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.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
S. Marzouk
Abstract
Rapid population growth and increasing demand for the modern settlement has led to the increase of environmental pollution. Limestone quarry is one among the activities that affect environment and ecosystem in Pemba Island-Zanzibar. Quarrying activities brought an inevitable destruction to the environments ...
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Rapid population growth and increasing demand for the modern settlement has led to the increase of environmental pollution. Limestone quarry is one among the activities that affect environment and ecosystem in Pemba Island-Zanzibar. Quarrying activities brought an inevitable destruction to the environments ranging from excavation, soil and land degradation, loose of biodiversity and water pollution. This study reports the impact of limestone quarries on groundwater quality based on analyses of various physico-chemical parameters of groundwater. Ground water samples were collected during the wet and dry season of 2016 from nine different wells in vicinity of limestone quarries. One groundwater sample, which was located about 5 kilometers from limestone quarries, was collected as a control. The result shows that the groundwater have an elevated level of pH, total dissolved solid, Electrical Conductivity, total alkalinity, as compared to control sample. Also the concentration level of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ slightly increases in all samples from dry season to wet season. This is probably due to the mixing of surface pollution and dissolution of limestone rocks. The study revealed that the nitrate and potassium concentrations are very high in the well nearest the limestone quarries. It is likely due to percolation of fertilizer from agricultural runoff stagnated nearby limestone quarries. This study shows that a conceptual physico-chemical interpretation of the results from water samples provides information of groundwater contamination, which is mainly derived from agricultural runoff and stagnated nearby limestone quarries. This study recommends that the quarrying activities should be minimal towards the subsurface level in order to reduce the possibility of aquifer contamination.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
G.P. Massawe; S.D. Liseki; W.N. Marealle
Abstract
ARTICLE RETRACTION This article has been retracted at the request of Mark Burgman, the Editor-in-Chief of Conservation Biology. Unfortunately it has been found out that Goodluck Peter Massawe from Tanzania wildlife research institute, as the corresponding author and his co-authors; Liseki, S.D.; ...
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ARTICLE RETRACTION This article has been retracted at the request of Mark Burgman, the Editor-in-Chief of Conservation Biology. Unfortunately it has been found out that Goodluck Peter Massawe from Tanzania wildlife research institute, as the corresponding author and his co-authors; Liseki, S.D.; Marealle, W.N.. in their published article as “Urban expansion as a driver of biodiversity loss: Integrating biodiversity in urban planning in African context” was published at the International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management (IJHCUM) have largely copied from an article which has been recently published in Conservation Biology (Kylie Soanes; Michael Sievers; Yung En Chee; Nicholas S. G. Williams; Manisha Bhardwaj; Adrian J. Marshall; Kirsten M. Parri, 2018: Correcting common misconceptions to inspire conservation action in urban environments) without proper cross-referencing, permission and justification. The scientific community takes a very strong view in this matter and apologies are offered to readers of IJHCUM.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
A. Daryabeigi Zand; M. Rabiee Abyaneh; H. Hoveidi
Abstract
Annually more than 80% of the overall budget of the uran solid waste management system in Iran is allotted to collection and transportation of the solid wastes. The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the external costs associated with solid waste collection, transfer, and transportation ...
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Annually more than 80% of the overall budget of the uran solid waste management system in Iran is allotted to collection and transportation of the solid wastes. The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the external costs associated with solid waste collection, transfer, and transportation in Tehran for the period of 2018 to 2032 based on the current situation. Waste guidance system as well as Energy and Environment software were applied to anticipate the external costs. Results of the present study indicated that more than 535 million US dollars would be required during the next 15 years in the solid waste collection, transfer, and transportation sector to supply necessary machinery, manpower, fuel, maintenance and other relevant expenses. The principal fraction of the required budget (i.e. 48.99%) should be allocated to provide collection and transportation equipment costs. Manpower, fuel, maintenance, and miscellaneous expenses require 30.34, 7.37, 12.78 and 0.5 percent, respectively of the overall expenses in the solid waste collection, transfer, and transportation sector. In the context of global warming impact, more than 970 million tons of carbon dioxide will be anticipated to be emitted by solid waste collection, transfer, and transportation sector in Tehran during the studied period imposing 23.1 million US dollars to compensate its external effects.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
Z. Alaghehmandan; M. Mahmoudi
Abstract
Natural ventilation is among those effective methods that is useful in hot dry climates. One of its important uses is in the atrium spaces in the office buildings. Although, as a passive solution, it has a significant impact on the reduction of energy consumption, the control of inlet and outflow of ...
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Natural ventilation is among those effective methods that is useful in hot dry climates. One of its important uses is in the atrium spaces in the office buildings. Although, as a passive solution, it has a significant impact on the reduction of energy consumption, the control of inlet and outflow of air as well as the control of air current temperature has always been a challenge for architects and engineers. This study aims at designing a model to reduce energy consumption and increase airflow inside the atrium. In so doing, the present study reviews the existing solutions in the inactive area. In this way, using computer simulations, the designed model in the energy software is analyzed and compared. The Design Builder Software is used to analyze the natural ventilation inside the building. The results clearly show that the use of a suitable form in the atrium ceilings with the aim of increasing the absorption of direct sunlight can have a direct effect on natural ventilation and thus reduce energy consumption in hot dry areas.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
M. Zarghami; F. Nazarhaghighi; M. R. Fatemi; R. Mousavi Nadoushan; M. Sohrabi Mollayousefi; B. Moghaddasi
Abstract
Biodiversity and distribution of benthic Meiobenthos in the sediments of the Southern Caspian Sea) Mazandaran) was studied in order to introduce and determine their relationship with the environmental factors. From 12 stations (ranging in depths 5, 10, 20 and 50 meters), sediment samples were gathered ...
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Biodiversity and distribution of benthic Meiobenthos in the sediments of the Southern Caspian Sea) Mazandaran) was studied in order to introduce and determine their relationship with the environmental factors. From 12 stations (ranging in depths 5, 10, 20 and 50 meters), sediment samples were gathered in four seasons (2012). Environmental factors of water near the bottom including temperature, salinity, dissolved Oxygen and pH were measured during sampling with CTD instrument(conductivity, temperature and Depth) and the grain size and total organic matter percentage and calcium carbonate were measured in the laboratory. From the 4 group animals (Foraminfera, Crustacea, Worms and Mollusca), 40 species were identified belonging to 29 genera of 25 families belonging to meiofauna and 15 species belonging to 15 genera of 13 belonging to macrofauna. Among seven parameters evaluated, Pearson correlation showed that there is a negative correlation between density of meiobenthos, TOM and depth and there is not a correlation between macrofauna and environmental factors. However, according to the results of One Way ANOVA, the density of meiofauna was significantly different from station, season and depth, and macrofaunain was also significantly different from station and season (P<0.05). Maximum Shannon–Wiener index was observed in winter.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
B.O. Adeleke
Abstract
The study examined the influence of population as proximate cause of wetland dynamics in the lower Ogun river basin of southwestern, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data included 100 questionnaires administered and distributed among the fadama users group ...
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The study examined the influence of population as proximate cause of wetland dynamics in the lower Ogun river basin of southwestern, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data included 100 questionnaires administered and distributed among the fadama users group representing 10% of the estimated population of the group. Satellite images of years 1972, 1984, 2000 and 2015 were analyzed using GIS technique, while corresponding year’s census figures were analyzed using descriptive percentage method. The results revealed among others that availability of fertile wetlands for farming accounted for 56% of factors responsible for sudden growth in population, followed by availability of economic trees (16%). The results further revealed that population which was 1033 in 1972 increased by about 121.69% in 1984, 62.777% in 2000 and 33.80% in 2015. The study concluded that population grow was responsible for the instability reported in all the land use classes during the period mostly affected were forested and the non-forested wetlands.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
N. Izadi; A. Norouzi; P. Ataei
Abstract
Environmental impacts assessment may be some measures to offset the impact to an acceptable level or explore new solutions. The research was conducted with the aim of assessing the socio-economic, cultural, physical and ecological impacts of Kavar irrigation and drainage network in Fars Province (Iran). ...
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Environmental impacts assessment may be some measures to offset the impact to an acceptable level or explore new solutions. The research was conducted with the aim of assessing the socio-economic, cultural, physical and ecological impacts of Kavar irrigation and drainage network in Fars Province (Iran). In this study, Environmental impacts assessment was undertaken by ICOLD matrix. The ICOLD matrix is one of the flexible methods that converted qualitative data into quantitative data. In this method, the effect of the project activities on the environmental components were assessed in two stages; project construction and operation based on physical, ecological, socio-economic and cultural aspects. The findings indicated that positive effects will be generally exerted on the region environment by establishing and operating irrigation and drainage network in Kavar plain. In other words, substantial positive impacts will be seen in the region consequently; such as improving the average level of aquifer, enhancement of agricultural wells, and agriculture development in the region. However, in order to alleviate the negative impacts of the projects processes, it is suggested that presented environmental training to farmers, collaborating and further communicating with other relevant organizations and institutions.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
P. D. Bhangaonkar; J. S. Patel
Abstract
Environmental flow requirements, to maintain the functioning of freshwater-dependent ecosystems and restore rivers in ecologically acceptable conditions, depend upon the present water quality status of the river. Various stretches of Vishwamitri River vary in quality and quantity. Water quality index ...
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Environmental flow requirements, to maintain the functioning of freshwater-dependent ecosystems and restore rivers in ecologically acceptable conditions, depend upon the present water quality status of the river. Various stretches of Vishwamitri River vary in quality and quantity. Water quality index is a tool to converse information regarding water quality of various stretches of river and can be used for zoning them based on their present water quality status. Through such zoning, based on water quality index values as an integral component, Environmental flow requirements can be explored for Vishwamitri. In this paper, ‘Weighted Arithmetic Index’ method is used to find water quality index for both Vishwamitri and its tributaries using observed values of general physico-chemical parameters. The indices have been computed for pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons at sixteen sampling stations, i.e. S-1 to S-16 along the Vishwamitri and eight sampling stations on its various tributaries. Based on the analysis, Vishwamitri is zoned in two various zones. Sampling stations, S-1 to S-7 represent Zone 1 which contains WQI values from 50 to 75. Sampling stations S-8 to S-16 represent zone 2 which contain WQI values more than 75. Zone 1 is rich with DO whereas zone 2 contains high BOD and less DO. The WQI value of Surya River, a major tributary of Vishwamitri, indicates that river water is suitable for irrigation purpose. The WQI values of tributaries and drains, draining wastewater to stretch of Vishwamitri within Vadodara city, represents water quality as mostly unsuitable for drinking, irrigation or industrial purpose.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
G. P. Massawe
Abstract
Urban development is rapidly expanding across the globe and is a major driver of environmental change. It is important to understand how bird species responds to urbanization. Therefore I conducted a qualitative study of birds associated with waste sites such as dumpsite and sewage stabilization ponds ...
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Urban development is rapidly expanding across the globe and is a major driver of environmental change. It is important to understand how bird species responds to urbanization. Therefore I conducted a qualitative study of birds associated with waste sites such as dumpsite and sewage stabilization ponds was carried out on Moshi municipal. The study assessed the diversity between dumpsite and sewage stabilization ponds using the “Timed species count” method. A total of 15 bird families and 17 species were recorded at both sites. 13 species in 12 bird families at dumpsite and 14 species in 13 bird families at sewage stabilization pond were recorded respectively. There was significant difference in species diversity within the two sites (p<0.05) because of good breeding sites at sewage stabilization ponds which include a wide variety of resources, high productivity and moderate levels of disturbance compared to dumpsite. This study was carried out to enhance conservation awareness. These site serve as biodiversity reservoirs, urban planners should involve interdisciplinary team to make decisions from an ecological perspective when designing urban areas. From this micro-survey It is worth concluding that waste stabilization ponds contains number of resource that attracts bird’s species, as birds are bio indicators of ecosystem health.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
I.F. Vincent –Akpu; F. Annor-Frempong
Abstract
Fisheries support livelihood of over half a billion of people globally. Many of these people live in coastal regions of developing countries; and have limited capacity to adapt and build resilience in the face of climate change. This research assesses the biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics ...
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Fisheries support livelihood of over half a billion of people globally. Many of these people live in coastal regions of developing countries; and have limited capacity to adapt and build resilience in the face of climate change. This research assesses the biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics of fishers in four coastal communities, Komenda, Elmina, Cape coast and Morree, in Ghana. Structured questionnaire based on selected indicators that serve as proxy for components of the vulnerability were administered randomly to 237 fishers through face-to-face survey. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the socio-demographic characteristics profile of fishermen and how it will affect their susceptibility to climate change. There were slight differences in the socio-demographic characteristics of the four communities, probably because of their similar physical locations and occupation. A theoretically-derived vulnerability index was used to determine their vulnerability which was based on the components of vulnerability identified from 1IPCC and capital assets identified from sustainable livelihood framework. The vulnerability index score in Morre was found to be the highest (0.64) while that of Elimina was the lowest (0.30). The size and activities in Elmina and Moree artisanal landing site did not play any role in the vulnerability of fishers in these communities rather better access to basic amenities and livelihood strategies affected their vulnerability. Since vulnerability and adaptations are highly specific to a particular people or location, this study will be used to examine the fishers’ vulnerability to climate change and to target adaptation interventions in these communities.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
H.S. Kimaro; A.W. Kisingo
Abstract
Ecological studies on road’s impact on wildlife have concentrated on vertebrates although less is known of their effects on invertebrates. The current study presents public road influences on species richness, abundance, and diversity of ground dwelling insects in Arusha National Park in Tanzania. ...
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Ecological studies on road’s impact on wildlife have concentrated on vertebrates although less is known of their effects on invertebrates. The current study presents public road influences on species richness, abundance, and diversity of ground dwelling insects in Arusha National Park in Tanzania. Values from pitfall traps data were generally higher in core habitat than road verge. Nine species were only found in road verge and twenty eight species found only in core habitat. Results also show significant differences p≤0.01 in species richness, abundances and diversity of ground-dwelling insects, between road verge and core habitat with greater values for core area, where soil acidity was low and cation exchange capacity was high. Results suggest that high soil pH, relative to low soil pH, provides good conditions for different insects species. These findings provide evidence on the effect of public roads on distribution of wildlife communities in protected area and hence call for proper road design and management of established roads in protected areas.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
M. Alavi
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Overall plant growth and microbial biomass can be effected by dust accumulation. The chloroform fumigation-extraction method was used to evaluating the effect of cement dust pollution emitted from Kurdistan cement factory on soil microbial biomass carbon. Chlorophyll content (a, b and total) ...
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ABSTRACT: Overall plant growth and microbial biomass can be effected by dust accumulation. The chloroform fumigation-extraction method was used to evaluating the effect of cement dust pollution emitted from Kurdistan cement factory on soil microbial biomass carbon. Chlorophyll content (a, b and total) of plants species was measured in different distance from cement factory. Microbial biomass C (Cmic) amounts ranged from 0.138 to 1.102 mg/g soils in the polluted sites and from 0.104 to 1.283 mg/g soils in the control area. Soils polluted with alkaline cement dust resulted in meaningful reduction in Cmic levels compared to control soils. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) show Cmic was positively correlated to soil CaCO3 content (r = 0.09). Cmic/Corg ratio was 2.54 and 1.92 in the control and cement polluted sites, respectively. Reduction in this ratio can be resulted from soil degradation in cement polluted soils. A significant decrease in the Cmic/Corg ratio in cement dust-polluted soils illustrated that this factor can be applied as a good indicator of soil quality. In the case of chlorophyll content of plant species, maximum reduction of total chlorophyll for Triticum aestivum L. was 45% compared to Hordeum vulgare L. with 60%. Therefore, results show higher sensitivity of H.vulgare than to T. aestivum.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
M. Sawairnathan; N. Halimoon
Abstract
The Kuala Selangor mangrove forest are facing massive reclamation for economic development but the conservation aspect and fisheries values of mangroves have been ignored in the decision-making process. The local community support and awareness of the mangrove forest conservation are still doubtful. ...
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The Kuala Selangor mangrove forest are facing massive reclamation for economic development but the conservation aspect and fisheries values of mangroves have been ignored in the decision-making process. The local community support and awareness of the mangrove forest conservation are still doubtful. The aim of the study is to analyse the local community perception on the mangrove forest conservation and management by the current and future development factor. Statistical data was generated using the SPSS software version 22 to develop a descriptive analysis and cross tabulation chi- square for data analysis and interpretation. The results reveal that knowledge and perception towards the mangrove forest are influenced by the socio-demographic factors such as age, level of education, occupation, living duration and distance from the mangrove forest. The data analysed showed that the distance of living from mangrove forest had a positive relationship towards mangrove conservation followed by age and education. Education plays a role in increasing the community awareness and appreciation of the mangrove ecology. The outcome of the study could be utilized by the policy maker and local authority by taking into account the community perception of mangrove forest development, encouraging the community participation in the decision-making process and selecting a sustainable livelihood option for the mangrove forest.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
A. Takdastan; M. Kardani; H. Janadeleh
Abstract
Earlier phases of economic expansion and urban development have resulted in significant sources of urban soil contamination. Petroleum hydrocarbons are one of the most common groups of persistent organic contaminants in the environment. In this study, two types of treatment in 3 concentrations were prepared ...
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Earlier phases of economic expansion and urban development have resulted in significant sources of urban soil contamination. Petroleum hydrocarbons are one of the most common groups of persistent organic contaminants in the environment. In this study, two types of treatment in 3 concentrations were prepared that were included plant treated by 1% oil pollution, treatment by 1% contamination without plant (as control), plant treated by 5% oil pollution, the 5% pollution treatment without plant (control), 10% oil pollution treatment with plant and 10% treatment without plant (control) that 3 replicates were prepared for each treatment. The obtained extracts were concentrated to 1 mL under a gentle stream of nitrogen gas, and then 2 μg of the sample was injected into a UNICAM 610 series gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Primary Total petroleum hydrocarbons amount in 1%, 5% and 10% concentration was respectively: 9027.40 mg/kg, 49599.03 mg/kg and 99548.28 mg/kg. After 4 months its amount in different concentration with plant was 126.43 mg/kg, 4463.92 mg/kg and 19611.50 mg/kg. The best total petroleum hydrocarbons removal efficiency was observed in all concentration at 120th day. The results of this study showed that vetiver can remove petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soils effective.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
V. Mehdipour; M. Memarianfard; F. Homayounfar
Abstract
This research based on record and collected data from four stations at Eymir Lake, Turkey, which are monitored daily in seven months. Water quality monitoring using former methods are time-needed and expensive, while the application of gene expression programming is more understandable, rapid, and reliable ...
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This research based on record and collected data from four stations at Eymir Lake, Turkey, which are monitored daily in seven months. Water quality monitoring using former methods are time-needed and expensive, while the application of gene expression programming is more understandable, rapid, and reliable which is used in this article to provide a prediction for dissolved oxygen. The concentration of oxygen is one of the most important factors of water quality identification, which shows if water has proper ability for aquatic life, agriculture, sanitary and drink, or not. Therefore, the concentration of oxygen is one of the most important parameters, which cannot be calculated by mathematical analyses directly. Phosphor, nitrate, phosphate, dissolved nitrogen, water alkalinity, water temperature, dissolved chlorophyll, electrical conductivity, precipitation rate, wind velocity and environment temperature are parameters which used as correlated factors to better prediction of dissolved oxygen in this paper. In the best model determination coefficient and root mean square error values respectively, were found to be 0.8031 and 0.0937. Finally, the assessment of forecasted data showed that the proposed approach produces satisfactory results.
Urban ecology and related environmental concerns
T. Jafarynasab
Abstract
Increasing water demand and reducing its contaminations are the main concerns and challenges for water resource managers and planner due to its limited sources and high value. This study aims to assess and understand the factors which threaten the quality of groundwater resources and to achieve this, ...
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Increasing water demand and reducing its contaminations are the main concerns and challenges for water resource managers and planner due to its limited sources and high value. This study aims to assess and understand the factors which threaten the quality of groundwater resources and to achieve this, samples were taken from 14 active wells in District 3 of the Municipality of Tehran. After categorizing the parameters to distinct measurable groups containing anions (SO4, Cl, NO2, NO3, HCO3, CO3), cations (Mg, Na, k) heavy metals (Ag, Pb, Cd) physical parameters (temperature, color and odor) chemical parameters (Total Dissolved Solid , Electrical conductivity, Total Suspended Solids and pH, the data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16) software. The results revealed that excessive amount of nitrate anion in Paidari and Naji station is related to the slope and sandy texture of the wells and also the surrounding area’s soil. Increased cation concentration was visible in Resalat well, which indicated the use of excessive amount of fertilizers containing sodium and also the clay soil texture. Cadmium was the only heavy metal with the concentrations of more than the standard amount. Domestic sewage and surface runoff and also regional geological structure, the lack of appropriate distance between water wells with sewage wells were among other reasons, causing underground water pollution.
