G. S. Prasath, M. Alga, Celine Rebellow, A. Subramani, Psidium Guajava
{"title":"Assessment of Plants Sensitivity to Air Pollution using Physiological and Biochemical Parameters","authors":"G. S. Prasath, M. Alga, Celine Rebellow, A. Subramani, Psidium Guajava","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.07","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.07","url":null,"abstract":"Plants act as a main green belt enhancement component. Green plants create a surface that may absorb air pollutants and act as a sink for them, making greenbelts an efficient method of controlling air pollution. Thus attention is needed to promote and develop green belt zones in polluted areas. The current study is focused on evaluating the air pollution tolerance levels of Mangifera indica, Ficus religiosa, Psidium guajava, Annona squamosa already grown in polluted and unpolluted sites. By taking into account biochemical markers such as total chlorophyll level, ascorbic acid level, pH, water content, the Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was calculated. APTI is an empirical relationship that assesses the degree to which different plant species can tolerate air pollution .Plants that possess APTI value less than or equal to 11 are known as sensitive, between 12 and 16 are moderately tolerant and greater than 17 are tolerant. The results obtained from the study showed that M. indica is more tolerant in nature. The rest of the plants used in the study are found to be intermittently tolerant. From this study, it can be concluded that planting Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava ,Annona squamosa, Ficus religosa in urban areas can reduce air pollution. This study also concludes that use of the APTI evaluation for the identification of air pollution tolerant plants is a suitable method.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":" 36","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139626983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative Analysis of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Wavelet Integrated Artificial Neural Network (W-ANN) Approaches for Rainfall Modeling of Southern Rajasthan, India","authors":"Vinayak Paradkar, H. K. Mittal","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.17","url":null,"abstract":"This paper addresses the challenge of predicting erratic rainfall in Rajasthan state of India, particularly in southern regions. Reliable rainfall predictions are crucial for water resource management and agriculture planning. The research involved selecting 58 stations across seven districts of southern Rajasthan and identifying the best fit computational neural (ANN) and wavelet integrated computational neural (W-ANN) architectures based on performance metrics. Different combinations of input characters, hidden layer neurons, learning algorithms, and training cycles were tested to determine optimal models. Hybrid models, combining wavelet analysis with ANN, were explored to tackle non-stationary hydrologic signals effectively. Results showed that ANN Model C with ten input layer neurons performed best for 74% of stations, followed by Model B (21% of stations) and Model A (5% of stations). Models with increased input and hidden layer neurons performed better. Among the selected stations, 81% of stations demonstrated improved performance using W-ANN models due to effective signal decomposition and information extraction. The hybrid W-ANN models outperformed simple ANN models for rainfall prediction. Both ANN and W-ANN models accurately forecasted weekly rainfall, as observed in the comparison of actual and forecasted values.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":" 63","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139627940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Climate Extremes and Sustainability Issues: A Case of Proposed Hydropower Projects in Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh","authors":"Vishwa B. S. Chandel, Beant Singh Rana","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.34","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.34","url":null,"abstract":"Water and energy are the key to development; however, a great deal of contestation is at the very core of hydropower and sustainability debate in the context climate change and risk of disasters. A vast potential for renewable energy in the Himalayas has led to planning for hydropower projects since 1990s. However, social, economic and environmental issues linked to such development has also led to a fear among local communities in light of climate change. This study analysed the relation between climate extremes, disaster risk and hydropower development in Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The study examined long-term climate data for precipitation and temperature trends while daily rainfall gridded data was used for the analysis of climate extremes. The results show statistically significant increase in precipitation intensity and rise of winter and post winter temperature. Also, heavy and very heavy rainfall days, daily rainfall intensity shows increasing trends that may have serious repercussions on local economy, livelihood and hydropower development. The field observations reveal discontentment of local population to proposed development. It is important that this debate must be reviewed logically to ensure safe future of the area with sound understanding of disasters and climate change risk.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":" 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139627988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Locational Suitability of Paschim Boragaon Landfill Adjacent to Deepor Beel Wetland, Assam","authors":"Roopjyoti Hazarika","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.10","url":null,"abstract":"Deepor Beel, situated in the lower Assam region of Brahmaputra Valley, is a significant wetland that holds immense importance and is classified within the biogeographical region of the Burma monsoon forest. The beel acts as a crucial reservoir for storing water in Guwahati, aiding in mitigating the effects of flash flooding. The beel is endowed with luxuriant aquatic flora and fauna and maintains a well-balanced ecosystem. Nevertheless, the presence of the Paschim Boragaon Landfill in close proximity to the beel has raised concerns about the fragility of the biodiversity and ecosystem. The study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of placing a waste disposal site near a wetland and also how effectively did the Paschim Boragaon landfill adhere to the criteria specified in the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Central Public Health and Environment Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO). The landfill's establishment has disregarded the prescribed regulations imposed by the relevant governing body, posing a significant threat to the soil, water, and environment. This situation flagrantly violates the Wetland Rules of 2010, leading to detrimental effects on the diverse features and biodiversity of the beel. The landfill's close proximity has directly or indirectly disrupted the beel's heterogeneous characteristics. Hence, an urgent relocation of the entire landfill is imperative to protect the beel and uphold the internationally renowned Ramsar wetland's biodiversity.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":"58 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139535012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Farmers’ Perceptions on Land Degradation: A Case Study in Vietnam","authors":"Nguyen Mau Dung, Nguyen Thi Hai Ninh","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.35","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.35","url":null,"abstract":"This study aims to investigate farmers’ perception of land degradation in Vietnam, where land degradation is concerned as one of the nation's most pressing issues. Based on survey data from 826 farmers in three representative regions of Vietnam (including Hoa Binh province in Northern region, Quang Tri province in the Central Coastal region, and Can Tho province in Southern region) conducted in 2017, the study reveals that over 85% of the respondents have observed indications of land degradation on their farms. The farmers' perceptions of land degradation indicators were influenced by regional topography. Inappropriate farming techniques, excessive chemical use, and a lack of knowledge were reported as the major causes of land degradation. Furthermore, the farmers had limited understanding of land degradation as well as the benefits of soil conservation measures. Sustainable land management adopters exhibited their better perception of land degradation and measures for land improvement compared to non-adopters. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the farmers’ perception on land degradation and the advantages of adopting sustainable land management and this should be accomplished through widespread dissemination via mass and local media in the future","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":" 42","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139627194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Drainage Morphometric analysis of Yagachi watershed area, Karnataka State, India","authors":"Sowndarya M, Annapoorna H, Janardhana M R","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.19","url":null,"abstract":"The Yagachi River watershed in Karnataka State has been chosen for a thorough analysis to recognize the drainage system, morphometric features, and vulnerability of the watershed area to erosion. As a prerequisite to the analysis of morphometric features utilizing ArcGIS software, the stream networks and sub-watersheds (viz., SW01, SW02, SW03 and SW04) were delineated by making use of topographic sheets and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Yagachi watershed covers an area of 551.45 sq. km and observed predominant drainage patterns are sub-parallel and dendritic with sixth-order drainage. Higher stream orders (U=6), implying greater surface runoff and sediment load, and low mean stream length values in the upper reaches, signifying youthful morphological development and strong erosion potential, are characteristics of streams in the watershed. Drainage density values (1.262 to 1.930 km/km2), particularly at upper reaches in the NW part of the watershed, fine to very fine drainage texture values (7.572 and 8.337), moderate to high values of length of overland flow (Lg) and constant of channel maintenance (CCM) indicate steep to moderate slopes, fairly significant surface runoff, and high erosive power of the streams and greater sediment load. The elongated form of the watershed is shown by the computed lower form factor (Ff) and elongation ratio (Re) values. Relief characteristics of the watershed area, although suggest that the study area is vulnerable to erosion and in youth stage, in reality, the area is characterised more by the features of the late mature stage of landform development. The observed anomaly is attributed to the mountain-plain environment as the steeply sloped hill ranges of Bababudan formations are located in the northwestern parts of the Yagachi watershed area. However, the sub-watershed SW03 with high stream length, drainage density and relief value with fine drainage texture is relatively more susceptible to erosion.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":" 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139627335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Study on Physical Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste of Jammu City on the basis of Socioeconomic Status of the Population","authors":"Bhawana Sharma, Pankaj Mehta, Preeti Verma","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.36","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.36","url":null,"abstract":"Generation of waste has been associated with humans since dawn of civilization. But in recent decades due to factors like ever increasing population, urbanization and industrialization, the amount of waste generated has spiked to enormous proportions. The composition of waste has significantly changed since plastic was first used in the middle of the 19th century. MSW management is a significant environmental concern in India. Jammu City generates an immense amount of solid waste, approximately 350–400 metric tons (MT) daily, with an individual generation rate of around 0.55 kg per day. MSW management in Jammu City is handled by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC). In the city, MSW collection, transportation, and disposal are all handled by JMC. MSW of Jammu city is disposed at Kot Bhalwal which is an open landfill site. As of now no prior treatment of MSW is being done. Present study attempts to assess the current state of MSW management in Jammu city. Sampling was done in the month of July, 2022 from 15 different wards classified in the basis of socioeconomic status and physical characterization of MSW was conducted. This paper analyzes the results obtained from physical characteristics of MSW from three diverse socioeconomic groups HIG, MIG and LIG. This would help in understanding the waste generation pattern of different socioeconomic groups. MSW from MIG contains large proportion of organic matter (55%) and is thus suitable for composting and bio-methanation, however MSW collected from HIG locality contain high proportion of inorganic materials like paper/cardboard, plastic, polythene and textile waste and therefore it is suitable for Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) facility. MSW from Jammu city also contain high fraction of inert waste (20% to 45%). Inert waste can be easily disposed but when it is mixed with MSW it increases the volume and weight of total MSW and therefore increase the difficulty if MSW management. This study also explores the alternative approaches to MSWM in Jammu city. Data generated by present study will be beneficial to JMC for designing future course of action for management of MSW of Jammu City.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":" 36","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139627568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diversity of Aquatic Macrophyte Species of Pardi Wetland, Valsad District, Gujarat, India: Social-economic and Ethnobotanical importance","authors":"H. Patel, Susmita Sahoo, Alpesh Thakor","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.32","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.32","url":null,"abstract":"Wetlands, which serve as a transition between land and water, are a source of concern across the world in terms of resource evaluation and use, environmental protection, pollution control, eco-restoration, biodiversity conservation, and so on. Wetlands are an important aspect of human civilization because they provide drinking water, food, improved water quality, sediment retention, flood storage, transportation, recreation, and climate stabilization, among other things. Despite their numerous advantages, wetlands are increasingly subjected to anthropogenic pressures and are rapidly disappearing. Valsad district is the developing district of Gujarat state, located between 20°37'48.00\" N and 72°55'48.00\" E, making it one of Gujarat's rainiest districts and having many wetland ecosystems with great aquatic biodiversity. The present investigation aimed to list, find, and investigate wetlands, with a focus on macrophyte species, because of their high socioeconomic and ethnobotanical relevance. The current study identified a total of 43 macrophyte species, which are organized into 35 genera and 24 different families. Out of the 43 macrophyte species, 40 were recorded as angiosperms, 02 as pteridophytes, and 01 as macroalgae. In the present investigation, existing macrophyte species were evaluated based on their ecological classification, life form classification, and their wetland indicator status. This research not only showed the diversity of indigenous macrophytes but also discusses the utilization of aquatic plants for socioeconomic and ethnobotanical purposes, which enhance the traditional medicinal knowledge about the macrophytes.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":" 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139628252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Study of 220Rn and its Progeny Circulation in a Test Room","authors":"Sathish L A","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.25","url":null,"abstract":"Data for 220Rn in indoor and industrial environments are limited since it is widely accepted that its concentrations are meager on account of its diminutive half life, so its participation to respiration dose is disregarded on account of the incidence of considerable sources of ambient radiation. An effective dose from indoor 222Rn and its half springs accounts for almost half to the sources of natural radiation. However, indoor studies carried out in Asian continent imply the dose intake from 222Rn and its progeny may not be much lower than, or possibly more than, that from 220Rn. In light of this, an effort has been made to track Bangalore, India's 220Rn level distribution. Dosimeters were positioned throughout the room at fixed intervals from the wall, ceiling, and floor. To analyze the variances with respect to distance, all windows and doors were shut for 90 days. Additionally, dosimeters were placed in an upper and lower parabolic configuration. Cellulose Nitrate based Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD) was used to examine the 220Rn coupled with 222Rn in test room. Higher concentrations were seen when the detector was moved away from the walls, ceiling, and floors of the room. This study covers the technical aspects of measuring the 220Rn distribution in a room. The findings are contrasted with figures provided in the literature for residences and regions with high background radiation levels.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":"68 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139534736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nwachukwu Michael, Duru Majesty, Nwachukwu Innocentia, Obasi Chidera, Ihenetu Francis
{"title":"Assessment of Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Rainwater Harvested from Different Rooftops in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria","authors":"Nwachukwu Michael, Duru Majesty, Nwachukwu Innocentia, Obasi Chidera, Ihenetu Francis","doi":"10.12944/cwe.18.3.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.18.3.24","url":null,"abstract":"Assessment of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of rainwater harvested from different rooftops in Owerri, Imo State was carried out using standard methods. Rainwater samples collected from different rooftops were analyzed for quality and compared to the standard for World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Rainwater was also collected directly from the rainfall and analyzed. The result of the physicochemical parameters showed that only the rainwater harvested from asbestos rooftop had the pH value that falls within WHO standard and NSDWQ. The turbidity value of rainwater harvested from the thatched rooftop was higher than the WHO standard and NSDWQ. Organisms isolated from the rainwater samples harvested from the rooftops include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsilla pneumonia, Entrobacter sp., Proteus mirabilis, Aspergillus sp., Penicillum sp., and Vibro sp. However, after molecular studies, K. pneumoniae, P. aeroginosa, E. coli, and P. mirabilis were the four bacterial species identified. The rainwater samples had high levels of microbial loads against WHO standard and NSDWQ. Rainwater sample from thatched rooftop had the highest total heterotrophic count (THC) but all the studied rainwater samples had THC higher than WHO standard and NSDWQ. The rainwater harvested directly from rainfall had low values for the physicochemical parameters and microbial loads considered in this study, when compared to the rainwater samples harvested from the rooftops. The bacterial and fungal isolates of rainwater samples from the rooftops have been associated with different diseases. There is a need to treat harvested rainwater properly before domestic or potable use. This study has assessed the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of rainwater harvested from different rooftops in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":10878,"journal":{"name":"Current World Environment","volume":"63 28","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139534774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}