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Sprouting Value Index: A Mathematical Approach for Evaluation of Vegetative Propagation in Tree Species
Justin R. Nayagam,
Mani Varghese K. I.
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
271-274
Received:
22 September 2015
Accepted:
11 October 2015
Published:
23 October 2015
Abstract: Rooting of Saraca asoca stem cuttings using three IBA (Indole 3-butyric acid) concentrations 300 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm IBA, have been carried out and the data obtained was evaluated with SVI (sprouting value index) method in order to interpret the vigor in rooting/sprouting and the suitable medium, which gives maximum results. Field studies were carried out using three rooting medium at a location in Central Kerala, Peninsular India, for three years at four months regular interval. The control cuttings do not recorded rooting. The results obtained indicate high SVI (sprouting value index), when prop root cuttings planted in root trainers with coir pith compost (RTCP) for all the three concentration of IBA applied. Sprouting percentage was increased and the delay in completion of sprouting/rooting initiation decreased by the use of IBA treatment. Increased CWR and SUP percentages indicate defects in management practices, dormancy and or the genotype of the cultivar.
Abstract: Rooting of Saraca asoca stem cuttings using three IBA (Indole 3-butyric acid) concentrations 300 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm IBA, have been carried out and the data obtained was evaluated with SVI (sprouting value index) method in order to interpret the vigor in rooting/sprouting and the suitable medium, which gives maximum results. Field studies wer...
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Validation of the Electromagnetic Physical Processes with Software SPENVIS
Filomena Loffredo,
Mariagabriella Pugliese,
Maria Quarto,
Vincenzo Roca,
Valerio Pisacane,
Renato Aurigemma
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
275-278
Received:
16 September 2015
Accepted:
13 October 2015
Published:
27 October 2015
Abstract: The Space Radiation represents a serious risk for astronauts during space missions. The risk related to the space radiation exposure could involve acute and/or late effects. The Solar Cosmic Radiation that consists of protons (≈98%) with a very wide spectrum in energy (up to several GeV), is the major source of exposure for the crew. In this paper we present the results of the validation of the electromagnetic physical processes with the aim to contribute to the study of radiation protection for astronauts, in particular against the radiation due to the Solar Particle Events (SPE). The simulation was performed using MULASSIS, a module to the software SPENVIS, with protons as source, in the energy range from 800 MeV to 1.2 GeV, on a slab of aluminum of mass thickness of 20 g/cm2. The results obtained by the simulation were compared with PSTAR database of the NIST. Finally, a comparison between SPENVIS and Geant4-9.6p2 was performed.
Abstract: The Space Radiation represents a serious risk for astronauts during space missions. The risk related to the space radiation exposure could involve acute and/or late effects. The Solar Cosmic Radiation that consists of protons (≈98%) with a very wide spectrum in energy (up to several GeV), is the major source of exposure for the crew. In this paper ...
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Administrative and Legislative Scrutiny of Existing Computer Waste Management Practices in Pakistan
Yawar Abbas,
Fiza Sarwar,
Muhammad Idrees,
Ishtiaque Hussain,
Syed Umairullah Jamil,
Attarad Ali
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
279-284
Received:
29 September 2015
Accepted:
11 October 2015
Published:
27 October 2015
Abstract: Electronic-waste (E-waste) management is one of the global emerging issues. The current study has been carried out to evaluate the existing computer waste management (CWM) in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Study focuses on managerial gap analysis and determination of potential occupational impacts from current CWM practices. System observation and waste quantification are the tools used in field, while interviews and questionnaire based surveys were also conducted. The results reveal that approximately 624.15 tons of computer waste (CW) is generated in the twin cities per year. Approximately 825kg of monitors and 1125kg of CPUs wastes are generated in Twin cities per day. Associated authorities like CDA, Ministry of Climate Change and EPA were interviewed for legal compliance. There is the lack of rules implementation on E-waste management. However, legislations made by concerned authorities exist in the country but are not practically enforced. Further concerns observed during the study include lack of using basic PPEs and employing child labor in their adolescence. Implementation of existing laws along with basic occupational health and safety rules in the system may play a better role to attenuate the load of waste from the very important cities of Pakistan.
Abstract: Electronic-waste (E-waste) management is one of the global emerging issues. The current study has been carried out to evaluate the existing computer waste management (CWM) in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Study focuses on managerial gap analysis and determination of potential occupational impacts from current CWM practices....
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Role of Enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) in Soil Rehabilitation in Different Agro-ecological Zones of Hadiya, Southern Ethiopia
Chakoro Tamire,
Mekuria Argaw
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
285-291
Received:
24 August 2015
Accepted:
8 October 2015
Published:
28 October 2015
Abstract: Soil degradation is a problem both in developed and developing countries. Its impact is of great concern to farmers that depend on rain fed agriculture. The objective of this research was to assess the role of enset in soil rehabilitation. Household survey and soil quality analysis were conducted to collect primary data from the fields. Soil laboratory analysis result revealed that enset field had significantly (p<0.05) higher level of TN (0.3%), OC (3.6%), Av. P (66.7ppm) and lower level of BD (1.2) than annual crop fields. This might be due to the materials added to the soil from the plant parts and organic farming (application of manure and domestic waste). Enset has highly degradable parts such as leaf midribs, pseudostem sheath, pseudostem core/ which are used to maintain soil fertility. Laboratory analysis of soil has shown that an average size of clay, silt and sand fraction under enset cultivation was 31.2%, 49.3% and 19.5%, respectively, while in the annual crop land the proportion of clay, silt and sand were 37.5%, 40.3% and 22.2%, respectively. The mean value of TN and OC were found to be greater in dega than the w/dega and dry w/dega zones of agro-ecology. The overall output from the research showed that enset has contribution in environmental rehabilitation.
Abstract: Soil degradation is a problem both in developed and developing countries. Its impact is of great concern to farmers that depend on rain fed agriculture. The objective of this research was to assess the role of enset in soil rehabilitation. Household survey and soil quality analysis were conducted to collect primary data from the fields. Soil labora...
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Studies on Physicochemical Properties of Biofield Treated 2,4-Dichlorophenol
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Ragini Singh,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
292-299
Received:
8 October 2015
Accepted:
16 October 2015
Published:
16 November 2015
Abstract: The chlorinated phenols are widely used in chemical industries for the manufacturing of herbicides, insecticides, etc. However, due to consistent use they create hazards to the environment. This study was designed to use an alternative method i.e. biofield energy treatment and analyse its impact on the physicochemical properties of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), which are the important factors related to its degradation. The 2,4-DCP sample was treated with Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy and analyzed as compared to the untreated 2,4-DCP sample (control) using various analytical techniques. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed up to 19.4% alteration in the lattice parameters along with approximately 1.8% alteration in the molecular weight, unit cell volume and density of the treated sample. The crystallite size of treated sample was increased and found as 215.24 nm as compared to 84.08 nm in the control sample. Besides, the thermal study results showed an alteration in the thermal stability profile of the treated sample as compared to the control. The differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed the decrease in the thermal decomposition temperature from 137.9°C (control) to 131.94°C in the treated sample along with 92.19% alteration in the quantity of heat absorbed during the process. Moreover, the thermogravimetric analysis showed that onset temperature of degradation was decreased, while the percent weight loss of the sample was increased from 59.12% to 71.74% in the treated sample as compared to the control. However, the Fourier transform infrared and UV-visible spectroscopic studies did not show any significant alteration in the spectra of the treated sample as compared to the control. Hence, the overall studies revealed the impact of biofield energy treatment on the physical and thermal properties of the 2,4-DCP sample.
Abstract: The chlorinated phenols are widely used in chemical industries for the manufacturing of herbicides, insecticides, etc. However, due to consistent use they create hazards to the environment. This study was designed to use an alternative method i.e. biofield energy treatment and analyse its impact on the physicochemical properties of 2,4-dichlorophen...
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Land Use-Land Cover Change and Drivers of Deforestation in the Patako Protected Area (Center-West of Senegal)
Simon Sambou,
Anne Mette Lykke,
Hyacinthe Sambou,
Idrissa Guiro,
Bienvenu Sambou,
Cheikh Mbow
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
306-317
Received:
20 October 2015
Accepted:
2 November 2015
Published:
3 December 2015
Abstract: This study focus on land use-land cover changes relation to the multidimensional characteristics of spatial and temporal patterns of land dynamics and social practices. The objectives are to characterize the dynamics of land-use and land-cover changes from 1992 to 2015, and to identify the drivers of deforestation and land degradation. Nine (09) types of classes were identified: humid vegetation (HV), savanna/wooded savanna (WS), savanna/shrub savanna (SSS), shrub savanna (SS), mangrove (MA), grass savanna (GS), cropland (CP), water (WA), and bare soil (BS). The process of change was analysed within a 5614.6 ha which includes the Patako protected area. The results have shown significant changes in land use-land cover for more than two decades (1992 to 2015). A high variability of land cover transfer was recorded between periods and class categories. At least, 55% of the HV changed to WS that was manifested by a loss of 16% during the first decade. The most important decline in area was recorded annually within the HV (4.8%), and the WS (2.6%), while the SSS experienced a substantial annual increase of 0.5%. The appearance of the SS (10.3%), during the last fifteen years, is a witness to degradation process as a result of anthropogenic pressure mainly for subsistence raisons. This pressure resulted to a conversion of small forested land to agricultural land on the boundary of the protected area. Tree cover represented 99.4% of the entire forest area in 1992, 97.4% in 2010, and slightly more (+1.2%) in 2015. According to this evolution, the annual rate of deforestation was estimated to 0.09% with an average of 0.11±0.08% for the three defined periods. The drivers leading to changes in land use-land cover stresses the complexity that is related to sustainable management of protected areas. Urgent action is necessary to reduce loss of biodiversity due to deforestation and land degradation. For this purpose, a particular attention must be paid to the implementation of the Patako management plan under a Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project.
Abstract: This study focus on land use-land cover changes relation to the multidimensional characteristics of spatial and temporal patterns of land dynamics and social practices. The objectives are to characterize the dynamics of land-use and land-cover changes from 1992 to 2015, and to identify the drivers of deforestation and land degradation. Nine (09) ty...
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Evaluation of Sewerage System Sustainability Technically Around Condominiums Areas: A Case Study in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
Fraol Abebe Wudineh,
Nigatu Chala Kuke
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
318-324
Received:
30 October 2015
Accepted:
11 November 2015
Published:
14 December 2015
Abstract: Sewage discharges from centralized water-borne collection systems can pollute surface water, and discharge from sewers; septic tanks and pit toilets pollute living environment and groundwater which directly affects the health of poor people at downstream [13]. Poor sanitation facilities and low sewerage system continues to be a critical problem in rural and urban areas of Ethiopia. This study aims to evaluate the sewerage system in terms of technical aspect by identifying the cause and extent of failures on the schemes then forwarding the mitigation measures for the problem explored. This study is conducted in Debre Berhan town from February, 2014-January, 2015. In order to gather information’s for the study, the researchers used pre-prepared questionnaire (for the condominium lives), soil sampling and the other was data collection checklists (variable and context information checklists), semi open ended interview and physical instruments such as GPS, Axes soil sample bags. From the study, some important conclusions are made. The technical performance evaluation indicators show that sewerage system especially around condominium area is poorly implemented, inadequate in quantity, or poorly constructed or both. Of the total users around 31.54% have no any awareness about sewerage system operation, sanitation and hygiene. Of constructed floor drainage ditches only 24.8% have good appearance and functional, in the rest of scheme, the structure is destructed and non-functional. Only 36.47% of septic tanks, gives good function for users properly as required, in the rest of the schemes, there is many defects and problems observed. The technical problems noticed in the sample sites are includes O&M, construction, and design respectively put in the order of causing considerable failure.
Abstract: Sewage discharges from centralized water-borne collection systems can pollute surface water, and discharge from sewers; septic tanks and pit toilets pollute living environment and groundwater which directly affects the health of poor people at downstream [13]. Poor sanitation facilities and low sewerage system continues to be a critical problem in ...
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Resilience of Ecosystems to Climate Change
Mengistu Asmamaw,
Argaw Ambellu,
Seid Tiku
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
325-333
Received:
14 November 2015
Accepted:
24 November 2015
Published:
14 December 2015
Abstract: Human-induced climate change is occurring as an unprecedented rate resulting in ecosystem deterioration and biodiversity loss. Climate change exacerbates environmental hazards, ecosystem modification as well as loss of biological organisms. Anthropogenic releases of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2 has warmed the Earth’s surface. The average global temperature has risen more linearly for the last 100 year (1906-2005) by 0.74°C (.56-0.92°C); than the corresponding period (1901-2000) of 0.6°C (0.4-0.8°C). The objective of this review was to examine the potentials of ecosystems in mitigating climate change and in building resilience. A review of relevant literature was employed as possible approach to compile this document. Ethiopia is an agrarian country where agriculture is both the cause and victim to extreme climate variability like elevated temperature and precipitation fluctuation. These have resulted recurrent drought, flooding and reduction in agricultural productivity as a whole. The occurrence and spatial distribution of drought is projected to continue in the upcoming future. The effects of climate variability significantly reduced farmers’ adaptive capacity while exacerbating their vulnerability to further weather events. The current trends of ecosystem degradation could not be controlled only through protection of parks. Instead, it involves a large-scale and integrated approach addressing the whole land and sea-escapes. This large scale and integrated ecosystem management approach conserves biodiversity, builds system resilience as well as to ensures the sustainable production of ecosystem services from which the majorities of the rural poor depend on. Resilient ecosystems have a wide range of biodiversity and ecosystem services, resist and recover from extreme events more quickly and are potential to mitigate and adapt to climate change while sustaining livelihoods. Thus, ecosystem based approach through adaptation and mitigation is instrumental to maintain ecosystem health so as to sustain system resilience in the face of climate change.
Abstract: Human-induced climate change is occurring as an unprecedented rate resulting in ecosystem deterioration and biodiversity loss. Climate change exacerbates environmental hazards, ecosystem modification as well as loss of biological organisms. Anthropogenic releases of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2 has warmed the Earth’s surface. The average global tem...
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Levels, Distribution and Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Water in the Lower Reach of Qua Iboe River Estuary, Nigeria
Eno Anietie Moses,
Bassey Anie Etuk,
Essien Daniel Udosen
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
334-343
Received:
29 September 2015
Accepted:
4 November 2015
Published:
22 December 2015
Abstract: The lower reach of Qua Iboe River estuary houses one of the largest crude oil production facility in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Frequent oil spills has led to severe deterioration of the water system, This study determined 16 polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface waters of sites across the estuary in the wet and dry seasons. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC / FID) was used to measure PAHs in water samples following extraction. The sum of PAHs ranged from7.827E-04 for the wet season to 1.500E – 02 mg/l for the dry season with significantly higher (P<0.05) PAH concentration in the wet season. Total PAHs for the water sample at all sampling sites were above the permissible limit. The composition pattern of PAHs were dominated by high molecular weight PAHs, constituting 4-6 ring compounds. Diagnostic ratios of Fluoranthene/Fluoranthene + Pyrene, Anthracene/Anthracene + Phenanthrene and low molecular weight-PAH to high molecular weight PAH were calculated to evaluate possible sources of PAH compounds These ratios reflected predominantly pyrogenic sources of PAH to the water body originating from gas flaring from a petrochemical facility located close to the sampled stations. Cluster analysis was used to assess similarities between individual PAHs in water from QIRE for the dry and wet seasons. It revealed three primary PAH clusters in both seasons indicating different levels of anthropogenic activities in the cluster areas. There is a need for appropriate regulatory legislation on the control, treatment and discharge of oilfield effluents into QIRE and its adjourning creeks.
Abstract: The lower reach of Qua Iboe River estuary houses one of the largest crude oil production facility in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Frequent oil spills has led to severe deterioration of the water system, This study determined 16 polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface waters of sites across the estuary in the wet and dry seasons. Gas chromat...
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Importance of Design Factor in Improvement of Fishway Efficiency
Prashant Mandal,
Zhiying Tu,
Xi Yuan,
Yong Gao,
Yingping Huang,
Hui Peng
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
344-353
Received:
23 November 2015
Accepted:
7 December 2015
Published:
25 December 2015
Abstract: Properly designed fishway plays an important role to mitigate the migrating problem of fish and help them meet their life cycle’s basic requirements, especially the spawning activities with enhancing the local ecosystem as well. However, the fishways are still constricted at the small section of the dam or weir giving less priority and the designs of fishways are further limited by engineering, hydraulic and economic constraints. Thus, this paper presents an overview of the fishway design history and their consequences following different available literatures till date. Furthermore this paper also suggests on considering some important parameters during design such as turbulence, roughness coefficient, minimum head difference, slope which have a key role in improving the working efficiency of fishway. In addition, this review provides following recommendations: i) Need to improve downstream design of fishway and associated experimental methodology, ii) Consideration of river temperature with dissolved oxygen and their effect on fish behavior during design work, iii) Importance of further research work on coarse species along with other economically important fish, and iv) Updating the fishway design by considering fluctuating water level condition in the river. Hence this paper can contribute in the enhancement and restoration of fisheries resources from the perspective of fish passage design problems and their solution. Furthermore it may help the new researchers and designers to upgrade the existing design concept for the better result in fishway efficiency in coming future.
Abstract: Properly designed fishway plays an important role to mitigate the migrating problem of fish and help them meet their life cycle’s basic requirements, especially the spawning activities with enhancing the local ecosystem as well. However, the fishways are still constricted at the small section of the dam or weir giving less priority and the designs ...
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Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Raw Petroleum Wastewater Samples Before and After Passing on Australis Phragmites Plant
Mohamed Ezeldin,
Sulieman A. G. Nasir,
Ali M. Masaad,
Nawal M. Suleman
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015
Pages:
354-357
Received:
29 October 2015
Accepted:
16 November 2015
Published:
25 December 2015
Abstract: The main objective of this project was determining of lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium in raw petroleum wastewater (RPWW) samples. The samples were taken before and after passage the RPWW on Australis Phragmites Plant (APP). Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the heavy metals in RPWW samples before and after passing, The concentration of lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium before passing on APP was found to be 0.25, 0.9, 0.52 & 0.012 ppm respectively, but after passing on APP was fond to be 0.123, 0.75,0.45 & 0.01 ppm, respectively. The obtained results after passage were found within the range assigned by American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM, except the concentration of nickel.
Abstract: The main objective of this project was determining of lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium in raw petroleum wastewater (RPWW) samples. The samples were taken before and after passage the RPWW on Australis Phragmites Plant (APP). Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the heavy metals in RPWW samples before and after passing, The co...
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