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.
P. Gandiwa; J. Finch; T. Hill
Abstract
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (MCL) woody vegetation was characterized to establish structural and compositional attributes. Stratified random sampling based on major soil types was used and nine plant variables were measured in 137(20x30) m2 sampling plots; these being genera, species and family names; ...
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Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (MCL) woody vegetation was characterized to establish structural and compositional attributes. Stratified random sampling based on major soil types was used and nine plant variables were measured in 137(20x30) m2 sampling plots; these being genera, species and family names; basal circumference; plant height; depth and diameter of tree canopy; number of stems per plant; plant life status; number of trees and shrubs; and number of saplings. A total of 3114 woody plants were sampled, comprising an assemblage of 28 families, 63 genera and 106 species. The results suggest alluvial floodplain flanking the Limpopo River is a biodiversity hotspot with high plant species diversity (H’=1.8-2.2) 1/ha, taller trees (P<0.05) with median height per plot ranging between 6.1-10 m, high canopy volume at 105783 (443155m3/ha) and basal area (16.9-111m2/ha). The Arenosols-Regosol stratum had significantly shorter trees (P<0.05) with median height per plot between 3-4 m, low species diversity (H’=0.8-2.3) 1/ha, low basal area (3.23-48.2m2/ha) and low canopy volume (6687.08(155965.00) m3/ha. The Cambisol-Luvisol stratum in the western section of MCL had high number of stems/plant at 1.65 (1.40), high woody plant density 483.33 (900.00) 1/ha, F3,137=19.07, P<0.05), high density of dead plants 16.67 (133.30) 1/ha and high sapling density 208.33 (850.00) 1/ha. The present study suggests soil type is a key determinant of woody vegetation structure and composition. The study recommends regular vegetation monitoring, periodic update of plant species inventories in protected areas, control of exotic invasive woody plant species found along the Limpopo river floodplain within the biodiversity management framework of Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area initiative.
M.B. Bandibas; P. Roxas
Abstract
The basic premise of this research was to assess the ethnomedicinal uses of plants in an ancestral forest area at Naawan, Misamis Oriental and determine its inhibition effect against bacterial strains. The assessment of plants was conducted using the transect-plot method. Ethnomedicinal uses and the ...
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The basic premise of this research was to assess the ethnomedicinal uses of plants in an ancestral forest area at Naawan, Misamis Oriental and determine its inhibition effect against bacterial strains. The assessment of plants was conducted using the transect-plot method. Ethnomedicinal uses and the mode of preparations were obtained using a semi-structured interview questionnaire. Five ethnomedicinal plants: Crinum asiaticum L., Pavetta indica L., Bauhinia purpurea L., Mollugo pentaphylla L., and Cinnamomum mercadoi S. Vidalwere selected for the anti-microbial test against cultured bacterial strains; the Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the disc diffusion method. These species are commonly used by the indigenous people and known to cure stomach disorder and wounds. The mode of preparation of the extracts follows the traditional method of the indigenous people. Chloramphenicol, on the other hand, was used as positive control. Thirty-three out of 61 identified species were locally claimed to have medicinal value and are known to cure stomach disorders, poisoning, bleeding, cough, fever and wounds, among others. Antimicrobial test showed greater inhibitory effect of Pavetta indica and Bauhinia purpurea against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, correspondingly; however, the synthetic chloramphenicol exhibited greater antibacterial action than any of the plant extracts. In areas where civilization is afar, importance of forest in terms of medicinal uses is highly acknowledged by the local community. Indigenous people, in particular, know the importance of the forest especially in relation to health care system and they believe that there is a need to conserve the resources to sustain the services it provides.
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.
M. Iqbal; M. Shafiq; S. Zaidi; M. Athar
Abstract
The effect of automobile pollution was determined on chlorophyll content of four different tree species viz. Azadirachta indica L., Conocarpus erectus L., Guiacum officinale L.and Eucalyptus sp. growing along the roads of the city. Significant changes in the level of chlorophyll “a”, ...
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The effect of automobile pollution was determined on chlorophyll content of four different tree species viz. Azadirachta indica L., Conocarpus erectus L., Guiacum officinale L.and Eucalyptus sp. growing along the roads of the city. Significant changes in the level of chlorophyll “a”, chlorophyll “b” and total chlorophyll “a+b” were found in the leaves of four tree species (A. indica, C. erectus, G.officinale and Eucalyptus sp.) collected from polluted sites (Airport, Malir Halt, Quaidabad) as compared to control site (Karachi University Campus). Lowest concentration of chlorophyll “a”, chlorophyll “b” and chlorophyll “a+b” was recorded in the leaf samples of all tree species collected from Quaidabad site when compared with the leaf samples collected from control site. The highest levels of chlorophyll pigment were recorded in all tree species leave samples collected from Karachi University Campus. Similarly, better levels of chlorophyll “a”, chlorophyll “b” and total chlorophyll “a+b” was observed in all tree species growing at Airport site as compared to plants growing at Malir Halt and Quaidabad sites. This study clearly indicated that the vehicular activities induced air pollution problem and affected on the level of chlorophyll pigments in trees which were exposed to road side pollution.
J. Jiang; T. Ri; T. Pang; Y. Wang; P. Wang
Abstract
Precisely management of water quality in urban rivers is of significant and water environmental capacity provide a useful tool. This study presented a water quality analysis simulation program model-based approach for dynamical load reduction in Ashi River, highly contaminated tributaries of Songhua ...
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Precisely management of water quality in urban rivers is of significant and water environmental capacity provide a useful tool. This study presented a water quality analysis simulation program model-based approach for dynamical load reduction in Ashi River, highly contaminated tributaries of Songhua River, China. The actual and surplus dynamic environmental capacity of CODCr and NH3-N, as the two controlling endpoints, were computed based on “segment-end-control” method for monthly or seasonal management. The dynamic pollution control scheme and monthly to annual control strategies were produced based on calculated results. Results show that CODCr and NH3-N need to be cut down to approximately 462.47t/a and 5.2t/a at Zhujia-Acheng down reach and 282.42 t/a and 9.25t/a Acheng down-Chenggaozi town reach, respectively under 90% hydrological design reliability to keep the water quality at class-IV. The CODCr and NH3-N of three ditches should be strictly controlled throughout the year. Some interesting temporal-spatial characteristics of surplus environmental capacity were also found in the study. This study provides local governments with technical measurements and policy recommendations for highly contaminated water body treatment. In the future, the river water quality management in the winter season should take into particular consideration.
Environmental Science
J. Petersen; C.P. Colon; J.L. Joyner
Abstract
Plumb Beach, Brooklyn, New York in USA is an important horseshoe crab breeding and nursery ground that has experienced substantial anthropogenic influence, including pollution, erosion and subsequent restoration. Since little is known about the relationship between sediment microbial communities and ...
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Plumb Beach, Brooklyn, New York in USA is an important horseshoe crab breeding and nursery ground that has experienced substantial anthropogenic influence, including pollution, erosion and subsequent restoration. Since little is known about the relationship between sediment microbial communities and juvenile horseshoe crab survival, next generation sequencing was used to characterize and compare the sediment microbiome of three distinct areas of Plumb Beach:- a tidal creek with abundant juveniles, East Beach with moderate number of juveniles, and West Beach- a highly disturbed area where juvenile crabs are rarely seen. The microbiome of juvenile crab intestinal content (both dissected gut content and fecal flush content) from the tidal creek site was also examined. The results showed that in our 2017 survey, the overall dominant sediment orders at all beach sites were Vibrionales (30%), Flavobacteriales (22%) and Alteromonadales (21%). Although alpha diversity was similar among the three beach sites, Bray-Curtis distances assessed by Permanova revealed significant differences in Beta diversity, with a unique microbial assemblage found in the tidal creek. Both crab gut and fecal flush samples did not sequence well, showing low species diversity and very high variability. This study is the first to use next generation sequencing to characterize Plumb Beach sediment microbes and the first attempt to examine the gut microbiome of juvenile horseshoe crabs. This information will contribute to understanding the relationships between sediment microbial assemblages and juvenile crab populations within this important urban habitat.
Environmental Management
S.E. Alzghoul; O.A. Smadi; T. Almomani; M.B. Alzghoul; O.M. Al-Bataineh
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:During the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, an effective and efficient medical waste management plan is required to prevent disease transmission from the Coronavirus disease 2019 viral solid wastes. Screening stations are critical locations where solid Coronavirus disease ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:During the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, an effective and efficient medical waste management plan is required to prevent disease transmission from the Coronavirus disease 2019 viral solid wastes. Screening stations are critical locations where solid Coronavirus disease 2019 wastes are created. Solid trash collection and management strategies for screening stations must be studied as they are the first point of origin for solid Coronavirus disease 2019 wastes. The goal of this study is to evaluate the level of healthcare workers' knowledge in the medical waste management field in Jordanian Coronavirus disease 2019 screening stations, with an emphasis on understanding and implementing Jordanian medical waste management protocols, by examining the awareness, perspective, and practice about the many aspects of Coronavirus disease 2019 wastes.METHODS: A study sample (n = 78) involving technicians, nurses, and physicians working at various screening stations in Jordan's public and private sectors was evaluated. From April 2021 to September 2021, a cross-sectional survey involving questionnaires was carried out. The survey included questions on medical waste management knowledge and awareness among healthcare personnel regarding the Coronavirus 2019 medical waste administrative and collection procedures. There are various limitations to this cross-sectional study that should be noted. This is a study conducted among health care employees when an overwhelming amount of coronavirus disease cases were being recorded locally and worldwide, affecting transportation ability and minimizing time spent with screening station personnel.FINDINGS: The outcomes of the first module of the questionnaire revealed a high degree of medical waste management knowledge and awareness among healthcare staff. On the other hand, nurses demonstrated the highest awareness and application of COVID-19 medical waste administrative procedures. Furthermore, the results of the third module revealed that the private sector fails to successfully execute national and international procedures, with the most significant negative responses among other categories.CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Jordan's solid waste collection and disposal methods were effectively implemented, which might aid in the virus eradication. Even though most Jordanian screening stations have effectively implemented knowledge and awareness regarding solid Coronavirus disease 2019 wastes management practices, there is a need to undertake periodic training and continuous monitoring with a specific focus on the appropriate administrative and collecting processes for both technicians, and private sector stations.
M.A.P. Medina; A.G. Toledo-Bruno
Abstract
To determine if there is a gender difference in the resource consumption activities of students in Central Mindanao University, a Philippine state university, an ecological foot printing study was conducted in August 2014. Consumption data from 380 student respondents were gathered using a survey questionnaire. ...
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To determine if there is a gender difference in the resource consumption activities of students in Central Mindanao University, a Philippine state university, an ecological foot printing study was conducted in August 2014. Consumption data from 380 student respondents were gathered using a survey questionnaire. A web-based software created by the Global Footprint Network was used to convert the consumption data into its equivalent ecological footprint value. Sample size was reduced to 324 (male = 162; female = 162) through a 1:1 nearest neighbor matching without replacement method for propensity score matching. Subsequently, unpaired t-test was employed for comparing the difference in ecological footprint between the male and female student respondents. Results reveal that the students’ ecological footprint is slightly lower than the national average. Furthermore, most of their ecological footprint comes from their carbon footprint. Male respondents were found to have a significantly higher ecological footprint compared to female respondents. This implies gender difference in terms of resource consumption.
Environmental Science
Y.S.K. De Silva; U.M. Rajagopalan; H. Kadono
Abstract
Growth of plants, apart from being complex and highly dynamic, is directly dependent on the environmental conditions, particularly the quality of soil for terrestrial plants and the water quality for aquatic plants. Presence of microplastics in the environment may affect the plant growth in numerous ...
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Growth of plants, apart from being complex and highly dynamic, is directly dependent on the environmental conditions, particularly the quality of soil for terrestrial plants and the water quality for aquatic plants. Presence of microplastics in the environment may affect the plant growth in numerous ways depending on the contents of the growing medium. However, increasing presence of microplastics at an alarming rate due to its pervasive usage and mismanagement of plastics have led to significant environmental problems. Several research studies have been conducted as well as reviewed to investigate the toxic effects of microplastics on aquatic systems, but studies that investigate the toxic effect of microplastics on the terrestrial systems are limited. Hence, in this review the individual and the combined effects of microplastics on the growth of plants and seed germination in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are concisely discussed. At the beginning accumulation of microplastics on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem is discussed and the reasonable solutions are highlighted that can mitigate the effects from the widespread increase of the plastic debris. Thereafter, the individual and combined effect of microplastics on seed germination and plant growth is reviewed separately while summarizing the important aspects and future perspectives. This review will provide an insight into the existing gap in the current research works and thus could offer possible implications on the effect of microplastics on plant growth and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem.
Environmental Science
A.G. Toledo Bruno; R.A. Marin; M.A.P. Medina; G.R. Puno; R.O. Villarta; R.R. Puno
Abstract
Giant bamboo Dendrocalamus asper is recommended in environmental and livelihood programs in the Philippines due to its various ecological, economic and social benefits. However, there are limited data on the ecology of giant bamboo litterfall production, which contributes to soil nutrient availability. ...
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Giant bamboo Dendrocalamus asper is recommended in environmental and livelihood programs in the Philippines due to its various ecological, economic and social benefits. However, there are limited data on the ecology of giant bamboo litterfall production, which contributes to soil nutrient availability. Bamboo also contributed in carbon sequestration. The study was conducted within the Taganibong Watershed in Bukidnon, Philippines. Nine litterfall traps measuring 1mx1m were established within the giant bamboo stand in the study area. Results show that giant bamboo litterfall is dominated by leaves. Biological characteristics of bamboo litterfall do no not influence litterfall production but temperature, wind speed and humidity correlate with the amount of litterfall. Findings of the study further revealed that fresh giant bamboo tissue contains high carbon content and the soil in the bamboo stand has higher organic matter than the open clearing. These data indicate the role of giant bamboo in carbon sequestration and soil nutrient availability.
Environmental Science
M. N. Hidayat; R. Wafdan; M. Ramli; Z. A. Muchlisin; S. Rizal
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the long-term relationship between chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature, and sea surface salinity monthly from January 2015 to December 2021. It was carried out in the Northern Bay of Bengal, which experiences extreme monsoons, in the southwest ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the long-term relationship between chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature, and sea surface salinity monthly from January 2015 to December 2021. It was carried out in the Northern Bay of Bengal, which experiences extreme monsoons, in the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon from June to September and November to February, respectively. Monsoon is the main cause of changes in chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity.METHODS: The seasonal model was used to examine the relationship between these three parameters, which were obtained using the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service data. The seasonal model was used to observe periodic patterns and predict parameters based on their regularity. Meanwhile, Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity.FINDINGS: This study found that the three parameters, namely chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature, and sea surface salinity, follow the monsoon pattern, as shown in the seasonal model. The minimum value of chlorophyll-a occurred in February, March and April, while the maximum value of approximately 2 milligram per cubic meter occured at stations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7, but at 9 and 10, it increased to 12 - 14 mg/m3. This indicates that station positions are very sensitive to changes in chlorohophyll-a values. When the southwest monsoon occurred, it reached the maximum. Furthermore, the minimum sea surface temperature values occurred in January and at almost every station in the year. It was shown to be associated with the northeast monsoon, which causes winter. On the sea surface temperature graph, several peaks were observed in positive local extremes yearly at almost all stations. The maximum sea surface temperature occurred in May, June, and July, according to the shape of the graph, which peaked in the middle of the year. The sea surface salinity graph formed a peak and valley which occurred yearly in May or April, as well as September and October, respectively.CONCLUSION: Chlorophyll-a had 1 trough and 1 peak, with the sea surface temperature graph possessing only 1 peak, while the sea surface salinity graph had 1 peak and 1 trough, respectively. These graph patterns implied that chlorophyll-a first achieved a minimum value before reaching the máximum. The sea surface temperature graph had a maximum value in the middle of the year, while the minimum occurred at the beginning or end. Moreover, the sea surface salinity graph first reached the maximum value and then declined to the minimum. KEYWORDS: Coefficient of correlation; Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS Data); Northern Bay of Bengal; Northeast monsoon; Seasonal model; Southwest monsoon.
S. Antwi-Akomea; B. Fei-Baffoe; E.J.D. Belford; M. Borigu
Abstract
The present study investigated the coupling effect of biodegradation and media filtration in treating hydrocarbon contaminated water. The study recorded reductions in total petroleum hydrocarbon, total dissolved solids, turbidity and microbial load. The study was essentially a simulated pump and treat ...
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The present study investigated the coupling effect of biodegradation and media filtration in treating hydrocarbon contaminated water. The study recorded reductions in total petroleum hydrocarbon, total dissolved solids, turbidity and microbial load. The study was essentially a simulated pump and treat process that involved the pumping of hydrocarbon contaminated water for treatment in a locally designed multi-stage bioreactor incorporated with media filtration. A mixed consortium of hydrocarbon-eating microbes was applied in the study. Hydrocarbon-eating microbes were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated soils obtained from selected mechanic workshops. Bamboo chips and coconut husk chips were applied as support media for microbial attachment within the bioreactor compartment of the treatment setup. Applied support media were approximately 2-4 cm in size. Media filters applied comprised three locally manufactured candle filters two of which were respectively impregnated with granular activated charcoal and sand. The coupling effect of biodegradation and media filtration recorded over 99 % (> 8.7 mg/L) total petroleum hydrocarbon removal. Microbial load reduction ranged from 3.57±0.11E+20 to 7.45±0.26E+20 Colony forming unit/mL, total dissolved solids reduction from 30.00±5.66 to 131.00±0.00 mg/L and turbidity reduction from 39.00±1.41 to 123.50±0.71 nephelometric turbidity units. Biodegradation accounted for 69.70±0.63 and 90.72±2.36 % total petroleum hydrocarbon removal respectively for bamboo chips and coconut husk chips.
A. Tahir; P. Taba; M.F. Samawi; S. Werorilangi
Abstract
Plastic pollution has universally known accumulated in all environment compartments and accelerating threat to the sustainability of earth. Field survey to examine the occurrence of microplastics in ancient sea water evaporation technology of ponds at Pallengu-Jeneponto, was conducted. From this sea ...
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Plastic pollution has universally known accumulated in all environment compartments and accelerating threat to the sustainability of earth. Field survey to examine the occurrence of microplastics in ancient sea water evaporation technology of ponds at Pallengu-Jeneponto, was conducted. From this sea salt producing ponds, samples of water, sediment and freshly harvested salts were collected. Sixteen samples each of water and sediments and 12 salts were collected. From 16 water and sediment samples there are 31 microplastics item discovered in 11 water samples (68.75% of total contamination) and 41 microplastics item observed in 10 sediment samples (62.5% total contamination), respectively. Interestingly, sampling points at sedimentation/heating pools were found to be the locations with highest occurrence of microplastics in both water and sediment. There are 7 salt samples positively contaminated with 29 microplastics or 58.3% of total contamination, which predominated by line and fragment forms. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy analysis has revealed polymers of polyvinyl acetate (41.7%), polyethylene (33.3%) and polystyrene (25%). There was no significant difference found on microplasticss occurrence from 3 kinds of samples collected, although there was a decreasing trend of total microplastics found from water, sediment and salt. Microplasticss abundance were ranged 7-55 items/L water, 14.6-50 items/kg sediments and 6.7-53.3 items/kg salt. With microplastics abundance reached over 53 microplastics items/kg salt, it is believed that continuous consumption by people will end up with possible accumulation of potentially absorbed of various toxic chemical pollutants which present in sea water as salt raw materials. The need for robust and practical strategy in water quality management for reduction of microplasticss contamination in consumed salts is a must.
Environmental Management
R. Setiowati; R.H. Koestoer; R.D. Andajani
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban green infrastructure, specifically green open spaces, is becoming increasingly significant in rapidly urbanizing areas. These spaces offer environmental, social, and economic advantages to urban ecosystems, thereby increasing community health and well-being. However, ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban green infrastructure, specifically green open spaces, is becoming increasingly significant in rapidly urbanizing areas. These spaces offer environmental, social, and economic advantages to urban ecosystems, thereby increasing community health and well-being. However, their economic value is often overlooked in urban planning. This study aims to conduct an economic valuation of green spaces by introducing the hedonic price model to equip decision-makers with a thorough and informed perspective.METHODS: A questionnaire created through Google Forms was distributed through a social media survey conducted from March to April 2021. The data collected from 1592 respondents in Jakarta were analyzed through a cluster analysis using the statistical package for social sciences software. The hedonic price model with ordinary least squares regression was adopted to create a valuation model for the green spaces in 42 districts and 239 sub-districts across the five administrative cities.FINDINGS: This study empirically shows that parks and urban forests increase land prices by 9.2, 17.1, and 19.2 percent, while cemeteries decrease them by 15 to 37.6 percent. Unlike most hedonic price model studies on the global north countries, which can be found in the literature, this work does not establish statistically significant relationships among urban forests, parks, cemeteries within a 0–500 meter radius, and land prices in Jakarta, but examines the economic value of green spaces, including their impact on land values and tax revenues. The land value increase is caused by the implementation of a beneficiary zoning levy within a designated impact zone of 0.5–2 kilometers. This study suggests policy implications, including the exploration of alternative financing mechanisms and the consideration of public preferences in urban development and financing policies.CONCLUSION: The applicability of the hedonic price model in Jakarta's mature and privatized land market is confirmed in this work, proving the importance of considering environmental factors and green spaces in land transactions and conversion, property development, conservation, and urban green space design. The results provide valuable information to policymakers, property developers, and land use planners, thereby preventing the undervaluation of green spaces and facilitating informed decisions on planning and public investment. Urban and built environmental management can significantly benefit from these findings, particularly when considering the aspects of green space size, social functions, and ecosystem services to enhance Jakarta's planning and management practices.
Environmental Engineering
E. Fares; B. Aissa; R.J. Isaifan
Abstract
Background and objectives: Global energy needs have gradually shifted toward photovoltaic solar energy, especially in the Gulf region because of the high solar-irradiance potential. However, one of the main challenges for this technology in the region is soiling, which has been reported to degrade the ...
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Background and objectives: Global energy needs have gradually shifted toward photovoltaic solar energy, especially in the Gulf region because of the high solar-irradiance potential. However, one of the main challenges for this technology in the region is soiling, which has been reported to degrade the power output of photovoltaic modules significantly. Anti-soiling coatings are promising technologies to minimize the effect of dust on photovoltaic solar panels. Accordingly, this study aimed to synthesize aluminum, zinc, titanium, and tin oxides using mixed-based and nanoparticle-based precursors through inkjet printing techniques and investigate their potential in anti-soiling applications for PV panels.Methods: Four metal oxides, namely, aluminum, zinc, titanium, and tin oxides, were synthesized and deposited using the inkjet printing technique for anti-soiling application. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements were performed to characterize these thin films.Finding: The optical transmittance of the substrate using the nanoparticle ink revealed better optical properties than that using the mixed-based ink. Compared with nanoparticle samples, a homogeneous crack and a defect-free layer were observed with dense nanoparticles in all mixed inks (except for aluminum oxide ink). The contact angles indicated that the synthesized films were super-hydrophilic/hydrophilic coatings. The results of the outdoor testing revealed that up to 60% less dust was deposited on the best-performing film (aluminum oxide mixed-based ink) compared with bare glass. Conclusion: The outdoor experiment revealed that mixed-based thin films were better in reducing dust deposition than nanoparticle-based thin films and bare glass. This enhancement might be due to the decreased antireflection property along with a morphological contribution related to the presence of nanoparticle voids, which reduce the spectra scattering and minimize its deterioration, thus demonstrating better anti-soiling properties. The results of the outdoor test revealed that aluminum, zinc, and titanium oxides are promising materials for anti-soiling coating applications for both ink types. However, tin oxide coatings are not recommended for anti-soiling applications, as they showed the highest dust deposition rate near the bare glass performance.
Environmental Engineering
J. O. Castillo-Miranda; F. J. Rodríguez-Gómez; J. Genescá-Llongueras; L. G. Ruiz-Suárez; J. A. García-Reynoso
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atmospheric zinc corrosion in the Mexico City Metropolitan area has long been attributed mainly to the effect of pollutants such as sulfur dipxide. There are changes in the urban atmosphere's chemical composition due to the implementation of air quality policies focused on ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atmospheric zinc corrosion in the Mexico City Metropolitan area has long been attributed mainly to the effect of pollutants such as sulfur dipxide. There are changes in the urban atmosphere's chemical composition due to the implementation of air quality policies focused on reducing the emission of sulfur dipxide and other pollutants. This study's objectives were to estimate and map the contribution of nitric acid on zinc's atmospheric corrosion processMETHODS: The impact of nitric acid on zinc is feasible to estimate using a function for a multi-pollutant situation. This function contemplates the sum of two contributions: one of nitric acid and another that includes sulfuric acid and climatic parameters. The multi-pollutant function is suitable to apply in areas without the strong influence of chlorides and tropical and subtropical climates, comparable to the Mexico City Metropolitan area.FINDINGS: The results showed that spatial and temporal estimation of corrosion rates in grams per square meter of zinc was made for 2015-2019, using data modeling in a geographic information system. The maps of corrosion rates allowed us to visualize that, in general, the "southwest" zone has the most significant effects and that the lowest corrosion rates were presented in 2019 as an outcome of the implementation of air quality programs. Furthermore, a contribution of nitric acid up to 32% to the zinc corrosion rate was estimated.CONCLUSION: The construction of corrosion rate maps provides a spatial and temporal estimate that allows visualizing areas where zinc materials are at risk corrosion due to the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants and climatic parameters. Likewise, it can represent a decision-making tool for the implementation of atmospheric corrosion studies of materials.
Environmental Management
E. Frimawaty; A. Ilmika; N. A. Sakina; J. Mustabi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Farmer characteristics are recognized in this study. The characteristics, perceptions, willingness to adopt climate change mitigation, and awareness of livestock farmers toward livestock waste management are the main points for determining appropriate climate mitigation rules.METHODS: ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Farmer characteristics are recognized in this study. The characteristics, perceptions, willingness to adopt climate change mitigation, and awareness of livestock farmers toward livestock waste management are the main points for determining appropriate climate mitigation rules.METHODS: This study was conducted in Enrekang and Barru Regencies of South Sulawesi. International Business Machines - Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 27 was used for this study. In descriptive statistics, data were compiled, and the age, long husbandry experiences (year), number of family member, number of farming assistant, gender, education, farmer group participation status, side job, type of business, cattle ownership status, number of cattle (head), and weight total of cattle’s manure (kilogram per day) were examined qualitatively. A chi-square test was used to compare the experimental results (perception and knowledge of livestock manure management) with practical livestock manure management.FINDING: This study found that the average age of farmers in the study area is 45 and 11.2 percent received have high formal education level from a university. Most of the cattle are male at 86.7 percent. Poor manure management system at 76.30 percent manure un-managed and un-appropriate farmer groups with more than 60 percent of the farmers un-joined farmer’s group. Almost 50 percent of the cattle farmers are willing to learn manure management. Nevertheless, this study found that the respondents’ knowledge and practical manure management, as well as the respondents’ knowledge (0.837) and perception (0.343) of practical manure management, do not have any significant connection.CONCLUSION: This study determines the full condition of cattle farmers in Barru and Enrekang Regencies. Barriers include low level of education, age of farmers, lack of manure management, and lack of willingness to join farmers group. Nevertheless, drivers, such as willingness to adopt manure management and high levels of experience in cattle farming, were also found. Enriching the knowledge and perception of farmers is essential in managing livestock wastes to mitigateof climate change.
Environmental Engineering
V.G. Shcherbak; Y.I. Danko; S. Tereshchenko; O. Nifatova; N. Dehtiar; O. Stepanova; V. Yatsenko
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of war, rural areas of Ukraine have encountered serious environmental challenges that threaten not only the environment but also the resilience of communities. This study aims to examine the impact of circular economy and inclusion on reducing the risk of ecological ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of war, rural areas of Ukraine have encountered serious environmental challenges that threaten not only the environment but also the resilience of communities. This study aims to examine the impact of circular economy and inclusion on reducing the risk of ecological threaten, addressing resource usage issues, and restoring ecology in rural areas during wartime. The objectives include analyzing the potential of the circular economy and inclusive practices to solve the mentioned problems.METHODS: Various methods were used to analyze the impact of circular economy and inclusion on the environmental situation in rural areas. The foundation of the research was based on reviewing scientific literature and analyzing previous studies, which allowed for assessing the potential impact of these factors on the environment. The main methods applied included quantitative data analysis through regression modeling, which helped identify the relationship between the level of inclusion and circular economy practices with changes in the level of ecological threaten. Additionally, the use of taxonomy allowed determining the level of ecological threaten, while cluster analysis was used to distribute territories based on the level of ecological threaten ecocide. Factor analysis helped to understand how circular economy measures and inclusion affect ecological threaten, and regression analysis was used to confirm the validity of the research hypotheses.FINDINGS: The study demonstrates integrating circular economy principles with active community engagement significantly mitigates ecological threats in wartime rural Ukraine, achieving a 45 percent risk reduction. Direct positive impact of circular economy practices and inclusivity on environmental health, marking a 30 percent ecological improvement, was discovered. Research highlights innovations and inclusive practices enhance biodiversity by 25 percent and boost agricultural productivity by 20 percent. These findings underline the urgent need for a shift towards a sustainable management model combining circular economy principles with extensive social inclusion, essential for ecological resilience and rejuvenation of rural Ukrainian areas amidst conflict.CONCLUSION: Implementing circular economy and inclusivity in rural Ukraine reduces ecological threats by 45 percent, enhancing biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Circular economy and inclusion are key strategies for ensuring ecological resilience and restoration in rural areas of Ukraine during war time. The implementation of circular economy, waste reduction, resource reuse, development of low-carbon technologies, and active community engagement in environmental initiatives can contribute to the resilience and recovery of affected regions.
Environmental Engineering
M.I. Rumaling; F.P. Chee; H.W.J. Chang; C.M. Payus; S.K. Kong; J. Dayou; J. Sentian
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Air quality in some developing countries is dominated by particulate matter, especially those with size 10 micrometers and smaller or PM10. They can be inhaled and sometimes can get deep into lungs; some may even get into bloodstream and cause serious health problems. Therefore, ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Air quality in some developing countries is dominated by particulate matter, especially those with size 10 micrometers and smaller or PM10. They can be inhaled and sometimes can get deep into lungs; some may even get into bloodstream and cause serious health problems. Therefore, future PM10 concentration forecasting is important for early prevention and in urban development planning, which is crucial for developing cities. This paper presents the development of PM10 forecasting model using nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input model.METHODS: To improve performance of nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input model, principal component analysis is used prior to the model for variable selection. The first stage of principal component analysis involves Scree plot, which determines the number of principal components based on explained variance. This is then followed by selecting variables using a rotated component matrix, based on their strength of contribution towards variation of PM10 concentration. To test the model, PM10 data in Kota Kinabalu from 2003 – 2010 was used. Neural network models are developed using this data by varying number of input variables with the inclusion of temporal variables. The developed forecasting models are evaluated using data PM10 in the city from 2011 to 2012. Four performance indicators, namely root mean square error, mean absolute error, index of agreement and fractional bias are reported.FINDINGS: Results from principal component analysis show that five variables including wind direction index, relative humidity, ambient temperature, concentration of nitrogen dioxide and concentration of ozone strongly contribute to the variation of PM10 concentration. By using these variables together with temporal variables as input in the nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input models, the resultant model shows good forecasting performance, with root mean square error of 7.086±0.873 µg/m3. The selection of significant variables helps in reducing input variables inside the forecast model without degrading its forecast performance.CONCLUSION: This model shows very promising performance in forecasting PM10 concentration in Kota Kinabalu as it requires fewer input variables and does not require variable transformation.
Environmental Science
A.R. Karbassi; S. Tajziehchi; N. Farhang Adib
Abstract
Estuaries are well known for their potential in removing metal from fresh water to provide micro-nutrients to aquatic life. In the present investigation, we have tried to bring out the metal removal potential of estuaries during accidental spills. For this purpose artificial river water containing high ...
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Estuaries are well known for their potential in removing metal from fresh water to provide micro-nutrients to aquatic life. In the present investigation, we have tried to bring out the metal removal potential of estuaries during accidental spills. For this purpose artificial river water containing high concentration of Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb were mixed with sea water at different salinity regimes. Water samples were taken from a station on the main branch of Tajan River that flows in to the Caspian Sea. For this purpose, solutions with a concentration of 5 mg/L of each studied metal (Mn,Cu, Zn, Pb) were prepared in Tajan River water. The salinity regimes include 3, 6, 8, 10 and 11 ppt. It was noted that metal concentration decreased by increasing salinity. Metals were flocculated at different rates: Cu (88%) > Ni (86%) > Pb (84%) > Mn (74%).Thus, as average about 80% of total elemental content flocculates. Hence, it was concluded that a large amount of micro nutrients is carried by the river and flocculated in the estuary where the river water mixes with the sea water which may play a vital role in supplying nutrients to the aquatic animals. Cluster analyses have shown that Mn and Ni are governed by EC, pH and salinity.
S.M. Tajbakhsh; H. Memarian; A. Kheyrkhah
Abstract
The proper use of natural resources can preserve these valuable assets. In line with the management of natural resources, land use optimization can be highly useful. The aim of the present study is to propose an appropriate integrative model for optimized allocation of lands for surface runoff and sediment ...
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The proper use of natural resources can preserve these valuable assets. In line with the management of natural resources, land use optimization can be highly useful. The aim of the present study is to propose an appropriate integrative model for optimized allocation of lands for surface runoff and sediment load minimization and net income maximization in Bayg watershed, Iran. In this study, five categories of land uses, i.e. irrigated orchard, rangeland, irrigated farming, rainfed farming and almond orchard were spatially optimized to minimize surface runoff and sediment yield and to increase net income by integrating three approaches: weighted goal programming, analytic hierarchy process and multi-objective land allocation algorithm. To achieve the target levels in this work, the acreages of almond orchard and rainfed farming should be reduced by 100% and 37.32% respectively, and irrigated farming acreage should be increased by 138.53%. Through these alterations in the land use acreage, the sediment load will be reduced by 16.78% and net income will be improved by 72.52%. However, runoff volume will be increased by 0.22%. Results indicated that weighted goal programming satisfied 96% and 46% of the target levels of sediment load and net income respectively, but failed to reduce runoff volume. Therefore, it is necessary for managers to control runoff using the strategies related to runoff harvesting, especially on steep slopes. Generally, it can be concluded that a combination of the techniques weighted goal programming, analytic hierarchy process and multi-objective land allocation is highly capable to optimize land use and land covers based on the conflicting objectives.
Environmental Management
N. Gupta; A. Tomar; V. Kumar
Abstract
COVID-19 is a huge tragedy for the world community. Everything in the world is affected due to this pandemic right from economy to resources where the economy of major countries of the world are facing recession and resources are surplus with no takers at all. The measures to contain COVID-19 pandemic ...
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COVID-19 is a huge tragedy for the world community. Everything in the world is affected due to this pandemic right from economy to resources where the economy of major countries of the world are facing recession and resources are surplus with no takers at all. The measures to contain COVID-19 pandemic include lockdown, social distancing, isolation, and home quarantine. Lockdown adopted by the different governments which involve non-functioning of all the industry and manufacturing units. However, as a blessing in disguise, these measures have a positive effect on the environment in terms of reduction in toxic gasses like nitrogen dioxide, aerosols, atmosphere ozone, particulate matter, and improvement in air quality. In this paper, the effect on various environmental parameters like aerosol, ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and temperature on India by lockdown due to COVID-19 as a preventive measure has been analyzed. The work involves the refining and preprocessing of raw data of this year and last year of various harmful pollutants present in the environment along with satellite images from National Aeronautics and Space Administration for comparison of different parameters. It has been observed that with the above adopted measures temperature has been reduced to near about 15 degree Celsius, there is also reduction in humidity i.e. it is reduced to 40%, particulate matter (PM2.5) reaches near about normal i.e. 40 g/m3 and carbon monoxide levels has also been reduced to 10 ppm. The main idea is to emphasize the fact that how the environment is self-healing during the lockdown. And this study will be beneficial to environmentalists and industry professionals to make the future strategy for improving the environment.
M. Pazoki; B. Hasanidarabadi
Abstract
Sirri Island is one of the most important islands in Iran where contains massive amounts of crude oil reservoirs and is a crude oil exporting and storage spot. Petroleum sludge wastes produced by the refineries are deposited in outdoor 2-ha open pits. 30 sludge samples from different depot locations ...
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Sirri Island is one of the most important islands in Iran where contains massive amounts of crude oil reservoirs and is a crude oil exporting and storage spot. Petroleum sludge wastes produced by the refineries are deposited in outdoor 2-ha open pits. 30 sludge samples from different depot locations were conducted in 3-time intervals and mixed with each other to form one homogenized sample. The sample was treated by solvent extraction method using methyl ethyl ketone as an efficient polar solvent in order to recover the valuable hydrocarbon and oil. About 99.8% of the oil was recovered and determined to reach almost the same quality as the exportable crude oil of Sirri Island. The sediments were also tested for size distribution range and titled as fine-grained soil. Toxicity characteristics leaching procedure test was conducted on the residuals to determine whether the waste is categorized as toxic and hazardous. The industrial waste evaluation model used in the current work suggested different leachate concentrations (10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% of total leachate) based on toxicity characteristics leaching procedure for different probable leaching scenarios. The surface and subsurface regional conditions such as depth to underground water table, climate condition, subsurface pH, soil texture and material were defined to the model as well. Then, the model simulated 10000 possible runs considering the leaching procedure, contaminant concentrations, maximum contaminant limits and surface and sub-surface conditions. The final outcomes regarding heavy metals results showed that nickel, chromium and vanadium were protective under composite liner while cobalt and lead were not safe under such liner and need proper treatment before landfilling. As the final step, the size and details of landfill were designed. The landfill was selected as a square with side and depth of 55m and 3m respectively. The composite liner consisted of 1.5mm high density polyethylene layer with 50cm compacted clay liner of 10-7 cm/s hydraulic conductivity underneath.
Environmental Management
S. Łęgowik-Świącik
Abstract
In this study, the relationships between two variables: the strategy of sustainable development and the efficiency of waste management in the commercial power industry company have been subjected to discussion. The basis for the explanation of the aforementioned relationships is the assumption that the ...
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In this study, the relationships between two variables: the strategy of sustainable development and the efficiency of waste management in the commercial power industry company have been subjected to discussion. The basis for the explanation of the aforementioned relationships is the assumption that the level of implementation of the strategy of sustainable development is expressed through capital expenditures incurred on the implementation of modern tools of waste management. On the other hand, the efficiency of waste management in the commercial power industry company is reflected by the level of costs incurred on the storage, transport, and sales of this waste. The whole of the presented considerations has been divided into two basic parts, theoretical and empirical. The first part of the paper exposes the strategic dimension of the concept of sustainable development taking into account the economic and environmental efficiency of waste management achieved due to the use of modern management tools. The considerations presented in the second part constitute the response to the research question. The empirical part includes the identification of waste in the commercial power industry company in Poland and the research aiming at the cognition and assessment of relationships between the efficiency of waste management and the implementation of the strategy of sustainable development in the surveyed company. The publication increases the understanding of the coexistence of the strategy of sustainable development and the efficiency of waste management in the company of the commercial power industry operating in Poland, with particular emphasis on waste reduction and the possibility of its redevelopment. The research methods applied to accomplish the objective are literature studies, case study, descriptive analysis, trend analysis, and the Pearson correlation coefficient.