World Journal of Environmental Research

Space perception among civil engineering students

Emine Koseoglu — 2025-05-30

Individual characteristics, alongside environmental features, significantly influence spatial perception and the environmental image formed by users. While previous research has emphasized environmental attributes, there remains a limited understanding of how non-designers interpret architectural space based on factors such as academic level and disciplinary training. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates the spatial perception of civil engineering students at different stages of their education. Specifically, it compares first- and third-year students’ interpretations of architectural identity and legibility using photographic stimuli from urban street scenes. A structured questionnaire was administered to 90 participants to capture subjective evaluations of selected streetscapes. The findings reveal discernible differences in spatial interpretation between the two groups, suggesting that academic progression and increased exposure to technical knowledge influence perceptual tendencies. Notably, third-year students demonstrated a more analytical reading of spatial cues, while first-year students exhibited a more intuitive response to visual stimuli. These results underline the role of educational background in shaping environmental cognition and suggest the need for interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches that integrate spatial awareness in non-design disciplines. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how architectural environments are perceived by future engineers, offering insights for the design of more inclusive and legible urban spaces.

Keywords: Architectural perception; civil engineering education; environmental cognition; identity; legibility.

Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of Sardinella lemuru from Pantukan, Davao de Oro

Edgie Boy Tadena — 2025-05-30

This study investigates the gonadosomatic index of Sardinella lemuru, a commercially important species inhabiting highly productive marine environments. Despite its economic and ecological value, there is limited information on the reproductive biology of this species, particularly concerning the gonadosomatic index, which is essential for understanding reproductive cycles, population dynamics, and effective fishery management. Samples of Sardinella lemuru were collected across two time points, and the index was measured to evaluate temporal patterns in reproductive development. Several individuals displayed values consistent with previous estimates for fecundity, suggesting advancing reproductive maturity during the observed period. The observed increase in gonadosomatic index values between sampling points may indicate progression toward a spawning phase. Linear regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between body weight and gonad weight, suggesting that somatic growth influences reproductive investment. These findings highlight the reproductive potential of Sardinella lemuru and its relevance for aquaculture and fisheries sustainability. Future research should expand the sample size and extend the observation period to improve accuracy and consider additional factors influencing reproductive traits, including fecundity.

Keywords: Body weight; gonadal development; reproductive biology; sardine species; spawning potential

Isolation of microbial community and physicochemical assessment of the seawater

Edgie Boy Tadena — 2025-05-30

This study explores the microbial diversity of seawater to assess its microbiological quality and evaluate its suitability for public use. Understanding the composition of seawater is essential for identifying ecological dynamics and potential health risks. Key physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity were analyzed, all aligning with established seawater standards. These parameters offer insights into oceanic processes and climatic patterns. Microbial isolation was conducted using a range of agar media to identify and characterize bacterial species and their metabolic traits. Nutrient agar revealed multiple colony morphologies, indicating the presence of diverse bacterial populations. Eosin Methylene Blue agar facilitated the detection of non-lactose fermenting gram-negative bacteria, while MacConkey agar showed no growth, suggesting the absence of lactose fermenting gram-negative strains. Additional use of urea agar and mannitol salt agar enabled the identification of urease-producing bacteria and Staphylococci species. The findings provide valuable baseline data on microbial presence in seawater, contributing to enhanced understanding of marine microbial ecology and supporting initiatives in environmental monitoring and public health safeguarding.

Keywords: Environmental monitoring; marine microbiology; microbial diversity; public health; seawater quality.

Physicochemical characterization of lead-resistant soil bacteria from Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri

Esewi Agho — 2025-05-30

Lead contamination in soils poses significant environmental and public health risks due to its toxicity and persistence. Shooting ranges are recognized as hotspots for lead pollution, primarily resulting from the accumulation of lead dust generated during firing. Although various remediation strategies exist, bioremediation has emerged as a sustainable and ecologically viable approach that utilizes the natural metabolic processes of microorganisms to detoxify or immobilize pollutants. This study investigates the lead concentration in soils and the tolerance capacity of bacterial isolates, alongside the physico-chemical characteristics of soils from a firing range. Soil samples were collected from five randomly selected sites, both at the surface and at a depth of fifteen centimeters. Lead presence was confirmed using spectrophotometric analysis, and thirteen bacterial strains were successfully isolated. Among these, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia species, and Acinetobacter species exhibited notable tolerance to elevated lead concentrations. The findings suggest that these bacteria possess potential for application in bioremediation strategies aimed at mitigating heavy metal contamination in firing range environments and other similarly impacted ecosystems.

Keywords: Acinetobacter; bioremediation; heavy metals; lead pollution; Proteus mirabilis.

Evaluating the demand for nature education in Northern Cyprus

Gulizar Eroglu — 2025-05-30

Nature is a dynamic and interconnected system composed of living and non-living elements, continuously evolving through natural mechanisms. Nature education fosters an understanding of these complexities by enhancing individuals' awareness, attitudes, and behaviors toward nature. However, urbanization, technological advancements, and education systems that lack environmental sensitivity have contributed to an increasing disconnection from nature. While nature education has gained global recognition, its implementation remains limited in certain regions. This study examines the need for nature education through a qualitative content analysis approach. Data were collected from students, teachers, parents, literature, and curriculum analysis. Findings indicate that current educational programs primarily address nature education within interdisciplinary subjects, yet they emphasize cognitive aspects over experiential learning. Focus group interviews reveal that students perceive nature primarily as a habitat for plants and animals or a resource for human needs, while teachers and parents recognize a lack of environmental awareness. Participants unanimously highlight the necessity of integrating experiential, outdoor-based nature education into early childhood curricula. The study underscores the importance of structured nature education programs that incorporate sensory experiences, exploration, and direct engagement with natural environments. These findings emphasize the need for curriculum reforms to cultivate a deeper and more sustainable connection between individuals and nature.

Keywords: Environmental awareness; experiential learning; nature education; qualitative analysis; curriculum development

Experimental and CFD analysis of diesel engine emissions and combustion characteristics with premixed gasoline fuel

Marsyeh Hoseionpur — 2025-05-30

This study investigates the effects of gasoline-premixed fuel on emissions and combustion characteristics in a compression ignition engine. A multi-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine was analyzed using both experimental and computational methods. Emission and combustion parameters were measured at varying loading conditions for two gasoline–diesel blends and compared with pure diesel at a constant engine speed. Numerical simulations were conducted using the AVL Fire-CHEMKIN coupler for emission and combustion modeling, while CHEMKIN was used for chemical reaction modelling. Simulated results were validated against experimental data, showing minor deviations in mean effective pressure and emissions. The in-cylinder pressure data exhibited strong agreement with experimental results. The gasoline–diesel blends demonstrated longer ignition delays compared to pure diesel, influencing combustion characteristics. Additionally, the mole fraction of unburned hydrocarbons increased with gasoline blending. These findings provide insights into alternative fuel applications for compression ignition engines, contributing to advancements in fuel efficiency and emission reduction strategies.

Keywords: Computational fluid dynamics ; diesel engine emissions; diesel engine performance; premixed gasoline fuel

The second level of environment protection systems organization: state regulation : A Russian experience

Dmitry M. Astanin — 2025-05-30

This study presents a historical analysis of the evolution of state policy in the conservation of biological resources, with a focus on regulatory approaches and institutional development. Early forms of environmental regulation were closely tied to traditional religious practices and the emergence of organized state structures, reflecting the initial stages of ecological consciousness. However, the rapid advancement of technology and the intensification of globalization have significantly accelerated the exploitation of natural resources, revealing limitations in traditional regulatory frameworks. This gap underscores the need for adaptive governance mechanisms capable of addressing complex environmental challenges. The objective of the study is to examine the transformation of environmental policy in relation to broader socio-political and scientific developments. The analysis draws on historical sources and policy documents to trace the shifts in state priorities and strategies. Findings indicate that future effectiveness in conservation efforts depends on the integration of scientific research, public engagement, and international cooperation. The study concludes that environmental governance should be approached through a multi-level framework encompassing religion, science, civil society, the state, and international legal norms. This perspective provides a comprehensive foundation for enhancing policy coherence and sustainability in biodiversity conservation.

Keywords: Biodiversity conservation; environmental governance; historical analysis; policy development; state regulation.

Preschool education as a foundation for sustainable development and early environmental awareness in children

Snezana Stavreva Veselinovska — 2025-05-30

Sustainable development encompasses the integration of environmental, social, and economic dimensions to ensure balanced societal progress. Historically, development models have prioritized economic expansion, often resulting in environmental degradation and widening social disparities. These negative consequences were frequently regarded as acceptable tradeoffs for economic gain, contributing to pressing global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and social inequity. Early childhood education plays a critical role in shaping values and behaviors aligned with sustainability. As the foundational stage of institutional learning, preschool education offers a unique opportunity to instill environmental awareness and sustainable habits. This study explores the perceptions and practices of educators regarding education for sustainable development in preschool settings. A survey was conducted among educators to assess the roles of key stakeholders, including educators, parents, and the community, in fostering sustainable attitudes and behaviors. The findings underscore the pivotal role of early education in developing responsible and environmentally conscious individuals. The collaborative involvement of families and communities further enhances the effectiveness of sustainability education, contributing to the long-term goal of cultivating future generations committed to sustainable living.

Keywords: Early childhood education; environmental awareness; preschool education; stakeholder involvement; sustainable development.

Analysis of combustion instability and complexity in diesel-biodiesel blends: Effects on performance, emissions, energy, and exergy

Rahim Karami — 2025-05-30

Diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter emissions. While biodiesel blends offer potential emission reductions, challenges remain in viscosity, flash point, cold weather performance, and combustion characteristics. This study examines the performance and emission behavior of biodiesel–diesel blends to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Multiscale entropy analysis was employed to assess combustion instability and complexity, focusing on the influence of fuel composition and engine speed at full load. Experimental investigations were conducted using biodiesel derived from tomato, papaya, and apricot, blended with diesel. The tested fuels included binary and ternary biodiesel–diesel blends with varying levels of complexity. Results indicate that at optimal operating conditions, biodiesel blends enhance energy and exergy efficiency while exhibiting higher carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to pure diesel. Hydrocarbon emissions decreased under optimized conditions, while fuels with lower chemical complexity demonstrated improved torque output. Diesel, characterized by greater combustion complexity, resulted in lower exergy and useful work. These findings contribute to the understanding of biodiesel application in compression ignition engines, providing insights into performance optimization and emission control strategies.

Keywords: Biodiesel blends; combustion stability; engine emissions; energy efficiency; exergy analysis.