategies, delving into the complexities and nuances that exist within this crucial field. This comprehensive examination draws insights into recent scholarly contributions, encompassing a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies to provide a holistic understanding. Relationship between forest wildfire management and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the necessity for adaptive strategies that incorporate both scientific insights and traditional ecological knowledge. In conclusion, the literature collectively underscores the critical need to re-evaluate current fire management practices to enhance biodiversity outcomes during the climate crisis. The integration of scientific insights with Indigenous fire stewardship presents a promising pathway for fostering resilient forest ecosystems and promoting biodiversity conservation.

Abstract: Carbon nitrides are polymeric materials with a broad extent of applications, including photocatalysis. Among them, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a low-cost material, is an excellent photocatalyst under visible light irradiation owing to its features such as correct band positions, high stability and non-toxicity. g-C3N4 is a metal-free material that is easily synthesized by polymerizing nitrogen-rich compounds and is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for many reaction procedures due to its distinctive electronic structure and the benefits of the mesoporous texture. In addition, in situ or post-modification of g-C3N4 can further improve catalytic performance or expand its application for remediating environmental pollution. Water pollution from organic compounds such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals is increasing dramatically and is becoming a serious problem around the world. They enter water supplies in a variety of ways, including industrial and hospital wastewater, agricultural runoff, and chemical use. To solve this problem, photocatalysis is a promising technology. Without the use of other oxidative chemicals, g-C3N4 uses renewable solar energy to transform harmful pollutants into harmless products. As a result, much recent research has focused on the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 for wastewater treatment. For this reason, the main objective of this paper is to contribute a chronological overview of the bibliometrics on the g-C3N4 for the removal of pesticides and pharmaceuticals from water using the tools BibExcel, Bibliometrix and R-Studio IDE. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Science Citation Index Expanded (WoS©) database to analyze the scientific literature published in the field over the last 10 years. The results were used to identify limitations and guide future research.

Abstract:

Mountain ecosystems, such as Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), are highly vul-nerable to climate change, which threatens biodiversity, water resources, and livelihoods. This study examines Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), climate variability, and community per-ception and adaptations over a 35-year period (1988–2023) using remote sensing, meteorological data, and community surveys. Vegetation expanded by 19,800 hectares, while barren land de-clined, reflecting afforestation and land reclamation efforts. NDVI showed improved vegetation health, while NDSI revealed significant snow cover losses, particularly after 1996. Meteorological analysis highlighted intensifying monsoonal rainfall and rising extreme precipitation events at lower elevations. Communities reported increased flooding, unpredictable rainfall, and reduced snowfall, driving adaptive responses such as water conservation, crop diversification, and rain-water harvesting. These findings demonstrate the value of integrating scientific data with local knowledge to inform sustainable adaptation strategies. Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 13, the findings emphasize the importance of adaptive water management, resilient agriculture, and participatory conservation to enhance climate resilience in mountain ecosystems.

Abstract: Urbanization, driven by socio-economic development, has significantly impacted river ecosystems, particularly in plain city regions, leading to disruptions in river network structure and function. These changes have exacerbated hydrological fluctuations and ecological degradation. This study focuses on the central urban area of Changzhou, using a MIKE11 model to assess the effects of four hydrological connectivity strategies—water diversion scheduling, river connectivity, river dredging, and sluice connectivity—across 13 different scenarios. Results show that water diversion, river dredging, and sluice connectivity scenarios provide the greatest improvements in water environmental capacity, with maximum increases of 54.76%, 41.97%, and 25.62%, respectively. The spatial distribution of improvements reveals significant regional variation, with some areas, particularly in Tianning and Zhonglou districts, experiencing declines in environmental capacity under sluice diversion and river connectivity scenarios. In addition, the Lao Zaogang river is identified as crucial for improving the overall water quality in the network. Based on a multi-objective evaluation combining environmental and economic factors, the study recommends optimizing water diversion scheduling at sluices (Weicun, Zaogang, and Xiaohe) with flow rates between 20-40 m³/s, enhancing connectivity at key river hubs, and focusing management efforts on the Lao Zaogang and Xinmeng rivers to strengthen hydrological and water quality linkages within the network.

Abstract: Storm surge barriers are crucial for the flood protection of the Netherlands and other Deltas. In order to guarantee a high safety level, a high closure reliability is required. In the Netherlands, the reliability of flood defenses is typically assessed based on extreme water level and wave height statistics. Yet, in case of operated flood defenses, such as storm surge barriers, the temporal clustering of successive events may be just as important. This study investigates the evolution and associated flood risk of clusters of successive storm surge peaks at the Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands. Two mechanisms are considered that may lead to a series of storm surge peaks. Multi-peaked storm surges, as a consequence of tidal movement on top of the surge, are studied by means of simplified storm patterns that are widely used within the Netherlands. Clusters of surges resulting from different, but related storms are investigated by means of time series analysis of a long sea-level record close to the Maeslant Barrier. We conclude that the tendency of storms to cluster and especially the occurrence of multi-peaked storms may substantially increase the flood risk in the area behind the Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier and we envision that the influence is likely to increase with sea-level rise. The numbers are however highly uncertain due to the strong sensitivity to assumptions, model choices and applied data set. More insight in the statistics of the time evolution of extreme sea water levels is needed to better understand and ultimately to reduce these uncertainties.

Abstract: This study applied micro-nano bubble (MNB) technology to rice paddy soil and evaluated its effectiveness in reducing methane (CH₄) emissions. The experiment was conducted in a lysimeter plot at Meiji University's Ikuta Campus, using a treated plot supplied with MNB and a control plot constantly filled with water in 2022 and 2023, with an intermittently irrigated (AWD) plot in 2023 only. The results showed that in 2023, the MNB treatment plot reduced CH₄ emissions on the PVC pipe by 78.1% compared to the control plot, and by 75.5% at a distance of 50 cm, confirming the same level of emission reduction as the AWD plot; the MNB treatment plot was as effective as the AWD plot, with the effect of MNB treatment plot comparable to that of AWD, and the range of effectiveness of MNB was similar to that of AWD, depending on the variation of redox potentials in the soil. The effect of MNB application was comparable to that of AWD, and the effect range of MNB extended 15 cm upward and 50 cm horizontally due to changes in the redox potential in the soil, but the development of the rhizosphere also suggested that the effect range was limited. However, the results also suggest that there is a limit to the extent of the effect due to the development of the root zone. Further verification in actual paddy fields is needed.