Asian Journal of Geographical Research

Assessment and Characterisation of Groundwater Quality Using Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) in Some Selected Villages Near Namchik- Namphuk Coal Field, Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Pumung Ngemu — 2026-03-17

This study is concerned with the assessment of water quality in 5 villages in and around the Namchik Namphuk Coal field under Kharsang Circle in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 11 water samples were collected, and standard laboratory assessments were conducted to determine various physicochemical properties, viz. Turbidity, pH, hardness, alkalinity, TDS, Cl, SO4^2-, F, NO ^-, Fe, As, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Oil and grease. Along with that, a household survey comprising 114 households was undertaken to understand the potential problems and issues related to water. Based on the results and considering the acceptable limits for different parameters in drinking water, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) IS 10500: 2012, the WQI has been worked out using the WAWQI Method. It has been found that only 1 sample can be considered as excellent, 2 samples were good, 1 sample each in the poor and very poor categories, while 6 samples were found to be unsuitable for drinking. High turbidity (avg. 5.25 NTU), low pH (avg. 6.37, indicating acidification), and elevated average concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb (0.016 mg/L) and Cd (0.008 mg/L) are key factors degrading the overall water quality. The findings suggest a shortage of quality drinking water, and the proximity and exposure to mining-related waste could be the cause of contamination. Proper disposal of mine waste, restrictions on stockpiling near water sources and overall restrictions on illegal mining operations are the need of the hour to tackle these issues.

GIS-Based Land-Use Compatibility and Urban Safety Assessment of Fuel Stations in Residential Areas of Port Harcourt Municipality, Nigeria

Le-ol Anthony — 2026-03-19

Rapid urbanization in developing countries has increased pressure on urban land resources, often resulting in incompatible land-use patterns and heightened environmental safety risks. One manifestation of this challenge is the proliferation of fuel stations within residential neighbourhoods. Although fuel stations are essential for urban transportation and economic activity, their close proximity to homes, schools, and markets raises concerns about environmental safety, planning compliance, and public health. This study evaluates the spatial compatibility and urban safety implications of fuel station locations within residential areas of Port Harcourt Municipality using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Spatial data used in the analysis include GPS-surveyed fuel station coordinates, building footprints, road networks, and land-use data obtained from Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDRA), OpenStreetMap and field verification. Spatial mapping, nearest neighbour analysis, buffer analysis, and proximity modelling were applied to examine the distribution of fuel stations and their relationship with nearby residential buildings and other sensitive land uses. The results reveal a clustered spatial pattern, with fuel stations concentrated along major transportation corridors and mixed residential-commercial zones. Buffer analysis shows that 357 residential buildings are located within 50 m of fuel stations, 1,043 within 100 m, and 3,068 within 200 m, exposing a significant number of residents to hazards such as fire outbreaks, explosions, air pollution, and traffic accidents. The findings highlight weak enforcement of development control regulations and emphasize the need for GIS-based monitoring systems and risk-sensitive urban planning.

Permafrost Investigations in the Western Pamir: Preliminary Results from ERT, Hydrochemical, and Isotopic Analyses

Jan Lentschke — 2026-03-28

This study presents first systematic results on mountain permafrost in the Western Pamir (Tajikistan) and investigates its interactions with the hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of surface waters in a climatically and geomorphologically heterogeneous high mountain environment. The research is based on a field campaign conducted in 2023 in the catchment of the Vanj River and its southern tributary, the Langar River. Permafrost occurrence was assessed using Electrical Resistivity Tomography at seven sites representing different elevations, slope gradients, aspects, and active versus inactive sections of a rock glacier. Complementary hydrochemical analyses were carried out on 21 water samples from rivers, tributaries, and springs, while stable isotope analyses (\(\delta\)¹⁸O, \(\delta\)²H) were performed on 33 samples to evaluate water quality and source contributions.

Influence of Road Design Features on Commercial Property Values: Evidence from Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Ahiakwo, Christopher I. — 2026-03-31

This study examined how road design influences the market value of commercial properties along Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Peter Odili Road is a major commercial corridor in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and provides a useful context for examining how road design influences commercial property values. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a census of business owners and tenants drawn from 70 corridor-facing buildings (N = 140), while qualitative insight was obtained through semi-structured interviews with estate surveyors/valuers (N = 5) and residents (N = 5). Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and mean scores) were used for survey analysis, and thematic analysis was applied to interview data; findings were integrated through triangulation to enhance credibility. Results show that road design is widely perceived as a meaningful determinant of commercial property value, with all assessed features rated positively (mean range = 3.50–3.97). Accessibility to key areas was rated most influential, followed by traffic flow efficiency and the presence of service roads, while signage and safety features recorded the lowest—though still positive. Most respondents rated the influence of Peter Odili Road’s design on property values as moderate to very strong and reported slight to significant increases in market value following road improvements, with no significant decreases recorded. Interview findings reinforced these patterns, linking value gains to improved connectivity, reduced congestion, and better circulation for customers and deliveries. The study concludes that commercial property value gains are most likely when road projects prioritize accessibility and mobility performance and are supported by access management, drainage, routine maintenance, and coordinated land-use controls, consistent with urban land and hedonic valuation perspectives. These findings provide practical guidance for integrating transportation upgrades with urban development and real estate investment decisions in rapidly growing cities.