The main goal of this work is to identify places with different environmental sensitivity to land... more The main goal of this work is to identify places with different environmental sensitivity to land degradation in Siwa Oasis (Egypt) by means of a modelling approach developed in the European Commission funded MEDALUS project (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) which identifies such areas on the basis of an index (Environmental Sensitive Area index, ESA index) in which environmental quality (climate, vegetation, soil) as well as, FAO/UNEP provisional methodology for the common degradation process, are integrated and mapped. Siwa Oasis is vulnerable to desertification due to its fragile ecosystem and intensive human activity. Studies reveal that desertification is both a natural and anthropogenic process. Three desertification indicators (vegetation, soil and climate indices) were used to assess the severity of decertification in the region with Geoinformation technology (Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System 'GIS' and Global Positioning System 'GPS'). The first two factors were derived from multitemporal remote sensing. The last factor was calculated from census data. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the studied area is ranged from moderately sensitive to very severe sensitive area to degradation. Where, 48.9 % (149.52 km2) of the studied area are moderately sensitive area to degradation, while the very severe area to degradation is representing 37.56 % (102.61 km2). The rest of the study area 55.63 km2 (17.56%) are characterized by sever area to degradation. According to the FAO/UNEP methodology the most common process of land degradation are the salinity and wind erosion hazard. The slainty status of the study area shows amoderate to very severe condition except in small patches located in the eastern part of the study area, while the wind erosion status has a range form moderate to severe hazard except small patches has a slight wind erosion hazard which is located in the eastern and southern part of the oasis.
Soil contamination by naturally occurring and anthropogenic organic and inorganic chemicals is a ... more Soil contamination by naturally occurring and anthropogenic organic and inorganic chemicals is a serious human health and environmental problem in many industrialized and non-industrialzed nations. This process has dramatically increased in their extent and intensity over the last decades. Progressively, actions have been taken in order to evaluate and reduce the major threats that have already done devastation on soil conditions. The objective of the present study is to examine critically the suitability of Mid infrared reflectance spectroscopy (MIRS) as a tool for soil contamination assessment. A quicker method is developed based on a multivariate calibration procedure using partial least squares (PLS) regression to establish a relationship between reflectance spectra in the mid infrared (MIR) region and spectral of soil characteristics, that are inter-correlated with concentration levels of Cd and Pb. Several spectral pre-processing methods (normalization, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), derivation, standard normal variant (SNV) transforms) were employed to improve the robustness and performance of the calibration models. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed prior to MIR-PLS regression analysis that identified spectral outliers in the absorbance spectra of soil samples. Pearson correlation identified two elements (Cd, Pb). The obtained calibration models showed high regression (r) for Pb, and relatively high (r) for Cd (r > 0.95), while for Cd (r>0.98). Based on this result support the conclusion that mid-infrared spectroscopy could aid conventional method analyses of soils heavily contaminated with certain heavy metals after a robust model is developed.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
The main goal of this work is to identify places with different environmental sensitivity to land... more The main goal of this work is to identify places with different environmental sensitivity to land degradation in Siwa Oasis (Egypt) by means of a modelling approach developed in the European Commission funded MEDALUS project (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) which identifies such areas on the basis of an index (Environmental Sensitive Area index, ESA index) in which environmental quality (climate, vegetation, soil) as well as, FAO/UNEP provisional methodology for the common degradation process, are integrated and mapped. Siwa Oasis is vulnerable to desertification due to its fragile ecosystem and intensive human activity. Studies reveal that desertification is both a natural and anthropogenic process. Three desertification indicators (vegetation, soil and climate indices) were used to assess the severity of decertification in the region with Geoinformation technology (Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System 'GIS' and Global Positioning System 'GPS'). The first two factors were derived from multitemporal remote sensing. The last factor was calculated from census data. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the studied area is ranged from moderately sensitive to very severe sensitive area to degradation. Where, 48.9 % (149.52 km2) of the studied area are moderately sensitive area to degradation, while the very severe area to degradation is representing 37.56 % (102.61 km2). The rest of the study area 55.63 km2 (17.56%) are characterized by sever area to degradation. According to the FAO/UNEP methodology the most common process of land degradation are the salinity and wind erosion hazard. The slainty status of the study area shows amoderate to very severe condition except in small patches located in the eastern part of the study area, while the wind erosion status has a range form moderate to severe hazard except small patches has a slight wind erosion hazard which is located in the eastern and southern part of the oasis.
Soil contamination by naturally occurring and anthropogenic organic and inorganic chemicals is a ... more Soil contamination by naturally occurring and anthropogenic organic and inorganic chemicals is a serious human health and environmental problem in many industrialized and non-industrialzed nations. This process has dramatically increased in their extent and intensity over the last decades. Progressively, actions have been taken in order to evaluate and reduce the major threats that have already done devastation on soil conditions. The objective of the present study is to examine critically the suitability of Mid infrared reflectance spectroscopy (MIRS) as a tool for soil contamination assessment. A quicker method is developed based on a multivariate calibration procedure using partial least squares (PLS) regression to establish a relationship between reflectance spectra in the mid infrared (MIR) region and spectral of soil characteristics, that are inter-correlated with concentration levels of Cd and Pb. Several spectral pre-processing methods (normalization, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), derivation, standard normal variant (SNV) transforms) were employed to improve the robustness and performance of the calibration models. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed prior to MIR-PLS regression analysis that identified spectral outliers in the absorbance spectra of soil samples. Pearson correlation identified two elements (Cd, Pb). The obtained calibration models showed high regression (r) for Pb, and relatively high (r) for Cd (r > 0.95), while for Cd (r>0.98). Based on this result support the conclusion that mid-infrared spectroscopy could aid conventional method analyses of soils heavily contaminated with certain heavy metals after a robust model is developed.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES RESEARCH, Dec 12, 2013
The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map ... more The purpose of this study is to produce a digital soil map and also, to develop a choropleth map that is able to provide a visual view of all potential areas within the study for optimal use of soil. The study area extends between longitudes 31Āŗ20` and 32Āŗ 15` E & latitudes 29Āŗ 54` and 31Āŗ 12` N. The preliminary landforms of the area were delineated by using remote sensing data. The area includes flood plain, fluvio-lacustrine and aeolian deposits as main landforms. A semi detailed survey was carried out in order to verify landform units and collecting soil samples. Various available information and database systems were employed (e.g. ArcGIS, ERDAS MAGINE and ENVI). The soil map of the study area was extracted from the soil map of Egypt produced by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in 1982, this map has been updated according to the latest edition of 2010. Then, the transformation of the soil map (produced in 1982) into a digital format was done, the study area is covered by two soil map sheets. Theses sheets were scanned and geometrically corrected using UTM projection and WGS-84 datum. Data of previous soil survey activities were the bases for the created GIS digital database. Soils survey maps (SCALE 1: 100,000), were prepared as GIS ready maps. Other thematic information layers were imported to the GIS model representing the networks of irrigation and drainage, roads, railways and utilities, each layer includes different categories. Urban settlements were updated using recent TM and ETM+ satellite images. An intensive field investigation was performed in the study region, with the purpose of representing the soil units and collecting ground control points and soil samples for laboratory analyses. The attribute data of the soils are effective depth, pH, salinity, acidity, organic matter, and Bulk density as indication to soil compaction and texture. These attributes which were linked with spatial data to develop the soil geo-database model were considered as important criteria to determine the soil sustainability and plant production. It could be pointed out that achieving such detailed digital land resources database for local administrations is a great step towards the implementation of sustainable development and management programs. It is characterized by its comprehensiveness, geographical accuracy and updatability, such data can be handled, enhanced and exchanged by different users and authorities. The most striking findings noticed was the urban encroachment on the account of most fertile soils; hence shrinkage in areas of high agricultural capabilities. On the other hand, urbanization doesnāt extend largely to low capable land.
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Papers by Ahmed Afifi
Siwa Oasis (Egypt) by means of a modelling approach developed in the European Commission funded MEDALUS
project (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) which identifies such areas on the basis of an index
(Environmental Sensitive Area index, ESA index) in which environmental quality (climate, vegetation, soil) as well
as, FAO/UNEP provisional methodology for the common degradation process, are integrated and mapped. Siwa
Oasis is vulnerable to desertification due to its fragile ecosystem and intensive human activity. Studies reveal
that desertification is both a natural and anthropogenic process. Three desertification indicators (vegetation, soil
and climate indices) were used to assess the severity of decertification in the region with Geoinformation
technology (Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System 'GIS' and Global Positioning System 'GPS'). The
first two factors were derived from multitemporal remote sensing. The last factor was calculated from census
data. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the studied area is ranged from moderately sensitive to very
severe sensitive area to degradation. Where, 48.9 % (149.52 km2) of the studied area are moderately sensitive
area to degradation, while the very severe area to degradation is representing 37.56 % (102.61 km2). The rest of
the study area 55.63 km2 (17.56%) are characterized by sever area to degradation. According to the FAO/UNEP
methodology the most common process of land degradation are the salinity and wind erosion hazard. The slainty
status of the study area shows amoderate to very severe condition except in small patches located in the eastern
part of the study area, while the wind erosion status has a range form moderate to severe hazard except small
patches has a slight wind erosion hazard which is located in the eastern and southern part of the oasis.
human health and environmental problem in many industrialized and non-industrialzed nations. This process has
dramatically increased in their extent and intensity over the last decades. Progressively, actions have been taken in
order to evaluate and reduce the major threats that have already done devastation on soil conditions. The objective of
the present study is to examine critically the suitability of Mid infrared reflectance spectroscopy (MIRS) as a tool for
soil contamination assessment. A quicker method is developed based on a multivariate calibration procedure using
partial least squares (PLS) regression to establish a relationship between reflectance spectra in the mid infrared
(MIR) region and spectral of soil characteristics, that are inter-correlated with concentration levels of Cd and Pb.
Several spectral pre-processing methods (normalization, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), derivation,
standard normal variant (SNV) transforms) were employed to improve the robustness and performance of the
calibration models. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed prior to MIR-PLS regression analysis
that identified spectral outliers in the absorbance spectra of soil samples. Pearson correlation identified two elements
(Cd, Pb). The obtained calibration models showed high regression (r) for Pb, and relatively high (r) for Cd (r >
0.95), while for Cd (r>0.98). Based on this result support the conclusion that mid-infrared spectroscopy could aid
conventional method analyses of soils heavily contaminated with certain heavy metals after a robust model is
developed.
Siwa Oasis (Egypt) by means of a modelling approach developed in the European Commission funded MEDALUS
project (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) which identifies such areas on the basis of an index
(Environmental Sensitive Area index, ESA index) in which environmental quality (climate, vegetation, soil) as well
as, FAO/UNEP provisional methodology for the common degradation process, are integrated and mapped. Siwa
Oasis is vulnerable to desertification due to its fragile ecosystem and intensive human activity. Studies reveal
that desertification is both a natural and anthropogenic process. Three desertification indicators (vegetation, soil
and climate indices) were used to assess the severity of decertification in the region with Geoinformation
technology (Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System 'GIS' and Global Positioning System 'GPS'). The
first two factors were derived from multitemporal remote sensing. The last factor was calculated from census
data. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the studied area is ranged from moderately sensitive to very
severe sensitive area to degradation. Where, 48.9 % (149.52 km2) of the studied area are moderately sensitive
area to degradation, while the very severe area to degradation is representing 37.56 % (102.61 km2). The rest of
the study area 55.63 km2 (17.56%) are characterized by sever area to degradation. According to the FAO/UNEP
methodology the most common process of land degradation are the salinity and wind erosion hazard. The slainty
status of the study area shows amoderate to very severe condition except in small patches located in the eastern
part of the study area, while the wind erosion status has a range form moderate to severe hazard except small
patches has a slight wind erosion hazard which is located in the eastern and southern part of the oasis.
human health and environmental problem in many industrialized and non-industrialzed nations. This process has
dramatically increased in their extent and intensity over the last decades. Progressively, actions have been taken in
order to evaluate and reduce the major threats that have already done devastation on soil conditions. The objective of
the present study is to examine critically the suitability of Mid infrared reflectance spectroscopy (MIRS) as a tool for
soil contamination assessment. A quicker method is developed based on a multivariate calibration procedure using
partial least squares (PLS) regression to establish a relationship between reflectance spectra in the mid infrared
(MIR) region and spectral of soil characteristics, that are inter-correlated with concentration levels of Cd and Pb.
Several spectral pre-processing methods (normalization, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), derivation,
standard normal variant (SNV) transforms) were employed to improve the robustness and performance of the
calibration models. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed prior to MIR-PLS regression analysis
that identified spectral outliers in the absorbance spectra of soil samples. Pearson correlation identified two elements
(Cd, Pb). The obtained calibration models showed high regression (r) for Pb, and relatively high (r) for Cd (r >
0.95), while for Cd (r>0.98). Based on this result support the conclusion that mid-infrared spectroscopy could aid
conventional method analyses of soils heavily contaminated with certain heavy metals after a robust model is
developed.