Spatiotemporal Impact of Mining on Land Surface Temperature and Vegetation Health in Itagunmodi, Osun State, Nigeria

This study examines the spatiotemporal impacts of artisanal gold mining on land surface temperature (LST) and vegetation health in the Itagunmodi region of Osun State, Nigeria. Utilizing Landsat imagery from 2002, 2012, and 2022, we analyzed vegetation indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) to assess changes in vegetation health over time. Additionally, moisture stress patterns were evaluated using the Moisture Stress Index (MSI) and the Land Surface Water Index (LSWI). The findings reveal a consistent decline in vegetation health in areas affected by mining activities, alongside an increase in LST, particularly in mining and built-up regions. From 2002 to 2022, degraded zones experienced notable warming, with LST values rising by over 6°C in some areas. Furthermore, our analyses indicate a substantial loss of vegetation moisture content and a shift toward land degradation, especially in northern parts of the study area. The persistent decline in vegetation cover and increase in LST highlight the long-term environmental consequences of mining activities, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and effective environmental management strategies. These insights are critical for informing future policies aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of mining and fostering ecological resilience in the region.