Plant diversity: a continuous challenge for its conservation Submission Deadline: March 31, 2024
Biological diversity, also known as Biodiversity, is founded upon the genetics of living beings, which is also influenced by environmental factors. Climate change, pollution, landscape erosion, are the main threats to biodiversity conservation. Plant diversity is the main characteristic of a habitat: plants are the basis of its structure and [...] Read More
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Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences(RJEES) is an openly accessible journal published monthly. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and perspectives in diverse areas of ecology & environment and to keep a record of state-of-the-art research.
Latest Articles
New records for the alien vascular flora of Calabria (S-Italy)
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2023,
3(2),
1-35.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.723
Abstract
While alien organisms, vascular plants included, are progressively increasing their worldwide impact on habitats, the present research confirms a similar dangerous trend for Calabria, the southernmost and floristically richest region of Italian Peninsula. The set of additional alien taxa here recorded for the vascular flora of Calabria includes: Acacia melanoxylon,
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While alien organisms, vascular plants included, are progressively increasing their worldwide impact on habitats, the present research confirms a similar dangerous trend for Calabria, the southernmost and floristically richest region of Italian Peninsula. The set of additional alien taxa here recorded for the vascular flora of Calabria includes: Acacia melanoxylon, Bidens subalternans, Buddleja davidii, Cucurbita moschata, Cyclospermum leptophyllum, Erigeron annuus subsp. annuus, Hesperocyparis glabra, Ligustrum ovalifolium, Mahonia aquifolium, Morus indica, Oenothera speciosa, Prunus serotina, Pyracantha fortuneana, Rudbeckia laciniata, Solanum nitidibaccatum, Sparaxis bulbifera, Tradescantia cerinthoides, Ulmus pumila. These additional 18 taxa bring the total number of alien species from 382 to 400. The most represented biological forms are scapose therophyte and scapose phanerophyte with 5 species (27.8% of the total). The most frequent biogeographic origins of the surveyed species are North America (6 species; 33.3%), followed by Asia and South America both with 4 species (22.2%). The most common habitats hosting the recorded alien taxa are roadsides (8 species; 44.4%), although all surveyed plants have been found in deeply anthropized environments. The altitude of occurrence, extending 3 to 1,286 m a.s.l., together with other ecological data provided, demonstrate the ability of aliens to potentially colonize a wide range of environments in the region.Full article
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Article
Bioremediation of Heavy Metals in Crude Oil-Contaminated Utisol, Using Nutrient Formulate Produced from Jatropha tanjorensis Leaf Extract
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2023,
3(1),
37-46.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.688
Abstract
This work evaluated the bioremediation potential of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract at different masses (250g, 500g and 750g) over a 40-day period. To achieve this, crude oil contamination of sandy loam soil was stimulated in twelve plastic reactors containing fixed masses of soil (4kg each) of topsoil homogenized with 500g
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This work evaluated the bioremediation potential of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract at different masses (250g, 500g and 750g) over a 40-day period. To achieve this, crude oil contamination of sandy loam soil was stimulated in twelve plastic reactors containing fixed masses of soil (4kg each) of topsoil homogenized with 500g of Bonny light crude oil. The Jatropha tanjorensis leaves were cultivated, rinsed with distilled water, blended, and purified by filtration. The leaf extract was applied at the stated concentrations including a control reactor (without leaf extract). The plastics reactors were kept in an open air shielded away from rainfall. The physicochemical characteristics determined were particle size distribution (PSD), potential of hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), selected heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb) and sample management were all in line with standard procedure. After 40 days of treatment, results obtained showed that plastic reactor with 750g of leaf extract produced the highest amount of cadmium reduction of 97% (from an initial of and there was significant difference among treatment (P < 0.05). The sequence of reduction among treatment was 750g > 500g > 250g of the leaf extract. Chromium, Lead and zinc followed similar trend. Thus, the Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract has the potential to ameliorate crude oil-contaminated soil.Full article
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Article
Bioremediation of Total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil using Costus afer Plant
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2023,
3(1),
26-36.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.656
Abstract
Costus afer is a well-known medicinal plant abundant in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The successful growth of Costus afer plant on crude oil contaminated soil adds to the list of plants that has potential to get rid of harmful chemical compounds to save human life as well preserve
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Costus afer is a well-known medicinal plant abundant in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The successful growth of Costus afer plant on crude oil contaminated soil adds to the list of plants that has potential to get rid of harmful chemical compounds to save human life as well preserve the environment. This study investigates the remediation potential of Costus afer plant at different ages (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days old) to decontaminate petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. To achieve this, contamination of sandy-loam soil was simulated by mixing T0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 L of Bonny-Light crude oil with 48 kg of the soil in three separate reactors to achieve conditions of low, medium, and high contamination, respectively. The reactor with medium-level contaminated soil served as the control. The plants were nursed and transplanted at the stated ages to each reactor except the control. Controlled irrigation was applied, and the setups were housed to shield them from rainfall. After 90 days of treatment, results showed that the 7 days old plants produced the highest amounts of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (TPAH) reduction of 99.71, 90.10, and 84.06 % in the soil with low, medium, and high contamination, respectively. Furthermore, the sequence of TPAH reduction by the plants was 14 days old > 21 days old > 28 days old > 35 days old > 42-days old. Thus, in addition to its medicinal value, Costus afer plant also has the potential to restore crude oil-contaminated soils.Full article
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Article
Socioeconomic Drivers of Conservation Commitment: Residents’ Willingness to Pay for Ecosystem Services Provided by Beaches in Lagos State, Nigeria
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2023,
3(1),
9-25.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.594
Abstract
Beaches are known for their ability to provide people with several services – these are generally referred to as ‘ecosystem services’ and they have been identified as one of the ways through which nature relates to humans. However, beaches in Nigeria are challenged by mismanagement caused by anthropogenic factors. It
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Beaches are known for their ability to provide people with several services – these are generally referred to as ‘ecosystem services’ and they have been identified as one of the ways through which nature relates to humans. However, beaches in Nigeria are challenged by mismanagement caused by anthropogenic factors. It is expected that people will demonstrate a certain amount of dedication to protecting this ecosystem to address this issue. Sometimes, a person's commitment to conservation is based on the advantages they anticipate or are currently experiencing from the ecosystem, which are a result of their socioeconomic traits. Against this backdrop, this study captured individuals’ commitment as their Willingness to Pay (WTP) for these ecosystem services, assessed their level of awareness of the various ecosystem services provided by beaches and investigated the impact of socioeconomic factors on participants’ willingness to pay. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a total of 221 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and content analysis. The results revealed that the cultural service provided by beaches was the most common ecosystem service identified by the participants. Furthermore, most of the participants were willing to pay less than $3 for beach maintenance while the major determinants of WTP were age, household size and education. This study recommended that the government should work with other stakeholders to set up programs that would boost people’s awareness of ecosystem services provided by beaches as well as reiterate the need to maintain this ecosystem to ensure continued enjoyment of the services provided.Full article
Article
Proposal for Didactic Innovation through the Monitoring of Threatened Biodiversity
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2023,
2(2),
60-68.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.495
Abstract
Biodiversity Conservation is a priority issue for the scientific community, and a main subject in the Biology and Geology curriculum at secondary school level in Spanish Educational System. In the present didactic proposal, we use the demographic monitoring of an endangered plant species to illustrate a research tool for estimates
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Biodiversity Conservation is a priority issue for the scientific community, and a main subject in the Biology and Geology curriculum at secondary school level in Spanish Educational System. In the present didactic proposal, we use the demographic monitoring of an endangered plant species to illustrate a research tool for estimates of biodiversity loos in nature, the local endemic Astragalus tremolsianus Pau. The aim of the proposal is to bring students closer to a real experience, which brings together knowledge of Biology, Algebra and Trigonometry, through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Showing a census to monitor the populations of a threatened high mountain flora species into the classroom is an innovative teaching activity that combines and uses knowledge from different disciplines, as well as demonstrating a real application of the knowledge acquired. The use of mathematical tools encompasses a number of skills that require the application of mathematical principles and processes in the scientific context. The introduction of the structure of scientific texts is another positive aspect of this didactic experience.Full article
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Article
Applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Mitigation Climate Change Consequences of the Natural Disasters
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2023,
3(1),
1-8.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.343
Abstract
Climate change and weather-related disasters are speeded very fast in the last decades with the consequences bringing to humanity: insecurity, destructing the ecological systems, increasing poverty, human victims, and economical losses everywhere on the planet. The innovative methods applied to mitigate the magnitudes of natural disasters and to combat effectively
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Climate change and weather-related disasters are speeded very fast in the last decades with the consequences bringing to humanity: insecurity, destructing the ecological systems, increasing poverty, human victims, and economical losses everywhere on the planet. The innovative methods applied to mitigate the magnitudes of natural disasters and to combat effectively their negative impact consist of remote and earth constantly monitoring, data collection, creation of models for big data extrapolation, prediction, in-time warning for prevention, and others. Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to deal with big data, for calculations, forecasts, predictions of natural disasters in the near future, the establishment of the possibilities to escape the hazards or risky situations, as well as to prepare the human being for adverse changes, and drawing the different choices as assistance the right decision to be accepted. Many projects, programs, and frameworks are adopted and carried out the separate governments and business makers to common goals and actions for the formation of a friendly environment and measures for reducing undesired climate alterations and cataclysms. The aim of the article is to review the last programs and innovations applied in the mitigation of climate change using AI.Full article
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Brief Review
Evaluation of Simulated Petroleum Hydrocarbon on the Physicochemical Properties of Soil
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2022,
2(4),
195-210.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.365
Abstract
Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of soils has become a global concern, which is often caused by anthropogenic activities, posing serious threat to all living beings. The study for evaluation of the variability of crude oil on the physicochemical characteristics of sandy loam soil was conducted at demonstration farm, Rivers state university,
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Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of soils has become a global concern, which is often caused by anthropogenic activities, posing serious threat to all living beings. The study for evaluation of the variability of crude oil on the physicochemical characteristics of sandy loam soil was conducted at demonstration farm, Rivers state university, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. The Bonny light crude oil was obtained from an oil and gas production company. Uncontaminated soil was mixed with crude oil. Standard procedures were adopted for the laboratory analysis, the parameters analyzed include bulk density, total porosity, pH, available phosphorus (P), Total hydrocarbon content (THC), organic carbon, organic matter, exchangeable cation (Mg, K, Na, Ca), effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), total exchangeable acidity (TEA), and base saturation were monitored for a period of 21 days. 10 kg of sandy loam soils were mixed with 100, 300, 500, and 700ml of crude oil while no crude oil serves as the control using plastic reactors. The reactor with 700ml of crude oil recorded the highest THC of 1734.33 mg/kg, followed by 500ml with a THC of 1601mg/kg while the control with no contamination recorded the least THC of 534.33mg/kg. However, the values of all concentrations did not meet 5000 mg/kg of Department of Petroleum Resources (2018) intervention value but exceeded the target value of 50 mg/kg. Other parameters followed same trend except porosity which decreased with increase in crude oil volume. There were significant differences at P< 0.05 except for pH, available P, and base saturation. Therefore, this study calls for the utilization of its findings for adoption of remediation on crude oil contaminated soils.Full article
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Article
Effect of Industrial Effluent on Irrigation Water Quality of Choba River in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2022,
2(4),
182-194.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.362
Abstract
Poor irrigation water quality due to oil spillage on surface water can result in food insecurity, health and economic challenges. This paper investigated the effect of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHC) and lead (Pb) on irrigation water quality in the oil spill prone area of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
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Poor irrigation water quality due to oil spillage on surface water can result in food insecurity, health and economic challenges. This paper investigated the effect of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHC) and lead (Pb) on irrigation water quality in the oil spill prone area of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Water samples were taken from five different sections labelled A, B, C, D, and E along the Choba River, in Rivers State, Nigeria. Sections B, C, D and E were direct industrial effluent discharge points while section A was without direct industrial effluent discharge. Standard methods were employed in the water sampling and analysis. Suitability of Choba river water for irrigation was assessed by comprehensive pollution index (CPI) that incorporated salinity, sodicity, and permeability hazard potentials as well as the specific toxicity hazard potentials of TPHC and Pb. Results showed that all primary water parameters except pH were within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines. The pH was low, ranging between 4.48 and 5.6. TPHC values for four out of the five samples were greater than the 10mg/l guideline as recommended by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources for surface water. TPHC for the four samples ranged between 14.52 and 174.32mg/l. The parameters with the most impact on CPI include EC, PI and TPHC with TPHC having the most impact. Water samples from sections A, B and E with CPI values 0.14, 0.37, and 0.8 respectively were classified in the clean, sub clean and slightly polluted categories respectively, while water samples from sections C and D with CPI values greater than 1 range from moderately to heavily polluted and not suitable for agricultural irrigation. Only water sample A was found suitable for irrigation.Full article
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Article
Knowledge for a Better Conservation: Syntaxonomic Review of Caribbean Pine Forests (Cuba, Hispaniola)
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2022,
2(4),
118-181.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.284
Abstract
A phytosociological review is carried out of the pine forest formations on the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola (Caribbean), due to the diversity of soils and environments. We collected 10 plant associations belonging to the class Byrsonimo-Pinetea caribaea growing on siliceous, calcareous and sandy substrates and 21 associations on special,
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A phytosociological review is carried out of the pine forest formations on the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola (Caribbean), due to the diversity of soils and environments. We collected 10 plant associations belonging to the class Byrsonimo-Pinetea caribaea growing on siliceous, calcareous and sandy substrates and 21 associations on special, serpentine and ophite substrates and on ultramafic rocks belonging to the class Caseario crassinervis-Pinetea cubensis, exclusive to Cuba; while the association of pine forests on serpentines in Hispaniola is included in the class Phyllantho orbicularis-Neobracetea valenzuelanae with a Caribbean distribution. The comparative phytosociological and statistical study reveals phytosociological anomalies in the inclusion of various syntaxa, and in the description of other syntaxa according to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (ICPN). We therefore propose a change in status for several of the subassociations described: subass. ilicetosum repandae: syn. var. con Ilex repanda; subass. schmidtottietosum shaferi: syn. var. with Schmidtottia shaferi; subass. acrosynanthetosum trachyphylli: syn. var. with Acrosynanthus trachyphyllus; subass. psychotrietosum grandis: var. con Psychotria grandis; subass. notodonetosum roigii: syn. var. with Notodon roigii. We also propose a nomen novum: jaquinietosum oxhyphyllae Reyes & Acosta 2012 ex Cano et al. hoc loco.Full article
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Review Article
Contribution to the Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Serre Calabre (Southern Italy)
Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
2022,
2(3),
35-55.
DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.389
Abstract
This work presents the results of an ethnobotanical research carried out in the territory of Serre Calabre, province of Vibo Valentia (Calabria, southern Italy). In this territory, the bond between the residents and the rural environment is still strong, because the small urban centers are placed in a predominantly agricultural
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This work presents the results of an ethnobotanical research carried out in the territory of Serre Calabre, province of Vibo Valentia (Calabria, southern Italy). In this territory, the bond between the residents and the rural environment is still strong, because the small urban centers are placed in a predominantly agricultural and forestry environment still managed in a traditional way. The survey took place between January 2019 and July 2021. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with locals. As many as 17 informants were interviewed and a total of 185 interviews were recorded. Plant specimens were collected under the indication of the informants and then deposited at the herbarium of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria (REGGIO). The data were stored on a digital database and then statistically analyzed some synthetic indexes have also been calculated, such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and the Cultural Importance Index (CI). The investigation allowed to identify 84 taxa belonging to 39 different families, among which the most represented are Lamiaceae (23 interviews, 9 taxa), Asteraceae (22 interviews, 12 taxa). The identified taxa were prevalently cited for alimentary (46 interviews, 32 taxa) and healing (55, 27) uses. The results obtained show how the traditional knowledge about plants in the Serre Calabre area is still alive, however it is exclusive heritage of elderly people and often only in one or just a few informants. In fact, many practices are no longer in use and will not be transferred to the new generations.Full article
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DOI prefix: 10.31586/rjees
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