Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology

Stress and Struggles of Soil Biodiversity in the Global Innovative Technology for Food Sustainability

2024-09-29T23:56:52+00:00

Right from pre-historic times, humans have always looked for ways to explore the environment to satisfy basic economic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. History is filled with various strategies borne out of this desire by humans to subdue the environment and judging from the drawbacks of some scientific advancements, one will be stating the obvious that the soil environment is at the receiving end of the brazen intrusion of nature. Regardless of the improvement in science we still experience environmental challenges such as soil pollution, soil degradation, drought, biodiversity loss, deforestation, etc. This article advocates that the advancement in science with the sole aim of food security and sustainability should not necessarily translate into stress and struggle for soil biodiversity.

The Shift Towards Green Construction: A Review of Environmental Management Strategies and Sustainable Materials in Developed Countries

2024-10-20T09:14:32+00:00

Green materials have proven to be highly effective in managing environmental impacts when implemented in construction activities. The aim of this review paper is to critically examine the shift towards green construction practices in developed countries, with a focus on the integration of environmental management strategies and the use of sustainable materials. Currently, developed countries such as Switzerland, Japan, and China have significantly benefited their local environments by implementing these practices in the construction industry. Authorities and governments in these nations have taken proactive steps to establish standards and policies for the construction sector, encouraging more industries to participate in environmental management and protection efforts. The enforcement of rules and regulations in these developed countries has led the construction industry to prioritize environmental management and protection. The use of green materials in construction projects, including autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and green roof technology, has shown positive trends in advancing environmental protection and management. Developing countries are encouraged to adopt similar initiatives and utilize green materials in their construction industries to help secure the importance of environmental sustainability.

Groundwater Contamination by Heavy Metals in Malaysia: Sources, Transport, and Remediation Strategies

2024-10-20T09:14:29+00:00

Groundwater contamination by heavy metals is a pressing environmental concern, particularly in regions highly dependent on groundwater as a freshwater source. While Malaysia primarily relies on river water, certain states and islands depend on groundwater for their supply. Research on heavy metal contamination in Malaysia’s groundwater remains limited, making it crucial to study the distribution and mobility of contaminants to develop appropriate remediation strategies. In addition to natural sources, anthropogenic activities such as landfills, mining, and the use of fertilizers contribute significantly to heavy metal pollution in groundwater. Factors like rainfall, fluctuating groundwater levels, and low soil pH can exacerbate heavy metal leaching into aquifers. Various models and techniques, including 2D resistivity imaging and MODFLOW, are used to assess groundwater flow and contaminant transport. These models suggest that contaminant concentrations decrease with increased depth and radial distance from pollution sources such as landfills and mining areas. The health risks associated with heavy metal exposure through groundwater consumption are significant, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Phytoremediation is an economical solution for groundwater containing low concentrations of heavy metals, while permeable reactive barriers may be suitable for more complex cases, pending detailed site investigation. This review aims to examine the current state of knowledge on heavy metal contamination in Malaysia’s groundwater, focusing on sources, distribution patterns, and movement of pollutants. It also seeks to evaluate existing remediation methods, including phytoremediation and permeable reactive barriers, while identifying gaps in research, particularly concerning risk assessments and heavy metal speciation.

Utilization of Aquatic Plants and Microalgae for Sustainable Aquaculture Production and Potential Biotechnological Applications

2024-09-29T23:56:54+00:00

Locally available feedstuffs, such as grain seed cakes, oilseeds, and vegetable waste, hold immense potential as alternative feed sources in fish farming. However, these plant-based ingredients have low crude protein content and lack essential fatty acids, which lowers palatability and feed conversion efficiencies, leading to suboptimal fish growth. Traditional feedstuffs like fishmeal and soybean meal face sustainability challenges such as local unavailability, the presence of anti-nutritional factors, and energy-intensive processing. The rising costs of commercial aqua-feeds and feed scarcity necessitate exploring alternative fish feed options. Aquatic plants like Ipomoea aquatica, Lemna minor, and Azolla pinnata, along with green and blue-green microalgae such as Chlorella spp. and Arthrospira spp. (Spirulina), are promising alternatives due to their high protein content, availability of essential omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), and beneficial bioactive compounds. These plants and microalgae, with crude protein content ranging from 25% to 65%, can significantly enhance fish growth, health, and product quality by partially or entirely replacing fishmeal. Their nitrogen-fixing abilities contribute to their high protein levels. Additionally, these organisms have various biotechnological applications, including phytoremediation, Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), aquaponics, biofloc technology, and constructed wetlands. Despite their potential, challenges in scaling up and integrating these alternatives into existing systems remain. Collaborative efforts and advocacy among farmer groups are crucial for knowledge sharing and fostering sustainable biotechnological solutions. Long-term strategies should focus on upscaling local feed production and research and development to achieve self-sufficiency and cost-effective natural feed production systems in fish farming.