Review Article
The Underrecognized Role of Soil Processes in Global Climate Change Mitigation: A Critical Review
Henok Heluf Gebrekidan*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-8
Received:
14 March 2026
Accepted:
25 March 2026
Published:
2 April 2026
Abstract: Soils represent the largest terrestrial carbon reservoir, storing more carbon than the atmosphere and vegetation combined, and therefore play a critical role in climate change mitigation. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of soils in mitigating climate change, with a focus on soil carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas regulation, and the effectiveness of soil-based management strategies. A comprehensive evaluation of recent meta-analyses, global datasets, and modeling studies was conducted to assess key mitigation pathways and identify existing policy and knowledge gaps. The findings indicate that practices such as conservation agriculture, cover cropping, biochar application, manure amendments, agroforestry, liming, and enhanced rock weathering can significantly increase soil organic carbon stocks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, although their effectiveness varies depending on soil type, climate, and management conditions. Quantitative evidence shows that cover crops can increase soil organic carbon by approximately 15.5%, while manure and biochar applications can enhance carbon stocks by over 30% and 60%, respectively, under favorable conditions. Despite this potential, the integration of soils into climate mitigation policies remains limited due to measurement uncertainties, insufficient long-term data, and weak inclusion in carbon market frameworks. Overall, soils represent a substantial yet underutilized opportunity for climate mitigation, and improving monitoring systems, strengthening policy integration, and promoting site-specific management strategies are essential to fully harness their potential while supporting sustainable agricultural systems.
Abstract: Soils represent the largest terrestrial carbon reservoir, storing more carbon than the atmosphere and vegetation combined, and therefore play a critical role in climate change mitigation. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of soils in mitigating climate change, with a focus on soil carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas regulation, ...
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Research Article
Assessment of the Overall Ecotoxicity Associated with the Bioavailable Fraction of Trace Metals in Surface Sediments Along the Senegalese Coast on Aliivibrio fischeri
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
9-18
Received:
3 March 2026
Accepted:
27 March 2026
Published:
16 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijee.20261101.12
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Abstract: Bioavailable trace metals in sediments can be a significant source of contamination for aquatic organisms. The present study aims to evaluate the overall toxicity of the bioavailable fraction of Pb and Cd in sediments from the Senegalese coast on the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri. Surface sediment samples were collected at five sites (Rufisque, Soumbedioune, Saint-Louis, Hann, and Kayar) on the Senegalese coast during the dry and wet seasons, and trace metals content were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed a high level of contamination at the Rufisque and Soumbedioune sites, mainly related to lead and more pronounced during the dry season. In contrast, cadmium had the highest bioavailable fraction, exceeding 80% during the dry season at the Soumbedioune, Rufisque, and Saint-Louis sites, suggesting an anthropogenic origin for these metals. The results of the test carried out on the marine bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri confirm this observation by highlighting a proven higher toxicity of sediments during the dry season at the Soumbedioune site, followed by Rufisque, compared to the Kayar control site. Ultimately, this work has shown that even though lead contributes more to sediment contamination, the harmful effects on aquatic life are more related to cadmium due to its higher bioavailability. These effects are more pronounced in the dry season and at Soumbedioune due to the discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater without prior treatment.
Abstract: Bioavailable trace metals in sediments can be a significant source of contamination for aquatic organisms. The present study aims to evaluate the overall toxicity of the bioavailable fraction of Pb and Cd in sediments from the Senegalese coast on the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri. Surface sediment samples were collected at five sites (Rufisque, Sou...
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