Environment and Pollution最新文献

{"title":"Geochemical Assessment of Trace Metal Distribution and Contamination in the Surface Sediments of the Coast of Okinawa Island, Japan","authors":"I. Diallo, H. Ishiga","doi":"10.5539/EP.V6N1P1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V6N1P1","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, sediment samples were collected from the Awase tidal, the Minamigusuku, and Nakagusuku areas located in the Okinawa Island. The collected samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence to determine their geochemical compositions and distribution, and to assess the sediment quality in the study areas. Contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the United State Environmental Protection Agency Sediment Quality Guideline (US EPA SQG) were used to assess the sediment quality. The results show that the highest average concentrations of As (11mg/kg), Pb (8 mg/kg), Zn (19 mg/kg), Cu (6 mg/kg), and Cr (14mg/kg) occurred in the Minamigusuku area. The CF and Igeo values, and the US EPA SQG indicate that among the selected trace metals only As displays significant values in the study areas. The CF values of As in the Minamigusuku area show moderate enrichment, and in this same area, the Igeo values of As present significant values, ranging from moderate to considerable contaminations, implying a possible effect on the biota in this location. Compared to the US EPA SQG, the Awase tidal flat and Nakagusuku areas are moderately polluted, whereas Minamigusuku is heavily polluted, suggesting that As may possible impact the biota in these areas. Consequently, for a better sustainable development of the coast of  Okinawa Island , a regular monitoring and assessment of study areas, particularly the Minamigusuku area, is necessary to determine over time the concentration of As.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73560162","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":"Assessing the Impact of an Operating Tailings Storage Facility on Catchment Surface and Groundwater Quality in the Ellembele District of the Western Region of Ghana","authors":"E. Acheampong, D. Nukpezah","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N2P26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N2P26","url":null,"abstract":"The study assessed the impact of an operating Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) of Adamus Resources Limited (Nzema Gold Mine) in the Ellembele District of the Western of Ghana on catchment surface and groundwater quality. Water samples were collected between June and December 2014 from seventeen (17) sampling sites including the TSF decant water (TSF-DW), three (3) streams, a water storage dam, a pond and eleven (11) groundwater monitoring boreholes within 500 m radius of the mine’s Tailings Storage Facility. Samples were analyzed for pH, true colour, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury) and cyanide (weak acid dissociable cyanide (WAD), free cyanide and total cyanide) using standard procedures. The TSF-DW reported elevated arsenic, free cyanide and TSS concentrations above GHEPA guideline for effluent discharge. Elevated TSS and arsenic concentrations above GHEPA limits were reported in PWSD which is a pond uphill of the TSF and a receptor to effluents from illegal mining sites on the mine’s concession. All other parameters recorded in surface and groundwater bodies studied were within WHO guideline limit for potable water. Results of the study suggest that the quality of surface and groundwater around the TSF has not been adversely affected even though the TSF is contaminated. Study findings suggest that well-engineered tailings dam ofARLwith its effective liner and management systems may have provided a safe structure and prevented contamination of water resources within its catchment.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89792849","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":"Risks of Domestic Underground Water Sources in Informal Settlement in Kabwe – Zambia","authors":"A. Phiri","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N2P1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N2P1","url":null,"abstract":"Informal settlements are a hot spot for disaster risks worldwide. They are characterised by limited provision of basic services. Water being a critical life support resource is not adequately provided. Residents usually rely on unsafe water sources of hand dug wells. Pit latrines are a major facility for sanitary purposes. Further, informal settlements high population density residing in poor housing units is a common characteristics. Risks of underground water pollution are high due to the proximity of sanitation facilities to unprotected shallow wells increasing the possibility of feacal contamination by ecoli and coli form. This paper presents a case of Makululu informal settlement in Zambia. A total of 385 respondents were identified at random while purposive sampling identified key informants. Water samples collected from 12 hand dug wells located close to pit latrines were tested for coli form and ecoli. Testing was done before and after the rainy season to analyse the relationship between pit latrines and wells as well as the relationship with rainfall distribution pattern to ascertain levels of risks. Water was tested to determine the levels of contamination based on the presence of ecoli and coli form. Laboratory results indicated that 90 percent of water consumed in Makululu informal settlement is highly contaminated by faecal coliforms.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73193233","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":"Effects of Land Use, Soil Depth and Topography on Soil Physicochemical Properties along the Toposequence at the Wadla Delanta Massif, Northcentral Highlands of Ethiopia","authors":"Nahusenay Abate, K. Kibret","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N2P57","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N2P57","url":null,"abstract":"The study was conducted to investigate the effects of land use, depth and topography on soil physicochemical properties at the Wadla Delanta Massif, northcentral Ethiopia. Four land uses (natural forest, shrub, grazing and cultivated land), three soil depths (0-20, 20-40, 40-60 cm) and three topographic positions (upper, middle and lower) in three replications were considered for this study. A total of 108 composite samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The results show that particle size distribution was affected by the main effects of land use and soil depth; bulk and particle densities, total porosity, organic matter and total nitrogen contents, C:N ratio and available phosphorus were significantly affected by the interaction of land use by soil depth only, whereas, soil pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity, percent base saturation and extractable micronutrients were affected by the interaction effects of the three factors. Highest clay and bulk density were recorded at the bottom layer of the cultivated land soils, while the utmost porosity, organic matter and nitrogen contents, and available phosphorus were recorded at the surface layers of the natural forest land soils. Highest pH was at the bottom layer of the cultivated land at the three topographic positions. Highest exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity were observed in the bottom layers of soils under the four land use types at the lower topographic position, whilst extractable micronutrients were recorded at the surface layers of the forest land soils at the upper topographic position. In general, most of the measured soil properties were measured better in forest than in other land use soils and the lower topographic positions than the upper and middle ones. Interaction of land use with topography showed negative effects especially on cultivated and grazing land soils in all topographic positions. Therefore, integrated soil fertility management and soil conservation measures are required in all topographic positions to maintain soil physicochemical properties.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81338220","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":"Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Cigarettes and Cigarette Smoke","authors":"H. Shimazu","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N2P15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N2P15","url":null,"abstract":"The present study examines the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cigarettes and sidestream cigarette smoke. Nine PAHs were determined in sidestream cigarette smokes for five types of cigarettes. The volume of the experimental room is approximately 66 m 3 . The air samples in the room were collected before and after smoking. The total PAH concentrations were approximately 1.0 ng/m 3 before smoking, but the median concentration and the range of PAHs were 29.1 ng/m 3 and from 7.62 to 57.6 ng/m 3 after smoking. The relationship between suspended particulate matter (SPM) and total PAHs after smoking is significant and proportional. This may indicate that the SPM formation is associated with PAH formation during smoking. Furthermore, nine PAHs were determined in the cigarettes. Median PAH contents in the five brands of cigarettes ranged from 221 to 936 ng per cigarette before smoking and from 66.9 to 266 ng per cigarette after smoking. Mean PAH emissions from cigarettes while smoking ranged from 257 to 1490 ng per cigarette. The results show that PAHs in the cigarettes, and those generated during smoking, were emitted into the air.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81289282","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":"Extending the Applications of the ADM1 to Predict Performance of the Induced Bed Reactor (IBR) Co-Digesting Municipal Sludge with Bakery Waste","authors":"M. E. Demitry, C. Hansen, D. Stevens, M. Mcfarland","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N2P41","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N2P41","url":null,"abstract":"The goal of this research was to examine the stability of the induced bed reactor (IBR) digesting municipal sludge (MS) mixed with bakery waste (BW) by experiment and modeling. It was necessary to modify the Anaerobic Digestion Model number1(ADM1) to accurately predict the performance of the IBR for this mixed waste. The total mixed influent COD was 50 g/L with hydraulic retention times that varied from 27 to 6 days at mesophilic temperatures. The reactor reached the steady state at each HRT with no sign of inhibition or failure, however, the COD removal efficiency of the digester decreased from 92% to 72% with decreasing HRT. The modified ADM1 outputs agreed well with the measured stability indicators (pH, total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), Q (gas production), percent CH4 at the longer retention times of 27, and 20 days. The model overestimated the pH, and methane percentage and underestimated the TVFA when the HRT was shorter (12, 9 and 6 days). However, the model predicted well the trends of the observed data and the overall stability process of the digester until 6 d HRT. This research provided an alternative for the disposal of industrial bakery waste and also pointed out the ability of the IBR to manage high waste loads stably, while providing high energy production.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78029636","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":"Designating Marine Reserves Is not Just an Ecological Process","authors":"Jing Li","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N2P72","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N2P72","url":null,"abstract":"Marine natural resource and ocean species are endangered because of human activities. In order to avoid marine natural resource depletion and recover marine ecosystem, marine reserves are created. The report will introduce the marine reserve definition and its functions. In addition, the report will describe three main marine reserves in Australia. Moreover, it will explain why designating marine reserves is not an ecological process.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90905580","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":"Some Elemental Content of Soil Within Catchment of River Jakara in Kano, Nigeria","authors":"Dike N. I., S. Oniye","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N1P119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N1P119","url":null,"abstract":"The use of untreated urban wastes and domestic sewage contaminated water for the irrigation of agricultural soils is on the rise particularly in the developing countries and is a public health concern with regards to the consumption of vegetables and fruits produced in them which may indirectly accumulate heavy metals in their edible portions. Using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K (essential bulk elements), Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co and Fe (trace elements) were determined in 3 designated areas within the catchment area of River Jakara in Kano Nigeria. Samples were collected from two depths 0-15cm and 15-30cm to cover both dry and wet seasons. The mean concentrations of elements obtained ranged from 0.026 mg/g Cd to 46.83 mg/g Fe and occurred in the magnitude of Fe > Ca > K > Na > Pb >Zn > Co > Cu >Cr > Ni > Cd. The concentrations of the trace elements in the soils in the two depths exceeded the international recommended permissible limits establishing the pollution of the irrigation soils with the trace elements investigated. Based on the findings, it is recommended among others that the relevant organ of government should find an alternative farmland for the farmers within the catchment area of River Jakara where unpolluted waste sources can be utilized for the irrigation of vegetables.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77013223","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":"Seasonal Nearshore Occurrence of the Neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in Lake Winnipeg, Canada","authors":"E. Pip, Kimber E. Munford, L. Bowman","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N1P110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N1P110","url":null,"abstract":"Seasonal fluctuation patterns of the neurotoxic amino acid β N methylamino L alanine (BMAA) were examined at four-day intervals during the ice-free season in water at three nearshore stations in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg, Canada. BMAA patterns were significantly exponentially correlated with concurrent phaeophytin, and inversely with chlorophyll a, indicating that free BMAA concentrations increased as blooms declined. BMAA was also significantly related to preceding microcystin concentrations, and as chlorophyll a declined, the proportion of BMAA relative to microcystin increased. Cross correlations identified significant relationships between BMAA and immediately preceding nitrate-N/inorganic phosphorus ratios, nitrate-N, rainfall, and a marginal inverse correlation with inorganic phosphorus. Total suspended solids levels were also significantly associated with BMAA, likely due to shading effects. A very high BMAA concentration was found under collapse of intense bloom conditions. These results have implications for water quality monitoring, nutrient management strategies and public health.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77234373","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":"Implementation and Evaluation of a Communication Strategy to Control Ragweed Pollen","authors":"C. Plante, A. Smargiassi, F. Hubert, Sophie Goudreau","doi":"10.5539/EP.V5N1P87","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/EP.V5N1P87","url":null,"abstract":"The common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia ) is widespread in southwestern areas of Quebec, Canada. It is known to release large quantities of pollen from July through September, triggering allergic reactions such as rhinitis and generating significant costs for public health. The objective of this study was to implement and evaluate a communication intervention aimed at decreasing ragweed pollen. Selected lands with potential ragweed presence were visited twice, before and after the intervention, on three seasons in the East of the Montreal Island, Quebec. At the first visit done in 2010, 2011, and 2012, ragweed plots were located and measured; at the second visit in 2012, the measures were redone. Various numbers of communications were sent to owners of ragweed-infested lands that included explanations of health impacts of ragweed pollen and the importance of mowing. Mixed logistic regressions were used to test the effect of the number of communications on the mow. In the group that received four notices, a statistically significant three-fold increase in the proportion of land owners that had cut ragweed plots (OR = 3.20; 95 %CI: 1.16-8.84) was noted, compared to the group that received only one notice. For owners of vacant lands, the effect was somewhat more pronounced (OR = 3.82; 95%CI: 1.23-11.67). Nonetheless, the change from one to three communications showed no increase of mowing. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that communications and reminders of the importance of ragweed cut to landowners could be an effective measure to limit ragweed pollen.","PeriodicalId":11724,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Pollution","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85221815","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}