This study assessed the spatial disposition of air pollutants and their relationship with meteorological parameters in urban slum settlements of Lagos city. The gaseous pollutants were quantified using a gas analyzer, and the PM2.5 concentration and meteorological parameters were determined using an Air Metric Sampler and Wind Mate, respectively. SPSS for Windows and ArcGIS were used for data analysis. The results revealed that the seasonal variations in SO2, NO2, CO2, and PM2.5 showed a higher level of air pollutant concentration during the dry season than during the wet season. During the wet season, a significant correlation was observed between PM2.5 and temperature at the 1% level (0.957 **), and VOC and SO2 (0.907 *) at the 5% level; during the dry season, significant correlations were observed between NO2 and SO2 at the 1% level (0.9477 **), and PM2.5 and relative humidity (0.832 *) at the 5% level. Atmospheric pressure (72%), temperature (60%), and relative humidity (98.4) were the primary meteorological factors affecting air pollutants such as VOC, CO2, and SO2. The spatial dispersal of air pollutants revealed a high Z score and a moderate p-value, indicating hot spot locations throughout the five selected slum settlements. It is recommended that regular monitoring based on quantifiable economic costs that are beneficial to the well-being of the populace be investigated, and policy-based initiatives for air pollution control based on scientific evidence be advocated for.

Currently, Songkhla Province of Thailand has been recognized as a convenient hub of rubber industry development, accompanied by an attendant abundance of rubber tree plantations. A spatialized assessment of the rubber tree was carried out to estimate its aboveground biomass potentials using remote sensing techniques and ecosystem modeling procedures. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite-based estimations of the net primary productivity were derived and complemented with a calculated generic model, to quantify the respective above ground biomass potentials para rubber. Above ground biomass assessment findings revealed a mean value of 82.1 tonnes C ha−1 and an aggregate of 31. 9 million tonnes C ha−1 which is the theoretical potential, this is segregated into energy usable, and other economic purpose biomass potentials, with corresponding value ranges of 1624.1 to 6,041,531.2 million tonnes C ha−1 and 85.5 to 317,975.6 thousand tonnes C ha−1 respectively. Besides the theoretical above ground biomass potential (entire biomass accumulation ratio) commonly evaluated, the other potentials, which include naturally obtainable biomass usable for energy generation and the remaining share of the feedstock for non-energy uses, have been brought to light. Songkhla province has the potential for good carbon sink and sustainable supply of different pools of feedstock from the rubber tree that reinforces each other in providing a comprehensive view of biomass in energy and non-energy opportunities. The socioeconomic production and value chain analysis of the identified biomass pools needs to be evaluated; this will consequently guide policy toward a comprehensive rubber sector sustainable development.

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Para rubber feedstock production potential was explored in Hat Yai district. The study focused on the respondent’s socioeconomic status, feedstock production potential, and mapped the relevant actors along the supply chain. Structured questionnaires were administered to 117 respondents chosen through random and purposeful sampling. The descriptive statistics, linear regression models, feedstock potential model, and Simpson’s diversity index were used to analyze the data. The findings showed average ages of 54.4 and 48.4 for farmers and processors respectively, with above 40% literacy. Seventy-six percent of the plantations’ land belongs to the respondents with corresponding average yields of 9.5 tons/yr and 1082.5 logs for latex and parawood as the main products. Farmers and processors had a mean annual para rubber income of USD 6341.35 and 2.55 million USD, respectively. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between plantation size and feedstock supply; the theoretical feedstock potential is 831,630.91 tons and is highly diverse (Simpson’s diversity index of 0.75), indicative of high potential for sustainable production and consumption. The study highlights that low latex prices alone cannot account for the decline in rubber feedstock yield, due to the high cost of new land, the inability of farmers to expand plantations, and four interlinked feedstock supply lines existing in the study area.