Salt ions accumulation and distribution characteristics of pioneer plant species at a bauxite residue disposal area, China

Bauxite residue disposal areas(BRDAs)are physically degraded and hostile to plant growth.Nevertheless,natural plant colonization was observed in an abandoned BRDA in Central China.The pioneer plant species at the disposal area were identified,whilst distribution characteristics of salt ions such as Na^+,K^+,and Ca^2+in plant tissues and rhizosphere residues were investigated.The mean concentration of exchangeable Na^+in the rhizosphere soils was 19.5 cmol/kg,which suggested that these pioneer plants had relatively high salinity resistance.Sodium content varied from 0.84 cmol/kg(Digitaria sanguinalis)to 39.7 cmol/kg(Kochia scoparia),whilst K to Na ratio varied from 0.71(Myricaria bracteata)to 32.39(Digitaria sanguinalis)in the shoots,which demonstrated that the salinity tolerance mechanisms of these pioneer species differed significantly.Accumulation factors of Na^+in local plant species ranged from 0.04(D.sanguinalis)to 3.29(M.bracteata),whilst the translocation factor varied from 0.13(D.sanguinalis)to 2.92(M.bracteata).The results suggested that four pioneer plant species including K.scoparia,M.bracteate,Cynodon dactylon and D.sanguinalis could be suitable for revegetation at other disposal areas.

Regional-scale investigation of salt ions distribution characteristics in bauxite residue: A case study in a disposal area

Revegetation on bauxite residue disposal areas is the most promising strategy to reduce its potential ecological risk during stacking or disposing.Migration of salt ions in bauxite residue is one of the major issues to stimulate soil formation to support plant growth.21 residue samples were collected and the related parameters including exchangeable cations,soluble ions,total salt,pH,electrical conductivity(EC)and exchangeable sodium percentage(ESP)were selected to evaluate alkalization and salinization of bauxite residue.High levels of ions,cation exchange capacity(TOC),total salt,exchangeable sodium percentage(ESP)and cation exchange capacity(CEC)in bauxite residue were detected with greater coefficient of variation(CV),which indicated that distribution characteristics of salt ions varied significantly.The percentage of sulfate-chloride-soda type in the residues accounted for 71.43%.The mean value of pH was 10.10,whilst mean value of ESP was 52.05%.It indicated that the residues in this case study belonged to sulfate-chloride-soda saline and alkaline soil.The research results could provide theoretical basis for soil formation in bauxite residue.

Dynamic change and diagnosis of physical, chemical and biological properties in bauxite residue disposal areas

Vegetation encroachment occurred in bauxite residue disposal area(BRDA)following natural weathering processes,whilst the typical indicators of soil formation are still uncertain.Residue samples were collected from the BRDA in Central China,and related physical,chemical and biological indicators of bauxite residue with different storage years were determined.The indicators of soil formation in bauxite residue were selected using principal component analysis,factor analysis,and comprehensive evaluation to establish soil quality diagnostic index model on disposal areas.Following natural weathering processes,the texture of bauxite residue changed from silty loam to sandy loam.The pH and EC decreased,whilst porosity,nutrient element content and microbial biomass increased.The identified minimum data set(MDS)included available phosphorus(AP),moisture content(MC),C/N,sand content,total nitrogen(TN),microbial biomass carbon(MBC),and pH.The soil quality index of bauxite residue increased,and the relative soil quality index decreased from 1.89 to 0.15,which indicated that natural weathering had a significant effect on improveing the quality of bauxite residue and forming a new soil-like matrix.The diagnostic model of bauxite residue was established to provide data support for the regeneration on disposal area.

On area-specific underground research laboratory for geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste in China

Underground research laboratories （URLs）, including ＂generic URLs＂ and ＂site-specific URLs＂, are un- derground facilities in which characterisation, testing, technology development, and/or demonstration activities are carried out in support of the development of geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste （HLW） disposal. In addition to the generic URL and site-specific URL, a concept of ＂areaspecific URL＂, or the third type of URL, is proposed in this paper. It is referred to as the facility that is built at a site within an area that is considered as a potential area for HLW repository or built at a place near the future repository site, and may be regarded as a precursor to the development of a repository at the site. It acts as a ＂generic URL＂, but also acts as a ＂site-specific URL＂ to some extent. Considering the current situation in China, the most suitable option is to build an ＂area-specific URL＂ in Beishan area, the first priority region for China＇s high-level waste repository. With this strategy, the goal to build China＇s URL by 2020 mav be achieved, but the time left is limited.

Rock Mass Characteristics in Beishan,A Preselected Area for China's High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal

Geological and hydrological characteristics, joint geometric features, rock physical and mechanical properties and rock mass quality are studied in the Beishan area, preselected for China5 s high-level radioactive waste(HLW) disposal engineering. A comprehensive survey method is developed to study joint geometric features in the outcrop and samples from borehole BS06 into the Xinchang rock mass were tested. The optimal joint sets are determined by rose diagrams and equal-area lower hemisphere plots of joint poles. Results show that: 1) the distribution of joint occurrence obeys a normal distribution, while the distribution of joint spacing obeys a negative exponential distribution; 2) concentric circular and tangent circular sampling windows are applied to study the trace length and the trace midpoint density. Results indicate that tangent circular sampling window is more stable and reasonable; 3) Beishan granite shows high density, low porosity and high strength based on many laboratory tests and the physical properties and mechanical properties are closely related; and4) a synthesis index, Joint Structure Rating(JSR), is applied to evaluate the quality of rock mass. Through the research results of rock mass characteristics, the Xinchang rock mass in the Beishan preselected area has the favorable conditions for China's HLW disposal repository site.

Land Capability Index Mapping for Waste Disposal Landuse Option Using Geographic Information System (GIS) in Enugu Area, South Eastern Nigeria

The projected 300% growth rate in the population of Enugu area and its environs by the year 2020 and the expected increase in waste generation necessitated the need to map out areas for waste disposal for future utilization and as a protective strategy for the environment in Enugu area. Land capability index mapping using Geographic Information System (GIS) is one of the appropriate tools required for solving this problem. A total of 12 landuse determinants were selected as thematic data layers, and as basic factors influencing the choice of waste disposal landuse option in the area. The themes (thematic maps) generated from field/laboratory measurements and from literature, include slope, water table, surface and subsurface water conditions, elevation, geology, soil, drainage and geo-structural stability (fault, erosion, landslide and flooding) maps. The maps were scanned, digitized, georeferenced, and polygonized using autocard drawing capabilities to convert them into vector format and later exported to arc view software for analysis. The final processing using overlay model builder yields layers that display areas of preferred waste disposal sites in a map form, which generally shows areas of varying suitability (suitable, moderately (low) suitable and unsuitable). The waste disposal map of Enugu area shows that blocks1 (Obeagu area) and 3 (Ebe/Nsude areas) represent suitable and unsuitable areas, respectively, while block 2 (Ngwo area) has low suitability for waste disposal.

Impact of industrial wastewater disposal on surface water bodies in Mostord area, North Greater Cairo

The studied area (Shoubra El Khima, Bahteem and Mostorod) lies in the industrial area north of Greater Cairo. The area suffers from several environmental problems such as sewage and disposal of pollutants from the surrounding factories into the surface water pathways in the area. Water samples were collected seasonally from different waterways found in the area, domestic and or industrial liquid wastes from 12 discharge tubes of different factories (as a point source of pollution). Chemical characteristics of different water samples and its heavy metals content were determined using ion coupled plasma technique (ICP). Results indicate that industrial and domestic wastewater samples contain several toxic levels of tested heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb and Ni) which have a serious impact on surface waterways in the area. Shebin El Qanater collector drain samples exhibited the highest levels of Cd, Co, Pb and Ni compared to other tested water bodies. Mostorod collector drain samples showed the highest levels of Zn and Cu. Industrial effluent samples collected from Cairo Company for Fabric industry had the highest amounts of total Zn Cu, Cd, Co and Pb, while Delta steel company discharges the highest amounts of total Fe and Mn. Al Ahleya Plastic Company discharges the highest amounts of total Ni. Generally, it is necessary to impose the environmental laws and its regulation regarding the industrial wastewater treatments and disposals to minimize the risk of the adverse effects of these pollutants.

Managing the surge:A comprehensive review of the entire disposal framework for retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles

Anticipating the imminent surge of retired lithium-ion batteries(R-LIBs)from electric vehicles,the need for safe,cost-effective and environmentally friendly disposal technologies has escalated.This paper seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of the entire disposal framework for R-LIBs,encompassing a broad spectrum of activities,including screening,repurposing and recycling.Firstly,we delve deeply into a thorough examination of current screening technologies,shifting the focus from a mere enumeration of screening methods to the exploration of the strategies for enhancing screening efficiency.Secondly,we outline battery repurposing with associated key factors,summarizing stationary applications and sizing methods for R-LIBs in their second life.A particular light is shed on available reconditioning solutions,demonstrating their great potential in facilitating battery safety and lifetime in repurposing scenarios and identifying their techno-economic issues.In the realm of battery recycling,we present an extensive survey of pre-treatment options and subsequent material recovery technologies.Particularly,we introduce several global leading recyclers to illustrate their industrial processes and technical intricacies.Furthermore,relevant challenges and evolving trends are investigated in pursuit of a sustainable end-of-life management and disposal framework.We hope that this study can serve as a valuable resource for researchers,industry professionals and policymakers in this field,ultimately facilitating the adoption of proper disposal practices.

Reduced Disposal Area Performance Utilizing Secondary-Treated Effluent in Profile-Limiting Soils

Onsite wastewater systems dispose of primary treated effluent by utilizing the soil for final recycling and renovation of wastewater into the environment. Soil and site limitations have become a challenge to design a wastewater system and dispose of onsite wastewater using a conventional pipe and gravel design. Using secondary-treated effluent from an advanced treatment unit applied to a reduced disposal area offers an additional alternative when developing an onsite wastewater system. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of hydraulically loading limiting soils with secondary-treated effluent in a reduced disposal area. A reduced disposal area was constructed at six existing residences within the same subdivision that had shallow redoximorphic features that precluded using a conventional pipe and gravel wastewater design. Each residence had an existing advanced treatment unit with a surface discharge of secondary-treated effluent. Flows were diverted from the surface discharge to the reduced disposal area. Wastewater flows were recorded at regular intervals, along with ponding depths in the disposal area and fluctuations in the seasonal water table over a 12-month period (March 2017 to March 2018). The disposal areas were hydraulically loaded at 2 to 3.8 times the rate recommended for secondary-treated effluent. Wastewater effluent was sampled throughout the study and resulted in a mean of -1 total suspended solids, -1 biochemical oxygen demand, and >6.3 mg·L-1 dissolved oxygen, all of which met or exceeded the minimum water quality criteria for surface discharges of secondary-treated effluent. Three of the six sites showed ponding depths between 0 and 4 cm in the trenches during the study period. The remaining three sites showed ponding between 0 and 35 cm in the trenches during the study period. Based on the results of this study, a reduced disposal area utilizing secondary-treated effluent appears to be a feasible option to surface discharging.

Ecological-Based Mining:A Coal-Water-Thermal Collaborative Paradigm in Ecologically Fragile Areas in Western China

A substantial reduction in groundwater level,exacerbated by coal mining activities,is intensifying water scarcity in western China’s ecologically fragile coal mining areas.China’s national strategic goal of achieving a carbon peak and carbon neutrality has made eco-friendly mining that prioritizes the protection and efficient use of water resources essential.Based on the resource characteristics of mine water and heat hazards,an intensive coal-water-thermal collaborative co-mining paradigm for the duration of the mining process is proposed.An integrated system for the production,supply,and storage of mining companion resources is achieved through technologies such as roof water inrush prevention and control,hydrothermal quality improvement,and deep-injection geological storage.An active preventive and control system achieved by adjusting the mining technology and a passive system centered on multiobjective drainage and grouting treatment are suggested,in accordance with the original geological characteristics and dynamic process of water inrush.By implementing advanced multi-objective drainage,specifically designed to address the“skylight-type”water inrush mode in the Yulin mining area of Shaanxi Province,a substantial reduction of 50%in water drillings and inflow was achieved,leading to stabilized water conditions that effectively ensure subsequent safe coal mining.An integrated-energy complementary model that incorporates the clean production concept of heat utilization is also proposed.The findings indicate a potential saving of 8419 t of standard coal by using water and air heat as an alternative heating source for the Xiaojihan coalmine,resulting in an impressive energy conservation of 50.2%and a notable 24.2%reduction in carbon emissions.The ultra-deep sustained water injection of 100 m^(3)·h^(-1)in a single well would not rupture the formation or cause water leakage,and 7.87×10^(5)t of mine water could be effectively stored in the Liujiagou Formation,presenting a viable method for mine-water management in the Ordos Basin and providing insights for green and low-carbon mining.

Correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area with glycated hemoglobin,interleukin-6 and lipoprotein(a)in type 2 diabetes with retinopathy

BACKGROUND The two-way relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is well established.Prolonged hyperglycemia contributes to increased periodontal destruction and severe periodontitis,accentuating diabetic complications.An inflammatory link exists between diabetic retinopathy(DR)and periodontitis,but the studies regarding this association and the role of lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]and interleukin-6(IL-6)in these conditions are scarce in the literature.AIM To determine the correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area(PISA)with glycated Hb(HbA1c),serum IL-6 and Lp(a)in T2DM subjects with retinopathy.METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 40 T2DM subjects with DR and 40 T2DM subjects without DR.All subjects were assessed for periodontal parameters[bleeding on probing(BOP),probing pocket depth,clinical attachment loss(CAL),oral hygiene index-simplified,plaque index(PI)and PISA],and systemic parameters[HbA1c,fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose,fasting lipid profile,serum IL-6 and serum Lp(a)].RESULTS The proportion of periodontitis in T2DM with and without DR was 47.5%and 27.5%respectively.Severity of periodontitis,CAL,PISA,IL-6 and Lp(a)were higher in T2DM with DR group compared to T2DM without DR group.Significant difference was observed in the mean percentage of sites with BOP between T2DM with DR(69%)and T2DM without DR(41%),but there was no significant difference in PI(P>0.05).HbA1c was positively correlated with CAL(r=0.351,P=0.001),and PISA(r=0.393,P≤0.001)in study subjects.A positive correlation was found between PISA and IL-6(r=0.651,P<0.0001);PISA and Lp(a)(r=0.59,P<0.001);CAL and IL-6(r=0.527,P<0.0001)and CAL and Lp(a)(r=0.631,P<0.001)among study subjects.CONCLUSION Despite both groups having poor glycemic control and comparable plaque scores,the periodontal parameters were higher in DR as compared to T2DM without DR.Since a bidirectional link exists between periodontitis and DM,the presence of DR may have contributed to the severity of periodontal destruction and periodontitis may have influenced the progression of DR.

Research on the Relationship Between Environmental and Economic Coupling Systems in Bohai Bay Area Based on a Vector Autoregression(VAR)Model

This study analyzed the impact of land-based contaminants and tertiary industrial structure on economic development in the selected Bohai Bay area,China.Based on panel data spanning 2011-2020,a vector autoregressive(VAR)model is used to analyze and forecast the short-run and long-run relationships between three industrial structures,pollutant discharge,and economic development.The results showed that the environmental index had a long-term cointegration relationship with the industrial structure economic index.Per capital chemical oxygen demand(PCOD)and per capita ammonia nitrogen(PNH_(3)N)had a positive impact on delta per capita GDP(dPGDP),while per capita solid waste(PSW),the secondary industry rate(SIR)and delta tertiary industry(dTIR)had a negative impact on dPGDP.The VAR model under this coupling system had stability and credibility.The impulse response results showed that the short-term effect of the coupling system on dPGDP was basically consistent with the Granger causality test results.In addition,variance decomposition was used in this study to predict the long-term impact of the coupling system in the next ten periods(i.e.,ten years).It was found that dTIR had a great impact on dPGDP,with a contribution rate as high as 74.35%in the tenth period,followed by the contribution rate of PCOD up to 3.94%,while the long-term contribution rates of PSW,SIR and PNH3N were all less than 1%.The results show that the government should support the development of the tertiary industry to maintain the vitality of economic development and prevent environmental deterioration.

Seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas under long-period earthquakes

At present,there is not much research on mid-story isolated structures in mountainous areas.In this study,a model of a mid-story isolated structure considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)in mountainous areas is established along with a model that does not consider SSI.Eight long-period earthquake waves and two ordinary earthquake waves are selected as inputs for the dynamic time history analysis of the structure.The results show that the seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas can be amplified when compared with a structure that does not consider SSI.The structure response under long-period earthquakes is larger than that of ordinary earthquakes.The structure response under far-field harmonic-like earthquakes is larger than that of near-fault pulse-type earthquakes.The structure response under near-fault pulse-type earthquakes is larger than that of far-field non-harmonic earthquakes.When subjected to long-period earthquakes,the displacement of the isolated bearings exceeded the limit value,which led to instability and overturning of the structure.The structure with dampers in the isolated story could adequately control the nonlinear response of the structure,effectively reduce the displacement of the isolated bearings,and provide a convenient,efficient and economic method not only for new construction but also to retrofit existing structures.

Development of Localized Assessment of Municipal Wastewater Disposal Risks

A means to develop a comparative assessment of the risks of available wastewater effluent disposal options on a local scale needs to be developed to help local decision-makers make decisions on options such as direct or indirect potable reuse options. These options have garnered more interest as a result of water supply limitations in many urban areas. This risk assessment was developed from a risk assessment developed at the University of Miami in 2001 and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2023. Direct potable reuse and injection wells were deemed to have the lowest risk in the most recent study by FAU. However, the injection well option may not be available everywhere. As a result, a more local means to assess exposure risk is needed. This paper outlines the process to evaluate the public health risks associated with available disposal alternatives which may be very limited in some areas. The development of exposure pathways can help local decision-makers define the challenges, and support later expert level analysis upon which public health decisions are based.

Corrosion techniques and strategies for used fuel containers with copper corrosion barriers under deep geological disposal conditions:A review

Safe emplacement of high-level nuclear waste(HLNW)arising from the utilization of nuclear power is a frequently en-countered and considerably challenging issue.The widely accepted and feasible approach for the permanent disposal of HLNW involves housing it in a corrosion-resistant container and subsequently burying it deep in a geologic repository.The focus lies on ensuring the dur-ability and integrity of the container in this process.This review introduces various techniques and strategies employed in controlling the corrosion of used fuel containers(UFCs)using copper(Cu)as corrosion barrier in the context of deep geological disposal.Overall,these corrosion prevention techniques and methods have been effectively implemented and employed to successfully mitigate the corrosion challenges encountered during the permanent disposal of Cu containers(e.g.,corrosion mechanisms and corrosion parameters)in deep geologic repositories.The primary objective of this review is to provide an extensive examination of the alteration in the corrosion envir-onment encountered by the UFCs when subjected to deep geologic repository conditions and focusing on addressing the potential corro-sion scenarios.

Diversity of Orchids in Terms of Their Distribution, Uses and Conservation in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), the first conservation area and the largest protected area (PA) in Nepal, is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Notwithstanding this, orchids in the ACA have not been explored enough yet thus making the need for ambitious research to be carried out. Previous study only included 81 species of orchids within ACA. This study aims to update the record of species and genera richness in the ACA. In total 198 species of orchids, belonging to 67 genera (40% and 62% of the total recorded orchid species and genera in Nepal) has been recorded in ACA. This represents an increase of 144% in species and 56% in genera over the previous data. Out of the 198 species, 99 were epiphytes, 6 were holomycotrophic and 93 were terrestrial. Among the 67 genera, Bulbophyllum (17) species were dominant, followed by Dendrobium (16), Herminium (10), Coelogyne, Plantanthera (9 each), Eria, Habenaria, Oberonia (8 each), Calanthe (7), and Liparis (6). Fifty-six species were found to be ornamentally significant and 85 species medicinally significant.

Study of the Management and Disposal Practices of Unused or Out-of-Date Medicines by Households in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Not all medicines that pass-through consumers’ hands are used, and some often expire in households. These health products can be sources of accidental risks and pollution when they are not properly disposed of. In Burkina Faso, there are as yet no guidelines for the disposal of unused medicines in households. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent of household possession of unused or expired medicines, and to describe attitudes and disposal practices. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering households in the Ouagadougou commune conducted from June to August 2021. Two-stage stratified sampling was used: selection of Enumeration Zones (EZs) and selection of households, with each EZ comprising several households. Data collection was based on direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed using Epi Info software version 7.2.4.0. Results: In total, 417 household residents were surveyed out of the planned 423 households, corresponding to a completion rate of 98.58% compared with the initial sample. Among the respondents, 79.62% had unused and/or expired medicines in their household. A total of 2562 drug packaging units were counted, for a total weight of 121.90 kg. Nearly 75% were aware that improper disposal was a danger to the environment. Some respondents kept their unused medicines at home until they expired (43.41%), and disposed of them mainly by throwing them in the household garbage (75.58%). The majority (79%) were in favor of the government setting up a take-back program for these medicines. Conclusion: The introduction of a take-back program for unused or out-of-date medicines will ensure safer disposal of medicines, and better protection for households and the environment.

Patients’Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Disposal Methods of Expired and Unused Medicines: Implication for Creation of Drug Take-Back Program

Background: Handling of medicines is a day-to-day activity by patients and many health care providers. However, multiple studies have brought to light inappropriate disposal methods for expired and unused medication (EUM). Improper disposal of expired and unused medicines is hazardous both to humans and the environment. Objective: This sought to measure patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on disposal methods of EUM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 patients at three outpatient pharmacies at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs). The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and STAT version 15.1 was used to analyse the data. Results: 384 respondents participated in this study and, at some point, had EUM. In this study, 356 (92.7%) of the participants reported that they had never heard of a drug take-back system. Most of the participants 285 (74.2%) and 239 (62.2%) kept and donated their unused medicine, respectively. Additionally, 244 (63.5%), 212 (55.2%), and 176 (44.8%) of the participants disposed of expired medicines in the bin or garbage, flushed them in toilets or sinks, or burned them, respectively. Occupation was significantly associated with unsafe disposal of unused medicine [P-value = 0.019]. Conclusion and Relevance: Knowledge of safe disposal methods for EUM was good amongst most participants. However, used unsafe disposal methods. The majority of the participants exhibited positive attitude concerning safe disposal methods. This study highlights the need for drug-take-back program creation in Zambia.

The environmental analysis and site selection of mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas based on high resolution remote sensing

Mussel aquaculture and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas and their environmental characteristics in Zhoushan were analyzed using satellite data and in-situ surveys.A new two-step remote sensing method was proposed and applied to determine the basic environmental characteristics of the best mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas.This methodology includes the first step of extraction of the location distribution and the second step of the extraction of internal environmental factors.The fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)was established to extract the mussel and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan,using Gaofen-1(GF-1)and Gaofen-6(GF-6)satellite data with a special resolution of 2 m.In the second step,the environmental factors such as sea surface temperature(SST),chlorophyll a(Chl-a)concentration,current and tide,suspended sediment concentration(SSC)in mussel aquaculture area and large yellow croaker aquaculture area were extracted and analyzed in detail.The results show the following three points.(1)For the extraction of the mussel aquaculture area,FRI1 and FRI2 are complementary,and the combination of FRI1 and FRI2 is suitable to extract the mussel aquaculture area.As for the large yellow croaker aquaculture area extraction,FRI2 is suitable.(2)Mussel aquaculture and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan are mainly located on the side near the islands that are away from the eastern open waters.The water environment factor template suitable for mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture was determined.(3)This two-step remote sensing method can be used for the preliminary screening of potential site selection for the mussels and large yellow croaker aquaculture area in the future.the fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)in this paper can be applied to extract the mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas in coastal waters around the world.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Anaemia in Children ≤ 5 Years of Age in Some Conflict Hit Areas of Meme Division of the South West Region of Cameroon

Malnutrition refers to the deficiency, imbalances, or excesses in a person’s intake of energy or nutrients [1]. Khan defines anaemia as below level of Haemoglobin in red blood shown by a lower number of functioning red blood cells [2]. The crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon has led to several negative effects on children’s living conditions. There has been an increase in malnutrition and anaemia in the South West Region and Kumba in particular. The main objective of this study was “to examine the prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia in children ≤ 5 years of age in some conflict-hit areas of Meme Division”. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 from March to June. We recruited 200 children ≤ 5 years into the study from three hospitals. The regional hospital annex in Kumba, Presbyterian General Hospital Kumba and the Ntam Hospital in Kumba. Socio-demographic factors were assessed using questionnaire, nutritional status was assessed by the use anthropometric measurements and an auto haematology analyser was used to determine anaemia. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the study area was 40.5%. The prevalence of malnutrition varied significantly (P < 0.001) with the study sites. The overall prevalence of anaemia in the study area was 70.5%. The prevalence of anaemia was not significantly associated with the study sites. The prevalence of Malnutrition and Anaemia in children ≤ 5 years of age is very high in the Kumba municipalities. This could be attributed to the ongoing crisis which has caused a lot of social migrations from rural areas to Urban areas which are safer.