V.K. Gupta; H. Sadegh; M. Yari; R. Shahryari Ghoshekandi; B. Maazinejad; M. Chahardori
Abstract
Ammonium ions wastewater pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems today. The treatment of ammonium ions is a special concern due to their recalcitrance and persistence in the environment. In recent years, various methods for ammonium ion removal from wastewater have been extensively ...
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Ammonium ions wastewater pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems today. The treatment of ammonium ions is a special concern due to their recalcitrance and persistence in the environment. In recent years, various methods for ammonium ion removal from wastewater have been extensively studied. This paper reviews the current methods that have been used to treat ammonium ion wastewater and evaluates these techniques. These technologies include ion exchange, adsorption, biosorption, wet air oxidation, biofiltration, diffused aeration, nitrification and denitrification methods. About 75 published studies (1979-2015) are reviewed in this paper. It is evident from the literature survey articles that ion exchange, adsorption and biological technology are the most frequently studied for the treatment of ammonium ion wastewater.
Environmental Management
T. Salem; Sh.S. Ahmed; M. Hamed; G.H. Abd ElAziz
Abstract
A risk assessment study was conducted to predict the expected hazardous influence on the ecosystem resulted from urbanization and industrialization activities at Helwan area, Egypt. To achieve these goals, soils, plants and water samples were collected from Helwan area, and their total concentrations ...
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A risk assessment study was conducted to predict the expected hazardous influence on the ecosystem resulted from urbanization and industrialization activities at Helwan area, Egypt. To achieve these goals, soils, plants and water samples were collected from Helwan area, and their total concentrations of inorganic contaminants (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and organic pollutants; such as Phenol and hydrocarbons were measured. The obtained results showed that, the concentrations of organic contaminants in water streams and surrounding soils recorded high concentration values than the permissible limits, while inorganic elements were within the safe limits for irrigation. In addition, soils irrigated with the effluents of industrial units recorded high values of inorganic and organic contaminants. Consequently, the levels of these contaminants were high in plant tissues grown thereon; especially the edible parts. Risk assessment based on available Predicted No Effect Concentration values for the aquatic and terrestrial environment was performed. Inorganic elements were expected to cause serious hazard problems for both aquatic organisms and soil microorganisms. The impact of these pollutants on human health was calculated using daily metals intake of inorganic metals via consumption of edible plants. Hazard index values proved that concentrations of Cr may cause serious hazard problems for humans in this area; especially, children.
Environmental Science
S. Hassani; A.R. Karbassi; M. Ardestani
Abstract
The flocculation of dissolved heavy metals is a process which has an important effect on decreasing the concentration of the colloidal elements during estuarine mixing of river water and sea or ocean water. During this important process, a large amount of colloidal elements change into particles in ...
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The flocculation of dissolved heavy metals is a process which has an important effect on decreasing the concentration of the colloidal elements during estuarine mixing of river water and sea or ocean water. During this important process, a large amount of colloidal elements change into particles in the form of flock and the dissolved loads decline. This study is performed to evaluate the mechanism of self-purification of heavy metals in Sardabroud's estuary. For this purpose, the effect of salinity (varying from 1 to 8.5‰) on the removal efficiency of colloidal metals (copper, zinc, lead, nickel and magnesium) by flocculation process during mixing of Sardabroud River water and the Caspian Sea water was explored. The flocculation rate of Ni (25%) > Zn (18.59%) > Cu (16.67%) > Mn(5.83%) > Pb(4.86%) indicates that lead and manganese have relatively conservative behavior but nickel, zinc and copper have non-conservative behavior during Sardabroud River’s estuarine mixing. The highest removal efficiencies were obtained between salinities of 1 to 2.5%. Due to flocculation process, annual discharge of dissolved zinc, copper, lead, manganese and nickel release into the Caspian Sea via Sardabroud River would reduce from 44.30 to 36.06 ton/yr, 3.41 to 2.84 ton/yr, 10.22 to 9.7 ton/yr, 8.52 to 7.8 ton/yr and 3.41 to 2.56 ton/yr, respectively. Statistical analysis shows that the flocculation rate of Nickel is highly controlled by redox potential and dissolved oxygen. Moreover, it is found that total dissolved solid, salinity, electrical conductivity and potential of hydrogen do not have a significant influence in flocculation of studied metals.
Environmental Management
R. Teimouri; T. Yigitcanlar
Abstract
In the best practices, planning of urban green spaces is managed in such a way that it follows the key principles such as meeting per capita standards and providing accessible and balanced distribution of these spaces all across the city. In the context of emerging economy, these principles are unfortunately ...
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In the best practices, planning of urban green spaces is managed in such a way that it follows the key principles such as meeting per capita standards and providing accessible and balanced distribution of these spaces all across the city. In the context of emerging economy, these principles are unfortunately not followed strictly all times. In this study, it is attempted to investigate Tabriz city of Iran is in terms of ecological planning to quantitatively analyse its green space characteristics. The used methodology includes determining the relevant urban green space development indicators (e.g. accessibility, per capita supply, balanced distribution, and continuous development of urban green spaces) from the literature and using the secondary data collected from variety of sources to analyse the study area. The study seeks to provide a comprehensive view on status of green spaces in Tabriz in the light of ecological principles and indicators and GIS-based spatial analysis. Results indicate that: a) Green space per capita provision in Tabriz is much lower than the national and international standards (some districts offer only 0-1 sq.m. per capita green space); b) Districts of Tabriz do not have a balanced distribution of green spaces and access to green spaces on foot (only 18% of the population can access green spaces within a 5 minute walk); c) Except for the provided street side green spaces, all other passive or active types of green spaces in Tabriz are not continuously linked (no continuity to form a green corridor or linear greenways). This study also comes up with some recommendations for Tabriz and other cities with similar characteristics.
Environmental Science
M.M. Amin; S. Yousefinejad; M. Dehghani; S. Rahimi
Abstract
Carbamazepine is one of the hydrophilic compounds identified in aquatic environments. Due to toxicity and bio-stability of this psychotropic pharmaceutical in the environment and humans, its removal efficiency and mineralization are important. In this study, synthesized Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires were applied ...
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Carbamazepine is one of the hydrophilic compounds identified in aquatic environments. Due to toxicity and bio-stability of this psychotropic pharmaceutical in the environment and humans, its removal efficiency and mineralization are important. In this study, synthesized Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires were applied to improve Fenton oxidation process using FeCl3.6H2O and NaBH4. The effects of different parameters such as initial pH, H2O2, FeSO4.7H2O, carbamazepine concentrations, oxidation time, and nanowires dose were evaluated using response surface methodology. After scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffract meter analysis, Fe@Fe2O3 morphology was synthesized in the form of nanowires with diameters of about 40-80 nm. The optimum oxidation conditions for carbamazepine were established at pH= 4.3, reaction time of 45.9 min, nanowire dose of 179.4 mg/L as well as H2O2, FeSO4.7H2O and carbamazepine concentrations of 22, 52.2 and 7.7 mg/L, respectively. The oxidation efficiency (99.5%) achieved under the optimum condition, which was determined by the model, was consistent with the efficiency predicted by the model. The multi-parameter models showed good calibration and prediction abilities with R2= 0.922, R2adj= 0.907, R2pred= 0.868. According to the results, the carbamazepine degradation rate increased with the increase of Fe2+ due to the synergistic effect between Fe@Fe2O3 and Fe2+ on the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 and generation of OH•. It was concluded that the Fenton process based on the Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires can increase the carbamazepine oxidation rate in aqueous solutions. This method can also be used as an effective and pre-treatment process in the conventional treatment plants.
Environmental Management
H.A. Khawaldah; I. Farhan; N.M. Alzboun
Abstract
This study analyzes the characteristics of land use/land cover change in Jordan’s Irbid governorate, 1984–2018, and predicts future land use/land cover for 2030 and 2050 using a cellular automata-Markov model. The results inform planners and decision makers of past and current spatial dynamics ...
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This study analyzes the characteristics of land use/land cover change in Jordan’s Irbid governorate, 1984–2018, and predicts future land use/land cover for 2030 and 2050 using a cellular automata-Markov model. The results inform planners and decision makers of past and current spatial dynamics of land use/land cover change and predicted urban expansion, for a better understanding and successful planning. Satellite images of Landsat 5-thematic mapper and Landsat 8 operational land imager for the years 1984, 1994, 2004, 2015 and 2018 were used to explore the characteristics of land use/land cover for this study. The results indicate that the built-up area expanded by 386.9% during the study period and predict further expansion by 19.5% and 64.6% from 2015 to 2030 and 2050 respectively. The areas around the central and eastern parts of the governorate are predicted to have significant expansion of the built-up area by these dates, which should be taken into consideration in future plans. Land use/land cover change and urban expansion in Irbid are primarily caused by the high rate of population growth rate as a direct result of receiving large numbers of immigrants from Syria and Palestine in addition to the natural increase of population and other socio-economic changes.
Environmental Management
A. Charkhestani; D. Yousefi Kebria
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the characteristics food waste have been well studied, some of the problems associated with result reporting have not been addressed. The related data are usually reported by referring to the global statistics, using the empirical models, and performing the laboratory ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the characteristics food waste have been well studied, some of the problems associated with result reporting have not been addressed. The related data are usually reported by referring to the global statistics, using the empirical models, and performing the laboratory analysis. The aims of the current study were to analyze the municipal food waste characteristics (including physical, proximate, ultimate and heating value analysis), monitor the differences among the laboratory methods, and highlight the significant differences among the food waste characteristics more accurately.METHODS: Sampling was performed weekly at a disposal site located in Sari, Mazandaran, Iran. Food waste was extracted from the municipal solid waste samples. Moisture content, pH, organic matter, ash content, organic carbon, carbon to nitrogen ratio, low heating value and chemical equation of the waste were determined and compared by statistical indices.FINDINGS: The results showed no significant difference between proximate analysis and global statistics for sampling including organic matter and moisture content. In ultimate analysis, statistical investigation of the laboratory results showed that Walkley and black, Kjeldahl, and dry ashing/ion chromatography methods had more accuracy compared to determination by elemental analyzer which puts direct impact on extracted chemical equation. In addition, heating value investigation by empirical models based on proximate analysis (13.6 MJ/kg) was closer to the bomb calorimeter results (13.4 MJ/kg) in average. However, the models developed based on ultimate analysis, including Dulong, Steuer, and Scheurer-Kestner, had a lower accuracy (with higher heating value of 1.4 to 5 MJ/kg). Surveying the reliable sources highlighted the gap in extracted chemical equation and heating value of the food waste with real amount. These findings provided appropriate information about solid waste management and characterization.CONCLUSION: Investigation of the gap among laboratory methods revealed that determination method was a key factor in accurate characterization of food waste. Thus, without using the most accurate laboratory methods, the implementation of waste management plans would face major problems.
Environmental Engineering
C. Y. Feijoo; E. De la Torre; R. Narvaez
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cyanide is a commonly-used substance in the gold recovery processes due to its high affinity for forming complexes with the precious metal, but inadequate handling and its final arrangement can lead to severe environmental contamination. In this context, this research focuses ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cyanide is a commonly-used substance in the gold recovery processes due to its high affinity for forming complexes with the precious metal, but inadequate handling and its final arrangement can lead to severe environmental contamination. In this context, this research focuses on the preparation of nickel ferrite-activated carbon catalysts for catalytic oxidation of cyanide ion in the presence of air. METHODS: Hydrated salts of nickel (Ni(NO3)2·6H2O) and iron (Fe(NO3)3·9H2O) were used as precursors. The preparation pathways of ferrite and of ferrite-activated carbon composites were hydro-chemical with oxalic acid (C2H2O4) and co-precipitation with sodium hydroxide. The parameters evaluated for catalyst preparation were Ni/Fe molar ratios (1/1.5 and 1/2), calcination times and temperatures (2-4 h/600-900°C), and ferrite-activated carbon mass ratios in the case of composites (1/1, 1/2 and 1/3). FINDINGS: Oxidation results showed that the ideal Ni/Fe molar ratio was 1/2, and the calcination time was 4 h at 600 and 900ᵒC for co-precipitation and hydro-chemical pathways of nickel ferrites, respectively. The catalyst that showed the greatest capacity for cyanide transformation was that obtained by the hydro-chemical pathway with oxalic acid, achieving efficiencies of 96.3% oxidation of cyanide ion. It was also determined that the largest impregnation of ferrite on the carbonaceous surface was 52.6% through the treatment with oxalic acid, with which the composite was obtained with the best catalytic properties of cyanide ion. CONCLUSION: Nickel ferrite is able to oxidize cyanide ion to cyanate ion; being the ferrite-activated carbon combination, with which composite materials with catalytic properties of cyanide ion are obtained. Because of this, the materials studied could be applied in the detoxification of cyanurate solutions from metallurgical processes.
U. Younis; M. Athar; S.A. Malik; M.H. Raza Shah; S. Mahmood
Abstract
Disastrous effect of nickel on spinach was discussed by number of authors but the effect of amendments like biochar with nickel on Spinacea oleraceaL. is not still discussed by any author of the world because biochar was used as soil amendments which play a vital role in reducing mobilization and uptake ...
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Disastrous effect of nickel on spinach was discussed by number of authors but the effect of amendments like biochar with nickel on Spinacea oleraceaL. is not still discussed by any author of the world because biochar was used as soil amendments which play a vital role in reducing mobilization and uptake of nickel by spinach plants. As nickel contaminated plants are very harmful for the consumption by living organisms. Nickel can be gathered in agronomic soils by anthropogenic actions such as Ni-Cd batteries. In this study, the growth, physiological, photosynthetic and biochemical responses of Spinacia oleracea grown in Ni-spiked soil (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg Ni/Kg soil) at three levels of cotton-sticks-derived biochar “CSB” (0, 3 and 5 %) were evaluated. The results exposed significant decrease in growth, photosynthetic, physiological, and biochemical traits of S. oleracea when grown in Ni-polluted soil. However, this decrease was less pronounced in CSB amended soil. A steady rise in the MDA (0.66 µg/g to 2.08 µg/g), ascorbic acid (1.24 mg/g to 1.57 mg/g)and sugar concentrations (1.73 mg/g to 2.16 mg/g)was observed with increased concentration of Ni. The increasing percentages of CSB from 3 % to 5 % decreased Ni concentrations in root and shoot of experimental plant. Higher production of chlorophyll, amino acids and protein with CSB amendment looked like alleviation in Ni toxicity. Therefore, it is concluded that, Ni toxicity and availability to the plants can be reduced by CSB amendments.
Environmental Management
U.G. Abhijna
Abstract
Multivariate statistical techniques such as cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling and principal component analysis were applied to evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in water quality data set generated for two years (2008-2010) from six monitoring stations of Veli-Akkulam Lake and compared ...
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Multivariate statistical techniques such as cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling and principal component analysis were applied to evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in water quality data set generated for two years (2008-2010) from six monitoring stations of Veli-Akkulam Lake and compared with a regional reference lake Vellayani of south India. Seasonal variations of 14 different physicochemical parameters analyzed were as follows: pH (6.42-7.48), water temperature (26.0-31.28°C), salinity (0.50-26.81 ppt), electrical conductivity (47-20656.31 µs/cm), dissolved oxygen (0.078-7.65 mg/L), free carbon-dioxide (3.8-51.8 mg/L), total hardness (27.20-2166.6 mg/L), total dissolved solids (84.66-4195 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1.57-25.78 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (5.35-71.14 mg/L), nitrate (0.012-0.321 µg/ml), nitrite (0.24-0.79 µg/ml), phosphate (0.04-5.88 mg/L), and sulfate (0.27-27.8 mg/L). Cluster analysis showed four clusters based on the similarity of water quality characteristics among sampling stations during three different seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). Multidimensional scaling in conjunction with cluster analysis identified four distinct groups of sites with varied water quality conditions such as upstream, transitional and downstream conditions in Veli-Akkulam Lake and a reference condition at Vellayani Lake. Principal Component Analysis showed that Veli-Akkulam Lake was seriously deteriorated in water quality while acceptable water quality conditions were observed at reference lake Vellayani. Thus the present study could estimate the effectiveness of multivariate statistical approaches for assessing water quality conditions in lakes.
Environmental Engineering
A.S. Patimah; A. Prasetya; S.H.M.B. Santosa
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The research aimed to evaluate the water quality of the Cangkring River in Tuban Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia, at the segment near the oil and gas fields (Mudi Pad A, B, and C).METHODS: Water samples were collected from January to September 2021 at seven locations ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The research aimed to evaluate the water quality of the Cangkring River in Tuban Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia, at the segment near the oil and gas fields (Mudi Pad A, B, and C).METHODS: Water samples were collected from January to September 2021 at seven locations along the river segment and tested ex-situ using six parameters, including physical, chemical, and microbiological. The pollution index formula was used to calculate, determine, and analyze the river water quality status. Samples at three locations were further tested with 13 additional chemical parameters due to potential contamination by other substances as they were located the closest to the production site and office area.FINDINGS: Sample analysis with six parameters showed a pollution index value of 0.558 or within the predefined standard at one location (SW6) and 1.080–2.721 at the other six locations, indicating slight pollution. Another test at three selected locations (i.e., SW1, SW2, and SW7) with 13 additional parameters increased the pollution index to 5.556–6.170 (moderate pollution). This status change was due to the high presence of nitrite and ammonia in the water samples.CONCLUSION: The oil and gas industry near the Cangkring River has strictly complied with the regulations in treating their produced water. However, it still contains a high amount of nitrite and ammonia, moderately polluting the river water. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly test the river water near oil and gas fields to ensure its quality and safety.
M. Shahi; M.R. Sabour; G.A. Dezvareh
Abstract
Bentonite bleaching earth is utilized for purifying used motor oil through a recovery process in order to improve the quality and stability of the final product. Indeed, spent bleaching earth is generated due to adsorbing oil impurities. Polluted spent bleaching earth contains 20-40% (w/w) oil and is ...
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Bentonite bleaching earth is utilized for purifying used motor oil through a recovery process in order to improve the quality and stability of the final product. Indeed, spent bleaching earth is generated due to adsorbing oil impurities. Polluted spent bleaching earth contains 20-40% (w/w) oil and is flammable. Its disposal without pre-treatment leads to loss of oil along with environmental impacts. Accordingly, similar studies have been conducted since 1979 until now. This research was a laboratory study on reactive dye adsorption. Cleaning bleaching clay, thermal remediation and acid washing activation methods were utilized. Response surface methodology was used to design the experiments and determine the optimal parameters in order to run the dye adsorption process. The main experimental parameters have been concluded as temperature (200-800 °C), acid solution concentration (0.1-3 M), dye solution concentration (1-35 ppm), and ratio of activated earth to dye solution (0.1-2 %, w/w). Results revealed that dye adsorption process along with oil removal at a temperature of 650 °C, acid solution concentration of 0.83 M, dye solution concentration of 11.75 ppm and ratio of activated earth to dye solution of 1.52 % (w/w) results in an adsorption efficiency of 68.57%. This removal efficiency is a bit higher than activated virgin bleaching earth and much higher than virgin bleaching earth, which has adsorption capacities of 66.75% and 51.56%, respectively. Considering this recycling process, the purified material is quite acceptable technically, environmentally and economically.
P. Sutthichaimethee; W. Tanoamchard; P. Sawangwong; P Pachana; N. Witit-Anun
Abstract
This research aims to apply a model to the study and analysis of environmental and natural resource costs created in supply chains of goods and services produced in Thailand, and propose indicators for environmental problem management, caused by goods and services production, based on concepts of sustainable ...
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This research aims to apply a model to the study and analysis of environmental and natural resource costs created in supply chains of goods and services produced in Thailand, and propose indicators for environmental problem management, caused by goods and services production, based on concepts of sustainable production and consumer behavior. The research showed that the highest environmental cost in terms of Natural Resource Materials was from pipelines and gas distribution, while the lowest was for farming coconuts. The highest environmental cost in terms of Energy and Transportation was for iron and steel. The highest environmental cost in the category of Fertilizer and Pesticides was for oil palm. For Sanitation Services, the highest environmental cost was movie theaters. Overall, the lowest environmental cost for all categories, except Natural Resource Materials, was for petroleum and refineries. Based on the cost index, coconut farming gained the highest Real Benefit to the farm owner, while pipelines and gas distribution had the lowest Real Benefit. If Thailand were to use a similar environmental problem indicator, it could be applied to formulate efficient policy and strategy for the country in three areas, namely social, economic, and environmental development.
M. Ahmadipari; H. Hoveidi; H.R. Jafari; M. Pazoki
Abstract
Environmental planning and management can have positive effects on development of some land uses including industrial areas that have a major effect on economic, social and environmental conditions. Considering the most important problems associated with modeling, the fundamental methods and functions ...
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Environmental planning and management can have positive effects on development of some land uses including industrial areas that have a major effect on economic, social and environmental conditions. Considering the most important problems associated with modeling, the fundamental methods and functions of site-selection laid inside the geographical information system are not accounted for the multi-purpose experimental programs. The main purpose of this study is to present a systematic pattern for environmental management using genetic algorithm and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process in geographical information system in order to reduce uncertainty. Through fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, the weight of criteria was calculated after extracting the criteria by Delphi technique and identifying all the effective criteria and factors involved in site selection. After preparation of intended layers, each map was prepared in the form of raster layers on geographical information system. Information layers were combined after being valued and finally the map of suitable areas was prepared. Finally, the conformity of all the obtained maps was checked out with field conditions. In this study, the genetic algorithm was used as an optimization method applied for natural selection. It was also attempted to find better solutions among others. The results showed the best site for developing industries.
G.A. Aliyu; N.R.B. Jamil; M.B. Adam; Z. Zulkeflee
Abstract
The analysis of changes in water quality in a monitoring network system is important because the sources of pollution vary in time and space. This study utilized analysis of the water quality index calculation, hierarchical cluster analysis, and mapping. This was achieved by assessing the water quality ...
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The analysis of changes in water quality in a monitoring network system is important because the sources of pollution vary in time and space. This study utilized analysis of the water quality index calculation, hierarchical cluster analysis, and mapping. This was achieved by assessing the water quality parameters of the samples collected from Galma River in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria in wet and dry seasons. The Analysis shows that sampling point number 15 located downstream of the river has the largest number of water quality index of 105.77 and 126.34, while sampling points 1 located upstream of the river has 62.71 and 78.09 in both wet and dry seasons respectively. This indicates that all the monitoring sites were polluted and the water could be utilized for industrial and irrigation specified due to the purposes only. Hierarchical cluster analysis and mapping revealed consistency and variations. For both networks, cluster 1 is located in the middle of the river watershed, while clusters 2, 3 and 4 show variations within the river watershed. 3 sampling points in wet season located at the upstream of the river were specified for Irrigation and Industrial uses, while the rest of the sampling points in both seasons were specified for irrigation purpose only. From this study, water quality index and multivariate techniques for environmental management can be employed in monitoring river resources, and research of this kind can help inadequate planning and management of the river system.
Environmental Science
J.D.H. Palermo; K.L. Labrador; J.D. Follante; A.B. Agmata; M.J.R. Pante; R.N. Rollon; L.T. David
Abstract
Marine microplastics are emerging pollutants that impact across levels of marine food chain at a global scale. Its presence was determined on Sardinella lemuru, a commercial pelagic fish that are harvested generally in the Northern Mindanao, consumed locally, and exported worldwide as bottled or canned ...
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Marine microplastics are emerging pollutants that impact across levels of marine food chain at a global scale. Its presence was determined on Sardinella lemuru, a commercial pelagic fish that are harvested generally in the Northern Mindanao, consumed locally, and exported worldwide as bottled or canned sardine products. The stomach contents of 600 sardines were examined visually under a microscope, stained with Rose Bengal, and tested with hot needle technique to identify ingested microplastics. These anthropogenic particles were measured and physically classified into fibers, fragments, and films. Results of this study showed that 85% of S. lemuru were already contaminated with 3.74 ± 3.92 # of microplastics even before being processed into various sardine products. These microplastics ranged from 0.12 to 21.30 mm and 80 % were mostly < 2.5 mm size classes. The dominant microplastics were 97.94 % in the form of fibers while 1.52 % and 0.54 % were respectively classified into fragments and films. Method validation by isolating microplastics from spiked samples (n = 30) with three retrieval attempts showed 100% recovery efficiency. While results from Canonical Correspondence Analysis of ingested microplastic data had no relationship with the standard lengths of the sardine and the masses of ingested food materials at varying size classes, the total number of ingested microplastics from 2014 to 2016 were directly correlated (r2=0.91, p=0.003) with the human population at the landing sites along the coastline of northern Mindanao.
M.J. Mohammadizadeh; A.R. Karbassi; Gh.R. Nabi Bidhendi; M. Abbaspour
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the obstacles due to a DPSIR model combined with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process technique. Hence, to prioritize the responses regarding the driving forces, pressures, states and impacts, the hierarchy of the model is established. Evaluations and prioritization of ...
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The aim of this study is to evaluate the obstacles due to a DPSIR model combined with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process technique. Hence, to prioritize the responses regarding the driving forces, pressures, states and impacts, the hierarchy of the model is established. Evaluations and prioritization of model results of urban transport situation in Tehran have provided a number of necessary issues for strategic planning to reduce local air pollution and emission of greenhouse gases by prioritizing their effectiveness in the implementation, including; a) development and improvement of public transport (R1), b) improvement of fuel quality (R2), c) improvement of vehicle emission standards (R3), d) vehicle inspection (R4), f) traffic management (R5). In this study, responses to improve the factors of pressure, stimulus, the current state and the impacts were examined and compared hierarchically. Finally, their priority relative to each other was achieved. Development and improvement of public transport, improvement of the quality of fuel, improvement of vehicle emission standards, vehicle check-up and finally urban traffic management were identified respectively as practical steps to control and reduce air pollution in Tehran.
Environmental Engineering
M. Ramli; M. Mardlijah; M. Ikhwan; K. Umam
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A solar panel is a device that converts solar rays into electricity. It is a step to reduce emissions from fossil energy, which is to replace it with renewable energy. It requires a control system to ensure that the position of the solar panel is always perpendicular to the ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A solar panel is a device that converts solar rays into electricity. It is a step to reduce emissions from fossil energy, which is to replace it with renewable energy. It requires a control system to ensure that the position of the solar panel is always perpendicular to the sun''s rays. This study aims to modify the fuzzy set based on fuzzy entropy in the control system that has been developed. The modifications made are expected to increase the efficiency of solar panels in harvesting energy.METHODS: Type II fuzzy sliding mode control is used, along with a modified fuzzy set based on the entropy value. Before modification, the system containing the fuzzy set generates a histogram of entropy and voltage performance, which is the initial value and the comparison value. The algorithm alters the footprint of the uncertainty limit. This change results in a new fuzzy set, which results in a new histogram and voltage. The final step is to compare the initial and final parameters based on the results of the modifications.FINDINGS: The solar panels require only 7.3x10-5 degrees of movement per second. This is a very slow movement for a dc motor with a maximum voltage of 12 volts. The simulation produced a stable speed of 7.297x10-5 on the unmodified system and 7.295x10-5 on the modified system. The modified system experiences a slight delay towards the stable point because the fuzzy entropy method reduces the dominance of set point positions in the system.CONCLUSION: The modified fuzzy set is good at controlling the solar panel driving motor based on the output voltage value. On both controllers under consideration, the voltages follow the same pattern. However, it experienced a control mismatch at the point towards the set point. Finally, by changing the foot of uncertainty and adjusting it proportionally according to control needs, the control system based on fuzzy sets with fuzzy entropy can be further developed.
A.R. Darban Astane; M. Hajilo
Abstract
The current study was carried out to evaluate the quantity and quality of rural domestic waste generation and to identify the factors affecting it in rural areas of Khodabandeh county in Zanjan Province, Iran. Waste samplings consisted of 318 rural households in 11 villages. In order to evaluate the ...
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The current study was carried out to evaluate the quantity and quality of rural domestic waste generation and to identify the factors affecting it in rural areas of Khodabandeh county in Zanjan Province, Iran. Waste samplings consisted of 318 rural households in 11 villages. In order to evaluate the quality and quantity of the rural domestic waste, waste production was classified into 12 groups and 2 main groups of organic waste and solid waste. Moreover, kriging interpolation technique in ARC-GIS software was used to evaluate the spatial distribution of the generated domestic waste and ultimately multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors affecting the generation of domestic waste. The results of this study showed that the average waste generated by each person was 0.588 kilograms per day. with the share of organic waste generated by each person being 0.409 kilograms per day and the share of solid waste generated by each person being 0.179 kilograms per day. The results from spatial distribution of waste generation showed a certain pattern in three groups and a higher rate of waste generation in the northern and northwestern parts, especially in the subdistrict. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the households’ income, assets, age, and personal attitude are respectively the most important variables affecting waste generation. The housholds’ attitude and indigenous knowledge on efficient use of materials are also the key factors which can help reducing waste generation.
Environmental Engineering
M. Mambwe; K. K. Kalebaila; T. Johnson
Abstract
Crude oil continues to impact many nations as it is among the major sources of fuel. Its role in making life in modern societies comfortable cannot be overemphasized as it is readily available and easy to use. Contamination resulting from its use in industries such as mining, transportation and ...
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Crude oil continues to impact many nations as it is among the major sources of fuel. Its role in making life in modern societies comfortable cannot be overemphasized as it is readily available and easy to use. Contamination resulting from its use in industries such as mining, transportation and petroleum especially soil contamination cannot be overlooked. Soil pollution resulting from oil contamination can be seen as being among the twenty-first-century vulnerabilities because if not well taken care of the consequences can be devastating. Soil contamination is of interest in most societies because it affects both the environment and humans. This review highlights common sources of soil pollution and their effects, oil waste disposal methods, soil remediation techniques that are well established and those still in their infancy. Such techniques include bioremediation such as phytoremediation and landfarming, where percent removal of contaminated soils was reported from 68% to 89 % in 40 days to 1 year, respectively; physical methods such as excavation and incineration (75-86% removal); chemical methods such as oxidation (48 % by Fenton process); and photocatalysis (67% using titanium dioxide). The choice of remediation in mining, transportation and petroleum industries depends on the urgency and hazardous effects of the pollutant. In Zambia, Mopani Copper Mines uses landfarming as a means to mitigate large amounts of soil contaminated with oil wastes, but the process is slow. In the proposed research, photocatalysis coupled with adsorption of oil on clay will be used to assess the effectiveness of this emerging technology to quicken the degradation of oil in soils. Clay will be incorporated with metal ions and with hydrophobic groups to enhance light absorption and oil-clay interaction, respectively. Photochemical remediation techniques for remediation of soils polluted with oil have attracted considerable interest as the processes are reported to enhance the degradation of oils in soil compared to the biological and physical methods. The extent of photo-degradation of oil waste will be evaluated using the Soxhlet technique by determining the percent residual oil. The importance of remediating contaminated soil in any nation cannot be overemphasized as consequences of not remediating this precious resource might be devastating. Since economic development through industrialization will continue, there is need to constantly improve on methods of mitigating the impact of wastes on the environment, especially in developing countries, where engineering of cheap, nontoxic materials for soil remediation is paramount.
Environmental Science
C. Turan
Abstract
The present study aims to predict the potential geographic distribution and future expansion of invasive alien lionfish (Pterois miles) with ecological niche modelling along the Mediterranean Sea. The primary data consisted of occurrence points of P. miles in the Mediterranean and marine climatic data ...
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The present study aims to predict the potential geographic distribution and future expansion of invasive alien lionfish (Pterois miles) with ecological niche modelling along the Mediterranean Sea. The primary data consisted of occurrence points of P. miles in the Mediterranean and marine climatic data layers were collected from global databases. All the used models run 100% success predictions, and true skill statistics and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values ranged from 0.42 and 0.71 to 0.86 and 0.95 for current distribution modelling; and 0.0 and 0.0 to 0.83 and 0.94 for the future distribution modelling, respectively. The mean sea surface temperature and maximum bathymetry played an important role in the prediction of the model and explained relatively higher biological importance to the extension and adaptation of P. miles with extreme environmental factors. The predicted suitable habitats of P. miles under the current climate dominantly occurred in the east parts of coastal areas of the Mediterranean. The predicted future suitable habitats of P. miles revealed that P. miles increase its range of distribution dominantly to the central and west part of the Mediterranean in a spatial extent, indicating high suitability of these areas for its future distribution.
Environmental Management
E.D. Lusiana; S. Astutik; N. Nurjannah; A.B. Sambah
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conservation efforts are often prioritized on a large spatial scale because information about local ecosystems is frequently lacking. Therefore, comprehensive spatial classification of a region’s environmental characteristics is essential for effective marine conservation. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conservation efforts are often prioritized on a large spatial scale because information about local ecosystems is frequently lacking. Therefore, comprehensive spatial classification of a region’s environmental characteristics is essential for effective marine conservation. This study aimed to construct geophysical and chemical environmental delineation of the Lesser Sunda Islands which are located in Indonesia. This area is an ecoregion in the coral triangle that has been a primary concern of global biodiversity conservation strategies.METHODS: This study utilized eleven global environmental variables that were accessed from global marine databases. After performing a principal component analysis, a fuzzy C-means clustering technique was used to classify the region into groups based on environmental characteristics in term of seasonal variability. It was expected that the areas within each group would have identical attributes and ecological processes.FINDINGS: The results suggested that the marine environmental factors in Lesser Sunda can be simplified using a principal component analysis technique: 6 principal component factors explained 81.06 percent of the overall raw data variability for the wet season, and 7 principal component variables explained 84.51 percent of the overall raw data variability for the dry season. Then, the area can be delineated into 5 groups (wet season) and 10 groups (dry season) with different environmental characteristics. This method's classified groups principally inferred the Indian Ocean and Bali Sea, Savu Sea and Flores Sea, and Banda Sea as distinct clusters. In particular, the group that included the Indian Ocean had characteristics including lower nitrate and sea surface temperature concentrations, as well as higher potential hydrogen salinity and distance from the shore.CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that the single marine conservation area in Lesser Sunda is not sufficient to adequately represent the physicochemical dynamics in the area. The proposed delineation result will supplement the existing bioregion classification of marine areas, such as the Marine Ecoregions of the World. Moreover, it is also consistent with existing conservation programs, including the notable national marine protected areas of the Savu Sea. Nevertheless, the acknowledged biogeographic group of the Indian Ocean indicates that countries must work together to successfully manage marine protected areas and achieve their conservation objectives. This work serves as a baseline for both academic research and ecological assessment, and it will contribute to marine protected areas strategies and conservation efforts in the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Y. Kassem; H. Gökçekuş; H. Çamur
Abstract
Economic evaluation of 12 MW grid-connected wind farms and PV power plants in two regions in Northern Cyprus for electricity generation was investigated. The wind speed, sunshine duration, and solar global radiation characteristics were analyzed using monthly data collected over 17 years (2000-2016) ...
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Economic evaluation of 12 MW grid-connected wind farms and PV power plants in two regions in Northern Cyprus for electricity generation was investigated. The wind speed, sunshine duration, and solar global radiation characteristics were analyzed using monthly data collected over 17 years (2000-2016) for Girne and nine years (2008-2016) for Lefkoşa, which were measured at various heights. The result showed that during 2000-2016, the mean wind speed at Girne was 2.505 m/s and during 2008-2016, the mean wind speed at Lefkoşa was 2.536 m/s. The result showed that both regions had annual mean wind speed greater than 2 m/s at 10 m height. Moreover, the annual mean sunshine duration and global solar radiation were higher than seven h/day and 15 MJ./m2/day at a height of 2 m for all studied regions, respectively. In this study, eight distribution functions were used to analyze the wind speeds and global solar radiation data in each region. The results indicated that Weibull and Logistic were the best distributions for analyzing the wind speeds and global solar radiation data of the studied regions, respectively. Furthermore, the capacity factors of the selected regions ranged between 1.92% and 48.53%. Based on the renewable energy cost results, it is found that the generation costs of the wind farm were between 0.023 and 0.04 Euro/kWh, while the PV plant was between 0.08 and 0.098 Euro/kWh.
V. Anand; B. Oinam
Abstract
Hydrological components in a river basin can get adversely affected by climate change in coming future. Manipur River basin lies in the extreme northeast region of India nestled in the lesser Himalayan ranges and it is under severe pressure from anthropogenic and natural factors. Basin is un-gauged as ...
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Hydrological components in a river basin can get adversely affected by climate change in coming future. Manipur River basin lies in the extreme northeast region of India nestled in the lesser Himalayan ranges and it is under severe pressure from anthropogenic and natural factors. Basin is un-gauged as it lies in remote location and suffering from large data scarcity. This paper explores the impact of climate change towards understanding the inter-relationships between various complex hydrological factors in the river basin. An integrated approach is applied by coupling Soil and Water Assessment Hydrological Model and Hadley Center Coupled Model based on temperature, rainfall and geospatial data. Future representative concentration pathways 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios for 2050s and 2090s decades were used to evaluate the effects of climatic changes on hydrological parameters. Both annual mean temperature and annual precipitation is predicted to be increased by 2.07oC and 62% under RCP 8.5 by the end of 21st century. This study highlights that change in meteorological parameters will lead to significant change in the hydrological regime of the basin. Runoff, actual evapotranspiration and water yield are expected to be increased by 40.96 m3/s, 52.2% and 86.8% respectively under RCP 8.5. This study shows that water yield and evapotranspiration will be most affected by increase in precipitation and temperature in the upper and middle sub-basins. Different region within the basin is likely to be affected by frequent landslides and flood in coming decades.
Environmental Engineering
M. Mambwe; K.K. Kalebaila; T. Johnson
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With technological advances, mining industries use more crude oil and its products. Finding fast, effective, and eco-friendly repair techniques for oil-contaminated soil is crucial. Clay–titanium dioxide/manganese was used to investigate how oil breaks down in soil under ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With technological advances, mining industries use more crude oil and its products. Finding fast, effective, and eco-friendly repair techniques for oil-contaminated soil is crucial. Clay–titanium dioxide/manganese was used to investigate how oil breaks down in soil under sunlight. Various soil remediation techniques have been used to discard oil pollutants in soil. A polluted site must be cleaned effectively with a suitable method. Natural attenuation takes too long to produce positive results, whereas landfarming can produce toxic intermediates due to the organisms’ inability to degrade other oil components. Photochemical oxidation is a promising eco-friendly technique that can be employed as an alternative remediation method. The speed at which natural attenuation, photochemical oxidation, and landfarming could remove oil from contaminated soils was examined. Photochemical oxidation’s superiority as a remediation technique over landfarming is hypothesized.METHODS: Using clay modified with titanium dioxide and manganese, the effectiveness of landfarming and photochemical oxidation on oil-contaminated soil was investigated, together with the processes’ kinetics. To establish the processes’ effectiveness and kinetics, the oil residue was calculated at 7-day intervals for 35 days.FINDINGS: Initial oil concentration was 56.6 milligrams per kilogram, and degradation rates ranged from 23.91-80.47 percent. Highest oil reduction was 10.86 milligrams per kilogram. Combined remediation (biocarb and grafted clays) produced high degradation rate constants, k (0.046-0.049/day) and low degradation half-lives, t½ (15.2, 17.4 days). Photochemical oxidation rate constants ranged from 0.015-0.03984/day and half-lives ranged from 17.395-44.971 days, whereas landfarming had a rate constant of 0.008 and half-life of 83.094. Natural attenuation had the lowest k (0.007) and longest half-life (t½) of 94.8 days. Significant differences in means were observed among treatments (control, biocarb, and bicarb + grafted clays) at p ≤ 0.05, suggesting that treatment caused oil decrease in microcosms for biocarb + grafted clays. Grafted clays plus biocarb show potential for combined remediation of oil-contaminated soil.CONCLUSION: One primary indicator used to assess treatments’ efficacy is oil reduction, calculated using difference in oil content in soil before and after remediation. This shows that oil can be quickly removed from oil-contaminated soil by using biocarb + grafted South Luangwa with 80 percent oil reduction. Results suggest that photochemical oxidation may be used to effectively degrade oil and shorten remediation time. Photochemical oxidation is environmentally friendly and degrades oil faster than landfarming. Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines can consider adopting photochemical oxidation as a remediation technique in treating oil-contaminated soil.
