Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
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INVESTIGATING WATER QUALITY WITH RESPECT TO ALTITUDE OF LAKES AROUND THE NORTHERN ROCKLAND COUNTY IN NEW YORK
No full textWater is essential to the survival of all living organisms, and protecting this valuable resource is vitally important. Water quality is a measure of the conditions of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species. Knowing water’s physical, chemical and biological characteristics allow experts to determine whether it is suitable for aquatic life or human consumption. This study attempted to examine the relations of water quality parameters with lake altitudes. Ten lakes were chosen to evaluate their water quality with essential parameters such as ORP, total hardness, pH change, total alkalinity change, dissolved carbonate concentration and dissolved copper concentration. The ten lakes were located within 30 miles diameter, and altitudes were well distributed. Our conclusion suggests that the heavy metals and compounds such as lead, fluoride, iron, mercury, nitrate, nitrite, chromium, bromine, chlorine and sulfate were undetectable with the kits used in this research. The change of ORP, total hardness, pH, total alkalinity and dissolved copper concentration had weak correlation on linear regression analysis (R2 <0.4352), while the change of carbonate concentration was highly correlated with the increase of altitude (R2 0.8814). There could exist a subtle relationship among parameters other than those of water quality, such as the resident population near the water sources
OIL SPILL INCIDENT MODELLING IN THE COASTAL AREAS OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThe study used Geographical Information System (GIS) to model the oil spill incidents in the coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The model involved the off-shore and on – shore components. In the off-shore component, oil spill trajectory model was used to trace the path of movement of oil on water from the source of spill towards the shoreline and the surrounding environment. For this, atmospheric, climatic and petroleum oil parameters were inputted into OILSPILLMAP model that was integrated within ArcGIS 9 software. The trajectory model showed that oil moved westwards from the simulated source towards the coastlines of Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the study area. This path of movement might likely change with seasonal changes in movement of ocean currents and other tidal parameters. The on – shore component of the model consisted of landuse / landcover based Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) mapping of the study area. This was used to show the land characteristics of the area hence predict the likely impact of oil spill in the coastal ecosystem. The ESI showed the sensitive environmental resources at risk and what / where to protect whenever oil spill may occur. The integrated GIS based system demonstrated in this study would greatly empower stake holders including host communities to better understand and monitor oil spill incidents in the operating environments
ANOMALOUS FEATURES OF BLACK CARBON AND PARTICULATE MATTER OBSERVED OVER RURAL STATION DURING OSUN OSOGBO (NIGERIA) FESTIVAL 2015
No full textIt has been observed that mortality and morbidity rate increases mainly during Osun-Osogbo period because of RSPM (respirable suspended particulate material). Several researchers in Nigeria and elsewhere studied vividly the impact of particles matter and toxic gases released during celebrations like Osun-Osogbo, etc. On short-term environmental air quality degradation, negative effects on human health, and also on long climatic change.
This paper mainly focuses on approaches followed for capturing mass concentration of various particles matter mainly black carbon aerosols in particular, some of the most sensitive and representative of the negative influence of fireworks on environmental air quality, dispersion and transport phenomena, possible health influence, and combat processes. The observed results over a typical rural station have been attested with in situ satellite measurements and specified to the local meteorological and surrounding anthropogenic activities that arises due to the Osun-Osogbo celebration.
Considering the influence of different pollutants at different injurious levels on human health scientist need to be developed that help setting up of safe respiratory levels for human health. Remedy measures by discouraging the burning of fireworks on the occasions of celebrations are suggested. These methods may be considered for the benefit of human health and safety of our Planet Earth, giving us healthy environment
UNDER GRAFTING / OVER GRAFTING LINKAGE AND THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE ROOT SYSTEM OF THE APPLE IN THE CONDITIONS OF ALBANIA\u27S COSTAL LOWLANDS
No full textKnowing the development of the root system of the tree under certain environmental conditions is a very important indicator as it has a direct impact on the vegetation\u27s progress and its productivity. Knowing the root system distribution and its nature helps maximize the efficiency of fertilization, irrigation and preservation of the environment from pollution. Through the present study we aimed to elucidate as to what the rootstock - cultivar relationship is and how it affects the spatial distribution of the root system and its structure depending on the cultivar and the age of the tree.
The study was conducted in the condition of the Albanian Coastal Lowlands, where currently about 30% of the new apple orchards are planted. ‘Starking’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Gala’ cultivars, grafted on the ‘M9’ under grafting (rootsotcks), were included in the the study. For studying the root system, the cross-strain method was applied.
The data obtained showed that the trenched-profile method, though quite troublesome, provide important data for the distribution of the apple tree root system and thereby guiding us to effectively carry out agro-technical services. For all three cultivars studied, the root mass (about 80%) lies in depths up to 70 cm, and in widths up to 120 cm. About 90% of the roots are distributed. Once passed the 10 year age, we have a significant decrease in the total number of roots (about 30%), as well as a change in their structure. The root system typology is a characteristic of the under grafting genome and is unchanged for all three cultivars. Among the three cultivars analyzed, Cv. ‘Starking’ shows the best level of compliance. The rootstock) has influenced vegetation and elements of cultivar cultivation, while the scion has influenced the amount of roots and the nature of their distribution
THE ROLES OF URBAN AGRICULTURE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTION IN THE CASE OF DEBRE MARKOS TOWN AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS EAST GOJJAM ZONE AMHARA REGION ETHIOPIA
No full textRapid urbanization and large scale food production both heavily dependent on fossil fuels are arguably the most significant contributors to climate change. They are also increasingly recognized as potential tools in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Climate change has already affected food production systems leaving loss of crop, grain shortages, and increased commodity price in its wake, all of which undermine food security a fundamental human right. This study establishes that Urban Agriculture is a multipronged tool for adaptation and mitigation to tackle climate change, and is the effective tool to address food security challenges in the cities, educate and reconnect urban and peri urban farms and people to assure food and climate security in the cities
QUANTIFICATION OF AIR POLLUTION AND ITS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCE IN GUATEMALA
No full textMany rising health complications plague countries worldwide. Air pollution and global warming are some of the most significant contributors. In developing countries, i.e., China, India, or Guatemala, people are contracting severe illnesses such as pneumonia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and various cardiac or respiratory diseases due to air pollutants mainly emitted during rapid economic development. Most under-developed countries are not able to provide sufficient funds for medical treatments or do not know the potential consequences of these diseases in the long run. Among various factors of air pollutants, carbon monoxide presents a significant threat, mainly because it is toxic and invisible to humans. Despite extensive research on the life-threatening effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, appropriate measures have not been fully executed. The objective of the study was to demonstrate the connections between rapid urbanization and carbon monoxide levels in an emerging country. Our research team visited Guatemala to monitor carbon monoxide levels in diverse locations of varying conditions: population, residence, transportation, urbanization, or use of different ventilation. In areas with high-level carbon monoxide (CO), an Easy Log El-USB-CO was used. In highly populated urban areas, the CO level reached up to 200 ppm, and elevated approximately 5 hours, though ups and downs. Our results supported the claims that people in Guatemala have been intoxicated with carbon monoxide and that a central government should find ways to combat this ongoing, silent epidemic
GASIFICATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE FOR ENERGY RECOVERY
No full textThe demand for renewable energy sources in today’s world is the key factor in the revival of the use of gasification technology. Gasification technology are successfully applied to the production of energy from biomass. This paper proposes a critical assessment of municipal solid waste gasification today, starting from chemical characterization of wastes. A possible combined cycle power plant configurations with basic aspects of the process (process types and steps, operating and performance parameters) is proposed, and its environmental performances are analysed. The energetic performance of the proposed plant are analysed by varying the topping cycle pressure ratio (10-26) and the turbine inlet air temperatures (900, 1000 and 1100°C). Results are reported in terms of energy recovery performance indicators viz. overall energy efficiency, specific energy production per unit of mass of entering waste, gasifier efficiency, syngas quality and emission characteristics. From the result, it was observed that the overall efficiency of the proposed plant is varying from 37% to 43%. It was also observed that the plant efficiency for the proposed plant is maximized at some values of topping cycle pressure ratio which are dependent on the gas turbine inlet temperature
FINE BUBBLE AERATION AT SEDIMENT-WATER INTERFACE INHIBITS RELEASE OF HEAVY METALS IN SEDIMENT FROM A HEAVILY POLLUTED URBAN RIVER
No full textA simulation experiment was conducted to assess the effects of fine bubble aeration at the sediment-water interface (SWI) on the fraction distributions and release patterns of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Ni and Cr) in sediment from a heavily polluted urban river. The results showed that an increase occurred in the dissolved oxygen content and pH of the overlying water, with a significant elevation in the oxidation-reduction potential of surface sediment. Moreover, fine bubble aeration at SWI significantly altered the distributions of heavy metals fractions and resulted in lower acid-extractable metal contents, while the proportion of the residual fraction increased to varying degrees. In particular, the response of Ni fractions was sensitive to fine bubble aeration, and the proportion of residual Ni fraction increased from 39.5% before treatment to 55.0% after treatment. Aeration treatment also increased heavy metal contents in the porewater of sediment compared with the non-aeration control. However, this increase was gradually attenuated with prolonged duration of treatment. After 10 days of treatment, the heavy metal contents of sediment pore water significantly declined, especially Ni. Fine bubble aeration at SWI resulted in decreased acid-volatile sulfide (AVS), but did not necessarily increase the release of heavy metals from surface sediment. The results indicate that fine bubble aeration at SWI inhibits bioavailability and release risk of heavy metals in river sediment. This inhibition is mainly attributed to dynamic changes in the physiochemical factors of the environment, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and oxidation-reduction potential in the overlying water and surface sediment
COMPARATIVE BIOACCUMULATION OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN TISSUES OF THREE SELECTED FISH SPECIES FROM AKPA YAFE RIVER, IKANG, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study was carried out to provide information on comparative bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in tissues of three selected fish species from Akpa Yafe River and to evaluate the possible risks associated with consumption of fish with high level of metals. Consumable sizes of fresh fish species: Sphyraena barracuda, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Mugil cephalus were sampled once a month for a period of three months at the landing site (Ikang Beach) of Akpa Yafe River and were transported immediately in ice pack container to the laboratory for analysis. Digested samples were analysed to determine the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn in the fish tissues using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentration levels of some of the metals in the fish tissues were higher than the maximum permissible limit. The fish species have accumulated to different degrees, the analyzed heavy metals in their tissues, indicating that the environment is impacted. The bioaccumulation factor reveals that the tissues of C. nigrodigitatus have been polluted by Cu and contaminated by Cd, Fe, Ni and Zn while the tissues of M. cephalus have been polluted by Cu and Ni and contaminated by Cd, Fe and Zn. The tissues of S. barracuda have been polluted by Ni and contaminated by Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn. Heavy consumption of fish by humans in the locality, as is the current situation, is therefore unadvisable because of its negative health implication. The heavy metals load in the river may be as a result of domestic sewage, industrial effluent and metal leachates from garbage and solid waters dumps. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals by aquatic life is dangerous since these heavy metals could be transferred to humans through food chain. Through biological amplification, some aquatic organisms may build up concentration of metals present in low concentration in the aquatic environment to levels which are harmful to life and exceed public health standards. Therefore activities resulting to input of heavy metals into Akpa Yafe River should be avoided
IMPACT OF DESERTIFICATION ON AGRICULTURAL LAND IN NORTH EAST YOBE STATE
No full textDesertification as an end state of the process of land degradation expressed by a persistent reduction or loses of biological and economic productivity of the land. It is also recognized as one of the major threats to the global environment with direct impact on human well- being and social welfare. The research used questionnaire as major source of the information in the study area. The research established that deforestation happens to be the main cause of desertification in the area, as population increases so, the need for food to cater for the growing population in the area. The research also revealed that majority of the farmers engage in mixed cropping, but not well informed on the crops that fix nitrogen to the soil and those which removed nitrogen from the soil. Also the research shows that desertification reduces the land the ability of land to provide the ecosystem services productivity. There is need to for national desertification control commission; which will promote appropriate land use based on land capability. Popularizing soil and water conservation practices in agricultural land