A.R. Karbassi; M. Heidari
Abstract
One of the most paramount processes that play a considerable role in reducing the concentration of heavy metals during estuarine mixing is flocculation. Not only does such a process cause a huge percentage of metals to come into the particulate phase, but also it provides ample nutrients for the aquatic ...
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One of the most paramount processes that play a considerable role in reducing the concentration of heavy metals during estuarine mixing is flocculation. Not only does such a process cause a huge percentage of metals to come into the particulate phase, but also it provides ample nutrients for the aquatic life. In the present study, impact of such factors as salinity, pH and DO on flocculation of Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd and Mn throughout mixing of Chaluse River with Caspian Sea is investigated. The trend of flocculation of Pb (24.32%) < Zn (24.38%) < Cd (40.00%) < Cu (64.71%) < Ni (68.00%) < Mn (76.47%) reveals that among the studied elements Mn and lead experience minimum and maximum flocculation at diverse salinity regimes, respectively. Moreover, flocculation rate of studied metals fluctuates between 24.32 and 76.47 percent. It is interesting to note that much of metal flocculation occurs at the very lower (less than 2 ppt) salinity regimes.
B. Rahimi; A. Ebrahimi; N. Mansouri; N. Hosseini
Abstract
In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of azo-dye acid orange 10 was investigated using titanium dioxide catalyst suspension, irradiation with ultraviolet-C lamp and bismuth vanadate under visible light of light-emitting diode lamp. Response surface methodology was successfully employed to optimize ...
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In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of azo-dye acid orange 10 was investigated using titanium dioxide catalyst suspension, irradiation with ultraviolet-C lamp and bismuth vanadate under visible light of light-emitting diode lamp. Response surface methodology was successfully employed to optimize the treatment of acid orange 10 dye and assess the interactive terms of four factors. The characteristics of catalysts were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optimum values of initial dye concentration, initial pH, irradiation time and catalyst dose were found 11.889 mg/L, 4.592, 12.87 min, and 0.178 g/100 mL for ultraviolet/titanium dioxide process, respectively, and 10.919 mg/L, 3.231, 320.26 min and 0.239 g/100 mL for visible/bismuth vanadate process, respectively. The removal efficiencies obtained for acid orange 10 were 100% and 36.93% after selecting the optimized operational parameters achieved for titanium dioxide and bismuth vanadate, respectively. The highest efficiency was achieved by the use of ultraviolet/titanium dioxide system, while a low acid orange 10 removal efficiency was obtained for the synthesized bismuth vanadate using the co-precipitation method. Thus, it seems necessary to increase the photocatalytic activity of bismuth vanadate in combination with titanium dioxide to remove acid orange 10 dye in subsequent studies.
Environmental Management
A. Mallongi; S. Stang; R.D.P. Astuti; A.U. Rauf; M.F. Natsir
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter may cause adverse health impacts on humans. The impact of fine particulate matter collected in the industrial area was explored. Therefore, this study aimed 1) to assess the levels and spatial distribution of fine particulate ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter may cause adverse health impacts on humans. The impact of fine particulate matter collected in the industrial area was explored. Therefore, this study aimed 1) to assess the levels and spatial distribution of fine particulate matter and 2) to estimate the health risks due to the exposure of fine particulate matter in the population surrounding the Maros cement industry.METHODS: Fine particulate matter measurement was carried out using direct reading HAZ-Dust Environmental Particulate Air Monitor 5000. This study used the Human Health Risk Assessment method from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to estimate health risks. The Monte Carlo Simulation model was used to estimate the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of parameters.FINDINGS: The average fine particulate matter concentration was 23.68 micrograms per cubic meter, above the air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization. However, the Monte Carlo Simulation to assess the health risk with the 95th percentile demonstrated that children and adults are at low risk for developing adverse health effects. The result of sensitivity analysis showed that duration of exposure (27.0%) and concentration of fine particulate matter (25.7%) were the most contributing factors to health risks in adults and children, respectively. This new approach determines the critical factors with major effects on reducing the health risk of the vulnerable population.CONCLUSION: Fine particulate matter poses health risks to adults and children, despite the calculated risks are still acceptable. Thus, limiting exposure duration and maintaining fine particulate matter levels in the residential area are needed.
Environmental Science
P. Bhuyar; M.H. Rahim; S. Sundararaju; G.P. Maniam; N. Govindan
Abstract
Seaweeds can produce variety of bioactive components for the benefits of humans. Malaysia is one of the countries to produce red seaweeds, which are popular secondary metabolites. Kappaphycus species, largest tropical red algae exhibit the high growth rate. It was reported that its biomass can grow double ...
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Seaweeds can produce variety of bioactive components for the benefits of humans. Malaysia is one of the countries to produce red seaweeds, which are popular secondary metabolites. Kappaphycus species, largest tropical red algae exhibit the high growth rate. It was reported that its biomass can grow double in just 15 to 30 days. Therefore, this investigation emphasized on two extraction methods such as hot water and ethanolic Soxhlet extraction to extract the bioactive compounds from Kappaphycus alvarezii. Both of theseextractions were screened to produce antimicrobial and antioxidants compounds. Total phenolic content and ferric reducing assays were employed to quantify antioxidant properties. Whereas, the disc diffusion assays were used to study antibacterial activity. The results reported the highest phenolic content for ethanolic extract (20.25 ± 0.03 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of extract). On the other hand, the value of phenolic content was slightly decreased 19.1 ± 0.81 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of extract for the hot water extract. It was also found that both the extracts were potentially capable of balancing reactive oxygen species. Disc diffusion assay results indicated that the extract of red alga K. alvarezi were more efficient against B. cereus. Among the fatty acids determined levoglucosenone and 4-Pyridinemethanol were present in high percentages in hot water extract whereas Hexamethyl- cyclotrisiloxane followed by 1, 2, 5- Thiadiazole-3-carboxamide, 4-[(2-chloroethyl) amino]-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) were present in ethanolic extract of K. alvarezi. The present study concluded that, hot water extracts of K. alvarezii can be used for large scale production of bioactive compounds utilizing an easily available potential seaweed. Future research of red seaweed will be highly important for pharmaceutical and medicinal field as well as a homogenizer in milk products, toothpaste and jellies in other industrial applications.
Environmental Management
H.T.T. Nguyen; C.-H. Lee; R.-J. Hung
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The sheer volume of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has presently been generated in Vietnam, posing a growing concern regarding its impact can have on the environment and human health. Therefore, the need for developing policies and regulations towards the environmentally ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The sheer volume of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has presently been generated in Vietnam, posing a growing concern regarding its impact can have on the environment and human health. Therefore, the need for developing policies and regulations towards the environmentally sound management of e-waste is becoming crucial. Although the municipalities play an important role in e-waste recycling program, there does not appear to be any study involving residents’ perceptions on e-waste management. This paper aims to examine the influencing factors of end users’ willingness to pay and their payment preferences toward e-waste recycling. METHODS: The logistic regression model was employed to analyze a qualified data set collected through a personal interview survey in Danang city, Vietnam. All analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (version 22.0). FINDINGS: The results revealed that the end users’ willingness to participate in recycling programs, laws and regulations, inconvenience of recycling and past experience were four key determinants significantly contributing to the willingness to pay for recycling e-waste. With regards recycling payment methods, most of the participants (36%) were in favor of deposit and refund scheme, while pre-disposal fees and advanced recycling fees came in second and third place (25.8% and 21%, respectively), making monthly payment of recycling fees the least preferred (10.2%). CONCLUSION: These findings may provide policy-makers with crucial information for better e-waste management policy development, which helps address the conflict between development and conservation, may be applicable in Vietnam and other countries as well.
Environmental Science
K. Seethong; K. Chunkao; N. Dampin; W. Wararam
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing population and urban growth have led to a higher demand for water in various sectors, resulting in a significant amount of wastewater. Constructed wetlands mimic natural wetlands, using the interaction between plants, soil, and microorganisms to treat wastewater ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing population and urban growth have led to a higher demand for water in various sectors, resulting in a significant amount of wastewater. Constructed wetlands mimic natural wetlands, using the interaction between plants, soil, and microorganisms to treat wastewater efficiently. This study assesses the diversity, species composition, and distribution of benthic organisms in a community wastewater-filter grass system and explores the relationship between water quality and benthos.METHODS: Water samples were collected from plant plots between December 2021 and March 2022. On-site measurements included temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH, whereas laboratory analysis encompassed the biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia, nitrate, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, and suspended solids. Soil samples were taken before and during planting at 2-week intervals, evaluating organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and plant growth indicators. Benthos sampling involved polyvinyl chloride pipe cores at a depth of 5 cm from the soil surface. Statistical tests were performed to analyze the water quality data.FINDINGS: The study observed a decrease in Chironomid abundance in both constructed wetland systems, indicating their effectiveness in treating wastewater. A comparison of system types revealed that the 5-day detention–2-day dry release system exhibited higher Chironomid abundance than the continuous flow system, and the biological oxygen demand maximum decreasing rate was 95%. The ammonia and nitrate maximum decreasing rates were 97% and 94%, respectively, indicating greater wastewater-treatment efficiency. The study also identified diverse benthic organisms, particularly chironomids, as bioindicators for assessing wastewater conditions.CONCLUSION: The continuous flow system and the 5-day detention–2-day dry release system of constructed wetlands can reduce the organic compounds and increase the oxygen levels in the plant plots. The interaction among plants, soil, and microorganisms is critical in wastewater treatment. In addition, the study highlighted the diversity and abundance of benthic organisms, particularly chironomids, which were more prominent in the continuous flow system. Consequently, the 5-day detention–2-day dry release system was more efficient in treating wastewater than the continuous flow system.
M. Omidvari; J. Nouri; M. Mapar
Abstract
Disasters are one of the most important challenges which must be considered by every management system. Higher education centers have high disaster risk because of their risk factors (existence of historical and scientific documents and resources and expensive laboratory equipment in these centers emphasizes ...
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Disasters are one of the most important challenges which must be considered by every management system. Higher education centers have high disaster risk because of their risk factors (existence of historical and scientific documents and resources and expensive laboratory equipment in these centers emphasizes the importance of disaster management). Moreover, the existence of young volunteers of human resources in universities urges the necessity of making these people familiar with disaster management rules and responses in emergency conditions. Creating appropriate tools for disaster management assessment makes it correct and precise in higher education systems using the presented conceptual model. The present model was planned so as to cover three phases which exist before, during, and after disaster. Studies were performed in one of the largest higher education centers in Tehran: Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University Campus. Results showed high-risk disasters in these centers which must be taken into consideration continuously. The objective of this study was to create appropriate patterns of disaster risk management in these centers.
Environmental Science
S.A. Bapat; D.K. Jaspal
Abstract
Heavy metals and dyes are major contributors in contamination of water streams. These contaminants enter into our eco- system, thus posing a significant threat to public health, ecological equilibrium and environment. Thus a combined discharge of these contaminants results in water pollution with high ...
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Heavy metals and dyes are major contributors in contamination of water streams. These contaminants enter into our eco- system, thus posing a significant threat to public health, ecological equilibrium and environment. Thus a combined discharge of these contaminants results in water pollution with high chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, color, particulate matter, suspended particles and odor. The mounting pollution of the water bodies has attracted attention of the researchers towards the development of novel techniques and materials for water pollution. The paper describes the use of such a material Parthenium hysterophorus, a weed, explored for water purification. The potential of the weed has been tested for several heavy metals and dyes as described in this paper. As per literature the weed is capable of showing adsorption tendency up to 90% in certain cases for some heavy metals and dyes. Powdered weed, activated carbon, ash etc. of Parthenium have been employed for the removal process.
Environmental Science
M. Ghiasian; A. Akhavan Sepahy; M.A. Amoozegar; S. Saadatmand; M. Shavandi
Abstract
Mud volcanoes are taken into consideration by geologists and oil industry experts have given their association with oil and gas reserves and methane greenhouse gas production in hydrosphere and atmosphere. Gomishan mud volcano phenomenon in the southeastern edge of the Caspian Sea, given its oil and ...
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Mud volcanoes are taken into consideration by geologists and oil industry experts have given their association with oil and gas reserves and methane greenhouse gas production in hydrosphere and atmosphere. Gomishan mud volcano phenomenon in the southeastern edge of the Caspian Sea, given its oil and gas resources, has been studied by some geologists in terms of geology and tectonics but not in terms of microbiology. Accordingly, it seems necessary to study this phenomenon from the perspective of microbiology in order to identify prokaryotes living in this area. Prokaryotes diversity in Mud volcano has been studied by cultivation techniques, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified fragments of 16S rRNA genes. Total cell abundance in the mud volcano from 1×101-6×101per milliliter was determined by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole direct count. The detectable proportion of Archaea to Bacteria in the community by FISH was one to five. High viable counts (1 – 3 × 106) were obtained in culture media. A total of 122 isolates were obtained, 46 colonies were selected based on primarily morphological and physiological traits, and their 16S rRNA sequences were determined. The isolated genera included Halomonas (20%), Arthrobacter (5%), Kocuria (5%), Thalassobacillus (5%), Marinobacter (20%), Paracoccus (5%), Roseovarius (5%), Jeotgalicoccus (5%), Bacillus (15%), and Staphylococcus (15%). Regarding DGGE analysis, selected bands were obtained from the gels, reamplified and sequenced. Overall, 75% of the bacterial sequences were related to Rahnella and 25% related to Serratia.
F. Esfandi; A.H. Mahvi; M. Mosaferi; F. Armanfar; M. Hejazi; S. Maleki
Abstract
Eutrophication is considered as a serious problem in water reservoirs. Awareness about the eutrophic status of each reservoir could help in providing a better understanding of the problem in a global scale. The present study was conducted to assess temporal and spatial eutrophication index in a water ...
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Eutrophication is considered as a serious problem in water reservoirs. Awareness about the eutrophic status of each reservoir could help in providing a better understanding of the problem in a global scale. The present study was conducted to assess temporal and spatial eutrophication index in a water reservoir (Sahand dam) in the northwest of Iran. Physico-chemical parametres that are effective on eutrphic condition occurrence were analyzed, and trophic state index was calculated on a scale of 0-100 by measuring Secchi disk depth, chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorus P/N ratio. Moreover, using the overlapping, the reservoir was mapped based on the mentioned index. Seasonal variation of dissolved solids in the reservoir was recorded due to precipitation and subsequent dilution and evaporation. Thermal stratification was observed during the summer months. The total trophic state index value was calculated as 55.5- 58.07, with minimum value belonging to P/N and maximum value belonging to suspended solids for individual parameters. There were some spatial and temporal differences for trophic state index in the reservoir. It was found that the whole area of the reservoir was in almost moderately upper-mesotrophic condition and in some target stations it was very close to eutrophic condition. The worst condition was observed in Qaranqu River as the main input to the reservoir. Due to the significant impact of suspended particles resulting from erosion of the surrounding lands on TSI value, there is an urgent need for mitigation measures to intercept eutrophication.
R.A.L. Amper; G.R. Puno; R.C.C. Puno
Abstract
Some riparian areas of the country are in danger of deterioration due to uncontrolled exploitation coupled with loose implementation of environmental protection policies and regulations. Muleta River, a major watershed in Bukidnon, Philippines, was assessed to determine the present condition of its riparian ...
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Some riparian areas of the country are in danger of deterioration due to uncontrolled exploitation coupled with loose implementation of environmental protection policies and regulations. Muleta River, a major watershed in Bukidnon, Philippines, was assessed to determine the present condition of its riparian habitat. Abiotic and biotic conditions of the river were assessed. Other factors including land cover, population density, and river geomorphologic characteristics contributing to the river condition were also evaluated. Results revealed that Muleta Watershed is in sub-optimal condition signifying favorable condition for floral and faunal habitat. However, considerable degradation in some isolated cases was likewise spotted. Biotic condition has shown greater degradation approaching marginal condition compared to the abiotic condition which is yet in the upper sub-optimal condition. It was found out that the midstream portion of the watershed is the most disturbed, followed by the downstream area and lastly by the upstream portion. The extent of agricultural cultivation is found as one of the significant factors affecting the health of the riparian habitat areas. It is recommended that riparian protection policies must be formulated and implemented to abate, if not prevent, the impact of anthropogenic interventions resulting to overexploitation in the riparian areas especially in midstream portion of the river.
Environmental Management
V. G. Shcherbak; L. Ganushchak-Yefimenko; O. Nifatova; N. Fastovets; G. Plysenko; L. Lutay; V. Tkachuk; O. Ptashchenko
Abstract
This study provides a multidimensional analysis of sustainable socio-economic development and its challenges in the rural areas of Ukraine. The methodology of realization of sustainable development’s conceptual provisions was created. The advantages of using indicative assessment at the regional ...
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This study provides a multidimensional analysis of sustainable socio-economic development and its challenges in the rural areas of Ukraine. The methodology of realization of sustainable development’s conceptual provisions was created. The advantages of using indicative assessment at the regional level were justified. The methodical approach how to define the indicators of sustainable development (including economic, socio-demographic, labor and environmental domains) of rural areas was proposed. Statistical data, experts’ and rural residents’ evaluation were used to assess the level of socio-economic development of rural areas. The proposed system of indicators is applicable not only to the rural areas of the whole region, but also to its different parts. The tracking model is based on the consistent use of economic, mathematical and expert methods: SWOT-analysis, factor, cluster and discriminant analysis. The construction of the dendrogram allows to determine the type of representative for each cluster. The modeling of sustainable socio-economic development for each sample is applicable to all areas within same cluster. A representative sample from each cluster makes it possible to identify the presence in the region of the so-called "points of growth" and to forecast their development. Two scenarios are considered: maximum (the share of GRP accumulation growth 21.2%) and moderate (the share of GRP accumulation growth 10.6%). GDP Gross Domestic Product growth will differentiate by the type of activity: cluster 1 (agriculture, hunting and forestry) 13% increase; cluster 2 (trade, service and household services) 21% increase; cluster 3 (tourism and international cooperation) 18% increase; cluster 4 (processing industry) 8% increase. Therefore, the using of key indicators for monitoring the sustainable development of rural areas provides an opportunity to take into account the specifics of sustainable development of different specialization branches of rural areas that will support high economic and social growth in the future.
Environmental Science
N. D. Takarina; A. I.S. Purwiyanto; A. A. Rasud; A. A. Arifin; Y. Suteja
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rapid development has increased the microplastics discharges into marine environments, including coastal waters at Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. This study is proposed to assess microplastics abundance and distribution in surface water and sediment from coastal water at Jakarta Bay.METHODS: ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rapid development has increased the microplastics discharges into marine environments, including coastal waters at Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. This study is proposed to assess microplastics abundance and distribution in surface water and sediment from coastal water at Jakarta Bay.METHODS: The samples were collected from 12 locations representing Ancol, Muara Baru, and Muara Angke - Muara Karang. Samples of water and sediment were extracted to obtain the microplastics. The microplastics were identified based on their morphology (shape) and numbered for their abundance. The polymer of microplastics was determined using Raman Spectrophotometer.FINDINGS: The results showed that microplastics were successfully identified and counted in water and sediment samples at all collection points. The number of microplastics was 1532 particles in the water sample and 1419 particles in the sediment sample. The shape of microplastics observed in the water and sediment samples were fibers, films, fragments, and pellets. Among those, fiber and film were the most dominant microplastic detected both in surface water and sediment in all locations. Three polymers, namely polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, were detected in the microplastic samples. These findings prove that microplastics with their various types are capable contaminate the aquatic environment.CONCLUSION: The most common microplastics shapes in sediment were fiber (55.7%) > film (31.1%) > fragment (9.9%) > pellet (3.2%) and for the surface water were film (53.5%) > fiber (33.9%) > fragment (7.8%) > pellet (4.7%). The abundance of microplastics in the sediment (166.8 particles/kg, 95%CI: 148.0-185.0) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in surface water (70.9 particles/L, 95%CI: 55.6-86.2). The abundance of microplastics was significantly different among locations (p < 0.05, F = 2.115), with microplastics in sediments were higher in Ancol, and Muara Angke - Muara Karang have the highest microplastics in surface water. These results can provide valuable information on which parts of the Jakarta Bay areas should be prioritized first regarding microplastics management.
Environmental Science
H. Hapoğlu; Ş. Camcıoğlu; B. Özyurt; P. Yildirim; L. Balas
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is important to develop dynamic water quality index software that reflected accurately the state of enclosed coastal water quality. This study explored water quality index model software including the third-order and daily based discrete-time transfer function in Simulink-MATLAB ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is important to develop dynamic water quality index software that reflected accurately the state of enclosed coastal water quality. This study explored water quality index model software including the third-order and daily based discrete-time transfer function in Simulink-MATLAB environment to predict the past and future water quality index changes versus discrete-time by using the data measured approximately once a month.METHODS: A modelling software for daily based discrete-time water quality index was developed to evaluate the pollution level in enclosed coastal water bodies affected by marinas. Measurements were done at three different stations near marina entrances in Bucak, Kaş, and Fethiye Bays located at the south western Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The computed water quality index values and the sampled indicators data defined in terms of the deviation variables were used to identify the proposed third-order transfer function parameters. The proposed software is applicable for past and future estimates, where inputs may include some missing measurements. The input data are interpolated to estimate daily based inputs by using the developed model in the Simulink-MATLAB environment. For model verifications, monthly measured water quality parameters are used.FINDINGS: The software including the daily based discrete-time transfer function and the input sources was successfully applied to predict past and future water quality index changes with 4.2 percent, 4.3 percent, and 7.1 percent of the absolute maximum errors respectively in Fethiye, Kaş, and Bucak stations. In three stations studied, seasonal comparison of the enclosed coastal water quality showed that the quality in winter (72±2) is lower than the one (82±8) in other seasons. The past and future daily predictions of water quality index changes versus discrete-time were realized successfully by using the proposed software and the data measured approximately once a month.CONCLUSION: By determining similar transfer functions and selecting some adequate indicators, the software proposed can be adapted for quality assessment in other enclosed water bodies.
B. Sen; M. Torrijos; P. Sousbie; J. P. Steyer
Abstract
This study investigated the effect, on reactor performance and biomass retention inside the bed, of the material used to make the supports of anaerobic fixed-bed reactors. Three inert supports of similar shape but made of three different materials polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene ...
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This study investigated the effect, on reactor performance and biomass retention inside the bed, of the material used to make the supports of anaerobic fixed-bed reactors. Three inert supports of similar shape but made of three different materials polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene were manufactured and used. All three supports had the same specific surface area but different relative densities. Three identical 10 L lab-scale upflow anaerobic fixed-bed reactors were filled (80% of the working volume) each respectively with polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene support, and fed with vinasse (44 g total COD/L) for 140 days at 35 °C. The organic loading rates were increased from 0.5 g/L.d to the maximum acceptable by each reactor. Fairly similar maximum organic loading rates were reached for each type of support, with values above 20 g of COD/L.d and more than 80 % soluble chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency. A very large amount of biomass was entrapped and attached in all the supports and represented more than 95% of the total biomass inside the reactors. In terms of performance and biomass accumulation, this study demonstrated quite similar behavior for anaerobic fixed-bed reactors with supports made of different materials, which suggests that the nature of the material used to make the supports has no major influence. The chemical nature of the support material clearly has negligible effect and thus the size, shape, and porosity of the support must be more influential.
Environmental Management
Y. M. Teshome; N. G. Habtu; M. B. Molla; M. D. Ulsido
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The amount of solid waste produced and its impact on communities and the environment are becoming a global concern. This study aims to assess the amount, composition, and prediction models of solid waste generation in the study area.METHODS: Solid waste data were collected ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The amount of solid waste produced and its impact on communities and the environment are becoming a global concern. This study aims to assess the amount, composition, and prediction models of solid waste generation in the study area.METHODS: Solid waste data were collected from both residential and non-residential areas using stratified and systematic sampling approaches. Interviews and field measurements were used to obtain socioeconomic and solid waste data from 90 households and 69 samples from non-residential areas.FINDINGS: The research area's mean household solid waste generation rate is 0.39kilograms per capita per day. Organic waste accounted for the majority of the waste generated in the study area (71.28 percent), followed by other waste (9.77 percent), paper (6.71 percent), and plastic waste (6.41 percent). The solid waste generation rate demonstrated a positive relationship (p<0.05) with monthly household income and educational level. However, there was a negative association between family size and age (p > 0.05). Based on a high regression coefficient determination value (0.72), low mean absolute error (0.094), sum square error (1.28), and standard error of the estimate (0.908), Model 4 was chosen as the best-fit model among the proposed models.CONCLUSION: The developed models met multiple linear regression assumptions and could be used to estimate the rate of household solid waste generation. This study generated large amounts of organic waste present in municipal solid waste sources that can contaminate the environment and have an impact on human health while also having a massive energy recovery capability.
M. Shahriari Moghadam; N. Safaei; G.H. Ebrahimipour
Abstract
Phenol is an environmental pollutant present in industrial wastewaters such as refineries, coal processing and petrochemicals products. In this study three phenol degrading bacteria from Arak Petrochemical Complex effluent were isolated which consume phenol. Molecular analysis was used to identify bacteria ...
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Phenol is an environmental pollutant present in industrial wastewaters such as refineries, coal processing and petrochemicals products. In this study three phenol degrading bacteria from Arak Petrochemical Complex effluent were isolated which consume phenol. Molecular analysis was used to identify bacteria and isolated bacteria were identified as Rhodococcus pyridinivorans (NS1), Advenella faeciporci (NS2) and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (NS3). Among the isolated strains, NS1 had the highest ability to degrade phenol. In order to observe the best yield in phenol biodegradation using NS1, optimization was performed using one factor at a time of experimental design to investigate the effect of four factors, including pH, temperature, phosphate and urea concentration. The optimal biodegradation condition through or tho pathway was pH = 8, urea = 1 g/L, temperature = 30°C and K2HPO4 = 0.5 g/L. Under the suggested condition, a biodegradation efficiency of 100% was achieved. Moreover, NS1 has shown growth and phenol degradation in concentrations between 250 to 2000 mg/L. In a nutshell, the results revealed thatphenol efficiently consumed by NS1 as the sole carbon source. Obviously, the isolate strain may be seen as an important tool in the bioremediation of wastewater effluent, petrochemical complex.
M. Keshvardoostchokami; L. Babaei; A.A. Zamani; A.H. Parizanganeh; F. Piri
Abstract
In this study, an easy synthesized method for preparation of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite as a bio-sorbent has been applied. Analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction; Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy ...
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In this study, an easy synthesized method for preparation of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite as a bio-sorbent has been applied. Analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction; Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to survey of morphological structure and the functional groups characterization. The histogram of frequency of particle size confirmed that medium size of the synthesized nanoparticles was 50 nm. Beside the obtained nanocomposite, application of chitosan as the precursor and shrimp shell as natural chitin and a natural polymer were assessed as adsorbents for decontamination of Ni2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ as examples of heavy metals from drinking water. Batch studies were performed for adsorption experiments by changing variables such as pH, contact time and adsorbent dose. Based on the experimental sorption capacities, 58, 202 and 12 mg of Ni, Cd and Pb per g of Chitosan-Fe2O3 nanocomposite as adsorbent respectively, confirm that combination of Fe2O3 nanoparticles with chitosan makes a more efficient adsorbent than chitosan and chitin. Adsorbents in uptake of the mentioned heavy metals are in the order of Chitosan-Fe2O3 nanocomposite > chitosan> chitin. In addition, the kinetics and isotherm investigations were surveyed. Moreover, it has been shown that the synthesized nanocomposite significantly reduces the amount of the mentioned ions from the real wastewater sample.
D. Sivakumar; J. Nouri
Abstract
This study was focused on removal of various parameters in paper mill effluent using a method called bioremediation by Azolla caroliniana. The experimental investigations have been carried out using Azolla caroliniana for conducting the sorption study with various dilution ratios (2, 4, 6, 8, and ...
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This study was focused on removal of various parameters in paper mill effluent using a method called bioremediation by Azolla caroliniana. The experimental investigations have been carried out using Azolla caroliniana for conducting the sorption study with various dilution ratios (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10), pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) and biomass (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 g). The maximum removal percentage of TDS, BOD and COD in a paper mill effluent was obtained at the optimum dilution ratio of 6, pH of 8 and biomass of 800 g. The results of this study indicated that the maximum removal percentage of TDS, BOD and COD in a paper mill effluent was 82.3 %, 88.6 % and 79.1 % respectively. Also, the study focused on uptake of TDS, BOD and COD in paper mill effluent by Azolla caroliniana through bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor. The results of bioaccumulation factor revealed that TDS, BOD and COD in paper mill effluent were adsorbed by Azolla caroliniana. The results of translocation factor revealed that the roots of Azolla caroliniana translocate the TDS, BOD and COD in a paper mill effluent to the shoots of Azolla caroliniana. From the results, this study concluded that bioremediation by Azolla caroliniana could be effectively used for removing TDS, BOD and COD in a paper mill effluent. This study also suggested that Azolla caroliniana may be used for removing various contaminants, not only from paper mill effluent, but also from any other industrial effluents.
S.L. Bondarenko; D.A. Savchuk
Abstract
The present study was focused to examine the combined effects of climate and ultraviolet-B radiation on conifer tree-ring density. Statistical methods were employed to extract tree responses in annual ring density and to identify functional relationship in trees when the level of ultraviolet-B radiation ...
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The present study was focused to examine the combined effects of climate and ultraviolet-B radiation on conifer tree-ring density. Statistical methods were employed to extract tree responses in annual ring density and to identify functional relationship in trees when the level of ultraviolet-B radiation changes regardless of climate variations. In this study, the consideration was given to the series of total ozone content (instead of ultraviolet-B), tree-ring density, and De Martonne aridity index. After the correlation analysis, all trees were divided into two groups: 1) Trees whose correlation between tree ring density and UV-B values in April is significantly positive; 2) Trees whose correlation between tree ring density and aridity index values in March-September is significantly negative. Then, tree-ring series for the Swiss Alps in each group were generalized and decomposed into separate components: long period trends, ultraviolet-B and climatic signals. For the ultraviolet-B-responsive tree group in the period 1932-1974, the correlation coefficient between the density and ultraviolet-B was 0.55 at p
A. Masih
Abstract
In view of pollution prediction modeling, the study adopts homogenous (random forest, bagging, and additive regression) and heterogeneous (voting) ensemble classifiers to predict the atmospheric concentration of Sulphur dioxide. For model validation, results were compared against widely known single ...
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In view of pollution prediction modeling, the study adopts homogenous (random forest, bagging, and additive regression) and heterogeneous (voting) ensemble classifiers to predict the atmospheric concentration of Sulphur dioxide. For model validation, results were compared against widely known single base classifiers such as support vector machine, multilayer perceptron, linear regression and regression tree using M5 algorithm. The prediction of Sulphur dioxide was based on atmospheric pollutants and meteorological parameters. While, the model performance was assessed by using four evaluation measures namely Correlation coefficient, mean absolute error, root mean squared error and relative absolute error. The results obtained suggest that 1) homogenous ensemble classifier random forest performs better than single base statistical and machine learning algorithms; 2) employing single base classifiers within bagging as base classifier improves their prediction accuracy; and 3) heterogeneous ensemble algorithm voting have the capability to match or perform better than homogenous classifiers (random forest and bagging). In general, it demonstrates that the performance of ensemble classifiers random forest, bagging and voting can outperform single base traditional statistical and machine learning algorithms such as linear regression, support vector machine for regression and multilayer perceptron to model the atmospheric concentration of sulphur dioxide.
Environmental Management
M.R. Limon; C.B.J. Villarino
Abstract
This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices on food waste of selected households in the northern province of the Philippines. The results of the assessment were used as bases for formulation of a recycling system. A total of one hundred rural households were selected using stratified equal ...
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This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices on food waste of selected households in the northern province of the Philippines. The results of the assessment were used as bases for formulation of a recycling system. A total of one hundred rural households were selected using stratified equal allocation sampling technique. Data were collected through the use of researcher-made questionnaire with Cronbach’s Alpha at .82, and was supplemented by observations. Factor analysis, Pearson r, and point-biserial correlation were used to yield findings in the study. Results show that a number of factors discourage the respondents’ participation in the reduction and recycling of food waste, such as lack of facilities, insufficient training, and information dissemination. Household size (r=.199, p<0.05), monthly income (r=.282, p<0.01; r=-.217, p<0.05), and planning (r=-.243, p<0.05) influences the way the participants manage household food waste. On the other hand, age, educational attainment, and sex, do not significantly affect the way the household-participants manage food waste. One strategic and feasible solution is a compulsory food waste recycling system (FWRS) for private households to combat this pressing issue on food waste. This proposed framework is composed of four major moves that require the collaboration of various sectors and stakeholders in the community, and is expected to suggest valuable policy amendments including significant decrease in wastage of consumable agricultural products. Without doubt, the ongoing over generation of food waste is a serious global setback that needs to be urgently addressed.
Environmental Engineering
G.R. Puno; R.C.C. Puno; I.V. Maghuyop
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fine topographic information is a key input parameter for a detailed flood simulation and mapping. This study aimed to compare the accuracy statistics of the flood models developed using the digital elevation datasets with different resolutions from the light detection and ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fine topographic information is a key input parameter for a detailed flood simulation and mapping. This study aimed to compare the accuracy statistics of the flood models developed using the digital elevation datasets with different resolutions from the light detection and ranging and interferometric synthetic aperture radar systems.METHODS: The study applied the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System and Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System models workable within the geographic information system to simulate and map flood hazards in Maapag Watershed. The models’ validity and accuracy were tested using the confusion error matrix, f-measurement, and the root means square error statistics.FINDINGS: Results show that using the light detection and ranging dataset, the model is accurate at 88%, 0.61, and 0.41; while using the interferometric synthetic aperture radar dataset, the model is accurate at 76%, 0.34, 0.53; for the error matrix, f-measurement, and root mean square error; respectively.CONCLUSION: The model developed using the light detection and ranging dataset showed higher accuracy than the model developed using the interferometric synthetic aperture radar. Nevertheless, the latter can be used for flood simulation and mapping as an alternative to the former considering the cost of model implementation and the smaller degree of accuracy residual error. Hence, flood modelers particularly from local authorities prefer to use coarser datasets to optimize the budget for flood simulation and mapping undertakings.
Environmental Management
S. Rezaian; S.A. Jozi; N. Zaredar
Abstract
The present study was conducted to assess the possible risks induced by construction of Gavi Dam in Ilam Province; western part of Iran, using MIKE-11 model and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution. For this purpose, vulnerable zone of the dam site against the flooding risk ...
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The present study was conducted to assess the possible risks induced by construction of Gavi Dam in Ilam Province; western part of Iran, using MIKE-11 model and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution. For this purpose, vulnerable zone of the dam site against the flooding risk of Gavi River was calculated for different return periods. The flooding zones were stimulated by MIKE-11 model. In order to check whether or not the dam construction could affect the quality of the Gavi River, the physicochemical quality of the river water was also tested. Afterwards, a questionnaire was prepared containing an inventory of possible risks supposed to be induced by construction of Gavi Dam. The questionnaires were placed at disposal of experts to score the items based on their importance. The questionnaires were then analyzed using SPSS Software, version 16. According to which, a total number of 12 risk factors were identified. The dam construction risks were qualitatively assessed by preliminary hazard analysis. Based on the results, 3 of 12 identified risks were recognized unacceptable. The shortlisted risks were prioritized at final step using technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution. "Habitat fragmentation" with a weight of 0.3002, "water pollution" with a weight of 0.295, and "impacts on aquatics" with a weight of 0.293 were identified as three top priority flooding risks. Among the most important corrective measures for mitigation of the risks at construction phase can be pointed to "restoration of the land cover", “conservation of areas surrounding the dam as a new wildlife habitat", “prevention of water contamination”, and "conservation of fish spawning sites".
Environmental Management
S. Drobyazko; M. Skrypnyk; N. Radionova; O. Hryhorevska; M. Matiukha
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The problem of energy saving and the transition to technologies that allow to partially or completely move away from the use of gas and other fossil fuels are a priority in Ukraine today. By consuming traditional energy sources using outdated technologies for energy supply ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The problem of energy saving and the transition to technologies that allow to partially or completely move away from the use of gas and other fossil fuels are a priority in Ukraine today. By consuming traditional energy sources using outdated technologies for energy supply of industrial facilities, Ukraine consumes 3-4 times more fuel per unit of Gross Domestic Product compared to developed countries. For industrial enterprises, the energy intensity of costs is 35-40% of the total cost. At the same time, obsolete fixed assets, especially its active part (the degree of physical wear and tear of industrial equipment is 60-65%), are characterized by a large share of energy and heat loss.METHODS: Modeling, structural analysis, and theoretical research based on current advances in the theory and practice of creating energy-efficient buildings using energy from alternative sources.FINDING: Calculations and structural analysis of costs by stages of the life cycle of the design solution of the hot water supply and heating system with energy-efficient fencing and heat pump have been made. Peculiarities of calculation of assessment and design solutions in accordance with the Ukrainian legislation have been determined. The study has been conducted in seven Ukrainian industrial enterprises in the energy sector.CONCLUSION: It is determined that the structural analysis of costs by stages of the project life cycle on the basis of standard costing should be used at the stage of designing a new power system or upgrading an existing one through marketing research. All this will contribute to the formation of a fundamentally new approach to solving technical and economic problems of the introduction of modernized energy supply systems for industrial purpose.