Interdisciplinary Environmental Review (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Effect of sediment physicochemical properties and sedimentary pollution on mangrove sustainability in a coastal environment  
  by Temitope D. Timothy Oyedotun  
  Abstract: Mangroves provide vital ecosystem services, including soil stabilisation, biodiversity support, erosion control, carbon storage, and storm protection, yet they are threatened by human-driven pollution and deforestation. This study investigates how sediment physicochemical properties and pollution affect mangrove health across four Guyanese sites: Wellington Park, Abary, Mahaica, and Mahaicony. Sediment moisture, metal concentrations, and microplastic contamination were analysed using XRF and stereoscopic methods. Results show strong spatial variability, with Wellington Park exhibiting the highest moisture fluctuations, elevated metal levels, and the greatest microplastic pollution, making it the most vulnerable to erosion and mangrove decline. Metal concentrations such as iron, copper, zinc, and arsenic varied significantly across sites, influencing soil quality and vegetation health. Abary, Mahaica, and Mahaicony showed more stable sediment conditions and less pollution, supporting healthier mangrove stands. The study highlights the need for integrated research, policy action, waste management, restoration, and community involvement to sustain Guyana’s mangroves.
  Keywords: climate change; coastal environments; coastal ecosystems; mangrove sustainability; microplastic pollution; sediment physicochemical properties; trace metal concentrations; oil moisture content.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10075598
   
  
• Multi-faceted approach for treatment and management of municipal solid waste in India: a comprehensive review  
  by Partha Kundu, A.V. Anju, V.R. Ananthu 
  Abstract: Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) in India presents a critical challenge worsened by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and changing consumption patterns. Traditional waste management methods in India predominantly involve open dumping and unregulated landfilling, which pose severe environmental and health risks. Recent legislative measures and policy frameworks have laid the groundwork for improved waste management practices. However, implementation remains inconsistent across regions, often hindered by local governance issues and resource constraints. Emerging Waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies can significantly reduce landfill dependence and offer promising solutions to this crisis. Additionally, advancements in recycling technologies, such as automated sorting and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for waste tracking and management, are transforming how waste is processed and recycled. This review underscores the necessity for a multi-faceted approach to MSWM in India, combining policy enforcement, technological innovation, and public engagement.
  Keywords: biodrying; biomethanation; incineration; landfill; waste-to-energy; WtE; composting; internet of things; IoT; artificial intelligence; gasification; pyrolysis; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10076008
   
  
• Whose attitudes turn into action? Segmenting consumers based on their zero waste attitudes, intentions, and behaviours  
  by Euodia Isabella Botha, Melanie Wiese, Michael Humbani 
  Abstract: Working towards the United Nations’ sustainable development goals is crucial from an environmental and economic perspective. The issue of sustainable consumption is critical owing to its significant impact on climate change and the valuable economic opportunities it presents. Understanding the different consumer groups taking part in zero waste behaviours and the extent to which they already engage in these behaviours could assist governments and firms in developing more effective strategies to promote a zero waste lifestyle. Therefore, this study aimed to segment South African consumers based on their zero waste behaviours (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot), attitudes and intentions. From a sample of 486 South Africans, applying the analytical hierarchy process and a two-step cluster analysis revealed three clusters of consumers: zero waste rookies, zero waste intermediates, and zero wasters.
  Keywords: zero waste; cluster analysis; segmentation; transformative consumer research; sustainable development goals; theory of planned behaviour; reduce; reuse; refuse; rot; recycle.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10076185
   
  
• Integration of One Health in conservation policies for achieving optimal health and environmental outcomes in India  
  by Avantika Adhruj, Dhanya Bhaskar 
  Abstract: The One Health (OH) approach highlights the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health. Environmental stressors and zoonotic diseases pose significant risks to human health, reinforcing the need to incorporate OH principles in policies and laws. Given the strong policy and legal environment in India for biodiversity conservation, in this study, we evaluate how well India’s conservation laws align with OH. We conducted a summative content analysis of major conservation legislations in India. Our analysis reveals that while India has made significant progress towards the OH approach, including the launch of the OH mission, there is still scope to learn from global examples. Although the country’s conservation legislations currently lack comprehensive inclusion of OH components, certain legislations such as the Forest Rights Act, Wildlife Protection Act and National Forest Policy hold great potential to explicitly include core concepts of OH. Further, we offer recommendations to strengthen integration of OH perspective in India’s conservation policy regime.
  Keywords: One Health; policies; animal-health; human-health; environmental stressors; environmental-health; diseases; zoonotic-diseases; well-being; antimicrobial-resistance; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.10076190