Environmental Management
S. Rodelo-Torrente; A.C. Torregroza-Espinosa; M. Moreno Pallares; D. Pinto Osorio; A. Corrales Paternina; A. Echeverría-González
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Soil is the most important basic natural resource for the support of agricultural production systems. Productivity maintenance in these ecosystems depends on their physicochemical. However, there are no significant studies on the current status of soil fertility and quality ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Soil is the most important basic natural resource for the support of agricultural production systems. Productivity maintenance in these ecosystems depends on their physicochemical. However, there are no significant studies on the current status of soil fertility and quality in tropical areas vulnerable to climate change and lacking management practices. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical and chemical properties of the soil to propose guidelines on soil handling and management in tropical areas.METHODS: Data on texture, macronutrients, micronutrients, and cation ratios were collected at 200 farms in the Sucre Department of Northern Colombia. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis were performed on the resulting data set, and a soil quality index was calculated.FINDING: Macronutrients N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Na displayed average values of 21.65 ± 10.65 part per million, 40.35 ± 67.21 part per million, 0.46 ± 0.43 meq/100g, 7.94 ± 28.35 part per million, 15.63 ± 17.30 meq/100 g, 5.63 ± 3.58 meq/100g, 0.19 ± 0.20 meq/100g, respectively. Micronutrients Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn displayed average values of 2.20 ± 1.66 part per million, 48.05 ± 37.87 part per million, 1.16 ± 1.26 part per million, 14.22 ± 12.24 part per million, respectively. The predominant texture among assessed soils was sandy clay loam. A significant correlation was found between (Ca/Mg) K-Ca/K, (Ca/Mg) K-Mg/K, Fe-Cu, and Ca-cation exchange capacity. The soil quality index of the soils assessed in the Department of Sucre indicates a high level of quality, which is strongly influenced by the indicators S, P, Mn (≥ 0.90) Fe, Zn, Cu, K, Na (≥ 0.80).CONCLUSION: The macronutrients displayed a deficiency of potassium. It is therefore recommended to monitor these soils and apply fertilization plans according to the needs of each assessed soil. Lastly, this study provides relevant information for proposing guidelines for crop improvement.
Environmental Management
O. H. Cahyonugroho; S. Hariyanto; G. Supriyanto
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dissolved organic matter has a fundamental role in supporting phytoplankton abundance and growth in aquatic environments. However, these organisms produce dissolved organic matter with varied quantities or characteristics depending on the nutrient availability and the species ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dissolved organic matter has a fundamental role in supporting phytoplankton abundance and growth in aquatic environments. However, these organisms produce dissolved organic matter with varied quantities or characteristics depending on the nutrient availability and the species composition. Therefore, this study aims to assess the characteristic of dissolved organic matter on surface water and its correlation with phytoplankton abundance for monitoring water quality.METHODS: The sample was obtained at four Kali Surabaya River stations for further dissolved organic matter analysis and phytoplankton species analysis. The analysis was presented through bulk parameters of total organic, ultraviolet at 254 nm wavelength (UV254), specific ultraviolet absorbance value, and fluorescence spectroscopy using excitation-emission matrices with fluorescence regional integration analysis.FINDINGS: The results showed the bulk parameters of dissolved organic matter at all stations were significantly different, as Station 1 and 2 were higher, while 3 and 4 had a lower concentration. Furthermore, the fluorescence spectroscopy identified four components of dissolved organic matter at all stations, namely aromatic proteins-like (AP-like), humic acid-like (HA-like), soluble microbial by-products-like (SMPs-like), and fulvic acid-like (FA-like). Also, stations 1 and 2 were grouped in the high percentage FRI of humic substance (FA-like and HA-like), while 3 and 4 were classified in the high percentage FRI of non-humic substances (AP-like and SMPs-like).CONCLUSION: The main phytoplankton species, namely Plectonema sp., Pinularia sp., Nitzchia sp., Navicula sp., had the highest abundance at Stations 1, 3, and 4, respectively. A strong correlation between dissolved organic matter analysis and phytoplankton abundance led to the usage of these methods for monitoring surface water quality.
Environmental Management
B. Guerra Tamara; A. C. Torregroza-Espinosa; D. Pinto Osorio; M. Moreno Pallares; A. Corrales Paternina; A. Echeverría González
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irrigation system water quality is a complex issue that involves the combined effects of various surface water management parameters. Monitoring of irrigation water quality is essential for the sustainability of crop production and productivity. The department of Sucre, in ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irrigation system water quality is a complex issue that involves the combined effects of various surface water management parameters. Monitoring of irrigation water quality is essential for the sustainability of crop production and productivity. The department of Sucre, in northern Colombia, is predominantly a ranching and agricultural region where agriculture is the main source for livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to assess the physicochemical quality of surface water in irrigation systems at 141 farms.METHODS: To this end, 141 water samples were taken to determine 22 physicochemical parameters. All in-situ measurements and laboratory analysis were performed using standard methods. The results obtained were compared with the international standards proposed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. Salinity and sodicity were measured using the irrigation water classification diagram, and the level of correlation between the 22 variables was assessed by means of correlation analysis.FINDINGS: The results obtained indicate that based on the measured parameters, the water is classified as appropriate for use in irrigation systems. The maximum and minimum pH values were 9.32 and 4.40, respectively; the maximum and minimum values of electrical conductivity were 669 and 19.80 µS/cm respectively; the maximum and minimum values of total dissolved solids were 478 and 11.80 mg/L respectively, and the maximum and minimum values of the sodium adsorption ratio were 1.72 and 0.01 mEq/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cation and anion concentrations were within the limits allowed by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WHO. According to the irrigation water classification diagram, the waters were classified as C1S1 and C2S1, which implies that there are no restrictions for their use in irrigation systems, water type (I) and type (II).
Environmental Management
S. Nayek; S. Gupta; K.K. Pobi
Abstract
The current study deals with the physicochemical characterization, temporal variability and trophic state evaluation of a post glacial mountain lake in eastern Himalaya during the period of 2014-2016. Notable seasonal variations are recorded for physicochemical parameters of lake water. The values for ...
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The current study deals with the physicochemical characterization, temporal variability and trophic state evaluation of a post glacial mountain lake in eastern Himalaya during the period of 2014-2016. Notable seasonal variations are recorded for physicochemical parameters of lake water. The values for electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity and Chloride are higher during the rainy season. Concentrations of total phosphorous (136.78±29.14 µg/L), total nitrogen (7177.78±1346.70 µg/L) and Chlorophyll-a (38.54±21.67 µg/L) in lake water are distinctly higher than the recommended standards for eutrophic condition of lake/surface water. Application of multivariate tools such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis reveals that ionic constituents of lake water are majorly associated to the geogenic and exogenic factors, with minor seasonal influences. Trophic state indices based on water transparency (3.15±1.57), total phosphorous (74.72±3.39), total nitrogen (82.64±2.83) exhibit hypertrophic nature of lake water; while trophic state index for chlorophyll-a indicate eutrophic condition. Deviations between Trophic state indices (TSICHLa-TSISD: -14±7.88, TSICHLa-TSITP: -9.17±3.33, and TSICHLa-TSITN: -17.56±5.29) infer that the nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) are not limiting factors for the algal biomass, and non-algal components such as suspended solids soil/sediment particles affects the light attenuation in the monitored lake. The observations reveal that trophic condition of monitored lake is in alarming stage. Therefore, measures should be taken on urgent basis in order to intercept the increasing trend in eutrophication, and for the restoration of water quality and integrated lake ecosystem.
Environmental Management
S.D. Kumar; A. Dash
Abstract
Different methods have been designed to calculate the air quality index in form of mathematical formula. But the formula designed by Central Pollution Control Board in 2014 is more robust to find out the air quality category. The index has been calculated based upon four parameters like particulate matters ...
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Different methods have been designed to calculate the air quality index in form of mathematical formula. But the formula designed by Central Pollution Control Board in 2014 is more robust to find out the air quality category. The index has been calculated based upon four parameters like particulate matters (PM10, PM2.5), sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide. The study area has affected by different sources like point, line and volume. Presence of different industries and mining activities polluting the natural environment of nearby areas more, although the industries taking mitigative measures proactively. In the present research, monitoring of ambient air quality has been carried out for a period from March 2013 to February 2016 for three years. It has been revealed from the study that the air quality status of the area has been declining from 2013 to 2016 i.e. 78.9 to 157.8 in summer, 49.4 to 84.3 in monsoon and 86.9 to 183.9 in winter season. It has also been found that, PM10 and PM2.5 were responsible for maximum sub-index as well as air quality index. During the study period 2015-16, out of the eight stations most comes under moderately polluted category especially in winter season followed by summer season. Statistical and Duncan’s multiple range test has been applied to the results with two-way and one-way analysis of variance based on different seasons and stations. In two-way analysis of variance, F-value was computed to be 30.105 based on seasons and stations and one-way analysis of variance test shows the F-values as 186.07 and 18.97 based on seasons and stations respectively which is found to be significant (P<0.01).The present research is important to assess the environmental quality of a mining- industrial complex area and can be a reference for similar study in other areas.
Environmental Management
Z. Abdollahi; A. Kavian; S.H.R. Sadeghi
Abstract
Quality of river varies widely depending on the land use in the catchment and environmental factors. Many rivers in developing countries are unhealthy because they contain harmful physical, chemical and biological agents. Zanjanrud River, located in Zanjan Province, Iran, where recently faced human intervention ...
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Quality of river varies widely depending on the land use in the catchment and environmental factors. Many rivers in developing countries are unhealthy because they contain harmful physical, chemical and biological agents. Zanjanrud River, located in Zanjan Province, Iran, where recently faced human intervention needs a regular monitoring from upstream to downstream for sustainable management. Hence, the current study aimed to assess spatial and temporal variations of pollutant in Zanjanrud River in different stations from headstream to tail of the river. To achieve this goal, semi-monthly samples were collected from October 2015 to Jun 2016 at 5 stations along the river. The physicochemical variables were monitored and analysed using two-way analysis of variance. The results showed the highest values of suspended and dissolved solids and total solids (220.13±5.57, 641.6±39.63 and 793.6±34.5mg/L respectively) were at the tail site in low-flow period. Nitrate-nitrogen and nitrate were also highest (5.39±02.44 and 23.90±10.85 mg/L) at the middle of the river where was vicinity to farm lands. The values of pH and dissolved oxygen ranged from 6 to 8.15 and 0.5 to 4mg/L respectively with the highest values in high-flow period at most of the study sites. The maximum and minimum values of electrical conductivity (1439 and 256µs/cm) were recorded at tail site and headstream site respectively. Hardness had an increasing trend from upstream to downstream (189.60±53.53 to 515.83±64.77mg/L). Phosphorus was also lowest (0.09±0.04mg/L) at upstream. Results illustrated the high degree of pollutant in studied river. So, an effective management of erosion, domestic waste and agricultural activities in watershed is highly recommended.
Environmental Management
E. Atuanya; W. Aborisade
Abstract
Management of cocoa plantation field relied on the use of pesticides over the years; hence, the fate of such chemicals is one of the most debated issues among the stakeholders. Young and old cocoa plantation fields from 4 major cocoa producing States in Nigeria were selected as the study area. Eight ...
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Management of cocoa plantation field relied on the use of pesticides over the years; hence, the fate of such chemicals is one of the most debated issues among the stakeholders. Young and old cocoa plantation fields from 4 major cocoa producing States in Nigeria were selected as the study area. Eight composites soil samples collected from 3 portions of 6 transect measured area (100 x 50m) of the field were transported to the laboratory in sterile glass jar for analysis. A total of 19 organochlorine pesticides residues; (aldrin, α-hexachlorohexane, β-hexachlorohexane, γ-hexachlorohexane, δ-hexachlorohexane, α-chlordane, γ-chlordane, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, dieldrin, endosulfan I, endosulfan-II, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, endrin aldehydes, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and metoxychlor) were analyzed with gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. The results revealed the variation in the number of residues detected among the study fields. Endosulfan-I had the highest value g organochlorine pesticides residue detected. Most of the residue concentrations were within the European Union regulatory standard of Czech Republic. Other-cyclodine group had the highest concentration value among the evaluated organochlorine pesticides groups. The significant (P < 0.05) higher concentration of total organochlorine pesticides were observed in old fields. Composition quotients values indicate that most of the observed organochlorine pesticides residues were products of historical usage. There were strong correlations among the total organic carbon contents of soils and the total organochlorine pesticides compounds. Government regulatory agencies are encouraged to vigorously embark in further monitoring and ensuring the safety compliance of farmers towards the use of pesticides in Nigeria farms.
Environmental Management
R. Mirzaei; M.R. Hemami; A. Esmaili Sari; H.R. Rezaei; A.T. Peterson
Abstract
Understanding distributions of wildlife species is a key step towards identifying biodiversity hotspots and designing effective conservation strategies. In this paper, the spatial pattern of diversity of birds in Golestan Province, Iran was estimated. Ecological niche modeling was used to determine distributions ...
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Understanding distributions of wildlife species is a key step towards identifying biodiversity hotspots and designing effective conservation strategies. In this paper, the spatial pattern of diversity of birds in Golestan Province, Iran was estimated. Ecological niche modeling was used to determine distributions of 144 bird species across the province using a maximum entropy algorithm. Richness maps across all birds, and separately for rare and threatened species, were prepared as approximations to hotspots. Results showed close similarity between hotspots for all birds and those for rare birds; hotspots were concentrated in the southern and especially the southwestern parts of the province. Hotspots for threatened birds tended more to the central and especially the western parts of the province, which include coastal habitats. Based on three criteria, it is clear that the western part is the most important area of the province in terms of bird Faunas. Despite some shortcomings, hotspot analysis for birds could be applied to guide conservation efforts and provide useful tool towards efficient conservation action.
Environmental Management
U.G. Abhijna
Abstract
Multivariate statistical techniques such as cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling and principal component analysis were applied to evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in water quality data set generated for two years (2008-2010) from six monitoring stations of Veli-Akkulam Lake and compared ...
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Multivariate statistical techniques such as cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling and principal component analysis were applied to evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in water quality data set generated for two years (2008-2010) from six monitoring stations of Veli-Akkulam Lake and compared with a regional reference lake Vellayani of south India. Seasonal variations of 14 different physicochemical parameters analyzed were as follows: pH (6.42-7.48), water temperature (26.0-31.28°C), salinity (0.50-26.81 ppt), electrical conductivity (47-20656.31 µs/cm), dissolved oxygen (0.078-7.65 mg/L), free carbon-dioxide (3.8-51.8 mg/L), total hardness (27.20-2166.6 mg/L), total dissolved solids (84.66-4195 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1.57-25.78 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (5.35-71.14 mg/L), nitrate (0.012-0.321 µg/ml), nitrite (0.24-0.79 µg/ml), phosphate (0.04-5.88 mg/L), and sulfate (0.27-27.8 mg/L). Cluster analysis showed four clusters based on the similarity of water quality characteristics among sampling stations during three different seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). Multidimensional scaling in conjunction with cluster analysis identified four distinct groups of sites with varied water quality conditions such as upstream, transitional and downstream conditions in Veli-Akkulam Lake and a reference condition at Vellayani Lake. Principal Component Analysis showed that Veli-Akkulam Lake was seriously deteriorated in water quality while acceptable water quality conditions were observed at reference lake Vellayani. Thus the present study could estimate the effectiveness of multivariate statistical approaches for assessing water quality conditions in lakes.
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