Environmental & Analytical Toxicology

A simplified impact assessment of tropical cyclones on coastal habitats, particularly in the Mozambique Channel, still lacks sufficient information. We modelled the extent of flooding and its impact following the "severe tropical storm" Ana, which passed over the Mozambique Channel from January 20 to January 25, using data from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 and socio-ecological parameters like mangrove forest health and population density. We adapted a model from the United Nations Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) to effectively assess storm impacts at a resolution of up to 10 meters, focusing on areas affected by Ana, the Sofala, Zambezia and Boeny, Melaky, provinces in Mozambique and Madagascar, respectively. Our findings revealed that more than 195,977 people have the potential to be affected by Ana, while this number was reduced to 79, The Boeny province was responsible for the majority of the flooding as a percentage of its total area, but the majority of the flooding occurred in the central region of Zambezia. The Sofala district of Mozambique showed the most noteworthy impacted populace and most elevated impacted metropolitan region, with 108,400 uncovered individuals. However, it was discovered that urban areas accounted for only 1.4% of the flooded areas in all regions of interest (ROIs) that were affected. Despite the presence of degraded mangrove patches in close proximity to barren areas at a fine scale low mangrove normalized-difference vegetation index (NDVI) changes were observed throughout all ROIs prior to the 2021–2022 cyclone seasons. Finally, healthy mangrove forest ecosystems in the Mozambique Channel were found to effectively shield densely populated areas from cyclonic storms for an average of 40 kilometres.

Given the difficulties posed by nutrient run-off, reducing fertilizer costs and ensuring environmental sustainability are crucial issues. In order to accomplish these objectives, smart technologies like optical sensors are absolutely necessary. This study used optical sensor technology to monitor the chlorophyll content of cacao samples taken in a nursery setting to determine the most effective fertilizer regime. The slow-released fertilizer 8N-3P-9K was applied at 15 grams, 15 grams (supplemented with +15 grams applied twice), 15 grams (+15 grams), 30 grams (+15 grams applied twice) and 45 grams (+15 grams applied twice). Over the course of six months, the plant height, number of leaves, total nitrogen of leachate samples and the total nitrogen and total carbon contents of the leaf and soil samples were evaluated. Chlorophyll content was measured using optical sensors like atLEAF, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD). The findings indicate that cocoa plants can be supplied with the necessary nutrients and runoff contamination at a lower rate when nitrogen fertilizer is applied less frequently. Through nutrient run-off, using 45 (plus 15 g applied twice) results in additional pollution. This study demonstrates the significance of handheld sensor technology in determining the most effective nitrogen management practices for fruit nurseries to reduce fertilization overuse, save money and reduce pollution in the environment at the same time.