International Journal Of Environmental Research
Volume:4 Issue: 3, Summer 2010

Environmental protection has become one of the main concerns in developed economies, which is why an increasing degree of commitment in the field is required from all public and private bodies. Environmental protection in firms must cease to be a secondary, barely profitable objective, involving the performance of sporadic remedial actions, and become just one more element of their organization which, though it may require investment, may also provide a firm with major opportunities and cost reductions. This paper looks at the latest trends in expenditure on environmental protection by industrial firms. The information available is from the Spanish National Statistical Institute (INE), provided for the Spanish regions. Then, using shiftshare analysis, we will seek to ascertain whether there are competitive advantages and each region’s degree of specialization in the main lines of expenditure.

The core sediment samples were analysed for grain size, carbonates (CaCO3), organic carbon (OC) to obtain a preliminary view of its environmental conditions near Point Calimere along the southeast coast of Vedaranyam, India.The high concentration of sand in the core is attributed to the tidal influence at the Akkarapallivasal river mouth. The sea water which enters the river suspends the flocculated sediments at the mouth and transports the fine floccules to the water column. The tidal currents also play a major role in removing the fine particles from the river mouth. The value of OC does not show any significant variation towards depth. The concentration of various major elements in the core can be summarized as Si > Al > Ca > Na > K > Fe > P > Mg and the trace elements exhibit the following order for the core samples as Mn > Zn >Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Co. The studies indicate lithogenic origin for most of the elements. Major and trace elements of the core sediments were estimated and normalized.

In this study, a one-dimensional model called DYRESM was used to simulate the thermal structure and artificial destratification of 15-Khordad Reservoir over a period of one year. The simulation showed that the reservoir is warm monomictic and is stratified during 210 days of the simulation year. The model reproduced the temperature of the meta- and hypolimnion very close to the observed data, but the temperature of the epilimnion was overestimated. As the meteorological data used for the simulation was collected in a nearby weather station, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of meteorological data bias on the simulation results. Air temperature, shortwave solar radiation, wind speed and vapour pressure were found to be, respectively, the most effective parameters. Furthermore, applications of two artificial destratification systems: bubble plume diffuser and surface mechanical mixer, were modelled. The sensitivity of the model outputs to the specifications of each system was investigated and the two systems were compared considering their efficiencies. It was revealed that the air diffusers were much more efficient than the mechanical mixers. This study showed that the DYRESM can accurately describe physical processes in this reservoir if the forcings are accurately given and the application of bubble is recommended for artificial destratification in this reservoir

Rural and nature tourism has experienced high growth over the past 20 years. One of the primary challenges facing rural tourism management is to establish a profitable and environmentally sustainable industry. Moreover, sustainable tourism is a complex concept and it requires that nature and tourism activity should be studied from an integrated point of view. In this paper, we analyze how the environmental perceptions of entrepreneurs are included into business management. Through a partial least squares (PLS) model, we estimate several latent factors related to various aspects of business management and, in a second phase, we use the FIMIX-PLS algorithm to achieving a segmentation of entrepreneurs according to the structure of relationships obtained, which may allow identification of which factors are more related to an “ecopreneurial management”

Freshwater lens on small islands may easily be overexploited or polluted due to overdrafts of fresh water by pumping which causes drawdown of the water table a rise or up-coning of the saltwater interface. Present study is concerned with using a three-dimensional finite-difference numerical model to simulate the groundwater flow and transport model to predict the behavior of groundwater system in Manukan Island. The simulations were done using variable density SEAWAT-2000 for three selected pumping schemes.Hydraulic heads (groundwater level) is the highest at the center of the island and decreases in radial shape towards the coast in all the pumping schemes (PS1-PS3). The chloride concentration in the studied aquifer increased by 98.7% in the pumping well if the pumping rate is doubled by the current (PS2 to PS3). The 1.4% seawater-freshwater mixing moves further forward to inland about 1.6m when the current pumping rate was doubled whereas moves backward to sea about 1.7m if the current pumping rate is reduced by 50%. This preliminary model of Manukan island aquifer shows that an overexploitation of groundwater in Manukan Island contributes to the seawater intrusion. Adjusting the future groundwater pumping scheme and improving groundwater management strategies are necessary to protect the freshwater aquifers. The current numerical model is a reasonable representation of the aquifer in Small Island which can be used in similar small islands with similar hydrogeological conditions in elsewhere.

Batch adsorption experiments were performed to study adsorption potential of agricultural residues viz. rice straw، wheat straw and Salvinia plant biomass for removal of heavy metals such as Cr، Ni، and Cd. Plant materials were used in different combinations. Heavy metal removal efficiency was more at low metal concentration (35 mg/L). Salvinia biomass possessed higher efficiency for removing heavy metals such as Cr، Ni and Cd followed by a combination where three materials (rice straw، wheat straw، Salvinia biomass) were taken together in comparison to other combinations. The adsorption data fitted in Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The present investigations revealed that agricultural residues such as rice straw and wheat straw along with Salvinia biomass can serve as low-cost alternative for removal of heavy metals from wastewaters.

Production of electricity for promotion of people’s welfares is inevitable.There are about 54000 MW of various power plants in Iran. The type of power plants includes gas, steam, combined, hydro and a very minute amount of wind mills. The per capita electricity production is about 2200 Kwh. Power plants can impose adverse environmental impacts during construction and utilization phases. Environmental monitoring plan (EMP) can continuously examine the effects of power plants on the surrounding environment. In the present investigation, we have carefully examined the steam power plants of the country to develop appropriate EMP for the utilization phase. Results of study show that while emissions from stack need continuous monitoring, the other part of power plants can be monitored on monthly, seasonally or even yearly basis. Further, preparation of appropriate log sheets to record the results of EMP for the necessary action plans by authorities can lead to environmental monitoring program.The comparison amongst log sheets of various years may eventually provide environmental monitoring performance.

This study examines changes in the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentration as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolite related to smoking among eight volunteers. The study subjects consisted of 8 participants (2 smokers, 4 ex-smokers and 2 non-smokers; mean age 23, range 21 ~ 24 years old) in a smoking cessation program. Three urine samples were collected each week for 4 weeks from each participant to give a total of 96 urine samples. None of the participants smoked during the study period. Levels of urinary 1-OHP, as an internal dose marker of smoke containing PAHs, were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fluorescence detector. Urinary 1-OHP levels in the ex-smokers were decreased during the 4 weeks study period, due to ambient sources of PAH exposure. Thus, smoking cessation was only expected to result in reduction of urinary 1-OHP. Urinary 1-OHP levels were significantly correlated with the amounts of cigarettes smoked, as assessed by the questionnaire (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, r=0.23, P=0.03). This study suggested that urinary 1-OHP can be a potentially useful biomarker of smoke.

An earthquake with magnitude Ms = 6.5 on the Richter scale occurred in December 26th, 2003 in Bam Region in southeastern part of Iran. This study investigates the chemical variations of the groundwater resources in the effected region. For this purpose, 30 wells were selected and chemical compounds, in terms of cations (Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+); anions (HCO3, SO4, Cl, NO2), as well as EC, TDS and pH were analysedfrom Winter 2004 to Spring 2006. Results were compared with the ones obtained from winter 2003 to winter 2004. Then, using T-test, results of before and after the earthquake was investigated. The experiments were carried out according to the Standard Method of water and wastewater which showed during the after earthquake most chemical parameters considerably increased rather than before the earthquake date. These changes reached their peak in the first year and Summer 2004 after the earthquake. The rate of variations was estimated about 17.5 - 88.3 % throughout the Bam and Baravat plains and 7-65.5% in wells water. It can also be considered that the fluctuation of underground waters chemical characteristics after the earthquake could be mainly due to different factors as follows: A) change in water levels as a result of earthquake, B) change in water temperature that will cause more solubility, C) change in water pressure trapped in rocks and aquifers and D) mixing with water of neighboring aquifers. The rate of fluctuations of different parameters in selected wells also showed a negative trend after the earthquake.

Solidified samples of fuel oil combustion bottom ash with two sets of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Pozzolan added OPC were investigated with three sets of chemical leaching tests. Toxicity characteristic leaching test (TCLP) results classified waste material and its solidification products as hazardous. Although Ni and Cr have over-leached, but their close examination with Sequential Chemical Extraction (SCE) test revealed new insights as follows. Nickel fixation in cement matrix has shifted over 20% of leachable Ni from first 4 fractions of SCE test to residual fraction with less likelihood of leaching. Chromium fixation in matrix has made shifts on leachable fractions that are not generally in favor of a successful fixation in matrix. In the case of Cd leaching, the only obvious finding from SCE test is that solidification processes have made a slight shift between fractions in bound to Iron and Manganese oxide and fraction in bound to carbonates. Compared to TCLP results for different mixtures, it can be concluded that Cd fixation has been done properly and significant change in leaching probability was not caused by solidification processes. Results of “Alkalinity, Solubility and Release as a function of pH” test indicate over regulation in the case of Pb and Cr leaching in different pHs. Results indicate need for more delicate interpretation of TCLP test results when several management scenarios are available and practical.

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are computer techniques that attempt to simulate the functionality and decision-making processes of the human brain. In the past few decades, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been extensively used in a wide range of engineering applications. There are only a few applications in liquid membrane process. The objective of this research was to develop artificial neural networks (ANNs) model to estimate Cr (VI) extraction efficiency in feed phase.Data set (413 experiment records) were obtained from a laboratory scale experimental study. Various combinations of experimental data, namely % (w/w) extractant Alamine 336 concentration in membrane phase, stirring speed in feed and stripping phase, flat sheet support type, stripping phase NaOH concentration, feed phase pH, diluents type, % (w/w) diluents concentration, polymer support type, extractant type, and time are used as inputs into the ANN so as to evaluate the degree of effect of each of these variables on Cr (VI) extraction efficiency in feed phase. The results of the ANN model is compared with multiple linear regression model (MLR). Mean square error (MSE), average absolute relative error (AARE) and coefficient of determination (R2) statistics are used as comparison criteria for the evaluation of the model performances. Based on the comparisons, it was found that the ANN model could be employed successfully in estimating the Cr (VI) extraction efficiency.

Hexachlorocyclohexane, an organochlorine insecticide has been used in agriculture and public health programmes since a very long time. It is very resistant to degradation and thus accumulates in the environment for long time. A microbial consortium was developed in our laboratory which could degrade Hexachlorocyclohexane very efficiently in water. A study was carried out to understand the biodegradation of technical grade hexachclorocyclohexane (HCH) in soil slurry in lab scale bioreactor by a defined bacterial consortium under aerobic conditions. Effects of parameters such as initial HCH concentration and volume of air required were optimized. 10 and 25 ppm of HCH were degraded completely by 120 and 168 h, respectively. No lag was observed. In both the concentrations of HCH, γ -isomer was degraded faster and -and, β-isomers took more time for degradation. The rate of degradation ofα,β, γ and δ isomers of 10 and 25 ppm HCH were 0.0186, 0.0136, 0.0179, 0.0176 mg/L/h and 0.0122, 0.01444, 0.0126, 0.0122 mg/L/h respectively. Aeration rate of 0.5 vvm gave maximum degradation, whereas at 1.0 vvm δ-isomer was not degraded completely. At 2.0 vvm aeration, all the isomers remained even after 144h if incubation.

The continuous degradation of the marine ecosystem leads to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a protective measure. Because of the wide array of benefits that can be gained upon its establishment, socio-economic contributions were taken into consideration using a descriptive survey method of research among the seven MPAs in Lingayen Gulf. Data revealed that members of the fisherfolk organization is dominated by married males, 30-50 years old, high school graduate, with 0-1 child, earns less than 5,000 pesos a month and fishing as the major source of livelihood. They participate “Moderately” in the management but scored “High” on linkaging/networking with other agencies. MPAs contributed “High” on social aspect despite a moderate contribution in recreation. A “Moderate” and “High” contributions were observed for economic and political aspect respectively. Among the socio-demographic profile, only the number of children is significantly correlated with the extent of participation in management but not with linking with other agencies. It is further revealed that participation is a good predictor of socio-economic contributions. No significant relationship was found between the socio-demographic profile and the socioeconomic contributions. Linking/networking with other agencies is also found to be not significantly correlated with the any socio-demographic profile.

Chromium (VI) adsorption behavior and capacity by surface modified nanozeolite A has been investigated. Surface modification was performed and the morphology of modified and unmodified nanozeolite was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Adsorption isotherms were studied under different conditions (pH, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration and interaction time). The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) was found to be 14.16 mg Cr(VI) per gram at pH = 3.0 at room temperature. Chromate adsorption on surface modified nanozeolite A was found to be inversely proportional to the pH. Effect of competitive ions was studied and it was found that there is no significant competition between chromate adsorption and presence of competitive ions. Results revealed that Langmuir model is in good agreement with experimental re-sults. Results of examinations on a polluted natural sample showed that surface modified nanozeolite A could reduce chromium (VI) concentration to acceptable criteria. Based on results, surface modified nanozeolite A is an effective sorbent for removing chromate from aquatic solution and the adsorption ability is enhanced by surface modification

This paper discusses the study of community’s preferences for biodiversity conservation management institution which may motivate them to support conservation efforts in the Okwangwo Division of the Cross River National Park, Nigeria. The empirical data was generated from personal interviews and factors influencing the respondents’ choice were examined with the aid of multinomial logit model. The results showed that most of the respondents preferred an institution that has less transaction costs. Respondents’ choice of biodiversity conservation institution were influenced by factors such as income from farming activities, income from non-timber forest products, and income from non-traditional employment. This study will contribute to the knowledge of natural resource management policy.

Although extensive experimental work has been carried out during the last several years, experimental reaction rate constants are available only for hundreds of compounds. Therefore, it is useful to develop a theoretical prediction method, which can be used to obtain estimates of the necessary kinetic parameters. One of the most successful approaches to predict chemical properties starting only from molecular structural information is quantitative structure–activity/property relationships modeling (QSAR/QSPR). The purpose of this paper is to study the relationships between concentrations of 26 substituted phenols and reaction times during the ozonation process and determine the reaction orders and apparent reaction rate constants (-lgk´). Then, optimized geometries of the substituted phenols were carried out at the B3LYP/6-311G** level using the Gaussian 03 software package. The structural and thermodynamic parameters obtained were taken as theoretical descriptors to establish a novel QSPR/QSAR model for -lgk´ of the substituted phenols, with a regression coefficient R = 0.909 and standard deviation SD = 0.141. Finally, the stability of the model for -lgk´ predictions was checked by the t-test, showing satisfactory results. Results obtained reveal the reliability of QSPR/QSAR model for the prediction of ozone degradations rate constant of organic compounds.

The long term effects of sewage water irrigation on soil properties and heavy metal concentrations at Rohtak city, Haryana (India) was investigated. At each location, soil samples were collected from the upper layer (0-10cm) for determination of various physico-chemical parameters. Heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Fe) were also determined. The chemical analysis of sewage effluent showed that total salt concentration and heavy metal content was high compared to ground water but within the safe limits. Thus, sewage effluent remained within permissible limits for use as irrigation water. Soil analysis revealed that organic carbon, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium content were high in sewage irrigated soils compared to tube well irrigated soils. The soil pH decreased by 0.38 units as a result of sewage water irrigation. The continuous application of untreated sewage effluent for last 35 years resulted into significant accumulation of nutrients and heavy metals in soils. Organic carbon content showed positive correlation with all heavy metals except Zn while pH had negative correlation with all metals except Mn. Electrical conductivity had a positive correlation with all metals.

Coir pith, a byproduct of coconut fibers and waste material from the coir industry, is stable and not easily degradable due to its high lignin content. Coir pith takes a decade to decompose thereby posing environmental hazard and disposal problem. Pollution by plastics creates an alternative solution to reduceproblems. Hence the potential use of coir industrial wastes for production of bioplastics (Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate - PHB) as an alternative to plastics was studied. Commercial production of this polymer is limited, however, due to higher cost and longer fermentation process as compared to petrochemical plastics. These concerned make it necessary to use the cheapest and readily available raw materials. Azotobacter beijerinickii used coir industrial waste as a substrate and produced PHB. Production of PHB was maximized at pH 6.5 with 3% coir hydrolysate. The amount of PHB produced by A. beijerinickii was 2.4 ± 0.2 g/L. The yield was 48.19 %. Production of PHB was confirmed by Sudan black B staining under a light microscope, acridine orange staining under a fluorescent microscope and by an infrared spectrometer. This investigation showed that coir industrial waste could be effectively used for the production of PHB.

Heavy metals such as cadmium mainly enter in the environment and ecosystem as a result of human activities. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the ability of bacterial inoculants to enhance efficiency of phytoextraction in a calcareous soil. Three plants (Amaranthus retroflexus, Helianthus annus and Medicago sativa), along with three levels of inoculants and four levels of Cd were evaluated. The experiment design was factorial with three replications. The ANOVA results showed that application of inoculants led to significant increase (P<0.01) of cadmium concentration in plant’s root and shoot.Furthermore, as cadmium concentration increased in different treatments, fresh weight of plant’s root and shoots decreased in all treatments but, weight reduction of plant’s organs was less in treatments with inoculants application. The amaranthus highest amount of absorption, translocation of Cd to shoot, Translocation factor (TF) and Cd phytoextraction. Thus, amaranthus among studied plants is more appropriate for phytoextraction of cadmium.

The concentrations of heavy metals, Mn, Zn, Fe and Hg were determined in sediments and in the whole soft tissue of the clam Galatea paradoxa from two clam fishing locations, Ada and Aveglo at the Volta estuary in Ghana from March to September 2008. Thirty clams were obtained from each sampling location monthly and grouped into three size classes of 10 individuals each based on shell lengths as follows: small (25 -40mm), medium (41-55mm), and large (above 55mm). Metal concentrations in the tissues of thedifferent clam size-classes from the two stations were similar and did not vary significantly.A comparative evaluation of the metal concentrations in the clams and sediments however, revealed significant variations in concentrations for Zn, Fe and, Hg. Concentration of Fe in the sediment from Ada for June was 18 times higher than the concentration in the clams similarly, Hg concentrations were approximately 5 times higher in the clam tissues than in the sediments. On the basis of calculated BSAFs the metal enrichment in the tissues of the clams rank in the following order Hg>Mn>Fe. The BSAFs indicated a significant accumulation of Hg in the clam tissues relative to the concentrations of other metals in the sediments. The concentrations of the studied metal in the clam and sediment samples are similar to those observed in areas under low pollution impact and the current the levels of contamination of these metals in the estuary do not exceed the clams’ capacity of regulation.

After the Cold War, the concept of international security underwent a modification. Among the most important components of such a transformation, the consolidation of ‘environmental security’, a topic in international security, can be taken into account. Environmental security deal with threats that are not only the unintentional result of social and economic activities but are very slow in comparison with military threats and thus, the timing horizons for necessary political planning to confront them are significantly extensive.This article also reviews the status and role of the environmental threats in creating regional integration using the content analysis method and surveying them. The results indicate that 33/4% of regional integration was created according to the non-geographical variables yet and environmental threats don’t play any roles in the so organizations.