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Study of Soil Microbiological Character at Different Altitudes in the Region of Dry and Hot River Valley

In this paper, soils at various altitudes in the lower reaches of the Jinshajiang River, Ningnan County, Sichuan Province, China, were selected to study the variation in characteristics of soil enzymes and soil microbial biomass and their activities at different altitudes. By laboratory testing, statistical analysis and correlation analysis, results indicated that in the dry-hot river valley region, the altitude has a significant impact on the soil microbial characteristics, including soil enzyme activities, microbial biomass, soil basal respiration intensity and substrate-induced respiration intensity (SIR). The major indicators of soil enzymes and microbial biomass exhibit an evident linear increasing trend with the rise in altitude. Soil enzymes and microbial biomass and their activities increase gradually with the reduction in dry-hot wind impact at altitudes ranging from 705-1005 m; thereafter, these indicators tend to be stable as a whole, as the altitude continues to rise and the impact of the dry-hot wind lessens. Under wet-dry cycling conditions, the main soil microbial characteristics, including soil enzyme activities, microbial biomass, soil basal respiration intensity and SIR, display an evident dry-wet seasonal change following a similar law of change; that is, the soil enzymes and microbial biomass and their activities in the dry season are significantly lower than are those in the wet season. The metabolic quotient (qCO2) in the dry season initially falls, then rises and, finally tends to be stable with the rise in altitude, whereas, in the wet season, there is no significant change in qCO2 with altitude. Further analysis shows that soil enzyme indicators, enzyme activities, soil microbial biomass and its activities in both dry and wet seasons have relatively strong correlations with soil physical and chemical properties, and, thus, can act as the indicators for soil fertility assessment. Therefore, the dry-hot wind is one of the major factors that impact soil enzymes and microbial biomass and their activities in the dry-hot river valley region along the Jinshajiang River. Technical measures should be taken, so far as is possible, during the ecological restoration to reduce the stress effects of the dry-hot wind on soil and vegetation and, thus, to promote sustainable development of regional ecological construction.

Zhang Qinling, Li Zhanbin and Liu Ying

Soil Physico-Chemical Property Dynamics When Continually Growing Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in the Loess Plateau of China

Continually growing alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is very common in the dry land region of the Loess Plateau, China. The objective was to study the dynamics of the soil physico-chemical properties in alfalfa field soils over time. The space-for-time method was used to study a succession gradient of alfalfa, which were seven aged fields (1, 5, 8, 11, 15, 18 and 22 years). The results showed that the soil water content increased between 1 and 11 years, and then significantly decreased at 15 years (6.9%), finally, increased from 15 to 22 years. Soil bulk density continually decreased, and the variability between each layer for a given growing year significantly fell from 1 to 22 years. Long-term (up to 22 years) alfalfa cultivation has an important influence on the soil structure of the upper layer (0-70 cm), but has little effect on the deeper soil layer (70-100 cm). The soil organic carbon and soil carbon storage for the different soil layers in different planting years first decreased (1-11 years) and then increased (11-22 years). Total nitrogen storage (0-100 cm) first increased (1-5 years) and then decreased (after 5 years). The soil available K storage and soil alkali-hydrolyzale N storage, both increased as the number of cultivation years rose.

Jianping Li, Yingzhong Xie, Lei Deng, Kaibo Wang and Xiaowei Li

Effect of Competing Cations (Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb) Adsorbed by Zeolite Bearing Tuff from Macedonia

Zeolite bearing tuff (stilbite 27%) from Vetunica deposit, Republic of Macedonia was investigated as an adsorbent for removal of copper, zinc, manganese and lead ions from synthetic aqueous solutions. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the presence of competing cations on the individual adsorption of Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+ from a solution containing a mixture of all these metal ions, by zeolite bearing tuff. The obtained results show that the adsorption of studied ions in single and multi-component solution onto zeolite bearing tuff occurs efficiently. The amount adsorbed from multi-component solutions was affected significantly, except for Pb2+ where the difference between single and multi-component solution is minimal, almost insignificant. The selectivity of zeolite bearing tuff was also determined for the respective heavy metal ions. The selectivity series obtained for single and multi-component solution was: Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Mn2+.

Afrodita Zendelska, Mirjana Golomeova, Blagoj Golomeov and Boris Krstev

The Use of Fish Biomarkers for Assessing Textile Effluent Contamination of Aquatic Ecosystems: A Review

The effluent emission from textile industries has become a foremost concern in accordance with the growth of global industrial sectors. Although the textile industries have a major role in economic development, they cause quality deterioration of ecosystems. Several studies have discussed the environmental consequences of textile effluents and attempted to characterize the textile wastewaters. The main pollutants formed from the textile industry include dyes, surfactants, salts, metal complexes, biocides, hydrocarbons, resins, waxes, etc. Most of the pollutants are of aromatic and heterocyclic compounds of stable complicated structure with non-degradability. The water contaminated with textile effluents shows massive variation in water quality. The methods based on qualitative and quantitative observations of living organisms in their natural habitats were efficient in compensating deficiencies of physico-chemical analysis. Therefore, the biological approach arrived in the water quality determination such as bioindicators and biomarkers. Fish are particularly sensitive to the water contamination and, therefore, pollutants may significantly interfere with several of their biochemical processes. So the recent trend in biomarker studies focuses on the behavioural, physiological and biochemical changes of fish. In this review, the impacts of textile effluents on freshwater ecosystems and the fish biomarkers (biochemical, haematological, histological parameters) used for the assessment of these undesirable changes have been discussed.

N. Athira and D. S. Jaya

Assessment of Groundwater Quality of Chittur Block, Palghat, Kerala, India

The geochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Chittur block, Palghat, Kerala have been studied to assess the water quality for domestic and irrigational purposes. During pre-monsoon (April-2010) period 89 groundwater samples were collected from 61 dug wells and 28 bore wells. Chemical analysis of the groundwater shows different ranges for different parameters (pH 6.25-8.29, EC 250-2400 µS/cm, TDS 160-1536 mg/L, TH 65-945 mg/L, Mg2+ 3.62-189.46 mg/L, F- 0.02-6.3 mg/L, Cl- 10-672 mg/L, Na+ 1-126 mg/L, K+ 1-23 mg/L, NO3- 1.42-23.15 mg/L, SO42- 5.72-159.62 mg/L and PO43- 0-2.12 mg/L). High fluoride (F-) concentration is reported from 12% water samples. Piper diagram reveals that 42% of the samples are MgCO3 type. Irrigational suitability of water is evaluated based on sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, sodium percent, salinity hazard and USSL diagram. Salinity hazards show that 52% of the samples fall in high salinity hazard (C3) and 1% in very high salinity hazard class (C4). The study shows that, groundwater beyond the acceptable limit of EC, TDS, TH, Mg2+ and F- are not suitable for drinking, and groundwater fall in very high salinity hazard class is not suitable for irrigation.

Deepu T. R. and E. Shaji

Analysis of the Efficiency of Public Environmental Expenditure Based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-Tobit Model: Evidence from Central China

The increasing noticeable economic development that impact the environment increases attention on environmental protection and governance as observed by the government. Public finance expenditure on environmental protection has played an important role in controlling environmental pollution and protecting ecological environment. To explore the defects in the fiscal spending on environmental protection using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model and Tobit regression, the efficiency of public environmental expenditure in Central China from 2007 to 2015 was evaluated, and the factors that influence the efficiency of fiscal spending on environmental protection were discussed. Results reveal that fiscal spending on environmental protection in the remaining five provinces is technically inefficient, except for Hubei Province in Central China. Moreover, large differences exist among provinces in a different stage of scale return. The GDP per capita has a significant positive impact on the efficiency of fiscal expenditure on environmental protection, whereas the level of urbanization and industrialization has a significant negative impact on the efficiency of fiscal expenditure on environmental protection. The conclusions provide a decision-making reference for improving the efficiency of public environmental expenditure.

Pengju Wang

Co-composting of Kitchen Waste, Faeces and Sewage Sludge as Sustainable Strategy for Island Waste Management: Process Dynamics

Solid waste management is an inevitable challenge for Chinese government during the island construction practice in the South China Sea. Composting, if it is properly put into application, can constitute an environment friendly and sustainable method for solid waste management on these newly-built artificial coral reefs, due to its great potential to improve coral sand soil with low cost. As the key components of island solid wastes, kitchen waste, faeces and sewage sludge were combined in ratio of 1:1:1, which conformed to the actual production and constituted a mixed waste system. Thus, using a self-made intelligent reactor, this paper presented the performance and potential of mixed treatment of kitchen waste, faeces and sewage sludge through co-composting with the co-amendment of sawdust and cornstalk. A series of process parameters were monitored, the laws about degradation and resynthesis of organic matter, transformation and loss of nitrogen were revealed in this paper. The results indicated that applying the aerobic composting technology to the solid waste treatment in the mixed system of kitchen waste, faeces and sewage sludge with co-amendment of sawdust and cornstalk was feasible, and the optimal mixed ratio of total waste to co-amendment was 4:1 on analysis of technique and economics.

Jihao Zhou, Jie Liu, Zhiwei Zhao, Ping Zhang and Jie Shi

Factor Selection Study to Determine the Sediment Source of a Small Watershed in the Loess Plateau Based on the Multi-element Tracer Technique

Tracer techniques, such as the multi-element tracer technique, have been studied in recent decades to determine their effectiveness in estimating the sediment sources in the Loess plateau. The first step in studying sediment sources using the multi-element tracer technique is to screen for indicating factors; however, few studies have presented a reference of the trace elements that can be used in the study of sediment sources in the Loess plateau. Furthermore, because the loess deposition resulted from the long-term operation of wind power and loess is generally homologous, significant differences usually do not occur among the concentrations of the loess’ chemical elements. To determine obvious differences in the chemical element concentrations, additional factors must be selected. For our study site, we selected a typical small closed watershed in the Peng-yang region of the Ningxia Province in China, and 20 cm surface soil samples were collected at each of the following five geographical locations: (i) ridge, (ii) hill slope, (iii) shoulder line of the valley, (iv) channel slope and (v) area in front of the dam. A neutron activation analysis was then performed, and 31 major soil constituents were detected in the standards and soil samples. The results showed that marked differences occurred among the concentrations of Eu, Fe, Al, Co, Cs, Hf, Sc, Th, Cr, Rb and Mn. And combining a previous study, we suggest that the soil nutrient index, soil magnetic susceptibility and soil concentrations of Al, Eu, Cs, Hf, Sc, Co, Th, Cr, Rb,137Cs, 7Be, 210Pb and 226Ra can be used as indicating factors in the study of sediment sources in the Loess plateau.

Ningning Zhang and Puling Liu

Effect of an Endocrine-disrupting Chemical Dimethyl Phthalate on Poecilia sphenops

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) has been recognized as a significant environmental contaminant due to wide applications in industry. It has been reported to be an endocrine disrupting chemical which promotes chromosomal injuries in human leucocytes, thereby causing abnormalities in reproductive system and interference with the development of animals and humans. In current investigation, a batch experiment was conducted under control conditions to assess the added effects of DMP on Poecilia sphenops. LC50 of DMP on P. sphenops was determined and observed to be 55.8 mg/L. Growth performance, macroscopic observation and mortality of fingerlings of P. sphenops in experimental tank containing 50 mg/L of DMP was monitored for 60 days. Mortality of the fish in the experimental tank was observed to be ~20% after 60 days of incubation. Significant changes in morphometric, behaviour and diminution in growth performance were observed. These results evidently indicate the sensitivity of P. sphenops to DMP.

Khushboo Rana, Jay Patel and Bablu Prasad

Areal Variation Measurement and Influencing Factor Decomposition of Carbon Emissions of Regional Logistics Ecosystems

Carbon emissions significantly affect the sustainable development of regional logistics ecosystems. However, the existing studies on logistics carbon emissions seldom consider the spatial inequality characteristic. A comprehensive approach to analyse the areal variations and the influencing factors of carbon emissions of regional logistics ecosystems accurately, was proposed in this study. The carbon emissions of regional logistics ecosystems were initially discussed and their areal variations were measured using Theil index model. Then, the key influencing factors of carbon emission change of regional logistics ecosystems, as well as the effects of these influencing factors were analysed. Finally, an empirical analysis was conducted considering Jiangsu province in China as an example. Results demonstrate the following: (1) The areal variations of carbon emissions of regional logistics ecosystems between regions and within regions can be measured objectively and scientifically with Theil index model, and the areal variation changes in carbon emissions can be accurately reflected. (2) The influencing factors of carbon emissions of regional logistics ecosystems can be classified into three factors, namely, energy structure, economic scale, and industrial structure, by using the logarithmic mean Divisia index decomposition approach. Moreover, the contributions of influencing factors to the carbon emission changes can be identified quantitatively. (3) Results of the empirical analysis show that the energy structure and economic scale in Jiangsu province positively affect the carbon emissions of regional logistics ecosystems. However, the industrial structure plays an adverse role. The study provides a new decision-making method to analyse quantitatively the areal variations in carbon emissions of regional logistics ecosystems, which can be used as a reference when designing differentiated measures and policies for low-carbon logistics development in different regions.

Jie Wu, Lingyun Zhou and Yachao Wu

Tree Species Richness and Diversity of Community Forestry in Uttaradit Province, Thailand

The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of the structure, species composition and species diversity in the community forest at Uttaradit province, Lower North of Thailand. The vertical stratification of the tree canopy can affect the growth of young trees on the ground surface, especially that of saplings and seedlings. Ground species can establish themselves very quickly when the light intensity is high enough and especially when the light can penetrate directly to the ground during gap formation. The data of tree individuals have served to give insight into the stand density, basal area, and frequency number of DBH class ranges. There were a large number of DBH class ranges, but there were low DBH values. The species composition of community forest is low, rich and diverse, but in high density. The comparison between community forest in this study and other forest is that tree density is higher than other forests but number of species is similar or lower. Importance value index (IVI) is used to determine the dominant trees in each plot. The result showed that dominant trees of Ban-Khum (BK) are Tectona grandis, Dalbergia cultrate, Strychnosnux-blanda, Terminalia corticosa and Microcos paniculata. While the dominant trees of Ban-Lao (BL) plot are Aporosa villosa, Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Terminalia corticosa, Cananga odorata and Heliciopsis terminalis. The dominant trees of Khao-Sak (KS) plot are Azadirachta indica, Parinaria namense, Ziziphus jujube, Feronia limonia and Senna siamea, and the dominant trees of Huai-Kan-Leang (HKL) are Parashorea stellate, Xyliaxylo carpa, Cananga odorata, Lagerstroemia tomentosa and Cananga latifolia, respectively. The Fisher’s, Shannon-Wiener’s index and Simpson’s index in these studies are found to be lower than other forests. The size class distribution of trees in secondary mixed deciduous forest is shown to be on L-shape curve, which is high abundance of small trees.

Chattanong Podong and Parinya Krivutthinun

Online Spectrometric Decolorization of Rhodamine B and Acid Yellow G by Homogeneous Cobalt-Activated Peroxymonosulphate Reaction

Homogeneous cobalt-activated peroxymonosulphate reaction (Co2+/PMS) was applied to decolorize Rhodamine B (RhB) and Acid Yellow G (AYG) and the main experimental parameters (nitrate cobalt concentration, PMS dosage, pH) were investigated. At the optical condition (1 mg/L Co(NO3)2, 20 mg/L PMS and pH=7 for RhB; 10 mg/L Co(NO3)2, 65 mg/L PMS and pH=9 for AYG ), the colour removal of RhB and AYG were 99.5% and 98% respectively. Plus, Mn+/PMS process (Cu2+/PMS, Mn2+/PMS, Ni2+/PMS, Fe3+/PMS, Fe2+/PMS) was carried out to study the catalytic effect of similar activators with same molar concentration. The evidence indicates that Fe2+ and Cu2+ ion are more reactive compared to other ions, while that catalysis is still incomparable to cobalt ion. Furthermore, in Co2+/PMS process, the acid dyes (Acid Red 6B, Acid Yellow G, Acid Blue) were found to become more degradable at alkaline condition (pH 9) than neutral solution.

Hang Xu, Beibei Liu, Tianlong Yu, Fengmin Wu and Airong Xu

Assessment of Multiresidue Pesticides in Agricultural Soils from Ledang, Malaysia and Related Potential Health Risks

The concentration levels of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in agriculture soils from paddy field were successfully investigated. Residues were isolated using the Soxhlet extraction method, following a clean-up process (SPE Florosil) and a final determination of targeted compounds performed by using a gas chromatography electron capture detector. The concentration levels ranged from 0.98 to 3.60 µg/kg of dry weight during the period of study. Only five compounds were found less frequent <50% out of 56 soil samples. The physical properties of soil samples were identified as acidic (pH 4.8 to 5.4), organic content (6.4 to 7.8%) and the particle size was dominated by the sandy fraction type. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis was used to discriminate eight stations into two groups (C1: 1-4 and C2: 5-8) at Dlink/Dmax × 100 < 83. Three components (PC1- PC3) explained about 89.30% of the total variance in the data sets from an eigen value of >1. The occurrences of HCH isomers, DDE, heptachlor epoxide and endosulfan compounds were recognized as the main contributors of pollutant in this area. Hazard quotient for adults and children health risks were calculated in the range of 8.57 × 10-9 - 5.23 × 10-5 and 4.44 × 10-8 - 2.71 × 10-4, respectively. It was reflected that the present status is below than the acceptable risk level, HQ £ 1. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was recorded slightly higher for children ranging from 1.73 × 10-8 to 4.22 × 10-11 compared to the risk toward adults from 3.34 × 10-9 to 8.15 × 10-12. It would be interesting to observe the details of the depth profile analysis to understand the mobility of pesticide residues for future study.

Khitam Jaber Nabhan, Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik, Md Pauzi Abdullah, Mohamed Rozali Othman, Anizan Isahak and Siti Aminah Zulkepli

Effect of Salinity and Alleviating Role of PGRs and Nutrients for Improving the Morphological Traits of Tomato Cultivars under Salinity Condition

Salinity has deleterious effects on many crops, especially in morphology of the plants. A research was conducted to study the effect of salinity on tomato genotypes (PKM 1 and TNAU THCO 3) and alleviation by using plant growth regulators (PGRs) and nutrients in the Department of Crop Physiology, TNAU, Coimbatore. Salinity was imposed by using NaCl at 100 mM concentration. The responses of two tomato genotypes under salinity were studied. Among two genotypes, PKM 1 was affected more by salinity than TNAU THCO 3. Foliar application of plant growth regulators like brassinolide (0.5 ppm), salicylic acid (100 ppm), benzyl amino purine (50 ppm), ascorbic acid (100 ppm), glutathione (50 ppm), KNO3 (0.5%) + FeSO4 (0.3%) + Borax (0.2%) and nutrient PGR concoction (K2SO4 (0.5%) + CaSO4 (0.5%) + Borax (0.2%) + NAA (20 ppm) were carried out at 20 and 40 DAT. Significant variations and adaptability among stressed and non-stressed plants were observed in both the genotypes. The study revealed that, among the treatments, brassinolide showed the premier observations like plant height (73.40 cm), root length (18.60 cm), root volume (133.25 cc), leaf area (1275.54 cm2) and total dry matter production (TDMP) (88.42 g plant-1) followed by salicylic acid when compared to control. Among the two genotypes used in this study, TNAU THCO 3 responded better for the application plant growth regulators and nutrients than PKM 1 under salinity.

Nandhitha G. K., R. Sivakumar and P. Boominathan

Performance Evaluation of Paper Mill Effluent in a Granular Bed Hybrid Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (HUASB) Reactor

A laboratory study was conducted to assess the performance of a Hybrid Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (HUASB) Reactor in order to treat the effluent from a paper mill. The maximum organic loading rate (OLR) is 12 kg COD/m3.day. The OLR was calculated on the basis of COD inlet in the reactor for different flow rates. A hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 12 hrs was maintained in the reactor. The maximum TCOD and SCOD reduction was 92% and 88% respectively. The maximum biogas production was 3.27 m3/m3.day. Development of granulation with two different inoculums in early start-up was also studied. The study revealed that earlier start-up and granulation of biomass could be achieved using mixed sludge (cow dung and effective microorganisms). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) study of the granules showed predominance of Methanosarcina and Methanothrix type of species on the surface of granules. The process efficiency and biogas production were found to be increased with an increase in the organic loading rate. The size of the granules was 1-3 mm and exhibited good settling tendency.

A. Sangeetha, R. Ambalavanan, J. Santhosh and G. Thirumal Murugan

Performance of Combined Adsorption and Biological Process in Decolorization and Demineralization of Dye Wastewater

This work studies the performance of combined adsorption and biological processes for degradation of crystal violet (CV) in wastewaters. The results were compared with biodegradation experiments conducted without adsorption. Activated rice husk was used as an adsorbent whereas, mixed culture was used for biological experiments. Effect of glucose concentrations and initial concentrations of dye were studied in detail. It was observed that combined degradation was very effective in removing CV from wastewaters. Adsorption with rice husk significantly increased the mineralization capacity of pollutants. Mineralization of actual textile effluents from textile industry also revealed the superior nature of combined treatment in comparison to biodegradation of dyes in wastewater.

P. Anantha Narayanan, Ishwarya V., Mukesh Goel and Ashutosh Das

Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Industrial Pollution Discharge: A Case Study of Anhui, China

The development of industrial economy is the major force behind the rapid development of national economy. However, industrial pollution exerts huge pressure on the environmental carrying capacity with its largest share of environmental pollution. In this study, the characteristics of industrial discharge in Anhui of China were analysed to further understand its pollution discharge characteristics and major influencing factors. Its influencing factors were also analysed through Grey relative analysis, and the grey-relation degree between industrial pollution and each factor was quantitatively measured. Results reveal that in the period of 2005-2016, the total discharge of industrial wastewater in Anhui Province has shown a gradual, but unstable increase; the exhaust gas emission also has increased annually with a growth of 364%; and the common industrial solid waste has increased by 200%, whereas its rate of multipurpose utilization has been constantly improved. Grey relational coefficients indicate that the five industrial indicators are closely correlated according to the three indicators, including GDP per capita, industrial proportion and the number of environmental researchers. This finding indicates that rapid economic growth, unreasonable industrial structure and incompetence in environmental control are the major influencing factors. The conclusion is of great reference value to further understand the current situation of industrial pollution in China, optimize the industrial structure, reduce the discharge of pollutants, and explore the law between environmental protection and pollution effect.

Hang Wang and Junpei Wu

Evaluation and Eco-regulation of Eco-restoration Engineering on Slopes of Hydropower Projects

Based on the fuzzy AHP method, an evaluation index system for eco-restoration engineering on the slope of a hydropower project is established with twenty indexes, which can combine qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. It includes four kinds of indexes which are the effect of soil and water conservation, the effect of habitat material improvement, the effect of ecology and the effect of landscape. According to the problems found through the analysis, five targeted regulatory technologies were developed and then applied to eco-restoration engineering on the slopes of the Guangzhao, Nuozu, Xiaowan, Xiangjiaba and Pubugou hydropower stations, respectively. And the eco-regulation measures have effectively solved the existing problems. Through eco-regulation, the evaluation result of each has greatly increased and these measures have clearly improved the current conditions of the five typical engineering cases. This shows that the regulatory technologies are effective and that the evaluation index system is applicable.

Yang Yueshu, Xu Wennian, Liu Daxiang and Xia Zhenyao

Correlation Between Water Quality and Land Use Change in Ciliwung Watershed

Due to the change of land use, Ciliwung watershed suffered from physical degradation. Considering the increasing land use change along the Ciliwung watershed, it was necessary to perform a research on land use change and its impact on the river water quality (BOD, COD, DO). The land-use forms were divided into six categories: waterbody, bareland, forest, built-up area, agriculture and paddy field. The level of correlation was measured by Pearson correlation. The change of land use of waterbody, bareland, forest, built-up area and dry land agriculture influenced the river water quality. Waterbody had positive effect on water quality, while bareland and built-up area had a negative effect on water quality.

Hefni Effendi, Makna Fathana Sabila and Yudi Setiawan

Usage of Fisheries Rearing Waste for Butterhead Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) Cultivation in Recirculation

The aim of this research was to use tilapia farming waste as a nutrient for plant growth in recirculation systems in order to make use of water efficiently and to reduce pollution materials entering the aquatic environment. Aquaculture wastes such as residual feed and faeces, after experiencing decomposition, can be utilized as a nutrient supply for plants. During the 35 days of study, butterhead lettuce could grow well relying on the supply of nutrients from fish farming waste. Relative growth (RGR) of P2 treatment (10 pot plants) was 0.07 ± 0.02. It was almost the same as in the treatment of P3 (20 pot plants) amounted to 0.07 ± 0.01. Similarly, the specific growth of butterhead was of 7.49 ± 1.21 in P2 and 6.86 ± 1.02 in P3. The use of tilapia fish farming waste as a nutrient on water recirculation system was able to support butterhead lettuce growth.

Prasetia Ajitama, Hefni Effendi and Sigid Hariyadi

Groundwater Quality Assessment for Domestic and Irrigational Suitability in Kallada River Basin, South Kerala, India

Physico-chemical assessment of drinking water quality as well as agricultural utility of Kallada River Basin, Kerala has been done in various stations for post-monsoon (August 2010) and pre-monsoon (April 2011) seasons. The open well samples were collected from the 107 wells around this region and analysed for pH, EC, TDS, major cations and anions. The results were evaluated and compared with BIS water quality standards. Majority of the samples is showing an acidic pH, making only 10% samples of post-monsoon and 17% samples of pre-monsoon suitable for human consumption. Except pH all other parameters are within the permissible limit of BIS. The irrigational parameters like EC, SAR values, %Na and RSC have been worked out to know the suitability of the groundwater for irrigational purpose. The USSL diagram for the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons depicts that the water has low to medium salinity hazard and low sodium hazard. According to the classification of Wilcox (1955) most of the samples for both the seasons are safe for irrigation. The RSC values are predominantly negative, indicating that sodium builtup is unlikely, since sufficient calcium and magnesium is in excess of what can be precipitated as carbonates. The overall quality of the water in the study area is suitable for drinking and irrigation purpose.

V. R. Abhisheka and R. B. Binoj Kumar

Characteristics, Status and Strategies of Environmental Protection Investment and Financing in China

Environmental pollution continues to aggravate with the acceleration of industrialization. As a result, the treatment of environmental pollution and protection of ecological environment have become issues of great concern during the social and economic development of China. Fund guarantee is an important link of environmental protection, and reasonable investment and financing strategies are the prerequisites of fund guarantee. To analyse the characteristics and status of environmental protection investment and financing in China and put forward targeted investment and financing strategies, the environmental protection investment and financing methods abroad were summarized. Then, the characteristics and types of current environmental protection investment and financing activities in China were examined. Results show that current environmental protection investment and financing activities in China are characterized by multiple fund sources, dominance of governance investment, and separation between investment and earnings. Specialized foundations for environmental protection, environmental policy funds, environmental pollution treatment project charges, and financial institutional loans are four major types of environmental protection investment and financing in China. There are four major problems, including inadequate total investment amount for environmental protection, unreasonable investment and financing structure, lack of investment and financing mechanism innovation, and lack of diversity of the investment and financing channels. This study’s findings can provide references for decision making in terms of industrial structural transformation and upgrade, development enhancement of the environmental protection industry, and research into environmental protection investment and financing in China.

Jiaying Li, Zongyi Yin and Feifei Song

Investigation of Heat Transfer Associated with Deenbandhu Brick Built Anaerobic Digester Covered with Single-layer Soil Type

Energy in the form of heat is one of the important components of anaerobic digestion of cow manure, household waste, landfill waste, human waste and many others. This paper discusses the results of the investigation of heat transfer to a single layer soil type covering a 6 m3 Deenbandhu 2000 biogas digester and the heat gained by bio-slurry undergoing anaerobic fermentation inside unstirred, unheated brick built digester. The thickness of the soil layer was measured to be 0.25m starting from the tangential top of the digester to the soil surface. Measurements of temperature were averaged in an hourly basis and the initial time (0700h a.m.) was chosen due to the observation that both soil and the slurry temperatures were found to be rising up until such time (1600h p.m.) where a drop is noticed. The Fourier law of diffusion was applied in order to facilitate the computation of the soil surface heat flux using soil surface temperature and soil volumetric heat capacity and soil volumetric heat conductivity as inputs. The variation of heat gained by the slurry was found to be in good agreement with the variation in soil surface heat flux. The slurry temperature and soil surface temperature were found to be closely related (R2 = 0.949).

Vhutshilo Nekhubvi and David Tinarwo

Effects of Macrozoobenthos and Zooplankton on the Occurrence of Yangtze Finless Porpoise Via the Bottom-up Force at a Confluence of Rivers

Recent study on the confluence of rivers showed that the fish community has significant effects on the occurrence of Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP). Macrozoobenthos and zooplankton, as food sources for fish, may also have significant effects on the occurrence of YFP via the bottom-up force. To understand the community structures of macrozoobenthos and zooplankton, and further test our hypothesis, field investigations were conducted on a monthly basis between September 2013 and August 2014 at the confluence of the Yangtze and Wanhe rivers and adjacent waters. The results showed that (1) A total of 31 species of macrozoobenthos were identified, and the density and biomass were 107.2 ind./m2 and 6.15 g/m2, respectively. More species were detected at the confluence (17 species) than at the adjacent waters because of the occurrence of a large number of Mollusca specimens. However, species number and density among all the sites had no significant differences. (2) Total species number of zooplankton was 64, with a density and biomass of 20.7 ind./m2 and 0.043 g/m2, respectively. Species number was the highest at the confluence (53 species), and the density and biomass were obviously higher at the confluence than in the other sites in May-July. However, there were no significant differences in species number, density and biomass among all the sites. (3) There were no significant correlations between the species number, density and biomass of macrozoobenthos and the five fish parameters that significantly affect the occurrence of YFP; however, significantly negative correlations were found between the species number, density and biomass of zooplankton and fish species richness. After comprehensive analyses, we concluded that both macrozoobenthos and zooplankton could not significantly affect the occurrence of YFP via the bottom-up force at the confluence.

Xiaoke Zhang, Huili Wang, An Wan, Minmin Chen, Kexiong Wang and Daoping Yu

Effect of Heavy Metals on Antioxidant Biomarker Enzymes and Biochemical Constituents in Different Tissues of Lamelleidens marginallis in Different Reservoirs of Nasik District

Heavy metals are known inducers of oxidative stress by directly producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to formation of LPO and modulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes and causes disturbances in metabolic functions. The modulation of antioxidant enzyme system like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) are reported. Accumulated heavy metals also cause conflict in metabolic functions, trigger detoxifying enzymes, and antioxidant system damage leads to oxidative stress and causes damage to protein and other biochemical constituents. In the present investigation, the heavy metals Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were determined in surface water and the freshwater bivalve Lamellidens marginalis collected from Girna, Ozarkhed, Chankapur and Gangapur reservoirs of Nasik district during summer, monsoon and winter seasons to study their effect on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical constituents like protein and ascorbic acid in soft body tissues of the bivalve.

Rahane Balasaheb and Resham Bhalla

Mobility Assessment of Heavy Metals with Seasonal Variation in an Industrial Region of Chhattisgarh

Heavy metals are a source of pollution affecting the whole environment. The concentration of heavy metals in a soil sample, collected from an adjoining area of steel slag dump yard, Bhilai, was investigated for pre and post monsoon seasons, up to a depth of one meter. Concentration profiles of selected metals are presented with the distances and depths to assess the migration. The Mn has transported from soils in pre-monsoon (7.763 mg/kg) and been retained in higher concentration (9.08 mg/kg) in post-monsoon, at moderate depths (0.5 m). The metal mobility order in the pre-monsoon was Mn>Cr>Fe>Pb>Zn; while for the post-monsoon the order was Mn>Cr>Fe>Zn>Pb. The distance and vertical mobility of selected metals were higher in post-monsoon.

Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Samir Bajpai and Umesh Kumar Dewangan

Coordination Between Economic Development and Environmental Protection in Free Trade Zone: A Case Study of Hubei, China

The rapid economic development in China is accompanied by severe environmental pollution. Particularly, realizing the harmonious development of economy and environment is an urgent problem in the construction of free trade zone in China. In order to explore the coordination state between economic development and environmental protection in the free trade zone, evolution law of the coordination and type of coordination degree, this study constructed an evaluation index system of coordination to investigate the coordination state between economic development and environmental protection in the free trade zone. Time, degree and mechanism of such coordination were analysed based on the free trade zone in Hubei Province by using the coordinated development degree model. Research demonstrates a weak interaction between economic development and environmental protection. Economy and environment basically synchronously develop. The environment can meet the demands of the economy, thereby showing a harmonious development. Development is in the basic, harmonious, and quasi-sustainable stage. In Wuhan, economic development and environmental protection are relatively coordinated. Environment mainly drives economic development, thereby showing strong coordination between environmental protection and economic development. The economy of Yichang develops ahead, and environmental protection begins to improve. The driving effect of the environment on economic development is enhanced, thus showing strong coordination. The economy of Xiangyang develops ahead, and pressure on environmental protection is heavy. The environment mainly inhibits economic development with moderate coordination. Conclusions can provide a few references for local government in formulating relevant policies according to actual conditions, thus facilitating the harmonious development between environmental management and investment trade and realizing the win-win goal of environmental protection and economic development.

Qi Dong and Aimin Wang

Performance of Microcystis aeruginosa Removal from Water Using Moringa oleifera Seed Presscake Extract as Natural Coagulant

The natural Moringa oleifera seed presscake extract (MOSPE) purified with salt-in and dialysis process was used for coagulating removal of Microcystis aeruginosa (M.A.) from water in this study. The results showed that the MOSPE obtained in the dialysis tubes with three molecular weight cutoffs (2000, 3500 and 7000 Da) could remove the M.A. efficiently. M.A. removal efficiency increased with the rising temperature. There existed optimal dosage for best M.A. removal, the optimal dosages for the initial chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations of 0.60 and 1.43 mg·L-1 were 5.0 and 20 mg MOSP)·L-1, respectively. Adsorption and charge neutralization contributed to the removal of M.A from solution. Compared with the polymeric aluminium chloride (PAC) at same dosage as MOSPE, the MOSPE had better algal removal performance.

Zongxi Li, Nan Zhang, Wenhang Zhai, Hanchao Li and Jingxi Tie

Performance of Aerated Fixed Film Biofilter (AF2B) Reactor for Treating Hospital Wastewater

Hospital wastewater contains some contaminants such as BOD, COD, phenol and faecal coli, which often exceed the quality standards. The ability of the wastewater treatment can be increased by increasing the hydraulic residence time and the selection of proper types of microorganisms. The purpose of this research is to determine the Aerated Fixed Film Biofilter (AF2B) reactor performance in reducing BOD5, faecal coli and phenol. The AF2B used in this study is divided into 3 equal parts, where each part contains a biofilter made of plastic with a bee nest shape as medium for the growth of EBC (Endogenous Bacterial Consortium). The endogenous bacterial consortium consists of Pseudomonas capica, Pseudomonas diminuta, Bacillus sp1, and Bacillus sp2. The experiment was conducted by flowing the hospital wastewater continuously into the AF2B reactor through a number of biofilters. At the effluent of AF2B, a part of the stream was recycled to maintain the growth of EBC. The experiments were conducted with the Hydraulic Residence Time (HRT) for 3, 1.5 and 1 hours. The experimental results show that the greater HRT caused the increasing of pollutant removal capability. At HRT for 3 hours and contact time for 98 hours, the BOD5, faecal coli and phenol removal yields were 92%, 85% and 63%, respectively. These results indicated that AF2B process using EBC can be used as a promising hospital wastewater treatment for BOD5, faecal coli and phenol removal.

Prayitno, Hadi Saroso, Sri Rulianah and Hardjono

Removal of Copper(II) Using Bio-adsorbents from Prepared Aqueous Solution

The effect of pH, dose of adsorbent, concentration of Cu(II), and contact time has been studied well on adsorption rate of Cu(II) from aqueous solution using commercially available activated carbon (CAC), prepared activated carbon from cotton stem (PACC) and prepared activated carbon from bagasse (PACB). Increased adsorption of Cu(II) by CAC, PACC and PACB was found at pH 6. The adsorption of Cu(II) was observed to be highest at 4g, 5g and 6g dose of CAC, PACC and PACB respectively. Adsorption was observed maximum at PACC (90.5%)>PACB (87.5 %)>CAC (85.5%) in a solution containing 25 mg/L concentration of Cu(II) for all PACs. Comparable adsorption was observed at contact time for CAC (30 min), PACC (60 min) and PACB (90 min). The results revealed that all the adsorbents have ability to adsorb Cu(II) significantly at particular pH, dose, concentration and time.

Pramod N. Kamble, Ragini G. Bodade, Abhijit K. Sagar, Goraksh M. Pondhe, Viswas B. Gaikwad and Ashish V. Mane

Influence of Organic Loading Rate in Acclimatization Phase of Hybrid Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor Treating Distillery Spent Wash

A lab scale hybrid Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor inoculated with anaerobic digested sludge, procured from distillery industry, was used to treat distillery wastewater with low strength of organic loads during acclimatization phase under ambient conditions. The lab scale hybrid UASB reactor with an effective volume of 12.5 L was operated for period of 80 days as a start-up phase at temperature 30±5°C, optimal hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h, for various organic loading rates (OLR) viz., 0.25, 0.35, 0.70, 1.10, 1.30, 2.30 kg COD m-3d-1 respectively. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency achieved was more than 95% and biogas rich in methane content was produced. Sludge granules were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study revealed that the hybrid UASB reactor would be a feasible, eco-friendly and sustainable treatment system for treating distillery spent wash.

R. Thiyagu and P. Sivarajan

Environmental Pollution of Chinese Industrial Enterprises and Energy Conservation, and Emission Reduction Environmental Protection Strategies from the Cyclic Economy Perspective

High emission, pollution, and energy consumption problems that result from rapid economic development have not yet been effectively solved. As an important force that drives economic development, industrial enterprises have caused considerable environmental pollution. To analyse the current status and causes of environmental pollution generated by Chinese industrial enterprises and propose concrete energy conservation and emission reduction environmental protection measures, this paper first reviewed Chinese and foreign studies on strategies that addressed environmental pollution caused by industrial enterprises. Then, the environmental pollution status of industrial enterprises was analysed, and problems in energy conservation and emission reduction of industrial enterprises, and their causes were identified. Finally, energy conservation and emission reduction strategies for industrial enterprises were proposed. Results indicate that environmental pollution of industrial enterprises is reflected through a rapidly growing proportion of total energy consumed by industrial enterprises, large industrial “three wastes” emission load, and year-by-year decline of the elasticity coefficient of energy consumption. The problems in energy conservation and emission reduction of industrial enterprises are an unreasonable industrial structure; a distinct contradiction in energy consumption structure; difficulty in guaranteeing various inputs of energy conservation and emission reduction; imperfect energy conservation and emission reduction policies and regulations; and insufficient marketing measures. The main cause of the environmental pollution generated by industrial enterprises is the lack of effective supervision for the implementation of energy conservation and emission reduction policies, and low awareness about energy consumption and emission reduction. Our findings are critical to further understanding the environmental pollution caused by industrial enterprises, encouraging the government to formulate energy conservation and emission reduction measures in accordance with the practical situation, and enabling industrial enterprises to continuously reduce their energy consumption and emission.

Zhiyong Shao

Manufacturing Method of Cathode Electrode for FEM-EK Process to Adsorb Cesium (Cs) Ion

Soil pollution is one of the main problems after the atomic power plant explosion in Japan. Electrokinetic method can be an important soil remediation method. The method has been proved efficient in laboratory scale, but still requires some solutions to apply it in practical field. However, a new method has been developed, which uses a flat electrode on the surface of the polluted soil as cathode and the anode electrodes are put inside the soil, and then the electrokinetic method is applied in between the electrodes. We have named this process as FEM-EK (Flat Electrode Method-Electrokinetic) process. This new process needs electrodes which can adsorb radioactive materials. We have tried to induce some materials and methods to prepare this new type of cathode electrodes. Natural zeolite, Kuntan (burnt rice husk) and Abaca in different amounts were used to prepare the electrodes. We evaluated the electrodes by measuring the conductivity, flexibility and the adsorption ability of Cs. Our experiments have shown that a combination of zeolite, Kuntan and Abaca may fulfil the needs of the electrode for the FEM-EK process. These electrodes and FEM-EK process can pave the way for purification of radioactive polluted soil in the near future.

Mahmudul Kabir, Yoshitaka Hatakeyama and Shunsuke Nakajima

Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue by Mn-Modified Tourmaline

Adsorbent Mn-modified tourmaline was creatively prepared by wet impregnation in a MnSO4 solution and subsequent calcination procedure. The prepared Mn-modified tourmaline was used for the adsorptive removal of a cationic dye methylene blue (MB). The experimental data under different solution pH conditions were simulated using both linear and non-linear kinetic models. Linear pseudo-second-order model and non-linear Elovich kinetic model were found to be more suitable to describe the adsorption kinetics. This indicates that the adsorption of MB onto the Mn-modified tourmaline is possibly a chemisorption process in which the rate-determining step is diffusion in nature. The adsorption isotherms were also investigated and the experimental data were fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich models. Usinxg Langmuir model, the calculated maximal adsorption capacities for MB achieved 158.5 mg/g at 298 K. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that the changes of enthalpy and entropy of the adsorption processes are 55.6 KJ mol-1 and 199.0 J mol-1 k-1, respectively. The negative value of Gibbs free energy change and the positive value of enthalpy also indicates that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic.

Gangfu Song, Mingzhao Shen, Kaiyang Zhu and Guoting Li

An Experimental Study on Soil Erosion and Evaluation of Sustainable Soil Conservation Systems

Soil erosion, a complex phenomenon impacting the general land topography, essentially involves distinguishable stages such as detachment and transport of soil particles, storage and runoff of rainwater, and infiltration. Adoption of sustainable soil conservation measures suitable to the land use pattern are of great importance to arrest soil erosion. The present study deals with identifying the critical parameters affecting erosion from a cultivable farm land located in the southern rain-shadow area of Nilgiri Hills at Sathyamangalam. A series of rainfall simulations were performed under laboratory setup by varying rainfall intensity, soil texture, and conservation measures. Three types of soil conservation measures were practiced and tested for understanding water holding capacity and soil and erodability of the collected native soil. Results showed that mulching with dry leaves and growing of deep root vetiver plants could give relatively good and comparable results in terms of soil moisture content and percentage of fine particles retained. However, the soil treated with dry sludge collected from co-composting of faecal matter resulted in highest retention of soil moisture as well as fine particles. This can be attributed to the presence of higher organic matter present in the sludge which has the ability to absorb and hold water. Additionally, the soil amended with dry sludge is expected to improve the productivity of land, thereby minimizing the supply of artificial fertilizers. It can be concluded that erosion control by co-composted-dried sludge can be employed as a sustainable alternative for simultaneous erosion control and productivity enhancement of agricultural soil.

C. Dinesh Kumar, V. Kumaresh, J. Abhimanyu and M. Vasudevan

Effect of Different Soil Amendments on Growth Performance and Levels of Copper and Zinc in Lycopersicon esculentum

Organic and inorganic amendments are added to soil with the aim of improving the crop yield. The present study investigated the effect of three types of soil amendments; organic (cow dung, chicken droppings) and inorganic (NPK-fertilizer) on trace metals (Cu and Zn) uptake and growth rate performance of greenhouse cultivated Lycopersicon esculentum. Thirty-two pot-plants were used for the study, each containing mixture of soil and weighed different amendments for the cultivation of L. esculentum. The fruits were harvested at maturity and later analysed for trace metal concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study revealed significant differences in heights, stem girths and canopy sizes, as well as the concentrations of Zn. The growth performance and yield results were in the order of NPK fertilizer > chicken droppings manure > cow dung manure > control. The mean concentrations of trace metals indicated that the highest concentrations for trace elements were recorded for both Cu and Zn in Lycopersicon eculentum cultivated in cow dung amended soil. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of Cu in tomato fruits across the amendments. However, there was a significant difference in the concentrations of Zn recorded for the L. esculentum across the group (p<0.05). The transfer factor of metals for this study showed that tomato fruits did not bioaccumulate the trace metals, and therefore the study revealed that these types of manures and fertilizer are safe to be used as soil amendments without increasing the trace metals elevated levels of phytotoxicity.

O. E. Aina, J. O. Olowoyo, L. L. Mugivhisa and S. O. Amoo

Pilot-scale Submerged Hollow Fibre Membrane Bioreactor Thickening Operation: Membrane Clogging, Sustainable Flux and Sludge Characteristics Assessment

The sludge characteristics and their impact on membrane clogging propensity and flux behaviours by statistical analyses were investigated in a pilot-scale hollow fiber membrane bioreactor during thickening operation at constant F/M ratio of 0.13. The cleaning efficiencies by chemical enhanced backflushing (CEB) and mechanical declogging at different mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration and flux levels were further assessed through (post-cleaning) permeability decline rates. The results showed that MLSS concentration exerted the greatest impacts on the ratio of accumulated solids to mixed liquor solids loading (DK) and sustainable flux (JSUS), and its measurement could be used to predict both DK and JSUS, with a strong correlation between DK and JSUS observed. Moreover, membrane permeability recovery exhibited strong dependence on MLSS concentration and operational flux. On the premise of sub-critical flux operation, the recovered permeability can be sustained with a standard chemical enhanced backflushing (CEB) or declogging combined CEB at low (~8 g/L) or high (20-32 g/L) MLSS concentrations. However, the recovered permeability could only be obtained instantaneously regardless of cleaning modes when operation is exposed to super-critical flux condition, indicating the significance of the operational flux on membrane permeability sustainability.

Zhaozhao Wang, Kai Zhang, Lina Yan, Fengbing Tang, Wei Zhang and Simin Li

Relationship Between Livestock Pollution and the Environmental Behaviour of Farmers: A Case Study of Xiantao, China

Livestock pollution is the main source of environmental pollution in rural areas. To explore the effects of the farmers’ environmental behaviour on livestock pollution using the questionnaire and interview methods, the environmental cognition of farmers and their willingness to practice faeces decontamination in livestock breeding were analysed with survey data collected from 80 farmers in Xiantao of China, on September 2016. Results show that the environmental cognition of farmers is related to the status of rural development. In addition, when the farmers’ educational level is high, the environmental cognition is also high. The farmers’ environmental behaviour is also influenced by their state of environmental cognition and willingness to practice faeces decontamination. Production scale and government policies are also important factors affecting the behaviours of farmers. The choice of faeces decontamination has a positive interrelated relationship with the education levels of farmers, as well as the livestock breeding scale and time. This study’s findings provide guidelines on the formulation of relevant policies to control pollution resulting from livestock farming.

Li Li and Mu Li

Influence of Substrate Particle Size on Vermicomposting of Pre-processed Vegetable Waste

Past studies report that pre-composting of waste is highly required and 10-15 cm of substrate depth is optimum for conventional vermicomposting, which leads to encroachment of large land area and long time in the process. Keeping this as a core problem, an attempt was made to accelerate and digest the high volume of waste by modifying the conventional vermicomposting to engineered vermicomposting. In the engineered process, the substrate depth was raised to a maximum of 30 cm and elimination of pre-composting by pre-processing (chopping, pulverizing, stocking and drying) the waste. The study also aims in determining the ideal substrate particle size distribution for vermicomposting by experimenting with five different substrate particle mix. Pre-processed waste was sieved through IS sieves for extracting the substrate particles of different sizes (less than 1.7 mm, between 2.36 mm and 1.7 mm, between 4.75 and 2.36 mm, and between 6.30 mm and 4.75 mm). Then the sieved particles were mixed at six different combinations (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6) and then vermicomposted by Eisenia fetida. Results revealed that vermi bin loaded with T3 and T4 combinations produced good volume reduction and biomass growth.

Senthilkumar Palaniappan, Murugappan Alagappan and Senthilkumar Rayar

Study on Quantification Method for the Risk of Groundwater Environment Pollution Caused by Sewage Irrigation

Pollution by sewage irrigation of groundwater environment is slow and imperceptible. The pollution risk accumulated gradually, and the reasons for it are very complicated. Pollutants enter the underground aquifer through the leakage, leaching and other ways, and cause groundwater environment pollution. This paper presents the theory and quantification method for the degree of groundwater environment pollution caused by sewage irrigation, based on the study of the way and approach of groundwater environment pollution caused by sewage irrigation, critical content evaluation and current situation evaluation. By establishing the index model of the pollution degree of the groundwater environment, the study makes a quantitative description of the pollution risk of the groundwater environment. Finally, it analyses the study area, and the results show that: its pollution degree is 0.365, which means that the long-term sewage irrigation in the area has less risk to the groundwater environment.

Xin Huang and Lin Qiu

Optimized Preparation and Cr(VI) Adsorption Property Study of Activated Blue-coke

The present work explored the use of solid waste fine blue-coke as a feedstock for the preparation of activated blue-coke and its adsorption property of Cr(VI). Chemical activation of this precursor, using KOH as activating agent, was adopted. The properties of activated blue-coke were characterized by N2 adsorption isotherms. The results show that the iodine number is 1202 mg/g, the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area is 1368.18 m2/g and the total pore volume is 0.6745 cm3/g, when the activated blue-coke prepared at the optimized conditions: KOH/fine blue-coke ratio at 4, 800°C activated temperature, 60 min activated time. The adsorption properties of activated coke on Cr(VI) were discussed. The regression results show that the adsorption kinetics is more accurately expressed as a pseudo second order model. The linear correlation coefficients of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were determined and the results reveal that the Freundlich isotherm fits the experimental results better.

Yuhong Tian, Shudi Hu, Xiaowei Chi, Xinzhe Lan, Yonghui Song and Le Ju

A New Culture Method of High Ecological Efficiency of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

To explore new culture methods to save aquaculture water and reduce the emission of aquaculture wastewater in current culture of grass carp mainly feeding with compound feed now, in this study, grass carp were respectively fed with hybrid napier grass (grass group), compound feed (feed group), and a mixture of hybrid napier grass and compound feed (mixture group). Growth rate, aquaculture water quality, and sediment indexes in these three groups were analysed. The results revealed that mixture group had the highest growth rate and grass group had the lowest rate (P < 0.05). The lowest levels of water TN, NH4+-N, TP, SP, CODcr, Cyanobacteria and sediment available N, P, K were observed in the grass group, and the highest were observed in the feed group (P < 0.05). Overall, the feeding approach of compound feed mixed with hybrid napier grass might be a better model for grass carp. In the future, if hybrid napier grass can be formed into a palatable diet combined with compound feed, it will perhaps reduce the accumulation of sediments brought by the hybrid napier grass, and further enhance the utilization efficiency of the hybrid napier grass in grass carp aquaculture.

Er-Meng Yu, Xiao-Yan Li, Jun Xie, Zhang-He Chen, Guang-Jun Wang, De-Guang Yu, Zhi-Fei Li, Yun Xia and Kai Zhang

Detection of Sand Dust Storm on MODIS Images Processing

Over the past decade, dust storms have increased in Iran. Remote control for spatial and temporal coverage, can provide a valuable source for the study of dust. In this study, levels of dust on the surface of the Golestan province in July 2013, using spectrophotometric sensor data imaging radiometer moderate resolution (MODIS) were estimated. For this purpose, according to the difference between the 13.2 micrometer signal band and 0.469 micrometer band that distincts between the sand dust storms (SDS) and clouds of ice or water, to make a good show and also the normalized differential dust index (NDDI), was used to estimate the amounts of sand and dust storms. To determine the dust aircraft and ground brightness temperature of (BT) 31 MODIS bands (28. 11-78.10 micrometers) were studied. The results showed more dust in the north and some parts of east and south region has higher values. Maximum dust in the barren land (0.336) and the lowest amount of dust in the agricultural lands (0.112) and forest (0.158) was observed. The numerical values of dust in the water bodies were negative.

Saeid Varamesh, Seyyed Mohsen Hosseini and Madjid Rahimzadegan

Analysis of Sediment-Microbial Fuel Cell Power Production in Series and Parallel Configurations

Renewable power from sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are prospect to utilize and to operate low power devices like remote sensor etc., in the area where operation of low power devices is needed in regular human life. To scale-up the size we think of increasing the electrode surface area but it results in decreasing power density, which demonstrate that SMFCs find it difficult to scale-up with size. Development of different approaches to increase the power generation from sediment MFCs is to be needed as to scale-up the MFC. Two arrangements have been tried to check the different possible results. Series arrangement shows voltage scale-up, and peak voltage was recorded at 54.5 mV. Parallel arrangement shows peak current at 187.2 µA with an external resistor of 47 W. To obtain polarization curve several resistors ranging from 47-4700 W can be used. Graphene, a flat monolayer of carbon molecules firmly stuffed into a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb cross section, was used in the present work in the form of graphene disks as anode and cathode, connected to a load. Smaller-sized individually operated SMFCs connected to a power management system that electrically isolates the anodes and cathodes, have been used in this study.

Debajyoti Bose, Amarnath Bose, Shikha Mitra, Himanshu Jain and Pragy Parashar

Determination of Present Household Solid Waste Generation Rate, Physical Composition and Existing SWM Practices in Selected Areas of Lahore

Industrialization, urbanization and rising population generates huge and diverse amounts of solid and toxic wastes. The effective and sustainable management of this waste poses a challenge for national and local governments. The present study was undertaken to determine waste generation rate and its physical composition in five areas of Lahore namely Gulberg, Model Town, Valencia, Mozang and Mughalpura. Door to door collection of household waste, 10 from each area, was carried out on daily basis for a week. The average generation rate was estimated to be 0.61 kg/capita/day. Physical composition of waste showed that food waste accounted for major portion (39.38%-64.12%) while glass waste (0.53%-7.4%) was the least. Other components varied according to the area socioeconomic strata. A questionnaire was also designed and household survey (100 households) was conducted. Information related to existing practices and issues of solid waste management, public attitude towards recycling and reuse and willingness to pay for provision of better services were also assessed.

Almas Hamid and Sidra Asghar

Air Quality Index (AQI) for Development of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports of Urban Infrastructural Projects in Coimbatore City

The principal objective of this work is to study the condition and quality of the air by measuring Air Quality Index (AQI) for the development of environmental impact assessment for building construction projects in Coimbatore city and to compare the measured values with standard values. This study also examines the variation of ambient air quality with different climatic conditions. The quality of air was resolute based on National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This study was carried out based on measuring four major air pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 with various ambiance conditions during November 2015 to October 2016. Respirable Dust Sampler (RDS) and Fine Particulate Sampler (FPS) were used to determine PM10 and PM2.5 respectively. Foundry clusters, industrial units and automobile emissions are the key pollution sources which determine the ambient air quality of the city. Among the diverse climatic conditions, summer exhibits high pollution level in the air while monsoon exhibits low pollution level. The results also reveal that the industrial zones experience more pollutants followed by commercial and residential zones. As per the AQI classification, all locations are coming under the moderate category except industrial zones which require rigid control measures to reduce the particulate matters in the air.

S. Praveen and Jegan Josephraj

Seasonal Dynamics of Carbon Dioxide Concentration and its Influencing Factors in Urban Park Green Spaces in Northeast China

Urban green space, as an important component of an urban ecosystem, plays an important role in improving the urban living environment, maintaining ecological balance and reducing carbon dioxide concentration. Few studies are focused on carbon dioxide emissions in urban green spaces of cold regions. To thoroughly understand the temporal and spatial variation laws of carbon dioxide concentration and its influencing factors in urban green spaces in cold regions, a LI-COR LI-840 non-dispersive infrared gas analyser was used to explore the variations in the carbon dioxide concentrations of different plant community green spaces at the syringa Park in Qunli New District of Harbin and their influencing factors. Diurnal variation, seasonal variation, annual dynamics, and temporal and spatial distributions of carbon dioxide concentration in the growing season of four types of park green spaces, namely, larix, birch, syringa, and grassland communities, were observed through experiments. Air temperature, surface temperature, air humidity, and atmospheric pressure in the four types of green spaces were measured to further analyse the correlation among the diurnal variation of carbon dioxide concentration, seasonal variation of carbon dioxide concentration, and the corresponding factors of different vegetation types in parks. Moreover, the annual regression equation of carbon dioxide concentration was established. Results show that the carbon dioxide concentration in different community green spaces exhibits an obvious diurnal variation and a tendency of decreasing first and then increasing over time. The seasonal dynamics of carbon dioxide concentration in different types of park green spaces are different. The carbon dioxide concentration of the larix green space is the lowest (dynamics), whereas that of the grassland space is the highest (357.17±30.18 µmol/mol). The larix seasonal dynamics demonstrates the change with the seasons, from highest to lowest as autumn>spring>summer. Temperature is the main controlling factor that affects the variation in carbon dioxide concentration in the growing season. The carbon dioxide concentrations of larix, birch, syringa and grassland show a highly significant positive correlation with surface and air temperatures. A significantly positive correlation is also observed between atmospheric pressure and variation in carbon dioxide concentration in larix and birch. This study provides data reference and support for spatial ecological planning and layout and the selection of plants in urban park green spaces.

Han Gu, Wen Yu Zheng, Da Wei Xu, Ying Huang, LiYuan Zheng, and Jian Ma

Quantifying GHG Estimations for Agriculture, Waste, and Land Use, land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) for a Village Model in India

This paper describes the sustainability impact assessment by quantifying the GHG estimates from the categories of agriculture, land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) and waste, for a semi-urban transiting village Bidholi, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The study quantifies the GHG emission estimates in 2016 from the agricultural sector as 115.71 tons of CO2-eq and waste emissions as 133 tons of CO2-eq. The emissions identified from the various sources are in lieu with the life cycle activities such as crop cultivation, livestock manure management, enteric fermentation and waste generation. The large span of thick forest covering the village, acts as a prominent source of carbon sink sequestering 12205.22 tons net CO2-eq. The carbon stock estimations for the above-ground biomass (ABG), below-ground biomass (BGB) and soil organic content (SOC) are accounted for the forest area in compliance with the country specific national inventory values.

Philip Simon Gerry George and Mainak Mukherjee