International Journal of Environment and Pollution (4 papers in press)

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  Predicting the cooling capacity of green buildings using probabilistic neural network models ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Hua Zheng, Pengming Wang 
  Abstract: This paper proposes a probabilistic neural network (PNN) model to predict the cooling capacity of green buildings, addressing nonlinear factors and uncertainties often overlooked by traditional regression models. The PNN model uses climate and building features as inputs, applies radial basis function (RBF) in the hidden layer for nonlinear mapping, and generates cooling capacity predictions with confidence intervals. Historical data is used to optimise parameters via backpropagation, and k-fold cross-validation prevents overfitting. Experimental results show that the PNN model achieves an R2 value above 0.95 and a 96.67% confidence interval coverage rate across different climate conditions. Compared to traditional models, the PNN demonstrates superior performance in handling nonlinearities and uncertainty in cooling capacity prediction.
  Keywords: green building cooling capacity prediction; PNN; probabilistic neural network; nonlinear modelling; uncertainty processing; data preprocessing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2025.10072094
   
  
• Impact of land use land cover on the river water quality of Loktak catchment in Manipur, India  
  by Eliza Khwairakpam 
  Abstract: Land use in a catchment significantly affects the water quality of lakes, rivers, coastal areas and estuaries. The present research focuses on analyzing the impact of land use land cover (LULC) of Loktak sub-catchments on water quality of corresponding rivers. Among the nine main rivers in Loktak catchment, Nambul River has the lowest water quality with lowest DO, highest BOD and highest water temperature. The LULC of Nambul sub-catchment shows high coverage of agriculture, indicating high pollutant load from agricultural activities and domestic waste. On the contrary, Khuga River has lower water quality, with higher dense forests and lower agriculture coverage. The probable reason can be prominent Jhum cultivation as Khuga sub-catchment shows higher Jhum coverage. Iril and Thoubal Rivers, with higher forest areas, show better water quality. This would help stakeholders and policymakers while framing management strategies and taking necessary actions in time.
  Keywords: Loktak catchment; land use; land cover; water quality; rivers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2025.10070048
   
  
• Role of action research through community based adaptation in reducing farmers livelihood vulnerability in under privileged areas of Kashmir Valley, India  
  by Imtiyaz Jhangir Khan 
  Abstract: The tribal areas of Kashmir valley happen to be the most disadvantaged regions due to their economic, social and regional specificities. The study makes an attempt at livelihood analysis and looks into concerns of sustainability and vulnerability of these communities of the area. The work was carried as a priority assignment by Division of Environmental Sciences SKUAST (K) for development of site specific crop/enterprize based on agro eco situations in the disadvantageous and inaccessible areas of J&K UT to strengthen the foundation of livelihoods for inclusive growth in such places. Numerous delicate elements exist in the region, including limited accessibility, scarce resources, fragility and low carrying capacity, susceptibility of non-farm employment, untapped niches, and migration. Using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methodologies, the baseline data was gathered to evaluate the farming households' sources of vulnerability and their ability to support themselves for an efficient and pertinent ago-ecological based crop/enterprise.
  Keywords: PRA; enterprises; socio-economic upliftment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2025.10070117
   
  
• Ecotoxicity and water quality assessment of the Reconquista River (Buenos Aires, Argentina) by standardized bioassays on early developmental stages of a native amphibian (Rhinella arenarum)  
  by Carolina M. Aronzon, Celina Barreiro, Julieta Peluso, Vanesa Salomone, Marcos Tascon, Gabriela Svartz 
  Abstract: This work evaluated the water quality of the middle and lower basin of the Reconquista River, one of the most affected water bodies in Argentina, by physicochemical and ecotoxicological parameters. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed in situ and in the laboratory in water samples from ten sites distributed in the basin. Standardized toxicity bioassays were carried out with embryos and larvae of the native amphibian, Rhinella arenarum, exposed to dilutions of the surface water samples for a chronic (504h) period. Water Quality Indexes revealed a marked deterioration of the water and evidenced a clear spatial pattern with higher contamination at the central section which also caused a higher significant mortality in both embryos and larvae. The results demonstrate the substantial degradation of this water body and highlight the detrimental impact on the biota and aquatic ecosystem. These findings emphasize the need for an integrated approach to environmental concerns, using multiple indicators and information as an integrative approach of environmental quality assessment.
  Keywords: physicochemical parameters; toxicity bioassays; amphibians; Reconquista River.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2025.10071747