{"title":"City Communal Aspiration System—City without Chimneys","authors":"Yuriy Kozin","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.1112050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.1112050","url":null,"abstract":"Gas emissions are produced by each economic entity individually — whether they are a large industrial enterprise, a boiler-house or a household (dwelling house). At that, in addition to visible chimneys there are a lot of hidden (unrecorded) sources of emissions in form of ventilation branch pipes.\u0000Communal systems for removal and reprocessing of wastes of two types: liquid (municipal sewage lines) and solid (collection and removal of wastes) are operated in populated localities. For the third type of waste — gaseous — a similarly municipal structure does not exist. For the time being there is no possibility for full system control and neutralization of dust and gas wastes because there is no system in the physical form which would enable comprehensive receipt of exit gases from all the city sources for further processing thereof.\u0000It is for the first time when a principally new holistic approach to cleaning/treatment of all city dust and gas emissions (wastes) is proposed which consists in creation of a City Communal Aspiration System (Municipal Aspiration System) containing a city communal aspiration network (gas outlets) for receipt/transportation of exhaust (flue) gases and a plant for utilization of such wastes connected to such network. In other words, it is proposed to organize a “City without Chimneys”.\u0000The proposed solution permits to remove mass unsystematic and uncontrolled emissions of environmentally harmful gas wastes in cities, reduce climate risks and make the transition to a new level of organization of environmental planning and management and, therefore, eliminates or principally simplifies many ecological difficulties and restrictions in urban planning (inseparably related to ecology) in sanitary rules and standards.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131012564","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}
Maria Cristina B. Cañada, Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, R. Gallego
{"title":"Spatial Zonation and Diversity of Bivalves and Gastropods in Mangrove Forests of Casiguran, Aurora","authors":"Maria Cristina B. Cañada, Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, R. Gallego","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.1110041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.1110041","url":null,"abstract":"This study generally aimed to determine the spatial zonation and diversity of bivalves and gastropods in mangrove forest of Cozo, Esteves and Tinib in Casiguran, Aurora. Specifically, this aimed to determine the species composition and distribution, and determine the relationship between spatial zonation and diversity of bivalves and gastropods as influenced by ecological factors such as vegetation, soil texture, organic matter, soil salinity, and soil pH. A total of 22 taxa comprising eight species of bivalves and 14 species of gastropods were identified. The high tidal zone of Esteves had high diversity (0.66) of bivalve species compared to other tidal zones and areas. On the other hand, the diversity of gastropods was almost equal in the middle tidal zones of Cozo (0.60), Esteves (0.57), and Tinib (0.42). In terms of bivalve species’ density and abundance, Dendostrea folium was the most dense and abundant in the low tidal zone of Cozo (253,333 ind.ha−1 or 25 ind.m2-1, 97.44%) while Gafrarium tumidum in the low tidal zones of Esteves (46,666 ind.ha−1 or 4 ind.m2-1, 73.68%) and Tinib (126,666 ind.ha−1 or 12 ind.m2-1, 50%). In terms of gastropod species’ density and abundance, Cerithidea cingulata was the most dense and abundant in the low tidal zone (666,666 ind.ha−1 or 66 ind.m2-1, 65.79%) of Cozo and the middle tidal zone (5,280,000 ind.ha−1 or 528 ind.m2-1, 61.40%) of Tinib. It was Terebralia palustris in the low tidal zone (1,263,333 ind.ha−1 or 126 ind.m2-1, 63.06%) of Esteves. All tidal zones within each study area had greater dissimilarities in terms of bivalves but had greater similarities in terms of gastropod species’ compositions. On the other hand, all tidal zones between study areas had greater dissimilarities in terms of bivalve and gastropod species present. Most tidal zones had Gafrarium tumidum as common bivalve species while Neritidae sp. and Cerithidea cingulata were common gastropod species. All these species were found thriving in a wide range of vegetation, soil texture, organic matter, soil salinity and pH.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"88 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127607653","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}
W. Hikal, A. Mahmoud, H. S. Said-Al Ahl, Amra Bratovcic, K. Tkachenko, M. Kačániová, Ronald Maldonado Rodriguez
{"title":"Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.), Waste Streams, Characterisation and Valorisation: An Overview","authors":"W. Hikal, A. Mahmoud, H. S. Said-Al Ahl, Amra Bratovcic, K. Tkachenko, M. Kačániová, Ronald Maldonado Rodriguez","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.119039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.119039","url":null,"abstract":"Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.), Waste Streams, Characterisation and Valorisation: An Overview","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"2013 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121588603","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":"Chihuahuan Desert Soil Biota","authors":"W. Whitford, Y. Steinberger","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.119037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.119037","url":null,"abstract":"Deserts have traditionally been considered as a low moisture system where biological activity is triggered by unpredictable rainfall in time and space. Studies on desert ecosystems functions, processes, dynamics and diversity of soil biota had been found to contribute to understanding of their role in primary production and management of soil ecosystems. As belowground biota is very diverse they are playing an important role in above as well below ground essential ecosystem processes e.g. primary production, decomposition, nutrient mineralization etc. The challenge is to use the emerging knowledge of soil biota diversity in understanding basic ecosystems function.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"85 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116702830","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}
E. Kottè-Mapoko, V. Ngo-Massou, G. L. Essomè-Koum, Laurant Nyamsi-Moussian, Alphonse Konango-Samè, nbsp, Boubakary, N. Din
{"title":"Dynamic of Mangrove Associated Molluscs in Anthropized Areas of the Cameroon Coastline","authors":"E. Kottè-Mapoko, V. Ngo-Massou, G. L. Essomè-Koum, Laurant Nyamsi-Moussian, Alphonse Konango-Samè, nbsp, Boubakary, N. Din","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.118036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.118036","url":null,"abstract":"Due to unabated anthropogenic exploitations, mangrove forests globally are constantly under pressure and degradation, which may result in the reduction of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Molluscan fauna, which is one of the main macroinvertebrates that play a major ecological role in nutrient dynamics in mangroves, are sensitive to the changes in their habitat. This survey aims to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on the diversity of molluscs’ communities in the mangrove forest. Anthropogenic disturbances within 20 sampling sites were valued at six mangrove stands and patched scoring the degree of influence according to vegetation, structure, waste and trampling. Molluscs were caught by hand and counted within 1 × 1 m2 plots placed at three points distant of 50 m established using a straight line transect of 100 m. Upon the 20 sites investigated, five were slightly disturbed, eight moderately disturbed and seven sites were highly disturbed. The mean abundance of molluscs decreased from slightly disturbed areas (172.25 ± 73.09 Ind·m−2) to highly disturbed areas (100.57 ± 62.84 Ind·m−2). Highly disturbed areas have shown lower species richness (R = 1.09 ± 0.15) and diversity (H’ = 2.30 ± 0.31). Human activities in the mangrove forest could particularly have effects on the diversity of molluscs, however, feature potential conservation measures have to be in harmony with the needs of the local population.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122984976","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}
R. Kibet, C. O. Olatubara, C. Ikporukpo, A. Jebiwott
{"title":"Land Use Land Cover Changes and Encroachment Issues in Kapkatet Wetland, Kenya","authors":"R. Kibet, C. O. Olatubara, C. Ikporukpo, A. Jebiwott","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.117032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.117032","url":null,"abstract":"Kapkatet Wetland is a vital ecosystem in Kenya that supports rural livelihoods through the provision of various ecological goods and services. However, this ecosystem has been undergoing rapid degradation arising from competing land uses. It’s important to document these changes to obtain insights that can aid decision-making for effective restoration and conservation. This study, therefore, sought to assess the extent and patterns of land use and land cover changes in Kapkatet Wetland between 1986 and 2019, and their driving forces. The study followed a mixed-method research approach involving a combination of remote sensing and descriptive surveys. To quantify the wetland changes, remotely sensed imageries for 1986, 2000, and 2019 were utilized in classifying land use and land cover maps through the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. Household questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to obtain information about peoples’ perceptions of the driving forces of landscape change within the wetland. Results generally showed that Kapkatet wetland declined by 24.77% over the past years (1986-2019). Wetland vegetation declined drastically as open grounds increased while tree cover and disturbed reeds showed a fluctuating trend. These changes were majorly driven by land conversion activities within the wetland. The study recommends a community-based enforcement approach to existing laws and policies by both National and Local governments to curb the continuous loss of this wetland.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132239096","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}
G. A. Neba, N. Anyinkeng, Coleen Mumbang, A. B. Fonge
{"title":"Benthic Algal Community in Relationship to Perturbation in the Tiko Mangrove Estuary Cameroon","authors":"G. A. Neba, N. Anyinkeng, Coleen Mumbang, A. B. Fonge","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.117035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.117035","url":null,"abstract":"Mangrove forests are among the most productive natural ecosystems in the world and offer invaluable ecological functions, yet are seriously threatened. Anthropogenic activities within mangroves can cause alteration of physicochemical parameters of sediments which in turn affect the assemblage of biological communities. This study was designed to assess the impact of anthropogenic disturbances within the Tiko mangroves on the benthic algal community. Perturbations were assessed through questionnaires. Two sets of composite sediment samples were collected for physicochemical and algal analyses from seven sites within the mangroves following standard methods. Seven drivers of change were identified (agriculture, human settlement, logging, fuel wood collection, fishing, fish smoking and petty trading) as the main perturbations of the ecosystem. A total of 141 benthic species were identified at the different sites. The Bacillariophyta were the most abundant with 60 algal species followed by Chlorophyta with 38 algal species. The most dominant species were Chlorobotrys regularis (50) and Microcytis sp (38). Site 3 (settlement site) was the most diversed with 72 species. The mean abundance of benthic algae ranged from 0.59 ± 0.17 to 2.08 ± 0.58. High concentrations of nutrients and the presence of Bacillariophyta and Microcystis suggest pollution. There is a need to monitor activities carried out around the mangrove ecosystem with respect to quantity and quality of waste discharged into the environment since this is a highly sensitive environment.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"40 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122346319","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}
R. P. Silga, A. Ouéda, Winkom Noellie Kpoda, K. Mano, I. Ouedraogo, D. M. P. Weesie, B. G. Kabre
{"title":"Fishermen Local Knowledge and Aquatic Environmental Change: Impacts on Fishing and Adaptation Strategies in Volta Basin","authors":"R. P. Silga, A. Ouéda, Winkom Noellie Kpoda, K. Mano, I. Ouedraogo, D. M. P. Weesie, B. G. Kabre","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.117033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.117033","url":null,"abstract":"Climate researches predict that climate change will have an important impact on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, many fishermen do not have a lot of knowledge about climate change or how it might affect their fish catch yields and overall fishing operations in the future. The objective of this study was to assess local fishermen’s perception of global change on the ichthyofauna of the Volta Basin in Burkina Faso. Focus group interviews were conducted between March 2019 and July 2020 in 19 reservoirs of the Volta Basin. A total of 242 fishermen divided into 34 groups participated in the interviews. The results showed that fishermen are aware of climatic and anthropogenic threats to fish fauna. According to them, these global changes lead to important modifications in the structure of the ichthyofauna ranging from seasonal mortality of fish (Mormyridae) to the extinction of certain species such as those of the genera Lates, Hydrocynus and Heterotis. These changes also lead to a loss of fish habitat through silting and lower water levels in the reservoirs. Statistical analysis of the collected data showed that the main factors threatening the structure and dynamics of fish are mainly agriculture and market gardening around the dam lakes, the temperature increase and the trend of decreasing rainfall. Thus, the main pressures responsible for the mortality and/or extinction of fish are market gardening pollution (100%), bad fishing practices (63.15%) and high temperatures (47.5%). As for adaptation measures and management strategies, the most important were training and sensitization of stakeholders (78.94% of citations) followed by fish stocking (21.05%). This endogenous knowledge is important for the development of climate change adaptation programs.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"17 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122384590","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":"New Record of Civets at Bharatpur, Chitwan and a Review of the Species Diversity in Nepal","authors":"B. Chaudhary","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.116031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.116031","url":null,"abstract":"Civets are alluring nocturnal carnivores having variant external features with different coat colors, stripes and spots, carpal and metatarsal pads, closed or open peri-anal scent glands in both sexes which have great taxonomic value and make these animals acclimatize in a wide range of geographical landscapes from hilly areas to patchy gardens and thin forests of the low land (Terai) located in or near the human settlement areas. The range of Head Body Length (HBL) and Tail Length (TL) in Paradoxurus spp. and Viverricula spp. distinguishes civets from felids. The study of civets was carried out by direct observation and videos and/or photographs were taken in the sighted places with the record of geological coordinates as evidence. For the record of civets, four wards (i.e. 7, 10, 11 and 12) were selected from Bharatpur Metropolitan City by lottery methods from the purposively selected 15 wards out of 29. These selected wards were visited randomly once or upon call in a month riding on a motorbike at the speed of 10 to 20 kilometer per hour in average speed and was crossed 2400 kilometers during four years beginning from January, 2016 to December, 2019. As a result, 11 civets of three Species, six Subspecies and two genera (i.e. Paradoxurus spp. and Viverricula spp.) were recorded. Among these animals, four subspecies were from Paradoxurinae and two were from Viverrinae subfamilies. Likewise, Paradoxurus jerdoni caniscus were reported, 9.09% (n = 1); Paradoxurus hermaphroditus minor, 9.09% (n = 1); Paradoxurus hermaphtoditus pallasii, 54.55% (n = 6); Paradoxurus hermaphroditus hermaphroditus, 9.09% (n = 1); Viverricula indica baptistae, 9.09% (n = 1); and Viverricula indica mayori, 9.09% (n = 1). Conclusively, the first records of the civet Species and Subspecies from thin gardens of fruiting trees and human houses or settlement areas in the city of Bharatpur, Chitwan, have created a great field to explore ecology and population status. However, human-civet conflicts have been created by the potential harm to poultry and pets as well as possible reservoir hosts of parasitic zoonoses and Covid-19 Viruses. Consequently, the population of civets is declining in an alarming rate due to the threats of vehicle and electric accidents, snaring and random killing by the people.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115692603","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}
Julius G. Pascua, Gerryc P. Alfonso, Rocel S. Galacia
{"title":"Carbon Sequestration Potential of Tree Species at Isabela State University Wildlife Sanctuary (ISUWS), Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines","authors":"Julius G. Pascua, Gerryc P. Alfonso, Rocel S. Galacia","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.115030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.115030","url":null,"abstract":"This study is conducted to assess the amount of carbon stored in the above-ground biomass of the tree species at the Isabela State University Wildlife Sanctuary (ISUWS). A total of 34 different tree species were found with 285 individuals were identified with a total of 47.50 t/ha Carbon stock and 164.09 t/ha of accumulated CO2. It was found in the study that Alstonia scholaris contains the largest amount of above-ground biomass (AGB) with a mass of 20.97 t/ha and Carbon stock of 9.44 t/ha followed by Samanea saman with a mass of 13.40 t/ha and Carbon stock of 6.03 t/ha. Based on the result and conclusion of this investigation, the following recommendations were drawn: Conduct a study concerning the carbon emission of the area to determine the relationship with its carbon sequestration potential; and conduct tree planting activity to open areas in the study site to increase its carbon stock potential and fully serve the purpose of the area as a wildlife sanctuary.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"46 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125367707","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}