SDG 15: Life on Land

Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt biodiversity loss, and protect natural habitats. Lebanon, known for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems, faces serious environmental challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and urban expansion. The Ministry of Environment plays a central role in addressing these issues and advancing the country's efforts toward achieving SDG 15.

Lebanon’s Approach to SDG 15: Protecting Terrestrial Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Forest Protection and Reforestation:

Lebanon’s forests are critical to its ecological balance, providing habitats for wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and contributing to climate regulation. However, the country’s forests face significant threats from wildfires, illegal logging, and urban expansion. In response, the Ministry of Environment has implemented policies aimed at forest conservation and reforestation.

The National Reforestation Plan, launched by the government, focuses on restoring degraded forest areas and increasing Lebanon’s forest cover. The plan includes tree planting initiatives in various regions, engaging local communities, NGOs, and international partners. These reforestation efforts are critical for combating land degradation, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Additionally, the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI), supported by international donors, works to protect existing forests and promote sustainable land use practices. The LRI helps local communities adopt eco-friendly practices and promotes the sustainable management of forest resources.

Combating Desertification and Land Degradation:

Lebanon is vulnerable to desertification, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Land degradation, exacerbated by overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, and deforestation, threatens agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. The Lebanese government, in partnership with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), has developed national strategies to combat desertification and restore degraded land.

The National Action Program (NAP) to Combat Desertification focuses on sustainable land management, soil conservation, and the restoration of degraded landscapes. Efforts include promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving water management, and reducing soil erosion. The government works with local farmers and rural communities to implement these practices and raise awareness about the importance of protecting land resources.

Biodiversity Conservation:

Lebanon is home to diverse ecosystems, including forests, mountains, wetlands, and coastal areas, which harbor a wide variety of plant and animal species. However, rapid urbanization, habitat destruction, and pollution have led to a decline in biodiversity. The Ministry of Environment has been actively working to protect the country’s natural habitats and prevent the extinction of endangered species.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) outlines Lebanon’s commitments to conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. This plan focuses on the protection of key biodiversity areas, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the integration of biodiversity conservation into national policies. Lebanon has also designated nature reserves and protected areas to safeguard critical habitats and promote eco-tourism. Some notable reserves include the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, and the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve.

Wildlife Protection and Endangered Species:

Lebanon has enacted laws to protect endangered species and regulate hunting. The Law for the Protection of Fauna and Flora prohibits the hunting, capture, or trade of endangered species and establishes penalties for violators. The Hunting Law, introduced in 2004, aims to regulate hunting activities to ensure the protection of wildlife.

Additionally, the Ministry of Environment works with NGOs and research institutions to monitor wildlife populations and develop conservation strategies for endangered species, such as the Lebanese cedar, the Lebanese mountain gazelle, and various bird species.

Public Awareness and Education:

Public awareness campaigns play a key role in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable land use. The Ministry of Environment collaborates with schools, universities, and local communities to educate citizens about the importance of protecting forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Environmental NGOs such as Green Lebanon and The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) are also active in raising awareness about the importance of SDG 15.

International Collaboration:

Lebanon works closely with international organizations such as the UNDP, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Bank to implement projects that protect terrestrial ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and restore degraded land. These partnerships provide technical assistance and funding to support Lebanon’s efforts in achieving SDG 15.

Beirut Arab University and SDG 15: Promoting Environmental Conservation

Beirut Arab University (BAU) is committed to advancing SDG 15 through education, research, and community outreach. The university recognizes the importance of protecting Lebanon’s terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use, particularly in the context of Lebanon’s rich biodiversity and growing environmental challenges.

Research on Biodiversity and Ecosystems:

BAU’s Faculty of Science and Faculty of Architecture are actively involved in research related to biodiversity conservation, land management, and ecosystem restoration. The university conducts studies on Lebanon’s unique flora and fauna, assessing the impacts of urbanization, deforestation, and climate change on natural habitats.

Research projects at BAU focus on the conservation of endangered species, forest management, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Through partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and local NGOs, BAU contributes to national efforts to protect Lebanon’s biodiversity and promote sustainable land use practices.

Environmental Education:

BAU integrates environmental education into its curriculum, particularly through programs in Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, and Sustainable Development. Students are encouraged to engage with topics such as conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the protection of natural habitats. The university also organizes workshops, seminars, and field trips that allow students to gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation efforts.

By fostering environmental awareness and providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to address ecological challenges, BAU prepares future leaders to contribute to Lebanon’s progress toward achieving SDG 15.

Campus Sustainability Initiatives:

BAU is committed to promoting sustainability on campus, with initiatives focused on reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting green spaces. The university has implemented recycling programs, tree planting campaigns, and water conservation efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

The BAU Green Campus Initiative encourages students, faculty, and staff to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving energy, and supporting biodiversity on campus. These efforts align with the goals of SDG 15 and contribute to a more sustainable campus environment.

Student Engagement in Conservation:

BAU promotes student involvement in environmental conservation through its Environmental Club and various student-led initiatives. Students participate in tree planting events, biodiversity conservation projects, and community outreach programs aimed at protecting Lebanon’s natural habitats.

The university also encourages students to volunteer with local environmental organizations and participate in national reforestation campaigns. By engaging students in these activities, BAU helps instill a sense of environmental responsibility and empowers students to contribute to the protection of Lebanon’s ecosystems.

Community Outreach and Partnerships:

BAU collaborates with local municipalities, NGOs, and international organizations to promote environmental conservation and raise awareness about the importance of protecting terrestrial ecosystems. The university engages with local communities to support reforestation projects, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and eco-tourism development.

Through partnerships with organizations such as the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and the UNDP, BAU supports national efforts to restore degraded landscapes and protect endangered species. These collaborations enable the university to contribute its expertise to Lebanon’s broader environmental conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Lebanon faces significant challenges in protecting its terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity due to deforestation, land degradation, and urbanization. The government, through the Ministry of Environment and in collaboration with international partners, has made efforts to combat desertification, promote sustainable land use, and protect endangered species. Initiatives such as the National Reforestation Plan and the establishment of nature reserves play a key role in advancing SDG 15 in Lebanon.

Beirut Arab University is actively contributing to SDG 15 through research, environmental education, and community outreach. The university’s focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use, and student engagement in environmental initiatives aligns with Lebanon’s national efforts to protect its natural habitats and promote sustainability. Through its academic programs and partnerships, BAU helps foster a culture of environmental stewardship and supports Lebanon’s progress toward achieving SDG 15.

RESEARCH CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Center/Research-Center-for-Environment-and-Development

ABOUT US

The Research Center for Environment and Development (RCED) was established to perform research using interdisciplinary approaches on matters related to natural resources and sustainable development.

The RCED is a team of BAU researchers and students.

The Center is directed by Dr. Safaa Baydoun and a Managing Board of experts and consultants headed by the University President.

VISION

The RCED strives to play a leadership role in sustainable development through ecosystem approaches to protect the environment, conserve biodiversity, and improve community livelihood by sustainable use of natural resources.

MISSION

Our aim is to understand the various threats and challenges of ecosystems and natural resources and recommend appropriate management approaches. The RCED focuses on fostering the participation and engagement of community members through integrated research strategies that go beyond the scientific laboratory research framework to involve the environmental and socioeconomic aspects of sustainable development.

Objectives

• Conduct applied research to protect and conserve natural resources towards sustainable use and community development
• Provide applied research internships for undergraduate and graduate students
• Stimulate participation in national and international cooperation programs and interdisciplinary collaborative research networking
• Establish community outreach programs and engagement activities
• Establish capacity building activities
• Enhance community environmental awareness

Interests

• Water and soil quality assessment and monitoring
• Flora biodiversity and conservation
• Economic empowerment of women
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy
• Environmental Awareness and educational programs

Managing Board

The Managing Board provides an overall guidance to assure adherence of RCED to its strategy and priorities. It serves as a representative of consultants and responsible community members who provide advice, consultation and support. RCED Managing Board grantees transparency, dissemination of findings and a linkage with different sectors of society and community.

Promoting beekeeping and high quality honey production at BAU

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Research-Center-for-Environment-and-Development/Projects

Being part of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hot spots, Lebanon is blessed with a rich biodiversity encompassing a wealth of vegetation that provide surplus nectar and pollen to foraging bees. Despite the long tradition of beekeeping in the country, having a high standing quality and leading honey producers, the productivity of this sub-sector has always been low both at the level of domestic utilization and export earnings. After some recorded success during the last a few decades, recent reports show that honeybee colonies in Lebanon are presently deteriorating due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and many other challenges. These include pests and diseases, pollution, indiscriminate applications of pesticide, destruction of vegetation cover, climate change causing the disruption and death of honeybees. This decline has alarmed Lebanese government, beekeepers, NGOs and environmentalists about the need to promote beekeeping improve honey production and conservation of native honeybees to ensure high pollination during local flowering seasons.

The objective of this project is to contribute to the conservation of the Syrian bee (Apis mellifera syriaca) and production of high quality honey in the unique settings of BAU Bekaa and Debbieh campuses and surrounding local areas. This will be achieved through the installation of 100 beehives and creating a platform for the implementation of Goal 7 (Deepening Public Engagement) of BAU Strategy 2020. By collaborating with Lebanese Beekeeper NGOs, international NGOs and development programs, the project will contribute to capacity building and facilitate hands-on training within the educational and ecological environment of BAU. It provides the opportunity to educate students, beekeepers and farmers on the importance of honeybees to ecology and development. Furthermore, the project will make available local honey and hive products to BAU and broader community.

Introduction to Saffron Farming

https://www.bau.edu.lb/BAUUpload/BAU-Library/files/RCED/Crocus-Sativus.pdf

Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), commonly known as Saffron "زعفران", is an annual herbaceous historically cultivated in the Mediterranean region for the commercial production of the most expensive spice in the world. For its high ecological adaptability for semiarid conditions, the cultivation of Crocus sativus in Bekaa region in Lebanon has been recommended as a promising option for rural development especially under the status of climate change. Thus, saffron cultivation has been attempted by individual private efforts and by the Institute of Agricultural Research. In attempt to explore its suitability to grow in Cental Bekaa and provide a continuous source of samples to the Faculty of Pharmacy and other faculties at BAU, RCED established a demonstration activity of saffron cultivation in 2012 that ended in August 2018. A brief report on the activity is developed and circulated to all collaborators and colleagues who are interested in the plant.

BAU Herbal Garden for Lebanese Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Research-Center-for-Environment-and-Development/Projects-BAU-Herbal-Garden-for-Lebanese-Medicinal-and-Aromatic-Plants

Realizing the importance of biodiversity as one of the pillars of sustainable development and the immense services plants provide for human well-being, RCED in partnership with the Faculty of Pharmacy at BAU and Green Hand Organization in Lebanon have jointly established “RCED Herbal Garden” for the conservation of some native medicinal and aromatic plants of high ecological, economic and social importance. Occupying an area of 11,000 m2 of a fertile land of BAU campus in Bekaa, the garden displays a sensory delight of these spectacular plants. It offers a place of enjoyment and attraction not just for visitors but also for bees, butterflies, birds and other life forms foraging on the fragrant colorful flowers and scented foliage. In addition to conservation, the garden is dedicated to providing educational information and plant material to viable research and healthful herbal products.

Objectives

• Conserve plants from different geographical zones for having ecological and economic importance.
• Provide educational information and plant material for research and herbal
• Design the agro-techniques for plant propagation and cultivation.
• Document cultural knowledge on their use and properties.

Plants of RCED Herbal Garden

Hermon Mountain: Biodiversity Assessment Towards a Valorization and Conservation Action Plan

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Research-Center-for-Environment-and-Development/Projects-Hermon-Mountain

Principle Investigator: Dr. Safaa Baydoun /Director of Research Center for Environment and Development-Beirut Arab University

Co Investigators:

• Nelly Arnold, Biodiversity Expert, BAU
• Lamis Chalak, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University
• Munier Mhanna, Rachaiya Center for Social Services, Ministry of Social Affairs
• Funding Sources: Beirut Arab University Research Grant Program

Scientific Conferences Contributions:

• “Flora Biodiversity in Hermon Mountain: Substantial Endemism”, Baydoun S. et al. (2015), the 21th International Conference for the Lebanese Association for the Advancement of Science, Beirut, Lebanon (2015). (Full Text; PDF)
• “Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used by the communities of Mount Hermon, Lebanon” ,Baydoun et al., 2015, the 15th International Congress of the International Society for Ethno pharmacology, Petra, Jordan, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.usj.edu.lb/laas21/summary.pdf (Full Text; PDF)
• 21th LAAS Conference 2015 Paper

• Contributing to the 15th International Congress of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology, Petra, Jordan, 2015. (Full Text; PDF)

Abstract Paper

Publications:

• “Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine by the Communities of Mount Hermon, Lebanon” - Journal of Ethnopharmacology. (Full Text; PDF)

ELSEVIER Article-173 (2015)

• “Vascular Plants of Mount Hermon, Lebanon and their Ethnobotanical Traits. 1.” - Flora Mediterranea

(Full Text; PDF)

• "Essential Oil and Bioactivity of the Ziziphora canescens Benth. Growing Wild in Lebanon" - Pharmacognosy Communications

(Full Text; PDF)

Community Dissemination:

• Organizing the community awareness activity "Fascination of Mount Hermon Plants" on May 21th, 2015 as one of activities of the “Fascination of Plants Day 2015”, Lebanon. RCED in collaboration with Lebanese University shared with the teachers and students of “Mount Hermon Official School” - Rachaiya some valuable findings of the project highlighting the importance of the Hermon flora biodiversity and the threats it is experiencing. Go to pictures
• Participating in commemoration of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ “ Yom Tajalli Day” at Rachaiya Al Wadi in Bekaa in a panel where Shias, Sunnis, Christians and Druzes gathered to discuss the sanctity of Hermon mountain. Go to pictures
• Participating in “Sawt Lebnan” radio interview about the richness of Rachaiya that makes Jabal Al Sheikh an ideal place for environmental activities, researches and tourism. The project “Flora Biodiversity in Hermon Mountain” is funded by Beirut Arab University that has been presented by Ms. Helena Dalleh, research assistant at RCED, showing the importance of Rachaiya’s community engagement in the project work and the outputs of the study such as identifying 300 plant species and gathering knowledge and practices related to the utilization of the species in local communities during the passing 3 years. Go to pictures
• Establishing a herbarium at RCED as a result of collecting, identifying and storing plants of Hermon, presenting the first preliminary inventory of plants from the Lebanese side of Hermon mountain.
• Developing a community guide to some of the flora of the mountain that is planned to be published as a tool to improve public awareness of the importance of Mount flora biodiversity.

Cultivation of Origanum syriacum & Salvia officinalis in Bekaa

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Research-Center-for-Environment-and-Development/Projects#!

Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) is worldwide viewed as a means for meeting current and future demands for large-volume production of plant-based drugs and herbal remedies as well as developing the livelihood of rural communities in developing countries. Market analysis of MAP trades in Lebanon shows the domestic market is approximately worth US $35 million/year. The ministry of Agriculture, UNDP and other international organizations have taken some initiatives to promote the sustainable MAP harvesting and cultivation of Origanum syriacum (Oregano) as one of the most important herbs in the wild of Lebanon.

Though well suited to the ago-climatic conditions of Bekaa, MAPs cultivation has not been yet well appreciated as source of revenue and economic development in Bekaa region. Lack of adequate knowledge of cultivation and processing methods, unavailability of quality plant material and sound marketing plans present the main limiting factors impeding the development of these sectors.

This project aims to promote the cultivation of Oregano in Bekaa region (10,000 m2), provide knowledge of cultivation technology and improve agricultural production as a resource-base of local livelihood and national development.

The Faculty of Science in cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering at Beirut Arab University, Tripoli Campus , organized a world day entitled "Earth Day Pollution and Solutions"

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Science-Tripoli/Event/The-Faculty-of-Science-in-cooperation-with-the-Faculty-of-Engineering-at-Beirut-Arab-University-Tripoli-Campus-organized-a-world-day-entitled-Earth-Day-Pollution-and-Solutions-

The Faculty of Science in cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering at Beirut Arab University in Tripoli Campus organized a world day entitled "Earth Day Pollution and Solutions". The ceremony was attended by the BAU Vice-President for Tripoli Campus affairs Prof. Khaled Baghdady, the Deputy Secretary General for Tripoli Campus Mr. Mohamed Hammoud, Director of the Faculty of Engineering Dr. Ahmad Lakkani, Director of the Faculty of Science Prof. Mohammad Jayyar, other directors and professors of all faculties, and a group of students. Dr. Jalal Halwani, Director of Water and Environmental Science Laboratories and Head of Health and Environment at the Lebanese University, conducted a presentation on the steps taken to preserve the Palm Islands Reserve in Tripoli from pollution. Dr. Safaa Baydoun from Beirut Arab University and Director of Center for Environmental Research and Development - Bekaa Campus, highlighted the current challenges facing natural resources in the Bekaa region of Lebanon. After that, Dr. Rami Owayni of the Faculty of Science presented innovative environmental techniques. A lecture on the desalination system was presented by Dr. Yasser Al Samdouni from the Faculty of Engineering, then followed by Dr. Mohamed Al Jawhary from the Faculty of Engineering who presented a lecture on solid waste management system. The students, Ryan Farha and Sarah Moubeid, from the Faculty of Science, concluded with a research about the factors that are leading to the increase in the number of adolescents, in northern Lebanon, smoking what is called ‘’Nargileh’’. This day was marked by an exhibition of students’ projects and ended up by distributing honor shields to lecturers and awards for successful projects.

Environmental Studies

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Science-and-Technology/environmental-studies

Environmental science research contributes significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing essential knowledge and solutions to address environmental challenges. It helps in understanding ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, pollution, and resource management, thus guiding policies and actions towards sustainability. Through interdisciplinary approaches, environmental science research informs sustainable development strategies, enhances conservation efforts, enhances resilience to environmental risks, and promotes equitable access to resources, thus promoting multiple sustainable development goals related to environmental protection, poverty eradication, health, and well-being, among others.

Description of Subtheme:

Environmental Protection Act (1986) defined “Environment as the sum total of water, air and land, their interrelationships between themselves and with human beings, other living beings, and property”. One of the most important disciplines included in environmental studies is the environmental science which is the scientific study of environmental system (air, water, soil, and Land) including any changes and damages that result from human interaction with the environment. Human activities are polluting natural resources worldwide. Lebanon, like other countries in the region, is suffering from a major pollution crisis that affects both its aquatic and land resources. Understanding the scientific basis of our environmental science is vital to find solutions to these problems to protect the environment and then preserve our nature.

Research topics are centered around the following topics:

• Environmental and anthropogenic effects on radiocarbon distribution in Lebanon.
• Occurrence and levels of pesticides in Lebanon's water.
• Decolorization of synthetic dyes by bacteria.
• Biocontrol of plant pathogens.
• Environmental factors that affect the microbial degradation of phenol.
• Design of new azo compounds to detect and capture carbon dioxide from air.
• Treatment of pharmaceuticals from water using macrocycles
• Environmental protection exploring natural resources
• Environmental Microbiology and Bioremediation
• Design, synthesis, and physic-chemical characterization of macrocyclic ligands that have biological and environmental applications.
• Encapsulation of azophenolic compounds in a drug carrier macrocycle to be used as a food preservative.

Prominent Research:

• Detection of ciprofloxacin residues in milk by sensitive and rapid methods is of great interest due to its use in the treatment of dairy livestock health. Current analytical approaches to antibiotic detection are laboratory-based methods, and they are time-consuming and require trained personnel. We were able to detect the presence of ciprofloxacin in a diluted milk sample without any pretreatment using an assay based on the fluorescence polarization principle. The developed assay allows for the detection of ciprofloxacin at a concentration of 1ppb, which represents an amount lower than the maximum residual limit (MRL) of ciprofloxacin in milk, as defined by the European Union regulation (100 ppb).
• Among the seven bacterial strains isolated from marine samples, Staphylococcus epidermidis represented a promising isolate for biocement production. It was identified biochemically and genotypically. Technically, the biocement produced successfully packed the clay particles tightly and decreased their porosity considerably, leading to increased clay water retention capacity (WRC) compared to the control. Moreover, the compressive pressure resistance of the prepared biocement blocks containing Staphylococcus epidermidis suspension increased regularly along 28 days of solidification.
• Water Hyacinth Biochar (WHB) was produced by pyrolysis at 900°C. The results indicate that WHB has oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity. The ORR catalytic activity of WHB is attributed to its physical and chemical surface properties. The maximum power density produced from an air cathode single chamber microbial fuel cell (ACSC-MFC) with WHB as the ORR catalyst versus the Pt/C catalyst were 24.7 and 12.3 mWm−2, respectively. This study demonstrated that water hyacinth biochar can be used as an inexpensive catalyst for ORR in microbial fuel cells.
• Safe, accessible and good quality water are essential characteristics to reduce various waterborne diseases. Since domestic water is the most consumed water by Lebanese people, cleaning domestic water tanks is important to prevent their exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Generally, all stages of the value chain of the Lebanese water sector are still imperfect. Thus, the domestic water should be regularly tested, especially in the impoverished landmarks where water quality is the worst. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and microbiological quality of the water in the storage tanks of homes in Sidon, Lebanon. The total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli contaminate was 54%, 20%, and 16% in each of the samples, respectively. Other bacteria isolated from household water included intestinal Enterococcus faecalis (68%), Staphylococcus aureus (68%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%). The bacterial isolates showed a prevalence of resistance and intermediate resistance against the tested antibiotic agents. Multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 21% of the collected S. aureus, using cefoxitin agent and mecA gene detection. The prevalence of virulence genes was also observed in both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Our data show that Sidon domestic water is not suitable for drinking or home applications.
• A newly synthesized upper rim azocalix[4]arene, namely 5,11,17,23-tetra[(4-ethylacetoxyphenyl) (azo)]calix[4]arene, CA-AZ has been fully characterized and its chromogenic and selective properties for anions are reported. Among the univalent anions, the receptor is selective for the fluoride anion, and its mode of interaction in solution is discussed. The kinetics of the complexation process were found to be very fast as reflected in the immediate colour change observed with a naked eye resulting from the receptor–anion interaction. An emphasis is made about the relevance in selecting a solvent in which the formulation of the process is representative of the events taking place in the solution. The composition of the fluoride complex investigated using UV/vis spectrophotometry, conductance measurements, and titration calorimetry was 1:1, and the thermodynamics of the complexation of anions and CA-AZ in DMSO were determined. The fluoride complex salt was isolated, and a detailed investigation was carried out to assess its ability to remove CO2 from the air. Recycling of the complex was easily achieved.
• The optimal conditions for the extraction of aspirin from water by the modified silicate material were determined as a function of the mass of the extracting agent and the pH of the aqueous solution. The optimum mass was found to be 0.08–0.10 g with 99.9% removal of aspirin. The maximum extraction of aspirin by the material was observed at pH 4. The kinetics, removal capacity, and recycling capacity of the material were investigated. The results indicate that (i) the process is fast, (ii) the removal capacity for the drug is greater than that of previously reported materials, and (iii)the modified silicate can be easily recycled. These data, along with the low cost involved in the production of the material, led to the conclusion that the modified silicate has the required potential for industrial use. Molecular simulation calculations suggest that one unit of aspirin interacts with one unit of the modified silicate L1 through hydrogen bond formation between the amine functional group of the silicate and the oxygen donor atoms of aspirin.

Environmental Issues

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Science-and-Technology/environmental-issues

A lot of topics under the environmental research subtheme identify many factors that can affect health and has impact on it. For example, research concerned water treatment and management and solid waste management can have a positive impact on the quality of water and soil and this contribute to ensure good health and well – being for individuals and societies. By analyzing water quality, availability, and sanitation systems, researchers can identify potential risks, such as contamination or scarcity, and propose solutions to ensure access to clean and safe water. Environmental research provides valuable insights for integrating environmental education into formal and informal learning settings. For example, by studying ecological systems, biodiversity, natural resource management, and production of renewable energy from solid waste, researchers can develop educational materials, curricula, and programs that promote environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainability.

Workshop entitled Green Environment Pollution Control

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Workshop-entitled-Green-Environment-Pollution-Control

The Faculty of Science at BAU hosted a workshop entitled “Green Environment: Pollution Control” in collaboration with the Research Center for Environment and Development in Bekaa and sponsored by PEER/ USAID.

The workshop aimed at highlighting the latest issues related to pollution and ways to control it in order to reach a Green Environment in Lebanon. It provided a platform for leaders, innovators, researchers, and students from across the Lebanese community to exchange ideas and solutions.

The workshop speakers were Mr. Bassam Sabbagh , Head of Urban Environment Service, Ministry of Environment), Mr. Zaher Redwan, Green Hand Organization, Mr. Elie Abou Sleiman, Green Insight, Dr. Majida Mcheik, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ali Fadel, Center for Remote Sensing, CNRS-L, Ms. Nohal al Homsi, WHO representative, and Dr. Jamila Borjac, Beirut Arab University.

The workshop brought up together key environmental activists and researchers, officials involved in environment and NGO’s to highlight on pollution in Lebanon and ways to control it. Moreover, more than 20 Environmental Projects from more than 50 Makassed Schools’ Students were displayed.