International Journal Of Environmental Research
Volume:9 Issue: 1, Winter 2015

An efficiency-centred hierarchical model is developed to assess the performance ofwastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Specifically, a new treatment performance index (TPI) has been proposed to determine the overall treatment performance of WWTP by analysing the TPI values and the weights of individual treatment phase for overall treatment performance. Three modules have been developed to examine the performance of the primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment units of aWWTP. Themodel is applied to threeWWTPswith different scale, loading rate, capacity, and process phases. The case study results indicate that the developed tool is useful in assessing the WWTP system in terms of treatment efficiency, operating conditions, and costeffectiveness of its management schemes. The model can be also combined with an infrastructure condition rating index model to form a condition rating model for a WWTP, and used as a costeffective tool to evaluate current and future needs in operation and management.

Urban growth and associated landscape transformation has been a major driver of local, regional and global environmental change. The conversion of urban greenery to impervious landscapes has been identified as a key factor influencing the distinctive urban heat and associated consequences. Due to the often high demand for space in urban areas, creation and preservation of urban greenery as heat sinks is commonly perceived as “a waste of space”. Consequently, there is an increasing need for creation and preservation of such spaces. This study sought to quantify multi-seasonal heat contribution of major Land-Use-Land-Cover (LULC) within the Ethekwini Municipal Area (EMA) using the recently launched Landsat 8 and MODIS - Land Surface and Temperature (LST) data-sets. To determine the contribution of urban greenery as possible remedy to Urban Heat Island (UHI), major LULCs were grouped into four functional zones and Contribution Index (CI) used to determine multi-seasonal heat contribution to EMA. Results show that impervious surfaces were the major heat source while the green spaces were the major heat sinks. Furthermore, the built-up/green spaces transition zones accounted for significantly lower heat contribution to the entire landscape. The latter finding indicates the value of developing greenery mosaics within the often densely built-up urban areas. In addition to determining extents of EMA’s valuable greenery, this study demonstrates the value of remotely sensed data-sets in understanding the implication of LULC types on the urban micro-climate. The study isparticularly valuable for designing sustainable urban socio-economic and environmental strategies at local, regional and global climate change.

Treatment of ground water contaminated with halogenated pesticides is a challenging task. This paper focuses on preparation, characterization and treatment of heptachlor by iron particles synthesized from steel industry waste (S-ZVI). The BOF sludge, which is dumped in landfills, is an iron rich source and was used as the source material for S-ZVI synthesis. The vital step was reducing agent sodium borohydride optimization and a high dose of 3.5g/10mL of dose was required for production of S-ZVI. The average particlesize for S-ZVI and after modifying using surfactant PAA (5%) was 1660 nm and 300 nm, respectively. Crystalline structure of S-ZVI and a diverse chemical composition was found with high contents of Na, Ca and Mg. Reduction of heptachlor was studied in batch reactors using S-ZVI, PAA modified S-ZVI, Tween 20 modified S-ZVI and pure ZVI. After 48h, the reduction efficiency of heptachlor, by various forms of ZVI, was found to be 87%, 89%, 75 % and 93% respectively. The observed dechlorination rate constant of Heptachlor by PAA modified S-ZVI was found to be the highest (1.959/hr) followed by Tween 20 modified S-ZVI (1.106 /hr), unmodified S-ZVI (0.526 /hr) and pure ZVI (0.09 /hr). The Surface Area Normalised Rate constant (kSA) were found to be 0.2884 L/hr/m2, 0.1074 L/hr/m2, 0.06606 L/hr/m2, and 0.000486 L/hr/m2 for S-ZVI, PAA modified S-ZVI, Tween 20 modified S-ZVI, and pure ZVI respectively.

It is a well-known result in both environmental economics and natural resources management that you will not be able to manage what you are not able to measure. This paper presents a dichotomous-choice contingent valuation survey that analyses individuals’ preferences for the implementation of a rural development program (RDP) that fosters the provision of non-commodity outputs in rural areas in Southern Europe. In order to account for the fact that some of the respondents show unwillingness to pay for the program, out-of-themarket individuals have been identified. According to the results of our behavioral models, prospective positive welfare changes due to policy implementation constitute a sound argument in favor of regional RDPs. Finally, higher levels of social legitimacy and social support towards RDPs will be inextricably related to the issue of being able to communicate to the wider public what the potential outcomes and expected potential benefits of RDPs will be.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of tow nanoparticles (NPs) on the absorption,accumulation, reproduction of the Eisenia fetida. A 4×2×2 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted. The factors included in the experiment are the content of NPs at four levels (0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2gr/kg weight of substrate), the type of NPs at two levels (CuO and ZnO) and the type of substrates at two levels (cow manure and spent mushroom compost (SMC)). After preparing the substrates, adult worms were added to each pot that has 6kg of each type of substrates. The aqua solution of NPs was added to the cultures. The NPs effects on the overweight, mortality, accumulation and reproduction were measured at the end of seven- and fourteen-day two periods after exposure to NPs. The earthwormtissues were enhanced with increasing the NPs concentration. The increases were more in cow manure than SMC, and the accumulation of ZnO were more than CuO. The number of the earthworm egg decreased in both 7th&4th days through increasing the NPs concentration. The ZnO were more effective in reducing the reproduction than the CuO in the seventh day after the substrates treatment. Overweight decreased in bothseventh and fourteenth days through increasing the NPs concentration. Nano CuO was more effective in reducing the overweight than nano ZnO, The decrease of the worm tissues in the SMC substrate was more than the cow manure substrate in the fourteenth day after the treatment.

The adsorption thermodynamic characteristic of Cu2+ from aqueous solution onto humin and also humic acid from a typical black soil in northeast China were examined at three different temperatures (298, 318 and 338 K) by batch isotherm experiments. Results showed that humin was structurally different from humic acid. The increase of temperature had a positive effect on the adsorption process. Freundlich equation described the equilibrium data better with respect to Langmuir equation. Thermodynamic parameters, i.e. standard free energy changes (ΔGº), standard enthalpy change (ΔHº) and standard entropy change (ΔSº), revealed that Cu2+ adsorption by humin and humic acid were a feasible, spontaneous and endothermic process with an increase in disorder. The values of isosteric heat of adsorption (ΔHx) increased with increasing surface Cu2+ loading, and the increase in ΔHx values was smaller for humin than for humic acid. The results indicated that humin and humic acid possessed energetically heterogeneous surfaces. Humic acid had greater surface heterogeneity than humin.

Wood vinegar is the aqueous phase of the liquid produced during the slow pyrolysis of wood. It has the potential to be used as a pesticide against various weeds, insects and molluscs. Due to divergent feedstocks, pyrolysis processes and storing conditions, the chemical composition of wood vinegar varies between producers and time. The aim of our current study was to use the copse snail Arianta arbustorum as a biological odour detector to identify the effective compounds behind the repellent effect of wood vinegar. We also studied whether variation in the chemical composition of wood vinegars from different producers impacts repellency efficiency. Of the tested constituents, acetic acid, furfural and ether-soluble (mainly aldehydes, ketones, lignin monomers) and ether-insoluble (“wood syrup”) fractions of the water extract of wood vinegar induced a clear repellent effect on snails, but their effects were considerably lower than the effect of wood vinegar. Thus the repellent effect of wood vinegar is due to a larger set of its chemical constituents rather than to a specific compound. All tested wood vinegars induced a clear repellent influence on snails, but differences existed between the products of different retorts. These differences were at least partly due to differences inthe products’ organic material content. According to our studies, A. arbustorum can sense quality differences between wood vinegars, even below 10% dilutions. We suggest that utilizing the avoidance behaviour of A. arbustorum is an easy, non-costly method for monitoring the quality of slow pyrolysis liquids but alsohitherto unknown environmental contaminants.

Performance optimization of a single-effect lithium bromide water absorption refrigerationsystem is the subject of this paper. First, the thermodynamic model of the system wasderived based on the first and second law analysis of an absorption refrigeration cycle with LiBr-water as the working fluid pair. Then, the effects of different design parameters such as the generator inlet hot water temperature, evaporator inlet chilling water temperature and absorber and condenser inlet cooling water temperatures on the performance of the systemwere investigated. In order that, by defining the coefficient of performance (COP), exergy efficiency (Second-law efficiency) and total cost function of the system as the objective functions, the genetic algorithm optimization technique was implemented to evaluate these performance indexes. Finally, the optimal values of design parameters and objective functions were found and compared to the initial values. Results show significant improvement in system COP (about 75 %), exergy efficiency (47 %) and total cost (12 %).

This paper explores the capabilities of Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm in a simulation-optimization model for solving waste load allocation problems. The main goals are total treatment costs, violation of the water quality standards and equity. In this research, the water quality simulation model is coupled with a multi-objective optimization model, MOPSO. In order to derive nondominated solutions, two different optimization models are used. The first is referred to as the cost versus quality model and the second one also consider minimizing cost and inequity. For the each case, the trade-off curve (Pareto front) is derived and the best non-dominated solution on the trade-off could be selected by stakeholders and decision makers. The proposed model has been developed for Haraz River in the northern part of Iran which represented scenarios considering different interests and answered questions to modify scenarios according to the decision makers’ideas. Solutions were compared with NSGA-II, and the results demonstrate a suitable convergence and diversity of proposed algorithm.

Evaluation and modeling of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have to be based on the fact that the pollutant concentrations and flow rates change constantly. In addition, different approaches must used due to there are different processes in a WWTP. A Mexican petrochemical complex has a WWTP that processes wastewaters from several petrochemical plants, where the flow rates and pollutant concentrationschange constantly. The actual WWTP has an equalization pond (EP) followed by an aerated lagoon (AL). The EP performance was evaluated by CFD tool and it was possible to evaluate the equalization pond performance. In the biological process, a more realistic dynamical model to evaluate the AL performance was developed and calibrated. The reactor was modeled as a plug flow reactor with high dispersion, due to there is no biological sludge recirculation. It was found that with an increase of 12.5% in the wastewater flow rate the Mexican regulation will not be satisfied The model improves modeling because considers different actual operational factors as lost of VOC and variations of temperature, influent COD and flow rate, which have tremendous impact on the petrochemical wastewater treatment plant performance.

This study deals with employing foundry sand (FS) as new low cost iron source in heterogeneous photo-Fenton process for the degradation of herbicide isoproturon (IPU) in aqueous solution. The characterization of the FS by EDS confirmed presence of iron (23%) required for photo-Fenton and simultaneously confirmed absence of any heavy metals which may be susceptible to leaching. The photo- Fenton effects of different reaction parameters like H2O2 concentration [H2O2]0, operating pH, initial concentration of IPU [C0], FS dose, recycling of FS, effect of area/volume ratio were investigated. Results showed that the maximal removal efficiency were achieved when reaction parameters were [H2O2]0= 2.2 mM, pH 3, FS dose=0.5 g/L, [C0] =25 mg/L. Under optimum condition, 97% degradation efficiency of IPU was achieved within 150 min of reaction. The catalyst recycling test was performed and FS was effectively recycled for 4 times with 20% reduction in degradation efficiency. SEM-EDS analysis of recycled FS confirmed morphology of FS unchanged. Solar baffled batch reactor (SBBR) with recirculation confirmed 70% degradation of IPU after 6 h. IPU mineralization was confirmed with TOC reduction, NH4 + generation along with formation of intermediates as confirmed through LC-MS.

This paper investigates the removal of iron and zinc from aqueous solution with dairy wastewater in three different biomasses such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus (Lb-12), Streptococcus thermophillus (STM-7) and a combination of both this bacteria culture (YC-380) and the optimization of removal efficiency using MINITAB program. A full 23 factorial design of experiments was applied to determine the optimum conditions of removal of Fe(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solution. The three tested factors were biomass concentration (5-15 g/L), pH (3-9), and temperature (20-40 °C). The optimum biomass concentration, pH and temperature were found to be 15 g/L, 9 and 20 °C, respectively. Under optimal value of process parameters, 90- 100% Fe(II) and 70-90% Zn(II) removal were obtained with all tested biomasses. Removal results indicated thata combination of both this bacteria might be a promising biomass alternative to ST-M7 and Lb.12 in removing Zn(II) and Fe(II) ions from waters.

In this work, a novel electrochemical technique is presented for determination of Bentazon using a nanocomposite based sensor and Continuous Coulometric Fast Fourier transformation cyclic voltammetry (CCFFTCV). In this method, the sensor response is in coulomb and is calculated based on integrating charge changes under the current voltammogram in selected potential range. The new sensor was constructed using MWCNT mixed with ionic liquid and reduced graphene oxide on a SiC NPs modified carbonionic liquid electrode. The experimental conditions were then optimized. The modified electrode has good electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of Bentazon. The presence of the nanoparticles enhanced the electrochemical signal which increased the sensitivity of the sensor. Moreover, the proposed sensor exhibits good accuracy, the response time less than 7s, with good repeatability (R.S.D value of 2.3%) and long term stability. The linear concentrations range of Bentazon was from 1–150 nM with a detection limit of 2.5±0.01×10-10 M.

Accumulation of aluminium by plants exposed to nano- and microsized particles of Al2O3 was investigated in terms of risk assessment and possible application in phytoremediation of contaminated sites. Four plant species (Allium cepa L., Zea mays, Lepidium sativum and Kalanchoe daigremontiana)were cultivated on media (soil or liquid medium) contaminated with nano- and microparticles of Al2O3. Bioavailability of aluminium in the soil was studied using water and EDTA extraction. Total amounts of aluminium in plants and soil extracts were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All investigated plantsaccumulated aluminium and its concentration depended on the concentration of Al2O3 in the growth medium and the particle size. The most effective uptake and transport of aluminium was observed for Al2O3 nanoparticles. The highest content of aluminium was found in roots of plants. The extent of aluminium accumulation by plants was species-specific. The highest transfer factors were obtained for Zea mays cultivated on liquid medium supplemented with the lowest concentration of NPs. It was found that the nanoparticles sediment easily, but are still available for uptake by plants. Our studies give a perspective for future development of phytoremediation techniques of contaminated soils and waters.

The southern coasts of Caspian Sea is subjected to synoptic/mesoscale weather systemsranging from locally enhanced sea breeze formation and small local front systems to synoptic scale cyclones. This study presents climatology of cyclones over the southern coasts of Caspian Sea covering a ten year period 1996-2005. Altogether 57 cyclones were formed during the ten year period. Anoticeable seasonality is observed in evolution of cyclones over the entire Caspian region, a majority of the 57 cyclones (73.7%) were developed during winter and fall seasons while the remaining (26.3%) occurred during spring and summer seasons.Most of the cyclones were of low intensity, out of 57 cyclones observed during the ten year period 16 (28%) were deep depressions and 24 (42.1%) were cyclonic storms. Altogether 5 super cyclonic storms were observed during the period, out of which 4 were observed during winter and fall seasons. Mid-tropospheric, large-scale processes and local features were responsible for the initial development of all weather systems. The Mediterranean Sea plays a significant role in cyclogenesis and propagation of the systems the Caspian region. Further, a Mediterranean cyclonic system formed during October 2001 was studied in detail using backward trajectory Lagrangian model: Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT). The HYSPLIT model outputs confirmed the observed synoptic features for the weather system of the case study.

Urban sinks accumulate phosphorus and other elements and may serve as sources of secondary raw materials. This paper evaluates phosphorus sources based on their environmental impact. In a life cycle assessment (LCA) the conventional production was used as a yardstick against which tomeasure the performance of two recycling options: spreading of sewage sludge and phosphorus recovery from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWA). When compared as three gate-to-gate processes, the sludge spreading had the lowest potential environmental impact, except in the impact categories eco- and human toxicity. In the future, the sludge spreading could potentially outperform the conventional process also with regard to toxicity, provided its Hg and Cu content can be reduced. Phosphorus extracted from the MSWA had the highest impact, except in relation to eutrophication. The benefits of avoiding the conventional production were greater than the sludge recycling impacts for all categories except toxicity. When conventional production is substituted by the MSWA recycling, the eutrophication and land-use impacts are avoided, while the impacts in other categories areconsiderable. The development needs identified for this method include substitution of HCl, reduced water consumption, and reduction of the product’smetal content. Solutions to all of these challenges have been proposed and are currently being tested.

The alien polychaetes are widely distributed in the whole Mediterranean Sea as well as in the Egyptian waters. The objective of this study is to highlight the distribution and abundance of the alien polychaetes along the Alexandria coast, their contribution to the total polychaete community and the changes they caused in the community structure. Through monthly sampling polychaetes were collected at four sites of different ecological characteristics During June 2005 - May 2006 from hard substrates at 0.5-1m depth andfrom soft bottom of the intertidal zone. Ten alien species were recorded from the study area, five of them (Linopherus canariensis Langerhans, 1881, Loimia medusa Savigny in Lamarck 1818, Syllis schulzi Hartmann- Schröder 1960, Phyllodoce longifrons Ben-Eliahu 1972 and Leodice antennata Savigny in Lamarck, 1818)were found for the first time in the Egyptian waters. Six species were widely distributed in the study area demonstratingconsiderable different count on both the spatial and temporal scales, with total count fluctuating between 10 - 18810 ind/m2 (individual/m2), constituting 14.3% - 45.5% of the total polychaetes and peaks occurring in different times at the sampling sites. Syllis schulzi and Pseudoneries anomala were the major components, accounting for 53.4 and 41.5% of the alien polychaetes, and of pronouncedly less contribution was Linopheruscanariensis (3.8%), in addition to occasional active contribution of Hydroides elegans and Loimia medusa, which displayed at times up to 22% and 19% respectively at some sampling sites.

The present study has been carried out with the aim of content analysis (CA) of newly-prepared textbooks for social studies and science of the sixth grade based on the three environment education grounds, i.e. ecology, environment, and human activity. It is of CAand descriptive nature. The statistical population was all the sixth grade textbooks pages and the statistical sample was equal to the statistical population. The Shannon Entropy Method has been employed for the CA. The analysis unit has been the textbook pages (texts, images, questions, and exercises). The components and indexes for the concept of Environment education based on the study literature and sources and their validity have been confirmed by environment and education authorities. The results show that the highest frequency in the content of these textbooks is allocated to ecology, human activities and environment, respectively. Furthermore, human activities and environment are more prominent in the science textbook rather than the social studies ones, although ecology is more obvious in the latter. In terms of informational load and importance in these textbooks, ecology, environment, and human activitywere themaingrounds for the environment education, respectively. In sum, in these textbooks the three aforementioned grounds have not been presented parallel to each other and some modifications to the content of these textbooks are required to make them more understandable for the Iranian students.

Polyurethanes (PURs) are polymers that can be generated by a step-growth polyadditionreaction of diisocyanates with polyols. The number of well-developed chemical procedures applicable to their manufacture, and the diversity of chemical structures in which polyurethanes can be built, account for the widespread use of these materials in the last few decades for both domestic and technical applications due to its excellent mechanical and thermal properties and their high resistance to the climatic changes. Nevertheless, its high resistance to degradation in aqueous media or bymicroorganism constitutes not only a great disadvantage for its use as material in medical applications (vascular grafts, artificial heart diaphragms, valves, catheters…) but also as one of the sources of the pollution of the environment. In this work, we report the degradation ofa commercial poly (ester-urethane) by microorganisms isolated from cedar wood. This is the first study that demonstrates the degradation of polyurethane by isolated microorganisms from wood. Analyses were carried out by Infrared spectroscopy.

This work reports the comparative study of heavy metal water concentrations fromtwo coastal ecosystems ofCadizGulf (SWSpain): Bay of Cadiz and Ria ofHuelva estuary in samples taken on years 1999-2000. Sampling zones showed different heavymetal levels. Statistical analysis of dissolved trace metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) showed significant differences between Huelva and Cadiz zones based on the Cu level, with a marked seasonal factor and different metal sources (Industrial, geological, urban,...), observing a higher Cu concentration in Ria de Huelva respect to Bay of Cadiz. On the other hand, to evaluate the pollutant effects on aquatic biota, a histopathological analysis have been conducted in specimens of flat fish, Solea senegalensis from both zones. Lesions weremore severe in fish fromRia ofHuelva, being themost significant alterations: gill hyperplasia, fusion of secondary lamellae, disorganization of the hepatic parenchyma, cellular hypertrophy and vascular congestion in liver and tubular occlusion, loss of interstitial tissue and lipid-like vacuoles in kidney. Obtained results are useful as reference data for future environmental monitoring studies in these zones where to establish a heavy metal concentration temporal trend would be necessary.

The Mandovi estuary is highly influenced by mining and tourism related activities in the central west coast of India. Vertical fluxes and accumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) in three sediment cores (D1, C1 and OG) from the Mandovi estuary were assessed using Ultra-Violet Fluorescence (UVF) spectroscopy. The range of PHCs values in estuarine sediments varied from 5.4 to 12.34 μg/g Enrichment of PHCs values in the upper parts of three sediment cores were mostly derived from terrestrial and marinerelated sources including petrogenic (discharge of land based effluents and petroleum products), pyrogenic (emission of fly ash from industries and vehicles and combustion of petrol from ore-filled barges, boats and ships) and biogenic (mangrove vegetation along the banks of the estuary) sources. The significant positive relationship between mud (silt + clay) and PHCs unveiled that high specific surface of area of mud content raise the level of petroleum hydrocarbons. Cluster analysis was used to discriminate the sediment samples based on their degree of contamination. Values of PHCs in the upper part of sediment cores were distinctly higher than the background but were lower than those found in the Thane creek, west coast India (7.6–42.8μg/g) and off Chennai, east coast of India (1.8 – 39.72 μg/g). This baseline PHCs data can be used for regular ecological monitoring and effective management for the mining and tourism related activities in the Mandovi estuary.

A large portion of municipal waste, disposed in landfills, is organic in nature. This organicmaterial starts decomposing soon after the disposal in landfills. The decomposition leads to the generation of in situ leachate, and this leachate can contain substantial amounts of contaminants. Under arid conditions, leachate is solely generated by waste decomposition, as little input of external water occurs due to rain. The objective of this study was to characterize the in situ leachate from typical waste streams in Pakistan. Wecollected fresh municipal solid wastes typical of household, mixed, and restaurant waste, and analyzed the leachates for volume and water quality parameters. The wastes released up to 30% of their initial moisture as leachate and the leachate contained metals, organic carbon, and nutrients at concentrations many times higher than the environmental water quality standards for waste water discharge. As landfill leachate in Pakistan is usually not contained or collected, the in situ leachate is a source of surface and ground water contamination. Methods have to be developed and implemented to prevent leaching of contaminants into underlying soils and sediments, and subsequently into ground and surface waters.

The transport of dissolved contaminants in groundwater is usually described by the advection dispersion equation with reaction. Several numerical methods for solving the one-dimensional are available including finite difference methods, finite volume methods, and finite element methods. Stringent conditions, such as small Peclet (Pe) and Courant (Cr) numbers, must be satisfied to ensure the accuracy and stability of the numerical solutions. The practical finite analytic (PFA) method was applied to the solution of two solute transport problems: 1- One-dimensional advection–dispersion equation with reaction under advectiondominated conditions, and 2- One-dimensional pure advection equation with reaction. A triangular explicit PFA (EPFA) spatial-temporal computational molecule was developed. The EPFA solutions were compared with solutions from the quadratic upwind differencing (QUICK) scheme. For both cases, the EPFA solution gives accurate results as long as the Courant (Cr) was close to one. Stability analysis shows that the EPFA molecule is always stable for high Pe number.

We used wild boars and roe deer as biomonitors of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) contamination in two major industrial sites in Poland with different levels of toxic metal pollution. Masurian Lakes District, located far away from industry, was used as the reference site. Levels of Pb, Cd, and Hg in liver, kidney and muscle samples and in the stomach content of the animals were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) methods. We calculated also the mean concentration factors in the animal tissues versus their concentration in the gastric or rumen content. Our results indicate that area affected by metal smelting was more contaminated than brown coal mining area and the reference site, as indicated by higher levels of Pb and Cd in tissues and stomach contents of the animals. High levels of those metals in the offal of game animals may pose a threat to consumers of venison.

Fifty street dust samples were collected from Southern and Eastern parts of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Samples were collected during summer under dry and stable weather conditions. Total concentrations of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and lithium (Li) were determined. Ten samples were then selected for characterization, metals fractionation and single stage extraction studies. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were utilized to study the crystalline forms of metals and chemical compositions. In addition, sequential and single extraction procedures were used to determine the concentrations of six heavy metals (i.e. Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni and Zn), and also the mobility and bioavailability of elements. The risk assessment code (RAC) and IPOLLwere employed for the risk assessment and pollution intensity of metals, respectively. Results showed that the single extraction procedure could be used to estimate the total concentrations of most metals as an appropriate alternative for total digestion. The mobility and potential availability of metals in Tehran street dust followed the order of Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr. The risk assessment code results showed high risk for Pb, Cd and Zn and lowmedium risk for Ni, Cr and Cu, and correlated positively with IPOLL result.

Paddy straw is one of the most abundant agricultural by-products in Tamil Nadu, India. Itcontains high amounts of cellulose and lignin. The fungal strains were isolated from naturally decomposing sites of paddy straw. Eight fungal strains were isolated and later these eight fungi were used for finding out their potential for the degradation of lignin and cellulose content of paddy straw. Among eight fungi tested, three fungal strains showed lignocellulolytic activities. Hence, these three fungal strains were used for thedecomposition of paddy straw both individually as well as in various combinations. Inoculation of these lignocellulolytic fungi in paddy straw accelerated the process of paddy straw decomposition when compared to control. Significant reduction in lignin and cellulose content were observed in paddy straw inoculated with mixed culture of R. oryzae + A. oryzae + A. fumigatus compared to other experiments. Mixed culture of threefungal strains reduced C:N ratio to 10:1 compared to 70:1 in paddy straw mixed with soil. A significant increase was also observed in macro nutrients of the compost harvested from E8 experimental trays. It is evident from the results that the mixed culture of all the three lignocellulolytic fungi may be used for the degradation of paddy straw. Hence we conclude that combination of three lignocellulolytic fungi viz.,R. oryzae, A. oryzae and A. fumigatus can be recommended for the degradation of paddy straw which would result inproduction of good quality compost containing higher amounts of total nitrogen (1.55±0.03%), total potassium (1.57±0.01%) and total phosphorus (1.48±0.17%) content.

Anthropogenic eutrophication conditioned frequent and more pronounced blooms of toxic algae and cyanobacteria in the fresh and saline aquatic ecosystems all world around. However, blooming species could serve as a possible resource instead of a threat by exploiting them to remediate nutrients. The optimised use of algae and cyanobacteria may provide the environmental service together with economic benefit that could be obtained from their biomass. The aim of this study was to identify microalgae species from Curonian Lagoon that could be prospective candidates for cultivation in Lithuania, and statistically determine how the accumulation of their biomass correlated with the changes in environmental conditions, using five years monitoring data. Five species, frequently acquiring a much larger biomass (up to 70 mg/ L) over other species, were identified: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Planktothrix agardhii, Actinocyclus normanii f. subsalsus, Diatoma tenuis and Stephanodiscus rotula. The optimal cultivation conditionswere proposed based on results of the analysis and the potential their biomass applications are discussed.

In this research, nanoporous silica (SBA-15) was physically functionalized using 2-(2-nitrobenzylideneamino) guanidine compound. This functionalized SBA-15 was utilized as a new sorbent for separation and preconcentration of some lanthanide ions. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used as a detection technique. The preconcentration factor of the method is 100 and detection limit of this technique is obtained 2.9 ng/mL for Dy3+, 1.6 ng/mL for Eu3+, 8.4 ng/mL for Nd3+, 3.8 ng/mL for Sm3+ and 2.5 ng/mL for Yb3+ ions. The time and optimum amount of the sorbent, pH effect, presence of other ions on extraction condition were also tested. The maximum capacity of 5 mg functionalized SBA-15 was found to be about 155.2 μg for Sm3+, 131.2 μg for Yb3+, 128.1 μg for Nd3+, 143.3 μg for Eu3+, 140.6 μg for Dy3+ ions. The method was successfully applied for preconcentration and determination of these lanthanides in some natural water samples.

The irrigated area of Jaguaribe, Ceara, Brazil is considered important region of agribusiness of the country due to the installation of various fruit exporting companies. The present work has as main objective investigate twelve types of pesticides (molinate, atrazine, methyl parathion, malathion, chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion, pendimenthalin, triazophos, bentazone, azoxystrobin, propiconazole, difenoconazole) used in the region to assess the level of contamination of waters used for potable and irrigation. Analysis of pesticides were performed using chromatographic techniques (SPME-GC/MS and SPE-HPLC/DAD) through methodologies validated according to parameters recommended by ABNT. Among the 60 water samples, 48 were positive for at least one of the twelve active ingredients studied. Fungicides propiconazole and difenoconazole were detected more frequently. The total pesticide levels ranging from 0.11-17.30 μg/L were detected in the samples. The levels detected in surface and groundwater were lower than the limits established in Brazil, but 80% of the samples analyzed were above total pesticide levels established by the European Community (>0.5 μg/L). Prolonged exposure to pesticides can cause adverse effects to human health and the aquatic ecosystem.

To assess the microbiological status of a biofiltration system used to treat borehole water, filter matrix samples were analyzed after staining for the presence of active biofilms using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). CLSM revealed the presence of biofilms on the filter matrix with actively metabolizing microbial cells present. Thereafter, heterotrophs,manganese oxidizing bacteria (MOB) and iron oxidizing bacteria (IOB) present in the biofilms were quantified. For heterotrophs a count of 2.9×107 cfu/g was established using R2A agar while counts for presumptive MOB and IOB were established as 2.4×107 cfu/g and 3.1×107 cfu/g respectively. In addition, a clone library was established using DNAextracted from a pooled filter matrix sample to assess the diversity of bacteria present within the biofilter matrix. A total of 100 randomly selected clones were separated into 14 unique operational taxonomic unit (OTU’s) based upon restriction patterns of amplified partial 16S rRNA genes. Overall, 38% of the clones were assigned to the phylum Proteobacteria, 13% to the phylum Actinobacteria, 24% to the phylum Firmicutes, 21% to the phylum Nitrospirae and 4% to the phylum Verrucomicrobia.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are widely employed as flame retardants and constitute a group of emerging pollutants of high persistence. The degradation of different PBDE commercial mixtures (penta-, octa- and deca-BDE) by the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor under aerobic conditions was studied. This work demonstrates the capacity of T. versicolor to degrade three different PBDE commercialmixtures in aqueous phase, obtaining final removal efficiencies of 87±6, 85±13 and 67±7% for deca-, pentaand octa-BDE mixtures (and minimal degradation of 73±5, 38±13, and 28±7%), respectively. The intracellular enzymatic complex cytochrome P-450 is proposed as the enzyme involved in the first step of deca-BDE degradation by T. versicolor. In an effort to assay the application of the fungus in real contaminated matrices, the study successfully demonstrated the ability of T. versicolor to degrade pre-existent deca-BDE from sewage sludge in a solid-phase treatment, reaching 86% elimination at the end of the process. The findings support the potential use of the ligninolytic fungus in bioremediation of PBDE.

Agricultural Land Conversion (ALC) has been introduced as one of the most important factors affecting ecosystem. This type of conversion has led to several challenges in agricultural development and human life. Monitoring ALC plays a crucial role when dealing with such challenges. The main objective of this studywas to monitor the trend ofALC in theQazvin province located in Northwest Iran from 1990 to 2010 using remote sensing data. The results showed that 44,845 ha of agricultural lands (3.03%of the total agricultural lands of the province) were converted to non-agricultural lands, of which, 32,033 and 10,243 ha (2.16% and 0.69% of total agricultural lands of the province), were respectively transformed to saline lands and urban areas and infrastructures. Our projection for 2030 shows that among other uses, the conversion of agricultural lands to the saline lands and urban areas and infrastructures will stay most likely. However, the conversion probability for irrigated and orchard lands to urban areas and infrastructures will be more than the saline lands while the conversion probability for dry and rangelands to the saline lands will be more than urban areas and infrastructures.

In this work X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique was used to evaluate the soil pollution with heavy metals for twenty four surface soil samples (0–10 cm in depth) from various locations to cover the industrial area in Omdurman city, Sudan. Concentrations of 10 elements Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Pb, Rb, Co, Cd and As were determined. It was found that Cr, Cu and Cd concentrations for almost all studied sites are greater than the normal values, while most the Ni, Zn, Co, As and Pb concentrations are lower than the normal values. Some of the concentrations of As are greater than the normal values. The elemental concentrations were compared with the normal values and other studies in different locations from the world. The correlation between elements appears that pollution inside the investigated area results from different sources of contamination present inside it. The results establish a database reference of radioactivity background levels around this region.

Pollution of urban soils dramatically reduces life and environmental quality. The most common pollutants are heavymetals and organic contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyl. Main source of these pollutants is fossil fuels which are pervasive in urban and/or industrialized areas. Identifying type and intensity of the pollution is essential to prepare an effective hazard mitigation plan. The study has been focused on the determining the distribution of pollutants in Denizli city center. Themagnetic susceptibility measurements and chemical analysis are performed at several locations. The low frequency magnetic values are differing significantly over the study area. They are concentrated at the northern and southeastern parts of the study area. The spatial distribution of the PLI proved that the industrial area showed very high anomalous. They mainly come from magnetic particle sources in the area. Scattering patterns of Fe, Pb, Cu, Cr andNi are compatiblewith the susceptibilitymaps and the topography.The highest concentration of Ni, Cr, Pb and Cu oxides elements are observed near the major roads and close to the industrial enterprises in the northern part of the city. High correlations are documented between low frequency magnetic susceptibility and Fe, Si, Pb and Cr. The method can effectively be employed for monitoring the urban soil pollution.

Abandoned surface mine excavations can be a major environmental, social and/or human health problem for the mining industry as well as for the community living nearby. This problem is exacerbated by the rapidly growing population encroaching on areas of historic mined lands. The aim of this studywas to assess the safety status of the historic Nyala Mine excavation with the purpose of coming up with rehabilitation options that promote the beneficial use of the pit lake. The study involved characterisation of the abandoned excavation through field description,modelling of both the geometry of the pit and the flow of surface runoff in to the pit, and chemical analysis of the pit lake water. A survey of the pit landscape showed pit walls of up to 22m high with a slope angle ranging from 10° to 30°. The pit was found to be accumulating runoff water from high grounds alongthe northern part of the excavation. Pit water was found to be alkaline (pH ±9.6), with F- (±1.1 ppm), Cl- (±169.6 ppm),Mg2+ (±67.85 ppm) andK+ (±87.16 ppm) concentrations that were all above the standards permissible for domestic use. This study demonstrated that beside backfilling of oldmines excavations; rehabilitation techniques that transform lifeless landscapes into prosperous ones, with beneficial end uses can be considered.

Environmental pollution with heavy metals is a global struggle. Phytoremediation is an effective and low-cost technology for refinement of polluted soils. This research was conducted in Zanjan province (located in North West Iran) where metallurgical industries are developed quickly. In this study, based on the heavy metals contamination of soil in the studied area six sampling sites were selected taking into account the industrial distributions as well as the low/high traffic congestions. Leaves from eight tree species namely: Populus nigra, Ulmus pumila, Fraxinus excelsior, Robinia pseudoacacia, Acer hyracanum, Salix alba, Thuja orientalis, and Cupressus sempervirens var arizonica, were sampled and analyzed by ICP-OES (Spectro Genesis) for their heavy metal contents (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb). Results showed that heavy metals in stations close to the lead and zinc smelting industrial complexes are much higher than average showing a high correlation with their respective metal concentrations in soils. This clearly indicates that heavy metal contents in tree leaves in the studied area are solely related to industrial activities notably National Iranian Lead and Zinc (NILZ) as well as Zinc Specialized Industrial Complex (ZSIC) companies. Based on the results, the studied native plants accumulate different metals selectively and Populus nigra was found to be the best accumulator plant for Mn, Zn and Cd, Thuja orientalis, as the best phytoextractor for Fe, and Cupressus sempervirens var arizonica is the best species among the studied native plants for accumulation of Pb.

In this research, hydraulic and sorption behavior of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) withordinary and modified clay exposed to crude oil were studied. Both modified and ordinary bentonites were investigated to evaluate crude oil adsorption efficiency on the liners. Because soil permeability exposed to crude oil is a major parameter in measuring the contaminants migration in soils, the permeability tests were conducted on the clays. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were also carried out to evaluate the adsorption of crude oil by bentonites. Following the tests, results of XRD analysis for modified bentonite samples indicated an average 63.2% interlayer increase after their exposure to the crude oil while that of ordinary bentonite was relatively insignificant (0.5 %). In case of permeability tests, modified bentonites showed much lower permeability values (5.2 × 10-9 cm/s) compared to ordinary bentonites (1.2 × 10-6 cm/s) when exposed to crude oil, hence denoting the viability of modified clays, instead of ordinary clays as GCLs materials at petroleum contaminated sites.

The role played by soil constituents in governing temporal trends of metal mobility in calcareous Mediterranean soils deserves special attention due to the particular soil and climate characteristics. Reactions occurring during the aging modify the metal mobility over time, and the rate of metal application and type of soil can be decisive in the outcome of aging reactions in soils. The aim of the present work was to investigate the role that both metal dose and soil constituents play in temporal trends of (potential) metal mobility in soils offering a natural gradient of carbonate and whose remaining soil constituents differed. Soil samples were spiked with a mixture of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn at two levels and then left aging for 12 months incubation. Metals were extracted at different time intervals (1 day, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months) with one-step extraction methods to estimate immediate metal mobility (NaNO3) and potential metal mobility (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid –DTPA–). At both levels of contamination, NaNO3-extractable Cd, Cu and Zn concentration values reached equilibrium within the period of incubation. Temporal trend of immediate metal mobility was governed by carbonate fraction for Cd and Cu and by the finest carbonate fraction for Zn. In the case of potential metal mobility, DPTA-extractable metal concentrations did not reach equilibrium within the incubation time. In this case, the combined action of carbonate, organic, Fe-oxide and clay fractions were decisive to define the different temporal trends observed for each metal and level.

In this work, all-solid-state potentiometric PVC membrane sensor was introduced for fast and simple monitoring of mercury ions in waste water samples. The all solid sate electrode is made based on a conductive composite of graphite, reduced graphene oxide, epoxy resin on a copper wire. A thin layer PVC membrane is then coated on the surface of the new conducting transducer. PVC membrane is composed of 30% PVC, 62% NPOE as plasticizer, 3% ionic liquid, and 5% Hg2+ ion imprinted polymer (IIP). The sensing element of the sensor is an artificial host which is imprinted by vinyl pyridine and a suitable cross-linker. The sensor shows a Nernstian response of 29.4±0.3 mV/decade. Dynamic linear range of the sensor is 1.0×10-8-1.0×10-3 mol/L of the mercury concentration and detection limit of 3.2×10-9 mol/L. The interference of different ionicspecies with the response of the electrode shows a good selectivity of the proposed sensor. The proposed sensor is successfully applied in determination of mercury ions in some waste water samples.

Prediction of spatial and temporal variation of water quality is vital for managing pollutantsdisposal into the rivers. Depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) takes place due to the consumption of oxygen by microbes to digest bio-degradable pollutants which enter a water course. Reaeration takes place in a specific rate depending on DO deficit. Many investigators have formulated models as an alternative to the Fickian Model for the advection dispersion pollutant transport. Since Streeter-Phelps research on BOD-DO modeling, many researchers have studied fate of pollutant considering first order reaction along with only advection. The Streeter-Phelps dispersion model includes deoxygenation and reaeration along with advection and dispersion and which has been solved by defining an axillary variable relating DO deficit and BOD concentration. Thus this paper considered first order decay and reaeration along with advection and dispersion to simulate spatial and temporal variation of DO concentration using a hybrid mixing cells model. The proposed model has been successfully applied for a hypothetical flow conditions and the River Brahmani, India. River flow requirement and regulation for pollutant disposal with pre-treatment were optimized using the responses of proposedmodel for this River. This research analyzed the selected river reach using proposed model having a particular flow and channel characteristics and found that release of 1180m3/s from Rengali Dam is required to avoid pollution problem. However, in absence of this flow at least 50% of pretreatment pollutants are required before released into river Tikira.

This paper presents a new methodology for the zoning of littoral sand barriers on the basis of their groundwater dynamic responses to the local mean water level (MWL) climate. The method is based on the comparison of the characteristic scales of the horizontal drainage and recharge processes. Using the Boussinesq equation and basic hydro-geomorphological parameters, this methodology identifies the climatic events that markedly affect the groundwater dynamics across the barrier, along with the location of the most affected cross sections. The application of the methodology to the Mar Menor sand barrier shows that a significant number of cross sections can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of local storm events typical of the Mediterranean coast during the spring and winter seasons. The location of the affected cross sections is analyzed as a function of both the local MWL forcing and hydrogeological parameters. This case studyhighlights the possible use of the proposed methodology for land use planning and the environmentalmanagement of coastal sand bars.

Phenols are toxic organic compounds and which badly affects the flora and fauna of thebiosphere because phenols are persistent pollutant found in wastewater from many industries. In present research article the photocatalytic removal of O-Nitro Phenol by synthesized Magnetic Nanoadsorbents (MNA) carried out under photocatalytic reactor. The MNA were synthesized by Co-precipitation method required short period of time. The photocatalytic reactor manually assembled in the laboratory. The U.V irradiation found to be effective. The different parameters have been studied like initial concentration of ONitro Phenol, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dose and pH.The effective removal of O-Nitro Phenol by MNA at optimum pH 1.5 to 2.5. The employed MNA was characterized by SEM (Scanning Electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and FTIR (Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy). The Present removal study well fitted for Friendlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. A kinetics and equilibrium studies were also carried out by using MNA. In this experimental research the desorption study of MNA also shows good results, reusability of MNA were possible.

Mangroves are one of the main important species which have critical function in ecologicalprocesses in the coastal habitats. Recent studies have focused on long term effects such as biological and chemical responses and reactions of ecosystems. In this research, short term response of Avicennia marina’s pneumatophores as one of substantial parts of mangroves has been considered while facing the oil slick in tidal waves. Factorial experimental design was conducted considering three factors, each one in two levels in both spring and winter seasons, separately. Experiments were carried out in the north coastline of the Persian Gulf where one of the mentioned species habitat in the NaybandNatural National Park of Iran is located. Experimental evidences on the studied blocks were investigated by experimental analysis, accurately. Results revealed the main effective factors which can raise the damages of oil spill in the mangroves habitat through oil adsorption on the pneumatophores. Investigations showed the concentration level of the main significant factors that can affect the adsorption process. The second significant factor on physical adsorption is retention time, also known as contact time. Tests results indicated that adsorption in winter is generally more than that in spring. No significant effect of day or night time on the physical oil adsorption by pneumatophores was traced.

Twenty water samples from a river system in southern Caspian Sea basin were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and metals (Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Ni and Mn). In order to evaluate the risk potential of metal pollution in river water, use of two indicesnamely heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and contamination index (Cd) accompanied by cluster analysis was taken in to consideration. Stations located within the upstream of the river (1 to 13) seemed to encounter low risk potentials while the downstream stations (14 to 20) approved to hold higher risks.The results also showed relativelymeaningful correlation among different metals which may be attributed to their same entry source, mainlymining and quarrying activities in the central parts of the basin following bymunicipal and industrial wastewater discharge to the river in downstream. The convergence of both indices in this study was also of interest. Although the mean values of both indices were below the critical values, severe precautions must be taken into consideration especially in the stations holding high risk potentials. Extreme use of river water for drinking, agriculture and industrial purposes within the water basin, relatively biota-rich characteristic of the river and Caspian Sea as the final sink of the river are among the most significant reasons that make the river monitoring implementation inevitable.

Feasibility of waste lime sludge (LS) obtained from acetylene gas production industry wasstudied during co-composting of vegetable waste for enhanced volatile solids reduction. Four different trials were carried out with varying percentage of LS combinations i.e. trial 1, trial 2, trial 3 and trial 4. Increased addition of waste LS raised the levels of pH in the compost, thereby volatizing the nitrogen as ammonia in trial 3 and 4. However, appropriate addition of LS in trial 2 increased the microbial activity and resulted in highervolatile solids reduction (22.1%) which was found double fold increase when compared to trial 1, where 11% VS reduction was observed. Hence, with proper combination of waste materials and addition of LS, a maximum temperature of 66.5 and 61.4o C was observed in trial 1 and 2 respectively. Temperature level above 50o C for more than 4 to 7 days was observed during the process, thus satisfying the regulatory requirements for PFRP (Process to Further Reduce Pathogens). Therefore, the present study concluded that appropriate amount of LS addition increased the organic matter reduction drastically. However in trial 3 and 4, where 2 and 3% addition of LS were not appreciable in terms of proper degradation and stability at the end of composting period.