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Evaluation of the Maturity of MSW Second-time Compost and Its Effect on the Growth of Amorpha fruticosa and Festuca arundinacea

This paper explores 9 different composting schemes to determine the optimal strategy to improve the compost maturity of municipal solid waste. The second-time compost, in the volume ratios of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, was used to plant Amorpha fruticosa and Festuca arundinacea. We measured emergence time and plant growth to determine the effect of the compost on the growth of Amorpha fruticosa and Festuca arundinacea. After fuzzy analysis, we found that maturity of T5 and T6 is the best, and compost maturity was optimal resulting from the process with no additional water, adding agents every 9 days, and turning every 3 days with an initial C/N of 20. The main factors affecting the degree of maturity are the initial C/N, followed by water situation, inoculated case, and turning frequency. The second-time compost allows reduction of soil heavy metal content and is conducive to Amorpha fruticosa survival and Festuca arundinacea germination. However, the high adding proportion of second-time compost delays the survival and emergence time, and also makes higher stems root ratio of Festuca arundinacea. The 50% and 75% proportion has higher seedling height and ground diameter growth of Amorpha fruticosa. The seedling height of Festuca arundinacea is better in the 75% proportion.

Qingnan Yang, Xiaoping Guo, Shuqi Wang and Zuguang Han

Trend and Factor Analysis of Beijing Areas’ Economic Performance under Restrictions of Resource and Environment

Combining the feather of SBM directional distance function and Luenberger Index, and using the new method of productivity index’s construction and decomposition, the paper studied the trend and factor analysis of Beijing area’s economic performance under restrictions of resource and environment over the period of 2009-2013. Results showed that: (1) Energy consumption and pollution emissions mainly contributed to the inefficiency of Beijing’s economy growth. And the regional environmental efficiency presented obvious differences from the city centre to the edge of the city, the central area with developed economy and the edge area with good environment. (2) During the 2009-2013, the trends of Beijing’s Luenberger Total Factor Productivity (LTFP) was opposite to those of environmental efficiency, with the middle of the city highest. The development of suburban areas was relatively quick. (3) From a dynamic perspective, Beijing’s economic performance was mainly influenced by changes in technical borders. Finally, the paper put forward relevant suggestions to enhance economic growth of Beijing and every area.

Le Yang, Haiyan Wang and Junkang Liu

Effect of Heavy Metals on Some Selected Roadside Plants and its Morphological Study

Environmental pollution of heavy metals from automobiles has attained much attention in the recent past. Plants are known to bind carbon-dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis, and they have become an invaluable tool in attempts to minimize air pollution. In India, some highways and national highways are covered by common plant species, but the plants (Azadirachta indica, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Cassia fistula, Ficus religiosa and Polyalthia iongifolia) are subjected to air pollution by heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd). These metals are released during different operations of the road transport such as combustion, component wear, fluid leakage and corrosion of metals and other activities (minerals mining, stone crusher industries). The majority of the heavy metals are toxic to the living organisms and even those considered as essential can be toxic if present in excess. The heavy metals can impair important biochemical processes affecting the plant growth and development. Traffic-related pollutants have detrimental effects on the environment. However, the effect of these heavy metals on plants is not well known. The study aimed to comparatively analyse the anatomical and morphological changes in roadside plants and heavy metal accumulation in selective roadside plants.

Jitin Rahul and Manish Kumar Jain

Status of Ground Species Richness, Diversity, Percent Cover and Biomass of Papgani River Basin, a Tributary River of Pennar, Andhra Pradesh, India

In the present study, status of ground plant species of the Papgani river basin was studied. A total of 210 sampling points were selected and nested plots were developed to quantify the herbs and grasses of this region. 156 plant species were recorded with the diversity (H) of 2.33 and density 16 plants/sqm. Biomass of an ecosystem showed 0.90t/ha with a ground cover of 54.32%. The regression analysis was carried out to examine the relationship among density, ground cover and biomass. Relationships of the above said variable was weakened by grazing, frequent fire and human intervention, the hypothetic statement was proved using “t” test. The anthropogenic threads dominate the fast growing unpalatable species like, Cymbopogon and Heteropogon spp. It reduces the productivity and functions of a river ecosystem.

Rajendrakumar S.

Combination of Vermicompost Fertilizer, Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Cell Characteristics, Growth and Quality of Agar Seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa

Seaweed is one of the marine and fishery commodities which encounter many problems in spurring growth and obtain high quality of agar, especially in Takalar District South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The combined use of vermicompost organic fertilizer, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus are a source of much-needed nutrients by the seaweed to expand the network of cells that affect the growth and quality of agar. The purpose of this study was to see the influence of the combination of vermicompost fertilizer, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus on the characteristics of the cells, the growth and the quality of agar seaweed G. verrucosa. This study was conducted for 42 days. The treatment ratio of carbon% : nitrogen% : phosphorus% are 93:6:1, 92:7:1, 91:8:1, 90:9:1, 89:9:2 and 88:10:2. Treatment ratio of fertilizer was best obtained at treatment 91:8:1, the cell number 39-104 mm-2, cell size from 25.189 to 400.213 ¼m, cell shape oval and cell wall thickness, weight biomass 0.65 to 2.14 g, the daily specific growth from 2.29 to 7.99%, thallus length from 2.5 to 3.8 cm, quality of agar from 9.98 to 26.52%, quality of agar viscosity of 43-90 cps, quality of agar gel strength of 49.0 to 80.4 g/cm2. The range of water quality during the study was 25-26°C for the temperature, water salinity was 25 ppt, pH 7.50 to 7.87, carbon 734.51 to 4754.12 ppm, nitrogen from 14.91 to 98.91 ppm, and phosphorus of water from 19.84 to 38.39 ppm.

Andi Rahmad Rahim*†, Endang Yuli Herawati, Happy Nursyam and Anik Martinah Hariati

Assessment of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Fibrous Self-Consolidating Concretes Using Ingredients of Plastic Wastes

This paper focuses on the experimental investigation carried out on self-consolidating concrete (SCC) reinforced with micro-steel fibre and hybrid fibres (combination of micro-steel fibre and recycled high density polyethylene fibre derived from municipal wastes). The physical properties of fresh and hardened concrete including flowability, setting time and durability, the mechanical properties, namely, compressive strength and flexural strength, and microstructural analysis were studied. Micro-steel fibre addition was seen to enhance the flowability of concrete than the non-fibrous and hybrid fibre reinforced concretes. The setting time of SCC mixtures prolonged with the addition of fibres into concrete mixtures. Hybrid fibre reinforced SCC mixtures have displayed reduction in drying shrinkage. The compressive and flexural strengths of the fibre reinforced concretes show a marginal reduction in strength when compared with the strength of unreinforced concrete. The results of the microstructure analysis clearly demonstrate that the hybrid fibres bond well with the cement matrix and stronger than the bonding between micro-steel fibres and cement matrix.

N. G. Ozerkan, D. D. G. Tokgoz, O. S. Kowita and S. J. Antony

The Comparison of Different Calculation Methods of Pollution Receiving Capacity for Jilin Province Huifa River

Huifa River is the largest tributary of the Second Songhua River. Songhua River Basin is the concentrated area of Northeast Old Industrial Base, and it is also the distribution area of major cities, bearing production task of national commodity grain. In recent years, with the rapid development of economy, the deterioration of water quality is serious and the water environment problem is becoming more and more outstanding, which have affected the sustainable development of the economic and social of Jilin province, so it is necessary to analyse and study the pollution receiving capacity of the river and control the water pollution source to protect the water environment and strengthen water resources protection. Based on one-dimensional water quality model, this paper use three kinds of different generalization methods, such as midpoint generalization, uniform generalization and sewage outfall barycenter generalization, to calculate pollution receiving capacity of the five sections of Huifa River, discussing the pollution receiving capacity of water function area based on different situations of sewage outfall generalization. The results show that: Annual pollution receiving capacity of COD and ammonia nitrogen of Huifa River are 34027.02 t/a and 2242.07 t/a respectively in the case of sewage outfall midpoint generalization; Annual pollution receiving capacity of COD and ammonia nitrogen of Huifa River are 33714.86t/a and 2222.49t/a respectively in the case of sewage outfall uniform generalization; Annual pollution receiving capacity of COD and ammonia nitrogen of Huifa River are 41701.09t/a and 2727.90t/a respectively in the case of sewage outfall barycenter generalization. The calculation results of pollution receiving capacity with midpoint generalization and uniform generalization are approximate, while the calculation result of sewage outfall barycenter generalization has some differences with the first two.

Yao Liwei and Men Baohui

Biofilters in Mitigation of Odour Pollution - A Review

Odour is one of the most complex problems of all the air pollution problems. Undesirable odours contribute to air quality concerns that affect human lifestyles and are considered a nuisance to the general public. This study presents the role of biofilters for the control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odorous substances. Biofilters absorb the odorous and noxious gases into a biofilm where it is biodegraded by microorganisms into simpler and less toxic compounds like carbon dioxide, water and salts and use the energy and nutrients to grow and reproduce. About 95 percent of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and 80 percent of ammonia (NH3) can be reduced by a well designed and managed biofilter. The mechanism of biofiltration depends on different factors viz., inlet gas concentration, empty bed residence time, bed height, type of media and these factors has a direct effect on the removal efficiency of a biofilter. Biofiltration, which has the ability to treat a broad spectrum of gaseous compounds has been regarded as a promising odour and gas treatment technology that is gaining acceptance in a number of industries and factories, being not only cost effective as compared to conventional techniques but are also environmental friendly.

Irfana Showqi, Farooq Ahmad Lone, Moieza Ashraf, Mohammad Aneesul Mehmood and Asmat Rashid

Arsenic Groundwater Remediation in South Asia and the Visionary Technologies for the Future

The world of environmental engineering science is moving from one paradigmatic challenge towards another. The paradigm of global water shortage is moving from one visionary and drastic challenges over another. Man’s vision, civilization’s prowess and the target of the provision of clean drinking water has urged human civilization to target new and innovative technologies. Arsenic and heavy metal groundwater contamination has evolved into a true emancipation of science and technology. Arsenic water pollution is the largest human disaster in this century. Environmental restrictions, environmental regulations and the urge of successful scientific endeavour are the need of the hour. Tools and environmental engineering innovations are gearing up for alleviating global water shortage. Human scientific research pursuit and the vision to excel has geared environmental engineering science to a new degree of awareness. The vision for the tomorrow is to gear towards a new dawn of environmental engineering techniques to alleviate this monstrous crisis. The incidence of this crisis is of monstrous proportion in South Asia and high concentrations of arsenic has emerged as a public health problem. The situation in the state of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh is grave. The contamination is due to both natural and anthropogenic sources. Concrete finding shows the vulnerability of the crisis. The study with deep comprehension focuses on the future perspectives of the world’s largest environmental crisis. The author delineates with cogent insight, the state of environment, and the paper presents an overview of the current scenario of arsenic contamination in across the globe with special emphasis on South Asia. Heavy metal groundwater contamination is a bane to human civilization and human endeavour. The author brings forward along with the present situation in severely affected countries in Asia such as India and Bangladesh. Along with these countries, recent instances from Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Cambodia etc. are presented. Challenges, barriers and catastrophes have urged the civil society to gear up for drastic and far-reaching challenges. Concrete findings suggest that the source of arsenic is geogenic. Arsenic is found in alluvial sediment of the Ganges Delta in India. This has led to much alarm and grave concern. Social isolation of the arsenic affected human beings, the society’s unmitigated concern and the future of disastrous challenges has urged the scientific community to surge and gear forward in innovations. The author with incisive insight delineates the remediation technologies, the visionary future of scientific research pursuit in groundwater remediation and the future of advancement of science.

Sukanchan Palit

Effects of Concentrations of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Oxyrrhis marina on the Feeding Behaviour of Oithona brevicornis

n order to explore possible development process of red tides caused by Prorocentrum donghaiense, effects of concentrations of P. donghaiense and Oxyrrhis marina on the feeding behaviour of Oithona brevicornis were investigated. The results showed that within the concentration range of P. donghaiense, 1.0~5.0×104 cells·mL-1, ingestion rates (IRs) and faecal pellet production rates (FPPRs) of O. brevicornis on P. donghaiense increased with increasing concentrations of P. donghaiense, the maximum IR and FPPR were 620 cells·ind-1·h-1 and 31.67 pellet·copepod-1·d-1, respectively. When the concentration of P. donghaiense was 10.0×104 cells·mL-1, the IR value decreased to 400 cells·ind-1·h-1 and the FPPR value decreased to 13.33 pellet·copepod-1·d-1, respectively. Within the concentration range of P. donghaiense, 1.0~10.0×104 cells·mL-1, filtration rates (FRs) of O. brevicornis decreased with increasing concentrations of P. donghaiense. The results also showed that O. brevicornis could ingest O. marina fed P. donghaiense, and within the concentration range of O. marina, IRs of O. brevicornis on O. marina increased with increasing concentrations of O. marina, while its FRs decreased, the maximum IR value and FR value were 300 cells·ind-1·h-1 and 0.23 ml·ind·h-1, respectively. Within the concentration range of O. marina, FPPRs of O. brevicornis increased with increasing concentrations of O. marina, the maximum FPPR was 21.67 pellet·copepod-1·d-1, and FPPRs had a good linear relationship with IRs. In this study, “Copepods-red tide algae” and “Copepods-protozoa-red tide algae” food chain models can provide references for the development process and regulating method of red tides caused by P. donghaiense.

Xinlong An, Xuemei Li and Zhixia Li

Analysis of Dynamic Leaching Test About Heavy Metals in Solidification Body of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash

A new method, Dynamic Leaching Test (DLT), was put forward to analyse the leaching behaviour and leaching mechanism of heavy metals in solidification body of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly Ash. In this study, two groups of solidification materials were used, one with ordinary Portland cement (C), and the other with slag-and-clinker (SC). In each solidification body, solidification material/(solidification material + MSWI fly ash) weight ratio was 25% and water/solid weight ratio was 0.3. After a 60-day curing period, DLT was applied to analyse the leaching behaviours and leaching mechanisms of lead and chromium in solidification body with a mathematical model based on Fick’s first law. The test results showed that most of lead and chromium were leached out during the initial stage (0~7d), and their leachability decreased greatly later. In the cement-based solidification body, the leaching behaviour of chromium is approximately consistent with Fick’s first law. The leaching of lead is a combination of diffusion and acid erosion mechanisms. In the slag and clinker-based solidification body, the leaching of lead is approximately consistent with Fick’s First law. The leaching of chromium is more complicated than simple diffusion or acid erosion, which indicated the need for further research.

Xinghua He

Effect of Drought Stress on Chlorophyll Content and Anti-oxidant Enzymes of Green Gram Genotypes (Vigna Radiata L.)

Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) Wilczek, chiefly grown as a post rainy season crop, faces water stress situation. A complex response, in terms of biochemical and molecular level is shown by plants, when exposed to drought, and depending on that, plants show differential adaptation and tolerance mechanisms. In the studied biochemical parameters, proline, catalase and peroxidase showed increased activity due to water stress and negatively correlated with seed yield and correlation was significant for catalase and peroxidase, while the total chlorophyll content decreased due to water stress and it was positively and significantly correlated with the seed yield. All the biochemical parameters recorded higher values in genotype WGG 37, whereas, lowest total chlorophyll and leaf proline were recorded in MGG 348 and lowest catalase and peroxidase activity in MGG 347. Highest seed yield was recorded by the genotype WGG 37 (1058.71 kg ha-1), followed by WGG 42 (1052.22 kg ha-1), while the lowest seed yield was recorded in MGG 348 (951.42 kg ha-1). Thus indicating the role of the biochemical parameters and total chlorophyll content in stress mitigation.

B. Rambabu, V. Padma, Ramesh Thatikunta and N. Sunil

Biomarkers Responses of Land Snails Helix aspersa Exposed to Chronic Metal Pollution under Field and Laboratory Conditions

The effects of exposure to metals under field and laboratory conditions were investigated in the terrestrial land snail Helix aspersa. In this study, terrestrial snails, collected from an uncontaminated site in Guelma city (North east of Algeria) and transplanted at the industrial zone of El hadjar contaminated by several heavy metals. On the other hand groups of Helix aspersa were exposed to increasing concentrations of industrial metal dust (100, 300 and 500µg/g of diet) for a total duration of 12 weeks. A battery of non-enzymatic biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and enzymatic biomarkers catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) were applied for the estimation of biochemical effects induced by the chronic exposure of snails to mixture of metal dust. Several responses have been revealed in digestive gland, serum and HLS. The results showed that CAT activity and MDA content were significantly higher in snails from the polluted site of El Hadjar and specimens exposed to high concentration of metal dust. In contrast GST activity and GSH level showed significant decrease in both transplanted and metal dust exposed snails. Therefore, our results showed the importance of H. aspersa as a sentinel organism for biomonitoring.

Amira Atailia, Houria Berrebbah, Mounir Boucenna, AmelAlayat, Rima Amamra, Nedjoud Grara and Mohamed Reda Djebar

Dissipation and Persistence of Propaquizafop in Soil, Plant and Rhizomes in Turmeric and its Effect on Soil Properties

Propaquizafop is a new graminicide herbicide recommended for control of grassy weeds in all dryland and ID crops. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2012 at the College Farm, ANGRAU, Hyderabad, on a Alfisol, to study the dissipation and persistence of varying doses of propaquizafop (25, 50, 62.5, 100 and 125g a.i/ha) in soil and turmeric. The influence of the herbicide on soil physical, physico-chemical and fertility properties was also assessed. Residues of the propaquizafop in soil and soybean were estimated on GC-ECD. Recovery of the herbicide in soil was 91.8-92.6%. In the rhizome and plant, the recovery was 88.6-92.1% and 93.6-93.8%, respectively. Limit of quantification was 0.01 mg/kg. No significant changes in physical (texture, bulk density, particle density, pore space, maximum water holding capacity), physico-chemical (pH, EC, CEC, organic carbon) and available nutrient status of the soil (available N, P2O5 and K2O) were noticed in any of the applied doses of the herbicide. Application of propaquizafop @62.5 g/ha resulted in highest bio-efficiency. Propaquizafop dissipation in soil followed a first-order decay process. Half-life of the herbicide in soil increased with increasing dose. At sub-optimal doses, 50.0 g/ha, residues of propaquizafop persisted in the soil upto 15 DAA, (days after application) with a half life (DT50) of 15.12 days. At the recommended dose (62.5 g/ha) half-life of propaquizafop was 17.67 days and residues reached below detectable limit (BDL) beyond 30 DAA. At doses above recommended level (100.0 and 125 g/ha), herbicide residues in the soil persisted for a longer period (45 and 60 DAA respectively) with DT50 of 21.29 and 29.36 DAA, respectively. No detectable residues of propaquizafop were detected in the turmeric rhizomes or plant at the time of harvest.

T. Ramprakash, M. Madhavi and M. Yakadri

Impact of Mountain Cropping Systems on Groundwater Quality and Soil Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh in India

The impact of the mountain cropping system on groundwater quality and soil heavy metal accumulation was studied in mid-hills of Solan and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh. To assess the impact of dominant cropping systems, the four commonly occurring systems, namely vegetable, fruit, cereal crop and agroforestry were selected in the area ranging from 800-1800m. Uncultivated land in the region was considered as control. In total, there were five treatments which were replicated six times under randomized block design. The study was conducted for two years, i.e. during 2014 and 2015. The study indicated that the mountain cropping systems varied significantly with respect to their impact on groundwater quality and soil heavy metal accumulation. The pH, electrical conductivity, chlorides, nitrates and sulphates in groundwater were within drinking water permissible limits prescribed by Bureau to Indian Standards (BIS). The concentration of zinc, arsenic and nickel in groundwater was also within drinking water critical limits prescribed by BIS but lead and cadmium exceeded the limits. The concentration of lead and cadmium ranged from 0.12 to 0.27 mg L-1 and 0 to 0.02 mg L-1, respectively, and followed similar crop system-wise trend, i.e. vegetable > fruit > agriculture > agroforestry > control. The soil accumulation of zinc, arsenic and nickel was within permissible limits prescribed by WHO but lead and cadmium violated the limits. Interestingly, soil accumulation of lead exceeded WHO permissible limits under all cropping systems, including the control. The accumulation of lead and cadmium in soil ranged from 0.16 to 0.44 mg kg-1 and 0.02 to 0.12 mg kg-1, respectively, and had a similar crop system-wise trend they had in groundwater. Therefore, to maintain the quality of the important natural resources like groundwater and soil in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, necessary steps need to be taken.

C. K. Ndungu and S. K. Bhardwaj

Adsorption of Dye in Aqueous Solution by the Waste Polymer Activated Carbon

The waste polymer activated carbon was prepared from tyre by NaOH activation, which was used for the adsorption of dye Direct Scarlet 4BS in aqueous solution. The influences of pH value, activated carbon dosage, adsorption time and reaction temperature on adsorption rate were discussed in details. It was shown that the activated carbon dosage, adsorption time and reaction temperature had an important effect on the removal of dye Direct Scarlet 4BS in aqueous solution. However, the removal of dye Direct Scarlet 4BS was little dependent on pH value in solution. At 0.6g of activated carbon, 60mg/L of initial dye concentration, 60min, 35°C and pH 4.0, the removal of dye Direct Scarlet 4BS reached 85.14%.

Li Han, Jiankang Liu, Xiaojie Lou, Muqing Qiu, Jiangping Song and Peng Li

The Strength Deformation and Microstructure Properties of Clay Contaminated by Landfill Leachate

In order to research the corrosive state of landfill liner system, which affected by landfill leachate, and explore its strength and microstructure properties, contacting reaction between landfill leachate and compacted clay landfill liner system was simulated. Then, clay samples of different layers were investigated by unconfined compressive testing, shear testing and static nitrogen adsorption testing. The results showed that corrosion degree of clay samples caused by landfill leachate increased with the decrease of deepness of clay. And the maximum unconfined compressive strength (UCS) decreased obviously along with the shear strength. The UCS at 10cm was 53.1% that of layer at 50cm and the shear strength was 40.4~62.4% at 10cm that of 50cm. The static nitrogen adsorption testing showed that the shape of clay particle was bottleneck like, and with the decrease of the depth of clay, there was a decrease in the number of micropores whose size was no smaller than 6nm. And the number of pores which was between 2nm and 5nm increased. In addition, there also appeared micropore which was smaller than 2nm. And the average pore size was decreased from 5.083nm at 50cm to 3.768nm at 10cm.

Qian Zhang, Haijun Lu, Yiqie Dong and Jixiang Li

Characterization and Synthesis of Chitosan-Silica Gel and Chitosan-Bentonite Composites for Adsorption of Heavy Metals

There are several ways to curtail the cost of wastewater treatment. This desire was fuelled in the current study of different composites prepared with modified chitosan by immobilization onto bentonite and silica gel and their characterization by using different sensitive techniques such as FTIR, SEM-EDS and TGA. The assessment of synthesized composites was done for its suitability as bioadsorbent characteristics. Silica gel chitosan composite showed peaks at 1082 cm-1, 1316 cm-1 3420 cm-1 and at 3614 cm-1. While, bentonite chitosan composite reveals major peak 1572 cm-1, 3648 cm-1, 3462 cm-1, 1650 cm-1 and 1001cm-1. SEM-EDS study showed their morphology, element composition that correlates the adsorption efficiency. However, TGA study showed their detailed study on thermal stability as more thermally stable compound which is the characteristic feature for adsorption and desorption phenomenon.

Sarita Joshi and R. K. Srivastava

Ligninolytic Enzymes Production and Decolorization Potential of Native Fungi Isolated from Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge

In this study, potential of 30 fungal strains isolated from pulp and paper mill sludge were assessed as biolignolytic microorganisms and their ability to produce ligninolytic enzymes viz., laccase (Lcc), lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), xylanase and cellulase using different chromogenic substrates. A total of eight fungi exhibited conspicuous halos with their respective substrate. The fungal isolates were found to be significantly different in qualitative enzyme production. Maximum enzyme activity for Lcc, MnP and LiP were 26.24, 8.5 and 12.99 U/mL exhibited by fungal isolates Trametes sp. (LDFD5), Nigrospora sp. (LDF00204) and Alternaria sp (LDFD4) on 10th and 13th day, respectively, by solid state fermentation (SSF). Conspicuous reduction in colour unit upto 75.29 % and 76.37 % were observed by fungal strain LDF00204 at 30°C temperature and pH 5 respectively. Results depicted that fungal isolate Nigrospora sp. LDF00204 (Accession No. KP732542) exhibited a relatively noble characteristic of having ligninolytic enzymes, is able to degrade lignin and its co-compounds efficiently, and thus it could be utilized for decolorization of pulp and paper mill effluent and also for bioremediation of alike pollutants.

Deepika Rajwar, Sarita Joshi and J.P.N. Rai

Effects of Low Carbon Biofuel Blends with Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) Oil Methyl Ester in a Single Cylinder CI Engine on CO2 Emission and other Performance and Emission Characteristics

The present study investigates the effects of various low carbon biofuels on CO2 emission and other performance and emission characteristics blended with Karanja oil methyl ester (KOME) in a single cylinder CI engine with a rated output of 5.2 KW at 1500 rpm. Carbon-di-oxide (CO2) emission is a major threat to the environment as it causes global warming. The constant depletion of fossil fuels over the years has changed the focus of researchers towards biofuels. The number of carbon atoms in the molecular structure and carbon to hydrogen ratio of biofuel is one of the major causes for the increase in CO2 emission. Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) oil is available in plenty in India, and hence it may replace conventional diesel fuel largely. However, KOME operated CI engine emits higher CO2 emission due to higher carbon content compared to diesel. Blending of low carbon biofuel with KOME reduces CO2 emission. Low carbon biofuels like Eucalyptus oil (EU), Pine oil (PO), Camphor oil (CMO) and Orange oil (ORG) were selected for this study and blended equally with KOME on volume basis. Performance, emission and combustion parameters for all the blends were tested at part and full load conditions and compared with neat diesel and neat KOME. CO2 emission was lesser for all the low carbon biofuel blends with KOME. Maximum reduction of 13% was observed with KOME-ORG blend compared to neat KOME and 6% reduction of CO2 emission for KOME-ORG blend compared to neat diesel at full load condition. A slight increase in brake thermal efficiency is observed for KOME-ORG compared to neat diesel and neat KOME with a slight increase in NO and CO emission at full load condition. With an increase in brake thermal efficiency and reduction in CO2 emission, equal blending of KOME-ORG is the best among the various blends tested, in terms of performance, emission and combustion parameters compared to neat diesel and neat KOME.

S. Thiyagarajan, V. Edwin Geo, Leenus Jesu Martin and B. Nagalingam

Effect of Oxidation on Fuel Characteristics of Palm Oil Biodiesel During Storage

The expected scarcity of petroleum supplies and the negative environmental consequences of fossil fuels have spurred the search for renewable and non-traditional energy sources and sustained conservation of fossil fuel. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines that can be produced from renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oil and animal fats. These feedstocks are with an alcohol to produce alkyl monoesters that can be used in conventional diesel engines with little or no modification. Previous research has shown that biodiesel fuelled engines produce less carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions compared to diesel fuel. One drawback of biodiesel is that it is more prone to oxidation than petroleum-based diesel fuel. During long term storage, oxidation due to contact with air (auto-oxidation) presents a legitimate concern with respect to maintaining fuel quality of biodiesel. This work reported the results of the study of oxidation on the physico-chemical properties of biodiesel produced from Palm oil (Elaeis guinensis Jacq) and its blend with diesel through the different period of storage life. This oxidation results in increase in kinematic viscosity, relative density and acid value. While the flash and fire point and calorific value are decreased as oxidation proceeds.

S. Nandi, J. Singh and T.P. Singh

Effect of Ventilation Modes on Production and Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds During Sewage Sludge Composting

To investigate the relationship between ventilation modes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) production and emission properties during sludge composting, two trials were conducted with different ventilation modes, the large ventilation rate for a short ventilation time (T1) and the small ventilation rate for a long ventilation time (T2). The VOCs were qualitatively and quantitatively monitored by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results show that, the mass concentration of VOCs produced and emitted in the composting process of T2 is significantly higher than that of T1, the total VOC mass concentration of T1 and T2 during sewage sludge composting were 34052.0 µg·m-3 and 48476.6 µg·m-3, respectively. Total VOCs (TVOCs) emission concentration is 710.8 µg·m-3 and 1790.8 µg·m-3, respectively. Compared with the production of TVOCs, the emission of T1 and T2 were reduced by 97.9% and 97.9% respectively; the main VOCs components produced by two treatments are different, for T1, the production of olefin is the largest, accounting for 76.43% of the TVOCs. T2 produces the largest amount of oxygen-containing organic plant-based VOCs, accounting for 89.23% of the TVOCs. VOCs emission of two treatments during sewage sludge composting have the maximum concentration of oxygen-containing organic plant-based VOCs. The maximum ozone generation potential of TVOCs produced by T1 is higher than that of T2, while the maximum ozone generation potential of TVOCs emitted by T1 is lower than that of T2, in the process from produce to emission, the TVOCs maximum ozone generating potential of T1 and T2 were reduced by 99.2% and 96.1%, respectively. In order to control the secondary pollution to the environment caused by the emission of VOCs during the sludge composting, the ventilation mode of T1 is recommended.

Chuang Ma, Pei-pei Su, Ji-Hong Zhao, Hong-Zhong Zhang and Ming-Bao Wei

Preparation of Adsorbent CeO2-TiO2 and Enhanced Adsorptive Removal of Tetracycline

In order to enhance the adsorption performance of TiO2, CeO2 was tentatively introduced into the matrix of TiO2 by sol-gel method. The prepared adsorbent CeO2-TiO2 was used for the efficient adsorptive removal of antibiotics tetracycline (TC). It was observed that the introduction of CeO2 into TiO2 matrix has improved the removal efficiency of TC by 57.6% compared to pure TiO2. The uptake of TC was highly dependent on the solution pH conditions and the highest uptake of TC occurred under alkaline condition. Linear simulation method failed to discern which kinetic model was better to describe the kinetic data between pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. By nonlinear simulation, Elovich kinetic model was found to be the best model to describe the TC adsorption onto CeO2-TiO2, indicating that the pronounced diffusion-control process was the rate-determining step. The maximal adsorption capacity of the prepared sorbent was 59.3 mg/g using Langmuir isotherm model at 298 K. The uptake of TC increased with an increase in the reaction temperature, which demonstrates that the adsorption of TC was endothermic.

Lingfeng Zhu, Yixue He, Yujie Guo, Xi Chen and Guoting Li

Modelling of the Joint Toxicity of Heavy Metals (Ni2+, Co2+, Cr3+ and Pb2+) on Photobacteria Based on the Factorial Experiment (24)

The joint toxicity of heavy metals (Ni2+, Co2+, Cr3+, Pb2+) and trends in toxicity were analysed by multiple linear regression and back propagation-artificial neural network models, using photobacteria as an indication organism in factorial experiments. The joint toxicity of Ni2+, Co2+, Cr3+ and Pb2+ mainly occurs through multiple interactions. Interactions between Ni2+, Co2+ and Cr3+ weaken the single toxicity and binary interaction of Pb2+. Binary or quaternary heavy metal mixtures exert mainly antagonistic effects, while ternary interactions are mainly synergistic. Increased concentrations of Pb2+, Cr3+ and Ni2+ corresponded with increased toxicity of the mixed system, but Co2+ showed the opposite trend. The toxic effects of the mixed system were greatest with high Cr3+ concentration, while Pb2+ exerted the smallest effect.

Meiling Xin, Lan Wang and Yu Li

A Long-term Study of a Lava Rock-based Biofilter for Hydrogen Sulfide, Ammonia and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Treatment at a Wastewater Treatment Facility

Biofiltration is a sustainable technology in the US that utilizes microorganisms to biodegrade harmful airborne contaminants. Biofiltration can not only be more cost effective, but also more environmentally friendly than traditional technologies such as thermal oxidation and chemical scrubbing. The objective of this study was to follow the long-term operation of a lava rock-based biofilter for odour control at a wastewater treatment plant. The biofilter has operated well for over 14 years that we have followed the system. After 14 years of operation there are no visible signs of fungal growth or solid support breakdown. VOCs were removed at a rate of nearly 81% while ammonia and hydrogen sulfide removal was found to be almost 90% and 98%, respectively. This study demonstrates that lava rock can be used for a solid support media in wastewater treatment applications with excellent removal efficiencies, while maintaining its structural integrity over a decade or more of continuous use. This is the first study that has followed a biofilter operation for 14 years. When considering biofiltration as an odour treatment option, one should consider lava rock as a solid support option. The initial capital investment can be saved several times over by using a solid support that is able to hold-up over the years without replacement. Thus, it is practical to consider solid support materials that appear to have a larger capital cost when one considers a long media life expectancy and payback over decades.

G. T. Kleinheinz† and B. M. Langolf

Vegetation Dynamics in Plantation Sites of Collieries

Mining operation exerts long lasting effects on the ecosystem and environment. The key impact includes deforestation, degeneration and degradation of natural resources, environmental pollution, health risk, ecological and socio-ecological instabilities. The magnitude of impact depends on the methods, scale and mining activity concentration, technological interventions etc. The study was carried out in three plantation sites to evaluate the floristic structure, composition, diversity and litter biomass. In different sites a total of 4 tree species, 5 sapling species, 18 seedling species and 7 shrub species were found. A total of 440 trees ha-1 were encountered in eucalyptus plantation, 480 trees ha-1 in teak plantation and 960 trees ha-1 in mixed plantation. The total density of saplings, seedlings and shrubs ranged from 60-860 saplings ha-1, 2400-8960 seedlings ha-1 and 240-960 shrubs ha-1, respectively, across the sites. The total litter biomass varied from 1.98-4.01 t ha-1, being lowest at teak plantation and highest under eucalyptus plantation. The mining activities resulted in an appreciable damage to natural vegetation and its dynamics. A long term strategy is essential for restoration and conservation of the fragile ecosystem of collieries.

Anup Kumar, M. K. Jhariya and D. K. Yadav

High Temperature Tolerant Genotypes of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Finger millet varieties grown by farmers can grow and sustain well up to a temperature maximum of 36°C. However, increase in temperature above these limits has a drastic effect on production and leads to crop failure. The aim of the study is to screen and evaluate existing variation among distant genotypes with respect to high temperature stress tolerance. Screening involved, 422 germplasm accessions of finger millet that were evaluated under field condition. Kharif sown accessions were considered as standard control, which performed normal in all stages of plant growth, reproductive and seed development stages under a temperature range of 28°C to 32°C. Whereas, summer sown accessions, which were subjected to high temperature stress (upto 42°C to 44°C), with lower rainfall pattern, severely affected plant growth and development. Prominent traits such as plant height, chlorophyll content, number of branches, ear head length, finger length, grain size and grain yield were significantly reduced in summer grown accessions in comparison to Kharif crop. Only 133 accessions out of 422 could reach flowering stage and 289 accessions failed to flower in higher temperatures of summer. However, few genotypes which exhibited better tolerance against high temperature of summer are recorded and further carried over to breeding stress tolerant programme.

L. N. Yogeesh, A. B. Naryanareddy, Y. A. Nanjareddy and M. V. Channabyre Gowda

Effect of Solution pH on the Kinetic Adsorption of Methylene Blue by Sugarcane Bagasse Biochar Under a Magnetic Field

Sugarcane bagasse, an agricultural waste biomass was used to prepare biochar by pyrolyzing the biomass under oxygen-limited conditions. The prepared biochar was used for the adsorptive removal of a cationic dye methylene blue (MB) under a magnetic field. It was found that the existence of the external magnetic field had significantly enhanced the uptake of MB onto the bagasse biochar. The increased biochar dosage actually declined the uptake of MB while the effect of the magnetic field was still significant. The adsorption kinetics was investigated under different solution pH conditions. The experimental data were simulated using non-linear pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich kinetic models. The Elovich kinetic model was found to be more suitable to describe the adsorption kinetics. This indicates that the adsorption of MB onto BC400 is a chemisorption process in which the rate-determining step is diffusion in nature. The uptake of MB is mainly attributed to the p-p electron-donor-acceptor interaction and electrostatic attraction.

Xiao Mi, Yujie Guo, Chunyu Zhang, Li Wang, Shen Zhang, Bobo Zou, Zejie Wang and Guoting Li

The Spatio-temporal Changes and Driving Factors of the Wetlands in Madoi, China

The first county along the Yellow river, Madoi is the key region of the state natural protective source regions of Yangtze River, Lantsang River and Yellow River, its eco-environment and function in widespread attention. In support of the hardware and software system, based on GIS and remote sensing technology, this paper combined field investigation and laboratory analysis. Around 1990, 2000 and 2010, ten-phase remote sensing images are interpreted, and it is continuously monitored that Madoi wetlands have changed in the 20 years. Using wetland interpretation results and the area of the wetland types transfer matrix, it evaluates the changes of wetland area in the 20 years. With the meteorological and statistical data, this paper discussed the reason of the wetland changing in recent 20 years. The results of remote sensing monitoring and field investigation show that the overall trend of the wetland area changing increased after the first reducing in three times. In the first 10 years, swamp changes were the largest, followed by lakes and rivers; in the next 10 years, lake changes were the largest, followed by swamps and rivers. Natural factors which resulted in wetland changes of Madoi are climate changes, the permafrost environment changes, rodent rampant; man-made factors are overgrazing, irrational mining, fishing, hunting and development of tourism.

Q. G. Liu

Techno-Economic Assessment of Full Scale MBBRs Treating Municipal Wastewater Followed by Different Tertiary Treatment Strategies: A Case Study from India

The moving bed bioreactors (MBBRs) systems have been reported as sustainable treatment systems for municipal as well as industrial wastewaters in developing countries. However, the inability of the MBBR process to meet the current disposal standards has given enough stimulation for ensuing appropriate tertiary treatment. This study was aimed to techno-economic evaluation of different tertiary treatment strategies (physico-chemical processes) of three full-scale moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) systems to make it justifiable for environmental protection, resource preservation and recovering maximum resources. The combination of the MBBR and tertiary treatment enhanced the performance of the overall treatment process and the COD removal efficacy of the whole treatment system reached upto 96%. The approximate cost of the treatment and specific power consumption was analyzed as Rs. 12.50 (± 20%) and 0.6 (±20%) kWh/m3 respectively, as depending on the terrain, drive, electricity cost and area classification. Average land requirement was estimated as ~180 m2 (±20%) and pollutant removal efficiencies were noted as ~95% (±3%). This conceptual approach allows a direct up scaling of small scale wastewater treatment plants and explores the reusability potential of treated effluent of this kind of system.

Nitin Kumar Singh, Pankaj Banyal and Absar Ahmad Kazmi

Avian Diversity: Environmental Health Index of Kurukshetra University

A three year study on avian diversity and environmental health index was conducted in Kurukshetra University campus. The topography, flora and bird fauna was observed during the study period. University campus embodies diverse types of habitats including forest area, crop land, orchid, garden, marsh areas, urban and rural habitat with 40 acres of land as natural forest having endemic plants and tall trees. Total 72 bird species reported from campus belong to 14 different orders and 41 families. The bird fauna observed includes, Myna, Sparrow, Crow, Robin, Drongo, Tailorbird, Babbler, Sunbird, Green Bee-eater, Wagtail, Bulbul, Munia, Chiffchaff, Baya Weaver, Woodpecker, Barbet, Dove, Green Pigeon, Parrot, Peafowl, Koel, Cuckoo, Hawk, Darter, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Hornbill, Lapwing, Stone Curlew, Cattle Egret, Waterhen, Moorhen, Kite and Shikra etc. To conserve the rich avian fauna of the campus, specific habitats need to be protected and awareness drive signifying the importance of avian fauna should be launched.

M. B. Sharma, R. K. Sharma and A. K. Goyal

Developing a Conceptual Framework on Ecopreneurs and Sustainability Using ISM and MICMAC Methodology

This paper explores the establishment of relationships between sustainability and ecopreneurship. The researchers have done a systematic literature review which is considered as a base for deriving the Interpretative Structural Model (ISM) and further MICMAC analysis is used to examine the driving power and dependence power of the variables. ISM is an approach which drives the researchers to study various aspects and relate variables. It highlights the important variables which have been arrived at, based on a systematic literature review, coupled with the interrelationship between the varied elements of the concept of ecopreneurship and sustainability. A conceptual framework has been developed to evoke debate and provide directions for future research. The framework proposed in this paper can be utilized to develop strategies toward sustainable development which are focused, practical and effective. A strong link is identified between entrepreneurialism and environmentalism.

Nehajoan Panackal, Archana Singh and Adya Sharma

Genomic Biomarker Approaches in Environmental Monitoring Processes - A Review

Sufficient knowledge on the effects of pollutants at different levels of biological organization in an aquatic environment is needed for the reliable environmental risk assessment of pollutants, or hazard identification of environmental contaminants/pollutants. Biochemical biomarkers have been considered as the most promising tool for monitoring the early damages caused by pollutants to aquatic organisms, either at acute or sub-acute levels. These biomarkers of early chemical exposure can aid in avoiding further chemical exposure and those specific biomarkers may help to minimize further damage to the environment. In addition to assessing the presence or absence of an exposure or effect, ability to quantify the exposure and dose-response in some way would be useful for risk assessment. New approaches are needed for environmental risk assessment to catch up with the backlog of contaminants and keep pace with the increasing surge of new potential risks. These biomarkers provide us the confidence of accurate prediction to employ suitable prevention processes. Thus, it can be considered as an ounce of pollution prevention that can be worth a pound of waste treatment. An attempt has been made in this review to describe the importance of biomarker research and exploring the possibility of employing suitable new molecular approaches to protect and preserve the health of the environment.

Rajam Chidambaram

Research on Removing Hydrogen Sulphide Based on Different Types of Activated Carbon

The removal of hydrogen sulphide by using the activated carbon method is introduced in this paper. The desulphurization efficiency of desulphurizer is researched for different kinds of activated carbon under laboratory conditions. It focuses on the research of the removal efficiency of hydrogen sulphide by granular activated carbon, renewable granular activated carbon, granular activated carbon containing manganese dioxide and powdered activated carbon. The best type of activated carbon removing hydrogen sulphide has been obtained on this basis. The results of the studies show that the processing efficiency of granular activated carbon is far better than that of regeneration. The more the number of regeneration, the worse the desulphurization efficiency. The best activated carbon of desulphurization efficiency is the powdered activated carbon in the experiment. After the addition of manganese dioxide in granular activated carbon, the desulphurization efficiency could not be improved. It is clear that manganese dioxide does not play any role.

Jihong Zhou, Yamin Wen and Letao Zhang

Quality Assessment and Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Groundwater from Coal Bearing Aquifer in Sunan Coal Mine, Anhui Province, China

Major ion concentrations were analysed for twenty eight groundwater samples collected from coal bearing aquifer in Sunan coal-mining area, Anhui Province, China. The conventional graphical and multivariate statistical approaches were used to discuss the geochemical characteristics, ions source and hydrogeochemical process of groundwater. Moreover, the applicability of groundwater is also evaluated based on a series of indexes. The results showed that the groundwater samples are mainly featured alkaline in nature, with the high value of TDS ranging from 860 to 5431 mg/L. The concentration of Cl- is low comparing with the concentrations of SO42- and HCO3-, otherwise, the cations are mainly composed of Na++K+ and Ca2+. Therefore, the hydrochemical types of groundwater samples are mainly divided into Na-HCO3 and Na-SO4 types. The dissolution of dolomite, evaporation and weathering of feldspar are the main hydro-geochemical processes, which contribute most ions to groundwater. The groundwater samples could not meet the demand of drinking water, comparing with the standard of WHO. Especially, all the groundwater samples are sealed for irrigation, with the higher values of RSC and SAR.

Song Chen and Herong Gui

Feasibility Study of Seaweed (Kapaphycus alvarezii) Mariculture Using Geographic Information System in Hading Bay, East Flores Indonesia

The objectives of the study were to analyze the water ecology and its support capability and to determine the best site for continuous seaweed mariculture in Hading Bay of East Flores Regency. The study used descriptive method. It was conducted in Hading Bay, Lewolema District, and East Flores Regency in March 2015. Data analysis was done using Geographic Information System (GIS) based on area suitability value, and the method applied in the mariculture was long line method. Total Hading Bay water territory was 864,676 ha. Site A was135,345 ha, site B was 474,222 ha and site C was 255,108 ha. Area with S1 category was 729,331 ha extended in Site B and C. Area with S2 category was 135,345 ha as extended in Site A. Water territory support capability was 778,208 ha. The number of seaweed mariculture units was 194,552 and seaweed territory capacity was 99%. Hading Bay waters have the capacity and area support capability for K. alvarezii seaweed mariculture site. Site A was categorized S2 on suitability class and site B and C were categorized S1 on suitability class. The results showed different quality of water territory in those three sites was not significant and still in normal range of K. alvarezii seaweed mariculture development.

B. Semedi, D. K. da Costa and Mohammad Mahmudi

Different Size Aggregates of Stone Quarry Products and Airborne Particles around a Facility in Akure, Southwestern Nigeria: Radioactivity Concentrations, Radiological Hazard and Dose Assessment

This study sets out to verify the hypothesis that size aggregate of quarry rock particles affects the radiation doses. Samples of freshly and previously crushed finished stone dust of different aggregate size were collected in the factory and airborne dusts were collected around quarry facility during October, 2014 to September, 2015. The activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th in samples were determined by gamma ray spectrometry. The average mean activity concentrations in fresh samples for 238U, 232Th and 40K were 35.56±5.67, 42.41±5.66 and 1164.17±16.33 Bq/kg respectively. Meanwhile, those of previous samples were 29.93±6.09, 44.87±5.73 and 1087.94±15.87 Bq/kg for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively. The radium equivalent values for the stone dust samples in this work are higher than the accepted safe limit of 370 Bq/kg . The committed effective dose via inhalation of dust ranged from 0.450 to 0.471 µSv. It was concluded that prolong inhalation of dust in the area could pose health risk to individual.

Emmanuel Gbenga Olumayede, Kehinde O Sodeinde, Christopher O Akintade and Bamidele Odunayo Emmanuel, Ayodele Akintoye*** and Olabode Oladunjoye Peter

The Influence of the Coexisting Anions on the Adsorption of Perchlorate from Water by the Modified Orange Peels

Activated carbons obtained from agricultural by-products have the some advantage like efficiency and low cost, if they are compared with non-renewable coal-based granular activated carbons. The abundance and availability of agricultural by-products make them good sources of raw materials for activated carbon production. The modified orange peels were prepared from orange peels by the chemical activation. The effect of pH value and coexisting anions (NO3-, SO42- and PO43-) were discussed in detail. Furthermore, adsorption isotherm for adsorption of ClO4- ions on the modified orange peels was studied. The experimental results showed that the values of pH and coexisting anions have an important influence on the adsorption of ClO4- ions by the modified orange peels. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm model was suitable for the ClO4- ions in solution. The adsorption process of ClO4- ions in solution by the modified orange peels is not uniform.

Muqing Qiu, Chunxia Hu, Anyu Mei and Xiaojie Lou

Algal Studies in a Polluted Site of Krishna River at Wai, Maharashtra (India)

Krishna River is one of the 14 major rivers of India, which originates from Mahabaleshwar and flows all across southwestern Maharashtra covering several important towns like Wai, Satara, Karad and Sangli. The present study was made in the Krishna River at two sites, mainly Eksar and Wai. The Eksar site is before entering of the river at Wai. The Wai is holy city and comparatively a polluted city due to religious and cultural activities. The purpose of taking Eksar site was mainly for comparison purpose. A total number of 42 species was recorded in the Krishna River belonging to four major classes, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Algal species recorded at Wai are highly tolerant to organic pollution, while the species obtained in the untainted section before water enters in Wai have comparatively several sensitive species. This indicates that the water is non-polluted or relatively less polluted at Eksar. The Palmer’s algal index shows very low organic pollutants at Eksar and probable organic pollution at Wai. Shannon’s diversity index reveals that the human activity at Wai has made the river highly polluted, which at a glance looks like of no direct use. Simpson’s index is used to assess the dominance of algal species. According to the Simpson’s index, species are not evenly distributed in both the sites. Environmental Gini index also shows the Wai as comparatively a polluted site.

Bhagyashri U. Jadhav, S. S. Sathe and P. K. Goel

Assessing the Ability of Populus sp. Sawdust in Removal of Heavy Metals Pb(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III) from Wastewaters

In this paper we study the ion adsorption of heavy metals Pb(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III) from wastewaters by poplar tree (Populus sp.) sawdust. For this purpose, first the wastewaters containing heavy metals were prepared in laboratory, and then by adding the sawdust to the medium, the ion adsorption by the particles of sawdust were investigated in different pH, contact times, and concentrations in wastewater. Our findings showed that with the increase of the pH value of synthetic wastewater, ion adsorption by sawdust particles was increased where in pH=5, it reached its maximum value. The highest rate of adsorption was observed in 200 mg/L concentration. Also, the adsorption rate was dependent on the type of metal. According to obtained results, the increase in the contact time raises the ion adsorption where the optimal contact time was 90 min.

Naghi Jadidi and Mohsen Motavassel

Effects of Peat and Mushroom Residues on Removing Ammonia-Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus in Wastewater

Peat and mushroom residues were selected for adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics experiments and to comparatively discuss the effects of removing ammonia-nitrogen and the total phosphorus in wastewater. The results showed that the peat and mushroom residues for removing ammonia-nitrogen and the total phosphorus followed the Freundlich and Langmuir equations of the adsorption isotherm. By using a fitting equation, we obtained the static adsorption quantities of ammonia-nitrogen, which were 2.3679 mg/g and 2.1643 mg/g, and the static adsorption quantities of total phosphorus were 1.4363 mg/g and 1.3758 mg/g. A first-order kinetics equation was used to fit the reaction process of the two-substrate adsorption of ammonia-nitrogen and the total phosphorus. The correlation coefficients were all desirably above 0.990. Furthermore, the adsorption rates of ammonia-nitrogen were 0.0088 g/(mg·min) and 0.0084 g/(mg·min), and the adsorption rates of the total phosphorus were 0.001 g/(mg·min) and 0.0006 g/(mg·min). In a simulation of the soil percolation system, a volume ratio of 10% peat and 10% mushroom residues with different sizes of 0.5, 2 and 4 mm were mixed with the soil in different treatments (T1-T6), and the control group was the soil (CK). The concentration of ammonia-nitrogen in the wastewater was 54.45-78.96 mg/L, and the hydraulic loading was 0.08 m3/(m2·d). The performance of seven types of experimental devices for removing ammonia-nitrogen in the wastewater was T2 > T3 > T1 > T6 > T5 > T4 > CK. The average concentration of ammonia-nitrogen in the effluent water was 65.58 mg/L, and the removal rate of ammonia-nitrogen and the total phosphorus reached 88.04-95.32% and 89.23-97.08%, respectively, which satisfied the additional minimum UWTD treatment performance for a discharge to a sensitive area.

Qi Na, Sun Xiangyang, Qin Xinhui and Yu Zhou

Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Biomass and Carbon Storage in Forest Vegetation in Chongqing Based on RS and GIS

Research on the spatial distribution characteristics of carbon storage in forest vegetation not only facilitates the study of carbon sink and ecological compensation of the forest ecosystem, but also provides basic data for recovering and reconstructing the forest ecosystem and increasing the carbon sink. In this study, remote sensing images of Landsat TM (August) in 2011 and a large amount of actual surveyed data of the sample plots were used as the main and supplementary data sources, respectively. Chongqing was selected as the study site to quantitatively estimate the biomass, carbon storage, and carbon density of forest vegetation based on the biomass-remote sensing (RS) geoscientific data regression model with the aid of RS and GIS techniques. With the spatial analysis function of ArcGIS, factors affecting the geographic distribution of biomass were investigated from a macroscopic perspective, and the geographical distribution pattern characteristics of biomass in the study area were quantitatively discussed. Results showed that the total aboveground biomass of Chongqing is 2.83×108 t, and that of the forest ecosystem is 1.39×108 t. Biomass was mainly distributed in northeast and southeast Chongqing, and the overall distribution pattern was high in the east and low in the west. Forest vegetation and biomass were mainly distributed in mid-high altitudes with steep slopes. Despite the results of this biomass and carbon storage study using RS in Chongqing, further research based on the carbon cycle is needed.

Qiannan Liu, Zhiyun Ouyang, Ainong Li and Weihua Xu

Effect of Roadside Forest Belts on Particles Including TSP, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 under Different Seasons in Beijing, China

Analysing the rules of forests for PM2.5 is important given the serious damage caused by air pollution today. Differently sized particle concentrations were measured in the Poplar shelterbelt. The poplar shelterbelt along the Fifth Ring Road near the South Park of the Beijing Olympic Forest Park was selected as a research object, and six monitoring sites were set from the roadside through to the woodland centre. The particle concentrations were monitored from April to December 2013. A handheld DustMate dust monitor (Turnkey Instruments, UK) was used to measure the concentrations. The differently sized particle concentrations were compared inside and outside the forest. The order of the average concentrations of total suspended particulate (TSP) and PM10 were as follows: outside the forest > within the forest > outside the forest. The average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM1 were as follows: outside the forest > outside the forest > within the forest. The concentrations of TSP and PM10 decreased, then increased, and finally declined all the way from the edge on the side of the road to the edge on the side of the park. The trough of the concentration curve was detected near the monitoring site 3F, and the concentrations of TSP and PM10 declined outside the forest on the park side. The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM1 decreased, then increased, and then further decreased. The trough was first recorded around the monitoring site 18F, and the concentration increased outside the forest on the park side.

Shengzhuo Hua, Xin Cai, Fengbin Sun and Xinxiao Yu

Analysis on Haze Pollution and Legal Regulations in China based on Controlling Industrial Waste Gas Emission

This paper utilizes the emission data of four kinds of waste gas which are closely linked with haze pollution from 2012 to 2013 in China (total emission of industrial sulphur dioxide, industrial smoke dust, industrial dust, and industrial waste gas) and analyses the fluctuation of industrial waste gas emission within the period, as well as the differences in spatial distribution in the 31 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions to understand the correlations between waste gas emission and the degree of haze pollution and between the industrial development levels of different provinces and haze pollution during the industrial development in China. The studies indicate that haze pollution is mainly caused by industrial waste gas discharge resulting from unreasonable industrial energy consumption structure. The yearly emission of industrial waste gas increases nearly five times greater in 2013 than in 2000. However, the emission of industrial smoke, dust, and industrial dust yearly decline, thereby reducing haze pollution. The emission of industrial sulphur dioxide slightly fluctuates, negatively affecting haze pollution reduction. The unequal development of Chinese industrial regions causes unequal haze pollution in regions. The provinces with a substantial share of heavy industry in economics have more serious haze pollution. This research improved our understanding of the correlation between waste gas discharged by industries and haze pollution. The conclusions obtained in this study can be used to explore energy conservation and emission reduction in industrial manufacturing to reduce haze pollution and guide the outline of specific legal regulations in controlling haze pollution.

Ting Zhang and Feng Xiao

Factors Influencing PM2.5 and the Governance Strategies in Jiangsu, China

Haze has impaired the order of public health as well as normal social and economic development. To analyse the factors influencing PM2.5 in Jiangsu province and propose specific governance strategies based on time-series data in Jiangsu from 2000 to 2014, this study identified five factors that cause haze pollution in Jiangsu. A multiple linear regression model was adopted to quantitatively measure the degrees of the effect of these factors and their significance levels. Specific measures that govern haze from the perspective of factors with significant influence were proposed. Findings show that the extensive economic growth mode, the sustainable growth of car ownership, heavy consumption of coal, the large amount of exhaust emissions in industrial production, and the large amount of dusts generated by urbanization construction are the five major factors that influence the frequency of haze PM2.5 weather in Jiangsu. Car ownership, generation of dust by housing construction, and emission of industrial exhaust significantly influence the frequency of PM2.5 weather. The regression coefficients of the three independent variables were positive and effective at the 5% significance level, and the growths of the three independent variables per unit increase haze weather by 0.457, 0.248, and 0.114, respectively. The findings of this study provide effective policy suggestions for analysing the factors that influence haze weather, adopting specific governance measures for the haze problem, and implementing environmental protection measures in Jiangsu.

Leiming Fu, Ming Yang and Yifei Chen

Spatial Overflow Effect of Haze Pollution in China and Its Influencing Factors

The influencing factors of haze pollution aggravation were explored to further analyse the spatial distribution and overflow effect of haze pollution in China. The global Moran’s I of haze pollution distribution was estimated based on the panel data of 30 provinces (including cities and municipalities) in China from 2003 to 2013, and the spatial autocorrelation of haze pollution in these 30 provinces was analysed. An index system of social and economic variables that influence haze pollution in China, which covers economy, population and policy, was established. Subsequently, the spatial correlation of haze pollution in China and its corresponding influencing factors were explored based on the extreme bounds analysis model. An empirical study was then conducted, which found that the global Moran’s I fluctuated between 0.4 and 0.5 and achieved a 1% significance level, thereby indicating that haze pollution demonstrated strong spatial correlation. The robustness testing coefficient of the overflow effect (r) is relatively large, which shows that haze pollution exhibits a robust spatial overflow effect. Haze pollution in one region is frequently significantly influenced by haze pollution in adjacent regions. Haze concentration occurs in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta and mid-east regions. Industrial structure, energy consumption structure, urban construction architecture, population dimension and car ownership have an anti-interference robustness effect on haze pollution. Conclusions of this study are not only significant for understanding the spatial distribution and spatial overflow effect of haze pollution in China and for identifying its main influencing factors, but can also provide references for the government to formulate haze control policies and enhance joint control of haze-affected regions.

Kangkang Cheng

Spatial Distribution, Ecological Risk Assessment and Source Identification for Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments from Tangxun Lake, Wuhan, Central China

The nutrient and heavy metal contents of sediments in the largest urban lake in Wuhan City in China are determined through a detailed analysis of the present condition of Tangxun Lake pollution. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) contents in vertical change are experimentally analysed by using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index to evaluate the heavy metal pollution in Tangxun Lake. Results reveal that the nutrient content in the surface sediment of Tangxun Lake decreases as depth increases. The maximum concentrations of TN and TP in the surface layer reach 0 cm to 6 cm in depth, and different pollution levels of heavy metals are detected in the sediments. The heavy metal contents along the vertical direction are similar, and the degree of pollution exhibits the following order: Cd > As > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb. The potential ecological harm index is evaluated, and the following ecological risk degree of heavy metals is obtained: Cd > As > Pb > Cu > Cr > Zn. Multivariate statistical analyses suggest that Pb, Cu, Cr, and Zn are mainly from natural sources, Cd and As are from anthropogenic sources, and TN and TP are from urban sewage and fisheries. This study provides significant insights into the pollution treatment of Tangxun Lake in China.

Shaolin Zhao, Ye Li, Dongbin Liu, Bo Li, Huafeng Xiao, Wei Cheng, Ang Li and Joel Chong

Water-use Efficiency of Typical Afforestation Tree Species in Liaoning, P.R. China and Their Response to Environmental Factors

This study aimed to make a reasonable use of forests in Liaoning province. By using C-isotope (leaf d13C value) as an index for long-term water-use efficiency (WUE), we evaluated the WUE of three typical afforestation tree species, namely, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, Pinus tabulaeformis, and Quercus mongolica. We then determined their response to environmental factors, such as annual average precipitation, annual average air temperature, altitude, and soil nutrient. Results of linear regression analysis indicate that (1) the d13C values of the three tree species were -30.37‰ to -23.51‰, and the d13C values in their leaves decreased with the longitudes. (2) The d13C values in the leaves of the three tree species were significantly influenced by the annual average precipitation and altitude, i.e., the d13C values decreased significantly with the annual average precipitation and increased with altitude, although the d13C values in their leaves were less influenced by the annual average air temperature. (3) Except soil nutrients, such as calcium contents, which showed no obvious relationship with d13C of Q. mongolica, P. sylvestris and P. tabulaeformis were significantly affected by soil nutrients. This work was the first to investigate the WUE of the three tree species mentioned above. This study also explored the main factors influencing WUE. Overall, our findings may facilitate future scientific studies on WUE based on d13C, and these studies will be beneficial to environmental protection.

Jinghao Li, Jifeng Deng, Yongbin Zhou, You Yin, Yawei Wei, Yanli Jing and Ruohan Zhang

Analysis on the Current Status and Regulatory Measures of Water Pollution in the Xiang River Basin of China

Water pollution in the Xiang River Basin of China is exacerbated by continuous population growth, rapid economic development, and accelerating urbanization. Abundant pollutants from various sources significantly degrade the basin’s water quality. The degradation of water quality influences the economic and social development in urban agglomeration along the basin. To analyse the current status and explore appropriate regulatory measures of water pollution in the Xiang River Basin of China, this paper discusses causes, current status and variations of water pollution in the Xiang River Basin based on the 2002-2015 statistical data of urban agglomeration and environmental pollution in the basin. Results demonstrated that the Xiang River basin is moderately polluted. The majority of the basin’s water bodies are polluted at the III-level. Approximately 70% of total pollution in the basin is contributed by III-level, IV-level, V-level, and inferior V-level pollution. Large-scale industrial wastewater drainage, extensive pesticide use, urban sewage pollution, and ineffective government control measures are the main causes of water pollution in the Xiang River basin. Water pollution in the basin has the following characteristics: 1) water pollution is becoming increasingly complicated; 2) industrial waste gas and atmospheric pollution intensify water pollution; 3) degradation of ecological and environmental functions causes abnormal self-recovery of the water body; 4) large-scale exploitation of mineral resources intensifies water pollution. Water pollution in the Xiang River basin can be effectively improved by perfecting the legal constructions of scientific decision, administrative organization, and public participation. Results in this paper can provide scientific and accurate references to understand causes and current status of water pollution in the Xiang River basin, to continuously increase the regulation level of water resource management, and to help related departments in the continuous utilization and optimal configuration of water resources in Xiang River.

Wu Xie