The US Midwest region known for its vast network of arable farmland ranks high as the food basket of the nation and a global agricultural hub. The area stretches through a multiplicity of states and sub regions. With the intense level of farming and good soil therein, water access and security are overly crucial considering the regionâs water dependent sectors from agriculture, industry, residential, energy, commercial establishments, and others with notable benefits to the communities. Notwithstanding all that, there exists a wide range of challenges to hydrological security deeply rooted in water management in the US Midwest region. The emergent worries center around declining water quality triggered by decaying infrastructure, pollution, the risks of flooding emanating from changing climate and access deprivation with spillovers to minority communities. Despite its vast network of lakes and reservoirs together with global and regional capacity as key water source, the zone faces vast concentration of usage in a few sectors. This comes in the wake of policies centered on continual access to key water assets germane to the communities and states in the region, mostly to agriculture, as well as industrial and manufacturing sectors. At the same time, very little in the literature exists on the analysis of water resource use issues in the zone via a mix scale approach anchored in Geographic Information System (GIS) and descriptive statistics. Accordingly, this enquiry will fill that void in research using mix scale methods to assess the trends. With emphasis on the issues, trends, factors, impacts, and the efforts of institutions. The results point to abundance of water assets in the zone and visible changes in usage over time in the form of gains and declines. In terms of the impacts, the region saw degradation, declines, and stress from climate change. In the process, a GIS mapping of the trends pinpointed a gradual dispersion of water use patterns of varying dimensions clustered in the region. Given that the forces of change reflect socio-economic, ecological, physical, and political factors located within the larger hydrological structure. The paper proffered solutions ranging from education, monitoring, sustainability, the design of a regional water information system and the enactment of sound policy.
Temperature is one of the key parameters to evaluate the water quality. This work aimed to present a methodology to determine the temperature of the Mantasoa Lake. The temperature of the Mantasoa Lake was estimated using images in the thermal infrared bands from Landsat8 after processing the atmospheric correction and calculating the brightness temperature. The results obtained demonstrated that the remote sensing technique provides an excellent relationship between the measured temperature values and the calculated ones. Moreover the correlation coefficient (R2), which was equal to 0.955, was strong, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.981. The temperature distribution maps indicates that the Mantasoa Lake respects the Malagasy norms on May 27, 2020 and May 30, 2021 regarding temperature.
The yearly dose of havoc unleashed from the overwhelming forces of changing climatic parameters on coastal communities does not differentiate among boundaries when inflicting damages of any kind. For that, in the last several years, climate risks continue to plague the southern portion of Texas. Give its location, the South Texasâ region, and adjourning areas along the Gulf of Mexico as a hub for speculative capital and natural resource extraction face exposures from the menace of tropical storms of immense scales. The ferocious pressures from heavy storms in these settings are such that, they often leave in their wake indelible footprint on the surrounding ecology. This comes with extreme impacts on both the natural and built-up environments particularly around big cities holding vital infrastructure crucial in economic development and productive capacity of petroleum and natural resource assets of South Texas. While the situation is further compounded by the regionâs propensity to natural disasters and the fragile coastal ecosystem close to enormous network of large-scale energy infrastructure made up of oil and gas fields, refineries, and pipelines. The presence of petrochemical complexes, thriving natural resource base, transportation corridors, burgeoning urban centers, and neighborhoods often at the receiving end of recurrent climate hazards over time, increases the inherent risks, due to environmental, physical, and socio-economic and policy factors located within the larger regional ecosystem. Yet, current studies in climate change have done very little in assessing the situation in south Texas region with the latest advances in geospatial information technology under a mix scale orientation. Considering these voids in research, this paper assesses changing climate impacts in the South Texas region using secondary data analyzed with descriptive statistics and (GIS) Geographic Information System under a mix scale method. With emphasis on the issues, trends, impacts, factors, and mitigation measures. The results revealed widespread occurrence of climatic hazards in the study area with visible impacts in the form of heavy floods from storms leading to environmental damages. This involves also risks to petroleum amenities and displacement of citizens and the loss of properties. The GIS mapping of the trends pinpointed clusters of heavy presence of stressors and degraded amenities dispersed across space over time with linkages to socio-economic, physical, and ecological elements. To remedy the situation, the paper proffered numerous solutions ranging from the adoption of effective policy, growth management, monitoring, the design of a regional climate information systems and education of the public.
The aim of this work presents the study of the risk of transfer of linuron residues in the soils and vegetables cultivated in the market gardening zone of Marza in Ngaoundere-Cameroon. The methodology chosen consisted of sampling the cultivated soils at three different depths: 0-20; 20-40 and 40-60cm and three vegetables grown regularly: carrot roots (Daucus carotta), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) leaves. After validation of the linuronanalysis parameters by HPLC-UV, the linuron residues were extracted from soil samples by magnetic stirrer and purified on a silica gel column. In the meantime, the QuEchERS method has been used for the extraction and purification of linuron residues in samples of fresh fruits and vegetables. The residual concentration of linuron has always been determined by means of HPLC-UV analysis. For the analysis parameters, the correlation coefficient was 0.996 and the detection limit was 0.002ppm. It was found that the linuron residues in 0-20 cm were significantly higher than the other depths, ie. 2.407 to 2.928 ppm for 0-20 cm against 0.464 to 0.540 ppm for 20 to 40 cm and 0.247 to 0.258 for 40 to 60 cm. In vegetables, the average residue levels of linuron from Solanumnigrum, Daucuscarotta roots and Phaseolus vulgaris L were 0.072 ppm, 0.042 ppm and 0.017 ppm, respectively.
For using solar energy applications, it is essential to get solar radiation data for the considered location. Measured data are not available for every location, especially in developing countries. In this work, hourly clear-sky global solar radiation (CSGSR) is calculated as a sum of the direct component calculated by Hottel’s model and the diffuse component calculated by Liu and Jordan’s model. From the hourly calculated values, monthly average hourly, average daily, and monthly average values are calculated in Qena/Egypt. The calculated values are compared with the corresponding measured ones during the period from 2004 to 2012. Different performance measures are used to test the accuracy of the estimation of the CSGSR. These measures are mean bias error, mean absolute bias error, root mean square errors, model efficiency, modelling index, and t-statistic test. Statistical measures indicated that using Hottel’s Model and Liu and Jordan's Model can be used safely in calculating the CSGSR in Qena/ Egypt and other sites with the same climate characteristics.
Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) is an important spice crop grown in Sri Lanka. Deficiency of micronutrients, especially Mn, Zn and Cu reported in chilli growing areas has affected adversely on chilli production. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Mn, Zn and Cu on growth and yield of chilli grown in Reddish Brown Earth soils (Rhodustalfs), in dry zone, Sri Lanka. Seven treatments were tested in a greenhouse as pot experiment. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were added into all seven treatments. Manganese Zn and Cu were added separately as foliar application for three treatments. One treatment had all three elements and control treatment had only N, P and K but no any added elements. Since all micronutrients were added as their sulfate form, last two treatments had S with N, P and K to assess the effect of S on plant growth. Copper with N, P, K added treatment showed significantly higher growth and yield compared to other treatments. It showed about 25% yield increment compared to control treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that application of Cu is beneficial to obtain a better yield in chilli in Reddish Brown Earth Soils (Rhodustalfs). However, further field studies are needed to confirm findings.
The Moe Yun Gyi construction wetland is located in Bago village in Bago region and selected as our research area. Located on the Mandalay Highway from 16° 45' North latitude, 95° 34' East longitude, 25km Northeast of Bago and East of Yangon. The assessment of fish species based on the types of the fishing gear and their performance in the Moe Yun Gyi constructed wetland and its environs of Bago region. The paper provides the definitions of fishing gears used by locals, grouped by categories, following the classification in accordance with the recognized standard by the F.A.O for the small, medium, and large scale fisheries in the study area. This study work was discovered from January 2018 to December 2018. The data were obtained by interviewing the local fishermen used various kinds of fishing gears depending upon their respective income, seasonal hydrological condition, and the habitat of fishing ground. The survey revealed total 17 different types of fishing gears and a total of 22 species of 28 species, and 16 families of 7 orders were recorded throughout the year in the study area. Conclusion: The fishes of the wetland and river were under pressure by different non-selective, illegal and restricted fishing gears. So, scientific based management is prerequisite to guide the fish fauna for near extinction.
The physical parameters: the conductivity is 250 µS / cm, the turbidity is 1.5 NTU, the pH is 6.9 and the temperature is 20.5°C. The four physical parameters exactly meet the standards required for drinking water. Physical parameters: mineralization is 158 mg / L, total hardness is 20.25 ° f, calcium is 45 mg / L, magnesium is 15 mg / L, potassium is 6 mg / L , sodium is 85 mg / L, chloride is 130 mg / L, total iron is 0.15 mg / L, lead is 0.04 mg / L, and aluminum is 0.02 mg / L. The concentration of the chemical parameters found are admissible to international standards for water intended for human consumption, despite the insufficiency of some concentrations such as calcium, potassium and magnesium.Microbiological parameters: microorganisms at 22°C are 200 MPN / mL, microorganisms at 36°C are 35 MPN / mL, coliform bacteria 15 MPN / 100mL, Escherichia coli is 5 MPN / 100mL and enterococci gut is 2.5 MPN / 100mL The microbiological parameters found are very bad for drinking water.
The main purpose of this work is to assess the current state of Lake Itasy, the third largest lake in Madagascar. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation are the parameters monitored from October 2017 to October 2019. The temperatures observed are from 18.1°C to 30.3°C with a mean 23.1 3.07°C; the electrical conductivities are from 42.2µS.cm-1 to 76.4µS.cm-1 with a mean 58.94 8.40 µS.cm-1; the pH measured is from 7.16 to 8.31 with a mean 7.76 0.31; the dissolved oxygen contents are from 4.0 mg.L-1 to 9.7 mg.L-1 with a mean 7.8 1.08 mg.L-1, the oxygen saturations are from 51% to 113% with a mean 90 12%. Comparison of these current values with fifty years before shows slight changes in the state of the lake; temperature and pH increase while the electrical conductivity decrease. However, the current values remain largely within the established standards for surface and freshwater in general. The second part of the work is devoted to understanding the seasonal evolution of these five parameters. A multivariate statistical analysis show that different behaviours are observed for this lake depending on whether it is in the rainy season, in the dry and cold season or in the hot season.
This field study was conducted on four types of plants, namely sun flower Helianthus pumilus L., turnip, Brassica rapa L. carrots Daucus caro L. and Indian mustard Brassica juncea L, to find out the ability of these plants on resisting the toxicity of heavy elements from agricultural soils. The results of the concentration elements of cadmium and copper for the root system showed that the highest value of cadmium was 0.466 mg. Kg-1 in the mustard plant treated without fertilization, whereas that for copper was 19.750 mg. Kg-1 observed in the turnip. As for the bioconcentration factor, the results for the cadmium and copper components were recorded. The highest mean values for the bioaccumulation factor were 0.242 ± 0.02 in the Indian mustard and 0.908 ± 0.028 in the turnip.
The total Solar Radiation (SR) and the Ideal Incline Angles (IIA) of a south-facing solar panel have been calculated in Qena (26.20° N; 32.75° E; 97m asl), Egypt to maximize the performance of solar energy transformers and photovoltaic (PV) panels. Calculations of the IIA were performed at daily, monthly, seasonal and annual time scales. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority measured the used global and diffuse SR data for five years (2012–2016) in the campus of South Valley University in Qena. Results indicated that the monthly IIA varied from 0° in June and July to 58.9° in December. The seasonal IIA values are 56.3°, 29.7°, 0.1°, and 22.3° during winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. The annual IIA was 27.1°. Besides, for surfaces adjusted at monthly, seasonal and annual IIA, the percentage gains in annual average total SR were 13.64%, 12.78%, and 6.57%, respectively. The percentage losses resulted in using surfaces adjusted at seasonal and annual IIA were 0.78% and 6.24%, respectively in comparison to that adjusted at monthly IIA.
Increase in environmental pollution caused by heavy metals released from anthropogenic activities due to ongoing rapid economic boost of industrialization and urbanization is becoming a global environmental problem due to their toxic and non-biodegradable nature. In this study, determination of heavy metals was conducted in soil sample obtained from Lambun Sarki irrigation site in Katsina metropolis, Nigeria. The sample was prepared in the laboratory using aqua regia acid digestion. Afterward, heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and the results obtained revealed that the soil from the area was heavily contaminated with Cadmium and Lead in comparison to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) permissible limits. Further, observation shows that there exists a gradual red-shift in the level of these heavy metals as evident from the results obtained. The contamination of the soil by Pb and Cd could be associated with the anthropogenic activities being carried out around the farmland and the sewage water used in irrigation.
This paper discusses the gendered roles and responsibilities in water resource management and its implications for urban water management. The results revealed that women are the primary water collectors and that the gendered nature of water collection varies among ethnic groups. Men are not involved in water collection in the Madhesi ethnic group, while they contribute to varying extent in other groups. Dry season is the most critical period for water supply in all four-study locations particularly among squatter communities. Less than 30% of the water demand is fulfilled in Squatter 1, while about 50% is fulfilled in urban areas. Conflicts related to water during collection is frequent in common water points mainly due to illegal and inequitable distribution of water. Results also demonstrated the influence of traditional reliance and informal context on women’s access to and performance in the formal decision-making spheres. Women exert influence primarily in household decision making related to water, while beyond households their participation is typically very low. However, formation of water users’ groups has motivated women to take on active membership and participate in water management at local and city levels.
This study examines the relationship of hotel energy management strategies (HEMS) and hoteliers’ perception of sustainable energy management (SEM) in Abuja, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered while descriptive and inferential analyses methods were applied. The combined respondents mean ranking on application of HEMS revealed timely implementation on preventive and major maintenance programs, educating staff and guests on energy consciousness, frequent insulation assessment ranked (3.57-4.27) as applied HEMS. Setting energy conservation target and energy audits ranked moderately applied (3.34-3.36) while installing centralized energy management systems, on- site renewable energy generation, smart digital thermostats installation ranked (1.57-2.15) were least applied. The result further demonstrates return on investment, price and efficiency of technology, cost savings, Stabilized prices and availability of energy, improving hotel brand image and desire on improving guests’ experience ranked (4.27-4.52) as important factors encouraging adoption of SEM. Environmental Concerns and Fiscal/economic incentives ranked (3.25-3.68) were moderately important while investor requirements, regulatory affairs and creating positive corporate culture/employee retention ranked (2.31-2.56) were least important factors encouraging the adoption of SEM. Moreover, all identified barriers ranked (3.08-4.34) were either severe or moderately severe. Hoteliers also ranked all the identified benefits of SEM as beneficial (3.75-4.36) to hotels management for energy sustainability attainments. The correlation results revealed moderate positive correlation between HEMS and both Hoteliers’ perception on importance and benefits of SEM at r=.393 and r=.348 respectively. However weak positive correlation was found between HEMS and hoteliers’ perception on barriers to SEM at r= .174. The study thus recommends that deserved cognizance be given to identified least applied but vital HEMS and also improves hoteliers’ perception on importance, barriers, and benefits of SEM for effective hotel energy management.
The purpose of this study was to assess urban lichen diversity in relation to anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution, in Nakuru town, Kenya. An ecological survey was conducted in six sampled sites of the town and data of lichen diversity and anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution, analyzed. Multi-stage sampling technique was used. A total of 51 lichen species were identified while 6 anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution were observed. Results from Fisher’s exact test analysis showed, significant association between the 6 observed anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution and lichen diversity. It was concluded that, different anthropogenic sources of outdoor air pollution affect presence and absence of urban lichen species. Hence, more studies on lichens and outdoor air pollution should be conducted in Kenya, to conclusively determine whether lichens should be adopted as an alternative biological method to technological devices, for assessing air pollution.
The presence of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems has been of great concern because of their toxicity to man when their concentrations are more than the permissible levels. These metals enter the environment through different ways such as industrial activities. The objectives of the study were; to determine the concentrations of selected heavy metals (Cu, Cd and Zn) in water samples collected from three different study sites at the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya, to determine the concentrations of the selected heavy metals in selected organs (muscles, liver, kidney, gills and intestines) of two fish species (O. niloticus and C. gariepinus) from the shores of Lake Victoria, and to determine whether there are significant differences in the levels of heavy metals among the selected organs of fish and the water from the Lake. Water samples were collected from the three sites (Kisat sewage discharge point, Molasses factory discharge point, and Coca-Cola factory discharge point) at approximately 0.2 m below the water surface using half-litre plastic (PVC) bottles. Five replicate samples were taken from each site. Immediately after sampling the samples were acidified with concentrated nitric acid then samples were stored in a cool box and transported to the laboratory for further processing. Fish samples were collected from the three sites using an electro-fisher, washed with deionized water, sorted by species, packed in polythene bags and transported to the laboratory in a cool box for further processing. The tissues of the organs were analyzed quantitatively using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Samples of fish organs were homogenized and diluted with distilled water before analysis. Single classification and three-way factorial ANOVA were used for statistical analyses. Statistical significance was declared at α =0.05. The findings of the present study revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals in water were not significantly different (P≤0.05) among sites. Cadmium ranged from 0.029- 0.045 ug/L, Copper between 0.036-0.042 ug/L while zinc ranged between 0.039-0.113ug/L. The concentrations of heavy metals were significantly higher in fish organs than in water, similarly, concentrations of heavy metals differed significantly (P≤0.05) between species. The concentrations of heavy metals differed significantly among metal types and also among fish organs. In conclusion, all the tested organs of fish species caught in Lake Victoria were contaminated with heavy metals. The two fish species demonstrated different capacities to accumulate heavy metals. Similarly, different organs of fish demonstrated different capacities to accumulate heavy metals. There was a high prevalence of metal accumulation in different organs. Consumption of fish from industrial discharge points should be discouraged as it might contain high concentrations of heavy metals.
For physical parameters such as temperature the value found is 16°C, the required standard is less than 25°C, for turbidity the found value is 1.05 NTU, the limit value is less than 5NTU, for pH the value found is 6.34, the limit value is between 6.5 to 9 and for the conductivity the found value is 33.5 μS / cm, the required value is between 180 to 1000 μS / cm. The physical parameters correspond to 99% for the 0.06 mg / L the limit concentration is required that the water is intended for human consumption. For chemical parameters, such as dissolved oxygen 0.2 mg / L the limit concentration is less than 2mg / L, the salinity level is 0mg / L, the limiting concentration is 0 mg / L, the TAC 0.4°f the limit value is less than 11°f, the nitrate 11.2 mg / L the limit concentration is 50 mg / L, the total hardness 3.2 mg / L the limit concentration is 50 mg / L, Ammonium 0.06 Limit value is 0.5mg / L, Sodium 8.28mg / L limit concentration is 200mg / L, Potassium 11mg / L limit concentration is 12mg / L, Calcium 2.4 limit concentration varies from 100 At 200mg / L, the Magnesium 6.31 mg / L limit concentration is 50mg / L, the Chloride 12.78 mg / L the limit concentration is 250 mg / L and the metals such as Iron, Aluminum, Lead are absent. Therefore the chemical parameters of the water of the AMPOTAKA well are acceptable for the standards required to the drinking water, in spite of the insufficiency of some found concentrations. For microbiological parameters, as microorganisms at 22°C 120 Ufc / mL the required value is less than 100 Ufc / mL, microorganism at 36°C 25 Ufc / mL the required value is less than 20 CFU / mL, Coliforms 70 CFU / 100 mL the limit value is 0, Escherichia Coli 1 Ufc / 100mL, the limit value is 0, Enterococci 1Ufc / 100mL the limit value is 0 and Spores 4 Ufc / 100mL the limit value is 0. Therefore the well water of AMPOTAKA is microbial it must be treated before being used.
On the basis of recognizing the importance of Mekong River water source, the article shows the impact of security for water source of Mekong River water on Vietnamese national security in the Mekong Delta as well as evaluate national cooperation of Vietnam for handling security of Mekong River water source. From the data on practical survey from the Mekong Delta provinces and data researched and summed up by management agencies and international cooperation agencies in relation to security for water source of Mekong River, it shows that through diplomatic channels, Vietnam has actively participated in the exploitation, use and sharing of Mekong River water source. The study shows the inevitable trend for exploitation and use of Mekong River water source for development strategy in each nation; binding in international relations. Besides, the study also suggests some recommendations for Vietnam to ensure security for water source of Mekong River in Vietnam today.
Secondary irrigation channel in Slamet Village has four types; the irrigation channel of the riparian vegetation with two sides and trees, two sides riparian vegetation without trees, only one side riparian vegetation, and without riparian vegetation. This study aims to determine the riparian vegetation and water quality profile in four types of secondary irrigation channel at Slamet Village, and to figure out the interaction between riparian vegetation and water quality. Water quality that is measured includes temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, DO, and BOD. In addition, riparian vegetation community structure was also observed in each irrigation channel. Riparian vegetation was analyzed by determining the abundance and diversity index, while water quality was analyzed by using bar charts. The relationship between riparian vegetation and water quality was analyzed by employing cluster and biplot using the PAST 3.20 program. The results showed that there were differences regarding the diversity index values of riparian vegetation in each irrigation channel. Each irrigation channel has a diverse riparian vegetation community structure. Irrigation channels with two sides riparian vegetation and trees have better water quality than other types of the irrigation channels. This is indicated by the high value of taxa richness (42 herbs species), H’ index (5.12), evenness (0.95), DO (5.49) and low of a dominance index (0.03). Irrigation channels without riparian vegetation have low diversity and DO index. However, based on Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No.82 of 2001, the water quality of the four types of irrigation channels still meets the quality standards of class II. Therefore, it can be concluded that the profile of riparian vegetation indirectly correlates with water quality.
