Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
S. Maroofi; M. Valibeigi; A. Shaneh
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In cities with a hot and harsh climate, defining space and territory in a sustainable and environmentally manner in urban management and human capital is critical. Cultural values and climatic adaptation played a prominent role in the neighborhood's basic elements. The main ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In cities with a hot and harsh climate, defining space and territory in a sustainable and environmentally manner in urban management and human capital is critical. Cultural values and climatic adaptation played a prominent role in the neighborhood's basic elements. The main objective of the research is to identify and clarify the semantic foundations of neighborhood design in desert cities of Iran, which will be used in future improvement and rehabilitation plans. METHODS: Naeen City, which has a particularly integrated neighborhood design structure, was chosen as the case study to support this concept. The grounded theory has been used to conduct this qualitative research and neighborhood design as a text has been considered in five physical, social, environmental, functional and aesthetic categories and identified in detail 73 themes as first level open coding. These themes were interpreted under each of the three classes of social, scientific, and aesthetic. Then as the second level open coding, 29 topics are identified in 5 categories. Finally, 10 core themes have been recognized as the Sustainable Semantic foundations of the traditional neighborhoods in the desert cities of Iran after integrating and reflecting on the collected themes.FINDINGS: The results showed that in the category of physical structure, a focal point and hierarchy in neighborhoods; in the category of social structure, social capital and human and religious values; in the category of functional structure, functional stability and climate adaption; in the category of aesthetic structure, physical and visual identity are the most important factors in the neighborhood design in desert cities of Iran.CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that the neighborhood in traditional Iranian cities was formed by the connectivity of physical and social elements and components, and it was the community of these neighborhoods that gave meaning to the Iranian city. Cities and neighborhoods are defined in perfect agreement with their surroundings. Neighborhoods, unlike residential units, do not require physical boundaries, and the services that people require are supplied with an emphasis on ease of access. Both as a municipal center and as an informal arena for public gatherings, the neighborhood center has been highlighted and exploited. The concentration is on common public areas that have given neighborhoods a sense of life.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
N. Mohebbi; J. Nouri; N. Khorasani; B. Riazi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human communities encompass significant population proportion via various strategies of livelihood around the wetlands, including urban development, municipal wastewater discharge or solid disposal, construction growth, agriculture, and fishery piers. Wetlands essentially prepare ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human communities encompass significant population proportion via various strategies of livelihood around the wetlands, including urban development, municipal wastewater discharge or solid disposal, construction growth, agriculture, and fishery piers. Wetlands essentially prepare precious biodiversity and are excellently approved as valuable ecosystems; however, have been exposed to destruction and ruin. The most impressive objectives of the research are briefly to improve the wetland ecosystem by highlighting biodiversity protection approaches. In this paper, the whole socio-economic activities, besides the environmental concerns, have been probed on the Boujagh Wetland to better figure out the trade-offs with this management practice.METHODS: Overall, a conceptual integrated management model has been utilized as the framework of the study, afterward identifying hazardous factors, vulnerability, and indicator species threshold, Ecological Risk Assessment has been implemented by Tiered-ERA model; MIKE 21 simulated contaminants in the widespread aquatic area. SWOT and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix have been selected for strategy identification and classification, respectively. In order to illustrate sensitive habitats and other features, Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing instruments have been applied.FINDINGS: Results demonstrated “chemical fertilizers and pesticides of upstream farmlands” and “toxic metals of industrial wastes and boating” led to ecological hazards for organisms; in addition, nitrogen and phosphor parameters affected eutrophication, influenced due to residential effluents. Furthermore, the most sensitive ecosystems are situated on the surrounding Boujagh Wetland and Sefidrud River margin. Conservation and tourism are prioritized as key strategies and wise uses by scores 10.19 and 9.79 on the QSPM respectively.CONCLUSION: Finally, conservation, extensive tourism, urban wastewater treatment establishment, elimination of chemical fertilizers and pesticide consumption, prevention of boating, especially military maneuvers, and landfill removal have been suggested to restore the Boujagh Wetland instead of countless unaccustomed land uses.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
A. Bouba Oumarou; H.X. Li
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Global Warming is expected to induce grave effects around the world. It is predicted that many communities, mostly in the third world, experience numerous consequences because of climate change. Therefore, effective action is needed and universities play a huge role in addressing ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Global Warming is expected to induce grave effects around the world. It is predicted that many communities, mostly in the third world, experience numerous consequences because of climate change. Therefore, effective action is needed and universities play a huge role in addressing Global Warming issues and their impacts through research and innovations. Hence, assessing the extent to which African university students understand climate change and its impacts shows the extent of hope in mitigating the climate related risks. This Case study assesses how deep is the knowledge of young educated Africans on Global Warming causes and risks, how committed they are on fighting the issue and applying solutions.METHODS: A hypothesis testing and descriptive statistics models were employed to analyze a qualified data set collected through an online interview survey among young educated Africans taken from a sample of oversea students in Chinese state universities. After a consistency study, Out of 250 questionnaires received, 224 were useful data, and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.75. Participants were taken from 34 different African nationalities. All analyses were conducted using SPSS24.FINDINGS: The results have shown that 39% of the students are very familiar with the topic, and 33% consider it as a known issue and the participants mostly rely on social media to get information about Global Warming. Two hypotheses were tested at 95% level of confidence; the critical statistic was 41.3 against a 51.2 calculated chi square for H01: Young educated Africans don’t have significant knowledge on Global Warming causes. Similarly, a critical value of 36.4 was compared to a calculated chi-square of 40.6 for H02: Young educated Africans don’t have significant knowledge on Global Warming risks. Hence, both hypotheses were rejected. Consequently, it was deduced that young Africans students do have general knowledge on GW risks and causes, even if some deep aspects are still unclear for some. It was revealed that most of the students (81%) are ready to take actions against climate change, and some have even started to do so; besides, they mostly believe that the solutions should come from every human being at any age or background. Using these results, recommendations were given to different stakeholders. CONCLUSION: In Africa, where education about climate change is generally low, the findings in this study may provide all stakeholders with crucial information for better understanding of Global Warming risks and effective response plans. This study has shown that Young educated Africans report a general sense that global warming can negatively impact people’s lives, but relatively few are willing to personally get involved in the response. Therefore, there is need for practical climate change health and safety education leading to improve behaviors among the most remote communities.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
Z. Sadreazam Nouri; J. Nouri; F. Habib; M. Rafieian
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban river valleys are so important with regard to their benefits and functions, including air temperate, microclimate creating, landscape, fresh water supplement. Urban development over considering environmental issues, population density, constructions, solid waste or effluent ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban river valleys are so important with regard to their benefits and functions, including air temperate, microclimate creating, landscape, fresh water supplement. Urban development over considering environmental issues, population density, constructions, solid waste or effluent discharging, especially in quantitative and qualitative river boundaries and land taking of their beds, are significant reasons to decline cities functions and ecosystems degradation. So, natural ecosystems should be restored and a thorough strategic planning is necessary for their conservations. METHODS: With regards to managerial aspects involving ecological, spatial, economic, socio-cultural, and managerial- executive dimensions integrated management model has been recommended for Farahzad River Valley in Tehran city as a case study via Urban River Survey and Geographic Information System. Finally, effective and efficient strategically management plan was suggested by implementing SWOT, QSPM and Analytical Hierarchy Process.RESULTS: Amongst 12 identified strategies regulation settings, “correlation between green space and the surrounding park”, and “preventing the increase of residential” and “the expansion of recreation” are prioritized as most significant strategies, scores have been calculated 5.616, 5.589, and 5.375 on QSPM matrix or 0.256, 0.192, and 0.133 by AHP method, respectively.CONCLUSION: in overall, systemically, multi dimensional and holistic decision of river valleys environmental management is a magnificent example that provides essential tools to urban planners. Environmental and ecological approaches of the model are counted as a main key of succession to sustainable development achievement and its advantage to other past studies.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
Gh. Ebraheim; A.R. Karbassi; N. Mehrdadi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rainwater in the city of Tehran is regarded as a freshwater source; however, because of highly polluted air conditions, the rainwater quality could be seriously affected. Therefore, the treatment of it could be an attractive topic for assessment. The purpose of the present ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rainwater in the city of Tehran is regarded as a freshwater source; however, because of highly polluted air conditions, the rainwater quality could be seriously affected. Therefore, the treatment of it could be an attractive topic for assessment. The purpose of the present study was to treat Tehran rainwater by employing photoelectrocatalytic methods as one of the most powerful treatment methods. Also, this study aimed to find an easy laboratory procedure to create various redox environments and to assess a protocol for the release of metals.METHODS: The photoelectrocatalytic process was achieved by using a photocatalyst (Titanium dioxide) as the photoanode for the treatment of Tehran rainwater. Sodium ascorbate was used as a reducing modifier to assess the effect of various redox potentials on the performance of the photoelectrocatalytic process.FINDING: The positive redox potential, the 6 centimeter gap, and the sodium chloride concentration of o.65 g/L resulted in a considerable increase of the chemical oxygen demand, iron, manganese and lead removals. On the other hand, the negative redox potential, the 12 cm gap, and the sodium chloride concentration of o.65 g/L led to a noticeable increase in the removal of zinc. By employing the speciation and Pourbaix diagrams, the removal mechanisms of the PEC process were investigated. Chemical oxygen demand, iron and manganese by oxidation, lead, zinc and cadmium by precipitation were removed. Also, based on the cluster analysis, it was found that redox potential, dissolved oxygen and pH had a strong relationship.CONCLUSION: This work provided evidence that the redox potential could be regarded as a critical parameter helping to better estimate the risks associated with the polluted sites.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
I.T. Horsfall; I. Okosa; T. Adumbu; T.H. Ekiyor
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Industrial effluent contamination of water resources has emerged as a major challenge in developing and densely populated countries like Nigeria where river systems are the primary means for disposal of waste, especially the effluents from surrounding industries. ...
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Industrial effluent contamination of water resources has emerged as a major challenge in developing and densely populated countries like Nigeria where river systems are the primary means for disposal of waste, especially the effluents from surrounding industries. This study seeks to determine the extent of surface water pollution from industrial effluent discharge. METHODS: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied on the surface water quality data to identify the pollution sources and their contribution toward water quality variation. Water samples were collected from 4 sampling locations along the Onne-Okirika river. FINDING: The characteristics of the river showed a mean concentration of biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD = 19.73 mg/l), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD = 54.53 mg/l), Ammonia (NH3 = 21.00 mg/l), Dissolved Oxygen (DO = 5.78 mg/l) and temperature (28.40ᵒC) which varied significantly among sampling locations. Site 1, 2, and 3 showed a high level of NH3 and Chemical Oxygen Demand while site 4 (the control) has slightly high salinity when compared. The extent of pollution could be classified as; site 1 (High Pollution), site 2 (Moderate Pollution), and site 3 (Low Pollution). CONCLUSION: Sources of pollution include effluents from industrial plants such as fertilizer plants and oil refineries due to the high level of NH3. While the higher Chemical Oxygen Demand level is an indication of a greater amount of biodegradable organic material, which reduced the amount of Dissolved Oxygen. Additionally, a reduction in Dissolved Oxygen level can lead to an anaerobic condition, which is insidious to aquatic life forms. Therefore, the state environmental regulatory agency should ensure compliance monitoring of the industry’s activities.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
S.R. Chikabvumbwa; D. Sibale; S.W. Chisale
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The use of traditional site selection methods for potential irrigation schemes is so common in Malawi. The overdependence of these methods has had significant consequences on the environment such as pollution, siltation, and land degradation and soil erosion. Traditional selection ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The use of traditional site selection methods for potential irrigation schemes is so common in Malawi. The overdependence of these methods has had significant consequences on the environment such as pollution, siltation, and land degradation and soil erosion. Traditional selection of irrigation sites is a complex task which is time-consuming, costly and involves collection of a lot of data sets. However, advances in Geographic Information Systems present an opportunity to easily integrate complex systems involving a lot of data sets. The objective of this study was to identify potential areas for irrigation farming in Kasungu district in Malawi using hybrid spatial datasets. METHODS: Multi criteria decision analysis approach was used in Arc GIS 10.8 to analyze datasets such as slopes, rivers, land use, soil types, soil depths, water quality, water quantity and drainage patterns. A questionnaire was used to solicit expert views on factors to consider when siting feasible irrigation areas. FINDING: This study observed that the use of Geographic Information System in irrigation site selection is flexible and time efficient due to its ability of handling complex and huge volume of datasets. Moreover, the produced maps enhanced an easy understanding of the identified areas hence providing an aid to making right decisions in environmental management. The study found that in Kasungu district, 36.9% of the land is highly suitable, 20.7% is moderately suitable, 33.1% is lowly suitable and 9.3% is not suitable for irrigation. CONCLUSION:This paper provides good information on promoting the utilization of GIS to solve site selection problems in a bid to reduce soil erosion, pollution and improve land management. The study recommends the promotion of using GIS in government agencies for better decision-making in sustainable irrigation development. The scientific approach used in this study can also be extrapolated in the assessment and evaluation of water resources in Malawi.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
P. Nwaerema; S.N. Jiya
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated temperature and urban heat island variability in days of the week and weekends of Port Harcourt city, due to the continuous heat stress and resultant health disaster common in tropical countries such as Nigeria. METHODS: The data were generated from field ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated temperature and urban heat island variability in days of the week and weekends of Port Harcourt city, due to the continuous heat stress and resultant health disaster common in tropical countries such as Nigeria. METHODS: The data were generated from field observation and Satellite Remote Sensing using Google Earth Engine of Landsat 5, 7, and 8 thermal infrared sensors. Temperature data from the field were captured with LCD Digital Multi-Thermometer Loggers located at different land-use types of 35 sample points in wet and dry seasons. Analysis of Variance was used to establish the temperature difference between days of the week and weekend. FINDINGS: The rural site during days of the week had temperature of 29.30C and the weekend had 29.50C indicating a concentration of human activities at the rural fringes during the weekend. The temperature of Saturday and Sunday varied between 33.20C and 27.60C (5.60C) with an urban heat island difference of 1.90C. Saturday was the coolest day having 3.70C. During days of the week, Monday had the highest UHI of 70C with the least UHI of 4.20C recorded on Friday showing the coolest day. The temperature difference between days of the week and weekend was 0.20C and UHI variation of 0.40C indicating that days of the week were warmer. The result showed that temperature in days of the week and the weekend differed significantly. CONCLUSION: It was established that days of the week contributed 52% of the temperature condition of Port Harcourt city and weekend donated 48% showing that 3,095,342 occupants of the city experienced lesser thermal stress during the weekend. Thus, the study concluded that the temperature of urban areas decreased from the city center to the rural fringes. The land surface temperature indicated that the north-eastern part of the city was the warmest. The study recommends proactive city planning and management framework with effective urban greening implementation for a healthy city living.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
C. Belford; D. Huang; E. Ceesay; Y.N. Ahmed; L. Sanyang; R.H. Jonga
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change is one of the existential threats of modern times, which deserves urgent attention by policymakers. The objective of this paper is to comprehend the impact of climate change on the Gambian economy both in the short and long-run. METHODS: This paper analyses time ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change is one of the existential threats of modern times, which deserves urgent attention by policymakers. The objective of this paper is to comprehend the impact of climate change on the Gambian economy both in the short and long-run. METHODS: This paper analyses time series data from 1969 to 2016. The study incorporated rainfall and temperature as proxies of climate change into the Cobb-Douglas production function. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller and the Phillips-Perron stationarity test for unit root found that the growth rate of rainfall is not statistically significant with the Mackinnon approximate p-value for z (t) =0.2306. The first lag is significant at 5% and 10% but has a negative coefficient in the first differential up to the fourth lag. In contrast, the growth rate of temperature is statistically significant with a p-value of 0.0196. FINDING: The findings revealed that human capital growth is not significantly related to economic growth in The Gambia. In the long-run, the growth rates of climate change variables are all statistically significant and associated with a negative impact on economic growth. For the short-run, the lag difference of rainfall against its own lag is statistically significant and has a positive impact on economic growth. The lag difference in the growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product is not statistically significantly related to the growth rate of rainfall. CONCLUSION: The Gambia is vulnerable to climate change shocks, consequently climate change will negatively impact economic growth resulting in high unemployment, low productivity, and high poverty rate.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
M. Moghadami; A. Rasaizadi; M. Askari
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This research attempted to analyze the negative and positive aspects of Coronavirus: its effect on air quality and traffic volume. The sample city of this research was Tehran and transportation behavior toward the Coronavirus and minor quarantines in specific. METHODS: Six ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This research attempted to analyze the negative and positive aspects of Coronavirus: its effect on air quality and traffic volume. The sample city of this research was Tehran and transportation behavior toward the Coronavirus and minor quarantines in specific. METHODS: Six indices were considered for Tehran city in two consecutive years (in quarantine period): carbon mono-oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matters, air quality index, and daily traffic volume, which depart from Tehran city to other destinations. Daily traffic volume changes were examined for four roads separately, and total departed trips were also investigated. This comparison was made graphically and statistically by using the regression model and one-way t-test. FINDING: Results showed that from 20th February to 19th March, the average of produced CO, NO2, and PM10 decreased in 2020 compared to 2019, but other indices related to air pollution were increased in 2020. The average daily traffic in existing roads of Tehran City was declined significantly in 2020. Regression models and a one-way t-test showed that the growth rate of emission production was higher in 2019 compared to 2020. Also, this rate for daily traffic volume was higher from March 20 to April 19 of 2020 compared to 2020. CONCLUSION: The regression model on indices showed valuable results. For instance, the O3 emission slope in the second month reduced from 0.6 to 0.5; however, the exiting traffic of Tehran city reduced by 47 percent that indicates the higher resident population of Tehran city compare to the last year.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
H.O. Nyandika; E. Kitur; J.K. Nzeve
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban farming makes a substantial influence on the household economy of the urban poor especially in developing countries. Urban soil the hot spot of urban farming is a natural sink for contaminants especially the trace elements derived mainly from anthropogenic activities. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban farming makes a substantial influence on the household economy of the urban poor especially in developing countries. Urban soil the hot spot of urban farming is a natural sink for contaminants especially the trace elements derived mainly from anthropogenic activities. This study’s aim was to quantify the concentrations of selected trace elements (Cr, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in topsoil (0-20 cm) and subsoil (21-50 cm) and to evaluate whether their concentration vary during dry and rainy season. METHODS: Grid soil sampling method was used to collect soil samples and their total concentration was determined using a portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. FINDING: The study revealed that the topsoil had higher concentration than sub soil. The topsoil concentration in mg/kg were 61.62, 4042.58, 30.82, 43.90 and 456.43 for Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu and Zn respectively. The subsoil concentration in mg/kg were 54.67, 3791.38, 30.32, 27.83 and 370.32 for Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu and Zn respectively. It also noted that concentration of the trace elements was higher during dry season than wet season but not significantly different (P ≥ .05) for all the elements. CONCLUSION: This study recommends that the level of trace elements studied in the soil be monitored to ensure that it does not reach the harmful levels.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
O.N. Theophilus; O. Akaranta; E. Ugwoha
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Very low grid power penetration in some urban areas has led to telecoms companies investing massively in the deployment of diesel generators (DGs). These deployments have led to diesel and waste oil spill at base transceiver station (BTS) sites during maintenance cycles, impacting ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Very low grid power penetration in some urban areas has led to telecoms companies investing massively in the deployment of diesel generators (DGs). These deployments have led to diesel and waste oil spill at base transceiver station (BTS) sites during maintenance cycles, impacting the environment and human activities. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of different rainfall intensities on the amount of waste oil and diesel leached or retained in the soil during natural attenuation. METHODS: The soil at base transceiver station was analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The experiment was carried out following the design of experiment approach with a 33 factorial. Three factors include contaminant volume, rainfall intensity, and soil depth on which the two response variables (leached and retained were utilized. FINDING: It was observed that rainfall intensities at 5mm/hr, 7.25, 9, and 10mm/hr has a significant impact on the amount of waste oil leached (1611.63mg/l) and retained (15888.9%) in the soil, though the amount of oil leached is inversely proportional to the amount retained as affected by different rainfall intensities considered in this work. Additionally, it was observed that rainfall intensity increases as the amount of oil leached decreases at higher soil depth while the amount of oil retained increases at lower soil depth. However, the significance of the impact of the different rainfall intensities is dependent on the soil depth. CONCLUSION: The regression coefficient was found to be 72 % for waste oil retained and 67 % for the leached amount, hence the quadratic model developed in this study, demonstrated a higher accuracy for %retained rather than the amount of oil leached. However, this implies that the model is reliable, dependable, effective and accurate and thus recommended for use.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
T. Gala; L. Boakye
Abstract
The world is witnessing a dramatic shift of settlement pattern from rural to urban population, particularly in developing countries. The rapid Addis Ababa urbanization reflects this global phenomenon and the subsequent socio-economic and environmental impacts, are causing massive public uproar and political ...
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The world is witnessing a dramatic shift of settlement pattern from rural to urban population, particularly in developing countries. The rapid Addis Ababa urbanization reflects this global phenomenon and the subsequent socio-economic and environmental impacts, are causing massive public uproar and political instability. The objective of this study was to use remotely sensed Landsat data to identify and quantify the land use and land cover types, as well as changes over time. Maximum likelihood algorithm of the supervised image classification was used to map land use land cover types, which consisted of Vegetation areas, built-up areas, agricultural lands, Bare lands, and Scrublands, for 1985, 2003, and 2017 images. Built-up areas (69 %) are the dominant land cover type in the study area, followed by Agricultural lands (22%) and Vegetation areas (7%), though the compositions have changed since 1985. Rapid urban growth is evidenced by the expansion of built-up areas by 370% The growth is at the expense of agricultural and vegetation areas, exposing farmers to loss of massive farmland and woodlands. Additionally, urbanization eroding percent green and open spaces, while also degrading the diversity of the city’s land use land cover types. With one of the world's highest fertility rates and massive rural-to-urban migration, unsustainable Addis Ababa urbanization is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. It is, therefore, critical to adapt sustainable urban planning, which involves consideration of Compact City, Secondary Cities, and Edge city designs to mitigate the adverse impacts of the rapid Addis Ababa urbanization.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
M. Batool; Y. Jehan; N. Hayat
Abstract
Environmental pollutants have become a dreadful problem and burning issues for the present world irrespective of a country who is responsible for it. The objective of the study is to investigate impact of financial development and institutional quality on environmental degradation. The study is based ...
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Environmental pollutants have become a dreadful problem and burning issues for the present world irrespective of a country who is responsible for it. The objective of the study is to investigate impact of financial development and institutional quality on environmental degradation. The study is based on panel data for developing and developed countries over the time of 1996-2016. For the empirical analysis fixed effect and the random effect is carried out. Results show that institutional quality, economic growth, foreign direct investment, gross primary enrolment, and industrial growth have significant positive effect on corban emissions whereas financial development, population growth, trade openness, urban population and R&D expenditures have significant negative effect on corban emissions. One percent point increase in the index of institutional quality leads towards 0.006 percent points increase in the level of CO2 emissions. One percent point increase in the economic growth lead to increase the CO2 emissions by 0.39 percent points. One percent point increase in inflows of foreign direct investment increase the level of CO2 emissions by 0.016 percent points. One percent point increase in industrial growth leads to a 0.38 percent points increase in the level of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, one percent point increase in the index of financial development leads to 0.05 percent points decrease in the level of CO2 emissions. One percent point increase in urban population leads to almost 0.05 percent points fall in the level of CO2 emissions. Finally, one percent point rise in R&D expenditures leads to decrease in the level of CO2 emissions by 0.068 percent points.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
A. Talla; F.D. Motto; G.E. Nkeng
Abstract
This study is a contribution to the study of the spatial evolution of the properties of the municipal lake of Yaounde-Cameroon. The objective was the characterization of the physico-chemical, bacteriological and organoleptic parameters of water of this lake in order to provide the scientifically exploitable ...
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This study is a contribution to the study of the spatial evolution of the properties of the municipal lake of Yaounde-Cameroon. The objective was the characterization of the physico-chemical, bacteriological and organoleptic parameters of water of this lake in order to provide the scientifically exploitable data. To understand the sources and the evolution of the pollution of this lake, we carried out on the surface of water, fifteen samples horizontally representative and arranged on the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of this one. Analyzes of the parameters of these samples allowed us to establish that three classes of water coexist within the expanse of this lake, in this case water of class 5 (colour = 380.3 mgPt-Co/L, conductivity at 20 °C = 3620 μS/cm, pH = 6.2, dissolved oxygen = 0.4 mg/L) at its its eastern bank; water of class 4 (101.4 ≤ colour ≤ 172.8 mgPt-Co/L, 25.7 ≤ temperature ≤ 26.1 °C, 6.6 ≤ pH ≤ 7.0, 8.9 ≤ BOD5 ≤ 20.7 mg/L, 43.0.103 ≤ total coliforms ≤ 49.7.103 CFU/100 mL) around 300 meters from its tributary and water of class 3 (54.9 ≤ colour ≤ 93.4 mgPt-Co/L, 24.2 ≤ temperature ≤ 25.5 °C ; 7.4 ≤ pH ≤ 7.7, 6.6 ≤ BOD5 ≤ 8.7 mg/L) in the rest of the lake. These water classes, as indicated above, cause this lake to be polluted differently. The study also allowed us to identify two directions of self-purification within the lake expanse.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
S.R. Debi; S. Bhattacharjee; T.D. Aka; S.C. Paul; M.C. Roy; M.A. Salam; Md.S. Islam; A.R. Azady
Abstract
Soil quality assessment is a significant approach for arable land, especially in a coastal region to gain a better understanding of soil productivity and effect of agricultural systems on soil resources. This study aimed to determine the quality of cultivated soil of both urban (Noakhali) and rural areas ...
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Soil quality assessment is a significant approach for arable land, especially in a coastal region to gain a better understanding of soil productivity and effect of agricultural systems on soil resources. This study aimed to determine the quality of cultivated soil of both urban (Noakhali) and rural areas (Kabirhat and Subarnachar) of Noakhali, Bangladesh. The soil quality was evaluated as soil quality index by using 117 soil samples data, collected from three different sites within the Noakhali District. Among 14 soil parameters (total data set), only six parameters namely organic matter, Phosphorous, Boron, potassium, and iron were selected for the minimum data set, based on a combination of principal component analysis, norm values and expert opinion. Four soil quality index calculation methods, namely: linear weighted additive; linear simple additive; nonlinear weighted additive and nonlinear simple additive; were calculated based on the minimum data set. A significant positive correlations (P <0.001, P <0.05) among the four methods were observed. The soil quality of the three sampling regions followed the order of Kabirhat> Subarnachar> Noakhali indicating the better quality soil in rural areas. In Noakhali, the major contributors to soil quality were organic matter (2.94–64.85%) followed by Boron (4.69-58.22%), iron (4.77–50.00%), electrical conductivity (3.48–32.53%), phosphorous (0.36–39.44%) and potassium (1.77–27.76%) whereas in Kabirhat, Boron (31.70%) and iron (23.83%) were the major contributors, and in Subarnachar, organic matter (28.98%) contributed the most.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
O.F. Olusunmade; T.A. Yusuf; C.O. Ogunnigbo
Abstract
Management of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in most developed societies now involves the use of thermo-chemical conversion methods. This leads to energy and material recovery while also protecting the environment. However, till date most of the wastes generated in Nigeria (including plastic wastes) are ...
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Management of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in most developed societies now involves the use of thermo-chemical conversion methods. This leads to energy and material recovery while also protecting the environment. However, till date most of the wastes generated in Nigeria (including plastic wastes) are either land-filled or openly burnt. These methods are not sustainable and environmentally non-friendly. The reason is that so much space will be needed to accommodate the ever increasing wastes as a result of land-filling and open burning leads to environmental pollution and health challenges. Also, the inherent energy in plastic wastes, as a result of the fact that they have their origins from oil and gas, is not recovered for the benefit of meeting the energy requirements of the populace. Meanwhile there is serious inadequate supply of heat and electricity, the production of which could be improved if the plastic wastes are also applied for electricity and heat generation. This study estimated the amount of energy loss due to the prevailing method of disposal adopted for plastic wastes in terms of quantity of oil and electricity that could have been produced if thermo-chemical approaches were adopted for these wastes. It showed that about 17.3 million barrels of crude oil (worth about $1 billion) and 7.1 million MWh of electricity (capable of powering 4.4 million households) could be produced from the plastic wastes generated in the country. Therefore, plastic wastes should be embraced and treated as a resource rather than “wastes”.
Urban social and cultural welfare
P. Partheeban; R. Rani Hemamalini; B. Shanthini
Abstract
Recently, indoor air quality has attracted the attention of policymakers and researchers as a critical issue like that of external air pollution. Indoor air quality is more important as people spend time longer indoors than outdoors. Indoor environments are closed compared to external environments providing ...
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Recently, indoor air quality has attracted the attention of policymakers and researchers as a critical issue like that of external air pollution. Indoor air quality is more important as people spend time longer indoors than outdoors. Indoor environments are closed compared to external environments providing less opportunity for the pollutants to dilute. The emissions contain many substances that are harmful to humans when exposed for a prolonged period or to certain levels of concentration. Internet of Things (IoT) technology is best and low-cost method of measuring air pollution. This paper proposes an IoT technology for an indoor air quality monitoring system to monitor urban homes. The pollution level observed in the Kodungayur (location 8) and Manali (location 9) exceeds the standards. Maximum outdoor pollution observed value of CO, SO2, NO2 and PM.25 are 9.2, 0.135, 0.102 and 0.215 respectively. Similarly, the indoor pollution levels are varying from 10% to 15 % lesser than that of the outdoor pollution values. The percentage of error varied from – 2.94% to + 2.94%. The percentage of error is within ± 5%, which shows its robustness. Outdoor air pollution does not influence indoor air pollution is the result of this study.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
N. Kumar; Y.A. Rajshree; A. Yadav; N. Himani Malhotra; N. Gupta; P. Pushp
Abstract
In contrast to existing trends and expected deteriorating water quality in the river Yamuna in Delhi which carries potential cultural economical and health importance, March 2016 water data showing improvement despite large public gathering at river bank during Cultural Festival. The reasons and ...
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In contrast to existing trends and expected deteriorating water quality in the river Yamuna in Delhi which carries potential cultural economical and health importance, March 2016 water data showing improvement despite large public gathering at river bank during Cultural Festival. The reasons and factors were investigated. The paper presents the test reports of eco- enzyme which was found to be used during the event of World Culture Festival at the river bank in March 2016. The eco- enzyme is found to positively affect pH (from 6.7 to 7.2) reducing solids (from 884 to 745) suspended solids-(from 121 to 47) hardness and chlorides in a stable water body- Pond. The eco- enzyme testing in drain water showed optimum water cleaning effect on 0.5% concentration by showing the reduction of Biological Oxygen Demand from 690 to 231, Chemical oxygen demand from 537 to 384, nitrates (from 5.54 to 3.39) Coliform count by 10%. Considering cost-effectiveness of the enzyme it is considered feasible technique to mitigate polluted water bodies.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
O.F. Olusunmade
Abstract
This study was carried out to reveal the plastic wastes separation practice and disposal mechanism as well as awareness of the negative impact of plastic wastes on the environment, in Makurdi area of Benue State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to 468 individual respondents in 6 sub-locations ...
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This study was carried out to reveal the plastic wastes separation practice and disposal mechanism as well as awareness of the negative impact of plastic wastes on the environment, in Makurdi area of Benue State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to 468 individual respondents in 6 sub-locations of the city. Inquisition was also made from 10 hospitals, 6 market centers and the waste management body. The results revealed that 81.2% of the respondents do not separate plastic wastes from other waste stream. All the hospitals and markets do not sort at all. The government agency responsible for the final management of the waste stream does not have a practice of sorting plastic wastes from the whole waste collected with a view to achieving material and energy recovery. The most adopted methods of disposal for plastic wastes by all the stakeholders considered are dumping/burning and dumping. 50.4% of the respondents adopted dumping/burning as a disposal method for plastic wastes while 19.2% burn theirs. Although almost 50% of the population examined for the study claimed to be aware of the dangers of plastic wastes, there is still indifference in the way these wastes are handled as can be observed by the indiscriminate dumping of these wastes, creating litters around the environment. These result revealed a need for the development of a proactive and sustainable management system involving individuals, businesses, hospital managements and waste management body that will protect the environment and enhance resource and energy recovery from plastic wastes.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
S. Dadashi; M. Ghajar Sepanlou; S.Kh. Mirnia
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of municipal waste compost and manure on soil chemical and physical properties quality and crop production in Sari city (north of Iran). In this study, the effect of compost and manure (cow and sheep) on the quality of soil organic material with experimental ...
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This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of municipal waste compost and manure on soil chemical and physical properties quality and crop production in Sari city (north of Iran). In this study, the effect of compost and manure (cow and sheep) on the quality of soil organic material with experimental measurements was investigated. An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 15 treatments and measurements with3 replicated. They have applied annually for 3 years to fifteen different plots. The soil of the study area was predominantly silty clay with temperate and humid climates. The following parameters were determined:1) Soil chemical properties comprising pH, 2) electrical conductivity and soil organic matter, 3) physical properties including 4) bulk density,5) void ratio, and6) plant yield were investigated. The electrical conductivity and pH. Also, showed considerable changes. As well as, results showed that utilization of municipal waste compost and manure caused significant differences in organic matter, bulk density, void ratio, and yield at 1% significance level compared with the control treatment. Finally, it can be concluded that organic matter has pronounced effects on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and the use of organic fertilizers will definitely improve soil quality and productivity.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
A.R. Sadeghi; M. Khakzand; M.A. Dehghani
Abstract
In the present era, the importance and role of green space in the life and development of cities are to the extent that it is mentioned as one of the indicators of sustainable development. In sustainable urban development, proportional distribution of green space according to the balanced distribution ...
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In the present era, the importance and role of green space in the life and development of cities are to the extent that it is mentioned as one of the indicators of sustainable development. In sustainable urban development, proportional distribution of green space according to the balanced distribution of the population is one of the principles of establishing geographical justice. The purpose of the present study is also to determine the status of green space per capita in ten districts of Shiraz city. The research type is applied-developmental and the research method is descriptive-analytical. The data has been collected from urban plans, and to investigate the spatial distribution of the share of green space in 10 districts of Shiraz city, Dispersion coefficient model was utilized. Shannon entropy also has been implemented for analyzing Population distribution during 2007, 2012 and 2016 in urban districts of Shiraz. The research results show that the highest per capita of urban green space is related to districts 9, 3, 6, 1, respectively, and the lowest per capita of green space is related to districts 8 and 7, respectively. The coefficient of dispersion was obtained as equal to 0.20, which, unlike the previous studies, indicates the realization of the principle of justice in spatial planning of green space index in 2016. The results of the entropy coefficient showed that distribution of the population in ten districts of Shiraz in 2007 has been balanced, in 2012 has moved toward unequal distribution of population, and then in 2016 again has moved toward balanced distribution.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
S.H. Raza; M. Shafique; M. Zia-ur-Rehman; A. Sikandar; N. Ahmad; K. Shah
Abstract
Water loss can be minimized and conserve through constructing small storage dams for various irrigation purposes to support local livelihood. Geographic information system provides powerful techniques for many hydrological modeling and suitable dam site selection. The current study explored potential ...
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Water loss can be minimized and conserve through constructing small storage dams for various irrigation purposes to support local livelihood. Geographic information system provides powerful techniques for many hydrological modeling and suitable dam site selection. The current study explored potential sites for small storage dams to meet agricultural requirements in district Malakand, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Multi criteria decision analysis was used for selection of suitable sites for storage dam for agricultural purpose. The methodology was completed in four main steps; acquisition of data, selection of factors and constraints, giving percentage influence to each criterion and performing weighted overlay. Digital elevation model was used for watershed analysis and Landsat 8 image for land use classification. All contributing factors such as slope, soil map, settlements, canals, roads, river, watershed and recreational sites were used in weighted overlay for suitable site selection. Results showed that Masooka rockland soil possessed the highest suitability for dam construction as the high clay proportion of the soil provides cementation. Slope zone of 0-3.16 degree slope was considered best and 3.16-7.90 degrees was highly suitable. Distance (5-10 km or more) form recreational sites and presence of 140-186 Stream links which makes the site more suitable. Regarding land use, the barren land or rangeland was more preferable. Finally, 15 sites were found suitable for small storage dams in the district. The main river lies close to the selected site assuring the perennial flow of water. The study suggests that geographic information system provides efficient tools for decision makers in hydrology and dam site selection.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
I. Sharma
Abstract
Normalized difference vegetation index and land surface temperature data, in a sample plot each from east, center and west of Nepal, from 2000 to 2015, were analyzed to identify and compare the trends of vegetation and temperature changes during the period. The data were obtained from moderate resolutions ...
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Normalized difference vegetation index and land surface temperature data, in a sample plot each from east, center and west of Nepal, from 2000 to 2015, were analyzed to identify and compare the trends of vegetation and temperature changes during the period. The data were obtained from moderate resolutions imaging spectro-radiometer. Normalized difference vegetation index charactiszes a resolution of 250×250 m2 and a 16-day composite period while land surface temperature has 8 days frequency with resolution of 1×1 km2. The analysis was separate for normalized difference vegetation index and land surface temperature. The data were seasonally adjusted and then divided into three groups of five year period each, separate for every region. The generalized estimating equations were fitted to each period data. For all three regions, the results showed, there was a trend of significantly rising vegetation in eastern and western sub urban parts while the central urban city had a significant decline in trend. Whereas the temperature showed statistically significant and uniform fluctuating pattern of change in all three regions. The rate of temperature rise is fastest in central region where the vegetation is continuously declining. However, the results revealed no relationship of trend of changing temperature with that of vegetation.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
A.B. Imran; S. Ahmed
Abstract
Forest ecosystems are among the largest terrestrial carbon reservoirs on our planet earth thus playing a vital role in global carbon cycle. Presently, remote sensing techniques provide proper estimates of forest biomass and quantify carbon stocks. The present study has explored Landsat-8 sensor product ...
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Forest ecosystems are among the largest terrestrial carbon reservoirs on our planet earth thus playing a vital role in global carbon cycle. Presently, remote sensing techniques provide proper estimates of forest biomass and quantify carbon stocks. The present study has explored Landsat-8 sensor product and evaluated its application in biomass mapping and estimation. The specific objectives were estimation of above ground biomass and carbon stocks using field data, assessing relationships of Landsat-8 spectral indices and field data and modeling of biomass and carbon stocks based on best linear regression model. Results showed that the highest aboveground biomass and below ground biomass was recorded as 246 t/ha and 64 t/ha whereas the lowest aboveground biomass and below ground biomass was 55 t/ha and 14 t/ha, respectively. Similarly, the highest above ground carbon and below ground carbon (t/ha) were 116 t/ha and 30 t/ha respectively while the lowest above ground carbon and below ground carbon (t/ha) were estimated as 26 t/ha and 6.7 t/ha respectively. Indices computed from Landsat-8 included normalized difference vegetation index, difference vegetation index, soil adjusted vegetation index, perpendicular vegetation index and atmospherically resistant vegetation index. Regarding relationship between aboveground biomass and vegetation indices, the coefficient of correlation (R2) were 0.67, 0.68, 0.65, 0.58 and 0.23 for normalized difference vegetation index, soil adjusted vegetation index, Perpendicular vegetation index, difference vegetation index and atmospherically resistant vegetation index respectively. The stepwise correlation between aboveground biomass (dependent variable) and five indices (Normalized difference vegetation index; soil adjusted vegetation index; Perpendicular vegetation index; difference vegetation index; atmospherically resistant vegetation index). Among five vegetation indices, only soil adjusted vegetation index was selected in stepwise method, satisfying the criteria and the overall model R2 was 0.63 and its adjusted R2 was 0.60. Simple linear regression model between aboveground biomass and single predictor index was better than stepwise regression model with (R2= 0.68) and (Root mean square error = 33.75 t/ha). Thus, soil adjusted vegetation index was considered best for biomass mapping. The study concluded that Landsat-8 product has considerable potential for biomass and carbon stocks estimation and can be expanded to national and regional forest inventories, modeling and future reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation+ implementation.
