Scientific African最新文献

{"title":"Liver, breast and colon anticancer, DNA binding and antimigration investigation of mono- and binuclear metal complexes with theoretical studies","authors":"Huda M Alamri ,&nbsp;Ahlam I. Al-Sulami ,&nbsp;Mona Binkadem ,&nbsp;Mashael T. Al-Sulami ,&nbsp;Samar A. Aly ,&nbsp;Safaa S. Hassan ,&nbsp;Fatma B Rashidi ,&nbsp;Natalia Terenti ,&nbsp;Ehab M. Abdalla","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Four new complexes of [VO(H₂L)(H₂O)(SO₄)]EtOH (C1), [Co(HL)(NO₃)] (C2), [Zn(H₂L)(HL)]Cl.H₂O (C3), and [Zn₂(H₂L)(SO₄)₂]2H₂O (C4) of [N-phenyl-2-(phenylglycyl)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide] (H₂L) have been synthesized and characterized by various techniques. All metal complexes are mononuclear in nature except [Zn₂(H₂L)(SO₄)₂]2H₂O (C4) complex is binuclear, and the chemical formulas of the complexes are (1:1 of C1 and C2), (1:2 of C3) and (2:1 of C4) (M:L). DFT calculation is performed and supports the expected structures. The compounds were tested against different types of positive and negative bacteria and also against three distinct human cancer cell lines: liver (HepG-2), breast (MCF-7) and colon (HCT-116). [VO(H₂L)(H₂O)SO₄]EtOH (C1) is regarded as the most effective and potent antibacterial agent since the results indicated that it has the highest inhibition zone, even greater than that of the conventional antibiotic. Additionally, that vanadyl complex exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory effect and the greatest anticancer activity against the three tested cell lines. All compounds exhibited anticancer activity against the examined cell lines in the following order: C1 &gt; C2 &gt; C4 &gt; C3 &gt; H₂L. The high affinity of the vanadyl complex to DNA interaction was confirmed through the electrophoresis technique. The wound healing test revealed that the HepG-2 cell migration was inhibited when treated with VO(II) complex. According to a molecular docking study, the ligand and complexes revealed fascinating interactions with amino acid residues in the binding site of the EGFR tyrosine kinase receptor (PDB Code: 1M17).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02991"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of health risks linked to natural radionuclides contained in vegetables from ex-mining, and non-mining land","authors":"June Mellawati ,&nbsp;Oumar Bobo Modibo ,&nbsp;Murdahayu Makmur ,&nbsp;Eko Budi Jumpeno ,&nbsp;Evans Azka Fajrianshah ,&nbsp;Tri Retno Dyah Larasati ,&nbsp;Nana Mulyana ,&nbsp;Nunik Madyaningarum","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agriculture in former tin mining areas can increase the absorption of radionuclides, thus posing potential health risks. This study measured Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 in eleven vegetable species from former mining sites and thirteen from non-mining sites using HPGe gamma spectrometry. The concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 12.76 Bq/kg (Ra-226), 0.19–16.05 Bq/kg (Th-232), and 37.85–494.67 Bq/kg (K-40), while in non-mining areas they ranged from 0.63 to 4.53 Bq/kg, 0.19–16.05, and 186.29–494.67 Bq/kg, respectively. The activity concentration has exceeded the UNSCEAR reference value, with water-rich vegetables (yellow velvetleaf, water spinach) showing higher absorption. The estimated annual effective dose was 95.54 × 10⁻⁶ Sv/year in former mining areas, and 86.55 × 10⁻⁶ Sv/year in non-mining areas, well below the ICRP limit (1 mSv/year). The cancer risks were 32.11 × 10⁻⁶ and 12.10 × 10⁻⁶, also below the ICRP threshold. This first comparative assessment in Indonesia highlights crop-specific uptake but does not include soil data. Although the risk remains low, the results underscore the need for monitoring and guidance on land use to support food security and reclamation in Southeast Asia, and Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02988"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anaerobic co-digestion of brewery wastewater and soybean processing industry sludge to enhance biogas production","authors":"Eleni Kassa Goshe ,&nbsp;Michael Girimay Gebremedhine ,&nbsp;Abrha Mulu Hailu ,&nbsp;Zemene Worku Negie","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global energy demand continues to rise, necessitating innovative and sustainable renewable energy solutions. Among these, converting industrial waste into bioenergy stands out as one of the most sustainable options. This study aimed to investigate the co-digestion of brewery wastewater (BWW) and soybean processing industrial sludge (SPW) for biogas production. Various substrate mixing ratios of both wastes (SPW:BWW) were tested at four different hydraulic retention times (HRTs), ranging from 10 to 25 days, under mesophilic conditions (37 ± 2 °C). The experimental design was developed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the help of Design Expert software. Physicochemical parameters including pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and nutrient content were monitored before and after digestion. The results showed that co-digestion significantly enhanced biogas production compared to mono-digestion. The 50:50 mixing ratio yielded the highest biogas output of 277.3 ± 6.0 ml/day at the longest HRT of 25 days. The highest methane content (65.39 %) was observed with a 75 % SPW: 25 % BWW ratio at 20 days HRT. Statistical analysis confirmed that both substrate mixing ratio and HRT had a significant effect on biogas production and methane content (p &lt; 0.05). The RSM optimization process achieved a desirability score of 0.914, indicating optimal conditions for maximizing biogas production and methane concentration. These findings highlight the potential of converting soybean processing industrial residue and brewery wastewater into renewable energy through anaerobic co-digestion, offering a promising sustainable solution for waste management, greenhouse gases emission reduction, and energy diversification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02986"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring institutional and legislative weaknesses in wildlife conservation: The case of pangolins in Ghana","authors":"Lord Ebow Sampson,&nbsp;Seth Appiah-Opoku","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The conservation and safety of wildlife have become a global concern due to the heightened loss of biodiversity and its long-term impact on climate change. Amongst the species at risk, pangolins are particularly susceptible due to the high demand for their scales, meat, and other body parts for traditional medicine, exotic leather, and consumption, particularly in Asia and Africa. Despite the existence of international conventions, national institutions, and legislations designed to restrict pangolin hunting and trading in Ghana, these practices persist. This study explores institutional and legislative weaknesses in wildlife conservation, using pangolins in Ghana as a case study. Using a qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews, the study revealed that although Ghana has wildlife institutions and legislations, there are weaknesses that limit their effectiveness in conserving wildlife. There is a significantly high level of ignorance and unawareness of the legislations and associated penalties among most hunters and traders of pangolins. On the other hand, wildlife officers are aware of the legislations, named security threats, inadequate logistics, and political interference as factors that impede the enforcement of these legislations. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen wildlife conservation institutions, legislations, and enforcement that may be relevant in other jurisdictions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02975"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unusual N-acetoxymethyl derivatives of flindersine and acridone alkaloids from Kenyan Vepris glandulosa and V. hanangensis var unifoliata and their inhibitory effects against HIV 1 reverse transcriptase","authors":"Carlotta Zamboni ,&nbsp;Fatima Iganya Suleiman ,&nbsp;Eduard Mas-Claret ,&nbsp;Sajni Shah ,&nbsp;Martin Cheek ,&nbsp;Quentin Luke ,&nbsp;Sani M. Isyaka ,&nbsp;Moses K. Langat","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02981","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02981","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The leaves of <em>Vepris glandulosa</em> gave ten compounds, nine known, flindersine (<strong>1a</strong>), 7-methoxyflindersine (<strong>1b</strong>), 7-prenyloxyflindersine (<strong>3</strong>), toddaliopsin C (<strong>4</strong>), xanthoxoline (<strong>5</strong>), arborinine (<strong>6</strong>), lupeol, sitosterol and pheophytin a, and one previously undescribed compound <em>N-</em>acetoxymethyl-7-methoxyflindersine (<strong>2</strong>). The leaves of <em>Vepris hanangensis</em> var. <em>unifoliata</em> gave eleven compounds, eight known, 7-methoxyflindersine (<strong>1b</strong>), 7-prenyloxyflindersine (<strong>3</strong>), toddaliopsin C (<strong>4</strong>), xanthoxoline (<strong>5</strong>) arborinine (<strong>6</strong>), lupeol, sitosterol and pheophytin a, and three previously undescribed compounds <em>N-</em>acetoxymethyl-7-methoxyflindersine (<strong>2</strong>), 8-carboxygeranioloxyflindersine (<strong>7</strong>) and 8-carboxygeranioloxy-N-methylflindersine (<strong>8</strong>). Compounds <strong>1a, 1b, 2</strong>-<strong>8</strong> were analysed for their <em>in silico</em> inhibitory effect against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and compounds <strong>1b, 2, 7</strong> and <strong>8</strong> were analysed for their <em>in vitro</em> inhibitory effects against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02981"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physicochemical qualities and ecological risk assessment of soil and plants heavy metals contamination in a selected areas around Kipushi mining at the Congolese Copperbelt in DR Congo","authors":"Jean-Noël Kanyinda Mputu ,&nbsp;Lumière Kembisa Nkutu ,&nbsp;Trésor Ngobola Kisimba ,&nbsp;Merveille Kongolo Masudi ,&nbsp;Séverine Papier ,&nbsp;Arthur Kaniki Tshamala ,&nbsp;Jean-Marc Baele","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mining activities in Kipushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, have generated extensive tailings and waste rock, leading to long-term accumulation of trace metals in soils and vegetation. Despite their ecological and public health significance, integrated assessments of contamination levels, metal speciation, and ecological risks remain scarce in this mining-impacted region. Soil (<em>n</em> = 6) and plant (<em>n</em> = 6) samples were collected from six sites during rainy and dry seasons. Total and bioavailable concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were determined using ICP-OES after acid digestion. Sequential extraction (BCR protocol) was applied to assess metal speciation. Contamination was quantified using enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). Statistical analyses included ANOVA and Pearson correlations. Soils displayed high variability in pH (4.4–7.5), organic matter (2.8–8.1 %), and cation exchange capacity (6–10 meq/100 g). Co, Cu, and Zn frequently exceeded FAO limits, with maximum values of 60.1, 424.1, and 560.7 mg/kg, respectively. CF and Igeo indicated considerable to very high contamination for Cu, Zn, and Co at multiple sites. Sequential extraction revealed that Cd, Cr, and Pb were mainly in reducible fractions, suggesting high remobilization potential, while Cu and Cr were largely residual. In plants, <em>Persea americana, Melissa officinalis</em>, and <em>Lanea discolor</em> accumulated Co, Cr, and Cu above WHO thresholds, with bioconcentration factors up to 0.29. PERI highlighted very high ecological risks, particularly for Pb and Zn in P1–P4. These findings confirm severe contamination of Kipushi soils and vegetation by mining residues, with metals present in labile forms prone to environmental transfer. Native species showed contrasting roles in phytoextraction (<em>P. americana</em>) and phytostabilization (<em>Bamboussa vulgaris</em>). The results underline the urgent need for phytoremediation-based strategies, stricter environmental controls, and systematic monitoring to protect ecosystems and human health in the Congolese Copperbelt.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02987"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking groundwater potential in the yirgacheffe catchment, main ethiopian rift region: A comprehensive analytic hierarchy process and geophysical approach","authors":"Tariku Takele ,&nbsp;Tariku Degife ,&nbsp;Dechasa Diriba ,&nbsp;Musa Husein ,&nbsp;Pedro Antonio Ortega Galvan ,&nbsp;Shankar Karuppannan ,&nbsp;Muralitharan Jothimani ,&nbsp;Getnet Assefa ,&nbsp;Demise Tadessa ,&nbsp;Mekonnen Beyene Geleta ,&nbsp;Ebassa Dugasa","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water is an invaluable resource, and the growing demand for groundwater driven by climate change, population growth, and evolving lifestyles presents significant challenges for ensuring sustainable water development and effective management. This study combines geological, geophysical, and Analytic Hierarchy Process methods to investigate groundwater resources in the Yirgacheffe Catchment in the Main Ethiopian Rift region. These resources are vital for local economies and domestic purposes. Due to drying wells, surface water pollution, and limited hydrogeological data, water scarcity is a concern. Electrical resistivity profiling with a Wenner array and WDA-1 meter across four 236-meter profiles was processed with Res2DinV software. Using an indicator-based weighting approach with nine key factors to assess groundwater potential, the identified zones were validated through comparison with water point data and geophysical results. The geophysical analysis identified three subsurface layers: (1) a dense rhyolite ignimbrite and basalt layer with high resistivity (&gt;2000 Ωm), (2) a weathered zone with moderate resistivity (200 – 2000 Ωm), and (3) a shallow topsoil and clay layer with low resistivity (4 – 200 Ωm). These findings show variations in rock integrity and weathering, affecting groundwater flow and construction stability. The groundwater potential map was validated with a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (76.6 %), revealing five groundwater potential levels: very low (12.96 %), low (28.23 %), moderate (28.91 %), high (19.82 %), and very high (10.08 %). Areas with moderate to very high potential are key for sustainable development and management. Sensitivity analysis of the Aquifer potential map revealed that lithology, elevation, and lineament are the most influential factors affecting groundwater potential. The findings of this research provide a reliable tool for decision-makers to improve groundwater resource development and management, plan for new well drilling, and adopt effective groundwater protection strategies, particularly in Yirga Cheffe town and its surroundings. Furthermore, the methodology applied in this study can be adopted in regions with similar hydrogeological settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02979"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Landslide susceptibility mapping in the Bokoya Massif, Northern Morocco: A geospatial and multi-factor analysis using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)","authors":"Mustapha Ait Omar,&nbsp;Issam Etebaai,&nbsp;Morad Taher,&nbsp;Abdelhamid Tawfik","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02980","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02980","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Landslide susceptibility mapping is a fundamental tool in natural hazard assessment and risk mitigation, especially in tectonically active regions. This research presents the first detailed landslide susceptibility map for the Bokoya Massif (Al-Hoceima province, Morocco), addressing a critical gap in regional hazard assessment. The study employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify landslide-prone areas based on nine conditioning factors: lithology, slope, precipitation, land use, proximity to hydrographic networks, road infrastructure, structural lineaments, seismic records, and slope orientation. Approximately 17 % of the territory (54.8 km²) was classified as high to very high susceptibility zones, with notable areas including the northern slopes and regions near major watercourses, while moderate susceptibility covered 46.4 % of the area (151.2 km²). The remaining areas exhibited low to very low susceptibility, highlighting spatial variability across the massif. Field surveys were conducted to validate the susceptibility map, and model validation was supported by historical landslide inventory data and area under the curve (AUC) analysis, achieving an accuracy of 80.7 %. The resultant map provides local authorities with a scientifically grounded tool for spatial planning and risk management. This framework demonstrates the value of AHP in geohazard studies, offering an interpretable and adaptable approach in data-scarce environments. It establishes a foundation for future geohazard studies in similar geological settings and emphasizes the need for periodic updates following seismic events or anthropogenic changes. Overall, the study supports informed decision-making and sustainable development in landslide-prone Mediterranean regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02980"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rural household energy consumption for cooking and heating in the Haut-Ogooué Province, Gabon","authors":"Andrianina Lydia Rakotosoa,&nbsp;Clara My Lernborg,&nbsp;Karsten Drescher,&nbsp;Jérôme Gaugris","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fuelwood is one of the most important provisioning services, benefiting local communities, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on social and ecological surveys, this study explores the role and contribution of fuelwood in household energy use for cooking/heating in rural communities. It aims to understand their dependance on natural resources and inform sustainable management Plans for biodiversity conservation.</div><div>Although gas is widely accessible, it serves as a complement rather than a replacement for firewood. Fuelwood serves specific purposes, and different factors intervene in the choice of its use. Despite the simultaneous use of gas, the fuelwood consumption in the study area appears higher than the average in Sub-Saharan Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02984"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Groundwater vulnerability mapping in the Maze Zenti catchment, Ethiopia: Integrating the DRASTIC model with an entropy-weighted modification in a GIS environment","authors":"Yonas Oyda ,&nbsp;Samuel Dagalo Hatiye ,&nbsp;Muralitharan Jothimani","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Groundwater vulnerability mapping is a vital tool for sustainable water resource management, especially in regions where agriculture is the primary means of livelihood. In such areas, groundwater is highly susceptible to contamination due to the slow natural attenuation of pollutants and the limited feasibility of artificial remediation. This study aims to assess the spatial vulnerability of groundwater to contamination in the Maze–Zenti catchment of the Omo Basin, Southern Ethiopia. To achieve this, the study utilized four overlay index models: DRASTIC, Modified DRASTIC, Entropy-DRASTIC, and Entropy-Modified DRASTIC. The study integrated the Shannon Entropy technique to optimize parameter weighting and improve the accuracy of vulnerability mapping. It used observed nitrate concentrations to validate groundwater vulnerability to pollution. The results revealed that the DRASTIC and modified DRASTIC models classified the study area into five vulnerability zones: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. In contrast, the entropy-weighted models grouped the area into four classes: very low, low, moderate, and high groundwater vulnerability to pollution. The DRASTIC and Modified DRASTIC models indicate that a significant portion of the area, 1868.23 km² (79.85 %) and 1743.58 (74.52 %), respectively, falls within very low to moderate groundwater pollution vulnerability zones. According to the DRASTIC and modified DRASTIC models, only a small fraction of the area is classified under high to very high pollution vulnerability, covering 471.77 km² (20.15 %) and 596.42 km² (25.48 %). The Entropy-modified DRASTIC model classified 78.58 % (1838.74 km²) of the area as having very low to moderate vulnerability, while categorizing 21.42 % (501.34 km²) as highly vulnerable. Validation using nitrate (NO₃⁻) concentrations confirmed a strong correlation with the Entropy-modified DRASTIC model, indicating its greater predictive capability of groundwater vulnerability to pollution. Furthermore, the integration of land use/land cover (LULC) data significantly improved model performance by refining the delineation of vulnerable zones. The Entropy-modified DRASTIC model demonstrates higher accuracy and reliability for groundwater vulnerability assessment. Its application can support informed decision-making for sustainable groundwater protection and land use planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e02983"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}