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Evaluation of the Influence of Soil Density on Retention of Benzene and Light Petroleum Fractions

The benzene and light petroleum fractions that were spilled during the life of the refinery were not remediated. Density is a physical property that is characteristic of soil and provides information on its porosity, aeration and infiltration capacity. Density is an important factor in determining the mass of contaminant present in the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil density on the retention of benzene and light petroleum fractions. The results showed that the influence of soil density in determining the mass of a specific contaminant, by employing mass balance, is directly proportional to the density values that were used. When calculating mass with bulk density, the amount is lower than the amount obtained with real density. This observation is based on bulk density taking into account in the sample volume, the volume as a whole which includes pore volume. The volume of porous space is therefore reduced and accounts for an increase of the mass of contaminant found at that depth. It was possible to determine the influence of density of the soil in a real case, specifically for a large-size environmental liability, and to obtain suitable information on the mass of remaining contaminant after applying mass balance. The mass of contaminant that is obtained represents a proportional percentage of the value of the density as it increases, when taking bulk density as a reference. This finding is consistent with those that have been published in studies for columns, except this case was a study of an environmental liability instead of being a laboratory study.

Luis Antonio García Villanueva and Georgina Fernández Villagómez

Toxicological Analysis of Phthalates from Dust Samples Collected in Selected Philippine Light Rail Transit Stations

Phthalates are the most common form of plasticizers. Due to the ease with which phthalates diffuse from their plastics and the sheer volume of plastics that have been introduced to the environment, they represent one of the most ubiquitous and persistent chemicals known. Phthalates are known to have several toxic effects. The study was carried out to identify the phthalates found in the urban dusts that have accumulated from underneath the LRT1 stations at Monumento, R. Papa, and EDSA in Metro Manila, and to determine their embryotoxic potential. The urban dust samples were subjected to solid phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Six phthalates were identified, and the extract was then used in the zebrafish embryo toxicity (ZFET) test. Lethal and sublethal end points were observed in the zebrafish embryos. Low dilutions were found to be highly embryo toxic and a dose-response relationship was seen in dilutions ranging from 1:4 to 1:40. The LC50 of the phthalate mixture was also obtained and found to be 9.188 µg/mL. This study elucidated some of the toxic effects of the phthalates, but further studies must be performed to evaluate the toxicity of the individual phthalates, some of whose effects are relatively unknown.

Arnold V. Hallare, Jan Luis Anton C. Chan, Bea Maria Sarah P. Tan, Peter Yuosef M. Rubio, Else G. Dapat and Allan Patrick G. Macabeo

Emergy Synthesis of the Sustainability of Chinese Cement Industry with Waste Heat Power Generation Technology

Cement production consumes a considerable quantity of resources and energy and emits massive pollutants, which restricts the sustainable development of the cement industry. Therefore, a systematic method is needed to diagnose the sustainable development level of the cement production system and provide decision support for managers to implement the technology of energy-saving, consumption-reducing and pollution mitigation in the cement industry. This study revises the traditional emergy indicators, establishes a set of indicators system for cement production sustainability evaluation, compares and analyses the systems with and without waste heat power generation technology based on emergy synthesis. The study indicates that, the application of the waste heat power generation technology reduces the emergy flow with negative environmental consequences such as the electricity consumption emergy flow, and increases the sustainable development level of cement production system. The cement enterprises should change the emergy flow structure by the means of increasing the adoption rate of waste heat power generation technology and the proportion of industrial solid wastes in raw materials, adding more efficient desulfurization and denitrification treatment facilities, and adopting energy-saving equipment to improve the sustainable development level of cement industry.

Shuai Shao, Hailin Mu, Fenglin Yang, Yun Zhang and Dianli Qu

Effect of Upstream on Downstream Due to Spatio-temporal Land Use Land Cover Changes in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

The present study deals with the effects of upstream spatio-temporal land use land cover (LULC) changes on downstream by the use of Landsat and Google Earth data in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. The study involves mosaic of multi-temporal satellite data of Landsat-5 TM of 2005 and Landsat-8 OLI_TIRS of 2015, which have been analysed visually. The study reveals that the effect of major spatio-temporal LULC changes of upstream can cause river overflows and flash flood at downstream. The major LULC changes noticed were decrease in dense forest 798.89 km2 (5.30%) at up and midstream and mixed horticulture 263.34 km2 (1.74%) at mid and downstream, while increase in forest (416.82 km2) at midstream and scrub (190.62 km2) at upstream due to transformation from dense forest. Furthermore, increment in uncultivated land (68.33 km2) and palm oil (372.66 km2) plantation activities at both up and midstream was observed. The accuracy assessment result of the study shows that study was accurate with overall accuracy of 91.4%.

Mohd Talha Anees, Abdullah K., Nawawi M.N.M, Nik Norulaini Nik Ab Rahman, Abd. Rahni Mt. Piah, M. I. Syakir, Mohd. Omar A. K.

Impact on Population Exposure to PM2.5 by its Source Factors in China: Provincial Panel Data Analysis

Studying the impacts of PM2.5 concentrations is critical due to health risks associated with PM2.5. This study analyses 2001-2010 provincial panel data of population-weighted PM2.5 exposure and its main sources in China to identify any correlations that may exist. The results show that energy consumption, highway length, and construction positively affect population-weighted PM2.5 exposure, but vehicle possession has a negative effect. Increasing energy consumption, highway length, and construction areas by 1% resulted in 0.11%, 0.12%, and 0.06% increases to PM2.5 population exposure, respectively. However, when vehicle possession increased by 1%, population exposure to PM2.5 decreased by 0.20%. Highway length may be a very important factor for the increased PM2.5 concentrations in China. Therefore, China should consider national and provincial factors when developing policies to control PM2.5 emissions.

Yang Lei, Wei Ran, Liu Yue, Wang Yan, Liuliu Du and Henggen Shen

Reactive-Disperse Mixed Dye Wastewater Treatment Using Advanced Oxidation Process

This paper studied the efficiency of another series of advanced oxidation processes involving the use of a chelating ligand, combined with a transition metal forming the transition metal complexes to produce reactive radicals. Previous reports using this H2O2/pyridine/Cu(II) system focused only on the decolorization of a single synthetic dye wastewater. In practice, real dye wastes contain mixture of dyes. Therefore, in this study, we combined two classes of most widely used dyes namely the reactive dye (RD) and disperse dye (DD) in three different ratios of (RD: DD) = (0.25:0.75), (0.50:0.50), and (0.75:0.25) to obtain a better idea of the trend in the treatment efficiency of this system. Experimental results are assessed in terms of percentage chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction, decolourisation, and the amount of sludge produced. Optimal concentrations were obtained using statistical design of experiment. At optimal concentrations, for (RD:DD) = (0.25:0.75), (0.50:0.50), and (0.75:0.25), the percentage of COD reduction was recorded at 87%, 86% and 81%, respectively, decolourization at 97%, 98% and 96%, respectively while sludge produced was 185 mg/L, 125 mg/L, and 210 mg/L, respectively.

Joanne C. L. Lim and Khai Ern Lee

Evaluation of Long Range Transport of Ozone in Western Mediterranean Basin

This study investigates the photochemical air pollution formed in a metropolitan area in terms of precursor pollutants. This investigation concerns an episode registered in Mediterranean region (Algerian Coast) occurred from 28th to 29th July, 2013, precursor emissions, meteorological and topography conditions were faced to the combined reliable systems of advanced atmospheric modelling (No-Hydrostatic SKYRON/CAMX). The production and transport of tropospheric ozone over the Mediterranean region is examined by applying a spatiotemporal analysis of the atmospheric circulation in order to investigate the origin sources of polluted air masses (O3, NO2 and NO) and their impact on the Algerian O3. This effort of photochemical modelling, discussed here, show some results, such as the appearance of high ozone levels in the vicinity of urban areas as well as in remote locations. Ozone plumes of South and West of Europe can travel long distances over the Mediterranean Sea affecting remote locations of North Africa, precisely the Algerian coast. Incidentally, the modeled ground-level ozone during this episode is higher (0.162 ppm) than regulation value of the region is around 0.080 ppm.

Abdelkader Boudjella, Fethi Saidi, Benameur Hamoudi and Abdelkader Youcefi

Relationship Between Degradation Half-life of Methylene Blue and Preparation Conditions of Nano-TiO2 Based on Response Surface Methodology

TiO2 powders were prepared by modified sol-gel technique. Methylene Blue (MB), as simulated pollutants, was decomposed by UV and TiO2. The degradation of MB followed pseudo first order kinetics and half life (t1/2) of MB was used to evaluate the degradation speed. Response surface methodology was applied to research the relationship between the half life of MB and preparation conditions. The results showed that half life was increased with the rise of acetyl acetone/tetrabutyltitanate molar ratio and n-hexanol/TX-100 molar ratio, and the rise of water/Triton X-100 molar ratio almost had no effect on half life of MB. The optimized experimental condition was water/Triton X-100 molar ratio of 5.32, n-hexanol/TX-100 molar ratio of 7.97 and acetyl acetone/tetrabutyltitanate molar ratio of 0.44 with half life of 5.34 min of predicted value, and the experimented value of half life was 5.52min, only 3.4% error.

Yinke Zhang, Fengmin Wu, Hang Xu and Ji Zhang

Theoretical Exploration of Risk Analysis of Sewage Irrigation in Farmland

Sewage irrigation can provide water and fertilizer resource. However, sewage irrigation may lead to the accumulation of toxic and harmful substances in the soil and water source in some areas, which will be a serious threat to the human health in these areas. Risk of soil-crops, risk of surface water or underground water and risk of population health, which are greatly influenced by sewage irrigation, are selected to be research objects via analytic hierarchy process; evaluation indicators of degree of contamination of sewage irrigation to soil-crops, surface water or underground water and population health, and the computing method of the total risk degree are proposed, and the probability distribution of the risk of sewage irrigation is analysed. On the basis of theoretical study, combined with practical data, risk analysis of sewage irrigation in a given area is researched in this paper.

Xin Huang and Lin Qiu

Assessment of Faecal Contamination in the Karachi Harbour Waters

This paper gives the estimation of the bacterial density in the Karachi Harbour region. The study was conducted recently to determine the coliform pollution level of waters in the Karachi harbour. Twenty one stations were selected, analysis was conducted for pH, temperature, salinity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and turbidity. The bacteriological quality was monitored by using Total Coliform Count (TCC) and Total Faecal Coliform (TFC). The excessive level of faecal indicators noticed in the harbour waters showed high contamination by indiscriminate discharge of crudely treated and non-treated wastewater of domestic and industrial origin. The flora and fauna is on threat by the faecal pollution, ultimately affecting the human health and economic situation. By proper resource management the grave marine pollution can be harnessed by implementation of stringent policies. The higher dilution rate in the offshore waters of Karachi can help to dilute and disperse sewage quickly and semidiurnal tidal behaviour transports the diluted sewage water to open sea without harming the coastal community.

Suraiya Jabeen, Tariq Masood Ali Khan, Omme Hany, Amjad Husain Rajput, Uzair Saeed, Faisal Ahmed Khan and Kanza Abid

Total Amount Calculation and Health Benefit Assessment of PM2.5 Adsorbed by Urban Green Space in Xuzhou City, China

According to analysis of authoritative data and previous research results, the total amount of PM2.5 adsorbed by urban green space was measured in Xuzhou, and its health benefit was assessed through Poisson regression model and environmental health evaluation, also health benefit per unit area of different green space types were compared and analysed in this study. The results showed that the total amount of PM2.5 adsorbed by urban green space was 8693.64kg annually in Xuzhou, 198.8 cases of harmful diseases can be reduced average daily, including 89.8 cases of sickness, 100.6 cases of outpatient, 6.8 cases of hospitalization and 1.6 cases of early death; the annual health benefit from decreases of PM2.5 concentration is about 2.31 billion CNY, which is equal to 0.47% of Xuzhou’s GDP in 2014; health benefit per unit area of arbor-shrub-herb is the highest, 28.57 CNY and lawn is lowest, 0.14CNY. Therefore, to appropriately reduce the lawn area, change part of lawn into composite structures of green space such as shrub-herb and arbor-herb is helpful to enhance the efficiency of PM2.5 absorbed by urban green space, make the quality of urban air better, and further to improve health benefit of urban green space.

HuanXu and Hong Li

Carbon Encapsulated Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticle Using Abelmoschus esculentus (Lady’s Finger) Extract as an Adsorbent for Cr(VI) in Aqueous Solution

In this study, lady’s finger carbon encapsulated zero-valent iron nanoparticle (LCINp) was synthesized and used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) ions in aqueous solution. The material characterization was analysed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Factors influencing the adsorption process such as pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial Cr(VI) concentration were studied using batch sorption experiments. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models have been applied to investigate the adsorption capacity of LCINp. Pseudo-first-order, Pseudo-second order, and Elovich model have been analysed for the kinetic study. The mechanism of adsorption was examined using Boyd’s model and Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion model. The results showed that Langmuir model and Pseudo-second-order kinetic model fit well in the adsorption process. Thermodynamic analysis portrayed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.

Jephin Varughese Jose, Anu Mary Ealias and M. P. Saravanakumar

Planning for Urban Environmental Pollution Governance Under Urban-Rural Integration in China

Urban-rural integration in China has resulted in the continuous migration of people to urban areas leading to the gradual elevation of the proportion of urban population in the total social population. This phenomenon has considerably aggravated the natural resources and ecological environment, causing serious environmental pollution. In this study, with Hohhot City in China as an example, five aspects of the pollution caused by urban-rural integration to urban environment were analysed and appropriate planning measures to govern urban environmental pollution were proposed. The results indicate that five main pollution issues result from urban environmental pollution caused by urban-rural integration. These problems include low-level regulation of construction waste disposal, numerous difficult-to-control sources of water pollutants, emergence of noise pollution as a new environmental pollution, high-level atmospheric pollution, and long-term soil pollution. The quality of urban environment could be effectively improved to realize a coordinated development of the environment and economy using four planning measures for environmental pollution governance. First, the government should establish laws and regulations for environmental pollution governance and issue environmental control plan. Second, the system of environmental pollution governance system should be standardized, and responsibilities of governing subjects should be defined. Third, capital investment on environmental protection should be broadened, and supervision of environmental pollution governance should be enhanced. Finally, the public should be stimulated to participate in environmental governance, and environmental education of the public should be reinforced. The results from this study can provide decision-making reference to explore planning measures to govern the urban environmental pollution caused by urban-rural integration by relevant governmental sectors.

Hongxia Zhao and Xiuqing Zhang

Study on Removal Efficiency of Blended Coagulants on Different Types of Wastewater

The conventional methods of water treatment involve various water clarification processes which include coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation and disinfection. Coagulation is a critical step in water treatment because it involves removing the colloidal particles as well as pathogens that are often attached to the particles. These methods are often not suitable because of the high cost and low availability of chemical coagulants and disinfectants. Synthetic coagulants are not always available at a reasonable price and can leave undesirable residues in treated water. In the present study, the removal efficiency of Moringa oleifera and alum were compared using different types of wastewater. The efficacy of two coagulants has been tested based on some critical parameters including dosages of coagulant, pH, EC, TDS, hardness, DO and COD of turbid water and change in values of these parameters in finished water. These coagulants obviously possessed positive coagulation abilities. There are about nine treatments with one control been used for the study. From the observed results, the blended coagulant MO: (Al2(SO4)3 treatments T7(25:25) and T8(50:50) dosage ratio gives better removal efficiencies with respect to pH, EC, TDS, hardness, DO, COD, Na and K, and appears to be suitable for treatment of wastewater, when compared with other dosages.

S. Sivaranjani and A. Rakshit

Effects of Porous Confined Groundwater Depth of Yancheng Coastal Alluvial Plain on Water Quality

The space structure of aquifer (group) does not only determine the spatial distribution pattern of groundwater, but also impose some effects on the groundwater quality. Based on the internal hydrogeological borehole data in hydrogeological division of Yancheng Coastal Plain and water quality factor monitoring data during 2005~2014, geographic information science (GIS) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) method etc., are applied to the research response characteristics of aquifer roof depth changes in time-space dimension for the quality of porous groundwater of confined aquifer III in experiment sample area. This paper analyses the dynamic evolution laws of groundwater quality and proposes suggestions on groundwater management and protection in the research area. The research result shows that the depth of confined aquifer III in this area mostly goes between -118.9 ~-85.45 m. Due to hydrogeological conditions of groundwater with different depths and exploitation and utilization differences, there is some correlation between a typical water quality factor of groundwater and aquifer depth. Mineralization, total alkalinity and total bacterial count have the strongest correlation strength with the depth (relevancy: 69.67 %, 75.76 % and 58.09 %). The strength of total hardness is at an intermediate level (49.18 %). KMnO4 index is less affected by the depth (35.27 %). It is also found that the correlation strengths between factors and depth in various depth classification areas are significantly different, indicating different dynamic evolution characteristics.

Ma Junting, Chen Suozhong, He Zhichao and Zhu Xiaoting

Five Year Carbon Footprint of a Textile Industry: A Podium to incorporate Sustainability

The world is experiencing deteriorating climatic changes which are significantly resulting from the increased emission of greenhouse gases. This research highlights the major activities of a textile industry that release greenhouse gases and then focuses on calculating the carbon foot print of the industry for last 5 years. Further, this study also links up the calculated carbon footprint with the environmental sustainability. The methodology adopted to calculate carbon footprint was in accordance to the GHG protocol guidelines. The study emphasizes the different emission sources including scope 1 emission which take into account direct emissions resulting from industry owned activities. The scope 2 are indirect emissions that emit due to the purchase of electricity, natural gas and the biogas emissions resulting from waste disposal. Scope 3 emissions were not accounted in the current study based upon its complexity. Scope 1 emissions were found to contribute greatest in total carbon footprint. The results symbolized an ascending trend in the carbon footprint of the industry over past five years. This ascending trend also denoted that very less environmental sustainability has been achieved by the industry in last five years. Carbon footprint calculated for the base year 2014 was 42867.72tCO2e.

Sana Akhtar, Shahzeen Fatima Baig, Samia Saif, Asim Mahmood and Sajid Rashid Ahmad

Status of Environmental Pollution Caused by Heavy Pollution Industries and Environmental Regulation Measures in China

Most of the heavy pollution enterprises in China are industrial enterprises. These enterprises not only facilitate rapid economic development but are also the main sources of environmental pollution. Therefore, strengthening the environmental regulation on heavy pollution enterprises is the key to enhance sustainable environmental development in China. By using the enterprise data from 2000-2015, we analyzed the characteristics and status of environmental pollution caused by heavy pollution industries in China to put forward specific environmental regulation measures. Results showed that the number of heavy pollution enterprises in China increased continuously from 2000 but decreased slightly after 2005. The environmental pollution caused by heavy-pollution enterprises in China has three characteristics: externality, substantivity, and persistence. The status of enterprise environmental pollution in heavy pollution industries in China is mainly indicated by increasing environmental protection inputs and steady rise of environmental performance; gradual increase in control rate of industrial waste discharge and large regional difference in environmental performances; lack of internal environmental management mechanism of industrial enterprises and poor implementation of environmental management theory; and low level of enterprise environmental management and serious violation of environmental laws. Finally, specific control measures were put forward from the perspective of environmental regulation. Research results can provide reference and suggestions for the improvement of environmental management standards for heavy pollution enterprises, promote reform in heavy pollution enterprises, offer technological and policy supports, and establish an environmental protection information platform.

Liuxin Chao

Estimating Soil Salt Content in the Keriya Oasis Using Hyperspectral Slope Index

Hyperspectral data provide valuable information for salt content estimation. In this paper, soil samples were collected from the Keriya Oasis, Southern Xinjiang, China. Samples were bagged, brought to the laboratory, air-dried, ground, and sieved using 2 mm size sieve. Soil salt contents were measured and the reflectance spectra were collected using FieldSpec3 in laboratory condition. The continuum removal (CR) reflectance was obtained after smoothing and averaged spectral data conversion of 10 nm interval. A total of 8 spectral slopes at the wavelength between 365-375 nm, 1435-1465 nm, 1855-1865 nm, 1915-1925 nm, 2085-2095 nm, 2295-2315 nm, 2365-2395 nm and 2465-2475 nm were calculated based on the correlation analysis between soil salt content and its spectrum. Thirty of 40 samples were used for establishing hyperspectral model for estimating soil salt content and the other 10 samples were for the model verification. The multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used to model and estimate soil salt content. The results showed that, when soil salt content is higher than 2.10 g·kg-1, spectral slope values increase with the increase of salt content. The estimation accuracy of the model based on MLR was higher than the model based on PLSR. The R2 for calibration and validation of the optimum multiple linear regression model were up to 0.834 and 0.664, respectively, and its RMSE values of calibration and validation were 2.9707 and 3.2691, and the RPD value was 2.09, respectively. This spectral slope based model was a supplementary modelling for hyperspectral soil salinity estimation, and can be a basis for future satellite-based hyperspectral monitoring and evaluation of soil salinity.

Abdulla Abliz,Tashpolat Tiyip, Jianli Ding, Mamat Sawut, Yanjun Hou, Ilyas Nurmemet

Causes and Legislative Countermeasures of Rural Soil Heavy Metal Pollution in Hunan Province, China

In recent years, urban and rural industrial parks have been constructed and widely operated. With the development of intensive agricultural production and accelerated urbanization progress, heavy metals enter rural soil through sewage irrigation, sedimentation of atmospheric soot, and landfill treatment. Heavy metals are not easily degraded and transferred by microorganisms. Restoration and renovation of heavy metal-contaminated rural soil have been difficult. Controlling measures of governing soil heavy metal pollution were proposed to analyse causes of rural soil heavy metal pollution in Hunan Province, China. Based on time series data in Hunan during 2000-2014, this study combined features and analysed causes of rural soil heavy metal pollution in Hunan. The main causes of rural soil heavy metal pollution in Hunan are long-term use of sewage irrigation, stacking of solid waste, large discharge of industrial and traffic waste gases, and great application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Rural soil heavy metal pollution in Hunan can be effectively controlled by (1) establishing legislative system for soil heavy metal pollution control, (2) perfecting legal institutions of soil heavy metal pollution, (3) completing supporting law-making stipulations for heavy metal pollution control, (4) optimizing accountability mechanism, and (5) innovating environmental supervisory mechanism of heavy metal pollution control. This study is of positive significance to further and sufficiently recognize causes of rural soil heavy metal pollution. This work is also important in establishing and perfecting laws and regulation system for rural soil environment and resource protection in Hunan Province.

Jiaping Liu

Research on Spatial Correlation Between Air Quality and Land Use Based on GWR Models

Air quality has the strong regional characteristics, and the land use type can reflect human activities in the area to some extent. In order to explore the spatial relationships between air quality indicators (PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2, NO2, CO) and land use indicators ( tree, grass, farm, water and building proportion), the ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models are established and tested by comparing R2 and AICc (Akaika Information Criterion corrected) of the models. The Moran’s I statistics on the residuals from OLS and GWR models shows that the GWR models can be a good deal with the spatial autocorrelation. Meanwhile local parameters at different locations from GWR models can be good performance in the spatial heterogeneity of the air quality and land use, providing a scientific basis for rational and effective regional governance.

Xu Feng

Analysis on Causes of Township Enterprises Industrial Pollution and Countermeasures of Eco-compensation: A Case from Guiyang City of China

Although township enterprises play a vital role in boosting the construction of China’s rural urbanization, they cause serious industrial pollution by the waste they produce and by consuming large amounts of natural resources because of their features and negative effect on their external environment. To further analyse the industrial pollution causes and countermeasures of eco-compensation, five causes of industrial pollution by township enterprises were presented, and measures of eco-compensation for the pollution were discussed in the case study of Guiyang. The five major causes lie in the following: the weak awareness of environmental protection of government and township enterprises, malfunction of township enterprises market mechanism, government’s failure in controlling over the township enterprises in industrial pollution, the unsustainable development of township enterprises, and the ineffective measures of industrial pollution. Some effective eco-compensation countermeasures to control the industrial pollution were proposed, including the following: frame a good agricultural environment, set up an interest coordination mechanism of township enterprises, build a production factor market for township enterprises, perfect the emission trading market, improve the management system of township enterprises environment, and establish a motivation system of environmental protection performance. Our results can lead to better understanding of the negative influences and causes of industrial pollution by township enterprises to perfect the eco-compensation mechanism and rational use of resources. Moreover, our results can lead to the benign development of rural population, resources, and environment in China.

Yihai Ren

Isolation and Screening for Efficiency of Organic Phosphorus Pesticide (Chlorpyriphos) Degrading Bacteria from Different Crops

In the present study total eight bacterial isolates were isolated from vegetable crops like tomato, brinjal by the enriched MSM broth with a supplement of chlorpyrifos source. These isolates were characterized morphologically, cultural and biochemically. Isolates of the microbial strains for identifying those having high chlorpyrifos degradation capabilities in liquid culture were undertaken as well. Among the eight chlorpyrifos bacterial isolates, CDB-1 showed the high population count at different incubation periods (1st day to 5th day) compared to all CDB inoculates. The CDB-1 isolate utilized the pesticide (chlorpyrifos) effectively and showed maximum growth bacterial count 5.8 cfu ×106 mL-1. Efficient CDB-1 isolate and chlorpyrifos degrading capacity were determined with measurement of chlorpyrifos residual concentrations at different days of intervals using gas chromatographic method. The degradation of chlorpyrifos at different concentrations (20, 30 and 40 mgL-1) was examined in the MSL medium. By this degradation percentage study of chlorpyrifos revealed that the chlorpyrifos degrading bacterial isolate (CDB-1) degrade the chlorpyrifos effectively. These isolates used the OP compounds as a carbon source.

R. Gireesh Kumar, A. Vijaya Gopal, R. Subhash Reddy and K. Damodara Chari

Performance of Slag Ceramics for the Treatment of Micro-Aerobic Effluent in Contact Oxidation Reactor

Slag ceramics, which were made from steel slag as well as a small percentage of clay and pore forming materials, were applied to a biological contact oxidation reactor for the treatment of micro-aerobic effluent. The experiment results showed that slag ceramics exhibited some favourable characteristics for removing pollution, such as lighter mass, larger specific surface area and easier biofilm-attachment compared with steel slag. In addition, a contact oxidation process filled with slag ceramics was multifunctional in pollutant removal, namely, COD, nitrogen and phosphorus were simultaneously removed. Under the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2.5 h, the removal efficiencies of NH3-N, TN, COD and TP were 99%, 84%, 63% and 82%, respectively, and the effluent concentrations ranged in 12~27 mg/L, 0.1~1.0 mg/L, 0~0.6 mg/L and 1.0~6.8 mg/L, respectively. Mineralogical and chemical investigations revealed that the mechanisms for P removal by slag-ceramics filler, were the combination of adsorption and Ca phosphate precipitation. Therefore, the mechanisms of pollutant removal through the contact oxidation reactor filled with slag ceramics were complicated, including adsorption, precipitation, bio-oxidation and bio-reduction, etc. Meanwhile, phosphate saturation should be considered for the long-term operation.

Xiao Liu, Hao Wang, Huiyuan Zhong and Yanhua Chen

Biosurfactants- A Current Perspective on Production and Applications

Biosurfactants are surface active compounds produced by a great diversity of microorganisms. They act by lowering the surface tension at the interfaces of solid, liquid and gases. The chemical surfactants that are practiced on a large commercial basis are toxic to the environment and non-biodegradable. These synthetic compounds may bio-accumulate and also their production, processes and by-products causes various environmental hazards. Due to the rising concern of environmental safety, biosurfactants have gained much importance. Biosurfactants are biodegradable, effective under extreme conditions, and are less toxic; which is advantageous in comparison to their chemical counterparts. In-depth studies have been carried out in the final few decades, bringing out their widespread application in different fields. Nevertheless, practical applications of biosurfactants are limited by their high production cost, and less information about their interactions with cells and the abiotic environment. In this paper, we have reviewed the diverse group of organisms that are capable of producing biosurfactants, use of alternative cheap substrates by these organisms to reduce the production cost and their various applications in the field of environmental remediation and petroleum industry.

Purbasha Saha and K.V. Bhaskara Rao

Evaluation of Kinetic Models of Lead Uptake from Wastewater by Activated Carbon Derived from Coconut Leaves

Activated carbon was prepared from coconut leaves by using chemical activation method, using phosphoric acid as dehydrating agent and at slow pyrolysis of 400°C in inert atmosphere. The present study, explored the feasibility of using waste coconut leaves (CL) based carbon as adsorbent for the removal of lead under different temperature conditions from waste solution. BET surface area of CL3 found 1060.57 m2/g greater than CL1 and CL2. The batch sorption study experiments were conducted with respect to solute concentration (2.8-110 mg/L) and solution temperature (40-70°C). The Langmuir Isotherm, Freundlich Isotherm and Temkin Isotherm studies were conducted and applied to the experimental equilibrium data, and isotherm constants are calculated. A comparison of kinetic models was applied to the adsorption of lead ion. Coconut leaves carbon was evaluated for the, Elovich, intraparticle diffusion and Bangham’s kinetic models. The experimental data fitted very well for the pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order. The results show that the sorption capacity increases with an increase in solution temperature from 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 70°C. The results have established good potentiality for the carbon particles to be used as a sorbent for the removal of lead from wastewater.

A. S. Jadhav and G. T. Mohanraj

Effects of Brassinolide on Photosynthetic Parameters of Robinia pseudoacacia Seedlings in Petroleum Polluted Soil

Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings planted in petroleum polluted soil were treated with different concentrations of brassinolide (0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg L-1) by dipping the root before planting and spraying leaf during leaf expansion period. The gas exchange parameters and photosynthetic fluorescence characteristics of seedlings were determined to study the effects of brassinolide on photosynthesis of R. pseudoacacia seedlings in polluted conditions. The results indicated that the application of brassinolide significantly increased the leaf photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration, and it also significantly increased the PSII original light energy conversion efficiency, PSII noncyclic electron transport efficiency, photochemical quenching coefficient and the performance of the electron transfer rate of seedlings. In conclusion, brassinolide could effectively counteract the inhibitory effects of petroleum on the gas exchange and the carboxylation capacity of mesophyll cells of seedlings in 10, 15 and 20 g kg-1, 0.3 mg L-1 was the favourable concentration to be used to counteract the adverse effects of petroleum pollution on R. pseudoacacia.

Yuan-Yuan Han, Gang Han, Kai-Rong Li and Xiao-Xi Zhang

Progress in Study of NOx Removal from Flue Gas by Non-thermal Plasma

Tests for removal of nitrous oxides are performed by simulating flue gas using self-designed and self-developed plasma generator in this experiment; research and analysis show that there is a direct and linear relationship between the efficiency of denitration and the input power of plasma at normal temperature. The plasma generator begins to discharge at an input power of 15w to remove the nitrous oxides; the removal efficiency improves continually with the increase of plasma input power; then, it maintains the efficiency of over 80% when the input power is 35w, displaying a weak relation between the two factors. From the aspects of technology and economics, removal efficiency can be improved by high input power, but it is of huge energy consumption, being not economically feasible. Meanwhile, brief experimental analysis on removal efficiency is performed by adding sulphur dioxide into the mixed gas.

Guo Bin and Luan Tao

The Influence of Salinity on the Growth and Chlorophyll Content of Nannochloropsis sp. BJ17

In this study, the effect of salinity (5, 15, 25 and 35‰) on growth and total chlorophyll content of Nannochloropsis sp. BJ17 was evaluated. Moreover, chlorophyll content during logarithmic and stationary phases was investigated. The results showed that maximum cell growth and chlorophyll concentration of Nannochloropsis sp. BJ17 were achieved at the salinity of 15‰. The algae had the higher total chlorophyll concentration in stationary phase than in logarithmic phase. The authors conclude that, the optimum growth and chlorophyll content of Nannochloropsis sp. BJ17 were achieved in salinity of 15‰.

M. Fakhri, N. B. Arifin, A. Yuniarti and A. M. Hariati

Chronic Toxic Effect of Lead on Male Testis Tissue in Adult Pelophylax nigromaculata

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metals in nature which has an adverse effect on aquatic ecosystems and affects animal health. Animal survival depends on its reproductive ability. To analyse the influence of Pb on the male testis tissues in the spot frog (Pelophylax nigromaculata), the male adult individuals were exposed to Pb (10, 100 and 1000 µg/L) in water for 30 days. We observed the spermatic histopathologic structure and detected the expression and location of androgen receptors (AR) on the germ cells by immunohistochemical method. Compared to the control, the testis histopathologic structure and the expression of AR at Pb treatment were different. At relatively higher concentration (100 and 1000 µg/L), the changes of spermatic pathological mainly included germ cell necrosis, congestion and fibrosis congestion. The expressions of AR on the gonad cells were affected by Pb. With the increase of Pb concentration, AR expressions were decreased.

Min-yi Huang, Qiu-lei Men, Xiao-gao Meng, Xiang-xuan Fang and Man-zhi Tao

Infiltration Rate for Rainfall and Runoff Process with Bulk Density Soil and Slope Variation in Laboratory Experiment

Water balance in urban drainage includes rainfall, runoff and infiltration. Rainfall, Runoff and infiltration are hydrology system units. They are processes which happened together; when rain falls, water will flow overland as runoff and the water that is lost infiltrates into the ground. The occurrence will involve several parameters, variables and treatments. Because the infiltration rate needs to be inquired from rainfall and runoff processes, the experiment was done using soil media with soil density and landslope variation. Meanwhile, the tool used for this experiment is Advance Hydrology of Rainfall Simulator. To determine the infiltration rate model, Horton’s and Kostiacov’s formulas were used. A positive correlation (R2 = 0.91) of results for Horton formula was found, and a positive correlation (R2= 0.813) was found in Kostiakov formula, demonstrating that the Horton and Kostiakov formulas were comparable to the observation of infiltration rate. Based on the observation result in laboratory, landslope and density are influential variable for infiltration rate. Infiltration rate will get smaller in the same density with increase landslope variation and it will also get decrease when soil density get higher. In contrary, decreased soil density creates increased infiltration rate.

Dian Noorvy Khaerudin, Rispiningtati, Agus Suharyanto and Donny Harisuseno

Research on Flow Field Distribution and Structure Improvement of Gravity Sedimentation Tank Contained Polymer Sewage in Oilfield

Gravity sedimentation tank is the key equipment in the process of sewage treatment in oilfield, whose separation performance has a significance in the treatment effect of sewage. In order to analyse the distribution of flow field in gravity sedimentation tank, the 1200m3 gravity sedimentation tank contained polymer sewage in oilfield was simulated. The distribution characteristic of three-dimensional flow in the tank is given. Then through the analysis of fluid trace distribution and the droplets movement, the non-uniformity of the flow field in the tank and existence of swirl flow and back mixing flow are discovered. On the basis of mentioned above, taking the oil removal efficiency as the evaluation index, the structure of liquid distributing device of gravity sedimentation tank is improved. It makes the oil removal efficiency increased by 8.4%.

Xingwang Wang, Lixin Wei, Jian Zhao, Chao Sun and Fengrong Liu

Effect of Crude Ethyl Acetate Extract and Fraction of Soursop (Annona muricata) Leaf on Morphology of Edwardsiella tarda with Scanning Electron Microscopy

The objective of this research was to assess the antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate fraction extract of Annona muricata against Edwardsiella tarda, knowing antibacterial compounds and structural changes of Edwardsiella tarda by using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Method of this research used was descriptive for estimating the results of the compound in the ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata and morphological changes of Edwardsiella tarda, as well as experimental antibacterial activity seen from the zone of inhibition. Data obtained from the results of further studies were statistically analysed used by statistical applications. Result showed that the yellow fraction of the crude extract ethyl acetate produced the best inhibition was 9:35 mm, and MIC with a concentration of 62.5 ppm. Estimation compound ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata by LCMS results that corresponded to the type of compound classes anthraquinone emodin. Ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata showed a relatively moderate inhibitory activity against bacterial pathogens, it was Edwardsiella tarda, as well as an optimal compound act as an antibacterial can already be identified, it was from phenol derivatives.

Happy Nursyam, Madyasta Anggana Rarassari and Maftuch

Analysis of Historical Climate Change Trends in Bharathapuzha River Basin, Kerala, India

Climate change is considered as a global phenomenon, but investigations at the regional level are essential to understand the changes induced, and to suggest suitable adaptation strategies. This study is mainly concerned with the variation of temperature and rainfall in a river basin which lies in the tropical climate of India. Observed temperature and rainfall data were compared with the gridded data prepared by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and was found comparable. The trend analysis of mean, maximum and minimum temperatures during 1951-2013 showed a significant warming trend with Mann-Kendall test statistic values of 4.63, 5.52 and 3.63 respectively. The increase in mean, maximum and minimum temperatures during the period were at the rate of 0.07°C/decade, 0.14°C/decade and 0.04°C/decade respectively. Trend analysis of the gridded rainfall data for the period 1971-2005 showed statistically significant decreasing trend, at the rate of 15 mm/year. Mann-Kendall and t-test gave a statistical significance at a level of a=0.1 and a=0.05 respectively. Trend analysis of seasonal rainfall indicated that there was no significant trend in rainfall except during the south-west monsoon period. Appropriate mitigation measures need to be undertaken for controlling the future scarcity of water considering the increasing temperature trends and decreasing rainfall pattern.

Anu Varughese, Hajilal M.S. and George B.A.

Seasonal Variation in Nitrate Levels of Groundwater in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu

To study the influence of seasonal variation on the nitrate contamination of groundwater, water samples were collected during the pre and post-monsoon seasons from open wells, bore wells and hand pumps at different villages spread over in the 18 blocks of the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. The water samples were analysed for pH, EC and NO3-N content. Results indicated that the groundwater of different blocks of Coimbatore ranged from neutral to alkaline in reaction and saline in nature. The overall mean NO3-N content of groundwater samples of different blocks varied from 5.20 to 9.52 mg L-1 with the overall mean value of 6.74 mg L-1 and it is below the critical level of 10.0 mg L-1. The higher mean NO3-N content was observed in groundwater samples collected from Gudimangalam block followed by Periyanaickenpalayam and Sultanpet blocks. The temporal variation in NO3-N content of groundwater samples was observed, being higher in the post monsoon than in the pre monsoon season.

M. Sangeetha, R. Natesan and R. Santhi

Optimization of Solid Wastes Disposal Strategy by Fuzzy Topsis Method

The non-biodegradable wastes have been increasing widely day by day. These wastes not only cause harm to the environment and its resources, but also they have an adverse impact on the human health causing a number of health problems. In order to control this issue, a number of approaches have been done and carried out by the hosts. In the present article, we are discussing this issue taking into consideration certain factors and strategies. The factors of waste disposal were identified to be human health, waste reduction, sustainability, cost effective and environmental benefits using the disposing strategies such as landfills, incineration, energy transform, reuse and recycling. The non-biodegradable wastes include plastics, construction wastes, metal scraps, rubber tyres, man-made nylons, polyesters, glass, cable wires, cellophane, CDs, DVDs, processed wood, styrofoam, aluminium cans and bottles. The survey was carried out using the Fussy Topsis Method, which is a multi-criteria decision making optimization tool. It helps us in making the best choice out of the available options. The results obtained revealed that recycling is the most efficient method, whereas the landfill is an unpleasant option of solid waste management.

Deepali Mor and M. Ramachandran

Causes of Environmental Pollution in China’s Yangtze River Basin and Corresponding Ecological Compensation Measures

Construction of numerous water conservancy and hydropower engineering and migration projects, increased regional population, and accelerated urbanization have seriously polluted the ecological environment of the Yangtze River Basin and upset coordinated development economy, society, and ecological environments. This study comprehensively analyses the ecological environment status of the Yangtze River Basin, explores causes of the regional environmental pollution, and provides countermeasures to improve the regional ecological environment through ecological compensation. Results suggest that construction of a large number of water conservancy projects, large-scale project-caused migration, extensive economic growth mode, and adoption of imbalanced development policies are the most important causes of environmental pollution in China’s Yangtze River Basin. The ecological environment of the Yangtze River Basin can be improved in the following aspects: improving the government’s transfer payment from the exchequer system and expanding the ecological compensation fund-raising channels; improving the environmental resource ownership system and actively developing the emission trading market; improving the legal system and strengthening government supervision; and vigorously developing environmentally-friendly industries and techniques, and sharpening the public’s awareness of ecological compensation. All these findings can provide referential experiences for promoting coordinated ecological and economic development, and improving the ecological compensation mechanism in the Yangtze River Basin.

Nan Chen

Heavy Metal Contamination of Dumpyard Soils and its Phytoremediation with Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizaniodes)

A study was conducted to find out the distribution of heavy metals and the pollution status of a major dumping site in Laloor, Thrissur, Kerala and also the effectiveness of vetiver in phytoremediation of contaminated soils. The total heavy metal content of the dumping sites was higher than the non dumping sites. The average content of total Pb was recorded as 82.84 mg kg-1 in the soils of Laloor. Monitoring the Co content of the soil, irrespective of different intervals and the sites of study, it was found that the average content was 7.79 mg kg-1 at Laloor. The average total Ni content registered at Laloor was 35.54 mg kg-1. The Hg content of the soil was 0.42 mg kg-1 at Laloor. The average content of Cr was found to be 115.67 mg kg-1 in Laloor soil. The result of heavy metal analysis was added to the GIS layers created for the different sites of the location and the major pollution indices were represented in the map. The highest polluted site was identified in the Laloor dump site. The soil along with waste material collected from Laloor was used for phytoremediation study with vetiver grass. Phytoremediation with vetiver showed that it has good phytoremediation potential with a bio concentration factor of more than two for metals like Ni, Cr and Hg. Vetiver is a good translocator of Cr and most of the other heavy metals were stabilized in the root. On the basis of removal ratio, it removed heavy metals in the order Cr > Ni > Co > Pb.

Divya Vijayan V. and P. K. Sushama

Removal of High Concentration of Ammonia from Wastewater by the Ion Exchange Resin

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for living organisms in aquatic ecosystem. However, excess nitrate in this ecosystem could degrade water quality due to eutrophication. Ammonia is usually found in aqueous environments. It affects fish and other aquatic life and recreational use of water. In this study, the acidic ion exchange resins were chosen as adsorbent to adsorb the high concentration of ammonia from wastewater. The experimental results showed that reaction of temperature, the amount of the ion exchange resins and reaction time had an important influence on the removal rate of high concentration of ammonia from wastewater. The experimental data correlated well with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. It was also suggested that the adsorption process was homogeneous adsorption. The ammonia from aqueous solution adsorption on the acidic ion exchange resins was a monolayer adsorption.

Muqing Qiu, Chunxia Hu, Jiankang Liu, Chengguang Chen and Xiaojie Lou

Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Tannery Effluent Using Algal Extracts - A New Approach

Hexavalent chromium is one of the major pollutants released from the tanneries that have a direct effect on man and animals. In this study, seaweeds such as Centeroceras clavulatum, Enteromorpha flexuosa, Grateloupia lithophila, Enteromorpha intestinalis, and Ulva lactuca, were collected from Covelong, Chennai. Sargassum sp., Amphiroa sp., Ulva sp., and Hypnea sp. were collected from Kanyakumari and Chaetomorpha antennina was collected from Puducherry. Different solvents such as methanol, ethanol, water, benzene and chloroform were used for extraction. Then these extracts were used to treat tannery effluent. The reduction in hexavalent chromium was analysed and correlated with phytochemicals of algal extracts. Results revealed that Cr(VI) concentration was highly reduced by benzene extract of Hypnea sp. (95%).

S. Sharmila and L. Jeyanthi Rebecca

Critical Toxic Concentration of Cadmium in African Marigold Grown in Typic Ustochrept Soil

Heavy metals are potentially toxic to human life and the environment. In a greenhouse pot experiment, Typic Ustochrepts soil order (alluvial soil) with pH 5.7 was used. African marigold variety Pusa Narangi was used as a test crop. The soil was artificially spiked with different cadmium (Cd) levels (0, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg kg-1). Critical toxic concentrations of Cd resulting in 25 per cent reduction in dry matter yield were established for African marigold grown in alluvial soil. The corresponding values for non-inoculated, arbuscular mycorrhiza (Glomus moseae) and phosphorus solubilizing fungi (Aspergillus awamori) treated soils, respectively, were 28, 24 and 16 mg kg-1 Cd applied in soil; 12, 12 and 8 mg kg-1 AB-DTPA extractable Cd in soil; 6.4, 6.2 and 6 mg kg-1 Cd content in plant tissues.

Asha Sahu and Nisha Sahu

Alterations in the Erythrocyte Membrane and Ultrastructural Changes in the Liver and Kidney of Albino Mice Exposed to Fipronil

Fipronil is a highly active, broad spectrum systemic pesticide belonging to the phenyl pyrazole group of chemicals. The aim of the present study was to observe the alterations in the surface morphology of erythrocyte membranes of Swiss albino mice exposed to fipronil with the help of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and also its effect on the liver and kidney with the help of transmission electron microscope (TEM). The animals were divided into control group which received distilled water via intraperitoneal injection, and a treated group which received 1/3rd of LD50 dose of fipronil intraperitoneally, every 24 hours for 30 days. Various types of alterations in the morphology of the red blood cells of the fipronil treated mice were observed. There was decrease in discocytes and increase in the number of echinocytes, spherocytes and ovalocytes. In case of liver, the degeneration of the nucleus, nucleolus, nuclear membrane and mitochondria were commonly observed in all the treatments compared to the control. The cytoplasm was also found to be vacuolated with the breakdown of the organelles. The kidney cells of the treated mice were also observed with different degrees of degeneration. The mitochondria were damaged with destructed cristae surrounded by basal membrane that is disorganized and the nucleus was shrunken with dense chromatin condensation. Presence of vacuoles in the cytoplasm was seen as well as thickening of the glomerular basement membrane was observed.

Devashree Yumnam, B.K.Dutta, S.B.Paul and S. Choudhury

Effect of Treated Dairy Effluent Water on Yield, Nutrient Content and Uptake by Castor-Sorghum Sequence

With increasing dairy industrial development, safe disposal of industrial effluent has become an ecological challenge. Finding suitable eco-friendly techniques for the potential utilization of these released effluents as a source of nutrients become essential. The present investigation was carried out to screen the effect of dairy effluent water in combination with FYM @ 5 t ha-1, gypsum @1 t ha-1 and sewage-sludge @ 3 t ha-1 on the yield, nutrient content and uptake by castor-sorghum sequence as well as physico-chemical properties of soil. The findings revealed a remarkable effect on yield and nutrient uptake by crop with primary treated dairy effluent water when combined with FYM and gypsum. The application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 or gypsum @ 1 t ha-1 in the soil, increased the yield, nutrient content and uptake by castor as well as succeeding fodder sorghum crop, when applied with tube well, as well as treated effluent water. Further work was carried out to study the effectiveness and suitability of dairy effluent on soil properties after harvest of the crop. Application of treated effluent water alone increased EC and reduced the availability of nutrients (N, P, K, S), while combination with FYM enhanced the soil fertility.

J. K. Parmar, A.S. Bhanvadia, V. P. Ramani and Sandip Rathod

Natural Regeneration of an Artificial Platycladus orientalis Stand in Beijing

The study of the natural regeneration of an artificial Platycladus orientalis stand is important in order to reflect the potential trend of the stand. This field investigation was carried out in the Shisanling forest farm in Beijing. We analysed the factors that influenced the natural regeneration using the gray correlation method. The results showed that the regeneration status was bad in height classes of 0-30 cm and 30-50 cm, while it was moderate in the height class of >50 cm; the overall regeneration status was moderate. Eight factors that affected the natural regeneration, in a descending order, are: altitude, aspect, soil depth, slope position, stand density, gradient, shrub-herb cover and litter thickness. It was difficult to satisfy the demand of stand self-replacement because the natural regeneration of artificial P. orientalis stands was poor.

Mei Luo, Xiaoxian Zheng and Yan Du

Sustainable Management of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash and Coal Bottom Ash in Concrete

The production of cement involves a large amount of CO2 emission which has a significant impact on environment. Apart from it, excessive extraction of natural aggregates and large generation of industrial as well as agricultural waste also leads to environmental degradation, ecological imbalance and environmental pollution. Nowadays, utilization of these wastes has been encouraged in concrete construction because it helps in reducing the use of natural raw materials as resources. Therefore, the present study focuses on investigating the effect of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a replacement of cement and coal bottom ash (CBA) as replacement of fine aggregates in concrete. This study primarily deals with the characteristics of concrete, including strength and workability. Twenty five mixtures of concrete were prepared at different replacement levels of SCBA (0 to 20% @ increment of 5%) with cement and CBA (0 to 40% @ increment of 10%) with fine aggregates. Based on the test result, it can be concluded that as combination, 10% SCBA and 10% CBA, is recommended for higher workability and strength characteristics of concrete than the control or reference concrete.

Devinder Singh, Jaspal Singh and Jagmeet Singh

Removal of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether from Contaminated Water Using ZnO and CuO Nanocatalyst and Investigation of Effect of Nanoparticle Structure in Removal Efficiency

MTBE (Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether) is an oxygen-containing organic compound that has been used in unleaded gasoline. MTBE is a gasoline additive commercially used as an octane enhancer and combustion promoter. Unfortunately, it is recognized that dumping MTBE in nature, contaminates the groundwater and thus its removal is an important process. This research is an experimental-laboratory study, investigating the removal of MTBE using ZnO and CuO. The effect of important operational parameters on the MTBE removal from the groundwater such as pH, changes of initial MTBE concentration, particle size of zinc and copper oxide nanoparticles, and UV irradiation time was studied as well. The results showed that using copper oxide nanoparticles for MTBE removal yielded higher efficiency compared with using zinc oxide nanoparticles. The increase in nano-oxide particle size led to an enhancement in MTBE removal efficiency. This study has shown that the yield of MTBE removal from contaminated water can be expected to be higher in the presence of UV irradiation, acidic pH, high initial concentration using copper and zinc nanocatalyst.

Leila Fereidooni, Kambiz Tahvildari, Parisa Maghsoodi and Mehdi Mehrpooya

Correlation Analysis Between the Water Quality and Land Use Composition in Chaobai River Basin

Under the influence of global climate change and intense human activities, the world is facing water issue and crisis in varying extent. It is considered to be strategically important to study the relation between land-use change and water environment of the only surface water source of Beijing (a city facing severe water shortage). In this article, the quantitative relation between land-use structure and water environment quality of Chaobai River Basin was discussed. GIS spatial analysis function and Markov transition matrix were used to calculate the composition and changes of land use. Meanwhile the correlation between land-use structure and water quality index was analysed by means of correlation analysis, redundancy analysis (RDA) and other mathematical statistics. The land-use impact on water quality was also investigated. The result indicated that the main means of land use in Chaobai River Basin were forest land, farmland, construction land and waters. The major shifted land during 1995 and 2005 was farmland while during 2005 and 2015 was forest land. The indexes of water quality were deeply influenced by the means of land use, of which the deterioration of water quality was significantly affected by construction land. Water quality could be drastically improved by the spatial distribution of forest land, which was especially sensitive to ammonia and potassium permanganate index. The correlation between farmland area variation and water quality was not remarkable. RDA proved the effect of the land-use forms on water environment of Chao River and Bai River in different years. The results could be used to provide a scientific basis for the land optimization and water pollution control of Chaobai River Basin, as well as guide the policy decision of space development and water environment protection of Chaobai River Basin.

Lv Xizhi, Huang jing, Xiao Peiqing, Zhang Pan and Jiaoxuehui

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Distribution in Soil and Their Ecological Risk Evaluation in Zhengzhou, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), as a primary organic pollutant in soil, is highly stable in soil and does not degrade easily. Thus, it accumulates and may penetrate deeper soil, which will cause long-term pollution of soil and underground water. To study PAH concentration distribution in soil in Zhengzhou, China, ecological risk evaluation of PAHs in soil was implemented. In this study, 30 soil samples from different places in Zhengzhou were collected in August 2015. Concentration levels and distribution characteristics of PAHs in the soil samples were analysed, and ecological risk evaluation of PAH pollution in soil was conducted. Results indicated that among the 30 soil samples collected, the content scope of 16 PAHs under priority control of the US Environmental Protection Agency was 436.37-4,784.13 µg.kg-1 with a mean value of 3,096.71 µg.kg-1. Detection rates of monomers were high, and not all benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF) and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene were detected. All dibenzo[a]pyrenes with high carcinogenicity were detected with a content scope of 436.37-4,784.13 µg.kg-1 and a mean value of 23.01 µg.kg-1. A total of 27 soil samples exhibited severe PAH pollution, which indicated that overall soil pollution level in Zhengzhou was considerably severe. Only two samples were within ERL-ERM (effect range-low, effect range-median). However, the PAH contents of most samples were higher than ERM, indicating a high ecological risk of soil PAHs in Zhengzhou. Results will provide indispensable scientific basis for government sectors and relevant environmental protection departments to formulate a reasonable control scheme in determining the total amount of soil pollution and to implement human health protection measures.

Shubo Cheng and Yongmei Zhang

Phenol Removal by a Sequential Combined Fenton-Enzymatic Process

A two-stage process for the treatment of phenol by Fenton reaction coupled with enzymatic polymerization was investigated. The study was conducted on synthetic and industrial wastewaters containing phenol. The pretreatment of this effluent was carried out by the Fenton’s reaction followed by enzymatic treatment with immobilized turnip peroxidase. Results showed that enzymatic treatment was an efficient complementary process to eliminate toxic compounds that were generated by the Fenton radical oxidation. Both processes were performed under optimal conditions, starting from a concentrated phenol solution of 100 mg L-1 which was pretreated by the Fenton reaction during 120 minutes at pH 3 and 40°C, in the presence of iron(II) (5 mg L-1) and hydrogen peroxide 9mM. Phenol concentration after the Fenton treatment decreased to 40 mg L-1. Other compounds such as hydroquinone, catechol and benzoquinone were also present. Residual phenol, catechol and hydroquinone were eliminated by the immobilized turnip peroxidase treatment at pH 7 and 40°C, during 165 minutes by adding H2O2 (10.6 mM) and 5 U of immobilized peroxidase. Benzoquinone was eliminated by coagulation-precipitation with chitosan (4g L-1). The global phenol removal by the combined process was 99.7% with almost total elimination of catechol, hydroquinone and benzoquinone. The application of the combined treatment to a pharmaceutical effluent containing initially 56 mg L-1 of phenol was also successful. More than 99.3% of phenol was eliminated after 120 and 165 minutes of Fenton and enzymatic processes, consecutively; and more than 72% decrease in COD and 66.7% in BOD5 were obtained.

Ahmed Azizi, Mahmoud Abouseoud and Abdeltif Amrane

Energy Saving, Emission Reduction Efficiency and Control Measures of Industrial Pollution in Henan Province, China

The rapid industrial development in recent years in Henan Province, China, has caused relatively serious environmental pollution. Increasing energy saving and emission reduction efficiency and controlling industrial pollution play an important role in strengthening environmental protection and improving people’s living standards. To further analyse the industrial pollution status in Henan Province, estimate the industrial emission reduction efficiency, and propose specific industrial pollution control measures, the current situations and problems of industrial pollution in Henan Province were analysed, and an evaluation index system of industrial emission reduction efficiency was established based on related statistical data on environmental pollutants in China’s Statistical Yearbook on Environment from 2000 to 2014. The energy saving and emission reduction efficiency and the slack variables of input-output were estimated by using the DEA-CCR (Data Envelope Analysis) model. Results demonstrated that the discharge of industrial waste gas and industrial wastewater in Henan province showed a rising trend, and the amount of industrial dust emissions and industrial soot emissions were reduced to a great extent. The comprehensive efficiency of DEA-CCR model in 11 years is effective for DEA, and the scale efficiency and comprehensive efficiency are not optimal in the 2000 and 2001. The emission reduction efficiency of industrial pollutants did not reach technical and scale efficiencies in 2006 and 2011. With respect to input indexes, investments in the management of exhaust, wastewater, and other pollutants in 2006 were underused. All five input indexes were underused in 2007. For output indexes, exhaust emission did not reach the effective output in 2006, and the exhaust and wastewater emissions failed to reach the effective output in 2007. The results obtained in this study have important practical significance and theoretical references for comprehending the industrial pollution status and increasing the emission reduction efficiency in China.

Taoran Li

Seminar Report