International Journal of Environmental Management and Renewable Energy System (e-ISSN: 3107-8435)

Desalination and Water Security in Saudi Arabia: Techniques, Challenges, and Opportunities

2026-02-24T08:10:23+00:00

Saudi Arabia, with its arid climate and limited sources of renewable water, has turned into the largest desalinated water producer in the world. This paper will give an in-depth analysis of the use of desalination as a strategic approach to water security in the kingdom. It discusses the development and application of the major desalination technologies, reverse osmosis (RO), multi-stage flash (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED) and mentions their working features, economic efficiency and renewable energy integration. The study discusses the national manufacturing capacity, new hybrid systems, and how digital technologies like artificial intelligence and digital twins are becoming more significant in enhancing the efficiency of a plant. The environmental issues like the release of brines, excessive energy use, and adverse effects on marine life are also closely considered together with the economic costs and the socio-political obstacles, namely, subsidies, fair access, and governance issues. The study highlights the necessity to shift to renewable energy, increase the scope of wastewater reuse, and improve the institutional system to guarantee sustainability. Integrated policy and technological innovation have the potential to make Saudi Arabia a national water security pillar through the transformation of desalination into a sustainable economic activity.

A Hybrid Machine Learning Framework for Spatiotemporal Flood Susceptibility and Risk Forecasting in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

2026-02-21T09:12:14+00:00

Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, a rapidly urbanizing semi-arid city in the rift valley, experiences recurrent and intensifying flash floods, largely triggered by episodic heavy rainfall along the Dechatu River and its tributaries. This study presents a rigorously validated machine learning framework for high-resolution flood susceptibility mapping and dynamic risk forecasting, designed to strengthen disaster risk reduction and urban resilience planning. Using a random forest ensemble, the model incorporated hydrological (river proximity, flow accumulation), topographic (TWI, elevation, slope), meteorological (48-hour and peak hourly rainfall), anthropogenic (built-up density), and land-cover (NDVI) variables. Performance evaluation demonstrated exceptional results: perfect discrimination (ROC AUC = 1.000), complete flood detection (recall = 1.000), strong spatial overlap (IoU = 0.781 for high-risk zones), and excellent calibration (Brier score = 0.0207). Bootstrap resampling confirmed robust feature stability (>0.85), with 48-hour rainfall, river proximity, and TWI as dominant drivers. High-resolution maps identified concentrated very high-risk zones (4.1–5.2% of the area), including critical hotspots such as Genda Kora and Sabian Lowlands. Time-series simulation of the April 2023 flood accurately captured rapid risk escalation, providing valuable lead-time insights. The framework’s novelty lies in combining near-perfect predictive accuracy, uncertainty quantification, and operational validation in a data-scarce African urban context. Implementation recommendations include immediate deployment, enforcement of riverine buffers, and integration with hydrodynamic models to enhance inundation forecasting and climate-resilient urban planning.

Systematic Review on Bacteria Growth Analysis in a Crude-oil Polluted Stagnant Water

2026-02-05T06:49:38+00:00

Crude oil pollution remains a major environmental challenge in regions with intensive petroleum exploration, particularly Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Stagnant water bodies in contaminated areas often accumulate petroleum hydrocarbons, creating ecological and health risks. This systematic review examines bacterial growth dynamics in polluted, stagnant water and evaluates the potential of indigenous microorganisms to drive natural attenuation. Mathematical models derived from n^th-order kinetics, Monod and Michaelis–Menten equations, and substrate–biomass interactions were analyzed to understand how crude oil concentration, nutrient availability, pH, and environmental conditions influence microbial proliferation. Empirical data from freshwater and saltwater systems reveal that Total Bacteria Count (TBC) increases progressively with time and depth, with rapid microbial multiplication observed after an initial adaptation phase. In freshwater, TBC rose from 175 cfu/ml on day 1 to 329,000 cfu/ml by day 84, while saltwater showed an increase from 124 cfu/ml to 103,000 cfu/ml over the same period. These trends confirm that bacteria acclimatize to petroleum-contaminated environments and subsequently accelerate hydrocarbon degradation. The review also highlights that aerobic conditions enhance bioremediation efficiency by approximately 30% compared to anaerobic processes. Integrated models incorporating dispersion, diffusion, and sedimentation further demonstrate how crude oil is transported, transformed, and degraded within stagnant water systems. Overall, the findings underscore the crucial role of microbial growth kinetics in predicting petroleum degradation and improving remediation strategies. Understanding these interactions provides a scientific basis for designing effective bioremediation interventions in crude-oil-impacted aquatic ecosystems.

Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachta indica) as a Bioremediation Agent in Waste Oil-polluted Swampy Soil

2026-01-14T09:19:41+00:00

This study examined the effectiveness of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder in the bioremediation of waste-oil-contaminated loamy soil. The concentrations of selected hydrocarbon markers—n-octane (C8), n-icosane (C20), and n-triacontane (C30)—were monitored every 7 days over a 42-day remediation period. The remediation agents were sourced from Ohiauga Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The leaves were sun-dried and ground into powder, then later applied to the contaminated soil at four dosage levels: 5g, 10 g, 15g and 20g. Hydrocarbon characterization was conducted on both the waste oil and the treated soil samples. Results showed a consistent decline in total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels with an increase in Neem dosage and curing time. The highest remediation efficiency was recorded in samples treated with 20g of neem powder, indicating its strong hydrocarbon-reducing potential. The results indicate that neem serves as an efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly material for rehabilitating loamy soils contaminated with waste oil. The study recommends the use of neem-based treatments for oil-polluted sites and encourages government authorities to promote the production of neem powder as part of sustainable pollution management efforts.

Socio-economic Pathways for a Just Energy Transition in South Africa: Institutional Reform, Finance, and Inclusive Development

2026-01-12T08:37:21+00:00

South Africa’s transition from coal dependence toward renewable energy represents one of the most complex yet essential socio-economic transformations of the twenty-first century. As a country historically reliant on coal for energy production, employment, and economic stability, the shift toward renewable energy is both urgent and deeply challenging. While South Africa possesses abundant solar and wind resources that position it favourably for a low-carbon future, the transition process is constrained by institutional fragmentation, financial limitations, and entrenched socio-political dynamics. These challenges are further compounded by high levels of inequality, unemployment, and energy insecurity, all of which intensify the stakes of energy reform. Drawing on qualitative interviews with government officials, industry representatives, and community stakeholders, and supported by policy documents and academic literature, this study explores the socio-economic resources and strategic interventions required to enable a just energy transition. The findings reveal that policy incoherence across national departments and regulatory bodies remains a significant barrier, undermining implementation and investor confidence. In response, the study emphasises the importance of aligned and stable policy frameworks, alongside innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds and blended-finance models, to mobilise both public and private capital. Equally critical is the development of human capital through targeted skills training and reskilling programmes, particularly for workers and communities historically dependent on the coal value chain. Inclusive community engagement emerges as a central pillar of a just transition, ensuring that affected populations participate meaningfully in decision-making processes rather than being passive recipients of change. Placing South Africa within a global comparative context, the analysis draws lessons from Germany’s Energiewende, Kenya’s decentralised solar expansion, and China’s renewable-manufacturing strategy, highlighting adaptable strategies relevant to the South African context. The paper concludes that achieving a truly sustainable energy transition depends on embedding justice, participation, and institutional reform into every dimension of energy policy, thereby ensuring that the economic and social benefits of green growth are broadly shared rather than concentrated among a limited set of actors.

Adaptive Agency of Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Persons Facing Climate Shocks in Northern Uganda

2026-01-07T05:30:35+00:00

Northern Uganda faced repeated climate challenges, especially droughts, floods, and irregular rainfall. These events worsened the hardships of refugees and forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) by disrupting their livelihoods, putting pressure on limited natural resources, and increasing competition for land and water in settlements and host communities. This study investigated how refugees and FDPs responded to climate pressures by taking action, challenging the view of displaced populations as simply passive recipients of aid. A qualitative thematic analysis of secondary sources, such as peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, humanitarian databases, and environmental studies, uncovered important patterns of resilience in daily practices. The findings highlighted three interconnected adaptive strategies: diversifying livelihoods through small-scale agriculture, informal trade, and other income-generating activities; creating community-based solidarity networks for mutual support, problem-solving, and resource sharing; and adopting environmentally friendly practices such as tree planting, soil conservation, and water-harvesting techniques. These strategies served as both coping mechanisms and proactive ways to rebuild livelihoods, enhance social ties, and lower vulnerability to climate risks. The study delineated adaptive agency as a dynamic process that depends on the specific context, influenced by environmental uncertainty, social relationships, and institutional limitations. It provided valuable insights for the development of humanitarian and climate policies in areas affected by displacement.

Statistical Analysis of ongoing Construction Work in Bangladesh’s Eight Divisions in Terms of Occupational Health and Welfare

2025-11-21T06:03:57+00:00

Employers are required by the welfare-related facility to deliver a healthy and safe work environment free of hazards. Construction work is one of the world’s most dangerous professions. It is the leading cause of death among all occupations. The goal of the study is to identify the major welfare-related hazards in construction in eight Bangladeshi divisions and to suggest some management options for reducing welfare-related hazards and increasing safety. The welfare-related facility in eight divisions in Bangladesh of the construction site is safe drinking water, means of heating food and water for washing and cooking. Sometimes they suffer from the lack of suitable accommodation to rest, sanitary facilities (toilets, showers, changing room), accommodation to change and store clothing, and first-aid equipment. As a result, the Department of Labor has designated the construction industry as one of the country’s high-risk industries. A Health and Safety Accord has been signed between the government, organized business, and organized labor organizations in order to reduce injury and disease in the construction industry. Delphi survey data analysis is required for improved performance.

Assessment of Microbial Air Quality in Selected Classrooms in Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State

2025-10-27T11:04:05+00:00

This study assessed the microbial air quality in selected classrooms at Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko campus, Delta State. The aim was to isolate and identify pathogenic microorganisms from the classroom air, determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates, and compare the results with the indoor air quality standards for non-industrial premises established by the Commission of European Communities. In the Delta State, artisanal activities take place in nearby communities close to the university. In this investigation, four classrooms were utilized, and a freshly manufactured nutrient and potato dextrose agar were exposed for 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes in order to conduct bacteriological and mycological assessments. The manufacturer’s instructions were followed for measuring and dissolving Sabouraud dextrose agar and standard plate count agar (SPCA) in distilled water. Following the development of visible colonies, the plates were incubated and counted; the colonies were displayed in CFU/m³. Lecture Hall 4’s microbial quality was found to be 4.6 CFU/m³ after 30 minutes of exposure, 3.51×10² CFU/m³ after 60 minutes, and 1.12×10³ CFU/m² after 120 minutes. The mycological examination found that Lecture Hall 4 had a concentration value of 1.72×10² CFU/m³ for the 30-minute exposure, 1.26×10³ CFU/m³ for the 60-minute exposure, and 1.12×10³ CFU/m³ for the 120-minute exposure. These isolates included Acinetobacter sp., Streptococcus sp., Proteus sp., Serratia sp., Klebsiella sp., and Micrococcus sp. It was shown that the Proteus species with the initials LH5B had a zone of inhibition of 35.79 mm to augmentin and 32.08 mm to levofloxacin. The zone of inhibition between Klebsiella sp. Isolated from lecture hall 6, ofloxacin was found to be 27.76 mm and 30.08 mm, respectively. Gram-negative bacterial isolates showed sensitivity to every antibiotic tested, while gram-positive bacterial isolates showed resistance to pefloxacin and sensitivity to the remaining drugs. Amoxicillin and pefloxacin were the only antibiotics that did not affect the isolate Serratia sp. Educating students and staff on practices that can reduce microbial spread, the university administration must create a strong mechanism to clean and eliminate aerosols from classrooms.

Physical Resilience and Adaptation Strategies of the Built Environment to Climate Change in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

2025-09-12T04:25:05+00:00

The research aims to assess how physical resilience and adaptation strategies of the built environment to climate change in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria, can be achieved. Some of the objectives include analyzing the land use change from 1990 to 2020 using geospatial techniques in Port Harcourt metropolis and examining how the built environment has affected climate change in the city. The Mixed Method Research Approach (MMRA) was used in this study, and it involves the Longitudinal Research Design (LRD), thus integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methods to comprehensively analyze complex research problems, enabling data triangulation and enhancing the robustness of findings. The LRD involves repeated observation or measurement of the same subjects over time, allowing researchers to detect changes and developments in the subject matter. The study was carried out amongst residents of twenty-five (25) communities in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and the eighty-eight (88) communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Questionnaires were administered to 399 members of the community, and 381 were retrieved. In addition, an oral interview was conducted with two officials (key informants), each from five relevant Rivers State Government agencies, giving a total of ten (10) professionals. The results of the evaluation of the change matrix showed an increase in the following areas: Built up area 360%, Bare land 128%, Water bodies 123.9% and Green forest 127%, while a decrease in the following areas: Farmland 93%, Open spaces 33.3% and Wetland and swamps 20.5%. It was generally observed that temperature gradually increased from 31.48 to 32.3℃, and rainfall remained at an average of 187.16mm. This shows that the variations in annual rainfall among the years are minimal compared to observed temperature, thus confirming that the effect of climate change is mainly affecting temperature. It was, therefore, recommended that Rivers State Government should follow the Master Plan by reinstating the original open spaces and gardens and bring the state back to its original name of Garden City.

The Impact of Self-Service Technologies on Environmental Sustainability in Africa

2025-05-22T05:13:43+00:00

This study explores the impact of Self-Service Technologies (SSTs) on environmental sustainability in East Africa, focusing on resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Utilizing a quantitative design, data was collected through surveys and interviews with 250 businesses and consumers across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The analysis employed multiple regression models to examine the relationships between SST adoption and environmental outcomes, with results indicating that higher SST adoption significantly reduces resource consumption and waste generation. The model demonstrated strong explanatory power (Pseudo R² = 0.65), highlighting urbanization and consumer awareness as key factors influencing environmental change. These findings underscore the potential of SSTs to enhance environmental sustainability in East Africa, offering important insights for policymakers, businesses, and consumers.

The Effect of Climate Change in Rajshahi, Bangladesh: An Analysis of Seasonal Trends and Their Implications

2025-05-12T05:57:23+00:00

Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, particularly heat waves, which have significant consequences for public health, agriculture, and the economy. This study examines the impact of climate change on heat waves in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, focusing on past, present, and future trends. Using temperature data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and Weather Spark, we analyzed historical trends from 1990 to 2024. Statistical analyses, including box and whisker plots, line graphs, and scatter plots, were employed to assess changes in temperature extremes, heat wave frequency, and intensity. The results show a clear upward trend in heat wave occurrences and duration, consistent with global climate change patterns. Projections under different climate scenarios suggest that Rajshahi will experience more intense and frequent heat waves in the future, posing significant risks to human health and agriculture. Results indicate that colder months have become cooler (lowest temperature about 7˚C) and hotter months hotter (highest temperature about 46˚C); however, the observed variations do not fully explain the extreme discomfort felt by residents during summers and winters. Significant seasonal variations in temperature and humidity are noted, particularly in January and March. Correlation analysis using R-square values reveals a range of 0.1 to 0.6 across different months, indicating that temperature and humidity trends are not strongly predictive. To better predict future variations, additional data, and advanced modeling techniques are required. Despite the study’s limitations, the identified trends offer valuable insights for future research and urban planning in Rajshahi. More relevant parameters and an extensive dataset are required to establish a strong correlation and accurate model for prediction.

Incineration Revolution: Tackling Plastic Waste with Innovation

2025-04-14T08:39:21+00:00

Plastic waste presents a significant environmental challenge due to its non-biodegradable nature, taking centuries to decompose. Traditional waste management methods, such as landfilling and recycling, struggle to provide effective solutions, leading to increased pollution and resource wastage. Incineration has emerged as a potential alternative by converting plastic waste into energy, thereby reducing landfill accumulation. However, conventional incineration processes release hazardous pollutants, including dioxins, furans, and particulate matter, which contribute to respiratory diseases, cancer, and environmental degradation.

This research investigates an improved incineration system integrated with advanced air purification technology to neutralize toxic emissions before their release into the atmosphere. By employing high-efficiency filtration systems and secondary combustion chambers, harmful by-products such as carbon dioxide, bisphenols, and phthalates are significantly reduced. Additionally, the residual ash produced from incineration is repurposed into eco-friendly bricks, promoting sustainable construction and minimizing landfill waste.

The study evaluates the environmental and economic feasibility of this modified incineration approach by comparing pollutant levels before and after the implementation of air purification techniques. Our findings demonstrate that integrating incineration with emission control and ash reutilization provides a more sustainable waste management solution, mitigating the harmful effects of plastic disposal. This research aims to contribute to the development of cleaner, safer, and more efficient plastic waste disposal methods, reducing the ecological footprint and advancing sustainable practices in waste management.

Investigating the Role of BIM and Simulation Tools in Promoting Energy Efficiency for Green Building Certification

2025-03-21T08:52:25+00:00

The growing urgency of sustainable development has led the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to seek innovative approaches to reduce environmental impacts. Building Information Modeling (BIM), coupled with advanced simulation tools, stands out as a transformative strategy for achieving energy-efficient designs that meet GBC standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and GRIHA. This study investigates the integration of BIM and simulation tools to enhance energy efficiency, resource management, and sustainability in building projects. Despite BIM’s potential, challenges remain in maximizing its effectiveness for green certifications, largely due to interoperability issues and the absence of standardized workflows. Through a comprehensive literature review, this paper examines how BIM-integrated simulation tools optimize design and operational phases by providing predictive insights into energy and daylighting performance. Additionally, it addresses significant barriers to BIM adoption, including limited regional mandates and insufficient awareness of certification standards. This research contributes to bridging these gaps by proposing advanced methodologies to improve BIM’s role in sustainable design, thereby supporting the AEC industry’s goals of achieving higher energy efficiency and sustainability in GBC projects

The Intellectual Foundation of a Sustainable City in Pertinence to Tier-II Cities in India

2025-01-24T08:33:36+00:00

Numerous frameworks have been established to clarify the concepts of Sustainability, Green buildings, green architecture, and Green and sustainable cities. The principle of sustainability is deeply embedded in our historical narrative. Many academics have thoroughly explored its implications through various theories and empirical studies. In implementing these theoretical frameworks, the evaluation of a city's sustainability strategy often requires an organized structure. This paper introduces the Green City Conceptual [GCP] framework tailored for a Tier-II city in India, detailing its components, involved stakeholders, a robust and transformative vision for green development, and comprehensive strategies corresponding to each sustainability criterion. The emphasis is placed on historical sustainability theories, their practical applications, and subsequent impacts. This framework enhances understanding of the green city paradigm, clarifying potential determinants affecting their assessed green performance over time, setting objectives, and tracking advancements. Customization to the unique demands of specific urban areas can be accomplished by referencing extant research findings and studies and adapting them to urban contexts in India. The article concludes that incorporating effective and transformative elements of green development into defined metrics will undoubtedly assist Indian cities in achieving a sustainable future. Challenges may arise during implementation, including the acquisition of accurate and relevant data, access to skilled personnel, the commitment of political leaders in policymaking, favorable climate conditions, and economic factors during field operations. However, if all stakeholders actively participate, maintain a constructive perspective, fully execute all strategies, and consistently evaluate performance, the realization of environmentally sustainable cities in India becomes attainable.

Advancing Sustainability in Rural Water Management: Insight from Chaurjahari Municipality, Nepal

2025-01-22T09:33:16+00:00

This study delves into the major problems affecting the sustainability of community water supply schemes in Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum (West) District, Nepal. Employing a combination of explanatory, descriptive, and qualitative research designs, the study utilized primary data collected via structured questionnaires from field observations and secondary data sourced from local government offices and existing publications. The selected study area included five water supply schemes representative of the municipality's diverse demographic and environmental contexts. The research uncovered several critical sustainability challenges such as management inefficiencies, inadequate community engagement, and insufficient maintenance practices. It also examined the functionality of water supply systems through various indicators, evaluated sustainability issues at different project phases (pre-construction, construction, and post-construction), and analyzed the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents. Ethical considerations focused on respecting local customs and maximizing participant benefits were strictly followed. The findings emphasize the need for robust community involvement, enhanced capacity building, and improved management practices to ensure the sustainability of water supply projects. By addressing these key issues, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development in rural water management and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in similar contexts.

Empirical Modeling and Correlation Analysis of Soil Properties for Alkali-Activated Blended Soils

2025-01-09T09:35:44+00:00

This research paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the development of mathematical models and correlation analysis to establish empirical relationships between the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of alkali-activated blended soils with various engineering properties. The study focuses on alkali-activated Rice Husk Ash (RHA) blended with Fly Ash (FA), Metakaolin (MK), and Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA). A meticulous review of existing literature guided the determination of mix proportions, wherein soil samples were admixed with RHA-FA, RHA-MK, and RHA-SCBA at different proportions ranging from 0% to 30%. The binder combination employed a fixed ratio of RHA to FA/MK/SCBA at 1:3, with 25% RHA and 75% FA/MK/SCBA, while the alkali activator ratio (Na₂SiO₃: NaOH) was fixed at 2.5. The development of mathematical models was facilitated by linear regression and multiple regression analyses, with dedicated computer programs created using Python programming language. The efficacy of the proposed models was examined by comparing measured and predicted values of UCS and CBR for various blended soil specimens encompassing different curing durations. To validate the findings, a series of laboratory tests, including compaction, UCS, CBR, free swell index, and Atterberg's limits, were conducted on both natural black cotton soil and admixed soil specimens, complying with the relevant IS Code.