Editors-in-Chief
Dr. Abdelwahab Chedad
Ouargla University; Directorate of Forest Conservation of Ghardaïa (General Directorate of Forestry)
Published
Table of Contents
Open AccessArticles
by Mosharof Al Alim, Shoma Hore
2024,2(2);
610 Views
Abstract
Climate change poses significant challenges to infrastructure systems, particularly those constructed on soft clay soils, which are inherently sensitive to environmental conditions. From a chemical and geotechnical engineering perspective, climate-induced factors such as rising temperatures, fluctuating groundwater levels, and extreme weather events can alter the chemical properties of soft clay soils, leading to changes in their structural behavior and stability. This review explores the critical role of chemical processes in soil stabilization, mineralogical transformations, and chemical erosion under changing climatic conditions. It synthesizes findings on chemical additives, including lime and cement treatments, for enhancing soil strength and mitigating deformation risks. The paper also highlights recent advancements in understanding ion exchange processes, pH variations, and salinity effects on soft clay properties. By bridging chemical insights with geotechnical solutions, the study provides practical recommendations for the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. This chemical-centric review contributes to advancing sustainable engineering practices in vulnerable regions.
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Open AccessArticles
by Abdelwahab Chedad, Mohamed Ait Hammou, Faiza Marniche, Salah Eddine Sadine, Hicham Chelghoum, Mayssara El Bouhissi, Walid Dhmani, Abdessalam Chedad, Miloud Belli, Abdelkarim Lachichi
2024,2(2);
224 Views
Abstract
The Sciobia Burmeister, 1838 genus, one of the family Gryllidae, didn't receive many studies in Algeria, although there are 13 known species. This study presents the first observation of a further species of Sciobia in the Ouarsenis region, Tissemsilt (Northwest Algeria), during the study period (2019–2022). These results led to the counting of six adult individuals (five males and one female), and the species was identified as Sciobia ( Thliptoblemmus ) caliendrum caliendrum (Fischer, 1853). It is considered as the first report in Algeria and the second in North Africa after it was limited to Morocco.
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Open AccessArticles
by Mabel Vaca Mier, Raymundo Lopez, Zaira Miranda, Araceli Lara, Georgina Guzmán
2024,2(2);
99 Views
Abstract
The dispersion of gasoline from the spill due to illegal fuel extraction activities from pipelines that occurred in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo, in 2019, was modelled. We used the HSSM software (vertical profile of gasoline saturation, profiles in the vadose zone, and radial profile of the light non-aqueous phase liquid lens), and prediction of its concentration in different media was obtained using the ChemCAN program. Gasoline infiltration would reach 7.5 meters deep at a rate of 0.30 mg/day in 10 days. Assuming that the vadose zone was at 10 m, the underground body of water would not be reached by the hydrocarbon. It was estimated that the maximum concentration of gasoline for the light fraction present in the soil was 2,200 mg/kg, ten times above the maximum permissible regulated limits. Benzene, a characteristic compound of gasoline, was studied in air-water-soil-sediment system, and it was observed that it would preferably accumulate in the sediments (84.9%) and the soil (11.8%), being the systems in greater contact with gasoline. The greatest risk due to the spillage during three subsequent years was related to the surface of the soil, affecting the flora, fauna, and population with exposure by inhalation and dermal contact, and the flammable danger of gasoline.
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Open AccessArticles
by Jacob, D. E., Jacob, I. D., Udofia, K. M., Daniel, K. S., Okweche, S. I., Dan, E. A., Evansly, P. U.
2024,2(2);
125 Views
Abstract
Protected areas and recreation management face persistent challenges in ensuring transparency, fostering equitable participation, and building trust among diverse stakeholders. Traditional co-management models often struggle with opaque decision-making processes, unequal power dynamics, and inefficient data management. This paper explores the transformative potential of integrating blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to address these shortcomings. Blockchain, with its inherent characteristics of immutability, transparency, and distributed ledger technology, can provide a secure and verifiable platform for recording decisions, transactions, and resource allocation, thereby enhancing accountability and trust. AI, conversely, can analyze complex datasets, identify patterns, optimize resource distribution, support equitable decision-making processes by incorporating diverse perspectives, and personalize recreation experiences while minimizing ecological impact. By synergistically combining these technologies, a new paradigm for co-management emerges—one characterized by enhanced transparency, improved equity, data-driven insights, and increased stakeholder engagement. We discuss specific applications, potential benefits, and significant challenges related to implementing blockchain and AI in protected area and recreation co-management, offering a vision for a more just, effective, and sustainable future for conservation and outdoor recreation.
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Open AccessArticles
by Pramod Chand Lakra, Sonu Choudhary, Sanjoy Garai, Surojit Konar, Shibnarayan Pratihar, Raju Sharma, Basant Kumar, V Rathna, Sharad Tiwari
2024,2(2);
165 Views
Abstract
The natural population of Cinnamomum glaucescens is declining due to anthropogenic stress and climate change in the Himalayan region. We assessed the potential suitable habitat range of C. glaucescens in the North Bengal region, under current and future climate scenarios using Maxent. Two climate models, Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace (IPSL-CM6A-LR) and Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate 6 (MIROC6) proxied through the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) SSP126, 245,370, and 585 were employed to project future climate scenarios for 2050. The study found that currently 1,302 square kilometers, or ~ 9% of the total study area, comprising the central and northern parts of North Bengal are potentially suitable for the distribution of C. glaucescens . The distribution was found up to 1900m elevation range. Depending upon the climate scenario, by 2050, the potential suitable habitat of C. glaucescens might decline in the range of ~7-22% (IPSL_6A_LR), and ~39-70 % (MIROC6) across all the SSPs. Overall, the suitable habitat range of C. glaucescens might be limited to ~ 6% of the total geographical area of Northern Bengal by 2050. The suitable habitat of C. glaucescens is predicted to shift northward by 2050, leading to significant decline from the central part of the region. Out of nine bioclimatic variables used for the modelling the habitat suitability, Precipitation of the warmest quarter (Bio_18) and annual precipitation (Bio_12) contributed most to limiting the distribution of C. glaucescens. We recommend establishing a germplasm bank and adopting in-situ and ex-situ approaches to conserve and promote C. glaucescens in the Himalayan region.
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