Transformer is the crucial part in any electrical system, however there are many risks associated with its use. Thus this study was focused on assessing the status of PCBs contamination and distribution of transformers in Distribution Centre-North of the Kathmandu valley along with PCBs contamination in them. Each transformer within the study area was closely observed to obtain information about all transformers. The dielectric oil samples from the transformers were collected, safely stored and analyzed in Test Kits (L2000DX Chloride Analyzer System, recommended by UNEP). Among 111 samples of transformer oil analyzed, 4 transformers were found PCBs contaminated and they were manufactured before 1990s. The total amount of PCBs contaminated transformer oil in these transformers was 479.6 Kg. Seven transformers were found leaking, four transformers located at residential area were found emitting a low frequency tonal noise, two transformers were located within school compound, nine transformers were located near water body and around 1.44 square meters of soil surface was found contaminated by transformer oil. Though there is no way to eliminate all the risk and consequences of operating oil filled transformers, scientific distribution and proper handling could be the reasonable approaches to reduce the risks.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12175International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 16-29

Electrification in Kathmandu valley had started in 1911 and the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) probably started since 1940s (Devkota, 2005). This research work was undertaken to find out the degree and extent of PCBs contamination in transformer oil and to explore its impacts on occupational health and safety issues of the workers and on the environment. The research was focused on Distributions Centers of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in the Kathmandu valley, NEA Lainchaur workshop and welding workshops of the Kathmandu valley. The samples of transformer oil were collected, safely stored and analyzed using L2000DX Chloride Analyzer, PCBs contamination at >50 ppm level was found in 184 distribution transformers with total volume of PCBs contaminated transformer oil to be 67566.3 Kg. The knowledge on impacts of PCBs contaminated transformer oil on human health and environment was better among NEA employees than among employees of welding workshops, though not satisfactory. Due to very low awareness, the workers come in contact with the transformer oil regularly and many health impacts such as eye problems, skin related complication, weakness and respiratory problems might be due to this exposure; however, exact impacts could not be verified scientifically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11727 International Journal of Environment Volume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014 Page : 12-23

Reliable and sufficient information regarding status, distribution and habitat preference of red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) is lacking in Nepal. The research activities on red panda in the mid-western Nepal are very limited, so the status of red panda in the region is quite unknown. The study conducted during May, 2013 in three Village Development Committees (VDCs) namely Godhemahadev, Malikathata and Tamti of Jumla district was an important step for providing vital information including distribution and habitat preference of this species. The study included the reconnaissance, key informants survey, interviews and consultation for the most potential area identification, opportunistic survey comprising the direct observation and indirect sign count method for the presence and distribution, habitat assessment consisting vegetation sampling and ocular estimation. The study revealed the presence of red panda in three forests namely Bahirepatan, Imilchadamar and Tyakot of Godhemahadev, Tamti and Malikathata VDCs respectively. The species was found distributed between 2880 and 3244 m with an average dropping encounter rate of 1.04 per hour of searching effort and 12 pellets per dropping. Red panda mostly preferred the habitat in the elevation range of 2900 - 3000 m with southwest facing steep slopes (36? - 45?), associated with water sources at the distance of ≤100 m. Trees such as Acer spp., Betula utilis and Quercus semecarpifolia, shrub species of Elaeagnus parvifolia, Drepanostachyum spp. and Jasminum humile, and the herbs like Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Fragaria nubicola and Galium asperifolium were found to be the most preferred species by red panda. The red panda preferred the habitat with dense crown coverage (>20% - 100%) and 31% - 50% ground cover. Fallen logs (39%) were the most preferred substrate used for defecation.

Many landfill sites around the world have been poorly engineered and operated and hence face vociferous public opposition and criticism for their adverse environmental impacts. Because of the concerns arising from poor operation and management, siting and operation of landfill sites are very sensitive public issues in Nepal. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental impacts due to the foul odour during the operation of the the Sisdol landfill in Okharpauwa VDC, Nuwakot, Nepal. The study focused on identifying the composition of gases from the Kathmandu Valley's solid waste and impacts on local areas air flow moments from the land fill site. LandGEM Ver.3.02 Model was used for the emission calculation of the landfill gases. Furthermore, the gastec and specified ditector tubes were used for the measurement of H2S gas at the study area. Among nine sites, the H2S gas concentration at site (Vent pipe of landfill site) was 1.4 ppm (recorded maximum). The gas was found to be diluted at 208m downwind location and reached the value near to clean air, i.e., 0.2 ppb. The observed gas concentration was lower than the toxic range though the concentration level was found to have characteristic odour. The significant level of adverse impact was found nearby the landfill site. People working surrounding area of the landfill site were more vulnerable to different impacts.

Climate Change, one of the most important global environmental challenges facing humanity, has implications on food production, natural eco-systems, fresh water supply and health in Nepal. It is contributing mostly to the rise in air temperature leading to rapid melting of glaciers and increment of glacier lakes. Exploitation of natural resources associated with growing population has led to increasing pollution, declining water quality, land degradation, etc. Extreme climate events including flooding, heavy rainfall, droughts, heat wave and cold stream etc. are also the consequences of climate change in Nepal. Moreover, Nepal is largely dependent on climate-sensitive sectors, such as rain-fed agriculture; its fragile mountain ecosystems and dramatic topography make the country prone to flooding. Due to such events, agricultural productivity is declining with increasing problem of food security in mountainous regions. In recent years, the signs of such changes are being observed and may become more prominent over next couple of decades. Many rural communities are struggling through different adaptation measures as an attempt to reduce the risk of climate change vulnerability.The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 76-83

Coffee (Coffea arabica; Rubiaceae) is a potential and emerging commercial crop. Coffee is planted in the midhills of Nepal (800 to 1250 meter above mean sea level) in Gulmi and Lalitpur districts. To control the major insect pests of coffee plant, locally prepared 'jaibik bishadi' (botanical pesticides) are used as alternatives of the synthetic insecticides. This study was undertaken to see the contribution of 'jaibik bishadi' in the fertility of the coffee orchards soil, for which soil samples from botanicals used and not used coffee orchards were collected to see the level of soil characteristics and soil nutrients such as soil texture, organic matter, soil nutrients (phosphorous and potassium). There was some difference in the soil texture of topsoil, but no difference could be seen in sand, silt and clay content of the subsoils from botanical used and not used orchards. The pH was significantly different between botanical used and not used soils, but such difference could not be observed between the topsoil and subsoil from the same sites. Jaibik bishadi used to control the coffee pests significantly contributed in the soil fertility, which could be seen in high positive correlation (r=0.9886) between organic matter and nitrogen in the soil.

UN FAO estimates that half a million tonnes of obsolete pesticides are in storage world-wide. In Nepal there are 74.5 metric tonnes of obsolete pesticides stored in warehouses in many places of the country. Many stocks are located near farm fields, human settlements, schools or water sources. Lack of health related studies and very limited studies on environmental contamination by obsolete pesticides led to undertake this study, which focuses on health and environmental impacts of obsolete pesticides stored in a warehouse at Amlekhgunj, Bara district, Nepal. The present study found an interrelation between the pesticide residue level in soil samples of a nearby school-ground and the health impacts seen on the students of the same school. The government and concerned agencies should take out the initiatives to quick and safe disposal of obsolete pesticides and also take care that no new stock will be accumulated in the future. Key words: Obsolete pesticides; Soil contamination; Health effects The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 60-66