-
An Assessment on the Economic Benefit of Cactus Crop in the Case of Ganta Afeshum District, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
202-206
Received:
13 August 2015
Accepted:
22 August 2015
Published:
3 September 2015
Abstract: Cactus is a plant with very thick and fleshy stems. It is often covered with prickles and it usually grows in desert and semi desert area of the world. Cactus has different benefit such as source of food, medicine, chemical and income. Therefore, the objective of this research was carried out to assess the economic benefit of cactus as potential source of food for both human and animal in Ganta Afeshum District, Eastern Tigray region of Ethiopia. For this study, questionnaires, structured interviews, field observations and documentary analysis were applied to collect the necessary information from farm households and concerned bodies. Probability and non - probability sampling methods were used in this study. The sample is selected using simple random sampling from the entire target of population (1230, which is 135(11%). Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis were used to describe the findings. Tables, charts and percentage were used in summarizing the quantitative data. The survey result shows that in the study area out of the total area of the District, 1607.05 hectare of the land is covered by cactus crop. Even though the area is characterized by a potential on cactus crop but the farmers used cactus crop only as diet for human being and as forage for animals particularly for cattle.
Abstract: Cactus is a plant with very thick and fleshy stems. It is often covered with prickles and it usually grows in desert and semi desert area of the world. Cactus has different benefit such as source of food, medicine, chemical and income. Therefore, the objective of this research was carried out to assess the economic benefit of cactus as potential so...
Show More
-
Removal of Congo Red Dye from Industrial Wastewater by Untreated Sawdust
Mohammad Shafiqul Alam,
Rexona Khanom,
Mohammad Arifur Rahman
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
207-213
Received:
2 August 2015
Accepted:
11 August 2015
Published:
3 September 2015
Abstract: Dyes have widespread applications and exist in the effluents of various manufacturing and processing units; therefore, its discharge has a severe environmental impact. However, the complex aromatic molecular structures of dyes make them very stable, and as a result, more difficult to biodegrade. The objective of the present study is to explore the feasibility of using untreated sawdust in the removal of Congo Red dye from industrial wastewater. The adsorption study was carried out using different particle sizes of adsorbent (90 µm, 144 µm and 355 µm), different pH values ranging from 5.0 to 11.0 along with different adsorbent amounts from 2.0 to 8.0 g. Flow rate was also varied in the range of 0.3 to 0.7 mL/min. Optimization of volume required for saturation of untreated sawdust was investigated. Adsorption method showed the optimum removal of Congo Red dye under the following conditions: constant initial concentration of 10 mg/L dye solution, volume of 200.0 mL, flow rate 0.3 mL/min, adsorbent amount 8.0 g and particle size of 90 µm. This effective removal method may provide a promising solution of removal of Congo Red dyes from textile wastewater in Bangladesh as well as other countries of the world.
Abstract: Dyes have widespread applications and exist in the effluents of various manufacturing and processing units; therefore, its discharge has a severe environmental impact. However, the complex aromatic molecular structures of dyes make them very stable, and as a result, more difficult to biodegrade. The objective of the present study is to explore the ...
Show More
-
Causes of Biodiversity Depletion in Bangladesh and Their Consequences on Ecosystem Services
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
214-236
Received:
6 August 2015
Accepted:
24 August 2015
Published:
3 September 2015
Abstract: Bangladesh is exceptionally endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna due to its unique geophysical location which are maintaining balance ecosystem. There are recorded 5,700 angiosperms, 68 legumes, 500 medicinal plants, 29 orchids and 1,700 pteridophytes. Sundarban is a rich faunal diversity in Bangladesh which mammals 113, birds 628, reptiles 126, amphibians 22, 708 fishes, insects 2,493, mites 19, alges 164 and 4 species of echinoderms. Bangladesh’s inland water bodies are known to be the habitat of 266 species of indigenous fish, 13 exotic fish, 56 prawns, about 26 freshwater molluscs, and 150 birds. The marine water bodies (200 nautical miles along the coast) are also remarkable for being habitat of 442 species of fish. There are at least 36 species of marine shrimps. About 336 species of molluscs, covering 151 genera have been identified from the Bay of Bengal. In addition, several species of crabs, and 31 species of turtles and tortoises, of which 24 live in freshwater, are found in Bangladesh. A total of 168 seaweeds, 3 sponges, 15 crabs, 3 lobsters,10 frogs, 3 crocodiles, 24 snakes, 3 otters, 1porcupine, 9 dolphins, and 3 species of whale found in Bangladesh. About 70 bees, many species of wasps and 8-10 per cent of the land area is under good canopy cover. A total of 81 fish species were recorded from Chalan Beel including 72 indigenous fish species and nine exotic species. More than 85 percent of Modhupur forest has been cleared in last 40 years. In most of the areas the age of sal forest is not more than 10 to 15 years. Thousands prawn farms have replaced almost the Chokoria mangrove forest. Thousands prawn farms have replaced almost the entire forest. The Chokoria Sundarbans today- the evergreen forests have been replaced by thousands of shrimp ponds. Two orders of class Oligochaeta of phylum Annelida: five families, nine genera include fifteen species of Tangail District of Bangladesh. A total of 35 species of earthworms have been recorded in Bangladesh. Already, 12 wildlife species have become extinct from Bangladesh. In addition, Mammals 40, birds 41, reptiles 58 and amphibians 8 have listed in red data book of threatened animals of Bangladesh. Anthropogenic pressures, uncontrolled dredging, hydrological intervention, pollution, chemical fertilizers are directly effect on habitat, biodiversity and aquifer. In this article, the causes of depletion of biodiversity and the consequences on ecosystem services were observed.
Abstract: Bangladesh is exceptionally endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna due to its unique geophysical location which are maintaining balance ecosystem. There are recorded 5,700 angiosperms, 68 legumes, 500 medicinal plants, 29 orchids and 1,700 pteridophytes. Sundarban is a rich faunal diversity in Bangladesh which mammals 113, birds 628, reptil...
Show More
-
Carbon Stock Analysis Along Altitudinal Gradient in Gedo Forest: Implications for Forest Management and Climate Change Mitigation
Hamere Yohannes,
Teshome Soromessa,
Mekuria Argaw
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
237-244
Received:
22 July 2015
Accepted:
6 August 2015
Published:
11 September 2015
Abstract: Forests provide important ecological and environmental benefits. They serve as natural sinker of atmospheric CO2 to mitigate climate change. In Ethiopia although, there is significant forest resource, the studies on carbon stock potential and factors that affect this potential have not been well studied. This study was done with the aim of estimating carbon stock potential and related factors that affect carbon sequestration in Gedo forest. Data was collected from 10m x 20m plot along transect in systematically stratified forest part. The forest had total mean carbon stock of 523.64 ± 29 ton ha-1 with aboveground biomass (281 ± 23.34 t C ha-1)and belowground biomass 56.1 ± 4.66 t C ha-1), litter biomass (0.41 ± 0.008 t C ha-1), deadwood biomass (2.37 ± 1.33 t C ha-1) and soil organic carbon (183.69 ± 6.17 t C ha-1). Spatial distribution of the carbon stock varied along environmental gradient. Altitude has inverse relation with aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, deadwood carbon and total carbon density. Altitude also has significant effect on all carbon pool except litter biomass and soil organic carbon. More aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and total carbon were found in the middle altitude and lower carbon was found in the upper altitude. Soil organic carbon and litter biomass carbon decreases with altitude. Deadwood biomass carbon pool was found only in lower altitude. Based on overall result it is concluded carbon sequestration in a forest ecosystem is determined by altitudinal gradient.
Abstract: Forests provide important ecological and environmental benefits. They serve as natural sinker of atmospheric CO2 to mitigate climate change. In Ethiopia although, there is significant forest resource, the studies on carbon stock potential and factors that affect this potential have not been well studied. This study was done with the aim of estimati...
Show More
-
Infectious and Radioactive Waste Management in a Diagnostic and Nuclear Medicine Centre
Tauqir Nasir,
Shafaqat Ali,
Mujahid Farid,
Muhammad Shahbaz,
Muhammad Rizwan,
Fakhir Hannan,
Rehan Ahmad
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
245-250
Received:
11 August 2015
Accepted:
24 August 2015
Published:
14 September 2015
Abstract: Hospital and medical waste management practices are very unsatisfactory in developing countries especially in Pakistan. Existing techniques and practices are not in accordance with the guidelines and levels prescribed by the WHO (World Health Organization) and other international bodies concerned with environment and human health. The objective of this study was to design and implement a proper waste management plan for the PINUM (Punjab institute of Nuclear Medicine) hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan. At PINUM Hospital infectious waste is produced as a result of diagnostic and radioactive waste as a result of diagnostic and therapeutic activities in nuclear medicine. This study was carried out in a period of 10 months in two phases. In first phase a proper infectious waste management plan was designed and incorporated at hospital and in 2nd phase proper management plan for radioactive waste was designed and implemented. Results showed a 43% reduction in volume and treatment cost of infectious waste resulting from proper management. There was significant decrease in prescribed` storage time of radioactive waste which is done to bring its activity to normal level. It was evident from the results if radioactive waste properly segregated, lose radioactive waste (gloves, swabs, absorbing sheets, tissue papers etc.) can be disposed off much earlier than the compact radioactive waste (radioactive vials, needles and sharps).
Abstract: Hospital and medical waste management practices are very unsatisfactory in developing countries especially in Pakistan. Existing techniques and practices are not in accordance with the guidelines and levels prescribed by the WHO (World Health Organization) and other international bodies concerned with environment and human health. The objective of ...
Show More
-
Research of Soil Resources Degradation Processes in Georgia
George Kordzakhia,
Lali Shavliashvili,
Gulchina Kuchava,
Nugzar Buachidze
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
251-259
Received:
17 August 2015
Accepted:
2 September 2015
Published:
18 September 2015
Abstract: Proper exploitation of soil resourses is one of the significant problem of the adverse impact of climate change. Soil formation is a long process, while its degradation develops much faster. Soil degradation means the process of deterioration of soil resources fertility, as a result of both natural and anthropogenic impact. Significant impact on soil resources take place in East and West Georgia. The results of the present study show that the main reasons of soil resources degradation in Georgia are: salinization, erosion processes and natural disasters impact. In the work the following issues are overviewed, namely: i. The climate components regime and their connection with modern ecological processes. In particular, the temperature and precipitation trends and their possible impact on chemical data are researched. The regression relation between global warming intensity and soil chemical data are revealed. ii. In selected degraded soils total amount of easily soluble salts, the main ions composition for the determination of saline soil’s quality, humus and soluble forms of nutrient elements aiming soil fertility definition. iii. The mechanical analysis of the soil referring to research soil physical properties and salt migration in the ground. Natural disasters impact on the soil degradation is considered. Research results defined the territories and types of soils degradation in Georgia. The recommendations to improve the soil fertility are created. The received results could promote the socio-economic development of the districts/ regions in Georgia and introduce considerable material and economic effects, assist the sustainable management of soil resources and alleviation of poverty.
Abstract: Proper exploitation of soil resourses is one of the significant problem of the adverse impact of climate change. Soil formation is a long process, while its degradation develops much faster. Soil degradation means the process of deterioration of soil resources fertility, as a result of both natural and anthropogenic impact. Significant impact on so...
Show More
-
Evaluation of the Extent and Potential Impacts of Noise Pollution inside Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) in Nairobi City, Kenya
Dancan Otieno Onyango,
Chritopher L. Kanali,
James Wambua Kaluli
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
260-270
Received:
20 September 2015
Accepted:
4 October 2015
Published:
10 October 2015
Abstract: Public service vehicles (PSVs) in Nairobi City, Kenya, have a tendency of playing loud music inside the vehicles resulting in disturbing noise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of noise pollution inside PSVs in Nairobi City and predict possible impacts of the noise on PSV users. A sample of 60 randomly selected PSVs were analyzed. Posing as passengers inside the vehicles, noise measurements were taken using a digital integrating sound level meter (SVANTEK 971) inside these matatus. The measured noise levels were compared with corresponding legislated limits and the deviation thereof used to quantify the extent of pollution and probe the effectiveness of existing noise laws. Additionally, potential effects of the noise were predicted by comparing measured noise levels with respective guidelines recommended to protect public health and welfare from various adverse impacts of noise. The study results showed that PSV users in Nairobi are exposed to 86.3±9.6 dB A of noise inside PSVs and all the sampled vehicles did not comply with Kenyan noise regulations. PSVs plying northern Nairobi area were found to be the noisiest at 92.2±9.4 dBA, followed by Nairobi West PSVs at 88.7±9.6 dBA; Nairobi South PSVs at 83.1±6.3 dBA and Nairobi East PSVs at 81.2±7.7 dBA. The growing habit of PSVs playing extremely loud music/radio using sound amplifying equipment, was found to be a major contributor to noise pollution inside the vehicles, in addition to normal vehicular traffic sounds. The high noise levels put city dwellers at risk of such adverse effects of noise as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL); physiological and psychological noise effects; speech interference, sleep disturbance; annoyance, social and behavioral effects. This calls not only for intensified noise law enforcement in the city, but also puts to question the effectiveness of existing noise laws to control noise in the city.
Abstract: Public service vehicles (PSVs) in Nairobi City, Kenya, have a tendency of playing loud music inside the vehicles resulting in disturbing noise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of noise pollution inside PSVs in Nairobi City and predict possible impacts of the noise on PSV users. A sample of 60 randomly selected PSVs were analy...
Show More
