J. Aravind; G. Sudha;; P. Kanmani; A.J. Devisri; S. Dhivyalakshmi; M. Raghavprasad
Abstract
Gooseberry seed (Phyllanthus acidus) was used as an adsorbent to determine its feasibility for the removal of Cr(VI). Various parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, initial metal concentration and adsorbent dosage were investigated to determine the biosorption performance. Equilibrium was ...
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Gooseberry seed (Phyllanthus acidus) was used as an adsorbent to determine its feasibility for the removal of Cr(VI). Various parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, initial metal concentration and adsorbent dosage were investigated to determine the biosorption performance. Equilibrium was attained within 60 minutes and maximum removal of 96% was achieved under the optimum conditions at pH 2. The adsorption phenomenon demonstrated here was monolayer represented by Langmuir isotherm with R2 value of 0.992 and the Langmuir constants k and q0 was found to be 0.0061 (L/mg) and 19.23 (mg/g). The adsorption system obeyed Pseudo second order kinetics with R2 value of 0.999. The results of the present study indicated that gooseberry seed powder can be employed as adsorbent for the effective removal of hexavalent chromium economically.
S. Afshar; B. Saghafian; H.R. Vosoughifar
Abstract
The present study was carried out to determine the possible origins of sediments entering Taleghan Dam in northern part of Iran, in order to avoid further sedimentation and helping in extension of the useful life of the proposed dam. This was performed by XRD analysis. To do so, first of all, sediment ...
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The present study was carried out to determine the possible origins of sediments entering Taleghan Dam in northern part of Iran, in order to avoid further sedimentation and helping in extension of the useful life of the proposed dam. This was performed by XRD analysis. To do so, first of all, sediment sampling points were positioned along the Taleghan River. The collected samples, after coding, were transferred to the laboratory for mineralogical testing. Then, the samples were exposed to X-ray diffraction analysis. The experimental results were compared with data from geology, land cover land use and slope maps in order to find the possible primary origins of deposits in the Taleghan Dam. Furthermore, the geological formations and physiographical parameter such as slope were also analyzed to test erodibility of the formations. The results showed that most sediment samples in Taleghan are of sedimentary sandstone, mainly containing the quartz and plagioclase minerals (quartz sandstone and arkose sandstone). The findings also showed that calcite and dolomite were abundant in the collected samples, while aragonite and anthracite were found to a lesser extent in the samples. Accordingly, acidic and alkaline formations, mudstone, and siltstone of Karaj area formations, the gypsum of upper red formation, particularly at places with steep slope with a dominance of rangeland land use type, are main origins of sediments in the Taleghan reservoir. In another hand, the control of sediments at these areas would substantially decrease total sediment yields of the entire basin as in the dam reservoir.
Environmental Management
E. Atuanya; W. Aborisade
Abstract
Management of cocoa plantation field relied on the use of pesticides over the years; hence, the fate of such chemicals is one of the most debated issues among the stakeholders. Young and old cocoa plantation fields from 4 major cocoa producing States in Nigeria were selected as the study area. Eight ...
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Management of cocoa plantation field relied on the use of pesticides over the years; hence, the fate of such chemicals is one of the most debated issues among the stakeholders. Young and old cocoa plantation fields from 4 major cocoa producing States in Nigeria were selected as the study area. Eight composites soil samples collected from 3 portions of 6 transect measured area (100 x 50m) of the field were transported to the laboratory in sterile glass jar for analysis. A total of 19 organochlorine pesticides residues; (aldrin, α-hexachlorohexane, β-hexachlorohexane, γ-hexachlorohexane, δ-hexachlorohexane, α-chlordane, γ-chlordane, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, dieldrin, endosulfan I, endosulfan-II, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, endrin aldehydes, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and metoxychlor) were analyzed with gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. The results revealed the variation in the number of residues detected among the study fields. Endosulfan-I had the highest value g organochlorine pesticides residue detected. Most of the residue concentrations were within the European Union regulatory standard of Czech Republic. Other-cyclodine group had the highest concentration value among the evaluated organochlorine pesticides groups. The significant (P < 0.05) higher concentration of total organochlorine pesticides were observed in old fields. Composition quotients values indicate that most of the observed organochlorine pesticides residues were products of historical usage. There were strong correlations among the total organic carbon contents of soils and the total organochlorine pesticides compounds. Government regulatory agencies are encouraged to vigorously embark in further monitoring and ensuring the safety compliance of farmers towards the use of pesticides in Nigeria farms.
R.N. Lohe; B. Tyagi; V. Singh; P. Tyagi; D.R. Khanna; R. Bhutiani
Abstract
Although water and land pollution are very dangerous, air pollution has its own peculiarities due to its transboundary dispersion of pollutants over the entire world. In any well planned urban set up, industrial pollution takes a back seat and vehicular emissions take precedence as the major cause of ...
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Although water and land pollution are very dangerous, air pollution has its own peculiarities due to its transboundary dispersion of pollutants over the entire world. In any well planned urban set up, industrial pollution takes a back seat and vehicular emissions take precedence as the major cause of urban air pollution. In the present study, Air pollution tolerance index was calculated for various plant species growing at two sites Nagal village at Sahastradhara Road and the Clock Tower (the experimental site) of Dehradun city, India. The leaf samples were collected from 7 commonly present tree species. The results showed significant effects of various air pollutants on the vegetation in terms of four biochemical parameters analysed. Four physiological and biochemical parameters, which are leaf relative water content, Ascorbic acid content, total leaf chlorophyll content and leaf extract pH were used to compute the air pollution tolerance index values. Statistically significant difference was observed between control and experimental group for Ascorbic acid, t(6)=-4.848,p=.003. Paired t test for air pollution tolerance index between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference, t (6) = -4.548, p=.004. On the basis of air pollution tolerance index values for above mentioned seven tree species, Eucalyptus globus exhibited the highest degree of tolerance at all the sites followed by Ficus religiosa > Mangifera indica > Polyalthia longifolia > Phyllanthus emblica > Citrus limon > Lantana camara.
Environmental Engineering
D. Sivakumar; J. Nouri; T.M. Modhini; K. Deepalakshmi
Abstract
Water is prime requirement for surviving of any living beings. The existence of surface water and groundwater sources are used for domestic, agriculture and industrial purposes in all over the world. Fresh water from both the water sources is highly contaminated in recent years because of rapid ...
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Water is prime requirement for surviving of any living beings. The existence of surface water and groundwater sources are used for domestic, agriculture and industrial purposes in all over the world. Fresh water from both the water sources is highly contaminated in recent years because of rapid population growth, modern agriculture and industrial growth. Among them, contamination of water sources due to industrialization is high and it requires more attention to protect those water sources. In this study, nickel removal from electroplating industry wastewater was done with the help of bamboo activated carbon. The nickel removal from electroplating industry wastewater by bamboo activated carbon was done in this study at various adsorbent dosages (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/L), agitation speeds (25, 50, 75 and 100 rpm), particle sizes (2.36, 1.18, 0.6 and 0.3 mm), and concentration dilutions (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). The maximum removal percentage of nickel from electroplating industry wastewater using bamboo activated carbon was found to be 98.7 % at an optimum adsorption dosage 1.5 g/L, agitation speed 25 rpm, particle size 0.6 mm and concentration dilution 75 % with 110 min. contact time and 5.5 pH. Functional groups available in a bamboo activated carbon before and after treatment were determined by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis specified that alkanes, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, amines, aromatic compounds, alkyl halides, ethers, alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes functional groups in bamboo activated carbon was contributed for removing nickel from the electroplating industry wastewater. Isotherm models were used to know the adsorption behaviour of bamboo activated carbon for removing nickel from electroplating industry wastewater. Isotherm results revealed that Langmuir model was best suited with the equilibrium data than Freundlich model. Finally, this study concluded that bamboo activated carbon was best suited for removing nickel from electroplating industry wastewater.
H.D. Tran; H.M.T. Vi; H.T.T. Dang; R.M. Narbaitz
Abstract
Constructed wetlands have not been commonly used in Vietnam due to the lack of information in the selection of proper types of constructed wetlands, type of reeds, design parameters and performance efficiency, in tropical climates. This paper focuses on Canna generalis, which is a common reed and easy ...
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Constructed wetlands have not been commonly used in Vietnam due to the lack of information in the selection of proper types of constructed wetlands, type of reeds, design parameters and performance efficiency, in tropical climates. This paper focuses on Canna generalis, which is a common reed and easy to grow both in water and wet land conditions. Two kinds of hybrid constructed wetlands were employed, including Facultative pond combined with free water sub-surface constructed wetlands system and horizontal subsurface flow combined with Aerobic pond system. It was found that the ponds played an important role in the hybrid system performance and enhanced the performance of constructed wetlands. The pollutant removal efficiencies of the hybrid systems were all higher than the single constructed wetlands. The BOD5, TSS, NH4-N and PO4-P removal efficiencies averaged 81%, 85%, 93% and 77%, respectively for the hybrid horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands system operated at a hydraulic loading rate of 0.075 m/day, while they were 89%, 97%, 97%, and 68%, respectively for the hybrid free water sub-surface constructed wetlands system operated at a hydraulic loading rate of 0.1 m/day. The removal rate constants (kBOD5, kNH4-N, kPO4-P) of the experimental hybrid constructed wetlands were similar to those in previous studies. However, these constants were higher for the hybrid free water subsurface constructed wetlands because of the modified structure flow of the free water subsurface constructed wetlands applied in this study, compared to conventional ones, as well as the additional benefits of the ponds in the hybrid systems.
S. Kozlovskyi; L. Nikolenko; O. Peresada; O. Pokhyliuk; O. Yatchuk; N. Bolgarova; O. Kulhanik
Abstract
In the context of globalization of economic development processes, the issue of determining the level of public welfare of economic agents is particularly burning. The object of ehis study is the process of assessing welfare of the economic entities system. The subject of the study is the instrumental ...
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In the context of globalization of economic development processes, the issue of determining the level of public welfare of economic agents is particularly burning. The object of ehis study is the process of assessing welfare of the economic entities system. The subject of the study is the instrumental and mathematical aspects of modeling and measuring the public welfare. The aim of the work is to develop the mathematical model for measuring the welfare of Ukraine using methods of intellectual analysis, namely, the theory of fuzzy sets. The output of the study is a new approach to objective estimation of public welfare of the state. It is proposed to assess the level of public welfare of the state on the basis of a mathematical model developed on the basis of the theory of fuzzy sets. Input factors of the model are international indices and indicators, such as Index of Economic Freedom, Global Peace Index, Democracy Index, Corruption Perceptions Index, Human Development Index, Prosperity Index, Global Competitiveness Index as well as an indicator that reflects the characteristic property of the Ukrainian economy, namely the minimum living wage. Developed mathematical model for assessment of the level of public welfare of Ukraine and made a prediction of the indicator by 2024 on the basis of the above indices. The results of the study allowed us to establish that the level of public welfare (units) in Ukraine on a scale from 0 to 100 will be equal to 25, 17, 32, 26, and 28 in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, accordingly.
Environmental Management
M. Akbari; M. Ownegh; H.R. Asgari; A. Sadoddin; H. Khosravi
Abstract
Risk assessment provides the possibility of planning and management to prevent and reduce the risk of desertification. The present study is aimed to assess the hazard and risk of desertification and to develop management programs in the semi-arid western regions of Golestan Province in Iran. Desertification ...
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Risk assessment provides the possibility of planning and management to prevent and reduce the risk of desertification. The present study is aimed to assess the hazard and risk of desertification and to develop management programs in the semi-arid western regions of Golestan Province in Iran. Desertification rate was obtained using the Iranian model of desertification potential assessment. Since the rating system was considered for the indicators, data analyses were carried out according to the Mann-Whitney test. The risk of desertification was calculated based on hazard, elements at risk and vulnerability assessment maps. The intensity of desertification was estimated to be medium. Among the factors affecting desertification, agriculture by the weighted average of 3.22 had the highest effect, followed by soil, vegetation, water and wind erosion criteria by weighted averages of 2.45, 2.32, 2.15 and 1.6 respectively. Desertification risk assessment results also showed that about 78% of central and northern parts of the region, with the largest population and residential centers, surface and underground water resources, agriculture and horticulture, is confronted with a high to very high degree of risk. Management plans and control measures, based on risk values were presented in four activities (with two management priorities under critical and non-critical conditions). For the management program with the largest area. Control measures and strategies such as the establishment of halophytic and xerophytic plants, drainage networks, resilient facilities and infrastructure were proposed. Reducing the risk of desertification, could play a crucial role in the sustainable development of drylands and desert ecosystems.
Environmental Management
V. Dhayalan; K. Sudalaimuthu
Abstract
Rapid human population growth and its consequences of food shortage become a significant concern in recent decades across the world. The untold reasons behind this food shortage were industrialization, urbanization, modern civilization, etc., where the agricultural land has been deployed. With the decreasing ...
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Rapid human population growth and its consequences of food shortage become a significant concern in recent decades across the world. The untold reasons behind this food shortage were industrialization, urbanization, modern civilization, etc., where the agricultural land has been deployed. With the decreasing farmland and its cultivation, food productivity declined drastically and failed to serve the world's vast human population. The present challenge is to increase productivity with the least agricultural land. Thus, excessive chemical fertilizer has been used to quickly turn out more outstanding food production, leading to more significant damages to soil ecosystem and human health. Henceforth, bio-fertilizers find the best alternatives to chemical fertilizers. This study focuses on complete nature of plant growth Promoting rhizobacteria, which is used in bio fertilizers for sustainable agricultural productivity and everlasting soil fertility. The characteristics of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and its role in plant growth and formulation of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria biofertilizers have been revealed through intensive literature. The consortium information collected from various literatures brings the unique findings that plant growth promoting rhizobacteria is the natural boon to the global agriculturist. This study discusses plant growth promoting rhizobacteria bacterial strains' role in protecting the soil from various biotic and abiotic stresses, regulating plant growth and its role in producing biofertilizers. Besides, it is transformed into commercial products. Eventually, the future trends and research in plant growth promoting rhizobacteria bio inoculants that promote sustainable agriculture have been elucidated. The microorganism is the bio fertilizer's main ingredients, promoting the soil nutrients for efficient plant growth and increasing food productivity. Although many microorganisms efficiently contribute to the soil nutrients, this review narrows down to the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria study. Beneficial bacterium plays a vital role in nutrient mineralization and productivity among the various microorganisms. Bio fertilizers containing beneficial bacteria were economically viable and readily available in nature. This review reveals the complete essence of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and its part in bio fertilizers.
Environmental Science
L. Mohammadi; E. Bazrafshan; M. Noroozifar; A.R. Ansari-Moghaddama; A.R. Khazaei Feizabad; A.H. Mahvi
Abstract
The current study aimed to examine the overall feasibility of the use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) as a catalyst in ozonation process for the removal of benzene from aqueous solutions under experimental conditions. This experimental study was conducted on a laboratory scale reactor in a semi-batch ...
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The current study aimed to examine the overall feasibility of the use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) as a catalyst in ozonation process for the removal of benzene from aqueous solutions under experimental conditions. This experimental study was conducted on a laboratory scale reactor in a semi-batch mode. The effect of critical operating parameters such factors as pH, concentration of benzene, reaction time and nano-catalyst dose on the removal of benzene was investigated. The samples included with benzene concentrations (10-200 mg/L), pH (3-13), catalyst dose (0.1-0.5 mg), and ozonation time (5-50 min). Findings indicated that the removal of benzene depended on various utilization parameters. The highest efficiency was achieved at reaction time of 50 min, pH of 12, initial benzene concentration of 10 mg/L and catalyst dose of 0.5 g. Among the studied factors, the maximum and the minimum contributions were made by the dose of nanoparticles (83%) and the reaction time (~73%). The software predicted that use of 0.13 g of the catalyst at pH of 12 and ozonation time of 5 min would lead to a removal efficiency of 68.4%. The catalytic ozonation process was able to remove benzene, and addition of CuO-NPs as a catalyst together with the ozonation process increased the benzene removal efficiency. The values of R2 = 0.9972, adjusted R2= 0.9946, and predicted R2 =0.9893 indicated that the model was acceptably predicted by the software and fitted the data obtained in the experiments.
Environmental Management
S. Nayek; S. Gupta; K.K. Pobi
Abstract
The current study deals with the physicochemical characterization, temporal variability and trophic state evaluation of a post glacial mountain lake in eastern Himalaya during the period of 2014-2016. Notable seasonal variations are recorded for physicochemical parameters of lake water. The values for ...
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The current study deals with the physicochemical characterization, temporal variability and trophic state evaluation of a post glacial mountain lake in eastern Himalaya during the period of 2014-2016. Notable seasonal variations are recorded for physicochemical parameters of lake water. The values for electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity and Chloride are higher during the rainy season. Concentrations of total phosphorous (136.78±29.14 µg/L), total nitrogen (7177.78±1346.70 µg/L) and Chlorophyll-a (38.54±21.67 µg/L) in lake water are distinctly higher than the recommended standards for eutrophic condition of lake/surface water. Application of multivariate tools such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis reveals that ionic constituents of lake water are majorly associated to the geogenic and exogenic factors, with minor seasonal influences. Trophic state indices based on water transparency (3.15±1.57), total phosphorous (74.72±3.39), total nitrogen (82.64±2.83) exhibit hypertrophic nature of lake water; while trophic state index for chlorophyll-a indicate eutrophic condition. Deviations between Trophic state indices (TSICHLa-TSISD: -14±7.88, TSICHLa-TSITP: -9.17±3.33, and TSICHLa-TSITN: -17.56±5.29) infer that the nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) are not limiting factors for the algal biomass, and non-algal components such as suspended solids soil/sediment particles affects the light attenuation in the monitored lake. The observations reveal that trophic condition of monitored lake is in alarming stage. Therefore, measures should be taken on urgent basis in order to intercept the increasing trend in eutrophication, and for the restoration of water quality and integrated lake ecosystem.
Environmental Engineering
J. Samaniego; M.A.N. Tanchuling
Abstract
The use of amalgamation process to recover gold from mined ores by the small-scale gold miners in the Philippines and other developing countries produces and dispose of untreated wastewater to the receiving water bodies. In this study, a field-scale filter bed system was constructed to treat heavy metal ...
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The use of amalgamation process to recover gold from mined ores by the small-scale gold miners in the Philippines and other developing countries produces and dispose of untreated wastewater to the receiving water bodies. In this study, a field-scale filter bed system was constructed to treat heavy metal metal-laden wastewater collected from small-scale gold mining site in Paracale, Camarines Norte, Philippines. The filter bed system was consists of sedimentation tank and filter bed with Cocopeat, a by-product of coconut husk, as adsorbent. Physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, salinity, total suspended solids, color) and heavy metal (As, Ba, Cd, Hg, Pb) concentrations were monitored during the 50 days experiment at a flow rate of 40 Liter per hour for 3 hours daily wastewater application. Significant reduction was achieved on heavy metals; As (97.11%), Ba (39.75%), Cd (74.24%), Hg (97.02%), Pb (98.82%) from small-scale gold mining (SSGM)wastewater in sedimentation phase and further reductions on As (1.39%), Ba (28.00%), Cd (4.95%), Hg (2.91%), Pb (0.97%) were achieved by adsorption in the Cocopeat filter bed. Measured effluent physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations were within the respective regulatory limits. Other effluent parameters with strong correlation with total suspended solids such as turbidity and color, though not regulated, were reduced significantly. All adsorbed heavy metals accumulated in the upper 25 cm of the Cocopeat column in the filter bed. Measured heavy metal concentrations in Cocopeat suggest that the adsorbent was not saturated and further application of small-scale gold mining wastewater is recommended to determine its useful life.
Environmental Management
M.A. Peñaranda Barba; V. Alarcón Martínez; I. Gómez Lucas; J. Navarro Pedreño
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Open-pit mining is an important activity to obtain mineral resources that supply society with raw materials to improve people's quality of life. However, this extractive activity causes negative environmental impacts and, it is therefore necessary to identify and evaluate these ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Open-pit mining is an important activity to obtain mineral resources that supply society with raw materials to improve people's quality of life. However, this extractive activity causes negative environmental impacts and, it is therefore necessary to identify and evaluate these impacts in order to design preventive and control measures to reduce them and thus safeguard the environment and natural resources. In the Region of Murcia, in Spain, as well as other Mediterranean areas with similar climatic conditions, there is a great deal of mining activity linked to the building sector, in which mainly ornamental rock (marble and marble limestone) and limestone aggregates are used. All of this has given rise to numerous active and abandoned mines, where no restoration process has been carried out, generating strong impacts on the environment.METHODS: In this study, 8 environmental impact assessments studies of ornamental rock and aggregate quarries in the Region of Murcia were analysed to identify the negative impacts on the abiotic and biotic environment, landscape, socio-economic and socio-cultural environment, and infrastructures and analysing preventive and control measures. FINDINGS: According to the environmental impact assessment studies analysed, the importance of the most significant environmental impacts has been calculated, indicating whether the impacts are critical, severe, moderate or compatible, and based on it, preventive and corrective measures are proposed together in an impact mitigation management system based in flow charts that will serve to more easily apply and control these measures, in order to prevent them from causing significant or irreversible damage to the environment. Analysing these measures, it has been observed that 90% of the measures applied to control the different negative environmental factors in this type of quarry are the same.CONCLUSION: Open-pit mining extraction systems have a series of similar characteristics that allow a systematic approach to be established when analysing the impacts. With the use of flowcharts, it becomes easier to apply measures to reduce environmental impacts and in addition, these diagrams, allow at the same time the easy incorporation of updates due to changing regulations.
J. Aravind; P. Kanmani; G. Sudha; R. Balan
Abstract
The current investigation presents the role of gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus) seeds as an effective biosorbent for remediating chromium (VI)), a toxic heavy metal pollutant commonly found in effluents from tanneries and relevant industries. Biosorption was affected by pH, temperature and initial metal ...
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The current investigation presents the role of gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus) seeds as an effective biosorbent for remediating chromium (VI)), a toxic heavy metal pollutant commonly found in effluents from tanneries and relevant industries. Biosorption was affected by pH, temperature and initial metal concentration. Furthermore, there is a need to understand the holistic effect of all variables to ascertain the best possible conditions for adsorption, therefore, these factors were considered and a total of 17 trials were run according to the Box Behnken design. Quadratic model had maximum R2 value (0.9984) and larger F value (1109.92). From the Analysis Of Variance table and R2 value, quadratic model was predicted to be the significant model with the best fit to the generated experimental data. The optimal parameters obtained from the contour plot for the maximum removal of chromium(VI) were initial metal concentration of 60 mg/L, pH value of 2, and temperature of 27°C. Under these conditions, maximum removal of 92% was obtained. Thus this biosorbent substantially eliminates chromium(VI) under optimized conditions, enabling its use in larger scale.
O.А. Mykoliuk; V.М. Bobrovnyk
Abstract
The study highlights the importance to develop the national economy through assuring energy security. The study aims to analyze how to develop renewable energy sources, determine the main priorities of Ukraine’s national security policy and discover novel ways of assuring energy security due to ...
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The study highlights the importance to develop the national economy through assuring energy security. The study aims to analyze how to develop renewable energy sources, determine the main priorities of Ukraine’s national security policy and discover novel ways of assuring energy security due to developing the industry of renewable energy in the light of environmental safety, energy conservation, and efficiency. The following scientific methods were employed: synthesis and analysis – to determine the essence and significance of RES in order to assure energy security; theoretical generalization – to single out the main stages of renewable energy development; classification – to classify the main advantages of introduction of RES, as well as the obstacles to their implementation; logical generalization – to justify the relevance, aim and objectives of the study; the method of rising from the abstract to the concrete – to develop and justify the ways of assuring energy security provided that renewable production is developed. The following results are obtained: the main conditions for developing RE are determined; some relevant issues of energy efficiency and assurance of Ukraine’s energy security are justified; significant potential of Ukraine’s renewable energy industry is discovered and analyzed; target values Ukraine seeks to achieve with the help of the energy generated from RES in final energy consumption are analyzed; the main criteria for developing Ukraine’s fuel and energy complex are revealed and the key branch ratio values of the state’s energy balance are determined.
Environmental Management
L.G. Aribal; J.G. Bonggay; E.S. Fernando
Abstract
Leaf size indices of the tree species in the peatland of Agusan del Sur in Mindanao in Philippines was examined to deduce the variation of forest structure and observed forest zonation. Using raunkiaer and webb’s leaf size classification, the leaf morphometrics of seven tree species consistently ...
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Leaf size indices of the tree species in the peatland of Agusan del Sur in Mindanao in Philippines was examined to deduce the variation of forest structure and observed forest zonation. Using raunkiaer and webb’s leaf size classification, the leaf morphometrics of seven tree species consistently found on the established sampling plots were determined. The species includes Ternstroemia philippinensis Merr., Polyscias aherniana Merr. Lowry and G.M. Plunkett, Calophyllum sclerophyllum Vesque, Fagraea racemosa Jack, Ilex cymosa Blume, Syzygium tenuirame (Miq.) Merr. and Tristaniopsis micrantha Merr. Peter G.Wilson and J.T.Waterh.The LSI were correlated against the variables of the peat physico-chemical properties (such as bulk density, acrotelm thickness, peat depth, total organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, pH); water (pH, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate); and leaf tissue elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Result showed a decreasing leaf size indices and a three leaf size category consisting of mesophyllous, mesophyllous-notophyllous and microphyllous were observed which corresponds to the structure of vegetation i.e., from the tall-pole forest having the biggest average leaf area of 6,142.29 mm2 to the pygmy forest with average leaf area of 1,670.10 mm2. Such decreased leaf size indices were strongly correlated to soil nitrogen, acrotelm thickness, peat depth, phosphate in water, nitrogen and phosphorus in the plant tissue.
V.K. Gupta; S. Khamparia; I. Tyagi; D. Jaspal; A. Malviya
Abstract
Water plays a vital and essential role in our ecosystem. This natural resource is becoming scarce, making its availability a major social and economic concern. Use of a large variety of synthetic dyes in textile industries has raised an hazardous environmental alert. About 17 - 20% of freshwater pollution ...
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Water plays a vital and essential role in our ecosystem. This natural resource is becoming scarce, making its availability a major social and economic concern. Use of a large variety of synthetic dyes in textile industries has raised an hazardous environmental alert. About 17 - 20% of freshwater pollution is caused by textile effluents. These effluents are recalcitrant to biodegradation and cause acute toxicity to the receiving water bodies, as these comprised of various types of toxic dyes, which are difficult to remove. Decolorisation of textile wastewater is therefore important before releasing it into the nearby local waterways. It therefore becomes essential to degrade the toxic chemicals of textile wastewater, so as to avoid the hazardous environmental effects. Several treatment methods have been employed to embark upon the problem of dye removal but degradation becomes further more difficult for effluents containing dye matrix. The review study has been an attempt to present the different diversified attempts used for decolorisation of a mixture of dyes.
Environmental Engineering
J.C. Paquit; R.I.P. Rama
Abstract
The potential effect of invasive plant species on biodiversity is one of most important subject of inquiry at present. In many parts of the world, the alarming spread of these plants has been documented. Knowing that climate exerts a dominant control over the distribution of plant species, predictions ...
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The potential effect of invasive plant species on biodiversity is one of most important subject of inquiry at present. In many parts of the world, the alarming spread of these plants has been documented. Knowing that climate exerts a dominant control over the distribution of plant species, predictions can therefore be made to determine which areas the species would likely spread under a climate change scenario and that is what this study aims to tackle. In the current study, a total of 211 species occurrence points were used to model the current and projected suitability of Piper aduncum in Bukidnon, Philippines using Maxent. Results revealed that the suitability of the species was determined primarily by climatic factors with Bio 18 (precipitation of the warmest quarter) as the strongest influencing variable with a mean percent contribution of 22.1%. The resulting model was highly accurate based on its mean test Area Under Curve that is equal to 0.917. Current prediction shows that suitable areas for Piper are concentrated along the southern portion of Bukidnon. Only 9% of the province is suitable for the species at present but is predicted to increase to 27% because of climate change. The central and southwestern parts of the province are the areas of high threat for invasion by Piper.
Environmental Management
B. Guerra Tamara; A. C. Torregroza-Espinosa; D. Pinto Osorio; M. Moreno Pallares; A. Corrales Paternina; A. Echeverría González
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irrigation system water quality is a complex issue that involves the combined effects of various surface water management parameters. Monitoring of irrigation water quality is essential for the sustainability of crop production and productivity. The department of Sucre, in ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irrigation system water quality is a complex issue that involves the combined effects of various surface water management parameters. Monitoring of irrigation water quality is essential for the sustainability of crop production and productivity. The department of Sucre, in northern Colombia, is predominantly a ranching and agricultural region where agriculture is the main source for livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to assess the physicochemical quality of surface water in irrigation systems at 141 farms.METHODS: To this end, 141 water samples were taken to determine 22 physicochemical parameters. All in-situ measurements and laboratory analysis were performed using standard methods. The results obtained were compared with the international standards proposed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. Salinity and sodicity were measured using the irrigation water classification diagram, and the level of correlation between the 22 variables was assessed by means of correlation analysis.FINDINGS: The results obtained indicate that based on the measured parameters, the water is classified as appropriate for use in irrigation systems. The maximum and minimum pH values were 9.32 and 4.40, respectively; the maximum and minimum values of electrical conductivity were 669 and 19.80 µS/cm respectively; the maximum and minimum values of total dissolved solids were 478 and 11.80 mg/L respectively, and the maximum and minimum values of the sodium adsorption ratio were 1.72 and 0.01 mEq/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cation and anion concentrations were within the limits allowed by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WHO. According to the irrigation water classification diagram, the waters were classified as C1S1 and C2S1, which implies that there are no restrictions for their use in irrigation systems, water type (I) and type (II).
Environmental Engineering
B. Gwada; G. Ogendi; S.M. Makindi; S. Trott
Abstract
Among the emerging environmental issues within Sub-Saharan Africa is the haphazard disposal of plastic waste, some of which end up downstream in the marine environment leading to negative effects. Notably there have been cases of humpback whales getting entangled in ‘ghost’ fishing nets, ...
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Among the emerging environmental issues within Sub-Saharan Africa is the haphazard disposal of plastic waste, some of which end up downstream in the marine environment leading to negative effects. Notably there have been cases of humpback whales getting entangled in ‘ghost’ fishing nets, and endangered turtles ingesting plastic wastes in Watamu beach in Kenya. The aim of the current study was to assess the composition and management of plastic waste discarded by households in Watamu ward. Stratified random sampling was used to collect data from households in four sub-locations within Watamu ward. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (the Freeman-Halton extension of the Fisher’s Exact test). The composition of plastics usually discarded as waste by households in order of dominance were low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene and polypropylene (FH=37.959, p = 0.000). From the results, only 0.7% of respondents recycled their plastic waste. The most preferred disposal method of household plastic waste was open dumpsites (61.4%) followed by burning (12.9%) and discards (6.4%). Majority of respondents (93.6%), re-use some plastic containers for food, water, and oil storage. There was a significant difference in terms of how the respondents re-used their plastic waste in the four sub-locations (FH=36.437, p=0.005). In conclusion, the current plastic waste disposal methods at Watamu are not environmentally friendly and recycling is still at a smaller scale despite its potential to generate income and clean the environment, and promote ecosystem services and human wellbeing.
Environmental Engineering
M. Camara; N.R.B. Jamil; F.B. Abdullah
Abstract
Rapid development and population growth have resulted in an ever-increasing level of water pollution in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess water quality of Selangor River in Malaysia. The data collected under the river water quality monitoring program by the Department of environment ...
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Rapid development and population growth have resulted in an ever-increasing level of water pollution in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess water quality of Selangor River in Malaysia. The data collected under the river water quality monitoring program by the Department of environment from 2005 to 2015 were used for statistical analyses. The local water quality indices were computed and a trend detection technique and cluster analysis were applied, respectively, to detect changes and spatial disparity in water quality trends. The results showed that the river water is of good quality at all stations, with the exception of 1SR01 and 1SR09 located upstream, which recorded moderate water quality indices of 68 and 71, respectively. The results of trend analysis showed downward trends in dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen, for most water quality stations, as well as increasing trends in chemical oxygen, suspended solids, pH and temperature for most stations. In addition, the results of cluster and time series analyses showed that the trend variation in dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature between the station clusters is relatively low as compared to chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, and ammonia nitrogen. With the peak concentration of 13 mg/L for dissolved oxygen observed in cluster 2 in 2014, and the highest decrease in suspended solids (8 mg/L) observed in cluster 1 for 2015. This finding demonstrates that these combined statistical analyses can be a useful approach for assessing water quality for adequate management of water resources.
Environmental Engineering
H. Herdiansyah; E. Frimawaty
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: From August to October 2019, several provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan had faced severe forest fires, causing thousands of citizens to suffer respiratory disorders. This study aims to assess waste handling in palm oil plantation manage by smallholders and the correlation ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: From August to October 2019, several provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan had faced severe forest fires, causing thousands of citizens to suffer respiratory disorders. This study aims to assess waste handling in palm oil plantation manage by smallholders and the correlation palm oil plantation waste handling with the fireland in Sumatera, especially on Jambi province.METHODS: Primary data collection was conducted in September 2019, and a purposive random sampling method was used to select respondents. Primary data collection was applied for four hundred smallholders in five districts in Jambi using a mixed method. FINDINGS: Out of 400 correspondents that handle their waste, 50% of respondents handle the residues by stacking the waste on their field, 25% of correspondents stack the waste between trees, 17.25% of correspondents stack the waste on piles, 5% of them bury the posts, and 2.75% incinerate the waste. The average distance from home to the field for 200 correspondents is 8.825 kilometres, and they have the highest harvest quantity with a mean of 1.0940 tons. Most of them are common smallholders and self-subsistent smallholders. The 298 correspondents join a farming association. About 50% of smallholders in Jambi handle the residues by stacking the wastes on their field instead of incinerating the waste. CONCLUSION: Out of the overall samples collected in this study, only 2.75% smallholders in Jambi incinerate their residues. Hence, the fire breakouts happened on several provinces in Sumatera and Kalimantan in late 2019 did not happen due to crude palm oil waste-handling activities.
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.
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