Cover

Contents and Other Pages

Numerical Investigation of Ash Particles Deposition and Distribution in a Refining and Chemical Wastewater Incineration Equipment

In this paper, numerical investigation has been performed to predict ash particles impaction and distribution tendencies in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) of an industrial refining and chemical wastewater incineration plant. A two-dimensional mathematical model with a six-row staggered arrangement has been built in order to study gas-particle two-phase flow in the HRSG, and the effects of ash particle size, flue gas velocity, longitudinal tube pitch and spanwise tube pitch on ash particle impaction efficiency were investigated. Overall, all parameters played important roles in ash particle impaction performance except longitudinal tube pitch. The results showed that large particles mainly impacted on the windward side of the first two rows of tubes, while small particles impacted on both windward and leeward sides forming a uniform distribution. Enhancing the particle size and flue gas velocity contributed more ash particles to impact on the heat transfer surfaces, moreover, 20 µm particles were much more sensitive to fluid velocity compared with 0.2 µm particles. As for spanwise tube pitch, the results indicated that it had an obvious effect on decreasing the impaction efficiency with an increase of spanwise tube pitch, while with the increase of longitudinal tube pitch, the impaction efficiency declined slightly.

Lin Mu, Qinggang Qiu, Jianbiao Chen, Hongchao Yin, Aimin Li and Xiao Chi

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Groundwater of a Coal Mining area in Northern Anhui Province, China

To investigate the health risk posed by heavy metals in the groundwater of a coal mining area in northern Anhui Province, China, six types of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni) were identified and analysed by obtaining 59 water samples from four aquifers (UF, CA, TA, OA) through the use of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The values of these heavy metals were then compared with the permissible limits set by the Chinese Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) (2008). The health risk posed to adults and children was assessed based on the American Environmental Protection Agency’s health risk assessment model. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb are within the permissible limits set by the Chinese EPA, but the concentration of Ni is higher than the permissible limits. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni are within the permissible limits set by the WHO (2008), whereas Cd and Pb concentrations are higher than the permissible limits. The health risk assessment performed shows that the HRI values of the selected heavy metals are in the order of Cd>Ni>Pb>Cu>Zn>Cr. Although most of the heavy metals pose no health risk (HRI<1), several HRI values of Cd in the selected water samples exceed 1, indicating a small health risk imposed on local people. This health risk assessment of heavy metals in a deep groundwater mining area can serve as a reference for groundwater resource exploitation and protection.

Lin Man-li, Gui He-rong and Peng Wei-hua

Phylogenetic Identification of DNase Secreting Soil Bacteria Antagonistic to Fungus Aspergillus

Contamination of major cash crops by mycotoxigenic fungi in developing countries, including India, is becoming one of the major areas of concern. Continual use of synthetic pesticides to fulfil the increasing demand for consumption of major legumes has negative impact on human health and has major environmental risks associated with it. Microbes living in vicinity to these mycotoxin producing fungi have been found to be a promising substitute against harmful pesticides. The main objective of the present work was to isolate the bacterial strain which has a promising potential to act as an antagonist against the fungal pathogen Aspergillus which is considered to secrete Aflatoxin, the most potent mycotoxin. Large number of bacteria were isolated randomly from the rhizosphere of groundnut crop sown in Jamia Hamdard (New Delhi, India) randomly by serial dilution method, and screened for their antagonistic effect against fungus Aspergillus. Initial screening results show that, 14 of the isolates exhibit promising antagonism on dual culture media. Optimization of growth conditions was carried out at different pH, temperature and salt (NaCl) concentration. In vitro antagonism assay comprising of mycelial inhibition assay on to PDA using the scale of 1-4 (where 1 indicates bacterial colony completely overgrown by fungi, 2 indicates overgrown but bacterial colony visible, 3 indicates growth of fungus to the edge of the bacterial colony and 4 indicates inhibition zone) and inhibition of mycelial growth as observed by a significant drop on mycelial dry weight by co-inoculation of bacterial culture with fungal spores in M1 media. One of the bacterial isolates MAK603 exhibiting the maximum antagonistic effect was selected after optimization for further studies. The mechanism of action of MAK603 was studied in vitro for the production of hydrolytic enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis using 16 S rDNA amplification was carried out to establish its identity.

Minhaj Ahmad Khan, Arun Kumar K., Balkrishna Sopan Bhople and Pradeep K. Srivastava

Effect of Air Pollution on Provincial Fiscal Investment for Environmental Protection in China

The economic transition in China has caused serious air pollution problems despite the rapid economic growth it promotes. Analysis of the air pollution status in 31 provinces in China indicated that positive measures of provincial fiscal investment in environmental protection could relieve the progressive deterioration of financial mechanisms induced by environmental pollution and significantly improve air quality. In this study, a sharp regression discontinuity model was established in accordance with air pollution index (API) grading rules. The model simulated the relationship between API and provincial fiscal investment based on API data obtained from 31 provinces in China from 2001 to 2014. The influence of air pollution on local investments in environmental protection was analysed using the proposed model. The effects of control variables (population density, GDP per capita, proportions of the secondary and tertiary industries, and fixed-asset investment scale) on fiscal investment and robustness of air pollution were subsequently analysed using the McCrary test. Results show that mild air pollution can decrease the proportion of expenditures allocated for environmental protection; however, this effect is not observed under heavy air pollution. Moreover, the “inverse adjustment” response of local government expenditures on environmental protection to air pollution and expenditure proportion allocated for the environmental protection of economically developed provinces shows no discontinuity effect. Meanwhile, the non-model provinces of environmental protection exhibit significant negative discontinuity effect. This study also suggested measures on how Chinese provincial governments can formulate appropriate incentive and constraint mechanisms for air environmental protection, as well as maintain and increase local government investment towards environmental protection. The conclusions obtained in this study can provide practical significance to fully comprehend the heterogeneity in air pollution control of 31 Chinese provinces.

Xiaoyu Ma, Lei Bi and Zhan-ao Wang

Occupational Health Effects of Self Employed Personnel with Reference to Auto Drivers and Photocopy Workers

Occupational health remains neglected in developing countries because of competing social, economic, and political challenges. Self-employment is one of the best employment sources for low income group, which will enable feasibility of own work place and conditions. This study focused on two of self-employed jobs i.e., photocopy workers and auto drivers. Occupational health effects of these jobs were studied through a cross sectional survey. Results from the study indicated musculo-skeletal disorders in auto drivers and respiratory disorders, physical stress in photocopy workers. This study suggests that reduction of exposures to various pollutants and change in working environments is likely to improve the health of the workers.

Vara Saritha, Bhavya Kavitha Dwarapureddi and Ch. Bhavannarayana

Application of Mathematical Models and Fuzzy Regression Analysis to Determine the Microbial Growth Kinetic Coefficients and Predicting Quality of Treated Wastewater

In this study, using aeration tank sludge of Ekbatan, Tehran wastewater treatment in pilot lab scale and observing the amount of aeration, temperature, pH and concentration of feed inlet to the treatment plant, system efficiencies and changes in microbial growth were evaluated, and with the use and application of mathematical methods and Monod equations and finally by modelling the process using fuzzy regression analysis, kinetic coefficient values and output quality effluent of the plant were determined and predicted. The results of the ASM1 model for kinetic coefficients of Ks were determined as 31.2 gCOD/m3, µH as 3.9 day-1, bH as 0.077 day-1 and YH as 0.51gCOD XH (gCOD SS)-1. Activated sludge biological treatment process modelling using fuzzy regression analysis showed that correlation coefficient between the actual data and model for VSS, COD and SCOD equals to 0.97 by power function, 0.95 by linear function and 0.86 by power function respectively.

Mohammad Delnavaz, Hossein Zangooei and Mohammad Zangooei

Heterogeneity Analysis of the Relationship Between Economic Growth and Water Environmental Pollution in Beijing, Tianjin and Zhengzhou of China

Given the rapid development of the industrial economy, the environmental problems caused by water resource pollution have increased in severity. Thus, the optimal use of various natural resources and the reduction of water environmental pollution are important to promote the healthy development of the social economy and the environment. In this paper, the 2001-2013 time series data of discharged volumes of industrial wastewater, industrial chemical oxygen demand, and GDP are employed to analyse the relationship between the water environmental pollution and economic growth of Beijing, Tianjin and Zhengzhou. First, two models are established for the F test and T test on the relationship between GDP per capita and water pollutant discharge. A complete decomposition model is then adopted to analyse the effects of economic scale, industrial structure, and technological progress on water environmental pollution. Investigation results indicate that the relationships between the industrial wastewater discharge and economic growth of Beijing, Tianjin and Zhengzhou show reverse N-shaped curves instead of reverse U-shaped curves. At present, higher economic growth leads to more industrial water pollution. Economic scale and technological progress are the major influencing factors of water pollutant discharge. Therefore, the overall regional water environmental quality can be substantially improved only by enhancing the cooperation between Beijing, Tianjin and Zhengzhou to improve the capacity and efficiency of regional pollution control.

Junfeng Yang

Relationship Between Contaminant Flux and Economic Growth at the Pearl River Estuary in Guangdong Province, China

The acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, rapid expansion of population, hysteretic infrastructure construction in cities and towns, and poor domestic sewage treatment in recent years have resulted in increased contaminant flux at the Pearl River estuary and caused considerable pressure on economic growth. The measurement model of the relationship between the emission load of the environmental index and GDP is established by using relevant data about economic growth and environmental quality of cities and counties along the Pearl River in Guangdong Province between 2001 and 2014. The results demonstrate that Kuznets relationship exists between the contaminant emission at the estuary and GDP. Among the contaminants entering the sea, the contents of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), nutrient salts (which mainly include ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, petroleum, and arsenic increase with the increasing GDP. Regression analysis shows a close relationship between the contaminant and GDP per capita; U-shaped and reverse U-shaped relationships exist between emission of COD and heavy metals, and between emission of nutrient salts and petroleum and GDP per capita, respectively. Moreover, the relationship between emission of arsenic and GDP per capita presents a relatively weak N curve. Thus, the environmental problem in the Pearl River Basin is serious and needs immediate solution.

Yilun Li

Experimental Study on the Utilization of Industrial and Agricultural Wastes to Stabilize the Expansive Soil Subgrades

The growing cost of traditional stabilizing agents and the need for the economical utilization of industrial and agricultural wastes has prompted an investigation into the stabilizing potential of coal ash (CA), groundnut shell ash (GSA) and bagasse ash (BA) in highly expansive soil. In this study an attempt has been made to utilize the industrial and agricultural wastes such as coal ash, groundnut shell ash and bagasse ash as a stabilizing agent. The effect of industrial and agricultural wastes under individual and combinations (equal proportion) of mix proportions on certain properties of soil such as Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), Maximum Dry Density (MDD), Unconfined Compressive (UCC) Strength and CBR has been studied. Index properties of natural soil showed that it belongs to CH in the IS classification system, soils under this group have poor engineering benefit. It has been observed that 30% of CA and 8% of GSA and BA for individual mix proportions and 12% CA + 12% GSA, 16% CA + 16% BA and 16% BA + 16% GSA for the combinations of mix proportions, are the optimum percentage that gives the maximum CBR value.

C. Rajakumar and T. Meenambal

Relationships Between Environmental Pollution, Population Increase and Economic Development of Henan China

As a significant traditional agricultural province, Henan has seen an increase in environmental pollution and population that has exerted considerable pressure on its economic development, after it experienced a long-term rapid economic development. Henan is facing the challenge of maintaining its environmental quality while continuing its economic growth. Through the STIRPAT model (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology), a form achieved by improving the IPAT model, the effects of population, economic growth, and technological level on environmental pollution based on time series data during 2000-2013 were analysed. The investigation results indicate that the population increase in Henan has resulted in an increase in resource demand that causes environmental pollution; economy has a clearly positive correlation effect on environmental pollution; and the improvement of technological level can help enhance the rate of resource utilization and ease environmental pollution. This study proposes that the industrial structure of Henan should be upgraded and that greater efforts should be exerted on supporting the environmental protection industry. The tertiary and advanced secondary industries should be developed further to realize the rapid development of the economy and environmental protection so that environmental pollution can be mitigated and rapid economic development can be guaranteed.

Pingping Qiao

Game Theory Analysis on Agricultural Ecological Compensation in Rural Areas Around Beijing-A Case of Zhangcheng District

The environment of Beijing, the capital of China, has deteriorated, which need to be managed in the areas of the city and the neighboring rural areas. Zhangcheng district is the main soil and water conservation area of Beijing. Agricultural-ecological environmental problems of Zhangcheng district are increasingly serious, because of conflict between different benefit of each main body in the agricultural ecosystem. Agricultural-ecological compensation, as an institutional arrangement to adjust the damage and the protection of agricultural-ecological environment interest relations, is an effective measure to protect the ecological environment. This paper takes Zhangcheng district as an example, using the game theory to study its agroecological compensation mechanism theory model, as well as the compensation policy decisions and behaviour process between subject and object in the compensation practice process. The analysis shows that: (1) The ecological compensation policy effect is not entirely depending on the amount of compensation in size, and only by improving the standard of compensation to protect environment is not wise; (2) Ecological compensation policy made by government should also be included in the scope of compensation limit policy; (3) The level of development of the third industry and the income of migrant workers directly affects the level of ecological construction project implementation effect.

Guo Ping and Chen Huiqing

Decolorization of Reactive Dye Solutions by Electrocoagulation using Iron Electrodes

The textile industry is facing major problems in the disposal of wastewater generated from textile dye and finishing processes. Textile dye wastewater has a strong colour, high COD, high total solids and is also biorefractory in nature. There is a need for most suitable and effective pretreatment technique. The present work focuses on the feasibility of electrocoagulation for the reactive dye solutions. The experiments were conducted for the optimized electrolysis duration at different applied currents and pH. The Study revealed that at a neutral pH there was a colour removal efficiency of 90% with minimum sludge production and anode consumption.

Rekha H. B. and Usha N. Murthy

The Pollution Characteristics Analysis of Groundwater in Sanjiao Area Hedong Coalfield

The groundwater pollution is an increasingly serious problem in the world. There are abundant coal resources and coalbed methane resources in Sanjiao area, Hedong Coalfield. The exploitation of mineral resources has a pernicious influence on the local groundwater environment. The local shallow groundwater is the only drinking water source for local residents. So the analysis of the groundwater pollution characteristics is essential for maintaining drinking water safe for local residents. The results showed that NH4+, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-, F-, NO2-, Cr6+, Fe, TDS, etc. have exceeded to varying degrees. The amount of methane in SX99 is very high, so it should take measures to release methane to reduce the methane concentration in groundwater.

Guo Xiaojing*, Feng Xiang, Yang Po, Guo Lin, Zhang Fawang, Li Zitao and Wu Binhua

Isolation and Characterization of the Carbendazim-Degrading Strain Djl-5B

Carbendazim (MBC) is one of the most widely used agricultural fungicides worldwide, but this chemical adversely affects animal health and ecosystem function. As such, effective methods for remediating MBC-contaminated soils must be developed. In this study, a novel MBC-degrading bacterium, namely, djl-5B, was isolated from MBC-treated soil. Based on its phenotype features as well as physiological, biochemical, and phylogenetic characteristics, the strain was identified as Pseudomonas sp. The optimal degradation condition for strain djl-5B was determined to be at 30°C and pH 7.5 with an inoculum size of 7%. Inoculation of strain djl-5B to MBC-contaminated soil significantly decreases the degradation half-life of MBC from 14.15 d to 3.06 d in non-sterile soil and from 24.75 d to 3.30 d in sterile soil. Results of high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the degradation product of strain djl-5B contains 2-aminobenzimidazole, 2-hydroxybenzimidazole and benzimidazole. The newly isolated strain effectively degrades MBC and thus exhibits potential for environmental rehabilitation. This study provides basic information and technical support for future utilization of strain djl-5B as an ecofriendly bioremediation agent.

Lei Ji, Ren Lijun, Hu Shibin and Cui H. Ron

Compressive Strength Development of Solidified PAHs Contaminated Soil Using Cement and Micro Silica

High organics contaminated soil is a common concern for the solidification and stabilization (S/S) method. A probable problem with using S/S technology for the immobilization of organics is that these compounds are generally non-polar and hydrophobic; thus, they do not react with the inorganic binders and may interfere with solidification by disrupting the gel structure of the pozzolanic mix. In this research, the effect of microsilica (as an additive) in solidification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated soil samples, collected from Ray Petrochemical Industry, was investigated. Solidification of soil sample was carried out by using cement and microsilica (MS) with different mass ratios. The behaviour of the solidified pastes has been analysed in terms of unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The results of this research indicated that the highest UCS of 1274.5 Kpa was achieved for samples contained 25% of cement and 8% of MS which was greater than the guidance value of 344.7 Kpa (50 psi) proposed by USEPA.

Soheil Ahmadi, Saeid Gitipour and Nasser Mehrdadi

GC-MS Analysis of Antibacterial Metabolites Extracted from Rhodococcus rhodochrous Isolated from Soil Samples

The genus Rhodococcus is a Gram positive and non motile bacterium with different capability. Nowadays scientists are using the organism for the production of their antimetabolite products. Therefore, in the present study, the genus was isolated from the soil of different parts around the manganese mine in Qom city, Iran. The isolates were characterized using biochemical and antimicrobial test. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated using pathogenic bacteria, including: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC14028), Shigella dysenteriae (PTCC 1188), Klebsiella pneumophila (ATCC 700603), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Bacillus subtilis (PTCC1715), Bacillus cereus (PTCC 1015), Listeria monocytogenes ( PTCC1295), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC51299), Rhodococcus erythropolis (PTCC1767), Corynebacterium glutamicum (PTCC 1532). Furthermore, antibacterial compounds from culture supernatant were extracted using different solvents and the extracts were analysed using GC-MS. The results indicated that 9 of the isolates correctly belonged to the genus Rhodococcus. In addition, the results exhibited potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC8739), with average zone inhibition of 8 and 25 mm respectively, but it had no effect on the other organisms. On the other hand the chromatogram showed nine special peaks and the identified compounds were: cyclopenthasiloxane, azulene, 2,7 octadiene, docosane, cyclohexasiloxane, bis (3,5,5 trimethyhexyl, tetraedacane-2 methyl, cycloheptasiloxane and heptadecanol. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolated strain from soil around manganese mine in Qom city, Iran formed a distinct subclade within the genus Rhodococcus with R. rhodochrous.

Soheil Aghaei, N. Bahador and M. Baserisalehi

Fuzzy Neural Network Model and its Application in Water Quality Evaluation

In view of the defect of traditional water quality evaluation model, based on fuzzy neural network theory, a new model of fuzzy neural network (FNN) comprehensive evaluation is developed to evaluate surface water quality in Suzhou. A fuzzy neural network is a new type of neural network consisting Radical Basis network and compete neural network, which is simple in structure, easy for training and widely used. FNN model is applied to evaluate the water quality at representative sections in the Suzhou surface area from the year 1999-2002. The results indicate that FNN model is suitable for water quality evaluation. By analysis, it is important to pay attention to bring into effective measures for pollution control.

Xiufan Xie, Shuquan An and Changjun Zhu

Soil Chemical Properties and Biological Characteristics of Discontinued Farmland in the Downstream of Shiyang River

Soil inorganic nitrogen (nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen), enzyme activities (catalase, urease, phosphatase and invertase) and microbial biomass of secondary grassland in an abandoned farmland with different restoration years of Shiyang River are measured and analyzed. The results indicated that the soil ammonium nitrogen decreased and nitrate nitrogen increased in each layer (0-10cm, 10-20cm, 20-30cm, 30-40cm) as the restoration age increased. In addition to the 30-40cm soil layer, soil microbial biomass carbon in each layer had a downward trend in shorter abandoned ages (from 1a to 5a ) and an upward trend in longer ages (from 8a to 31a); soil microbial biomass nitrogen reduced initially (from 1a to 4a), afterward increased (from 4a to 8a) and reached a steady level finally (from 8a to 31a); soil microbial biomass phosphorus increased firstly (from 1a to 5a) and then declined (from 5a to 31a). The activity of catalase altered insignificantly while those of other three soil enzymes varied significantly in the same layer within different restoration years. Soil enzyme activity declined with the increase in soil depth during the same restoration year.

Wang Lide, Yao Tuo, Cheng Long, Chai Xiaohong, Guo Chunxiu, Man Duoqing, Wang Duoze and Sun Guangzheng

Natural Ventilation Environment Strategy in Green Building Design

As energy consumption increases and the energy crisis gets worse, environmental pressure for efficient alternatives is growing. The advantages that the natural ventilation strategy has in reducing building energy consumption and improving the indoor environment conditions have become more obvious. Compared to mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning system, there is more potential in the natural ventilation method providing better indoor air quality, while maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor thermal environment. Based on the principles of stack ventilation, natural ventilation is divided into wind pressure ventilation, thermal pressure ventilation, ventilation under the action of thermal pressure and wind pressure simultaneously and mechanical-assisted natural ventilation. The ventilation principles are respectively described with examples in this article.

Feng Qian and Li Yang

Study on the Feasibility of Karst Water as a Source of Water Supply in Beijing

Under the situation of the increasingly serious water shortage, karstic water in Beijing, which still has the potential to be exploited, will become the ideal source of urban water supply and water for life. With the fantastic geographical location and topographic features, the city of Beijing offers huge storage spaces, abundant source of supply and high resource utilization rate for karst water. The existing modes of the exploitation and utilization of karst water resources over the last several decades have been summarized in this article, so as to explore a variety of methods to predict the yield of karst water, and then put forward a series of protection measures and concrete analysis of the reasons for it on the basis of the current karst water pollution. Thus, making it possible to achieve the modernization management of karst water resources, and utilize, protect water resources in an efficient manner.

Li Bowen and Men Baohui

Effects of Different Water and Fertilizer Couplings on the Yield and Soil Environment of Greenhouse Tomatoes in Liaoning, China

There are increasingly serious ecological environmental pollution problems caused by the increased use of fertilizers in the process of agricultural production, therefore the rational application of fertilizers is a major way to prevent and control the pollution caused by fertilizers, so as to maximize the utilization efficiency and reduce the runoff and volatilization of fertilizers. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse (LiaoShen I type) with different water and fertilizer couplings to establish yield models of tomatoes, monitor the index of soil environment and nutrients during the growth of tomatoes, and finally to search for optimal management modes of water and fertilizer. The results show that the optimum amount of nitrogen, phosphate and kalium fertilizer are 565kg/hm2, 375kg/hm2 and 150kg/hm2 respectively, with the irrigation quota of 200mm and the yield of tomato being 50000kg/hm2. The experimental coupling of water and fertilizer will provide a scientific guidance for the cultivation of greenhouse tomatoes with high yield, high efficiency and less pollution in Liaoning province.

Wenjuan Wang, Tieliang Wang and Li Bo

The Treatment of Decentralized Domestic Sewage in a Rural Area With a Vermibiofilter in Different Seasons

Aquatic plants were introduced in a Vermibiofilter (VBF) to form the artificial complex ecosystem constituted by plants, earthworms and microorganisms in the research. In addition to applying the pebbles, broken stones, coarse sand, fine sands and soil as the filter materials, Oenanthe javanica was utilized. With a hydraulic loading of 0.5 m3/(m2.d) and the density of earthworms being 12 g.L-1 in the soil, the treatment of the decentralized domestic sewage in a rural area using the VBF in different seasons was studied under the condition of intermittent water inflow. As demonstrated in the research results, the VBF shown the optimal treatment effect in the summer. The maximum removal rates of the VBF to CODMn, TN, NH4+-N and TP were 93.88%, 83.92%, 98.11% and 94.14% respectively. The contents of CODMn, TN and NH4+-N in the effluent water all reached the first level A criteria specified in the Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (GB 18918-2002) in China.

Zhao Yiping, Deng Yu, Ni Fuquan, Zhang Manxue, Zheng Yalin, Wang Wenli and Qiu Zhenyi

Investigation on Preparation, Characterization and Application of Effective Microorganisms (EM) Based Composts - An Ecofriendly Solution

Nowadays, solid waste disposal is the most pressing problem facing mankind throughout the world. The solid waste management plays a significant role to create a sustainable environment. Composting is a controlled decomposition of an organic matter into nutrient rich humus, which is relatively a stable organic end product. The activated Effective Microorganisms (EM) are used to decompose the solid organic materials. EM considerably improves the decomposition of organic materials and quality of compost and reduces the volume of compost by 50% or less in the raw material. This paper deals with the comparison of four matured composts from different waste organic materials such as kitchen waste, leaf waste, paper waste and water hyacinth waste using Effective Microorganisms. The parameters like pH, temperature, moisture content and height of bed were monitored and maintained throughout the process. The end products of humus like compost were characterized and analysed for physico-chemical characteristics like pH, moisture content, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and C:N ratio. The results of all the matured composts showed better quality and as an effective adsorbent medium for the removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution.

T. Bhagavathi Pushpa, V. Sekaran, S. J. Sardhar Basha and J. Jegan

Source Quantification of Major Ions in Groundwater from Deep Limestone Aquifer System in Northern Anhui Province, China Based on Unmix Model

Groundwater from the deep buried limestone aquifer system is important for coal mines in northern Anhui Province, China, not only because it can provide water supply in the area, but also threat for the safety of coal mining. In this study, major ion concentrations of 48 groundwater samples from the limestone aquifer system in Huaibei coalfield, northern Anhui Province, China have been measured and analysed by EPA Unmix model for tracing their sources. The results suggest that they can be classified as Na-Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4 type according to their major ion concentrations, and the sources for the major ions are considered to be more than one according to the results of statistical analysis. Three sources have been identified by Umix model, including carbonate-chloride, sulphate and silicate sources, and their contributions for the total dissolved solids are 43, 42 and 15%, respectively. The variations of contributions from the three sources of the samples probably related to, (1) the variations of mineral compositions in the aquifer system, and (2) the different locations (recharge or discharge) of the samples collected from.

Linhua Sun

The Relationship of Atmosphere and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) with Asian Cold Events in Winter

Based on the analysis of Asian temperature, the Asian Warming Hole (AWH) index is proposed in this paper to measure the intensity during the cold events process under the background of global warming in the early 21st century winter. The results show that the Asian continent is indeed experiencing a cold stage in the early 21st century winter, but it is just in a cold phase and will become warmer in the future. The relationship of AWH with atmospheric circulation is statistically close. Moreover, the sea surface temperature (SST) lead of 6 months, shows a higher correlation coefficient with AHW index. The SST anomalies over mid-latitude and high latitude Pacific regions may play an important role in Asian cold events in winter, but it is not stable as a precursor factor. The mechanism of this phenomenon is very complex, the atmosphere can reflect some characteristics, while ENSO cycle signal is more and more significant in recent years.

Kuo Wang, Lian Chen, Tao Feng, Chaohui Song and Dawei Gao

Indigenous Materials for Improving Water Quality

In rural areas, most people rely on private water supplies such as wells and dugouts. Quality water is vital to the social, health, and economic well-being of people. It sustains ecological processes that support native fish population, vegetation, wetlands and bird life. Water quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic characteristics. Presently, there are no appropriate low-cost technologies available for removal of several contaminants present in groundwater. Microbial degradation, chemical oxidation, photolysis and adsorption are used for the treatment of wastewater. Although aluminium is the most commonly used coagulant in the developing countries, studies have linked it to the development of neurological diseases. There are several methods used for the purification of water. Activated carbons are the most common adsorbent, and they are made from different plants, animal residues and bituminous coal. Moringa oleifera seeds are also used as a primary coagulant in drinking water clarification and wastewater treatment due to the presence of a water-soluble cationic coagulant protein, which is able to reduce turbidity of the treated water. There are many other species like Vigna unguiculata, Voandzeia subterranea, Arachis hypogaea, Vicia faba and Parkinsonia aculeata, which are also used for purification of water for drinking and cooking purposes while wood ashes are mainly used for clarifying water for activities such as laundry, bathing, washing utensils but very rarely for drinking. Hence, there is an urgent need for development of alternative, cost effective and also environmental friendly coagulants to address the issue.

S. Sivaranjani and A. Rakshit

GIS Based Spatial Mapping of Major Ion Chemistry of Groundwater of Ingaldhal and Surrounding Areas, Chitradurga District, Karnataka State

In the absence of freshwater surface resources, the only alternative to quench the thirst of the human beings is groundwater. The quality criteria, set for drinking purpose, by various agencies are grossly neglected, due to paucity of groundwater owing to indiscriminate exploitation. An attempt is made here to evaluate the quality of groundwater of a socio-economically backward region located in and around the Ingaldhal copper mine area, Chitradurga District, Karnataka, for drinking purpose. Groundwater samples (n=12) collected from 7 villages, were analysed to assess their physico-chemical characteristics. TDS values range from 594-1913 mg/L, pH from 7.61-8.34 and TH from 410-1400 mg/L. Cation concentration ranges are 59-150 mg/L, 49-250 mg/L, 38-290 mg/L and 6-58 mg/L for Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ respectively. Anion concentration ranges are 417-574 mg/L, 68-286 mg/L, 63-623 mg/L, 14-162 mg/L, 0-29 mg/L and 0.451-1.43 for HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, CO3-2 and F- respectively. The results reveal that the average abundance of the major cations and anions is in the order of Mg2+ > Na+ > Ca2+ > K+ and HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3- > CO3- > F- respectively. The identified types of hydrochemical facies of the groundwater are CaMgHCO3 type (n=3), CaMgSO4 type (n=3) and mixed type (n=6). The values of the major ion concentrations of the majority of the groundwater samples fall well above the recommended standard limit for drinking purpose.

Annapoorna H. and Janardhana M. R.

Geochemical Characteristics of Groundwater from Limestone Aquifer in Sunan Coal-mining Region, Anhui Province, China

Major ion concentrations were analysed for twenty eight groundwater samples collected from limestone aquifers in the Sunan coal-mining area, Anhui Province, China. The conventional graphical and multivariate statistical approach was used to discuss the geochemical characteristics, ion source and hydrogeochemical process of groundwater, and the applicability of groundwater is also evaluated based on a series of index. The results showed that the groundwater samples are mainly featured alkaline in nature, with the high value of TDS ranges from 789 to 2753 mg/L. The concentration of Cl- is low compared to the concentrations of SO42- and HCO3-, otherwise, the cations are mainly composed of Na+ and Ca2+. Therefore, the hydrochemical type of groundwater samples is mainly divided into Ca-SO4 and Na-SO4 types. The dissolution of gypsum, weathering of dolomite and calcite are the main hydro-geochemical processes, which contribute most ions to groundwater. The groundwater samples could not meet the demand of drinking water, as compared to the standards of WHO. However, all the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation, with a better calculated index.

Song Chen and Herong Gui

The Effect of Climatic Factors on Leaf Traits of a Non-Leguminous Nitrogen Fixing Species Hippophae tibetana (Schlecht.) Along the Altitudinal Gradient in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China

Plant leaf traits and their changes along environmental gradients, reflect their environmental adaptability. Few studies have examined the relationship between the intraspecific leaf-trait and the climate on the Tibetan Plateau. We determined the leaf traits of Hippophae tibetana Schlecht., a non-legume species with symbiotic N fixation (SNF), at 25 sites on the Tibetan Plateau and explored the relationship between leaf traits and the local climate. These leaf traits included leaf length/leaf width ratio (LL/LW), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations. We found that (i) N was negatively related to LMA, leaf nitrogen, P, and K were positively correlated with each other and the leaf LL/LW ratio was positively related to leaf P; (ii) leaf N and P increased, while N:P ratio and LMA decreased with the increase in annual mean temperature (MAT), and the Leaf K and LL/LW increased with increasing annual mean precipitation (MAP). Our results showed that the leaf traits of H. tibetana on the Tibetan Plateau can be modified by the climate, and factors on Tibetan Plateau can exert a strong evolutionary pressure on leaf traits at the intra-specific levels. Out of our expectation, the growth of H. tibetana can be limited by P and K.

Xiaowei Li and Kun Sun

Research on 2-D Ecological Mathematical Model of Red Tide

The research uses the ADI (Alternating Direction Implicit) method to disperse and solve the two-dimensional shallow water circulation equations, based on upwind scheme; the red tide biodynamic equations are dispersed, then a two-dimensional ecological mathematical model of red tide is built by combining hydrodynamics with biodynamics. The two-dimensional ecological mathematical model of red tide is applied in Bohai Sea to simulate the actual Phaeocystis red tide instance which occurred on 6th-16th June, 2004. The calculated area of red tide from the mathematical model is compared with that from remote sensing photos of EOS/MODIS secondary planet. The results show that the model simulate the process of the increase and decrease of red tide well, which provides a scientific basis for a red tide forecast of Bohai Sea.

Yu Fan and Daming Li

Effect of Black Polythene Mulches on Growth and Yield of Green Chilli (Capsicum annuum) in Tumkur District, Karnataka

A field study was conducted during Rabi season in 2014-15 in the Krishi Vignana Kendra Hirehally, Tumkur District to study the effect of mulches. The experiment was conducted in 4 replications of black polythene mulched and unmulched treatment in green chilli, hybrid MHCP 317-Sierra, variety of Mahyco company. Primary and secondary branches were maximum in black polythene mulched (14 & 23), and least in unmulched (10 & 17) plots. The significant increase of 38% green chilli yield in mulched, compared to unmulched plots, was maximum (20.20 tonne per ha and 12.50 tonne per ha respectively). Mulched treatment reduces labour cost up to 39% compared to unmulched, which is highest among variable costs. The use of black polythene mulch in sweet pepper brought the benefit cost ratio from 2.61 to 2.81.

N. Kumara, N. Loganandhan, Somashekhar and B. Hanumanthe Gowda

Study on Adsorptive Removal of 1,4-Benzoquinone by Agricultural Waste Sugarcane Bagasse

As one of the major oxidation intermediates generated in advanced oxidation processes, 1,4-benzoquinone is proved to be highly toxic. Adsorptive removal of 1,4-benzoquinone by sugarcane bagasse, a low-cost agricultural waste, was systematically investigated. It was observed that most of the adsorption occurred within the initial 30 min. The results showed that Elovich kinetic model could better describe the kinetic data under all the solution pH conditions examined by non-linear regressive method. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model apparently fitted the experimental data better than pseudo-first-order kinetic model when using linear simulation method. The adsorption process was highly pH dependent, with the greatest adsorption occurring under neutral pH condition, and the highest uptake of 4.5 mg/g was achieved at pH 8.0. Ionic strength test indicated that 1,4-benzoquinone adsorption might form outer-sphere surface complexes with sugarcane bagasse. Natural organic matter (humic acid) significantly inhibited the uptake of 1,4-benzoquinone onto sugarcane bagasse. The study showed that sugarcane bagasse has a great potential application for the adsorptive removal of toxic 1,4-benzoquinone.

Lingfeng Zhu, Weiyong Zhu, Xiaoqi Chai, Yingying Li and Guoting Li

An Analytical Study of Lead in Blood Serum and Urine in Relation to Health of Silver Jewellery Workers of Ajmer City, Rajasthan

Lead is a naturally-occurring element that can be harmful to humans when ingested or inhaled. The determination of lead in blood serum and urine is a very important clinical investigation procedure. The aim of this investigation was to determine the concentration of lead (Pb) in blood serum and urine samples of silver jewellery workers (SJW), because of their exposure to lead fumes and lead oxide dust during their routine activities of silver jewellery processing affecting many systems in their body. The relationship between serum lead levels and urinary lead levels with health effects were also assessed in a cross sectional study of the SJW group of Ajmer city. Blood and urine samples were collected from 40 SJW. Lead concentration in the samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results indicate that the level of serum lead concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 142.65 µg/dl and the urinary lead level concentrations ranging from 0.66 to 134.98 µg /dl. The prominent findings among the lead exposed SJW group were impaired concentration, encephalopathy, fatigue, abdominal colic, spontaneous abortion, abnormal sperm, anaemia, kidney failure, etc. Such results might point that lead exposure increases the serum and urinary lead levels of SJW group. Lead poisoning affects multiple organ systems and can cause permanent damage.

Subroto Dutta and Firoz Khan

Modelling Greenhouse Thermal Environment in North China Based on Simulink

This paper deals with the problem of modelling greenhouse indoor thermal environment in China. In order to achieve this goal, six main factors were taken into account in describing the greenhouse heat exchange with the outside, including solar radiation, artificial heating, long wave radiation, convection, ventilation and crop transpiration. According to the thermal balance principle of greenhouse, by quantizing vent opening, based on a design idea of Simulink platform, a non-linear differential mathematical model for simulating the greenhouse indoor air temperature was built. An experiment was taken to testify the validity of the simulation model in a Venlo type greenhouse in North China during spring. By using two groups of typical measured data in different weather conditions, the simulated value agreed well with the measured data. The results show that the standard errors in sunny and cloudy days are 0.6738°C and 0.3051°C respectively, as well as the index of simulation effectiveness is 81.17% and 82.12%. The results provide a basis of a model for the environmental regulation research on North China greenhouse.

Ge Jian-kun, Wang Shun-sheng, Wu Feng, Yang Hong-guang and He Jing

Research on the Construction of the Urban Wetland Park Environment based on Resource Saving and Environment Friendliness

Wetland park is one of the city’s major ecological infrastructures, undertaking the dual functions of improving the ecological environment and providing recreational places. Studying the reasonable construction methods of the wetland park is very important for its sustainable development. In this paper, a wetland park with an area of 173.5 hectares located in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, China is taken as an example to show how to apply the concepts and measures of resource saving and environment friendliness to the three development phases of planning, construction and management of the park. Measures of resource saving include land conservation, water resource conservation, energy conservation, vegetation optimization, application of low carbon construction techniques, indigenous materials and intelligent technologies used in management. Environment friendly measures include development intensity control, man-made wetland construction, friendly materials adoption, fibre resource using wooden plank, road building on stilts, topsoil and native vegetation protection during construction, noise control, pesticide usage reduction in management, bio-safety disposal of garbage and tourists capacity control. Resource saving and environment friendly wetland park construction can effectively promote the sustainable development of the park.

Lifang Qiao, Mei Li, Yichuan Zhang and Xiaodan Zhao

Impact of Pseudomonas putida on Available Soil Phosphorus Dynamics and Crop Productivity under Lowland Rice Ecology

The ability of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to solubilize soil phosphorus (P) in actual field condition is never beyond scientific contradiction. Further, its (PSB) dynamics under unique waterlogged, anaerobic rice ecosystem is a matter of interest. In this context, performance of Pseudomonas putida was tested as PSB in lowland rice soil. No significant impact of P. putida on soil available P status was found. The treatment of crop seedlings with PSB also showed no major response onto the vegetative as well as yield parameters of rice crop. Results inferred that, in presence of optimum amount of soil N and K, the addition of external P through phosphatic fertilizer and/or vermicompost was the controlling factor for soil P availability as well as productivity and quality of rice. Further, vermicompost boosted the soil total microbial population. The irrelevant impact of P. putida as PSB onto the soil available P status and rice productivity might be partially due to the anaerobic waterlogged rice environment, which did not support the proliferation and activity of these aerobic gram-negative bacteria. However, in comparison to the earlier findings, a further detailed study at field level is necessary to understand the dynamics of PSB in submerged rice soil.

Shiv Shankar Kumar, Shovik Deb, P.B.S. Bhadoria, Dibyendu Mukhopadhyay, Amitava Rakshit and Ashok Choudhury

Compatibility and Efficacy of Insecticide and Fungicide Combinations on Major Pests and Sheath Blight of Paddy

Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2012 and 2013 at Agricultural Research Station, Ragolu, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh to assess the efficacy and compatibility of five insecticides and two fungicides at recommended concentrations. The evaluation was done as a tank mix in various insecticide and fungicide combinations for their efficacy against sheath blight, stem borer, leaf folder and brown plant hopper, for the purpose of reducing the application cost in the event of simultaneous occurrence of both pest and disease during any stage of crop growth period. Among different combinations tested during kharif 2012, Flubendamide @0.25mL/L in combination with Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% (Nativo 75%) 0.4g/L recorded less sheath blight incidence (27.33%) and less pest incidence i.e., leaf folder (2.0% leaf damage) followed by Chlorpyriphos @2.5mL/L + Propiconazole @2.0mL/L (30.13%, 7.92%) and Chlorantriniliprole @0.3mL/L + Propiconazole @1.0mL/L (32.42%, 8.13%) and Flubendamide @ 0.25mL/L + Propiconazole @1.0mL/L (35.17%, 1.59%) compared to other combinations and untreated control. During kharif 2013 also, Flubendamide @0.25mL/L in combination with Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% (Nativo 75%) 0.4g/L recorded less sheath blight incidence (29.01%) with significant reduction of brown plant hopper (2.0/hill) and stem borer as white ears (2.8%) followed by Chlorantriniliprole @0.3mL/L + Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% (Nativo 75%) 0.4g/L with 29.36% sheath blight and 4.19% dead hearts and 2.4% white ears. Chlorpyriphos @2.5mL/L + Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% (Nativo 75%) 0.4g/L followed by Profenophos @2mL/L + Propiconazole @1mL/L were the safest combinations for natural enemies in rice ecosystem. All the combinations recorded significantly higher yields compared to untreated control.

V. Visalakshmi, M. R. B. Raju, A. Upendra Rao, K. Madhu Kumar and N. Hari Satyanarayana

Wind Tunnel Technology in Green Building Environment

With the rapid increase in China’s development, the cities have become immensely more dense putting pressure on design and infrastructure. In the past, most of the China’s buildings imitated the foreign architectural styles and had a lack of scientific and meaningful design. These buildings became to be known as the ‘the cheap copy buildings’. The primary cause was the shortage of proper technology, such as building wind tunnel test equipment. Therefore, scientific design was not always an option, only reversal or empirical design could be utilized. This meant architects were restricted to construct the same design or imitate foreign buildings. Now that China has access to wind tunnels, building designs can be analysed at a higher level. Forward and scientific designs can be used to improve the buildings’ capabilities with low cost.

Peijun Yu

Comparison to Supervised Classification Modelling in Land Use Cover Using Landsat 8 OLI Data: An Example in Miyun County of North China

Land use cover (LUC) classification is one of the most important applications of optical remotely sensed data, while LUC mapping outcomes are used for global, local mapping, ecosystem assessment and environmental process monitoring. Hence, in this study, in order to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of supervised classification schemes, the paper chose the optical image data of Landsat 8 OLI in Miyun county to test supervised classification and introduced Parallelepiped Method (PM), Minimum Distance (MD), Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) to improve classification accuracy of LUC mapping and to obtain the reliable LUC distribution. The four classified images reveal that the study area is dominated by considerable areas of forest land, with the overall accuracy found to be 87.89% (kappa = 0.8524) using SVMs, 85.26% (kappa = 0.8205) using MLC, 82.11% (kappa = 0.7813) using MD, and 74.74% (kappa = 0.6920) using PM. Based on the overall accuracy and kappa statistics, SVMs might be the first option in terms of classification accuracy without taking into account of the time costly and standard PC and laptops. MLC was the second accurate model classifiers from the classified image, which was always used to obtain LUC map information for economic potential in time and cost; and PM has shown the lowest overall classification accuracy with greater omission errors and commission errors.

Wenfeng Gong, Li Yuan, Wenyi Fan, Xiaofeng Wang and Philip Stott

Comparative Performance and Production Potential of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) with Urdbean (Vigna mungo) and Mungbean (Vigna radiata) Under Different Planting Patterns in Alluvial Soil

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2013 on sandy loam soil. The experiment aimed to evaluate the performance of hybrid maize with urdbean and mungbean under different planting patterns. In this investigation, 9 treatment combinations viz., maize with normal (1:1), paired (2:2) and strip (3:3) planted urdbean (Vigna mungo) and mungbean (Vigna radiata) along with all the three crops in their sole stands were tested in randomized block design with 3 replications. The study revealed that strip planted maize+urdbean (3:3) being on par with maize+mungbean (3:3) recorded significantly highest values of growth parameters, nodulation habitat, yield attributes and yield of maize in terms of grain yield (45.6 q/ha) and stover yield (77.8 q/ha), except phenological parameters and mortality %. In terms of protein in maize grains and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in grains and stover, strip (3:3) planted maize proved its superiority over sole and normal (1:1) planted maize. Likewise, in intercrops, all the growth parameters, yields, nutrients content and protein yield were statistically superior in their sole as compared to normal (1:1), paired (2:2) and strip (3:3) planting with maize, except plant height.

Vinay Pandey, Adesh Singh, Ashish Dwivedi, S. S. Tomar, Kapil Kumar and Roop Kishor

Study on Biofouling Organisms Present on the Surface of Boats in Royapuram, Chennai

Biofouling is a natural process of colonization of organisms on submerged surfaces, either living or artificial, by a wide range of microorganisms, plants, algae and animals. Biofilms on artificial structures create serious problems for industries worldwide, with effects such as increase in drag force and metal corrosion as well as reduction in heat transfer efficiency. For antifouling or preventing the attachment of fouling organisms, a knowledge of the microbial composition is of considerable importance. In the present study, biofouling samples were collected bimonthly from the boats docked at the Royapuram harbour, which is situated in northern Chennai. Culturable marine bacteria were isolated on Zobell’s marine agar medium and identified by biochemical methods. The bacteria most frequently isolated were Bacillus spp., Vibrio spp., Pseudomonas spp., Micrococcus luteus, Proteus mirabilis and Shigella spp. The macrofouling community is dominated by barnacles, Mytilus spp.; green mussel, Perna viridis; polychaetes and other tubeworms. An analysis revealed that most of the marine bacteria are of anthropogenic origin. The stone crab Menippe mercenaria is reported as a macrofouler for the first time.

S. Nandhini and K. Revathi

Regional Clustering for Ecological Geographical Parameters Based on SOFM Model

Aerial differentiation research is one of the important symbols by which scientists recognize the geographic phenomenon, mechanism and processes correctly. So, the demarcation of district boundaries has become an urgent and significant work, especially in southwest China with characteristics of varied atmospheric circulations and complex landforms. Clustering analysis based on self-organizing feature mapping (SOFM) network is a new unsupervised clustering method that develops from neural networks. In this paper, a neural network has been trained to perform complex functions in various fields of application, including elevation, temperature, precipitation, wind speed, active accumulated temperature, evapotranspiration potential and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) at 30 meteorological stations of Yunnan Province in China. The result reveals that Ailao Mountain is such a firm barrier blocking the cold air coming from northern into the southwest mountain region, and such a possible boundary between summer southwestern monsoon and winter northeastern monsoon in China, that it becomes a demarcation boundary of climate sort between west and east regions. This way, SOFM network is used in the aerial differentiation study of ecological geography, and is a rather good comprehensive physical regionalization method, for, it can reflect the similarities and differences of different areas near the basic boundaries, and reveals a continuous process from quantitative changes to qualitative changes.

Hao Chengyuan and Wang Lianchao

A Study on the Relationship Among Fossil Energy Consumption, Air Pollution, and Economic Development in Hebei Province

Fossil energy supports the normal operation of economic life and has become increasingly important in the development of the national economy. Along with the rapid development of the economy of Hebei Province, problems related to air pollution have become increasingly prominent. Fossil energy consumption accounts for 90% of the total energy consumption of Hebei province, the major driver of which is the combustion of fossil energy. This study collects the time series data of fossil energy consumption and air pollution in Hebei province from 2000 to 2013 and investigates their short- and long-term relationships through co-integration testing and causality testing. A panel model for fossil energy consumption and the economic development of 11 cities in Hebei province is then established, and empirical analysis is conducted using varying-coefficient regression models. Results show that the consumption of fossil energy causes more serious air pollution and constitutes the Granger causality of the aggravation of air pollution. Fossil energy consumption and air pollution are characterized by at least three relationships: a long-term balanced co-integration relationship, a short-term dynamic adjustment mechanism, and a one-way causation. Fossil energy consumption and economic growth are characterized by a long-term co-integration relationship, with regional differences across the 11 cities of Hebei province. Finally, this study proposes relevant suggestions to rationalize the coordinated development between environment and economy, which can ensure the economic growth rate and at the same time reduce the air pollution caused by fossil energy consumption.

Yingfa Yang

Empirical Investigation on the Degree of Influence of Industrial Structure and Urbanization on Haze Pollution in China

Haze pollution in China has become severe in recent years. This weather phenomenon is related to an unreasonable industrial structure and air pollution, which are induced by urbanization to a certain degree. A quantitative analysis of the influencing degree of industrial structure and urbanization on haze pollution in China is conducted in this study to further investigate the mechanism that influences haze pollution in China. A panel data regression model of Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2013 is established; haze pollution degree is regarded as an explained variable, and industrial structure and urbanization are regarded as explanatory variables. In the model, three control variables are introduced: gross regional domestic product and dummy variable of financial crisis and trade openness. Measurements and calculations are conducted on national and regional scales, and the regions are divided into coastal and inland regions to determine the degree of influence of industrial structures and urbanization level in these regions on haze pollution. Results show that industrial structure has a positive correlation with haze pollution, that is, increasing the proportion of industries in GDP, aggravates the degree of haze pollution and promoting urbanization has a positive influence on haze pollution. Gross regional domestic product has an obvious negative correlation with haze pollution, whereas the dummy variables of financial crisis and trade openness evidently have a positive correlation with haze pollution. The higher the urbanization level is, the greater the influence of industrial structure on haze pollution. The more unreasonable the industrial structure is, the greater the influence of urbanization on haze pollution. The positive effects of both industrial structure and urbanization on haze pollution in coastal regions are greater than those in inland regions. Hence, such methods as optimizing the industrial structure and controlling haze pollution in the process of accelerating urbanization and forming a collaborative and linkage effect mechanism between regions could realize the harmonious development of the economy, society, and environment.

Yueying Bao and Limin Yao

Effective Utilization of Industrial Wastes in Self Compacting Concrete for Environmental Protection

An experimental study on the workability of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with three mineral admixtures which are obtained as waste products from industries were studied. The materials used for the study are fly ash (FA), Silica fume (SF), rice husk ash (RHA) along with OPC cement. Self compacting concrete is a special concrete, which can be placed and compacted under its own weight with little or no vibration effect, and which is at the same time cohesive enough to be handled without segregation or bleeding. The work involves four types of mixes, the first consisting of fly ash, the second uses FA and silica fume the third uses a mixture of FA and rice husk ash and the fourth, a combination of fly ash, silica fume and rice husk ash. After each mix proportion was arrived, its workability was checked and cubes were cast, cured and strength check made. The results show that SCC with 10% of SF and 20% fly ash combination gives higher values of compressive strength than those with 30% replacement of FA.

S. Suchithra and R. Malathy

Study of Factors Affecting Phytoplankton Primary Productivity in a Pond of Patna, Bihar, India

The rate of carbon fixation at the primary level currently provides the best assessment of the result of physical, chemical and biological interactions determining the actual fertility of any environment. Phytoplankton primary productivity and its regulating factors were studied in a pond in Patna, Bihar, India month-wise periodically from April 2011 to March 2013. Primary productivity was determined by light and dark bottle method. Physicochemical factors, i.e. water temperature, light penetration depth, pH, DO, alkalinity, hardness, TSS, TDS, nitrate, phosphate and phytoplankton density were determined following standard methods. Phytoplankton primary productivity (gross primary productivity) was estimated as 5.496 gC/m2/day to 9.964 gC/m2/day with mean value of 7.73 gC/m2/day. It indicates eutrophic nature of the pond. Higher values of primary productivity were found in the post monsoon season and monsoon season. Mean value of primary productivity was lower in summer and winter season. Phosphate, TSS and phytoplankton density were found to be highly correlated positively with phytoplankton primary productivity while light penetration depth, alkalinity and hardness were highly correlated negatively. Phytoplankton primary productivity was found to be moderately correlated with temperature.

B. S. Verma and S. K. Srivastava

Estimation of Stress Levels of Coral Reefs Bleaching Using Night-time Satellite Data: A Case Study of Indonesian Tropical Waters

Indonesia, the world’s largest tropical archipelago, is composed of more than 17,000 islands with a total coastline of more than 81,000 km. Coral reefs are found along the coastlines of many islands. Although coral reefs are considered as important ecosystem, the impact of environment such as the increasing of sea surface temperature could bring the reefs under threat. The objective of this study was to forecast stress levels of coral reefs bleaching using night-time satellite data in Indonesia. The study used 50 km resolution composite images of NOAA-night-time sea surface temperature anomaly and NOAA-coral bleaching alert area for the period 2007 to 2012. In order to generate correlation between stress levels of coral reefs bleaching and sea surface temperature anomalies, we observed eight selected areas such as Tegal-Central Java Sea, West Bali National Park, Lamalera Sea, Wakatobi National Park, Tolo Bay, Seram Sea, Raja Ampat Marine Conservation Park and Kei Islands. The results of the study show that the stress level of coral reef bleaching varied from year to year. The study suggests that the stress levels of coral reef bleaching may be explained by sea surface temperature anomalies using the regression equation: Y = 1.1307X + 1.2158.

B. Semedi and F. Rahmawan

Removal of the Dye Congo Red in Aqueous Solution by the Modified Camphor Sawdust Adsorbent

In recent years, there has been growing interest in finding inexpensive and effective adsorbents such as tea waste, wood, sawdust, kaolin, bentonite and peat. Sawdust is one of the promising adsorbents for removing dye pollutants from wastewaters. In this paper, the modified camphor sawdust is obtained from camphor sawdust with 5% cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide solution activation. Then, the pore structure characteristics and adsorption dye wastewater in the aqueous solution capacity of the camphor sawdust were investigated. The kinetic and isotherm adsorption of dye wastewater by the camphor sawdust modified with surfactant are discussed in detail. The dye Congo red was chosen as the dye wastewater. The equilibrium data were better represented by Langmuir isotherm model than done by the Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption process of the modified camphor sawdust for dye Congo red is homogenous. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir isotherm is 125.39 mg/g.

Muqing Qiu, Shuiying Xiong, Xiaohong Sun, Haoqiang Zhou, Peichao Luo, Shichao Ren, Jianbo Xu and Yannan Xuan

Influence of Coexistent Ions Fe3+ and Mn2+ on Arsenic (III) Adsorption Behaviour onto River Sediment

To understand the influencing factors of the sediment adsorption of As3+, prototype sand of the Yellow River was taken as the material. The effects of sediment adsorption saturation time and adsorption regularities were investigated when coexisting ions Fe3+ and Mn2+ existed. The results show that: (1) when there was only As3+ existing alone, the saturation time was 60 min; when Fe3+ and Mn2+ were added, the saturation time was 90 min; (2) when Fe3+ existed, the sediment adsorption laws of As3+ were as follows: during the initial period, with the increasing concentration of Fe3+, the adsorption decreased; when the concentration of Fe3+ was more than 0.4mg/L, the adsorption capacity increased with the increasing concentration of Fe3+; when there was Mn2+ existing, the regulation also showed that it initially decreased slightly and then increased, i.e., when Mn2+ was less than 1.0mg/L, the adsorption capacity decreased with the increasing concentration of Mn2+; when Mn2+ was higher than 1.0mg/L, the adsorption capacity increased with the increasing concentration of Mn2+; when Fe3+ and Mn2+ coexisted, the sediment adsorption of As3+ increased with the increasing concentration of the coexisting ions; (3) when the coexisting ion concentration was 0.2-0.4mg/L, the removal rate of Fe3+ was less than that of Mn2+, and also less than that of the coexistence of Fe3+ and Mn2+. When the concentration of coexistent ions is less than 0.2 or more than 0.4 mg/L, the removal rate of Mn2+ was less than Fe3+, and also less than that of the coexistence of Fe3+ and Mn2+.

Li Hai-hua, Yan Wei-feng, Meng Rui-jing, Liang Qian and Liu Ya-ting

Application of Vertical Electrical Sounding and Water Analysis for Study the Contaminated Area at Al Misk Lake, Eastern Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Waste management, especially dump sites, are the most important problems in developing countries. For Al Misk Lake (Buraiman Lake), there is a threatening environmental problem, as for more than ten years this lake was used for the waste disposable site of Jeddah’s sewage. Now it is abandoned, but the leachout of the contaminant is still problem. A concrete dam was constructed to block the migration of contaminants from the lake. The purpose of this research is to use the results of geophysical method integrated with the hydrogeological studies in delineating the contaminant layer emanating from the seepage of sewage water from Al Misk Lake to the end of Wadi after the concrete dam. Vertical electrical sounding was applied to determine the contaminated layer thickness in front and back of the dam. Also, the water samples were collected from some wells to support the results of geophysical method. Results of the vertical electrical sounding show that there is a seepage of contaminated water in front of the dam and the thickness of the contaminated layer at the back of the dam towards lake side is more than that in the front of dam. Whereas, the hydrogeological studies also show the concentration of ions, and TDS are more in back of the dam than in the front.

Faisal Rehman, Helmy S.O. Abuelnaga, Hussein M. Harbi and Ali H. Atef

Allelopathic Effects of Humus Soil of Platycladus orientalis Forests on Understory Plants in the Loess Plateau, China

Allelopathic effect of humus soil of mono-species-community on the understory plants was a critical problem in the mixed reformation of planted pure forests. In order to investigate the practical allelopathic effect of humus soil of Platycladus orientalis forest on understory plants in the Loess Plateau of China and provide a scientific basis for its future management, humus soils of P. orientalis forests in the hilly (north) and gullied (south) areas of the Loess Plateau were sampled separately for pot experiment of 10 common species of shrubs and grasses, and seed germination, seedling growth and physiological indexes were measured during the whole test. According to the comprehensive analysis, humus soil of P. orientalis forest in the hilly area showed obvious allelopathic inhibition on Medicago sativa, Melilotus officinalis, Vicia villosa and Astragalus adsurgens; while in the gully area, it showed obvious allelopathic inhibition on M. officinalis, V. villosa and Coronilla varia. Species which are inhibited by allelopathic effects should be avoided choosing, to form mixed vegetation with P. orientalis.

Xiao-Xi Zhang, Bo-Chao Zhu, Zeng-Wen Liu,Yuan-Hao Bing, Xiao-Bo Liu and Xiao Liang

Selection of Suitable Plant Species in Semi Arid Climatic Conditions for Quality Improvement of Secondary Treated Effluent by Using Vertical Constructed Wetland

The wetland plant species play a critical role in determining the performance of the wetland systems. Thus selection of suitable plant species for vegetation in treatment wetland units is of great importance to enhance the efficiency of the system. The present research aims to identify the suitable plant species for constructed wetlands in the semi-arid climate of Rajasthan (India). The performance of the two widely used Indian wetland plants, Phragmitis australis and Canna indica were evaluated in vertical up-flow constructed wetland using secondary treated effluents. Performance efficiency of both the plant species was evaluated for physico-chemical and microbial contaminants removal. The proposed study highlights the comparative as well as significant suitability of Canna indica plantation over the Phragmitis australis under semi-arid climatic conditions. The unit planted with Canna indica showed 39.7 and 50.9% removal for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and ammonia-nitrogen respectively. Nitrate nitrogen in the treated effluents has a significant increment of 3.8 times higher than influents. Importantly, the indicator organism coliform reduction was observed as 1.87 log (MPN/100mL) in the effluent of Canna indica planted unit as against 1.01 log (MPN/100mL) in the effluent of Phragmitis australis planted wetland.

Gargi Sharma and Urmila Brighu

The Research on Urea Nozzle Optimization of Marine Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) System to Reduce NOx from Marine Diesel Engines

Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) is currently the most practical method for NOx reduction of marine diesel engines. The effective use of urea depends very much upon the configuration and structure of the nozzle. This paper simulated the operation of the urea nozzle of the marine SCR system in ANSYS fluent, and utilized the Euler-Lagrange discrete phase model to calculate the droplet movement of different injection models. The simulation results show that the droplet hardly impinged on the exhaust pipe wall and the Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) of the urea solution droplet uniformity is the best when the injection angle is at 120°.

Xiangming Zeng and Dekai Tang

Research on Application of Support Vector Machine Method in Ningbo Marine Ecological Environment Security Prediction

Using the data related to the marine ecological environment of Ningbo City, China from 2003 to 2013, an index system for the prediction of Ningbo marine ecological security was established from three aspects, pressure, state and response. Support vector machine (SVM) method was adopted to establish the prediction model for Ningbo marine ecological environment security. Then phase space reconstruction was performed on multivariate time series, and the evolution trend of Ningbo marine ecological environment security from 2014 to 2016 was predicted. The result showed the SVM prediction model had a satisfying simulation accuracy. It was predicted that the percentage of Ningbo sea areas with water quality of worse than Grade IV from 2014 to 2016 was about 50%, indicating an unsound marine environmental security in Ningbo.

Zhang Wei-peng

Performance of Discharge in Two Phase Mixture of Air-droplet

The influence performances in two phase mixture of air-droplet discharge are analysed in the paper based on the gaseous discharge unit process, and the mechanism in two phase mixture of air-droplet discharge is researched. The research obtains the result not only that the gas spray electrically charged effect is to cause the spatial free electron number to reduce greatly, while is to increase an amount of ions, and discharge phenomena is weakened, but the second voltage increased, intensity of electric field aggrandized too. But also that the free electronic collision frequency in two phase mixture of air-droplet increases every second, and that the collision ionization energy can be reduced, the adhesion coefficient of collision ionization increases, and that ion effective adhesion coefficient increases, and that water mist to the electronic affinity is higher and migration rate of iron is lower. So these factors contribute to the aerosol mixture discharged with a higher voltage, and it is favourable to improve dust performance.

Chen Zu-yun, Chen Liang and Wu Chang-fu

Models for the Measurement of Carbon Footprint from the Raw-Coal Production

The paper defines the GHG emission source in the process of coal production and gives the measurement method of the carbon potential emission factors on the basis of the carbon footprint impact on the subsystem of raw-coal production. After that, it establishes the measurement models of carbon footprint in the subsystem of raw-coal production. The models are used to calculate the instance and verify the validity of the model based on prediction technique to the product capacity of the raw coal. The research has decision-making application and reference value for building the coal supply network of low carbon economy.

Wu Bishan and Liu Zhenling