Environmental Management
B.H. Narendra; O. Setiawan; R.A. Hasan; C.A. Siregar; , Pratiwi; N. Sari; A. Sukmana; I.W.S. Dharmawan; R. Nandini
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Flooding is the most frequent hydrological disaster which greatly impacts humans and the environment. Lombok, a small tropical island, experiences severe flooding almost yearly. Flood susceptibility mapping is important to determine the priority watershed in implementing flood ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Flooding is the most frequent hydrological disaster which greatly impacts humans and the environment. Lombok, a small tropical island, experiences severe flooding almost yearly. Flood susceptibility mapping is important to determine the priority watershed in implementing flood mitigation action, including improving the spatial planning in watershed management. Several methods of determining flood susceptibility require the support of long data series and a variety of monitoring equipment in the field where not every region has the resource capacity. Compared to other methods that require the support of long data series and a large number of evenly distributed monitoring equipment, the geomorphometric parameters and land use/cover in a watershed are closely related to the hydrological responses and are potentially applicable in flood susceptibility mapping. This research aimed to classify the watershed flood susceptibility on a small island based on the geomorphometric characteristics and land use/land cover of the watershed.METHODS: This study was carried out on Lombok Island, located in southern Indonesia, representing a small island in the tropical region. Watershed classification was carried out using 24 geomorphometric variables and land use/land cover, representing aspects of the river network, geometry, texture, and watershed relief. The principal component analysis approach was carried out to determine the most significant variable, and the weight of each variable was determined using the weighted sum approach method. Then, compound values were calculated based on the weighted values and preliminary ranking to indicate the flood susceptibility levels, which were divided into five classes.FINDINGS: The analysis found that the variables most related to flood events are the total number of rivers, relief ratio, elongation ratio, river density, stream frequency, and dry agricultural land use. These most related geomorphometrics indicate that the watersheds with higher flood susceptibility have low rock permeability, relatively low infiltration capacity, and relatively high surface runoff, thus triggering flooding. The flood susceptibility mapping classified 16 watersheds as having very high flood susceptibility. This research shows that analysis of the geomorphometric characteristics and land use/land cover can be relied upon to determine the flood susceptibility level, which is useful in spatial planning and flood disaster mitigation.CONCLUSION: Geomorphometric characteristics and land use/land cover can be used to determine a watershed's hydrological characteristics or behaviour. Based on the geomorphometric characteristics of the watersheds on Lombok Island, some identifying variables that are highly related to flood processes were obtained. Based on these characteristics, watersheds with high and very high flood susceptibility levels have low rock permeability, relatively low potential infiltration capacity, and relatively high surface runoff potential. Flooding still occurs despite good forest cover because the geomorphometric characteristics of the watershed also play a major role in flood events.
Environmental Management
S. Kasim; A. Daud; A.B. Birawida; A. Mallongi; A.I. Arundana; A. Rasul; M. Hatta
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastic pollution has a far and wide presence in the surroundings. It can be encountered in the sea, wastewater, freshwater, food, air, and water sources. It is even present in refilled drinking water. This study aims to analyze environmental health dangers of the exposure ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastic pollution has a far and wide presence in the surroundings. It can be encountered in the sea, wastewater, freshwater, food, air, and water sources. It is even present in refilled drinking water. This study aims to analyze environmental health dangers of the exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in refilled water sources in Tamangapa, Makassar City, Indonesia.METHODS: This research is an observational study with an environmental health risk analysis. Sampling was conducted in Tamangapa, Makassar City, Indonesia. A total of 100 respondents were involved. Additionally, 20 samples of refilled drinking water were examined in the laboratory using the Fourier Transform Infrared test. Data analysis was carried out by calculating the intake and risk quotient values. If risk quotient > 1, it is considered necessary to carry out risk management.FINDINGS: An average polyethylene terephthalate microplastic concentration of 0.0052 milligram per kilogram per day, an average intake rate of 210 milligrams per kilogram per day, an average exposure frequency of 350 days, an average exposure duration of 30 years, average intake exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics above 0.0004, and an average risk quotient value above 1 were obtained. If they build up in the body, microplastics may have harmful consequences, including organ inflammation, internal or external damage, and chemical alteration of plastics that have already entered the body.CONCLUSION: Some measures of risk management that can be performed are to reduce the concentration of risk agents if the pattern and timing of consumption cannot be changed, reduce the consumption pattern (intake rate) if the concentration of risk agents and the time of consumption cannot be changed, and reduce the contact time if the risk agent concentration and consumption pattern cannot be changed.
Environmental Management
N. Fahimah; I.R.S. Salami; K. Oginawati; S.J. Yapfrine; A. Supriatin; Y.N. Thaher
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Excessive presence of heavy metals in water sources can reduce water quality and harm human health. However, research on heavy metals from water sources for sanitation and hygiene purposes and drinking water in the Upper Citarum Watershed remains limited. This study focuses ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Excessive presence of heavy metals in water sources can reduce water quality and harm human health. However, research on heavy metals from water sources for sanitation and hygiene purposes and drinking water in the Upper Citarum Watershed remains limited. This study focuses on the distribution of heavy metals and chemicals that have potential health risks.METHODS: Ten heavy metals, namely, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, cobalt, iron, mercury, manganese, arsenic, and zinc, were analyzed. Groundwater samples were collected from 160 locations, and drinking water samples (for respondents who do not drink groundwater) were collected from 98 locations. Heavy metal concentrations were detected using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.FINDINGS: The levels of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, iron, mercury, manganese, and lead exceeded the quality standards for drinking water, while those of arsenic and cobalt did not exceed the quality standards for water hygiene and sanitation. Arsenic and cobalt quality standards were more stringent for drinking water compared with those for water hygiene and sanitation. Lead–cadmium and iron–manganese in groundwater showed a positive Spearman correlation (p<0.05) and may originate from the same source. Copper and zinc did not exceed the quality standard in 100% of drinking water samples. Iron and zinc in groundwater differed significantly due to variations in topography and soil type (p<0.05). This study reveals that 6 out of 10 heavy metals are chemicals of potential concern and are sorted based on potential risks to health, that is, arsenic > mercury > lead > cobalt > manganese > cadmium. Ingestion is the main pathway for potential risk, and children are more likely to be at risk than adults.CONCLUSION: Stakeholders and decision makers must immediately implement sustainable actions to protect public health. Evaluation of water sources, technology, maintenance processes, and water quality should be conducted before and after technology use from Refill Drinking Water Depots to ensure that raw and processing water meets the quality standards.
Environmental Management
S. Ajbar El Gueriri; F. El Mansouri; F. Achemlal; S. Lachaal; J. Brigui; A. Fakih Lanjri
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Good health and a safe environment are essential for sustainable development, including the appropriate management of healthcare wastes. The study intends to assess the generation rate and management methods of healthcare waste in the regional hospital center and a private ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Good health and a safe environment are essential for sustainable development, including the appropriate management of healthcare wastes. The study intends to assess the generation rate and management methods of healthcare waste in the regional hospital center and a private clinic in Tangier, Morocco, with a focus on potential risks to health workers from infectious diseases.METHODS: The study collected data on healthcare waste generation over a period of two months by measuring and analyzing general and hazardous waste using an electronic scale. The data was presented as averages in kilograms per bed per day and as percentages. A questionnaire was provided to 100 healthcare workers. It included questions on their sociodemographic characteristics and their knowledge and attitudes regarding healthcare waste management.FINDINGS: The case study revealed that the healthcare waste production in the two institutions varied, with the private clinic producing 0.76 kilograms per day per bed and the regional hospital center producing 1.84 kilograms per day per bed. The survey also discovered that the hazardous fraction of waste generated in the regional hospital center was 40 percent, which was much higher than the World Health Organization’s estimation. The daily amount of hazardous waste generated increased from 260.49 kilograms to 436.81 kilograms post-COVID-19. The survey found gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and daily challenges in waste management practices among the health workers in both facilities.CONCLUSION: The survey findings suggest that the healthcare waste management methods in Tangier are unsafe and may endanger the health workers and patients. The study found that the lack of monitoring and control contributed significantly to noncompliance with good practices. These findings can be used by the regional divisions of the Ministry of Health to develop specific protocols for managing sanitary emergencies and perform routine observation and training at all levels in the two facilities studied.
Environmental Management
E. Ernyasih; A. Mallongi; A. Daud; S. Palutturi; S. Stang; R. Thaha; E. Ibrahim; W. Al Madhoun
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rising number of vehicles used for transportation, which is attributed to the steady increase in population, is known to be a major contributor of air pollution, which, in turn, can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, in this study, we aimed ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rising number of vehicles used for transportation, which is attributed to the steady increase in population, is known to be a major contributor of air pollution, which, in turn, can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the concentration of carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter in the air and their potential health risks and further examine the use of probabilistic methods to simulate the sensitivity of people living in communities and school children to these pollutants.METHODS: This study collected carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter samples from 32 stations near community houses and 14 sites near schools located along roads. Hazard quotient and target hazard quotient calculations were used to estimate the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with exposure to these substances for both community adults and school children. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations were applied to analyze the sensitivity and uncertainty risks. FINDINGS: As per the results, the highest level of carbon monoxide was recorded in station 22, with 6729 microgram per cubic meter, while the lowest was in station 24, with 1037 microgram per cubic meter. Station 10 had the highest concentration of fine particulate matter at 116 microgram per cubic meter, as opposed to station 2 with the lowest level at 10 microgram per cubic meter. In children, the hazard quotient value for carbon monoxide was found to be highest at 3.013, with the lowest at 0.614. Similarly, the highest level of target hazard quotient for carbon monoxide in children was 7.370, whereas the lowest was 1.522. For fine particulate matter, the highest risk level was 0.180. Additionally, the highest, and lowest levels of target hazard quotient for fine particulate matter were 0.311 and 0.037, respectively. Deterministic and probabilistic approaches were used to assess the risks these pollutants impose on adults and school children based on their daily inhalation rate. The results revealed that the 5th and 95th percentiles of cancer risk for carbon monoxide in adults were 2.85 and 6.11, respectively, indicating medium risks. However, for fine particulate matter, the 5th, and 95th percentiles were 0.09 and 0.19, respectively, signifying lower risks. For school children, the percentiles for carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter were 1.20 and 2.50, respectively, demonstrating higher risks.CONCLUSION: As per the results, it was determined that the hazard quotient risk for carbon monoxide in adults exceeded the standard, >1, thus posing a risk. Only three stations had hazard quotient values lower than 1, which is deemed of safe level. Most of the fine particulate matter risk assessment results had hazard quotient values lower than 1, indicating a safe level. However, all other 30 stations had exceeded the World Health Organization standard (>1), thus demonstrating risks. The likelihood of the inhabitants being at risk increased as the frequency of discrete exposure occurrences increased; this is evidenced by target hazard quotient calculation results for both carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter at the 32 monitored station areas. These results warrant that future research should focus on reducing carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter in the environment by fostering awareness among local and national stakeholders as well as the academe; this may allow South Tangerang to become a center of excellence for green schools in the area.
Environmental Management
T.H. Truong; L.T.T. Nguyen; D.D. Nguyen; T. Pham; T.M. Vu; P.H. Nguyen; Q.T. Nguyen
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Water security for food production in the deltas of international river basins has become the top concern of the basin countries. Numerous efforts were made to develop frameworks for the assessment of water security at different scales. However, no framework could be directly ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Water security for food production in the deltas of international river basins has become the top concern of the basin countries. Numerous efforts were made to develop frameworks for the assessment of water security at different scales. However, no framework could be directly applied to the deltas of the transboundary basins because they have not fully addressed the characteristics of the deltas. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for the assessment of water security for the international river basin deltas and applied it to the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.METHODS: The water security assessment framework was developed on the basis of the concept of water security defined by the United Nations Water following the “Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response” approach. The developed framework is then used to evaluate the water security conditions for 22 subregions of the Mekong Delta.FINDINGS: The proposed water security assessment framework comprises the following six dimensions: water resources, domestic water supply, water for economic development, water-related disasters, ecological and environmental protection, and water governance, which contain 21 indicators and 5 sub-indicators. The results of applying this framework to the Mekong Delta showed that the overall water security conditions in most subregions in 2018 were only at the medium level. The degree of water security in flood season is higher than that in the dry season. The main reasons that lead to the medium-level water security of the region have been identified, including high dependence on external water resources (more than 90%) and transboundary water cooperation between the basin countries and rather low water productivity in economic sectors. The study suggests that improvement in transboundary water cooperation and water productivity would help enhance future water security in the Mekong Delta.CONCLUSION: Assessment of the water security for the deltas of the transboundary river basins requires a comprehensive assessment framework. The framework developed in this study was successfully applied to the case of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The proposed framework will help policymakers of the Mekong riparian countries to monitor the impact of the basin development plans and policies on water security conditions jointly and determine appropriate solutions to enhance water security for the basin.
Environmental Management
A.V.H. Simanjuntak; U Muksin; A. Arifullah; K. Lythgoe; Y. Asnawi; M. Sinambela; S. Rizal; S. Wei
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For the first time, an earthquake swarm occurred from April to August 2021 in Lake Toba; Indonesia, the world’s largest caldera lake. Although the earthquakes were located in a volcanic environment, the swarm activities could also be related to tectonic activities on ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For the first time, an earthquake swarm occurred from April to August 2021 in Lake Toba; Indonesia, the world’s largest caldera lake. Although the earthquakes were located in a volcanic environment, the swarm activities could also be related to tectonic activities on the Sumatran fault. The swarm activities occurred at shallow depths and may influence the ground surface condition in which soil or rock below the subsurface can amplify the shaking. The research objective was to investigate the characteristics of the earthquake swarm in the Toba Caldera from the spectrum of the earthquake waveforms, site frequency, and horizontal-to-vertical ratio of sites.METHODS: The spectra of very closely located swarm and nonswarm earthquakes were analyzed to investigate the differences between both types of seismic events. The seismic spectral ratio of horizontal-over-vertical components was applied to calculate the spectrum in the active swarm region from all newly installed seismic sensors. The root mean square was applied to average the amplitude of the horizontal components. Then, the values of the horizontal-to-vertical ratios were obtained by comparing the average values of the horizontal and vertical components.FINDING: The microtremor study showed a more complete spectrum waveform from the low-to-high frequency of a non swarm earthquake, while the swarm earthquakes generated high-frequency seismograms. From the combination values of natural site frequencies and the horizontal-to-vertical ratios, the Toba environment can be classified into five clusters: I) Samosir–Hasinggaan, II) Samosir–Parapat, III) Silimapuluh, IV) Balige–Paropo, and V) Panjaitan. Samosir Island located in the middle of the Toba Caldera has the highest frequency and amplification, which are divided into two clusters.CONCLUSION: Cluster I, with high amplification corresponding to the earthquake intensity, was felt by people in northern Samosir. Cluster II is located in the southern part of Samosir Island. Cluster III features moderate values of amplification and seismic vulnerability and therefore needs attention before future infrastructure development. Cluster IV, located in the southern and northern regions with high amplification and vulnerability, is associated with the Quaternary eruption. Cluster V, situated in northeastern Toba, has the lowest amplification and vulnerability compared to other clusters. The microtremor results provide good correlation with the geology in the volcanic environment of the Toba region.
Environmental Management
U. Muksin; E. Riana; A. Rudiyanto; K. Bauer; A.V.H. Simanjuntak; M. Weber
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Soil or rock types in a region are often interpreted qualitatively by visually comparing various geophysical properties such as seismic wave velocity and vulnerability, as well as gravity data. Better insight and less human-dependent interpretation of soil types can be obtained ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Soil or rock types in a region are often interpreted qualitatively by visually comparing various geophysical properties such as seismic wave velocity and vulnerability, as well as gravity data. Better insight and less human-dependent interpretation of soil types can be obtained from a joint analysis of separated and independent geophysical parameters. This paper discusses the application of a neural network approach to derive rock properties and seismic vulnerability from horizontal-to-vertical seismic ratio and seismic wave velocity data recorded in Majalengka-West Java, Indonesia.METHODS: Seismic microtremors were recorded at 54 locations and additionally multichannel analyses of surface wave experiments were performed at 18 locations because the multichannel analyses of surface wave experiment needs more effort and space. From the two methods, the values of the average shear wave velocity for the upper 30 meters, peak amplitudes and the dominant frequency between the measurement points were obtained from the interpolation of those geophysical data. Neural network was then applied to adaptively cluster and map the geophysical parameters. Four learning model clusters were developed from the three input seismic parameters: shear wave velocity, peak amplitude, and dominant frequency.FINDINGS: Generally, the values of the horizontal to vertical spectral ratios in the west of the study area were low (less than 5) compared with those in the southeastern part. The dominant frequency values in the west were mostly low at around 0.1–3 Hertz, associated with thick sedimentary layer. The pattern of the shear wave velocity map correlates with that of the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio map as the amplification is related to the soil or rock rigidity represented by the shear wave velocity. The combination of the geophysical data showed new features which is not found on the geological map such as in the eastern part of the study area.CONCLUSION: The application of the neural network based clustering analysis to the geophysical data revealed four rock types which are difficult to observe visually. The four clusters classified based on the variation of the geophysical parameters show a good correlation to rock types obtained from previous geological surveys. The clustering classified safe and vulnerable regions although detailed investigation is still required for confirmation before further development. This study demonstrates that low-cost geophysical experiments combined with neural network-based clustering can provide additional information which is important for seismic hazard mitigation in densely populated areas.
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 Management
Y. Asnawi; A.V.H. Simanjuntak; U. Muksin; M. Okubo; S.I. Putri; S. Rizal; M. Syukri
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Soil or rock properties where buildings are situated play an important role in the ground shaking caused by an earthquake. The highly populated Banda Aceh city in the northernmost Sumatra is flanked by two active faults, the Seulimeum and the Aceh segment. Therefore, it is ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Soil or rock properties where buildings are situated play an important role in the ground shaking caused by an earthquake. The highly populated Banda Aceh city in the northernmost Sumatra is flanked by two active faults, the Seulimeum and the Aceh segment. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the subsurface characteristics of the region to reduce the earthquake risk as there was no regional study has been conducted so far.METHODS: Characteristics of the soil or rock of the subsurface were derived from various seismic parameters. The seismic microtremors were recorded at 36 sites covering the highly populated city and the two active faults. The spatial autocorrelation method was used to obtain a dispersion curve based on the relationship between seismic frequencies and phase velocity from triangular geophones array to determine the shear wave velocity of the subsurface layer. The seismic amplification, dominant frequency and vulnerability value at each measurement point were measured using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio method. The maps of velocity structure and HVSR parameters were generated from the interpolation of those seismic parameters.FINDING: Based on the variation of the four geophysical parameters: shear wave velocity, seismic amplification, dominant frequency, and seismic vulnerability, the study area can be clustered into five different groups: I) Banda Aceh, II) Jantho, III) Krueng Raya, IV) Lhoknga-Lhoong, and V) Seulawah, which classify the different types of rocks. The classification of soil properties from the combination of shear wave and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio data correlates with the geology of the study area.CONCLUSION: The Banda Aceh city, flanked by the two active faults, is characterized by low shear wave velocity and high amplification because the city stands on the sedimentary basin; thus, it requires a detailed investigation prior to constructing infrastructures. The other clusters are located on the relatively less vulnerable areas, indicated by moderate shear wave velocity and moderate to low seismic vulnerability indexes. The joint analysis shows that the combination of physical properties, including the shear wave velocity, seismic amplification, and dominant frequency, can be used to investigate lithology and seismic vulnerability into a specific cluster. The research results are essential for hazard mitigation and can be used for disaster risk management by the local government. A detailed investigation with denser measurement points needs to be conducted to comprehensively describe the types of rocks in Banda Aceh and its surrounding.
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.
Environmental Management
C. Loukrakpam; B. Oinam
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Soil erosion is considered one of the major indicators of soil degradation in our environment. Extensive soil erosion process leads to erosion of nutrients in the topsoil and decreases in fertility and hence productivity. Moreover, creeping erosion leads to landslides in the ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Soil erosion is considered one of the major indicators of soil degradation in our environment. Extensive soil erosion process leads to erosion of nutrients in the topsoil and decreases in fertility and hence productivity. Moreover, creeping erosion leads to landslides in the hilly regions of the study area that affects the socio-economics of the inhabitants. The current study focuses on the estimation of soil erosion rate for the year 2011 to 2019 and projection for the years 2021, 2023 and 2025.METHODS: In this study, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation is used for estimation of soil erosion in the study area for the year 2011 to 2019. Using Artificial Neural Network-based Cellular Automata simulation, the Land Use Land Cover is projected for the future years 2021, 2023 and 2025. Using the projected layer as one of the spatial variables and applying the same model, Soil Erosion based on Revised Universal soil loss equation is projected for a corresponding years.FINDINGS: For both cases of projection, simulated layers of 2019 (land use land cover and soil erosion) are correlated with the estimated layer of 2019 using actual variables and validated. The agreement and accuracy of the model used in the case land use are 0.92 and 96.21% for the year 2019. The coefficient of determination of the model for both simulations is also observed to be 0.875 and 0.838. The simulated future soil erosion rate ranges from minimum of 0 t/ha/y to maximum of 524.271 t/ha/y, 1160.212 t/ha/y and 783.135 t/ha/y in the year 2021, 2023 and 2025, respectively.CONCLUSION: The study has emphasized the use of artificial neural network-based Cellular automata model for simulation of land use and land cover and subsequently estimation of soil erosion rate. With the simulation of future soil erosion rate, the study describes the trend in the erosion rate from past to future, passing through present scenario. With the scarcity of data, the methodology is found to be accurate and reliable for the region under study.
Environmental Management
G. R. Puno; R. C. Puno; I. V. Maghuyop
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study involved developing a two-dimensional flood model to analyze the risk exposure of land use/land cover based on the generated flood hazard maps for the six return period scenarios in the Solana watershed.METHODS: The approach consisted of applying hydrologic and hydraulic ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study involved developing a two-dimensional flood model to analyze the risk exposure of land use/land cover based on the generated flood hazard maps for the six return period scenarios in the Solana watershed.METHODS: The approach consisted of applying hydrologic and hydraulic numerical flood models and the suite of advanced geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies. The process involved utilizing a high-resolution digital elevation model and a set of high-precision instruments such as the real-time kinematic-global position system receiver, digital flow meter, deep gauge, and automatic weather station in collecting the respective data on bathymetry, river discharge, river depth, and rainfall intensity during a particular climatic event, needed for the model development, calibration and validation.FINDINGS: The developed two-dimensional flood model could simulate flood hazard with an 86% accuracy level based on the coefficient of determination statistics. The flood risk exposure analysis revealed that coconut is the most affected, with 31.3% and 37.1% being at risk across the 2-year and 100-year return period scenarios, respectively. Results also showed that rice and pineapple are at risk of flooding damage with the increasing rate of exposure by a magnitude of 42.9 and 9.3 across the 2-year and 100-year flood scenarios, respectively.CONCLUSION: The study highlighted the integration of the findings and recommendations in the localized comprehensive land use plan and implementation to realize the challenge of building a climate change proof and a flood-resilient human settlement in the urbanizing watershed of Solana.
Environmental Management
S.K. Tamang; P.D. Singh; B. Datta
Abstract
Artificial neural network is considered one of the most efficient methods in processing huge data sets that can be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, prediction, forecasting etc. It has a great prospective in engineering as well as in medical applications. The present work employs artificial ...
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Artificial neural network is considered one of the most efficient methods in processing huge data sets that can be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, prediction, forecasting etc. It has a great prospective in engineering as well as in medical applications. The present work employs artificial neural network-based curve fitting techniques in prediction and forecasting of the Covid-19 number of rising cases and death cases in India, USA, France, and UK, considering the progressive trends of China and South Korea. In this paper, three cases are considered to analyze the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic viz., (i) forecasting as per the present trend of rising cases of different countries (ii) forecasting of one week following up with the improvement trends as per China and South Korea, and (iii) forecasting if followed up the progressive trends as per China and South Korea before a week. The results have shown that ANN can efficiently forecast the future cases of COVID 19 outbreak of any country. The study shows that the confirmed cases of India, USA, France and UK could be about 50,000 to 1,60,000, 12,00,000 to 17,00,000, 1,40,000 to 1,50,000 and 2,40,000 to 2,50,000 respectively and may take about 2 to 10 months based on progressive trends of China and South Korea. Similarly, the death toll for these countries just before controlling could be about 1600 to 4000 for India, 1,35,000 to 1,00,000 for USA, 40,000 to 55,000 for France, 35,000 to 47,000 for UK during the same period of study.
Environmental Management
O. Faiier; O. Arefieva; I. Miahkykh; N. Babko; S. Kuskova; O. Khloponina-Gnatenko
Abstract
This study contains a comprehensive scientific analysis of modern problems of risk management in the sphere of state economic security provision using professional liability insurance. The elements of the mechanism for providing economic security are defined, namely: subjects, objects, and instruments ...
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This study contains a comprehensive scientific analysis of modern problems of risk management in the sphere of state economic security provision using professional liability insurance. The elements of the mechanism for providing economic security are defined, namely: subjects, objects, and instruments of influence. It is stipulated that insurance is the means to provide state economic security. Here are types of insurance that are important for the state and its economic security and we have focused on one of these types, namely: professional liability insurance. It is shown that this type of insurance helps to manage the risks in different business activities. The concept of this type of insurance has been researched. It is identified as its characteristics. The classification of this type of insurance has been performed. It is proved the effectiveness of insurance as a method to provide the protection of the economic interests of all entities by transferring part of the risks to professional participants of the insurance market.
Environmental Management
A. Zielińska; W. Bajdur
Abstract
The issue of accidents at work and accident prevention have a significant impact regarding safety, health protection and work environment management for the European Union. Work conditions need to be improved in Poland. Solving this collective issue caused by humanitarian as well as economic considerations ...
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The issue of accidents at work and accident prevention have a significant impact regarding safety, health protection and work environment management for the European Union. Work conditions need to be improved in Poland. Solving this collective issue caused by humanitarian as well as economic considerations is a primary mission in businesses. Creating more quality jobs is one of the main goals of the EU’s social policy. Health and safety in the work environment are essential conditions for work quality. This article presents the incidence of work-related accidents in the EU. In the 28 member states of the EU (EU-28), 2015 recorded over 3.2 million workplace accidents which invoked at least 4-day work leaves and 3,876 deaths. The authors of this analysis present the issue of workplace accidents based on the examination of incidents in large foodstuff plants of the Lodz voivodship i.e. food processing businesses that have been continuously active for the five year period of 2008-2012. The food industry belongs to one of the most fundamental economic fields and is one of the most important factors of economic growth and amounts to about 20% of domestic production in the processing industry in Poland. The Lodz province has been chosen on account of its central location in the country. For the selected group of businesses, there is a marked increase of workplace accidents – from 258 in 2008, to 333 incidents in 2012 – for the study period in that the lowest incidence occurred in 2009 (211 accidents), and the highest in 2011 (358 accidents).
Environmental Management
P. Hrytsiuk; T. Babych; O. Mandziuk
Abstract
Grain production is one of the Ukrainian agro-industrial complex main branches. An indicator of the grain production efficiency is its profitability. It is characterized by significant annual fluctuations that induce risk. Redistribution of existing grain crops areas taking into consideration their profitability ...
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Grain production is one of the Ukrainian agro-industrial complex main branches. An indicator of the grain production efficiency is its profitability. It is characterized by significant annual fluctuations that induce risk. Redistribution of existing grain crops areas taking into consideration their profitability can bring to increase of production efficiency. The paper observes Markowitz’s optimal portfolio theory appliance to grain branch. The central aim of this work is the development and justification of a new technique of sown areas portfolio risk evaluating. In this study, the annual profitability of four cereal crops cultivated in the Rivne region: wheat, barley, corn, and oats, have been analyzed. It is shown that the profitability of the cereals is not normally distributed. Under these conditions, the portfolio variance loses part of its informativity and can not serve as a good risk measure. It has been determined that the profitability of crops with good precision follows Laplace distribution (double exponential distribution). The analytical expression for Value-at-Risk measures has been obtained using the Laplace distribution function. Numerical risk assessments performed. Using a modified Markowitz model and obtained risk estimates the efficient frontiers of cereal sown areas portfolios in the Rivne region were constructed. Obtained results allow indicating ways for optimization the region grain industry structure.
Environmental Management
B.A.M. Talisay; G.R. Puno; R.A.L. Amper
Abstract
Flooding is one of the most occurring natural hazards every year risking the lives and properties of the affected communities, especially in Philippine context. To visualize the extent and mitigate the impacts of flood hazard in Malingon River in Valencia City, Bukidnon, this paper presents the combination ...
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Flooding is one of the most occurring natural hazards every year risking the lives and properties of the affected communities, especially in Philippine context. To visualize the extent and mitigate the impacts of flood hazard in Malingon River in Valencia City, Bukidnon, this paper presents the combination of Geographic Information System, high-resolution Digital Elevation Model, land cover, soil, observed hydro-meteorological data; and the combined Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System and River Analysis System models. The hydrologic model determines the precipitation-runoff relationships of the watershed and the hydraulic model calculates the flood depth and flow pattern in the floodplain area. The overall performance of hydrologic model during calibration was “very good fit” based on the criterion of Nash-Sutcliffe Coefficient of Model Efficiency, Percentage Bias and Root Mean Square Error – Observations Standard Deviation Ratio with the values of 0.87, -8.62 and 0.46, respectively. On the other hand, the performance of hydraulic model during error computation was “intermediate fit” using F measure analysis with a value of 0.56, using confusion matrix with 80.5% accuracy and the Root Mean Square Error of 0.47 meters. Flood hazard maps in 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100-year return periods were generated as well as the number of flooded buildings in each flood hazard level and in different return periods were determined. The output of the study served as an important basis for a more informed decision and science-based recommendations in formulating local and regional policies for more effective and cost-efficient strategies relative to flood hazards.
Environmental Management
M.B.T. Alivio; G.R. Puno; B.A.M. Talisay
Abstract
Increasing frequency and severity of flooding demands identification of flood hazard zones in Kalilangan, Bukidnon in response to the echoing need of better disaster preparedness via enhancing the understanding and awareness of the public on flood characteristics by integrating the use of two-dimensional ...
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Increasing frequency and severity of flooding demands identification of flood hazard zones in Kalilangan, Bukidnon in response to the echoing need of better disaster preparedness via enhancing the understanding and awareness of the public on flood characteristics by integrating the use of two-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling and remote sensing. Flood simulation was carried out in a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model using hydrologic engineering center-river analysis system to derive the flood inundation area and flood depth of Kalilangan, Bukidnon. Thus, it was preceded by pre-processing of the model using software packages of hydrologic engineering center-hydrologic modeling system and ArcGIS along with interferometric synthetic aperture radar–digital elevation model, Manning’s roughness coefficient and precipitation data. Five different rain return flooding scenarios were simulated using rainfall intensity duration frequency data. Three zones of flood hazard were then set as low, medium and high. The result shows that most areas of Kalilangan are within the zones of medium to high hazard with residential buildings as the most flooded type of built-up structures. Flood hazard zone areas could be mapped at an accuracy of 79.51%. Thus, harnessing this potential approach offers cost-effective way of flood preparedness viewing hazard-prone areas with special attention and utmost importance.
Environmental Management
J.L. Ogania; G.R. Puno; M.B.T. Alivio; J.M.G. Taylaran
Abstract
Flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters occurring annually in the Philippines. A call for a solution for this malady is very challenging as well as crucial to be addressed. Mapping flood hazard is an effective tool in determining the extent and depth of floods associated with hazard ...
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Flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters occurring annually in the Philippines. A call for a solution for this malady is very challenging as well as crucial to be addressed. Mapping flood hazard is an effective tool in determining the extent and depth of floods associated with hazard level in specified areas that need to be prioritized during flood occurrences. Precedent to the production of maps is the utilization of reliable and accurate topographic data. In the present study, the performance of 3 digital elevation models having different resolution was evaluated with the aid of flood modeling software such as hydrologic engineering centre-hydrologic modeling system and hydrologic engineering centre-river analysis system. The two-dimensional models were processed using three different digital elevation models, captured through light detection and ranging, interferometric synthetic aperture radar, and synthetic aperture radar technologies, to simulate and compare the flood inundation of 5-, 25- 100-year return periods. The accuracy of the generated flood maps was carried out using statistical analysis tools - Overall accuracy, F-measure and root-mean-square-error. Results reveal that using light detection and ranging–digital elevation model, the overall accuracy of the flood map is 82.5% with a fitness of 0.5333 to ground-truth data and an error of 0.32 meter in simulating flood depth which implies a promising performance of the model compared to other data sources. Thus, higher resolution digital elevation model generates more accurate flood hazard maps while coarser resolution over-predicts the flood extent.
Environmental Management
C.E. Akumu; J. Henry; T. Gala; S. Dennis; C. Reddy; F. Tegegne; S. Haile; R.S. Archer
Abstract
The understanding of inland wetlands’ distribution and their level of vulnerability is important to enhance management and conservation efforts. The aim of the study was to map inland wetlands and assess their distribution pattern and vulnerability to natural and human disturbances such as climate ...
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The understanding of inland wetlands’ distribution and their level of vulnerability is important to enhance management and conservation efforts. The aim of the study was to map inland wetlands and assess their distribution pattern and vulnerability to natural and human disturbances such as climate change (temperature increase) and human activities by the year 2080. Inland wetland types i.e. forested/shrub, emergent and open water bodies were classified and mapped using maximum likelihood standard algorithm. The spatial distribution pattern of inland wetlands was examined using average nearest neighbor analysis. A weighted geospatial vulnerability analysis was developed using variables such as roads, land cover/ land use (developed and agricultural areas) and climate data (temperature) to predict potentially vulnerable inland wetland types. Inland wetlands were successfully classified and mapped with overall accuracy of about 73 percent. Clustered spatial distribution pattern was found among all inland wetland types with varied degree of clustering. The study found about 13 percent of open water bodies, 11 percent of forested/shrub and 7 percent of emergent wetlands potentially most vulnerable to human and natural stressors. This information could be used to improve wetland planning and management by wetland managers and other stakeholders.
Environmental Management
M. Gul; A.F. Guneri; M. Baskan
Abstract
As wind energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources over the globe, need for increasing safety for this type of energy is gaining importance. Although this sector is not suffering an excessive amount of fatal injury accidents, there are many aspects open for improvements in occupational ...
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As wind energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources over the globe, need for increasing safety for this type of energy is gaining importance. Although this sector is not suffering an excessive amount of fatal injury accidents, there are many aspects open for improvements in occupational health and safety management. The construction and operation processes of wind turbines include several hazards that must be reduced. This study aims to present a risk assessment for the construction and operation period of wind tribunes using a new fuzzy based method. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, a common used multi criteria decision making method, is applied to assign weights to the parameters of Fine-Kinney risk analysis method. Then, fuzzy VIKOR method is used to prioritize hazards. A case study is carried out for an onshore wind turbine in Turkey by using occupational health and safety experts in weighting risk parameters and evaluating compromised rankings of the hazards. Results reveal the most important hazards both for construction and operation period of the wind tribune. On conclusion of the current study, control measures for those risks and possible corrective-preventive actions for improvement are also provided.
Environmental Management
D. Tomacheski; M. Pittol; D.N. Simões; V.F. Ribeiro; R.M.C. Santana
Abstract
There is a growing consumer market for products that proclaim to decrease microorganism counts to prevent infections. Most of these products are loaded with silver in its ionic or nanoparticle form. Through use or during production, these particles can find their way into the soil and cause an impact ...
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There is a growing consumer market for products that proclaim to decrease microorganism counts to prevent infections. Most of these products are loaded with silver in its ionic or nanoparticle form. Through use or during production, these particles can find their way into the soil and cause an impact in microbial and plant communities. This study aims to evaluate the impact of silver based particles in Avena byzantina (oat), Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Raphanus sativus (radish) development and in the soil microorganism abundance. Oat, lettuce and radish plants were cultivated in soil contaminated with particles of bentonite organomodified with silver (Ag+_bentonite), silver phosphate glass (Ag+_phosphate) and silver nanoparticles adsorbed on fumed silica (AgNp_silica). Plant development and microorganisms’ abundance were evaluated. To some degree, Ag+_bentonite impacted plants development and AgNp_silica causes an adverse effect on microbial abundance. The impact on plants and microorganisms was contradictory and varied according to soil and particles physicochemical characteristics.
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".
