The paper presents the strategic project of Tomsk State University devoted to studying the carbon cycle in the arctic land-shelf system. The obtained carbon cycle characteristics should be used for global climate model correction. The main objective of the consortium is to obtain new data on the variability of climatic and biological factors of various ecosystems, monitor them, and create archives of data on their dynamics. The area of the project includes the basins of the Great Siberian Rivers, and the shelf of the adjacent Arctic seas. A consortium of approximately twenty universities and research institutions was formed to study the carbon cycle in various environments, including seas, rivers, wetlands, and permafrost. In addition to studying the carbon cycle, the project also aims to develop methods for carbon sequestration and ecosystems remediation. One of such methods was developed for the assessment and cleanup of bottom sediments from oil and petroleum products as well as other hydrophobic contaminants and has been patented and tested in a series of field trials. Several special monitoring methods are described, such as novel sampling and sample laboratory processing techniques to assess microplastics in the environment; and holographic methods for underwater monitoring of the plankton behavior for early bioindication of hazards in the water area. This is particularly relevant for areas with dangerous objects, such as nuclear power plants, oil platforms, and gas pipelines. The methods of math modeling of the impact of climate change and anthropogenic factors on indigenous and local population lives were used.
The protection of medicinal plants has been effective as a key factor in preserving the environment of medicinal plants. As such, this paper aims to map the environment of medicinal plants based on biodiversity and indigenous knowledge, in which its role is constantly seen in environmental studies. The study method was based on field survey in the target areas: Morvarid, Heiderabad, Dehmoord, Fath al-Mubin in Darab city in Fars province. Based on the findings of the study, a total of 89 species belonging to 43 families in the target areas were identified, with the highest frequency belonging to the Mint family. According to the results of studies, Anghozeh, Baneh, Thyme Shirazi, Arjan, Kenar, Jashir (Prangos), Lemon balm, Myrtus, cumins, and Kakuti in need of protective measures. Combining indigenous plant ethnological knowledge with new technologies along with high genetic diversity will be the way to control damage and protect the effective genes of medicinal plants. Ultimately, the elimination of the inheritance of desirable plant genes will lead to the erosive growth and acceleration of the regression of plant cover, which is considered as a rich chain and preserver of soil sanctity and stability of nature in the environment.
The cracks in concrete serve as pathways for aggressive agents, leading to deterioration. One approach to addressing these cracks and enhancing structures durability is the use of self-healing agents, such as bacteria used to heal cracks in cementitious matrices. Bacteria can be found in several environments, and their identification and healing viability must be evaluated prior to their use in cementitious matrices. In this study, distinct indigenous bacteria were collected from soil in industrial yards associated with the cement industry. These bacteria were identified and incorporated in cement and mortar mixtures with 18% entrained air. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed to characterize the formed products, and compressive strength testing was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the mortars. The identified bacteria were of the genus Cronobacter, Citrobacter, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, and their potential to form self-healing products was evaluated with microscopic and mineral analyses. Results showed that all bacteria could form calcite (CaCO3) crystals, with full crack healing in some of the samples. Mechanical testing indicated increases in average compressive strength of up to 108% at 28 days with respect to a reference mortar.
The advancement of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology through 3D modeling has significantly improved disaster risk analysis, particularly for landslides. This study utilized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Agisoft Metashape software to produce accurate 3D models, which were used to identify the location, volume, displacement, and distribution of landslide impacts in Tawangmangu Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency. This area is characterized by hilly topography with slopes > 45% and frequent land-use changes that exacerbate landslide risks. The 3D modeling process involved several key steps: aerial image acquisition using UAVs at an altitude of 126 meters, photo processing with Agisoft Metashape to generate orthomosaic maps, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), and geospatial analysis. Camera calibration was performed to enhance accuracy, while risk analyze using overlay and scoring methods were applied to hazard, vulnerability, and community results revealed that most of Tawangmangu Sub-district falls into the medium-risk category for landslides, covering an area of 4023.45 hectares, with the highest risk levels identified in Sepanjang and Tawangmangu villages. The 3D models indicated translational landslides, with soil displacement volumes ranging from -5409.3 m(3) to -991, 808 m(3), causing infrastructure damage and road closures. Mitigation efforts integrated UAV technology for realtime monitoring and indigenous knowledge in the form of coping strategies passed down through generations. UAV data was also utilized for disaster simulation, community training, and evidence-based mitigation planning, such as designing retaining walls and evacuation routes. This study highlights the importance of combining UAV technology and indigenous knowledge to enhance community capacity for sustainable and independent disaster risk reduction in landslide-prone areas.
Pisha sandstone is a kind of sandstone which is easy to collapse by water in Shanxi, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia of China, and suffers from hydraulic erosion all the year round. In recent years, some scholars have used microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology to solidify Pisha sandstone to improve the water erosion resistance of Pisha sandstone. However, for the climate environment with low average temperature in Pisha sandstone area, the commonly used Sporosarcina pasteurii are not well adapted. The purpose of this study is to use the indigenous strainsto solidify the loose Pisha sandstone, and to compare the growth adaptability, mechanical properties and water erosion resistance of the solidified layer with Sarcina pasteurii at different temperatures, and to explore the mechanism of different temperatures and strains affecting the microbial solidification of Pisha sandstone from the micro scale. At the same time, a mixed bacterial liquid solidification test was also set up. The results showed that the solidified thickness of indigenous strains was 4.65 % higher than that of Sporosarcina pasteurii, and the thickness and strength of mixed strains were increased by 19.57 % and 36.62 %, respectively. The growth and solidification effect of indigenous strains were less affected by low temperature. Compared with Sporosarcina pasteurii, at low temperature, the bacterial concentration decrease of indigenous strains was reduced by 26.13 %, the thickness loss of solidified layer was reduced by 13.04 %, and the strength loss of solidified layer was reduced by 13.39 %. The effect of low temperature on the growth of bacteria is mainly reflected in affecting the maximum concentration of bacteria and the growth rate. The effect on MICP mainly reflected in affecting the life activities of bacteria and the crystal form and morphology of calcium carbonate. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the MICP technology application of indigenous strains and multistrains in Pisha sandstone area soil reinforcement and solidification slope.
The global concern for risk control of organic contaminated sites is becoming more and more prominent. Traditional ex situ remediation techniques are costly and damage the site, seriously destroying the soil structure and ecological functions. Therefore, in situ means of combining material injection and microbial remediation have become a potential pathway for the green, economical, and efficient remediation of contaminated sites. In this work, a 200 m2 test block was selected for the coupled injection of slow-release oxygen materials and microbial agents, and long-term monitoring of groundwater was carried out. The results showed that the slow-release materials could release oxygen for a period of 90 days, which provided an oxidizing environment for microorganisms to rapidly degrade BTEX. For the pre-adapted indigenous degradation bacterial agent test group, the degradation degree of BTEX was up to 98% after 40 days of injection. The results of the application on the field scale proved the feasibility of reinforcing biostimulation for remediation of underground organic contamination through the coupled injection of slow-release oxygen materials and microbial agents. The results provided theoretical and technical support for the in situ remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.
Context: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been extensively applied as biofertilizers in wheat to promote crop productivity. However, variability in AM root colonization, grain yield, and nutrients was observed among wheat genotypes and according to AM genotype and environment. Objectives: We hypothesized that wheat response to AM inoculation is more affected by genotype than environment; the response is driven by increases in AM abundance and community structure changes, and not by modification of composition. Methods: We inoculated an indigenous AM consortium on four old genotypes (Bianco Nostrale, Andriolo, Abbondanza, Sieve) and one modern variety (Bologna) of bread wheat for two years. The effect was evaluated by assessing grain yield, nutrients, and quality of processed products (flour and breadsticks), while the AM abundance and the community composition and structure in roots were characterized, at two plant growth stages, using morphological and molecular tools. Results: The functional traits of AMF and plant were better explained by inoculation than by genotype or environment (33 %, 17 %, 4 % of total explained variance), although significant interactions environment x genotype and genotype x inoculation were highlighted. Consistent increases in AM abundance in Sieve and Bologna were associated with positive changes in grain yield and nutrients, supporting the good responsiveness of these genotypes with inoculated AMF, while the plant response of other genotypes was shaped by air temperature and rainfall. However, we did not find significant correlations between changes in AM colonization and mycorrhizal response ratio, with the exception of P and K. After inoculation, AM community composition was similar in all wheat genotypes, but the structure greatly differed among genotypes in interaction with inoculation and plant growth stage. These changes were significantly related to wheat productivity. A Septoglomus taxon, present in the inoculum, was the best predictor of wheat performance. The characterization of the community structure at early crop development and maturity allowed the identification of fast and latest active AM colonizers. Our results showed for the first time that AM inoculation affect the rheological parameters and nutraceuticals of processed products, although the response was modulated by genotype. Conclusions: The selection of responsive wheat genotypes is fundamental for the positive outcome of inoculation. The positive effects on wheat productivity and field persistence of the inoculated AMF support the use of indigenous consortia that have low impacts on resident AMF. Significance: Our findings advance the understanding of the facilitative mechanisms that underlie compatibility between AMF and wheat genotypes.
The interest in earth construction is growing increasingly as society becomes more aware of the importance of sustainable building. A considerable number of investigations have been devoted to studying the mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs). However, most of these studies were conducted in laboratory settings. Little focus has been directed at studying the performance of CEBs that use on-site soil and other local materials to construct small-scale housing at the same location. A total of 120 CEBs were manufactured on-site from four block mixes: coarse soil with and without Phragmites Australis (Phragmites) and fine soil with and without Phragmites. By comparing the results achieved with minimum strength requirements from different building codes, the dry compressive strengths of all four block mixes were deemed adequate for single-storey structures. The addition of Phragmites caused a slight increase in the compressive strength and a slight decrease in the flexural strength of the CEBs. A formula to estimate the flexural strength of the blocks given the compressive strength is proposed based on a database of test results from the literature and this investigation's results. CEBs can create a sustainable building solution, especially in remote areas and Indigenous communities with limited access to conventional building materials.
Gold mining has been increasing in Brazil and worldwide since 2000, causing negative effects on the environment and surrounding communities due to deforestation of open mines and the degradation of soil and rivers. This activity is historically important in the northern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, Southern Amazon, but integrated studies are lacking. The current research sought to map areas of active alluvial gold mining in this region from 2009 to 2019, relating it to fluctuations in the national gold market as a tool for inspection, prevention and mitigation of related environmental damage. The study was carried out by remote sensing with LANDSAT and IRS satellite images in six stages, ranging from the survey of gold mines found in loco to the analysis of the relationship between the evolution of exploited areas and the price of gold. Eight mining zones were identified. The exploited areas were dimensioned by year and mining zone, indicating an overall 195% growth. This growth was not homogeneous among the mining zones. The true price per gram of gold increased by 56.62% during the study period. Mining fronts have approached and/or encroached on conservation units and indigenous lands. The relationship between price variation and the area exploited was significant and positive in the eight zones (alpha=0.05). This was the first detailed mapping of gold mines at the regional level in eleven years to support effective public policies in overcoming persistent socio-environmental conflicts related to the activity.
Through advancements in technology humans have cultivated more food, used more fossil fuel reserves, polluted the environment, and caused climate change. This was not the case some few decades ago where indigenous technologies were used in exploiting natural resources. Unfortunately, the effects of climate change on the planet are no more distant reality. The melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and prolonged drought are already being experienced. These have affected water resources, land, and food security across the world. The limits of conventional climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies call for the integration of indigenous knowledge and technologies for tackling climate change issues. This is because of the importance that indigenous knowledge and technologies have for identifying the impacts and as well providing effective adaption and mitigation strategies to climate change. Thus, this chapter explores the potential of indigenous knowledge and technologies for the sustainable management of water, land, and food security amidst climate change. The applications of indigenous technologies and knowledge such as agroforestry, the use of sacred groves to conserve water, land, and biodiversity resources, and the practising of conservation-agriculture are discussed as solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water shortages, land degradation, and pollution. However, these indigenous technologies will be less useful in today's world if not harnessed. Thus also in this chapter, the scientific know-how available to improve the effectiveness of indigenous technologies for the sustainable use of water, land, and food resources have been identified (Robotics, sensors/detectors, internet of things) and discussed.