monitoring the earth surface's change because of the large
spatial coverage, high time resolution, and wide availability.
The newly available geospatial technology such as Google
Earth Engine can be used to continuously monitor the
environmental issues and provide management strategies
that are able to react to and mitigate the environmental
consequences of these challenges (Zurqani et al. 2019).
1.2.3 Pollution
Soil contamination or soil pollution as part of land degradation is caused by the accumulation of heavy metals near
industrial zones, mining waste, disposal of high mineral
waste, leaded gasoline and paints, land use for fertilizers,
animal manure, sewage sludge, pesticides, and sewage disposal (Wuana and Okieimen 2011). The study by Mlitan
et al. (2013) revealed that in the Zliten area around a cement
factory, the soil physicochemical characteristics (pH, water
content, and organic matter) indicated a strong influence by
cement dust that has settled on the soil from the factory.
Furthermore, Banana et al. (2017) reported that the
Abu-Kammash area in the north-western region of Libya is
contaminated with several toxic elements and petrochemical
compounds, and the soil should be not be used for agriculture until it is remediated to ensure human health.
Since the inception of the Libyan conflict until now, a
huge amount of gases, very fine particulates,
inorganic/organic chemicals, and unknown toxic substances
have continued to spread into the environment (Fig. 1.8).
These compounds often contain high toxicities and carcinogenic properties and can expose humans who consume
contaminated foods (Wang et al. 2013). There are many
remediation techniques available for environmental restoration activities. For instance, Streche et al. (2018) suggested
that using electrochemical treatment would be feasible and
successful for soil remediation. In addition, the integration of
sewage sludge into artificially polluted soils with crude oil
can lead to increased biodegradation by 45–60% (Choroma
et al. 2010).
1.2.4 Climate Change
Climate factors significantly contribute to both desertification and water scarcity, and global warming undoubtedly
exacerbates these problems. Warmer air and water temperatures, and sea-level rise are expected to alter local ecosystems and agricultural productivity to the countries that have
a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. Libya has the longest
Mediterranean coastline among African nations with about
1,770 km. Climate change will lead to severe weather events
for Libya, affecting both the intensity and frequency of climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation, and
droughts.
The increase in air and water temperatures will lead to a
global sea-level rise. The United States National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration scientists projected that sea
Fig. 1.8 Crude oil spillage near
one of the Libyan oil fields in
Jikharra, north-eastern region of
Libya (Photo courtesy: Dr. Naji
Shoaib)
8
H. A. Zurqani
spatial coverage, high time resolution, and wide availability.
The newly available geospatial technology such as Google
Earth Engine can be used to continuously monitor the
environmental issues and provide management strategies
that are able to react to and mitigate the environmental
consequences of these challenges (Zurqani et al. 2019).
1.2.3 Pollution
Soil contamination or soil pollution as part of land degradation is caused by the accumulation of heavy metals near
industrial zones, mining waste, disposal of high mineral
waste, leaded gasoline and paints, land use for fertilizers,
animal manure, sewage sludge, pesticides, and sewage disposal (Wuana and Okieimen 2011). The study by Mlitan
et al. (2013) revealed that in the Zliten area around a cement
factory, the soil physicochemical characteristics (pH, water
content, and organic matter) indicated a strong influence by
cement dust that has settled on the soil from the factory.
Furthermore, Banana et al. (2017) reported that the
Abu-Kammash area in the north-western region of Libya is
contaminated with several toxic elements and petrochemical
compounds, and the soil should be not be used for agriculture until it is remediated to ensure human health.
Since the inception of the Libyan conflict until now, a
huge amount of gases, very fine particulates,
inorganic/organic chemicals, and unknown toxic substances
have continued to spread into the environment (Fig. 1.8).
These compounds often contain high toxicities and carcinogenic properties and can expose humans who consume
contaminated foods (Wang et al. 2013). There are many
remediation techniques available for environmental restoration activities. For instance, Streche et al. (2018) suggested
that using electrochemical treatment would be feasible and
successful for soil remediation. In addition, the integration of
sewage sludge into artificially polluted soils with crude oil
can lead to increased biodegradation by 45–60% (Choroma
et al. 2010).
1.2.4 Climate Change
Climate factors significantly contribute to both desertification and water scarcity, and global warming undoubtedly
exacerbates these problems. Warmer air and water temperatures, and sea-level rise are expected to alter local ecosystems and agricultural productivity to the countries that have
a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. Libya has the longest
Mediterranean coastline among African nations with about
1,770 km. Climate change will lead to severe weather events
for Libya, affecting both the intensity and frequency of climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation, and
droughts.
The increase in air and water temperatures will lead to a
global sea-level rise. The United States National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration scientists projected that sea
Fig. 1.8 Crude oil spillage near
one of the Libyan oil fields in
Jikharra, north-eastern region of
Libya (Photo courtesy: Dr. Naji
Shoaib)
8
H. A. Zurqani