Oluseye Oludoye

High-quality peer review sits at the heart of credible environmental scholarship. In a research field where policy, livelihoods, and ecosystems intersect, the role of the reviewer is not simply to critique manuscripts but to steward knowledge responsibly. A constructive, ethical, and rigorous editorial review helps ensure that published work is methodologically sound, conceptually robust, and genuinely contributes to advancing environmental sustainability. Yet, reviewing well is a learned scholarly practice. This editorial offer guidance on how to write an effective editorial review — one that supports both the integrity of the journal and the development of authors.

Unsafe disposal of pesticide waste remains a critical environmental and public health issue in developing agricultural systems. This study examined cocoa farmers’ disposal behaviours and their determinants across Nigeria’s major cocoa-producing regions using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 391 farmers, followed by 23 in-depth interviews to contextualise behavioural drivers. Results showed that knowledge of pesticide risks and availability of disposal facilities significantly predicted safer disposal practices (R² = 0.469, p < 0.05), whereas age had a negative influence. Qualitative findings revealed that negative attitudes, social norms, and limited infrastructure reinforced unsafe behaviours, while membership in farmers’ associations promoted safer practices through peer learning. A joint display demonstrated convergence between structural enablers (collection cages, extension support) and behavioural factors (knowledge, attitudes, norms). The study identifies a dual challenge of systemic shortcomings and behavioural inertia, suggesting that regulatory action alone is insufficient without farmer engagement and education. Policy and extension programmes should prioritise collection infrastructure, association-based training, and Integrated Pest Management to promote sustainable pesticide waste management. These insights advance understanding of pesticide disposal behaviour and offer actionable guidance for environmental governance in low- and middle-income agricultural contexts.

Agriculture relies on the widespread application of nitrogen fertilisers to improve crop yields and meet the demands of a growing population. However, the excessive use of these fertilisers has led to significant water quality challenges, posing risks to aquatic life, ecosystems, and human health. This study examines the relationship between synthetic nitrogen fertiliser usage and water pollution while identifying gaps in existing research to guide future studies. A systematic search across databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and Greenfile) identified 18 studies with quantitative data, synthesised using a single-group meta-analysis of means. As the data were continuous, the mean was used as the effect measure, and a random-effects model was applied due to varied study populations, with missing data estimated through statistical assumptions. The meta-analysis found an average nitrate concentration of 34.283 mg/L (95% confidence interval: 29.290–39.276), demonstrating the significant impact of nitrogen fertilisers on water quality. While this average remains marginally below the thresholds set by the World Health Organization (50 mg/L NO₃⁻) and EU Nitrate Directive, it exceeds the United States Environmental Protection Agency limit (44.3 mg/L NO₃⁻), signalling potential health risks, especially in vulnerable or unregulated regions. The high observed heterogeneity (I² = 100%) suggests that factors such as soil type, agricultural practices, application rate, and environmental conditions influence nitrate levels. While agriculture is a key contributor, other anthropogenic activities may also affect nitrate concentrations. Future research should comprehensively assess all influencing factors to determine the precise impact of nitrogen fertilisers on water quality.

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the perception and adoption of environmental management system in small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Lagos and Ogun States, Southwestern Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. The paper posits that environmental management literacy and advocacy should be carried out in SMEs. Environmental management practices involve engaging both industries and product end-users in sustainable practices. The paper concludes that the implementation of environmental management practices and culture by SMEs will abate environmental pollution and its concomitant health risks to humans, the environment, flora, and fauna. Mandatory and voluntary environmental measures 3 are suggested as a means of engendering eco-friendly innovation for sustainable development, triggering employment, job security, and gross domestic product.

This study investigates the adoption of ecological innovations and management of occupational health hazards among Nigerian paddy rice farmers in response to field contamination and climate risks. Conducted across four major rice-producing states—Ekiti, Kwara, Edo, and Ogun—the research employed a semi-structured questionnaire developed from a comprehensive literature review and validated through peer review. Data were collected from 192 farmers through face-to-face interviews and guided dialogues, focusing on ecological innovations, vulnerability assessments, satisfaction with implemented methods, occupational health hazards, and perceptions of sustainable rice cultivation. Findings reveal that only 29.69% of farmers have adopted new measures to address contamination and climate risks, while 70.31% have not. Work-related injuries, such as cuts and abrasions, affected 28% of farmers, with minimal participation (3.1%) in safety training and support from agricultural or government agencies (1%). Correlation analysis demonstrated weak relationships among variables such as farmers' education, adoption of ecological innovations, satisfaction with results, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Importantly, farmers who adopted ecological innovations expressed significantly higher satisfaction (odds ratio = 11.613), as did those with prior exposure to pesticides and chemicals (odds ratio = 4.084) regarding safety practices. The study emphasizes the critical need for increased awareness, training, and support to promote sustainable farming practices and improve occupational health outcomes among paddy rice farmers in Nigeria.

This study investigated the decision-making dynamics for pro-environmental behavior among Thai university students, focusing on reducing the consumption of single-use plastics (SUP). By adopting a dynamic approach to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research examined the influence of psychosocial factors, including attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, on SUP reduction intention at different phases of behavior change. Using structural equation modelling, we analyzed quantitative data (n = 317) from the selected universities. The results revealed that attitudes predicted behavioral intentions only among individuals in the contemplation phase of reducing SUP. Attitudes had a small but limited influence on the behavioral intentions of students who had not yet acted. Perceived behavioral control, on the other hand, significantly impacted behavioral intentions across all phases of behavior change, highlighting its importance in SUP reduction. The study also confirmed subjective norms’ positive influence on students’ behavioral intentions in the pre-contemplation phase. Practical implications suggested segmenting residents based on their behavior change phase so that public policymakers can allocate resources more efficiently and effectively by tailoring campaigns to specific behavior change phases, ultimately promoting sustainable behavior among university students.

Publications associated with the incidence of respiratory diseases in light of the COVID-19 pandemic have skyrocketed. Using bibliometric analysis, this study assessed the characteristics of published articles regarding non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on other respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 06, 2023, a systematic review of literature on the incidence of respiratory diseases was conducted using the Scopus database. VOS viewer software was used to visualize the network. This study yielded a total of 910 articles, which were eventually narrowed down to 148 articles. The findings of the bibliometric analysis revealed a trend in research that included not only the investigation of the incidence of other respiratory diseases but also that of gastrointestinal infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the research output was created by American and Chinese authors. Kim J. H. was the most productive and cited researcher, with three research articles. There is a scarcity of data on the effectiveness of NPI in preventing the spread of other respiratory diseases among various age groups, including children, adults, and vulnerable populations. Countries should consider increasing their support for COVID-19 research, to generate knowledge pertaining to NPIs and, by extension, other infectious diseases with similar transmission mechanisms.