A.K.R. Kouao; E.T. N’datchoh; V. Yoboue; S. Silue; H. Attoh; M. Coulibaly; T. Robins
Abstract
Indoor air pollution associated with cooking and heating biomass fuel burning is estimated to be responsible for 7 million deaths in 2016 and most of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. In Côte d'Ivoire, 73% of the population is reported using biomass (charcoal or wood) for cooking. ...
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Indoor air pollution associated with cooking and heating biomass fuel burning is estimated to be responsible for 7 million deaths in 2016 and most of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. In Côte d'Ivoire, 73% of the population is reported using biomass (charcoal or wood) for cooking. The active device 3M EVM-7 was used to measure PM2.5 daily average concentrations inside and outside households in areas close (Andokoi) and far (Lubafrique) to an industrial zone in two popular neighborhoods of Yopougon, the largest and most populated municipality of the city of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). PM2.5 daily average concentrations indoors and outdoors are respectively 121±12 µg/m3 and 117±8 µg/m3 in Andokoi and 32±3 µg/m3 and 41±4 µg/m3 in Lubafrique well above the World Health Organization guideline value (25 µg/m3) for air quality. Using multivariable models, the results were the number of windows in bedrooms and kitchens located outdoor were negatively correlated with the concentration of indoor PM2.5. The outdoor concentrations of PM2.5, were higher according to the cooking fuel type.
Environmental Science
R. Mostafaloo; M. Asadi-Ghalhari; H. Izanloo; A. Zayadi
Abstract
Ciprofloxacin antibiotic that is used to cure several kinds of bacterial infections have a high solubility capacity in water. The influent of ciprofloxacin to water resources in a low concentration affect the photosynthesis of plants, transforms the morphological structure of the algae, and then disrupts ...
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Ciprofloxacin antibiotic that is used to cure several kinds of bacterial infections have a high solubility capacity in water. The influent of ciprofloxacin to water resources in a low concentration affect the photosynthesis of plants, transforms the morphological structure of the algae, and then disrupts the aquatic ecosystem. 75% of this compound is excreted from the body down to the wastewater which should be removed. BiFeO3, a bismuth-based semiconductor photocatalyst that is responsive to visible light, has been recently used to remove organic pollutants from water. In this study, the optimal conditions for removing ciprofloxacin from aqueous solutions by the BiFeO3 process were investigated. Effective parameters namely pH, reaction time, ciprofloxacin initial concentration, BiFeO3 dose, and temperature on ciprofloxacin removal were studied by using response surface methodology. The validity and adequacy of the proposed model was confirmed by the corresponding statistics (i.e. F-values of 14.79 and 1.67 and p-values of 2 = 0.9107, R2adjusted = 0.8492, R2 predicted = 0.70, AP = 16.761). Hence the Ciprofloxacin removal efficiency reached 100% in the best condition (pH 6, initial concentration of 1 mg/L, BiFeO3 dosage of 2.5 g/L, reaction temperature of 30° C, and process time of 46 min).
Environmental Management
J. Prasara-A; A. Bridhikitti
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cycling has been widely promoted as an alternative mode of transport to help the reduction of environmental impact and improve users' health. Promoting cycling will help enhance the "Green City" initiative in Thailand. While several studies have addressed social issues of cyclists, ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cycling has been widely promoted as an alternative mode of transport to help the reduction of environmental impact and improve users' health. Promoting cycling will help enhance the "Green City" initiative in Thailand. While several studies have addressed social issues of cyclists, the environmental impacts and economic viability of cycling infrastructure are yet unknown. Quantifying its environmental impact and the costing aspect are essential to prove that cycling would positively affect a city. This study compares the expected environmental and economic impacts before and after constructing a bicycle lane in Mahasarakham, Thailand.METHODS: This study uses life cycle assessment and life cycle costing to assess a bicycle lane's environmental and economic viability. Life cycle assessment and life cycle costing are tools used to analyze environmental impact and cost during the life cycle of a product or service. The scope of this study covers the processing of raw material acquisition, transportation, construction, use, and disposal. The functional unit set for this study is the use of a bicycle lane for one year. The environmental impact examined is greenhouse gas emissions along the product's life cycle (the so-called "carbon footprint").FINDING: According to the results, approximately 0.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of carbon footprint could have been reduced in 2020 had a bicycle lane been installed. The use phase plays the leading role in reducing carbon footprint. The reduction in environmental impacts is due to reduced fuel consumption by cars and motorcycles when bicycles are used. Even though a low rate (26%) of road users, who participated in this research, were willing to ride bikes had a bicycle lane been provided, a considerable amount of environmental impact could still have been reduced.CONCLUSION: The carbon footprint expected to be reduced in a year is valued at about 4.7 million baht of carbon credit. In comparison, the life cycle cost of bicycle lanes for one year is approximately 3.7 million baht. Furthermore, it is anticipated that had a bicycle lane been installed since 2015, the city would have reduced overall carbon footprint emissions by more than 1.15 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2020. Therefore, the results of environmental impact and cost assessment from this study are helpful for urban environmental management.
Environmental Management
A. Jaiswal; C. Samuel
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study provides an assessment of fuel wastage, particulate matter particles pollution, and noise pollution at three toll booths near district Varanasi, India. The objective of the study is to analyze the effects of vehicle idling conditions on road tolls in terms of pollution ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study provides an assessment of fuel wastage, particulate matter particles pollution, and noise pollution at three toll booths near district Varanasi, India. The objective of the study is to analyze the effects of vehicle idling conditions on road tolls in terms of pollution and fuel wastage.METHODS: The study used mathematical formulation on queuing observations for assessment of fuel wastage due to vehicle idling at toll booths. Handheld device HT-9600 Air Particle counter was used for getting the readings of PM2.5 and PM10. SL10 noise meter of Extech Instruments was used for measuring the noise levels at the selected three toll booths of Dafi Toll Booth, Lalanagar Toll Booth, and Mohania Toll Booth.FINDING: The study assessed a greater extent of fuel wastage at all the three toll booths with maximum fuel wastage at Dafi Toll booth due to vehicle idling. In terms of air pollution, severe levels of particulate matter particles were observed over all the three toll booths. The noise levels over the three toll booths were also observed significantly high.CONCLUSION: The study suggested that serious measures are required to control and regulate toll booths to avoid vehicle idling, which will lead to savings of fuel and air and noise pollution.
S. Gill; A. Al-Shankiti
Abstract
Composting of waste plant materials and its use in agriculture and landscape sites is an environmental friendly way of reducing waste material and conserving the environment. In this perspectives a survey has been performed at the Dubai based International Center for Biosaline Agriculture to compost ...
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Composting of waste plant materials and its use in agriculture and landscape sites is an environmental friendly way of reducing waste material and conserving the environment. In this perspectives a survey has been performed at the Dubai based International Center for Biosaline Agriculture to compost the plants based waste material (lawn cuttings-grass) to compost. The material was inoculated with a consortium of microbes leading to form stable and mature compost with high organic matter (38%). In order to conduct seed germination tests, Fulvic acid was extracted from the compost. A pot experiment was conducted over a period of 30 days in the green house to study the effect of Fulvic acid on the seed germination, and plant growth of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Ghaff) and Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne. Seeds of both trees were treated with Fulvic acid at 0.5% and 1% and water treatment was used as control. Generally seed germination and biomass were increased at both rates of fulvic acid. However, a pronounced increase was found in seed germination when fulvic acid was used at 1.0% (Prosopis cineraria 27%; Acacia tortilis 20% increase over control). Similarly biomass (shoot and root) of A. tortilis and P. cineraria was increase 34% and 94% respectively.
Environmental Engineering
Z. Farajzadeh; M.A. Nematollahi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rank of Iran in terms of pollutant emissions, which mainly originate from the consumption of energy products, is much higher than the rank of gross domestic product, placing Iran the fourth in the production and consumption of gas and oil, among the cases with the highest ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rank of Iran in terms of pollutant emissions, which mainly originate from the consumption of energy products, is much higher than the rank of gross domestic product, placing Iran the fourth in the production and consumption of gas and oil, among the cases with the highest emission intensity in the world. Different driving forces account for the high emission intensity. This study decomposes the changes in the aggregate emission intensity of the selected pollutants into a broader scope of driving forces including energy, urbanization, output, labor, and trade-related variables. The examined pollutants were far beyond carbon dioxide, including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, emitted from energy product consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the emission intensity of the selected pollutants and their components. METHODS: Decomposition analysis was done to decompose the emission intensity into a broader scope of the driving forces far beyond what examined in the literature. For this purpose, two well-known artificial neural networks, multilayer perceptron, and wavelet-based neural network were applied to forecast the emission intensity of the selected pollutants and their components.FINDINGS: The emission intensity of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide illustrated a decreasing trend. In contrast, a general increasing trend with significant fluctuation was observed for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emission intensity. Among the components, energy structure, population-labor ratio, and trade openness showed an intensity decreasing effect, while urban per capita output, urbanization, energy intensity, and industrial output-trade ratio contributed to higher emission intensity of the pollutants. Moreover, the multilayer perceptron and wavelet-based neural networks were recommended to examine the predictability of the emission intensity and its components.CONCLUSION: It was found that intensive and extensive growth and energy structure were the most significant driving forces of the emission intensity. The forecast results indicated that the emission intensity of nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide might be predicted by the applied networks with a prediction error of less than 0.2 percent. However, the prediction error for carbon dioxide emission intensity was much higher.
H.M. Nasir; A. Azmi; A.Z. Aris; S.M. Praveena
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in the environment could cause harmful effects both to human health and aquatic life. Numerous remediation methods had been developed to encounter with the contamination problem prior to degrade, decrease and to purify the contaminated water at minimal concentration as low as ...
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Heavy metal contamination in the environment could cause harmful effects both to human health and aquatic life. Numerous remediation methods had been developed to encounter with the contamination problem prior to degrade, decrease and to purify the contaminated water at minimal concentration as low as possible. Therefore, in current study, commercialized chicken eggshells and hybrid Akar Putra chicken eggshells were conducted in batch experiment to testify the capabilities of bio-sorbent materials in iron (II) ion removal from aqueous solution at optimized level of dosage and equilibrium contact time. The optimum condition for iron (II) removal for commercialized chicken eggshells and hybrid Akar Putra chicken eggshells bio-sorbents reached at 0.30 g with optimum contact time of 50 minutes and 91.83% and 91.07% of removal percentage with 0.60 g at 40 minutes. The final concentration from both bio-sorbents is achieved below than drinking water guideline (0.30 mg/L), 0.1635 mg/L and 0.1785 mg/L, respectively. The isotherm adsorption results showed it fitted better in Langmuir Isotherm Model than in Freundlich Isotherm Model, however with weak bonding, which could not held onto the heavy metal ions in long time period. In brief, commercialized chicken eggshells and hybrid Akar Putra chicken eggshells have considerable potential in removing heavy metal in aqueous solution. The selection of the bio-sorbent materials is more favorable as it reduces dependency towards chemical usage in water treatment which could have complied with drinking water guideline that can be obtained easily, abundance in amount, cheap and biodegradable.
S. Akhtar; W. Saleem; V.M. Nadeem; I. Shahid; A. Ikram
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and severe air quality deterioration in Pakistan have increased citizens’s concern towards air pollution. This study, conducted in November, 2016, aimed to develop relationship between degraded air quality and resident’s willingness to pay for improved air quality in city ...
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Rapid urbanization and severe air quality deterioration in Pakistan have increased citizens’s concern towards air pollution. This study, conducted in November, 2016, aimed to develop relationship between degraded air quality and resident’s willingness to pay for improved air quality in city of Lahore, Pakistan through contingent valuation method to quantify an individual’s willingness to pay for improved air quality. Hypothetical market was created and 250 respondents, selected through random sampling, were asked to respond to pre tested questionnaire. Results revealed that 92.5% of respondents showed positive willingness to pay and average predicted willingness to pay by each person was $9.86 per month. Respondents were willing to pay $118 per year which was 1.27% of their mean monthly income. Stepwise regression model was used to develop relationship between independent variables and willingness to pay. Most parameters accompanied by econometric analysis elaborated expected results. Results disclosed that annual household income, symptoms of respiratory diseases and self observed air pollution pointedly impact willingness to pay. It is concluded that despite of the fact that Pakistan is among the lower income countries with no rigid budget allocation for improvement in air quality, people of Pakistan are willing to pay to reduce air pollution load. One of the factor which effected the positivity of willingness to pay is that, a quite large number of people were suffering from pollution related respiratory disorders like asthma, chronic bronchitis, wheezing, cough, and chest congestion. Only 7.5% of respondents were not interested to pay for improved air quality which reported unconcerned attitude and lack of environmental awareness.
C. Zhou; X. Liu; Z. Wang; T. Yang; L. Shi; L. Wang; L. Cong; X. Liu; J. Yang
Abstract
Compared with USA, UK, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, etc., marine debris research in China has received less attention and few studies have attempted to quantify the abundance and mass of marine debris. In this paper, the abundance, composition and source of beached marine debris, and debris collection ...
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Compared with USA, UK, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, etc., marine debris research in China has received less attention and few studies have attempted to quantify the abundance and mass of marine debris. In this paper, the abundance, composition and source of beached marine debris, and debris collection system and frequency as well as dustbins’ conditionwere investigated in Duodaohai, Wanpingkou, Shanhaitian and National Forest Park beaches of Rizhao City from June 1 to 10, 2013. Based on these surveys, following conclusions were obtained: In four coastal beaches surveyed, the mean number and weight densities were 25.91 items/100m2 and 341.39 g/100m2, respectively. Most of the BMD in the aforementioned beaches originated directly from land sources. There were two kinds of debris collection systems in these beaches at present; dustbins sometimes were not enough to be used in the swimming period.We hope that our study will be helpful to raise the level of environmental consciousness among people and to expand their anti-debris activities.
M. Samimi; M. Shahriari Moghadam
Abstract
High concentrations of nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia observed in the petrochemical industry, are the major environmental pollutants. Therefore, effective and inexpensive methods are needed for its treatment. Biological treatment of various pollutants is a low cost and biocompatible replacement ...
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High concentrations of nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia observed in the petrochemical industry, are the major environmental pollutants. Therefore, effective and inexpensive methods are needed for its treatment. Biological treatment of various pollutants is a low cost and biocompatible replacement for current physico-chemical systems. The use of aquatic plants is an effective way to absorb the nutrient pollutants. In this study, the optimal operating conditions in the biological removal of ammonia from the urea-ammonia wastewater of Kermanshah Petrochemical Company by Lemna gibba were determined using the response surface methodology. Lemna gibba was collected from the ponds around Kermanshah and maintained in a nutrient medium. Effect of the main operational variables such as ammonia concentration, residence time and Lemna gibba to surface ratio on optimal conditions of ammonia removal from wastewater has been analyzed using the Box-Behnken model design of experiments. Model numerical optimization was performed to achieve the maximum amount of ammonia removal from wastewater. The ammonia removal percentage varied from 13% to 88%, but the maximum amount of ammonia removal was determined at ammonia concentration of 5 ppm and Lemna gibba residence time of 11 days in wastewater based on the quadratic model. Lemna gibba to surface ratio of 2:5 was measured at 96.449%. After optimization, validation of ammonia removal was performed under optimum conditions and measured at 92.07%. Based on the experimental design and the predicted under model conditions, the maximum amounts of ammonia removal percentage in the experiments were 82.84% and 88.33% respectively, indicating the high accuracy of the model to determine the optimum conditions for the ammonia removal from wastewater.
M. Reisi; M. Ahmadi Nadoushan; L. Aye
Abstract
Cities are experiencing rapid population growth and consequently extensive urbanization. Land-use/land-cover change is one of the important elements worldwide, which significantly affect the environment. This study aims to describe the emergence of urban heat and cool islands as a result of changes in ...
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Cities are experiencing rapid population growth and consequently extensive urbanization. Land-use/land-cover change is one of the important elements worldwide, which significantly affect the environment. This study aims to describe the emergence of urban heat and cool islands as a result of changes in land-use/land-cover. Land surface temperature over a 32-year period in Isfahan city, Iran was retrieved. The results confirmed the effect of land-use/land-cover change on Landsat land surface temperature. The average land surface temperature changed from 37.5°C in 1985 to 42.7°C in 2017 during August. The highest land surface temperature in the study area for both years occurred on bare soils (40.66°C in 1985 and 45.88°C in 2017). The second highest Landsat land surface temperature was recorded in central parts of the city with dense built-up covers (36.93°C in 1985 vs 42.45°C in 2017). The central parts of the city were found to have a lower Landsat land surface temperature compared to bare soils, which contributes to the formation of urban cool islands. As expected, water bodies and vegetation had a lower Landsat land surface temperature compared to other land covers. The results also showed changes in land use types during 1985 and 2017, with an increase in water bodies (148.82%) and built-up areas (39.67%) and a decrease in vegetation (20.08%) and bare soil (12.42%). The areas converted from vegetation to built-up experienced an increase in Landsat land surface temperature, which confirmed the effect of land-use/land-cover on microclimate.
A. Brotosusilo; S.H. Nabila; H.A. Negoro; D. Utari
Abstract
It is crucial to achieve effective solid waste management involving not only formal/government agencies, but also individual/informal/voluntary actions in order to create a healthy environment. This study conducted to unveil the factors that increase individuals’ community participation in solid ...
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It is crucial to achieve effective solid waste management involving not only formal/government agencies, but also individual/informal/voluntary actions in order to create a healthy environment. This study conducted to unveil the factors that increase individuals’ community participation in solid waste management policy. The data were matched with a literature review on existing waste policies to identify gaps in knowledge, which could provide beneficial policy recommendations for the Jakarta Provincial Government. The ordinary least squares regression and Indonesian family life survey data were used. The respondents’ waste handling and participation scores with potentially affected variables were calculated and regressed. Out of 1.791 respondents, the regression revealed that the participation of individuals from Jakarta is influenced by 1) the frequency of their involvement in social community activities, 2) their education level, and 3) per capita expenditure. The solid waste management score increased by 0.233 if the respondents were more socially active, with a participation score of 1. Empowerment had a 0.06 coefficient correlation relative to the waste handling score. According to the broader sample of 28.967 respondents from large cities in Indonesia. It was concluded that individuals’ participation could be enhanced by hosting various social activities at the grassroots level. The study’s gaps show that the Jakarta Provincial Government has a high propensity towards increasing individuals’ participation in solid waste management by maximizing control of the factors mentioned above (especially empowerment), as well as by raising the frequency of citizens’ involvement in social community activities at the grassroots level.
Environmental Science
A.F. Koropitan; M.H.I. Khaldun; Y. Naulita
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The southeast Indian Ocean is one of the areas where tropical cyclones formed. A comprehensive understanding of the cyclone impact in the Southeastern Indian Ocean is needed to anticipate future changes due to the warming trend. The present study investigates the influence ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The southeast Indian Ocean is one of the areas where tropical cyclones formed. A comprehensive understanding of the cyclone impact in the Southeastern Indian Ocean is needed to anticipate future changes due to the warming trend. The present study investigates the influence of Cyclone Marcus on oceanographic processes in the subsurface and surface layers and its impact on temperature and Chlorophyll-a in the Southeastern Indian Ocean. The present study applies the Argo Float data located near the peak of the Cyclone Markus path and could capture the subsurface layer vertically that has never been reported previously.METHODS: This study performs Copernicus data set and Argo Float data to analyze the oceanographic feature of the region before, during, and after Cyclone Marcus.FINDINGS: The average surface current velocity increased almost two times during Cyclone Marcus, and the eddy was formed in the clockwise direction following the surface wind pattern. The Argo Float data presents that Cyclone Marcus could induce surface divergence (clockwise eddy) where the cold water and high salinity waters pumped up to the surface layer, starting 1 day after the peak of Cyclone Marcus, resulting in cooling surface temperature by 1.7 °C and deepening mixed layer depth up to 60 m. It implies that the lifted nutrient-rich water stays in the mixed layer depth for 11 days, and sea surface Chlorophyll-a concentration increase with time lags of 2.5 days and 5.6 days, respectively. The Chlorophyll-a concentration increases 2.5 times, and since then starts to decrease until its ‘normal concentration’ within two weeks.CONCLUSION: Cyclone Marcus triggers the entrainment between the subsurface layer and the sea surface, forcing a phytoplankton growth, particularly in the path area. The future cyclone could increase in the category in the study area, as the warming trend in the Indian Ocean.
M.H. Sayadi; N. Ahmadpour; M. Fallahi Capoorchali; M.R. Rezaei
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of microalgae Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris to remove nitrate and phosphate in aqueous solutions. Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgar is microalgae was collected in 1000 ml of municipal water and KNO3, K2HPO4 was added as sources of ...
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of microalgae Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris to remove nitrate and phosphate in aqueous solutions. Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgar is microalgae was collected in 1000 ml of municipal water and KNO3, K2HPO4 was added as sources of nitrate and phosphate in three different concentrations (0.25, 0.35 and 0.45g/L). During the growth period, the concentration of nitrate and phosphate was recorded at 1, 4, 6 and 8 days. The highest nitrate removal on the 8 day for Chlorella vulgaris was 89.80% at the treatment of 0.25g/L and for Spirulina platensis was 81.49% at the treatment of 0.25g/L. The highest phosphate removal for Spirulina platensis was 81.49% at the treatment of 0.45g/L and for Chlorella vulgaris was 88% at the treatment of 0.45g/L. The statistical results showed that the amount of phosphate and nitrate removal during different time periods by Chlorella vulgaris depicted a significant difference at P<0.01, while Spirulina platensis demonstrated a significant difference at P<0.05.Thus, Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris can be effectively used to remove nitrate and phosphate from effluent and waste water treatments, although it demands more research in different climatic conditions.
Environmental Management
R.D.P. Astuti; A. Mallongi; A.U. Rauf
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As a public concern, monitoring and controlling toxic metals pollution is needed worldwide. Due to the ability of poisonous metals in biomagnification and bioaccumulation, they can cause several adverse impacts on ecological and human health. The study aims to assess chromium ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As a public concern, monitoring and controlling toxic metals pollution is needed worldwide. Due to the ability of poisonous metals in biomagnification and bioaccumulation, they can cause several adverse impacts on ecological and human health. The study aims to assess chromium and nickel enrichment levels and estimate the soil''s ecological risk surrounds the Pangkajene watershed.METHODS: The total concentrations of chromium and nickel were determined using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. This study used contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, and pollution load index to evaluate soil enrichment status. The ecological hazard index is used to estimate the potential hazard that may occur due to contamination. FINDINGS: The mean concentrations of chromium and nickel were 92.9 and 43.18 mg/kg, respectively. Chromium concentration exceeded the soil quality guideline for the protection of environment and human health, while Ni still below the standards. The geo-accumulation index value indicated no human-made-derived contamination in the soil. Weathering of carbonate rocks is the chromium and nickel major enrichment factor in the Pangkep regency. Contamination factor and pollution load index values showed low pollution in the studied soil. However, all study sites exceeded the ecological hazard index value (Ecological hazard index>1), which indicates a considerable ecological risk in the Pangkajene watershed area. CONCLUSION: These findings may provide baseline information related to chromium and nickel enrichment in the soil for Pangkep regency municipality. The Pangkep regency municipality must highlight the importance of strengthening environmental standards and monitoring mechanism as the priority to maintain a healthy environment.
M.G. Hoang; T. Fujiwara; S.T. Pham Phu; K.T. Nguyen Thi
Abstract
A prognosis model has been developed for solid waste generation from households in Hoi An City, a famous tourist city in Viet Nam. Waste sampling, followed by a questionnaire survey, was carried out to gather data. The Bayesian model average method was used to identify factors significantly associated ...
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A prognosis model has been developed for solid waste generation from households in Hoi An City, a famous tourist city in Viet Nam. Waste sampling, followed by a questionnaire survey, was carried out to gather data. The Bayesian model average method was used to identify factors significantly associated with waste generation. Multivariate linear regression analysis was then applied to evaluate the impacts of significant factors on household waste production. The model obtained from this study indicated that household location, household size, house area per person, and family economic activity are important determinants of the waste generation rate. The models could explain about 34% of the variation of the per capita daily waste generation rate. Diagnostic tests and model validation results showed that the regression model could provide reliable results of estimated household waste. The study revealed that per capita urban household waste generation is 70–80% higher compared to a rural household. The models also showed that if a family ran a business from home, the household waste generation rate would increase by about 35%. This result provides reliable information for better waste collection and management planning. Two other significant variables (family size and house area per capita) do not contribute much (less than 20%) to waste generation. Variables accounting for household income, presence of a garden, number of rooms in a house, and percentage of members of different ages were proven to be not significant. The study provides a reliable method for estimating household waste generation, providing decision makers useful information for waste management policy development.
Environmental Management
J. Kharkan; M.H. Sayadi; M. Hajiani; M.R. Rezaei; M. Savabieasfahani
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nanoparticles has been discussed in terms of their adverse global impacts on health and health inequity. Metal oxide nanoparticles and their salts can have varied toxic effects on different tissues in the aquatic environments. The aim of present study was to assess the ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nanoparticles has been discussed in terms of their adverse global impacts on health and health inequity. Metal oxide nanoparticles and their salts can have varied toxic effects on different tissues in the aquatic environments. The aim of present study was to assess the toxicity of nickel oxide nanoparticles in relation to different nickel salts.METHODS: Acute toxicity of nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate and nickel chloride, in black fish was investigated. A total of 125 fish were randomly assigned to a control group (n=25) and four exposure groups (n=25 per group). After 28 days of exposure, the bioaccumulation of nickel oxide nanoparticles in gill, intestine, liver, and kidney of the fish was determined by killing half of them in each group and dissecting their tissues. The remaining fish were placed in clean water for another 28 days and the depuration rate was estimated.FINDINGS: The LC50-96 values reported for nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate and nickel chloride were 195, 120, 138 and 91 milligrams per liter, respectively. Therefore, nickel chloride had a higher toxicity compared to nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate and nickel nitrate. The highest rate of nickel oxide nanoparticles bioaccumulation was observed in the gill (0.40±0.08 microgram per gram), intestine (41.82±16.95 microgram per gram), liver (2.16±1.82 microgram per gram), and kidney (2.16±1.26 microgram per gram) of the fish. The highest depuration rate of nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate, and nickel chloride was recorded in the intestinal tissue of the fish. The lowest depuration rate of nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate and nickel nitrate was observed in the kidney tissue of the fish. Also, the lowest depuration rate of nickel chloride was witnessed in the gill tissue of the fish. Histopathological anomalies were detected in the fish exposed to nickel oxide nanoparticles. These anomalies were fusion of lamellae, lamellar synechiae, curvature and oedema in the gill; increased number of goblet cells and cell swelling; and degradation of villi structure and expansion of villi structure in the intestine.CONCLUSION: The study conclusively demonstrated that nickel oxide nanoparticles were eco-toxic and harmful to aquatic organisms. Strong global nickel oxide nanoparticles regulations must be enforced to prevent further environmental contamination with nanoparticles.
G. Elkiran; V. Nourani; S.I. Abba; J. Abdullahi
Abstract
ABSTRACT: In this study, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, and feed forward neural network as two artificial intelligence-based models along with conventional multiple linear regression model were used to predict the multi-station modelling of dissolve oxygen concentration at the downstream of Mathura ...
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ABSTRACT: In this study, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, and feed forward neural network as two artificial intelligence-based models along with conventional multiple linear regression model were used to predict the multi-station modelling of dissolve oxygen concentration at the downstream of Mathura City in India. The data used are dissolved oxygen, pH, biological oxygen demand and water temperature at upper, middle and downstream of the river. To predict outlet of dissolved oxygen of the river in each station, considering different input combinations as i) 11 inputs parameters for all three locations except, dissolved oxygen at the downstream ii) 7 inputs for middle and downstream except dissolved oxygen, at the target location and lastly iii) 3 inputs for downstream location. To determine the accuracy of the model, root mean square error and determination coefficient were employed. The simulated results of dissolved oxygen at three stations indicated that, multi-linear regression is found not to be efficient for predicting dissolved oxygen. In addition, both artificial intelligence models were found to be more capable and satisfactory for the prediction. Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system model demonstrated high prediction ability as compared to feed forward neural network model. The results indicated that adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system model has a slight increment in performance than feed forward neural network model in validation step. Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system proved high improvement in efficiency performance over multi-linear regression modeling up to 18% in calibration phase and 27% in validation phase for the best models.
O.B. Akintan; J.A. Olusola; A.M. Azeez
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate concentrations of selected heavy metals in the soils of Ilokun dumpsite and adjourning farmlands, and to determine as well levels of heavy metals uptake in various parts of Carica papaya plant collected from the dumpsite. Twenty-two soil samples were collected within the ...
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This study aimed to evaluate concentrations of selected heavy metals in the soils of Ilokun dumpsite and adjourning farmlands, and to determine as well levels of heavy metals uptake in various parts of Carica papaya plant collected from the dumpsite. Twenty-two soil samples were collected within the dumpsites and farmlands at depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. Evaluations of heavy metals (Ni, Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb and Cu) in soil samples and in different parts of Carica papaya plants were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study revealed higher concentration of Pb in the dumpsite than the farmlands. Mean concentrations of Cd in the dumpsites; 2.98±1.93 (0-20 cm) and 3.22±2.14 (20-40 cm) were higher than their corresponding depth in farmlands (1.93±1.28 (0-20cm) and 1.94±1.59 (20 – 40 cm). The study established a strong correlation for Ni/Pb (0.948) at depth of 0.20cm; Cu/Cd (0.985) and Pb/Cd (0.918) at depth of 20-40cm. Heavy metal uptake was highest in the plant parts compared to the dumpsites and farmlands. The result showed that translocation factor arrangement is: Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Cd˃ Cr˃ Pb˃ Ni and Cu had the highest translocation factor of 4.698. Based on the results, the various heavy metal could be classified as slight contaminants (Pb, Cr and Ni), moderate contaminants (Cu and Cd) and severe contaminant (Zn). Although concentrations of heavy metals in the farmlands were below the Department of Petroleum Resources and World Health Organisation allowable limits, monitoring the concentration profile of these heavy metals concentrations in the area is recommended to prevent detrimental effects on the environment.
Environmental Management
S. Hartini; A.N. Fatliana; N.U. Handayani; P.A. Wicaksono; B.S. Ramadan; T. Matsumoto
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current literature on tofu production has predominantly focused on exploring the value-added potential of the waste generated during tofu production and conducting impact assessments related to this production. However, a noticeable gap remains in the research concerning ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current literature on tofu production has predominantly focused on exploring the value-added potential of the waste generated during tofu production and conducting impact assessments related to this production. However, a noticeable gap remains in the research concerning the comprehensive examination of life cycle costs and eco-efficiency in tofu production and its associated waste. This study aims to assess the environmental and economic impacts of the implementation of recycling alternatives using a life cycle assessment and life cycle cost approach. The impact of waste recycling on the eco-efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises in Sugihmanik Village, Grobogan Regency, Indonesia is also examined.METHODS: To achieve this goal, this study employed life cycle assessment and life cycle cost methodologies to evaluate eco-efficiency. Data were collected through interviews and direct observations. Cradle-to-grave (tofu production) and cradle-to-cradle (tofu production and waste recycling) approaches were compared. Environmental impact was assessed by determining the 12 impact categories. Environmental cost was determined using the eco-cost 2023 method, and environmental and economic impacts were examined with SimaPro software version 9.4.FINDINGS: Life cycle assessment analysis revealed eutrophication, carbon footprint, and freshwater ecotoxicity to be the categories with the most significant impact for each process. In particular, the eco-cost of the cradle-to-grave approach was 7.03 United States dollars, and that of the cradle-to-cradle approach was 7.90 United States dollars. Life cycle cost analysis yielded a net value of 1.33 United States dollars for the cradle-to-grave process and 38.16 United States dollars for the cradle-to-cradle process. According to the life cycle cost analysis, the recycling scheme increased the overall cost of production. Meanwhile, the eco-efficiency analysis demonstrated an increase in the eco-efficiency of tofu production (cradle-to-grave) and the recycling system (cradle-to-cradle). Waste recycling can increase the eco-efficiency index from 0.18 to 5.CONCLUSION: Life cycle assessment identified eutrophication, carbon footprint, and ecotoxicity (freshwater) as the three major impact categories. Proper waste management in tofu production offers environmental benefits and significant profits, with the net value of the cradle-to-cradle process at 38.99 US dollars. The eco-efficiency values showed a substantial positive increase, and the waste processing scenarios were found to be sustainable and economically beneficial. These findings suggest new business opportunities through straightforward waste processing and affordable production costs. The scheme also reduces the environmental impact and increases the efficiency and profit of the overall tofu production system.
Environmental Science
S. Fatnassi; M.B. Almendro Candel; J. Navarro Pedreño; I. Gómez Lucas; M. Hachicha
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Boron is a micronutrient of high importance, both for plant development and normal growth. The range between boron deficiency and toxicity is very narrow, which makes boron unique among the essential micronutrients. Boron adsorption is one of the most important factors determining ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Boron is a micronutrient of high importance, both for plant development and normal growth. The range between boron deficiency and toxicity is very narrow, which makes boron unique among the essential micronutrients. Boron adsorption is one of the most important factors determining the release and fixation of this micronutrient, though its adsorption has not been widely studied in semiarid Tunisian soils. This study aims to improve knowledge of B adsorption process in calcareous salt-affected soils in semiarid areas. It equally focuses on the type of cation (monovalent and divalent) in function of the soil texture and time of shaking. These three latter factors influence boron adsorption, which also influence the availability for plants.METHODS: A study was carried out on boron adsorption at different shaking time intervals (1, 3, 6 and 9 hours) in two soils of different textures in the absence and presence of different background electrolytes solutions (0.02 N CaCl2, 0.02 N MgCl2 , 0.02 N sodium chloride and 0.02 N potassium chloride.FINDINGS: The soil-A (clay loam) adsorbed more boron than soil-B (sandy loam). Boron adsorption was the highest in Soil-A under the presence of potassium chloride, close to the mean values given when using calcium chloride. In Soil-B, it was found with calcium chloride background electrolyte. Minor boron adsorption was observed in both soils when boric acid solution was used without background electrolytes. Adsorbed boron showed significant differences with the shaking time in all treatments used with background electrolytes solutions, except for boron solution treatment without background electrolyte in both soils. As a comparison of divalent and monovalent cations, boron adsorbed content was higher with the solution containing calcium than in sodium chloride solution, due to the fact that calcium carbonate is an important boron adsorbing surface.CONCLUSION: This study reveals that the best conditions for maximum boron adsorption are defined by calcium chloride background electrolyte in this type of soil in a determined shaking time interval of 3 hours. This causes a low rate of boron assimilated by plants, which leads to the decrease of the crop yield and the agricultural production, and subsequently hurt the Tunisian national economy.
Environmental Engineering
A. Semenov; T. Sakhno; O. Hordieieva; Y. Sakhno
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aiming to increase crop yield the antimicrobial/bacterial or fungicidal pre-sowing seed treatment received more attention in modern agronomy. Ultraviolet-C irradiation of pre-sowing seeds is an environmentally friendly method that became of great importance in recent years. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aiming to increase crop yield the antimicrobial/bacterial or fungicidal pre-sowing seed treatment received more attention in modern agronomy. Ultraviolet-C irradiation of pre-sowing seeds is an environmentally friendly method that became of great importance in recent years. It is, hereafter, being shown that, along with known antimicrobial use, there is additional important advantage of Ultraviolet-C irradiation of pre-sowing seeds. It was revealed that Ultraviolet-C radiation on Vetch Hairy seeds stimulates seeds germination and vigour.METHODS: Various doses of Ultraviolet-Cirradiation of seeds were used. The main sowing qualities of seeds were determined: seed vigour and germination, as well as the content of photosynthetic pigments in plant leaves and the main parameters of the kinetic values of hydration – moisture and hydration rate.FINDINGS: It was found that ultraviolet-C radiation has a positive effect on sowing qualities and content of photosynthetic pigments in plant leaves of Vetch vary. The most effective dose of ultraviolet irradiation applied to vetch hairy seeds; vicia villosa was 1000 J/m2. At this dose the seed vigour increases by 23.6%, germination by 15.1%, the mass of germinated seeds by 17.3%, the content of a- and b-chlorophyll by 12.4%, and 17.5%, respectively, the carotenoid content increased by 13.9%. The parameters of seeds hydration kinetics such as moisture content and hydration rate were determined. It was revealed that the hydration rate of seeds increased significantly in the first 100-minute time range. Later in time the hydration rate progressively decreased, achieving a saturated moisture content after 700 minutes. Additionally, it was found that Ultraviolet-C irradiation decreases the imbibition damage.CONCLUSION: The results indicated that ultraviolet-C irradiation has a positive effect on sowing qualities of Vetch Hairy seeds, thus, could be proposed as a promising candidate for application in treatment pre-sowing agriculture seeds.
Environmental Management
A.M. Sabilillah; F.R. Palupi; B.K. Adji; A.P. Nugroho
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The threat posed by microplastics to humans through fish consumption is potentially great due to microplastics’ capacity to adsorb heavy metals. The Code and Gajahwong streams have suffered from plastic and heavy metal pollution as the major rivers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The threat posed by microplastics to humans through fish consumption is potentially great due to microplastics’ capacity to adsorb heavy metals. The Code and Gajahwong streams have suffered from plastic and heavy metal pollution as the major rivers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. However, little is known about the cumulative danger caused by the association of the microplastic and heavy metals. A thorough analysis of the extent of the health risks that people who consume fish from these rivers may experience is urgently needed. Hence, this study aimed to study microplastic pollution accumulated by fish in Code and Gajahwong streams, analyze the interactions with heavy metals, and assess the potential health risks.METHODS: Fish sample collection was conducted in three stations by considering the severity of plastic pollution. Microplastics were extracted from the gills, digestive tract, muscle, and water and then characterized based on the number, size, shape, color, and type of polymer. Potential health risks were evaluated based on the potential ecological risk index, polymer hazard index, pollution load index, estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, total target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk.FINDINGS: Microplastics have contaminated the streams and fish and were dominated by small-sized green fibers and low-density polyethylene polymer. The pollution was related to human activities around the streams. The highest accumulation in fish was found in the digestive organs. Lead and cadmium have been associated with microplastics. The calculation of the potential ecological risk index and polymer hazard index showed that the medium risk of microplastic contamination in both streams. Based on the values of estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, total target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk, short-term consumption of fish from the streams carries a low risk, but it will increase over time and pose a serious harm in the long term.CONCLUSION: Given that most of the microplastics found were associated with lead and cadmium, they can increase the risk to human health due to the transfer of microplastics through food chains. Mitigation efforts involving various stakeholders, community involvement, and continuous education must be continuously pursued. This study significantly contributes to the current problem of environmental pollution by means of microplastic threats associated with heavy metals and provides a thorough health risk assessment applicable to other rivers and mitigation efforts that must be exerted to achieve sustainability.
Environmental Engineering
Naharuddin .; Rukmi .; S.D. Massiri; B. Toknok; Akhbar .; I.N. Korja
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peak flow in watershed is important in designing and controlling soil erosion, as well as assessing the potential water yield. It also serves as a basis for assessing and managing the risk of environmental damage. However, there is no accurate information on peak flow to ensure ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peak flow in watershed is important in designing and controlling soil erosion, as well as assessing the potential water yield. It also serves as a basis for assessing and managing the risk of environmental damage. However, there is no accurate information on peak flow to ensure sustainable management and conservation of Wuno Sub-Watershed in Palu Watershed which serves as a buffer for the capital of Central Sulawesi Province. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and determine the potential runoff and peak flows in watershed using soil conservation service-curve number.METHODS: Soil conservation service-curve number method was calculated to analyze rainfall from runoff as a function of cumulative rainfall, land use, soil type, and humidity. This method was developed by the United States Soil Conservation Service in 1972 and applied in this study with due consideration for several variables, including (a) land use classification and intensity for settlements, rice fields, plantations, rivers, etc., (b) basic physical conditions of the area such as rainfall and hydrology, as well as (c) classes of soil hydrology significantly influencing carbon-nitrogen value.FINDINGS: The result showed that carbón-nitrogen values for all types of land use or cover were in normal conditions from 5 to 25 years. Moreover, carbón-nitrogen range was observed to have significantly large quantitative consequences on direct runoff. The trend showed the need for precision and effectiveness in planning watershed management and conservation. Soil conservation service also had a positive influence on land use, specifically runoff, as observed in carbón-nitrogen values for return periods of 2, 5, 25, and 100 years. However, several other factors were identified to influence land use such as land cover and soil texture.CONCLUSION: Soil Conservation Service presented an analysis of how land use affected runoff, specifically with a focus on carbon-nitrogen values. Land use was not only affected by carbon-nitrogen values but other factors such as land cover and geomorphometric properties. The trend showed the need for a more comprehensive exploration of soil conservation service-curve number method in accurately predicting runoff patterns in sub-watershed areas to ensure effective and sustainable management and conservation practices.
A. Padash; S.A. Jozi; S.M.B. Nabavi; B. Dehzad
Abstract
In recent decades, necessity to protect environment has been a serious concern for all people and international communities. In appropriate development of human economic activities, subsistence dependence of the growing world population on nature decreases the natural diversity of ecosystems and habitats ...
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In recent decades, necessity to protect environment has been a serious concern for all people and international communities. In appropriate development of human economic activities, subsistence dependence of the growing world population on nature decreases the natural diversity of ecosystems and habitats day by day and provides additional constraints for life and survival of wildlife. As a result, implementation of programs to protect species and ecosystems is of great importance. The current study was carried out to implement a comprehensive strategic environmental management plan in the Mond protected area in southern Iran. Accordingly, the protected area was zoned using multi criteria decision method. According to the numerical models, fifteen data layer were obtained on a scale of 1:50,000. The results revealed that 28.35% out of the entire study area belongs to nature conservation zone. In the following step, in order to offer the strategic planning using strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats method, a total number of 154 questionnaires were prepared and filled by the relevant experts. For this purpose, after identifying the internal and external factors, they were weighted in the form of matrices as; internal factor evaluation and external factor evaluation. Analytical hierarchy process and expert choice software were applied to weight the factors. At the end, by considering the socioeconomic and environmental issues, the strategy of using protective strategies in line with international standards as well as a strong support of governmental national execution with a score of 6.05 was chosen as the final approach.