Libyan Journal of Ecological & Environmental Sciences and Technology

Determination of some heavy metals in chilled meat sold in Tripoli City, Libya

2025-11-03T16:49:04+00:00

Heavy metal detection in foods, particularly meat, is important for both nutritional reasons and consumer safety. The present study investigated the content of lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in chilled meat. The red meat included cows, sheep, and camels' muscle, liver, and kidneys. The white meat included the muscle and liver of chickens. Sixty-six samples were collected from meat markets in Tripoli, Libya. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine heavy metal concentrations. Data were analyzed by the SAS program. The results showed that the concentrations of lead range from 0.0020 to 0.1033 mg/kg, and the concentrations of cadmium range from 0.0074 to 0.0947 mg/kg. Also, the results showed that copper concentrations were below the detection limit (BDL) in all types of meat except the liver of cows, sheep, and camels, where copper concentrations ranged from 42 to 100 mg/kg. For zinc, the concentration ranges from BDL to 34 mg/kg in muscles, BDL to 34 mg/kg in the livers, and 28 to 34 mg/kg in the kidneys. In general, the concentrations of all polluted and essential elements in the selected meat organs of the selected animals did not exceed the permissible maximum level set by health authorities.

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Slope instability, landsliding and hazards analysis at highway roadcut

2025-11-05T16:09:32+00:00

The stability of rock slopes is crucial to public safety in highways passing through rock cuts. Slope instability and failures occur due to many factors such as adverse slop geometries, geological discontinuities, weak or weathered slope materials as well as severe weather conditions. External loads like heavy precipitation and earthquakes could play a significant role in slope failure. The main objective of this study is to assessment the stability of rock slopes throughout the passing highway and hazard potentiality. In this paper, several rock mass classification systems for rock slope stability assessment were critically evaluated against known rock slope conditions in the northeastern region of Libya to includes two areas are Al Bakour area and Al Shaliony area that located east Benghazi city. The investigated rock formations in both areas are mainly formed of carbonate rocks that represented by chalk, limestone, dolomite in addition to the intercalated shale, with cliffs features of slope angle ranging from 70 to 90º. Also, these formation are highly topographic features and varies in thickness and extensions as well as structurally patterns. The stability conditions were identified and the stability of the rock cuts have been evaluated using different procedures e. g. determining the most relevant factors affecting slope instability; interpreting the discontinuity data collected from the surveys for the assessment of the modes of failure and determining the potential unstable zones. This study reveals that the cut needs to be mitigated because of the a few outcrops of rock slopes that covered by the metal mish not enough to support protection against rock collapse an failure ongoing slope instability present in some areas, that including planar and wedge slides and raveling rock falls. It was found that the unstable rock areas create serious safety hazards to traffic.

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Microalgae as indicators to assess trophic status and organic pollution in the Seven Brackish Lakes, North of Benghazi, Libya

2025-11-03T16:59:09+00:00

This study investigates the use of microalgae as bioindicators to assess the trophic status and organic pollution levels in the Seven Brackish Lakes located north of Benghazi, Libya. Microalgae, due to their rapid response to environmental changes and their central role in aquatic ecosystems, serve as effective indicators of water quality. Over four seasons sampling period, qualitative and quantitative analyses of microalgae communities were conducted across 6 sites within the lakes. Key ecological indices, including Nygaard index, Palmer Pollution Index and trophic diatoms index were employed to evaluate trophic status and pollution levels. During the four seasons from October 2022 to July 2023, 33 species following to 27 genera and 5 divisions were recorded from in the seven lakes north of Benghazi. The most diverse group was Chlorophyta (49%), followed by Cyanobacteria (21%), Bacillariophyta (12%), Euglenophyta (9%) and Dinophyta (9%) as well. Results revealed significant organic pollution conditions based on palmer index (score = 36) with higher abundances of eutrophication based on the compound Nygaard index indicated(score =9) and trophic diatoms index ( score = 4 to 4.5). These findings suggest a gradient from mesotrophic to hypereutrophic conditions within the lake system, corresponding to varying degrees of anthropogenic impact, particularly domestic and agricultural runoff.

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Towards environmental sustainability: A comprehensive review of electrochemical methods for remediating heavy metal contamination in soil and water-achievements, challenges, and prospects

2025-11-03T17:08:52+00:00

Heavy metal contamination of soil and water resources poses severe threats to environmental sustainability and human health. Electrochemical remediation technologies (ERT) have emerged as promising, versatile approaches for treating such contamination. This state-of-the-art review critically examines the fundamental mechanisms underpinning electrokinetic remediation (EKR) for soil and electrochemical treatment (ECT) for water, including electromigration, electroosmosis, electrophoresis, and electrolytic redox reactions at electrodes. We synthesize recent advances in their application for removing common heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Cu, Zn, Hg). Field-scale demonstrations and hybrid systems (e.g., coupling with permeable reactive barriers, phytoremediation, or chemical enhancement) are highlighted, showcasing enhanced efficiency and broader applicability. Despite significant progress, critical scale-up challenges persist, including energy consumption optimization, managing soil heterogeneity and groundwater flow, electrode stability and cost, secondary waste management, and regulatory acceptance. This review identifies key knowledge gaps and provides targeted recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for integrated pilot studies, advanced electrode materials, renewable energy integration, standardized performance monitoring protocols, and techno-economic analyses to bridge the gap between laboratory success and widespread field implementation.

Arabic abstract available on pdf.

Confirmation of breeding of the Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus, Levaillant, J, 1850) in Western and Eastern Libya

2025-11-03T17:26:18+00:00

The Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), particularly the North African breeding subspecies B. r. cirtensis, has long been suspected to breed across Libya, though precise breeding localities remained undocumented or poorly verified. This article provides the first confirmed breeding records from two distinct locations in Libya: the western region near Bani Waleed and the eastern region in Wadi Annagha in Derna and Tokhara suburb of the city of Labraq.

Arabic abstract available on pdf.

Survey of plant species in central plateau of Al-batnan, Libya

2025-11-03T17:44:01+00:00

The main objective of this study was to survey plants in the central plateau of Al-Butnan, the vegetation sampling was carried out between March 2023 to October 2024 with several field trips to the study area, and make a list dealing with the floristic composition. where five regions were randomly selected and all plant species found in them were recorded. 148 species belonging to 110 genera and 38 families were found, all of which are angiosperms, 5 monocotyledonous families and 33 dicotyledonous families, the dominant family was Asteraceae, where 27species have been identified, constituting 18% of the total species, followed by Fabaceae family with 22 species and 15% of the total species, then Chenopodiaceae family with 11 species, i.e. 7% of the total. These species were divided according to their life form into five groups (Therophyte 44%, Chamaephyte 24%, Hemicryptophyte 14%, Phanerophyte 11%, Geophyte7%).

Arabic abstract available on pdf.

Radiation risks of daily coffee consumption: Analysis of radioactive nuclide concentrations in imported coffee beans (case study: Libya)

2025-11-03T17:57:42+00:00

This study examines the radiation risks linked to daily coffee consumption by analyzing the presence of natural and artificial radioactive contaminants in imported coffee beans in Libya. With coffee being a widely consumed beverage, this study addresses the often-overlooked issue of radioactive contamination in food products. Samples of roasted Arabica and Robusta coffee beans from India, Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia were collected and analyzed using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The results revealed no detectable levels of the artificial radionuclide; however, measurable concentrations of K⁴⁰, Ra²²⁶, and Ra²²⁸ were identified. Notably, K⁴⁰ concentration levels exceeded the UNSCEAR recommended limit in several samples, Ra²²⁶ and Ra²²⁸ concentrations remained within safe limits. The estimated annual effective dose from coffee consumption for adults ranged from 17.68 to 92.57 μSv.y⁻¹. The lowest effective dose that the consumer can receive comes from Colombian coffee, while the highest dose comes from Brazilian coffee. In general, all effective doses are below the global mean for internal radiation exposure. These findings suggest that while the radioactive content in the analyzed coffee poses minimal health risks, ongoing monitoring and regulation are crucial to ensure consumer safety.

Arabic abstract available on pdf.

Soil-pollutant interactions under climate change: A comprehensive review

2025-11-03T18:19:51+00:00

Heavy metal (loid) and organic pollution of soil is a serious environmental issue. The fate of such pollutants, their speciation, and the properties of the soils themselves control the manner in which they will migrate and cause ecological hazards. some factors that affect the toxicity and mobility of these pollutants are temperature, moisture levels, organic content, mineral composition, and microbiological activity. These parameters are quite sensitive to the effects of climate change, including an increase in the frequency of extreme precipitation events, extended periods of droughts, elevated erosion of soils, and higher sea levels. In this review, we synthesize evidence linking climate-driven changes in soil processes to changes in the mobility, transport, and sequestration of pollutants. Our findings suggest that alterations in soil organic carbon turnover, surface runoff regimes, redox status, and microbial populations under changing climate conditions can amplify human exposure to such contaminants. There are, however, uncertainties related to the exact interactions and long-term implications of these processes.

Arabic abstract available on pdf.

First record of the Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina, Linnaeus, 1758) in Libya

2025-11-04T04:36:29+00:00

On 7 August 2025, a single adult Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) was observed and photographed in Tripoli, Libya (32.87806°N, 13.13656°E), perched on a domestic water storage tank in a residential area. This represents the first confirmed record of the species in the country. B. pavonina is widely distributed across the Sahel region of Africa but has not previously been documented in Libya. The bird’s presence outside typical wetland or grassland habitat suggests either natural vagrancy, displacement, or escape from captivity. This observation extends the known northern limit of the species range and underscores the need for continued avifaunal monitoring in Libya.

Arabic abstract on pdf.

Evaluation of Bioaccumulation of copper and zinc in soil and trees of Eucalyptus gomphocephala and Ficus nitida in Darna City, Libya

2025-11-05T17:00:27+00:00

The study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals ( copper & zinc) in the soil and leaves of Eucalyptus gomphocephala and Ficus nitida in three different areas in Darna city and feasibility of exploit it on biomonitoring of polluted air with heavy metals in the urban areas. The selected three areas were City centre, cement factory and steam station. complete randomized design was used in the experiment with three factors. The results showed significant differences among the study areas in their content of copper and zinc where city centre area recorded the highest zinc (Zn) content, followed by steam station area while the area of cement factory recorded the lowest accumulated content of zinc. The results showed that steam station and cement factory recorded higher accumulated content of copper(Cu) than the city centre which recorded the lowest content. The trees showed significant differences between them in their content of zinc, Eucalyptus gomphocephalla recorded zinc content significantly higher than Ficus nitida while their copper content was in significant. The results also revealed high significant divergences between the samples (leaves and the soil) where zinc and copper content was significantly higher in the soil compared to the leaves, the highest copper content was in the soil of Eucalyptus tree at a rate of (1.395 mg/L) and in the soil of the steam station. Eucalyptus trees in the city centre recorded the maximum zinc content (12.75 mg/L). the effect of interaction between trees and samples types on content of zinc was insignificant whilst it was high significant on the content of copper. The highest zinc content was recorded in soil of Eucalyptus in the city centre at a rate of (14.157 mg/L), while the lowest zinc content was recorded in the soil of Ficus tree in the cement factory area at a rate of (10.493 mg/L).

National inventory and ecological status of marine crustaceans in Libyan Waters, Southern Mediterranean

2025-11-05T17:15:07+00:00

The Libyan coast provides an ecological habitat supporting a diversity of marine crustaceans. This study aims to assess the diversity, spatial distribution, and ecological status of crustacean species inhabiting Libyan marine waters. Data were compiled from a comprehensive review of unpublished scientific surveys, technical reports, and biological samples collected along various parts of the Libyan coast during two main sampling periods: January 2005 to March 2006, and January 2013 to January 2017. Additional benthic samples were obtained from a shipwreck site located on a sandy seabed at a depth of 31 meters off the coast of Tripoli during both winter and summer seasons in 2020. A total of 357 crustacean species were identified, encompassing five taxonomic classes and 138 families. Species richness was highest in the eastern coastal region. The class Malacostraca represented the most taxonomically diverse group, comprising 62.32% of the identified families and 162 species (45% of the total species count). This was followed by Hexanauplia, which accounted for 31.88% of the families and included 183 species (50.83%). The majority of recorded species (94.40%) were native to Libyan waters, while 5.60% were classified as non-indigenous. These non-indigenous species, primarily localized along the coast, offer critical insights into patterns of marine bio-invasion and species establishment in the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of crustacean biodiversity along the Libyan coast, contributing significantly to baseline data for regional marine biodiversity assessments. It also highlights key distributional patterns and potential ecological implications of non-indigenous species in this underexplored sector of the Mediterranean basin.

National inventory and current status of Echinodermata in Libyan marine waters

2025-11-05T17:31:35+00:00

Libyan extensive coastline along the southern Mediterranean Sea is characterized by diverse marine habitats and rich biodiversity. Among the key components of this ecological wealth are echinoderms, which play important roles in benthic ecosystems. This study provides the first comprehensive inventory of echinoderm species documented in Libyan waters, compiled from a range of field surveys conducted over the past several decades. A total of 48 species have been identified, spanning all five echinoderm classes: Crinoidea (1 species), Asteroidea (15 species), Ophiuroidea (12 species), Echinoidea (13 species), and Holothuroidea (7 species). Significantly, this work includes the first recorded occurrences of Ophidiaster ophidianus and Tethyaster subinermis (Asteroidea), as well as Ophiactis virens and Ophiactis macrolepidota (Ophiuroidea) in Libyan waters. These findings enhance our understanding of echinoderm biodiversity along the southern Mediterranean and establish an important baseline for future ecological and conservation efforts in the region.

Morphological traits of Quercus coccifera at different altitudes in Al-jabal Al-akhdar Region, East Libya

2025-11-05T16:22:09+00:00

Morphological traits reflect the adaptation of trees to their environment, provide an understanding of tree-environment interactions, and assess the effects of environmental changes on plant species. Essential important role in the study of tree biodiversity as they provide information on species assessment and their influence on environmental conditions. Morphological traits of (Quercus coccifera L.) trees were evaluated during the 2022 season at three sites different in altitude in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region, eastern Libya. The results indicated significant differences in the height and diameter of the trees between the sites, where the trees were characterized by the lowest tree height and the smallest diameter, while the highest height and the largest diameter of the trees were at altitude (493m). The trees at (333m) site were characterized by the longest and widest leaf and the shortest leaf petiol, while the tree at 493m was characterized by the shortest leaf and the smallest leaf width. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the length of masculine, feminine inflorescences, number of florets per inflorescence, and traits of Acorn between the trees in the three sites. It is important to pay attention to this a native species, preserve it, develop it, and ensure its survival and regeneration in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region.

Arabic abstract available PDF

Simulation of flood paths of Wadi Al-Megenin using HEC-RAS software

2025-11-05T16:40:43+00:00

Floods resulting from dam collapses are among the most dangerous natural disasters that threaten lives and infrastructure, especially in urban areas located along the paths and estuaries of valleys. This study aims to simulate the expected flooding in a scenario where the Wadi Al-Megenin Dam, south of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, collapses. This study assumes that its storage reservoir is filled to 60 million cubic meters. The study used the HEC-RAS program to estimate the extent of the resulting risks. The results showed that the flood wave resulting from the dam collapse could reach vital areas in the capital, such as Tripoli International Airport and Qasr Bin Ghashir, in less than 24 hours, with flood levels rising to more than 11 meters and a flow velocity exceeding 2 m/s. It also showed that floodwaters would continue to advance north, submerging large parts of the city, reaching the coast within three days, affected by the slope of the land and urban obstructions. The results, according to the proposed simulation scenario, indicated that approximately 25-30% of the capital's neighborhoods would be submerged. The study provides accurate simulation data that supports risk management efforts and helps decision-makers develop effective preventive plans to reduce potential losses.

Arabic abstract available in PDF

Physicochemical and biological properties of some internal valleys soil in Wadi Al-Shatii, Libya

2025-11-04T11:15:03+00:00

Newly formed Entisols are prevalent in the topographically lower regions of the Wadi Al-Shati basin. As immature soils, they are characterized by low nutrient content essential for plant growth. The quantity and quality of these nutrients are significantly influenced by the soil's physicochemical and biological properties, such as texture, structure, bulk and particle density, and porosity. Consequently, these properties directly impact the basin's biodiversity and vegetative cover. Understanding these characteristics provides crucial insight into their positive or negative effects on the diversity and density of plant life. Soil properties vary with location, while geological, topographical, climatic, and hydrological conditions play a vital role in determining their physicochemical and biological attributes. Studying the soil characteristics of these internal wadi channels in the Wadi Al-Shati region is essential for identifying their potential as a sustainable natural resource. A scientific approach is necessary to improve, maintain, and conserve these soils, ensuring their long-term viability. This study aims to determine the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the soils within two internal wadi channels in Wadi Al-Shati, Libya: Wadi Tarut and Wadi Ququm. The results revealed significant differences in the soil properties of the two wadis. The percentage of organic matter in Wadi Tarut ranged from 1.2% to 2%, while in Wadi Ququm, it ranged from 1.3% to 2.8%. Similarly, particle density varied, measuring between 2.3 and 2.7 g/cm³ for Wadi Tarut and 2.3 and 2.8 g/cm³ for Wadi Ququm. Differences were also noted in water retention capacity, which ranged from 10.6% to 14% in Wadi Tarut and 9.4% to 15% in Wadi Ququm. Both wadis exhibited high electrical conductivity values, with Wadi Tarut soils ranging from 24.5 to 84.4 dS/m⁻¹ and Wadi Ququm soils from 4.20 to 10.60 dS/m⁻¹. The pH was nearly neutral in both wadis, ranging from 6.9 to 7.3 for Wadi Tarut and 7.2 to 7.6 for Wadi Qumqum. Sodium ion concentrations were elevated, ranging from 4.8 to 39.00 mg/L in Wadi Tarut and 14.6 to 36.00 mg/L in Wadi Qumqum. Potassium content in Wadi Tarut was between 3 and 35.2 mg/L, while in Wadi Qumqum, it ranged from 5.8 to 9.00 mg/L. The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that the environmental conditions of these two internal wadis, such as extreme aridity and high salinity, act as selective pressures, allowing only plant species capable of adapting to these harsh conditions to thrive.

Background radiation (NORM) and effective dose in some areas of Wadi Al-Haya

2025-11-04T11:32:17+00:00

This study aimed to measure the radiological activity resulting from the naturally occurring radioactive materials in soil samples using a gamma spectrometer connected to a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The results revealed that the radiological activity of the naturally occurring radioactive materials (Ra-226, Th-232, K-40) in the soil samples showed a radium concentration ranging between 11.03 - 18.473 Bq/kg, with the highest concentration found in the Ubari sample and the lowest concentration in the Al-Abyad sample. The thorium concentration ranged from 7.84 - 16.13 Bq/kg, with the highest concentration in the Obari sample and the lowest in the Bent Beya sample. Meanwhile, the potassium concentration ranged from 97.77 Bq/kg in the Al-Abyad region to 238.7 Bq/kg in the Ubari region. The global average concentrations are 35 Bq/kg for radium Ra-226, 30 Bq/kg for thorium Th-232, and 400 Bq/kg for potassium K-40. Additionally, the results indicated that the radium equivalent concentration ranged between 38.49 - 46.229 Bq/kg. The internal hazard index varied between 0.150 and 0.327, with the highest value observed in the Ubari region and the lowest in the Bent Beya region. For the external hazard index, the highest value was found in the Obari region (0.277), while the lowest value was recorded in the Bent Beya region (0.105). Since these values are all below 1, in accordance with Radiation Protection Report No. 112, it can be concluded that all results fall within the globally accepted limits.

Study of the effect of aqueous extracts on the growth of broad bean plants

2025-11-04T11:39:26+00:00

Study on the Impact of Aqueous Extracts on Broad Bean Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake This study was conducted on November 1, 2023, for a period of one month (30 days) . The impact of aqueous extracts of yeast, rice, and lentils on broad bean plant growth and nutrient uptake was investigated. The study also evaluated the physical and chemical properties of soil extracts, including pH, EC, TDS, OM, Na, Cl, P, N, and K. The results showed that the studied soil properties were within acceptable limits for all treatments. The aqueous extracts significantly enhanced shoot length, with yeast extract being the most effective. The results also showed a positive impact of fertilizer extracts on broad bean plant morphological traits, including root length, shoot fresh and dry weight, leaf number, and leaf area. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in root and shoot fresh and dry weights, as well as chlorophyll content. The results also showed that rice extract contained high levels of potassium and increased soil organic matter content, improved soil structure, and reduced pH, resulting in increased P, Cl, Na, and K levels.

Assessment of vegetation cover in the El-Kouf National Park, Libya, using remote sensing and GIS technologies (2015-2023)

2025-11-04T11:53:44+00:00

This study aims to assess the current status of vegetation cover in the El-Kouf National Park and to identify the changes that occurred between 2015 and 2023. Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies were employed, utilising Landsat 8 imagery and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) through QGIS software, to detect vegetation cover changes over an area estimated at approximately 5,000 hectares of the park. The NDVI analysis showed a reduction from 0.7043 in 2015 to 0.6318 in 2023. The study area was classified into three categories: low-density vegetation, medium-density vegetation, and high-density vegetation. The analysis of the results for the studied years indicated a decrease in areas classified as low-density and medium-density vegetation, with a change rate of -18.5% and -2.34%, respectively, while areas classified as high-density vegetation increased by 14.99%. The study findings indicate changes in the density, extent, and distribution of vegetation cover in the study area. Violations and encroachments on the vegetation cover were recorded, including illegal logging and charcoal production.

Arabic abstract available on PDF

A study on evaluating measures to reduce food waste in the southern regions of Libya

2025-11-04T16:43:02+00:00

The level of nutritional awareness among individuals in society significantly impacts dietary habits, which, in turn, reflects on food security and planning policies at the national level. The importance of this research stems from the necessity of evaluating efforts to prevent food waste in the lives of individuals and communities across different times and places.This study aims to examine the level of consumer awareness in the southern regions of Libya regarding food waste. Data were collected using a specially designed questionnaire containing clear and specific questions aligned with the research objectives. The data were analyzed using percentages, arithmetic means, and appropriate statistical analyses.The results indicate a positive attitude among participants towards managing food waste, highlighting the potential to utilize food leftovers instead of discarding them. The findings also reveal that recycling these leftovers can reduce their harmful impact on the environment, with the possibility of using vegetable and fruit waste as organic fertilizer for soil.Based on these findings, the study recommends focusing on the role of the media in raising consumer awareness and educating the Libyan community about the importance of reducing food waste and effectively utilizing available resources

Assessing the extent of decling in Juniperus phoenicea trees and its relationship to environmental factors at several locations in Al-jabal Al-akhdar, Libya

2025-11-06T04:21:54+00:00

This study was conducted on the Juniperus phoenicea L. in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region in two phases. In the first phase, a field survey was carried out in 2016 across several juniper forests located in the central part of the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar. The study included various sites at different elevations, such as Soussa, Ras Al Hilal, Al-Hamamah, Al-Wasita, Qasr Al-Muqaddam, Bel-Hadid, Belghrai, Wadi Al-Kouf, and Al-Bayda. The results revealed a variation in infection rates among the sites. When calculating the infection percentages, it became evident that most locations showed high rates exceeding 90%, with the exception of Qasr Al-Muqaddam and Al-Bayda, which recorded lower rates of 46.8% and 68.0%, respectively. The highest severity of infection was noted in Wadi Al-Kouf and Belghrai, with 60.9% and 64.0%, respectively. Moderate infection severity ranging from 47% to 55% was observed in Ras Al Hilal, Al-Wasita, and Bel-Hadid, while the remaining areas recorded lower severity levels below 35%. The second phase focused on monitoring the decline of Juniperus trees across three terraces located at different elevations throughout the four seasons of 2017. These terraces were Al-Hamamah, situated at approximately 40 meters above sea level; Al-Wasita, at about 290 meters; and Wadi Al-Kouf, located around 600 meters above sea level. Environmental and climatic factors, including temperature, relative humidity, and physical and chemical soil properties, were measured at each site to identify the causes of juniper mortality. The results indicated a seasonal variation in infection rates across the three locations. The highest infection rate was recorded in summer at Wadi Al-Kouf, reaching 89.83%, whereas the lowest was observed in spring at Al-Hamamah, at 49.03%. Infection severity followed a similar pattern, with the highest values also occurring in summer: 78.47% in Wadi Al-Kouf, 65.70% in Al-Hamamah, and 63.07% in Al-Wasita. In contrast, spring recorded the lowest severity, particularly in Al-Wasita, where it did not exceed 30.80%. The study concluded that unfavorable climatic conditions, especially high temperatures in summer, played a significant role in the accelerated decline of juniper trees. Wadi Al-Kouf was identified as the most affected site during the summer season. Furthermore, analysis of disease progression showed a clear relationship between juniper mortality and environmental factors. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) revealed a moderate relationship between infection rate and severity with temperature in 2016, a moderate correlation between infection rate and seasonal changes, a moderate correlation between infection rate and temperature, and a strong correlation between infection severity and temperature in 2017.