Wan Nadiah Amalina Kadir, Bojan Tamburic, Chung Yiin Wong, Richard M. Stuetz, Andrew P. Dansie
{"title":"Comparative and temporal analysis of microplastic abundance and type in urban stormwater catchments","authors":"Wan Nadiah Amalina Kadir, Bojan Tamburic, Chung Yiin Wong, Richard M. Stuetz, Andrew P. Dansie","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stormwater from urban areas is a well-known pathway for the transportation of plastic and microplastic pollution to the world’s oceans. However, research on microplastic abundance in urban stormwater systems is still limited and understudied compared to the marine environment. Further, temporal changes in microplastic abundance are rarely considered with the majority of studies reporting on one sampling event only. This study investigated the temporal distribution and polymer type of microplastic particles (>20 μm and <5 mm). Three ponds located in Centennial Parklands, Sydney, Australia, that receive stormwater from different urban stormwater catchments were sampled over an eight-week period. A total of 1511 particles were collected and identified according to shape and polymer type. The abundance of microplastic particles in the water samples ranged from 3.1 to 11.9 particles/L. The results showed no significant difference in plastic particle count and type among the ponds from week to week; however, they indicate that ponds within Centennial Parklands are homogeneously polluted with a variety of microplastics. The abundances of microplastics found in these urban wetlands of Sydney were higher than those reported in areas of similar urbanization. Chlorinated polyethylene was the most common polymer in all sampled ponds, at 64 % to 97.5 % of particles, while fragments being the most common microplastic particle shape observed during sampling. Temporal investigation of microplastic transport into the environment is needed to develop effective management and mitigation strategies. Long-term and ongoing microplastic monitoring in stormwater is recommended to derive an accurate estimation of its contribution to global microplastic pollution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101216"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518423","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}
Sarawut Sangkham , Worradorn Phairuang , Pornpun Sakunkoo , Anh Tuan Ta
{"title":"A review on microplastics in mammalian feces: Monitoring techniques and associated challenges","authors":"Sarawut Sangkham , Worradorn Phairuang , Pornpun Sakunkoo , Anh Tuan Ta","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101217","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101217","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global ecosystem is facing a rapidly escalating contamination issue with microplastics (MPs), which has raised concerns about human exposure and potential health effects. This review focuses on MP contamination in mammalian feces and evaluates current monitoring techniques and associated challenges. In humans, the most prevalent MP polymers identified in human feces include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and polyurethane (PU). Additionally, PET and PC were found in the feces of dogs and cats, too. In harbor seal feces, the identified polymer types included cellophane, rubber, alkyd resin, and ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM). This review determined that the size of the MPs in human feces ranged from 1 µm to 5000 µm. The detection of MPs in the feces of humans and other mammals suggests that fecal MP monitoring can be used as a non-invasive biomonitoring approach to assess exposure levels and enhance environmental health surveillance. Understanding the extent of MP ingestion among organisms is crucial, considering the bioaccumulative nature of plastic pollution that currently threatens global ecosystems. Consistent monitoring of MPs in the feces of several organisms can help identify health risks and inform environmental policies aimed at reducing plastic waste and its associated impacts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523298","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}
Dewi Sahara , Umi Karomah Yaumidin , Tota Suhendrata , Cahyati Setiani , Jajuk Aneka Beti , Triyani Dewi , Andi Yulyani Fadwiwati , Idaryani , Atman , Yardha , Edwen Waas , Robet Asnawi , Amiruddin Syam
{"title":"Sustainability of shallot farming system in lowland Central Java Province, Indonesia: MICMAC analysis approach","authors":"Dewi Sahara , Umi Karomah Yaumidin , Tota Suhendrata , Cahyati Setiani , Jajuk Aneka Beti , Triyani Dewi , Andi Yulyani Fadwiwati , Idaryani , Atman , Yardha , Edwen Waas , Robet Asnawi , Amiruddin Syam","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101212","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101212","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shallot farming in Central Java thrives in lowlands due to faster harvests and higher productivity. However, its sustainability faces climate change, water scarcity, pests, price fluctuations, and limited resources and technology. This study aims to determine the key factors for the sustainability of the shallot farming system in the lowlands of Central Java Province. The study was conducted in Brebes Regency with 21 respondents, Demak (38 respondents), Pati (32 respondents), and Grobogan (20 respondents). Primary data obtained using survey methods, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) from 111 shallot farmers were used for data analysis. The data analysis method used structural analysis of the Matrix of Cross Impact Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC). The results showed that there were 16 variables from four dimensions: environment, economy, society, and technology. The analysis results show that knowledge, culture, and weather are key factors that directly determine the sustainability of the shallot farming system in the lowlands of Central Java Province; the weather shifts from quadrant I to quadrant II, indicating long-term instability. The variables of pest and disease control, water availability, and productivity show a strong indirect relationship between variables. This condition shows the importance of adjusting long-term strategies to face changes for the sustainability of shallot farming. Smart farming technology (drip irrigation, superior varieties, and integrated pest management), as well as increasing farmer knowledge and culture, are innovative steps for the sustainability of the shallot farming system in the lowlands of Central Java Province.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510901","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":"Fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10): A silent catalyst for chronic lung diseases in India; a comprehensive review","authors":"Deepak Chandra Joshi , Pooja Negi , Suprabha Devi , Himanshu Lohani , Rohit Kumar , Madhu Gupta , Long Chiau Ming","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101215","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101215","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review assesses the role of microparticles (PM2.5 and PM10) as a silent yet pivotal cause of chronic lung disease in India. It explores these pollutants' sources, composition, and health effects while providing an overview of regulations, public health consequences, and areas requiring further research. A critical appraisal of validated sources, including government reports, peer-reviewed literature, and environmental databases, was conducted, focusing on the past five years of PM levels in Indian cities and their association with chronic lung disease. The study investigates pathways of lung injury through oxidative stress, inflammation, and sustained respiratory impairment. Findings reveal that PM2.5 and PM10 levels in both urban and rural areas frequently exceed WHO guidelines, particularly in major cities, contributing to increased cases of COPD, asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. The most vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, bear a disproportionately high disease burden. Furthermore, PM pollution places a significant strain on India's healthcare system due to rising treatment costs and diminished quality of life. As particulate matter remains a critical public health issue affecting respiratory health and healthcare resources, urgent policy interventions, technological advancements, and grassroots initiatives are necessary to mitigate its impact. Additional scientific research is needed to bridge gaps in understanding PM's long-term health effects and develop advanced monitoring systems for better air quality management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101215"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144579573","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}
Samuel R. Cauvin , Kate Gormley , Malcolm Stone , Richard D. Neilson , Marcin Kapitaniak
{"title":"Towards a digital model of the UKCS using Smart City concepts","authors":"Samuel R. Cauvin , Kate Gormley , Malcolm Stone , Richard D. Neilson , Marcin Kapitaniak","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101208","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101208","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) is a complex environment with an array of varied infrastructure and interests from many different parties. This makes it difficult for stakeholders to make informed decisions that consider all of these disparate interests and their associated data streams. To help alleviate this we are building, as part of a suite of tools called the Smart Energy Basin, a model of the UKCS and its many datasets based on Smart City concepts. With data spread across many disparate sources, this model creates a more complete picture of the UKCS to help drive stakeholder engagement, more informed decision making, and policy development. This model comprises both 2D maps of the UKCS, and fully modelled 3D scenes of several demonstrator areas in the UKCS. A model of this type and to this extent, to the knowledge of the authors, has not been built before, and certainly not in 3D. These 3D scenes are built in the Marine Simulator at the National Decommissioning Centre, a full-physics simulator with data visualisation capabilities. As part of this we have developed automated tools for creating these 3D scenes from 2D maps, which encapsulate many datasets covering infrastructure, zoning, emissions, and marine traffic. This work is being undertaken within the Scottish Government’s Data for Net Zero (D4NZ) project, funded through its Energy Transition Fund.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101208"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144490385","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}
Lucia J. Tarimo , Deogratius R. Kavishe , Fidelma Butler , Gerry F. Killeen , Felister Mombo
{"title":"Stakeholder perspectives on the effectiveness of the Ifakara-Lupiro-Mang’ula wildlife management area in Southern Tanzania","authors":"Lucia J. Tarimo , Deogratius R. Kavishe , Fidelma Butler , Gerry F. Killeen , Felister Mombo","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Tanzania, Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are established on village lands and managed in a devolved manner by local community stakeholders. WMAs are intended to conserve wildlife outside core protected areas, like parks and reserves, while also enabling local communities to derive tangible benefits from wildlife and other natural resources. Here the perceptions of various stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of the Ifakara-Lupiro-Mang’ula (ILUMA) WMA in southern Tanzania were assessed, in terms of its conservation, livelihood and community development functions. Thematic analysis of national, regional, district and village-level stakeholder perspectives, surveyed through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a public stakeholders meeting, indicated the WMA had succeeded to only a very modest extent. All participants narrated extensive encroachment by livestock grazing, agriculture, illegal fishing, meat poaching, deforestation, charcoal burning, timber harvesting and even permanent settlements. Contributing factors include a recently growing influx of agro-pastoralist immigrants, top-down political interference, financial constraints, financial mismanagement, limited resources for operations, lack of conservation education, investors or government support, and displaced encroachment pressure from a park and a reserve nearby that had both been recently upgraded. To ensure future success and sustainability of the WMA, participants recommended enhancing stakeholder involvement and community participation in WMA management, improved operational collaboration with the nearby park and reserve, WMA constitution overhaul to adopt current best practices, building local stakeholder capacity and conservation education for local communities. The WMA should explore additional livelihood and income-generating options beyond tourism, for example sustainable fishing or forestry-based carbon finance. It should also resolve ongoing land use conflict between long-established stakeholder villages and more recently arrived agro-pastoralists.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101214"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144634033","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}
Mohamed Ali Hussein , Samir Shamma , Hani N. Sewilam , Tamer Shoeib , Anwar Abdelnaser
{"title":"Spatiotemporal dynamics and machine learning-based risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in surface waters and Nile Tilapia in Egypt","authors":"Mohamed Ali Hussein , Samir Shamma , Hani N. Sewilam , Tamer Shoeib , Anwar Abdelnaser","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heavy metals are persistent pollutants that can devastate human health and ecosystems. In this study, we collected surface water and fish samples from various locations across five governorates in Egypt. We examined the spatiotemporal distribution of 13 heavy metals in the surface water and Nile tilapia and assessed the ecological and human health risks associated with these metals. Moreover, we utilized statistical and machine learning approaches, including principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), to explore the relationships between the metals themselves and between the metals and specific governorates or seasons. Our spatiotemporal analysis revealed that aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) are more concentrated across all governorates every season than other metals. The ecological risk assessment indicates a higher risk for Al and a moderate risk for Fe. Our findings suggest that concentrations of Fe, Cd, Pb, Mn, Al, Ni, and Hg in surface water from aquaculture exceeded national and international standards, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems. In fish, Cd levels surpassed the thresholds set by global standards but remain below the Egyptian limits, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring. Furthermore, Mn concentrations significantly exceed the limits established by Egyptian regulations and the FAO, necessitating ongoing monitoring. The human health risk assessment reveals no health risks associated with dermal exposure to metals in surface water. However, there is a moderate carcinogenic risk associated with ingesting Nile tilapia due to the presence of cadmium, barium, nickel, and chromium. PCA and LDA results provide insights into the interactions among metals, allowing us to identify which metal is unique in a particular governorate as well as the potentials of co-occurrences of various metals, which opened avenues for a deeper investigation into potential sources of metal and the cumulative effects of clustered metals on human health and the consequences of simultaneous exposure. Collectively, our study highlighted the foreseeable risk of heavy metals to human health and advocated for examining potential sources of pollution, implementing monitoring programs, imposing strict regulations, applying safety interventions, conducting public awareness campaigns, and screening programs to reduce the hazardous effects on human health and the environmental system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144366596","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":"Catalytic CO2 fixation in microalgae Arthrospira platensis using direct flue gas","authors":"Noshin Farhad , Javad Karimi , Ali Hafizi","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO<sub>2</sub>, pose a significant threat to climate regulation and the sustainability of human habitats. Effective CO<sub>2</sub> control mechanisms are essential for addressing these challenges. This study investigated the potential of Arthrospira platensis microalgae for biological CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration from industrial emissions. The primary objective is to optimized A. platensis for CO<sub>2</sub> absorption and stabilization, while simultaneously producing valuable by-products for industrial applications. The study was employed a mixotrophic culture approach, manipulating the growth medium with sodium hydrogen carbonate, direct CO<sub>2</sub> gas injection, and anatase TiO<sub>2</sub> as a catalyst. Analyses included measurements of dry weight, pigment content, pH levels, and CO<sub>2</sub> flux. The results revealed that sodium hydrogen carbonate effectively replaced dissolved CO<sub>2</sub> gas, allowing biological stabilization without the need for baking soda. Furthermore, sunlight utilization promoted the production of high-value by-products such as phycocyanin and fatty acids. This study underscores the potential of A. platensis to enhance carbon sequestration under mixotrophic conditions. It presents a sustainable strategy to CO<sub>2</sub> mitigation while generating industrially valuable compounds, thereby contributing to both environmental and economic objectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144470222","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}
Muhammad Rashid , Saif Haider , Asim Rizwan , Muhammad Waqar Naseer , Muhammad Fahim Aslam , Mohammad Hamza , Abdullah Nadeem , Muhammad Ali Haider , Hafiz Kamran Jalil Abbasi , Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq
{"title":"Mitigating soil erosion in arid landscapes: Integrating RUSLE and geospatial analysis for sustainable land management","authors":"Muhammad Rashid , Saif Haider , Asim Rizwan , Muhammad Waqar Naseer , Muhammad Fahim Aslam , Mohammad Hamza , Abdullah Nadeem , Muhammad Ali Haider , Hafiz Kamran Jalil Abbasi , Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil erosion, induced by water, wind, and human factors, poses a significant threat to sustainable land management and agricultural productivity. Land degradation, sudden meteorological changes, and the intensive use of unsustainable practices add to this problem in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The study attempts to analyze the annual soil erosion dynamics in an area of 751 km<sup>2</sup> in the Vidore Hill Torrent (VHT) catchment as a function of climatic, topographic, soil, and land cover data computed from high-resolution (0.5 m) satellite imagery. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was applied to estimate annual soil erosion, integrating six key factors. The Spatial and temporal dynamics of soil erosion were assessed by mapping and classifying it into five categories: Very Low (<1 ton/ha/year) to Extreme (>50 ton/ha/year), using a cross-tabular change matrix approach. The results show soil loss of 12,931 tons/ha/year on average, sediment volume of 102.50 ha m, with the most significant erosion rates near steep slopes and drainage channels. The outcomes of this study demonstrate the necessity of sustainable land management (e.g., terracing, afforestation, and rainwater harvesting) to retard erosion. Hydrological modelling and real-time monitoring should be further researched to design adaptive erosion control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144314571","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}
Ram Devi Tachamo-Shah , Santosh Nepal , Deep Narayan Shah , Nishadi Eriyagama
{"title":"Beyond the Banks: Paving the way for environmental flows in Nepal","authors":"Ram Devi Tachamo-Shah , Santosh Nepal , Deep Narayan Shah , Nishadi Eriyagama","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101211","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nepal has huge hydropower potential. Although the concept of environmental flows (e-flows) emerged in the early 2000s, its integration into hydropower development remains in the early stages. This study represents the first comprehensive effort to evaluate key stakeholders’ awareness of e-flows and identify the major challenges hindering their mainstream adoption in Nepal’s hydropower sector. Furthermore, it documents stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the impact of hydropower development on aquatic biodiversity and river ecology. An extensive survey was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023, collecting responses from a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, water resource developers, user groups, practitioners, researchers, and academics. Additionally, focus group discussions were held in the Karnali River basin of western Nepal. The findings reveal that only 50 % of respondents are familiar with the e-flows concept. However, 80 % believe that e-flows have not been adequately implemented in any existing hydropower projects in the country. Similarly, 72 % of respondents perceive that hydropower development leads to biodiversity loss, while 56 % believe it reduces downstream water flow. The key challenges identified include (a) inadequate follow-up on environmental impact assessments (EIAs), (b) weak regulatory enforcement, (c) insufficient civil society oversight for ensuring compliance with EIA recommendations, (d) limited technical expertise, and (e) the absence of user-friendly e-flow estimation methods. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to promote sustainable water resources development and mitigate the ecological impacts of hydropower projects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321575","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}