Global Research in Environment and Sustainability

Insecticidal Effect of Citrus Aurantifolia and Senna Spectabilis Leaf Powder and Methanol Extracts Against Two Major Storage Pests of Maize

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Botanicals have proven to be safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides in reducing postharvest losses caused by storage insect pests. With limited information on the insecticidal efficacy of Citrus aurantifolia and Senna spectabilis, this study aims to evaluate their effectiveness against Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamais, contributing to sustainable grain protection. Laboratory and field studies were conducted at the Entomology laboratory and the University of Ghana School Farm, respectively. In both studies, maize grains were treated with methanol and powders of C. aurantifolia and S. spectabilis at 5% and 10%. Actellic Dust^Ò applied to maize grains at 0.06% wt/wt served as a positive control, and untreated grains as a negative control. The experimental units were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications. Phytochemical analysis was performed for both botanicals. The results revealed that the leaves of the botanicals contained bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins. Both powders and methanol extracts of the botanicals (5 and 10%) significantly reduced the survivorship and emergence of the storage pests, as well as the weight loss they caused under laboratory conditions. However, only the methanol extracts remained consistently effective under field conditions, significantly reducing grain damage, with powders being less reliable under practical storage conditions. These findings highlight the potential of methanol extracts of C. aurantifolia and S. spectabilis as effective protectants for stored maize. Future studies should emphasize evaluating the safety and cost-effectiveness of these botanicals to support sustainable grain protection to achieve zero hunger.

Investigation of Pool Raw Water Purification using Several Extractions from Pulverized Boscia Senegalensis Barks as Natural Coagulants

Abdelhamid M. Essa, E. E. Hago, M. O. Mohammed, B. K. Abdalla — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to find the efficiencies of the three extracts of Boscia Senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. ex Poir barks are natural coagulants that improve drinking water quality, unlike other chemical coagulants. Compare the differences between powder and extracts as natural coagulants to reduce turbidity from turbid water. Raw water collected from a big pool in Abéché (CHAD) with a high turbidity level, the plant also collected from that area and analyzed by (FTIR) analyses revealed the presence of various characteristic functional groups (dried plant powder). The study highlights the use of Extracts of the Boscia Senegalensis barks in different Solvents and solutions (HCl, NaOH, and NaCl). In a concentration of 1M to extract the active substances (proteins), the use of (HCl, NaOH, and NaCl) solutions resulted in a high turbidity removal efficiency (88, 92, and 83.3) % respectively. Regarding other parameters pH and EC (Electrical Conductivity) showed some variation with increasing doses, as for the pH values when the coagulant doses increased there was a reversed relation between the acid extract and the base extract. When comparing these results with the results of the previous study [1] in which the powder of this plant was used, results of this study indicated that the extracts showed higher activity in much lower quantities than the powder.

Assessing Stakeholder Contributions to Risk Management in Real Estate Construction Projects in Owerri, Imo State

Victor-Wokem, Chinyere Gift, Akujuru, Victor A., Deeyah, Christopher L. — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study evaluates stakeholder contributions to risk management in real estate construction projects in Owerri, Imo State. Construction projects frequently encounter risks that impact cost, time, quality, safety, and overall project delivery. The study specifically identified the common risks encountered in real estate construction projects and examined the roles of stakeholders in identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected using structured questionnaires distributed to 340 respondents, including property developers, contractors, and building material sellers in Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, and Owerri West. Analysis was conducted using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and the Relative Importance Index. Results indicate that the primary risks affecting real estate construction projects in Owerri are inadequate funding, use of substandard materials, material price fluctuations, design errors, delays in approvals, disputes and litigation, flooding, poor workmanship, and health and safety risks. Inadequate funding exhibited the highest mean score of 4.23 and a Relative Importance Index of 0.85, demonstrating its significant impact on project performance. The findings further show that stakeholders play a critical role in risk management through effective communication, regular site supervision, training and capacity building, adherence to safety measures, project planning, and collaboration. Among these, effective communication ranked highest, with a mean score of 4.30 and a Relative Importance Index of 0.86. The study concludes that proactive stakeholder engagement is vital for mitigating construction risks, enhancing project outcomes, reducing waste, and fostering sustainable real estate development in Owerri.

Surveillance Protocols of Emerging Plant Pests Developed and Endorsed in Palestine

Abdul-Jalil Hamdan — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The agricultural sector in Palestine faces increasing threats from emerging invasive pest species, exacerbated by climate change, intensified global trade, and the widespread use of broad-spectrum insecticides that disrupt natural biological control mechanisms. In response to these challenges, the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and supported by the Government of Japan and the European Union, has developed and endorsed comprehensive surveillance protocols for ten priority emerging plant pests. These protocols address pests of significant economic concern, including the Grapevine Leafhopper (Erythroneura elegantula), Guava Fruit Fly (Bactrocera zonata), Olive Psyllid (Euphyllura straminea), Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), Dubas Bug (Ommatissus lybicus), Avocado Shot Hole Borer (Euwallacea sp.), Opuntia Cochineal Scale (Dactylopius opuntiae), Cucurbit Fly (Dacus ciliatus), Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), and Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii).

Each pest protocol follows a standardized framework encompassing pest identification, life cycle determination, economic impact assessment, symptom recognition, and integrated management strategies that emphasize population monitoring and conservation of natural enemies. The protocols integrate both traditional surveillance methods and innovative detection technologies, including pheromone-based trapping, acoustic sensing, canine detection, and molecular diagnostics. Grounded in International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards, these field-ready tools are designed to empower plant protection professionals, extension specialists, and farmers to implement effective surveillance programs and make evidence-based pest management decisions. The successful implementation of these protocols is critical for safeguarding agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, protecting biodiversity, maintaining international market access, and sustaining the livelihoods of farming communities in Palestine. This document serves as a practical guide that will undergo regular review and updating as new pest threats emerge and scientific understanding advances.

Green Hydrogen Manufacturing Techniques in India: A Comprehensive Techno-economic, Policy, and Industrial Assessment for Sustainable Energy Transition

Nandagopal Paramesh, G. V. Venkataramana — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The global transition toward low-carbon energy systems has positioned green hydrogen as a critical energy carrier for achieving deep decarbonization across industrial, transportation, and power sectors. Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. India, with its abundant renewable energy resources, rapidly growing energy demand, and ambitious climate commitments, has emerged as a strategic player in the global green hydrogen economy. The launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 marked a significant policy shift toward establishing India as a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of green hydrogen manufacturing techniques in India, focusing on technological pathways, economic feasibility, policy frameworks, and industrial deployment opportunities. The paper examines key manufacturing technologies including alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC), anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis, and biomass-based hydrogen production. A comparative techno-economic evaluation is conducted using parameters such as energy efficiency, capital expenditure, operational costs, scalability, and suitability under Indian operating conditions. The findings indicate that alkaline electrolysis currently dominates due to its technological maturity and lower capital cost, while PEM systems provide superior flexibility for renewable integration. Statistical cost projections suggest that green hydrogen production costs in India may decline from USD 4–6/kg in 2025 to USD 1.5–2/kg by 2030, driven by falling renewable electricity costs and domestic electrolyzer manufacturing. Indian states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha are emerging as major hydrogen production hubs due to favorable solar and wind resources. Despite strong growth potential, significant challenges remain, including high capital investment, storage limitations, water availability concerns, infrastructure gaps, and dependence on imported electrolyzer technologies. The study concludes that India possesses strong comparative advantages for becoming a global green hydrogen leader, provided strategic investments in research, manufacturing, and infrastructure are accelerated.