-
Artisans’ Willingness-to-Pay for Safe Collection and Recycling of Used Automobile Lead-Acid Batteries in Kumasi, Ghana
Evelyn Delali Ahiale,
Emmanuel Dartey,
Isaac Abunyuwah
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2019
Pages:
1-8
Received:
5 October 2018
Accepted:
25 January 2019
Published:
22 February 2019
Abstract: Growing demand for automobiles has logically led to the generation of huge quantities of used Lead-Acid Battery (LAB) which are usually found stockpiling in and around car-repair shops all over Ghana. The reclamation and recycling of spent LABs in the country is mainly unregulated and informal and therefore not done in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. This paper estimates artisans’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the safe collection and recycling of used lead-acid batteries (LABs) with data collected through the contingent valuation method (CVM) from 102 artisans in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. Artisans’ WTP and its determinants were estimated using Bayesian estimation of the interval data regression model. An estimated mean WTP of GH¢16.06 (US$3.87) was obtained for the safe removal and recycling of any one (1) spent LAB. Important artisan characteristics influencing willingness to pay positively are age and monthly income whereas experience influences willingness-to-pay negatively. Training received, awareness of risk of LABs to personal health, wearing of protective clothing, and other safety measures are significant awareness, knowledge and safety factors affecting WTP in a positive way. Sensitization on the health and environmental effects of LABs as well as the importance of taking safety measures should be given to artisans and should be mainly targeted at younger artisans.
Abstract: Growing demand for automobiles has logically led to the generation of huge quantities of used Lead-Acid Battery (LAB) which are usually found stockpiling in and around car-repair shops all over Ghana. The reclamation and recycling of spent LABs in the country is mainly unregulated and informal and therefore not done in a sustainable and eco-friendl...
Show More
-
Acid Drainage Potential of Rocks in South-Western Ghana
Grace Ofori-Sarpong,
Richard Kwasi Amankwah
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2019
Pages:
9-16
Received:
27 December 2018
Accepted:
31 January 2019
Published:
28 February 2019
Abstract: The generation of acid in reactive sulphide-containing rocks is a major global problem confronting advanced countries, and serving as a wake-up call for developing countries like Ghana. South-western Ghana hosts two major gold belts, which house ten large-scale mining companies, several small-scale mining companies, farms and other activities. The presence of sulphur in the rocks, coupled with the land disturbances stemming from the activities mentioned above, suggests the potential for uncontrolled acid generation. These have thus generated interest in studies on mapping out the acid generating potential of these areas, so that proactive steps can be taken to prevent acid mine drainage. In this study, several samples were taken from mine waste, mineralised waste and ore from a mine concession in Ghana, and subjected to mineralogical, geochemical and Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) studies. Mineralogical studies reported about 75% quartz while carbonates, feldspars, pyroxene, sericites and chlorites accounted for 25% of samples tested. Polish sections showed pyrite content of up to 5% while arsenopyrite accounted for 1%. The results from geochemical and Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) passed 31% of the samples as non-sulphidic, whereas 20% had sulphur content above 0.5%. The sulphur content in excess of 0.5% gives an indication that the rock can generate acid. Analysis of paste pH confirmed that about 80% of the samples were neutral to basic (i.e. pH 6.5-8.5). Further analysis using Net Neutralising Potential (NNP) and ratios of Maximum Neutralisation Potential to Acid Production Potential (NP: AP) placed 35% of the samples as having the potential to generate acid since the NNPs were negative, while the NP: AP had values less than 1. This 35% had the capacity to significantly deteriorate natural water quality. The study concludes that there is a great potential for AMD generation in south-western Ghana, and this calls for periodic monitoring and development of proactive neutralising strategies to arrest the situation.
Abstract: The generation of acid in reactive sulphide-containing rocks is a major global problem confronting advanced countries, and serving as a wake-up call for developing countries like Ghana. South-western Ghana hosts two major gold belts, which house ten large-scale mining companies, several small-scale mining companies, farms and other activities. The ...
Show More
-
Regional Scale Dynamic Prediction of Energy Ecological Footprint and Its Influencing Factors
Luyun Liu,
Jian Zheng,
Guo Li,
Yan Wang
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2019
Pages:
17-23
Received:
6 December 2018
Published:
8 March 2019
Abstract: The regional energy ecological footprint is an important evaluation index which can reveal the energy consumption on regional environmental pressure and sustainable development. First, the study relied on EEF (energy ecological footprint) method to calculate the ecological footprint, the energy ecological footprint and the ecological capacity. While STIRPAT model was applied to examine the relationship between the regional populations scale, the economic level, the industrial structure, the energy utilization technology and the energy ecological footprint. Grey prediction model was used to predict the development tendency of the energy ecological footprint in the next 10 years. The data were elicited from statistical data of regional energy consumption. The energy ecological footprint was increased to 0.3437ghm2/person from 0.1234ghm2/person during 2006-2015 in Xiangtan region. Though the energy capacity per capita increased slightly, the energy ecological footprint was kept in deficit. The level was increased to 0.2504ghm2/person from 0.073ghm2/person. The ecological pressure of the energy ecological footprint was very large. Among the influencing factors, the industrial structure contributes the most to explain the energy ecological footprint, followed by the population scale and the GDP per capita. The influence of the energy strength was minimal. The indices of energy ecological footprint, energy capacity and ecological pressure increased to 1.1205, 0.1246 and 8.9013ghm2/person, respectively. The dynamic scale of energy ecological footprint and the analysis of the influencing factors can provide a theory for sustainable development of society-economy-resources and environment.
Abstract: The regional energy ecological footprint is an important evaluation index which can reveal the energy consumption on regional environmental pressure and sustainable development. First, the study relied on EEF (energy ecological footprint) method to calculate the ecological footprint, the energy ecological footprint and the ecological capacity. Whil...
Show More
-
Noise Levels and Frequency Response from Religious Houses in Portharcourt City Local Government Area
Ononugbo Chinyere Philomina,
Avwiri Eseroghene
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2019
Pages:
24-31
Received:
15 January 2019
Accepted:
25 February 2019
Published:
16 March 2019
Abstract: Introduction: Noise pollution in churches is one of the health challenges facing developing nations of the world. Both Pastors/Reverends are exposed to different sound levels during church services, many of which can last for hours. According to the Nigerian National Environmental standard and regulation Act 2007, the maximum permissible noise level in worship centers should not exceed 75 dB and Nigeria being the highest church proliferation in the world makes it imperative to carry out this research. Aim: the aim of this study is the measure the equivalent noise levels with their corresponding frequency levels at varying distances from the source and quantify the noise pollution levels in churches and mosques in Port Harcourt. Method: a total of 11 Pentecostal churches, 5 orthodox churches and 3 central mosques were randomly selected. This study was carried out between July and August, 2017. Sound pressure level meter was used to measure the sound levels under the weighted range in churches on Sundays between the hours of 7.30 to 12.0 pm and on Fridays in mosques between the hours of 1.30 to 3.00pm afternoon session and evening at 6.00pm. Data obtained was analyzed using ms-excel. Result: Average indoor and outdoor equivalent noise level in pentecostal churches are 95.1 dB(A) and 79.5 dB(A) respectively while that for orthodox churches are 93.6 dB(A) and 77.9 dB(A) respectively. The average indoor and outdoor equivalent noise levels in mosques are 72.1 and 100.6 dB(A). The frequency of the noise ranges from 310.75 to 785.30 Hz in Pentecostal, 482.60 to 749.02 Hz in Orthodox churches and 438.63 to 620.36 Hz in mosques. The highest noise pollution level in churches and mosques recorded are 121.18, 119.38 and 123.48 dB for pentecostal, orthodox and mosques respectively. Conclusion: all the noise pollution levels recorded in the churches and mosques are higher than the safe permissible limits of sound of 75 dB thus making it unhealthy, unsafe for the worshippers. Therefore there is need for implementation of the noise regulation laws in churches in Nigeria in order to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
Abstract: Introduction: Noise pollution in churches is one of the health challenges facing developing nations of the world. Both Pastors/Reverends are exposed to different sound levels during church services, many of which can last for hours. According to the Nigerian National Environmental standard and regulation Act 2007, the maximum permissible noise leve...
Show More
-
Methodology of Species Diversity Indicators and Terrestrial Vertebrate Numbers Assessment from the Example of the Zone Affected by the Planned Nizhnezeisk Water Reservoir
Sergey Podolsky,
Vyacheslav Kastrikin,
Mikhail Parilov,
Klara Pavlova,
Lilia Levik
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2019
Pages:
32-38
Received:
17 October 2018
Accepted:
27 November 2018
Published:
2 April 2019
Abstract: Comparative assessment of the importance of nature conservation in different shoreline areas has become a relevant task as the strategy of sparing management of natural resources is developed for areas impacted by existing and planned water reservoirs. Integral biodiversity indices that characterize species diversity along with abundance parameters for every animal species sighted were developed for the area that would be influenced by the Lower Zeya Hydropower System (currently at the planning stage). The present article includes lists of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians seen in the area, grading scales for the abundance of species and ecological groups of terrestrial vertebrates, a list of the main biotopes, zoning principles for the areas influenced by the reservoir, formulas for calculating the integral parameters of species diversity and ani-mal abundance, and schematic maps of the spatial distribution of the values of integral indices of richness and nature protection significance of the animal populations. Specific recommendations for strengthening the network of Special Protected Natural Areas are given. This study allows for the conclusion that construction of the Lower Zeya hydropower plant will be associated with a high risk of negative consequences for biodiversity and ecological stability on both the local and regional levels.
Abstract: Comparative assessment of the importance of nature conservation in different shoreline areas has become a relevant task as the strategy of sparing management of natural resources is developed for areas impacted by existing and planned water reservoirs. Integral biodiversity indices that characterize species diversity along with abundance parameters...
Show More
