Punchi Bandage Dharmasena* and Chandima Gunasena
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.746
Sri Lanka was among the 171 countries that signed the Paris Agreement in 2016 at the High- Level Signature Ceremony of the Paris Agreement held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Subsequently the country submitted the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in 2021. The Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka prepared Carbon Net Zero 2050 Roadmap and Strategic Plan in 2023. The authors are responsible for the agriculture sector.
Agricultural lands contribute to the greenhouse effect primarily through the emission and consumption of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) such as methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Synthetic fertilizers and organic materials after harvesting, and animal manure deposited during grazing are the most common sources that contribute to N2O emission. Emission of CH4 from agriculture is mainly from paddy fields and enteric fermentation of the livestock. Carbon dioxide is emitted from agricultural fields due to use of machinery, application of urea, dolomite and gypsum and tillage operations. However, when comparing the total GHG emissions from CH4, N2O and CO2 from agricultural fields in Sri Lanka, it can be seen that the emission of CO2 is negligible compared to other GHGs.
In the study three scenarios were adopted to predict GHG emission from agriculture up to 2050 – Baseline scenario, NDC 2030 scenario extended to 2050 and Improved mitigation scenario. The study included literature review, stakeholder discussions and analysis to determine strategies to minimize GHG emissions from the agriculture sector.
The study results showed that the NDC 2030 extended scenario and improved mitigation scenario can reduce GHG emissions by 30% and 60% respectively up to 2050 compared to the baseline situation. However, in achieving these targets the paper discusses issues and constraints and policy gaps, which would hinder the success of the efforts.
Solomon Iyobu-Oki*, Ndokiari Boisa, Joshua Konne and John Ugbomah
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.747
This study examined the physicochemical properties of soil exposed to leachate from septic tanks within the International Secondary School of the Rivers State University, Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected in quadruplicates from depths 0.0 m (surf), 0.5 m (sub), 1.0 m (deepsub) and 1.5 m(Msub) for each 0.5 m, 1.0 m,1.5 m and 2.0 m horizontal distances away from all eight sides of two septic tanks yielding a total of 128 samples. The samples were analyzed using standard physicochemical and AAS techniques, and the obtained experimental outcomes subjected to standard statistical treatment. The results showed that the means of the levels of pH, PO4, and Zn followed the order, surf>sub>deepsub>Msub. Other properties such as EC (Electrical Conductivity), TKN (Total Khejdhal Nitrogen), Ni and Cu also had highest levels of concentration or counts at the surface depth but did not follow this trend. Mn showed the highest occurrences at the Msub depth. The mean Ni level for the site was above the FMEenv and WHO maximum permissible levels respectively.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.748
Analytical toxicology plays a pivotal role in assessing and managing environmental hazards posed by various contaminants. With the increasing concern about the impact of pollutants on human health and the environment, there's a growing demand for robust analytical techniques capable of detecting, quantifying, and characterizing toxic substances. This article explores the methods and applications of analytical toxicology in environmental assessment, highlighting its significance in safeguarding ecosystems and public health.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.749
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.750
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.751
Environmental toxicology is a multidisciplinary field that examines the adverse effects of various chemical, physical, or biological agents on living organisms and ecosystems. As human activities continue to alter the natural environment, the need to understand and mitigate the impact of toxic substances has become increasingly crucial. From industrial pollutants to pesticides, the sources of environmental toxins are diverse and widespread, posing significant risks to human health and ecological stability.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.752
In our modern world, the issue of environmental contamination has become increasingly pressing. The presence of toxic substances in our air, water, soil and food poses significant risks to human health and the ecosystem as a whole. Environmental toxicology, the study of the adverse effects of environmental contaminants on living organisms, plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating these risks. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced in navigating environmental contamination toxicology and discuss various strategies to address them.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.753
Mark T. William* and Serena V. Draupe
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.754
Sewage pollution poses significant risks to both public health and the environment. As urbanization and industrialization continue to expand, the volume of sewage produced increases, exacerbating the problem. Consequently, safeguarding against sewage pollution has become a critical concern for communities worldwide. This article explores the various assessments and actions necessary to mitigate sewage pollution effectively.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.755
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.769
The utilization of engineered nanomaterials in the construction sector represents an emerging risk, with limited data available on the subject. This paper examines the potential hazards associated with nano-enabled construction products and the measures taken by safety coordinators to address these risks. Initially, a summary of safety data sheets (SDSs) for these products and publications on potential nano-exposure was analyzed. Additionally, a survey was emailed to a representative sample of safety coordinators in Nakuru. Key findings revealed that nearly none of the SDSs included nano-specific information, and activities involving nanomaterials in powder form or for spraying posed the highest risks. The survey indicated that while awareness of nano-enabled construction products is widespread, the actual use of nanomaterials remains very limited. These results highlight the need for improved safety information and protocols to manage the risks associated with nanomaterials in the construction industry.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.770
Drug overdoses and therapeutic misadventures, whether intentional or accidental, are common reasons for presentations to pediatric emergency departments. Timely administration of antidotes is often a critical component of treatment for these patients and can frequently be life-saving. Due to the challenges of conducting randomized controlled trials in clinical toxicology, there is often a lack of information regarding the efficacy and optimal use of antidotes, making it essential to continuously review the literature for new data and evidence. This paper reviews the current evidence and indications for several newer antidotes and treatments for selected common pediatric poisonings, as well as ongoing data regarding the use of a well-known and widely used antidote.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.767
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.766
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.768
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.774
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.775
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.773
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.771
Marine pollution poses a significant threat to oceanic ecosystems, with toxic substances causing widespread harm to marine life and habitats. This study examines the various sources and types of pollutants, including heavy metals, plastics, and chemical contaminants, and their detrimental effects on marine biodiversity and ecological processes. The accumulation of toxins in marine food webs and the resultant bioaccumulation and biomagnification pose serious risks to both marine organisms and human health. Additionally, the degradation of crucial habitats such as coral reefs and coastal regions further exacerbates the environmental impact. Mitigating the effects of oceanic toxicology requires comprehensive pollution control measures, sustainable practices, and international collaboration. This paper aims to highlight the urgent need for addressing marine pollution to safeguard the health of ocean ecosystems and ensure the longevity of marine biodiversity.
DOI: 10.37421/2161-0525.2024.14.772
Soil ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the simultaneous presence of microplastics and insecticides, two pervasive pollutants with far-reaching environmental consequences. This study investigates the combined effects of these contaminants on soil health, focusing on their impact on soil organisms, nutrient cycling, and overall soil quality. Microplastics, originating from plastic debris and synthetic fibers, persist in soils, where they physically disrupt soil structure and function. Insecticides, widely used in agriculture to control pests, introduce toxic compounds that can harm non-target soil organisms. The interaction between microplastics and insecticides may exacerbate their individual impacts, leading to altered microbial communities, reduced soil fertility, and impaired ecosystem services. Understanding the synergistic effects of these pollutants is crucial for developing effective soil management and pollution mitigation strategies. This research highlights the need for integrated approaches to reduce microplastic and insecticide contamination, ensuring the sustainability of soil ecosystems essential for agriculture and biodiversity.
Environmental & Analytical Toxicology received 6818 citations as per Google Scholar report
Spanish 
Chinese 
Russian 
German 
French 
Japanese 
Portuguese 
Hindi 