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Climate Change Impact: Food Production and Local Perception
Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam,
Anjum Tasnuva,
Soniya Sultana,
Shifat Rumana
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
45-50
Received:
24 February 2014
Published:
30 March 2014
Abstract: The study was carried out based on local perception of climate change impact and its consequences on food production in Koyra upazila of Khulna district in south-western Bangladesh. A questionnaire survey was conducted where 150 respondents were randomly selected to get local perception at small scale in the study area. The result revealed from people perception that increase in temperature, erratic rainfall, increase in frequency of disaster and decrease in food production which direct impact of food security in the study area. The present study was also revealed that higher knowledge variability was presented between climate change and food production for group four and group five. Correlation coefficient analysis was also indicated that significantly negatively correlated between climate change and food production for people belong to group one, two and three. Climate change impact on the agricultural production indicates threat to food security in the marginal level respondents. Most of the respondents were aware of climate change and its impact on food production but do not know how to adapt these changes. It can be concluded that socio-economic profile and people awareness regarding food production have to be tailored to cope with climate change impact.
Abstract: The study was carried out based on local perception of climate change impact and its consequences on food production in Koyra upazila of Khulna district in south-western Bangladesh. A questionnaire survey was conducted where 150 respondents were randomly selected to get local perception at small scale in the study area. The result revealed from peo...
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The Magnitude of Unclaimed End of Life Vehicles and Environmental Implications in Police Stations’ Yards: A Case Study of Nairobi, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
51-58
Received:
6 March 2014
Published:
30 March 2014
Abstract: One of the Kenyan government visions is to transform Nairobi City into a metropolis by 2030 and this will not only come with improved road infrastructure but also an increase in vehicle ownership rate. Vehicles are essential to society and are continually increasing in use. In Kenya, road transport accounts for 93% of passenger and freight mobility with over 1.3 million registered vehicles. Over 780,000 vehicles (approximately 60%) operate in Nairobi. The vehicles often come to the end of their useful lives and stockpiles of unclaimed vehicles are a common sight in police stations’ yards in Kenya. Although, unclaimed end of life vehicles have the potential to pollute the environment they are also recyclable resources. To understand this waste management problem which is one of the challenges to development in Kenya and Africa, this study investigated the magnitude (nature and extent) and environmental impacts of unclaimed vehicles in police stations’ yards in Kenya. Standardized questionnaires and focused group interviews were used to collect data on number of unclaimed vehicles, vehicle type, category and potential environmental impacts. The preliminary results of the research show that passenger cars and matatus were predominant types at 42% and 24%, respectively. 86% were non-operational vehicles while 14% were operational vehicles impounded due to traffic rules infringement. The potential environmental impacts included contamination of land and water supplies by leaking fluids e.g. engine oil, possible injuries due to rusting broken vehicle parts, potential health hazard risks to children living within the police stations, breeding places for rodents, mosquitoes and other pathogens. The vehicles also cause obstruction (visual pollution).The conclusion can be drawn that unclaimed vehicles’ problem requires immediate decisions and actions in order to curb it or else it will get worse as motorization and population increases rapidly. Following statistical analysis of the results, some recommendations will also be presented.
Abstract: One of the Kenyan government visions is to transform Nairobi City into a metropolis by 2030 and this will not only come with improved road infrastructure but also an increase in vehicle ownership rate. Vehicles are essential to society and are continually increasing in use. In Kenya, road transport accounts for 93% of passenger and freight mobility...
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Toxicological Assessment of Groundwater Containing High Levels of Iron against Fresh Water Fish (Clarias Gariepinus)
Elijah Ige Ohimain,
Tariwari Chidi Nathanson Angaye,
Iniobong Reuben Inyang
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
59-63
Received:
4 March 2014
Accepted:
8 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
Abstract: Water is very essential to aquatic ecosystem. Groundwater is the recommended water source for aquaculture systems. Unfortunately, groundwater from Bayelsa State is characterized by high level of iron and acidic pH; which has become a major challenge to catfish farming. In order to assess the suitability of the water for aquaculture purpose, untreated groundwater samples were collected from 7 domestic boreholes and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and total iron. Furthermore their toxicological values were assessed in a 96hour static non-renewal test. The iron level of the groundwater ranges from 5.119 - 11.131mg/l, with a corresponding pH in the range of 3.97-6.40. At 96hrs exposure, groundwater from BH4 induced 85% mortality for 20-day old fingerlings, 65% for 40 day-old fingerlings and 55% 60 day old fingerlings. The least amongst all toxicants screened (BH7) caused 35, 25 and 10% mortalities for 20, 40 and 60-day old fingerlings respectively. The positive control was lethal in less than 24 hours while the negative control was not lethal throughout the duration of the experiment. Based on the findings of this research it is recommended that groundwater of Bayelsa State should be properly treated prior to their use for aquaculture as well as constant monitoring of the physicochemical parameters of pond water.
Abstract: Water is very essential to aquatic ecosystem. Groundwater is the recommended water source for aquaculture systems. Unfortunately, groundwater from Bayelsa State is characterized by high level of iron and acidic pH; which has become a major challenge to catfish farming. In order to assess the suitability of the water for aquaculture purpose, untreat...
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Ground Water Quality Assessment of Different Educational Institutions in Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh
Abdullah Al Masum,
Md. Zahanggir Alam,
Raihan Khan Opu,
Anupam Chowdhury
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
64-67
Received:
3 March 2014
Accepted:
10 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
Abstract: A study to assess the quality of drinking water is very essential for knowing whether the various impurities of water should be within allowable limit. Ground water samples from different educational institutions situated in Rajshahi City Corporation have been analyzed in order to check its quality especially for drinking purposes. The various important qualities of water such as pH, iron, manganese, chlorides, arsenic, total solids, dissolved solids, suspended solids, total acidity, total alkalinity, BOD, COD, DO, color, turbidity, hardness, CO2 of water, fecal and total coliform were tested. The values of all parameters except pH and total acidity in water samples collected from all locations were found satisfactory. In supply water of these educational institutions contain high concentration of DO, COD, total and fecal coliform, electric conductivity. These qualities of water cause harmful effect on human health. Water qualities of Rajshahi Polytechnique Institute, Rajshahi College and Rajshahi Govt. Degree College were observed satisfactory compared to other institutions
Abstract: A study to assess the quality of drinking water is very essential for knowing whether the various impurities of water should be within allowable limit. Ground water samples from different educational institutions situated in Rajshahi City Corporation have been analyzed in order to check its quality especially for drinking purposes. The various impo...
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Comparative Study of Water of Manchhar Lake with Drinking Water Quality Standard of World Health Organization
Abdul Ghafar Channar,
Ali Muhammad Rind,
Ghulam Murtaza Mastoi,
Khalida Faryal Almani,
Khalid Hussain Lashari,
Muhammad Ameen Qurishi,
Nasrullah Mahar
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
68-72
Received:
19 March 2014
Accepted:
10 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
Abstract: Manchar Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Pakistan, which is degrading day by day due to effluents of various industrial sectors. This simple study was carried out to assess the possible changes in water of lake due to waste water discharge from industrial sectors, the analysis was carried out at Environmental Analytical Laboratory in the Department of Chemistry, University of Sindh Jamshoro and parameters were compared with water quality standards of world health organization. The analysis include the determination of pH, Electric Conductivity (EC), Salinity, TDS (Total dissolved solids), Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Nitrate, Chlorides and total hardness were performed
Abstract: Manchar Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Pakistan, which is degrading day by day due to effluents of various industrial sectors. This simple study was carried out to assess the possible changes in water of lake due to waste water discharge from industrial sectors, the analysis was carried out at Environmental Analytical Laboratory in the Dep...
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Remote Sensing Mapping of the Rice Field and Vegetal Cover and the Impacts of Soil Factors on Herbaceous in the Sub-Watershed of Boutolate (Lower Casamance, Senegal)
Hyacinthe. Sambou,
Bienvenu. Sambou,
Amadou. Tahirou. Diaw,
Cheikh. Mbow,
Vieux. Boukhaly. Traore
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
73-82
Received:
19 March 2014
Accepted:
11 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
Abstract: Rice cultivation in lowlands plays an important role for population livelihood in lower Casamance. This economic activity is known to be affected by many contraints which are climate change and soil salinity. soil salinity is observed in rice fields and in the vegetation cover of Boutolate sub-watershed which covers an area of 6594,21 ha. Due to this situation, anti-salt micro-dams were built to retain water and also changes in land use around the area. This work aims to study rice field area and vegetation cover dynamics in the sub-bassin area located in the south-western of Lower Casamance. An overall time period of 26 years was considered in our study. The satellite imagery Landsat TM of 1984 and 2003 and ETM+ of 2000 and 2010 combined with field ground data was used to analyze the rice field area, vegetation cover dynamics and to understand the impacts of climatic and anthropogenic factors on its evolution. Floristic inventory was also done using plot size 3x3m along the upstream and downstream of micro-dams. In each plot, soil samples were taken for laboratory analysis to determine the impacts of geological factors on herbaceous strata in cultivable paddy area. The results showed a decrease of area paddy during these periods. The decrease in cultivated area was due to rainfall deficit which increased soil salinity and the worse management and monitoring plan after micro-dams were established in 2004. These caused floods which affected 0,93% of upstream rice-growing units in 2010 . The increase of shrub-tree savannah between 1984 and 2010 was due to the natural regeneration. The natural regeneration was favored by the decrease of fraudulent logging related to insecurity in the area and the expansion of fruit trees, particularly Anacardium occidentale. Anacardium occidentale area increased between 2000 and 2010. The soil physical parameters influenced significantly on density and diversity of herbaceous
Abstract: Rice cultivation in lowlands plays an important role for population livelihood in lower Casamance. This economic activity is known to be affected by many contraints which are climate change and soil salinity. soil salinity is observed in rice fields and in the vegetation cover of Boutolate sub-watershed which covers an area of 6594,21 ha. Due to th...
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Trace Metals Characterization in Environmental Media: A Case Study of Cement Production Area Ewekoro, Southwest, Nigeria
Majolagbe A. O.,
Yusuf,
K. A.,
Duru,
A. E.
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
83-89
Received:
7 February 2014
Accepted:
20 April 2014
Published:
30 April 2014
Abstract: Environmental quality deterioration resulting from increase in the level of potentially toxic metals is becoming more pronounced, thus raising the question on safety status of our environment. Impact assessment and characterization of trace metals in the environmental media including groundwater, top soils, and tree barks in the vicinities of West African Portland Cement Company factory mill, Ewekoro, Ogun State, Nigeria was undertaken. The environmental samples were analysed for trace metals employing flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The concentration of Cu, Cd and Fe detected in the groundwater ranged between 0.026 - 0.082, 0.0038 - 0.004 and 0.003- 0.035 (mg/L) respectively. A decrease order in the level of metals level observed in the top soil is Fe > Pb >Ni > Cr > Cu > Cd, while that of tree barks samples is Fe > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The saturated index (SI) obtained (through phreqC model) of the groundwater samples showed saturated to undersaturated with respect to CdSO4 and FeSO4:7H2O, while SI was saturated to supersaturate with respect to CdCO3 and FeCO3. Quality indices employed in analyzing soil data include enrichment factor, contamination factor and pollution load index. There is a buildup of trace metals in the environment (soil) particularly Pb. The levels of metals investigated are within the threshold limit set by the WHO health-based guideline for drinking water. Significant correlations were found to exist between Cd and Ni, Cr and Fe both in the tree bark and top soil samples, suggesting common source
Abstract: Environmental quality deterioration resulting from increase in the level of potentially toxic metals is becoming more pronounced, thus raising the question on safety status of our environment. Impact assessment and characterization of trace metals in the environmental media including groundwater, top soils, and tree barks in the vicinities of West ...
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Physicochemical Quality Assessment of Pollutants in River Benue Water in Jimeta/Yola Metropolitan, Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria
Hong,
Aliyu Haliru,
Law,
Puong Ling,
Selaman,
Onni Suhaiza
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
90-95
Received:
9 April 2014
Accepted:
15 April 2014
Published:
30 April 2014
Abstract: River Benue has been the second largest river in Nigeria that serves as the major source of municipal water supplies for domestic and irrigation for towns and villages residing along its water course. Samples of water at seven locations from the river were collected for a period of seven months (dry season) when water demand is high in Jimeta/Yola metropolitan area in Northeastern Nigeria and were analyzed using standard methods to determine physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations in the water. Turbidity, total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and nitrate are in the range (106.4 – 383.2NTU), (403.3 – 1291mg/l), (370.3 – 983.8mg/l), (223.0 – 1391.6mg/l) and (1.03 – 55.84mg/l) respectively. Results of heavy metals concentrations are Mn (0.0004 – 2.04mg/l), Cu (0.0003 – 1.53mg/l), Cd (0.0002 – 0.59mg/l), Cr (0.0002 – 0.36mg/l) and Pb (0.0002 – 0.12mg/l) and are in the order Mn > Cu > Cd > Cr > Pb. The results revealed that physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations in the river are slightly higher above the maximum permissible limits set out by Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment (FME) and WHO (2004) Standards. From the present study, it could be concluded that River Benue is moderately polluted with regard to heavy metals in Jimeta/Yola metropolitan area. Moderate level of pollution in River Benue water calls for sensitization of users to safeguard public health treats
Abstract: River Benue has been the second largest river in Nigeria that serves as the major source of municipal water supplies for domestic and irrigation for towns and villages residing along its water course. Samples of water at seven locations from the river were collected for a period of seven months (dry season) when water demand is high in Jimeta/Yola ...
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Measuring Progress toward Urban Sustainable Development Using a Quantitative Model (Case Study: Cities in Iran)
Saeed Soleymani Sardu,
Mohssen Torabi,
Shahrbanoo Vafaei Varmazabadi
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
96-102
Received:
29 March 2014
Accepted:
15 April 2014
Published:
30 April 2014
Abstract: Sustainable development offers a new concept for the world economy in the twenty-first century. Rather than focusing solely on income, sustainable development encourages cities, countries, and the world to focus simultaneously on three goals: economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Cities will be in the front lines of the battle for sustainable development. Not only do they face direct threats; they also have the best opportunities to identify and deliver solutions. As high-density, high-productivity settlements, cities can provide greater access to services of all kinds–including energy, water, health, education, finance, media, transport, recycling, and research – than can most rural areas. In this study first, ten indicators of Sustainable Development, some with positive relationship with sustainable development and some with negative relationship were chosen and information related to performances of 8 indices of 28 cities of Iran’s country in years 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010 extracted. After extracting indices and processing them, indices were standardized. In the next step and after standardizing, using McGranahan method, correlation matrix of indices was calculated by SPSS software and weight of each index was determined. After this step, weight of each index was multiplied on each standardized index and at the end composite index for each city was calculated for 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. Then, these composite indexes were sorted by descending. Stability numbers obtained using this method for Tehran for these years are 364, 369, 347 and 344 respectively, which was always higher than the average of 28 cities. Tehran’s rank was always between 4 and 9 showing undesirable performance which requires suitable actions.
Abstract: Sustainable development offers a new concept for the world economy in the twenty-first century. Rather than focusing solely on income, sustainable development encourages cities, countries, and the world to focus simultaneously on three goals: economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Cities will be in the front lines ...
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