Environment and Pollution最新文献

{"title":"Determination of Five Heavy Metals in White Yam (Dioscorea Rotundata) and Three- Leaved Yam (Dioscorea Dumetorum) from Farms in Khana, Rivers State","authors":"I. Kalagbor, Dumbari L. Adooh, R. James","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N4P18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N4P18","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The Niger Delta Region has experienced various levels of pollutions from industries and oil exploration. Studies have revealed that the ongoing pollution is affecting the quality of agriculture produce from this region. Rivers State is one of the states in the Niger Delta and its farmlands have been affected by oil exploration. This study is aimed at determining the levels of five heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in white yam ( dioscorea rotundata ) and three-leaved yam ( Dioscora dumentorum ) using AAS. Research Methodology: The samples used for this study were harvested from farms in Zaakpon and Kaani in Khana Local Government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Results: Concentration of Cu in white yam (11.86mg/kg) and three-leaved yam (8.90mg/kg) harvested from Zaakpon were found to be higher than those from Kaani, whereas Fe concentration in white yam (43.20mg/kg) and three-leaved yam (144.0mg/kg) from Kaani were higher than those from Zaakpon. Ni and Pb concentration were also higher in the samples from Zaakpon while Zn concentrations in the samples from the two farmlands were below acceptable limits. The dietary intake rate (DIR) values (mg person -1 day -1 ) were calculated using Parkhurst equation and the following was obtained for Cu (0.044 - 0.124), Fe (0.229 - 1.510), Ni (0.0214 - 0.138), Pb (0.001 - 0.141) and Zn (0.022 - 0.145). Conclusion: From the results obtained, it follows that the continued consumption of these crops harvested from the farms will have adverse effects on the consumers. This calls for close monitoring of the farmlands for heavy metal contamination.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85883291","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":"Modifying the ADM1 Model to Predict the Operation of an Anaerobic Digester Co-digesting Municipal Sludge with Bakery Waste","authors":"M. E. Demitry, Jianming Zhong, C. Hansen, M. Mcfarland","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N4P38","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N4P38","url":null,"abstract":"Anaerobic Digestion Model Number1 (ADM1) was modified in order to predict accurately the impact of co-digesting bakery waste (BW) with municipal sludge (MS). BW is an industrial waste (300,000 gallons per day in USA) that contains a high concentration of organic matter (carbohydrates, low lipids and non-detected proteins). BW is an easily biodegradable substrate for creating a favorable microorganism growth environment, which enhances the biogas production needed for wastewater facilities. The modified ADM1 successfully predicted changes in pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), propionic acid and methane gas production. The ADM1 outputs were compared to experimental batch reactor results of actual BW addition percentages in order to validate the model. Stability of the digestion process was achieved until the ratio range of 37-40% BW: 60-63% MS, and the digestion processes were inhibited at higher ratios of BW. This research provides an alternative to BW management through utilizing the BW to enhance methane production.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88638840","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":"Spectroscopic Study of UV Transparency of Some Materials","authors":"S. S. Sackey, M. K. Vowotor, A. Owusu, P. Mensah-Amoah, E. Tatchie, B. Sefa-Ntiri, C. O. Hood, S. Atiemo","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N4P1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N4P1","url":null,"abstract":"Elevated exposure to Ultra-Violet Radiation (UVR) from the sun has led to adverse effects on human skin and foods, and therefore, the need for materials that offer resistance to Ultra-Violet (UV) penetration for protection. Some building window and non-window-materials, car-glasses, Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) rubber and plastic materials have been investigated to determine their transparencies and suitability for use as shields against UVR. These were studied by directly measuring scattered solar radiation through the optical window of a spectrometer and then measuring the scattered light when the window was completely covered with the material to be examined. Wavelengths of light that were not absorbed when sunlight was incident on the samples and the transmitted intensity of sunlight at each wavelength through each sample as compared to the transmitted intensity through air were determined in the UVB and UVA spectral regions. The results showed that the building window-glasses were opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA while the non-window-glasses exhibited transparency in the UVB and UVA spectral regions. The car-glass (laminated), used as windscreen, was opaque to UVB and UVA while the side-glass (non-laminated) was opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA. Perspex, sometimes used as an alternative to windscreen and side-glass in cars, exhibited transparency in UVB and UVA spectral regions. The LLDPE materials used for food storage were transparent to UVB and UVA while the PET plastic materials used for water, fruit juice and beverage storage was opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90966514","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":"Cadmium and Lead Toxicity, Modulating Roles of Age and Trace Metals on Wistar Rat Cortical Cells","authors":"O. Ayannuga, J. Oyekunle, O. Ijomone, Blessing I. Ibeachusim","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N3P51","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N3P51","url":null,"abstract":"The role of age and concomitant exposure to trace elements on Wistar rats was investigated in this study. Fifteen 12 weeks old rats divided into groups A, B and C, and fifteen 36 weeks old rats divided into groups D, E and F were acclimatised for 2 weeks. Groups A and D served as the control groups and were administered distilled water. Groups B and E were administered 1 mL each of 5 ppm, while groups C and F were administered 1 mL each of 10 ppm of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc solutions daily for 1 week. Rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the harvested cerebrum was digested in HNO3 and HClO4. Quantification of metals was done using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. A 5 µm thick paraffin section of the cerebrum obtained at the level of the optic chiasma was stained with H&E and evaluated. Zinc concentration was markedly reduced while cadmium and lead concentrations were increased in both experimental groups across the age groups in a dose-dependent fashion. Copper concentration was reduced in rats with 5 ppm exposure while in those with 10 ppm exposure it was similar to the control. Pyknotic glial cells were more and widespread in the younger rats but few and restricted to the mid-cortical region in older rats. Early neuronal necrosis was widespread in older rat group but restricted to internal granular layer in young rats. Central neuronal chromatolysis was noted in both groups of younger rats but restricted to the 5 ppm group of older rat group. Cerebral concentration of zinc was reduced in cadmium and lead exposure. Glial cells pyknosis were widespread in older rats, but early neuronal necrosis was more widespread in younger rats, showing that the cellular effect of heavy metal is age dependent.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76426290","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":"Distribution of Particulate Matter in Cawthorne Channels Air Basin in Nigeria","authors":"I. Ubong, U. U. Ubong, E. Ubong, Roy Ukonta, David Ishmael","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N3P19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N3P19","url":null,"abstract":"The concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM) were determined in tropical wetlands air basin of Cawthorne Channel, Awoba and Krakrama. The sampling was performed with well calibrated equipment (A MultiRAE PLUS (PGM – 50), a programmable Multi Gas monitor with an electrochemical sensor). Parameters measured were particulate matter with 1 µm, 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ), 7 µm (PM 7 ) , 10 µm (PM 10 ) and Total suspended particulate (TSP). Seasonal variations were displayed by all fractions of particulate matter. TSP at Cawthorne Channels was observed, with very high concentration in January (346.1 µg/m 3 ) at the upwind and (401.7 µg/m 3 ) downwind in dry season. This was followed by wet season measurement. The PM 10 results at Cawthorne Channels also showed strong seasonal variations with very high concentration in January (313.6 µg/m 3 ) at the upwind and (367.5µg/m 3 ) downwind. Of all the respirable particulate size fractions studied, allowable International Standard according to USEPA (1990), was exceeded in PM 10 and PM 7 . PM 2.5 had values that were generally below 60.0 µg/m 3 while PM 1 had values below 10.0 µg/m 3 . The TSP levels exceeded 250.0 ug/m 3 , being Nigerian National allowable limit. The respirable particulate matter had no statistical difference between the upwind and downwind directions (p< 1) 0.05 .","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80961876","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":"Investigating Solid Waste Management in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region, Ghana","authors":"S. Ampofo, E. Kumi, B. Ampadu","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N3P27","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N3P27","url":null,"abstract":"Management of domestic solid waste is one of the challenges facing many metropolitan municipal and district Assemblies in Ghana because uncollected and improperly disposed waste results in the clogging of most public areas, streets, and gutters and has a grave implications on health. In the Bolgatanga municipality, as a result of increasing urban population, a high consumption and disposal lifestyle that has no need for reuse, negative attitude by individuals and households in the handling of waste and the inadequate financial and logistical requirements on the part of the local authorities to combat this menace has had a negative impact on waste management in the municipality. This research conducts a social survey in five (5) major settlements in the municipality namely; Bolgatanga town, Zuarungu, Yikene, Sumburungu and Tindonsobligo to ascertain attitudes in waste management, perceptions on the value and reuse of waste and the management of waste at the household and local levels. Also we determined the rates and trend in increase of population and waste levels for the municipality at a four (4) year interval for the years; 1993, 1997, 2001, 2005, and 2009 and measure the strength of association using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study revealed that the most predominant waste disposal is the communal disposal at sites normally not approved in the peri-urban communities. This is followed by the door-to-door services which was prevalent in the urban residential areas. Despite the dominant nature of communal skips and door-to-door services mostly in the Bolgatanga community, inhabitants still practice improper disposal from disposal in nearby bush to open dumps due to lack of enforcement of regulatory policies and programmes irrespective of income levels. These problems are compounded by inadequate proper storage receptacles, unavailability of community storage receptacles and the long distance of travel for disposal of household waste which discourages dumping at common and approved sites. For the period under consideration (1993-2009), the population for the municipality increased from 188,690 to 295,333 representing an increase of 36%, while waste generated increased from 46,015 to 101, 823 tons, an increase by 55% which results in an average per capita waste generation (kg/person/daily) of 0.70 kilogrammes for the period under consideration. The Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) between population and waste generated in the municipality revealed a high and a strong association of 0.88 which confirms the distribution of communal skips by the municipal assembly with concentration in high population urban zones within the Bolgatanga town.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90304142","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":"Diurnal Concentrations and Variation of Carbon Monoxide in Indoor and Outdoor Air of Residential Homes in Western Sierra Leone","authors":"E. T. Taylor, M. J. Wirmvem, Victor Harold Sawyerr, S. Nakai","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N3P10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N3P10","url":null,"abstract":"It is widely known that more than half of the world’s population use biomass fuels (wood, charcoal, dung) as household energy source, and hence, face significant and diverse range of toxic pollutants. In Sierra Leone, more than 90% of the population relies on biomass fuels. We carried out daytime measurements and observe variation of carbon monoxide (CO) in kitchen and outdoor locations in households that burn wood and charcoal fuels in Western Sierra Leone, during a survey that was conducted in September, 2011. Maximum time average 15 mins, 30 mins, 1 hr and 8 hrs concentrations in indoor and outdoor locations were computed. Mean concentrations decreased in the order, 15 mins to 30 mins to 1 hr and 8 hrs, in the two locations for households that burn wood and charcoal. About 87% and 67% of 8 hrs CO concentrations in kitchens with charcoal and wood stoves were in excess of world health organization (WHO) guideline. Approximately 66% and 63% of 1 hr CO concentrations were not different in the same environments. None of the corresponding outdoor locations had values that are said to be critical to human health. Evidence of greater variation in the maximum time average mean CO concentrations in kitchens with charcoal stoves relative to those using wood was observed. Behavioral patterns in homes burning charcoal coupled with the burning conditions were ascribed to the observed variation. The proportion of the short time and acute CO concentrations in kitchens is a cause for concern for humans from the stand point of improved human health.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72749737","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":"Distribution of Heavy Metals in Soils in the Vicinity of the Proposed Mkuju Uranium Mine in Tanzania","authors":"F. Banzi, P. Msaki, N. Mohammed","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N3P42","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N3P42","url":null,"abstract":"Tanzania is at advance stages in the preparation to start uranium mining at Mkuju River Deposit. In order to implement best practice in environmental management in uranium mining as required by national and international regulations and standards, a set of site specific baseline data have to be established prior the mining operation. In order to establish heavy metal baseline data for this purpose, a total of 84 soil samples were collected from clustered area of about 1,300 km 2 at two depths: 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Analysis of the data using EDXRF showed a total metal concentration ranges of 3570-19400 for Al, 15200-58600 Fe, 400-1400 Mn, 15.2-54.9 Cr, 13.5-51.0 Zn, 2.2-45.3 Pb, 2.1-37.3 Cd, 0.2-23.0 Hg, 1.8-25.1Cu, 2.1-22.7 Ni and 0.8-9.1 mgkg -1 for Co. Since the spatial distributions of heavy metals in the vicinity of the planned uranium mine are comparable to established global concentration ranges in soils, it is an indication that the distribution is natural. By virtue of their strong association with uranium and immobility in soil, spatial distributions of lead and copper concentrations would be more sensitive indicators for monitoring uranium related soil contaminants when the uranium mine become operational.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73745658","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":"On the Characterization of Dredged Marine Soils from Malaysian Waters: Physical Properties","authors":"Zarina Shahri, C. Chan","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N3P1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N3P1","url":null,"abstract":"Every year, large volumes of dredged marine soils (DMS) are removed from Malaysian water. Dredging activity is needed to maintain and enlarge water bodies. DMS properties are varies depending to space, time and land uses in the watershed. DMS were also reported to be contaminated with chemical and biological contaminants, making the materials risky for reuse. Information on DMS properties, e.g. physical, chemical and biological properties is essential to the selection of a suitable reuse option. This study is focused on the characterization of Malaysian DMS for beneficial reuse. Three samples from different dredging sites and one sample of sediment as a control were used in this study. Physical properties of DMS from Malaysia water were identified and quantified. The DMS were classified as high plasticity clay (CH), high plasticity silt (MH) and low plasticity silt (ML) for Lumut, Melaka and Tok Bali respectively. The results showed that the DMS from different locations have different physical properties. Thus, the characterizations of DMS with regards of physical properties are significant in decision making either to be reused or disposed.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88974063","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":"Influence of Habitat Pollution on Organophosphate Esters and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Cicadas","authors":"H. Shimazu","doi":"10.5539/EP.V4N2P24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V4N2P24","url":null,"abstract":"The present study examines the concentration levels of seven organophosphate esters (OPEs) and nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cicadas and the influence factors of their habitats on the contamination of cicadas. Adult cicadas, nymphal exoskeletons, soils, and saps were sampled in Japan. The total concentrations of seven OPEs and nine PAHs for the adult cicadas ranged from 107 to 8940 ng/g-dw and from 58.9 to 1580 ng/g-dw, respectively. Some OPEs and PAHs were detected in heads, thoraxes, and abdomens of the adult cicadas. The concentrations were higher in the heads than in the other parts. The relationship between OPEs and PAHs in soils and those in cicadas was considerably positive. For some OPEs and PAHs, the concentrations in the saps tend to be higher as those in the cicadas increase. These tendencies indicate that cicadas intake OPEs and PAHs from soils and saps contaminated with these pollutants. The concentrations of OPEs and PAHs tend to increase with those in the atmospheric depositions. This probably shows that OPEs and PAHs in atmospheric depositions pollute soils, and cicadas intake the pollutants from the contaminated soils and saps.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86922438","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}