Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology

Optimization of Seed Quality, Germination and Nursery Performance of Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub. for Sustainable Propagation and Conservation

Manish Kumar Vijay — 2025-09-25

Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub. is an ecologically and economically important tree, yet its propagation is hindered by inconsistent seed quality, variable germination, and lack of standardized nursery and storage practices. This study examined seed maturation, germination ecology, nursery propagation, and storage behavior to optimize seedling performance and conservation strategies. Fruits and seeds were collected at successive stages of development and evaluated for morphological and physiological traits, germination responses, and seedling vigor. Results indicated that optimum maturity occurred at 70–80 days after anthesis, with seeds showing maximum germination and vigor. Germination was strongly influenced by temperature, light, and substrate, with favorable conditions enhancing early seedling growth. Nursery trials revealed that a Soil: Sand: FYM mixture (1:2:1) produced the most vigorous seedlings with superior growth and biomass. Storage experiments demonstrated that drying seeds to ~3–4% moisture and maintaining them at 5 °C preserved viability and vigor effectively over time. Seed source variation had minimal influence on germination and early growth, indicating wider applicability of the optimized protocols. This study provides practical guidelines for seed collection, propagation, and conservation of B. monosperma, supporting large-scale regeneration, ecological restoration, and sustainable management of this valuable species.

The Spatio- Temporal Changes in Water Quality and Influences on the Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Fish Species in Four Large Riverine Ecosystems in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya

Job Mwamburi — 2025-09-26

Rivers and streams in the Lake Victoria Basin (Kenya) (LVBK) are vital for aquaculture, irrigation, hydropower, domestic use, and biodiversity conservation. However, increasing population, urbanization and pollution, and changes in landuse/landcover are factors that contribute to the modification of the riverine habitats which also serve as fish breeding areas. There are increasing concerns on the potential loss of biodiversity juxtaposition the expanding anthropogenic pressures but gaps exists on information available. This study was conducted during the persistent heavy short rains (November 2019) and dry conditions (March 2020), and was used to assess the environmental conditions of rivers Nzoia, Yala, Awach and Nyando using indices of physico-chemical parameters, nutrient levels, plankton, aquatic macro-invertebrate assemblages and fish species composition and abundance. Structural and abiotic differences were found in selected site habitats due to the high gradient variation from the lake shore areas. River drainage basins are extensive and under heavy agricultural and human activities with reduced soil cover which contributes to increasing loading of eroded soils and materials which impact the quality of surface water. We identified significant spatio-temporal variations in nutrient levels, biodiversity, and water quality indices across four major rivers, highlighting hotspots of eutrophication and biodiversity vulnerability. Sampled rivers exhibit high turbidity with variable concentrations of nutrient elements downstream. Results show seasonal and anthropogenic influences on the water quality in all the river channels, which is likely to impact resident species. The high abundance of diatoms and chlorophytes as dominant phytoplankton families, is an indication of cultural eutrophication. Turbidity favors the dominance of diatoms especially centric diatoms which are able to attach on detritus. Eight fish families (with 19 fish species) were found and were dominated the Cyprinidae group. We recommend improved catchment management, agricultural practices and protection existing forest areas with long-term river monitoring program.

Geo-Environmental Impacts of Gully Erosion in Ezeoke Nsu, Southeastern Nigeria

Umueni Uchenna Elizabeth — 2025-09-27

In southeast Nigeria, gully erosion is one of the worst types of land degradation, presenting serious problems for the geoenvironment, the economy, and the infrastructure. Examining the geoenvironmental effects of gully erosion in Ezeoke Nsu, a village in Imo State, southeast Nigeria, where intensive land use practices, high rainfall, and weak geology have made soil loss more common, is the focus of this study. The study used GIS tools, laboratory analysis, field surveys, and soil sampling to determine the extent, causes, and effects of gully erosion in the region. Gully start and expansion are largely caused by unconsolidated sandy soils, steep terrain, and human activities such deforestation, inadequate land management, and unplanned settlements, according to the results.Gully erosion in Ezeoke Nsu has a variety of effects. In terms of the environment, it causes biodiversity loss, disturbance of natural drainage systems, and the loss of fertile topsoil. Gully extension has harmed highways, wrecked farmlands, endangered residential buildings, and made communities more susceptible to flooding. In terms of the economy, it damages agricultural output, lowers household income, uproots families, and fuels food insecurity. Additionally, the community's settlement stability and sustainable development are at long-term risk due to the gullies' ongoing growth.The study comes to the conclusion that in order to lessen the damaging impacts of gully erosion, immediate, integrated erosion control measures—such as reforestation, check dam construction, and appropriate land-use planning—are required. Policymakers, environmental managers, and local stakeholders can utilize the findings to inform the development of sustainable land management plans that safeguard livelihoods and the environment in southeast Nigeria.

Village SDGs and Environmental Resilience: Evaluating Sustainable Development in Underdeveloped Villages, Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province, Indonesia

Yulianus Ayok — 2025-10-03

Development inequality and ecosystem vulnerability remain major challenges in achieving sustainable development in underdeveloped villages, particularly in West Papua Province. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of the Village Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), to the Environmental Resilience Index (ERI). The research was conducted in underdeveloped villages in Manokwari Regency using a case study approach and qualitative-comparative analysis based on 2023 Village SDGs data and the Village Development Index (VDI) status. Results indicate that villages classified as very underdeveloped (ERI 67.18 ± 2.25) and underdeveloped (65.56 ± 1.61) record similar resilience levels, although some very underdeveloped communities show unexpectedly high ERI scores, reflecting the influence of local socio-ecological assets. Food security (SDG 2) appears relatively strong in very underdeveloped villages due to reliance on traditional subsistence systems, while both categories face persistent deficits in water and sanitation (SDG 6). Inequality reduction (SDG 10) records the lowest performance overall. Regression analysis shows that SDG 2, SDG 6, and SDG 10 jointly exert a marginally significant influence on ERI (ANOVA, F = 2.830; p = 0.060, α = 0.10), explaining 26.1% of variation. Among them, SDG 10 has the strongest positive effect (β = 0.527, p = 0.012). These findings highlight the need for asset-based, cross-sectoral, and context-sensitive strategies to enhance resilience and reduce inequality in marginalized rural areas.

Assessment of Background Radiation Level at Dumpsites in Ogwashi-Uku and its Environs in Delta State, Nigeria

B.O. Ijabor — 2025-10-04

This study assesses background radiation levels at six dumpsites in Ogwashi-Uku and its environs in Delta State, Nigeria, using a calibrated Geiger-Muller counter. Obtained readings were used to calculate equivalent dose rate (EDR), absorbed dose rate (ADR), annual effective dose rate (AEDR), and excess life time cancer risk (ELCR). Measurements revealed that while average outdoor background ionizing radiation (BIR) and EDR was below recommended levels, absorbed dose rates (ADR), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) estimates exceeded global averages. The maximum outdoor BIR (0.018 mRhr^-1) was in Ogwashi-Uku market dump 1 and is above the United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) mean value of (0.013 mRhr^-1). The background ionizing radiation from these dumpsites were exactly same as the value recommended in the (UNSCEAR) report, but EDR, AEDE and ELCR were higher compared to recommended values highlighting urgent needs for improved waste management practices in order to reduce its effects on the local populace working and living around the dumpsites.