-
Research Article
Spatial Distribution of Air Quality in Narayanganj District Town, Bangladesh
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
21-35
Received:
30 September 2024
Accepted:
30 December 2024
Published:
7 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251402.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Globally air pollution is a major concern as it poses serious health risks, damages the environment, contributes to climate change, and incurs substantial economic costs. The objective of this study is to monitor the Particulate Matters (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) concentration based on different land use in Narayanganj District town. This study was conducted in seven land uses, 60 locations of Narayanganj District, a district of Dhaka Division; by using portable Air Quality Monitor, Indoor Outdoor Formaldehyde (HCHO) Detector (Model: DM106) and CO Meter (Model: AS8700A). Descriptive statistics and whisker box plots were also employed to analyze and visualize the variations in pollutant concentrations across different locations. Additionally, a dendrogram plot was created to classify and interpret data clusters, providing a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of pollutants. Results indicated that the average concentration of PM2.5 of different land-use were found 3.37 times higher than the Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) level. NAAQS set for PM2.5, and PM10 at 65 and 150 µg/m3, respectively by Department of Environment (DoE). Consequently, the most polluted location was found in Industrial location with PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 concentration of 230, 389 and 496 µg/m3, respectively. Also, the concentration of CO was 1.3 to 2.3 times higher than NAAQS level which is 9 ppm (8-hour) set By Department of Environment (DoE). Besides, the study estimated that the average PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 77.32%, while the PM1/PM2.5 ratio was 60.85%, which indicated significant presence of finer particles in the air. Therefore, the study underscores the urgent need for enhanced air quality policies and public awareness in Narayanganj District due to critically high levels of air pollution.
Abstract: Globally air pollution is a major concern as it poses serious health risks, damages the environment, contributes to climate change, and incurs substantial economic costs. The objective of this study is to monitor the Particulate Matters (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) concentration based on different land use in Narayanganj District...
Show More
-
Research Article
Density-Based Multi-Stage Flotation Sorting of Microplastics in Beach Sand
Md Ariful Islam,
Shamim AL Mamun
,
Hiroshi Asakura*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
36-49
Received:
6 March 2025
Accepted:
27 March 2025
Published:
17 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251402.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and pose an increasing concern for the world’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to their persistence and potential toxicity. Density sorting of MPs in beach sand, combined with heat treatment to remove impurities such as wood fragments, enhances the analysis of MP contamination. While density sorting does not identify the composition of MPs, it provides insight into their sources and potential for re-drift into the ocean. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of a multi-stage Flotation sorting technique in separating MPs based on their density in beach sand. A major challenge in density sorting is interference from impurities such as wood fragments. To address this, heat treatment is performed to remove wood fragments. We also evaluated the effects of heat treatment on the density and weight of MPs. The findings indicate that most MPs experienced a density change and a weight loss of less than 4% and 1%, respectively, suggesting the minimal effects of the heat treatment. However, certain types of MPs, such as those containing voids (e.g., PVC-NS), showed significant density changes, which impacted their sorting behavior, resulting in some misclassification during the flotation sorting. Unless the heat treatment caused a density change, the multi-stage Flotation sorting method, including water and saturated calcium chloride (SCC) solutions, achieved high recovery rates (90%-110%) for light MPs, heavy MPs, and wood and sand mixtures. In other words, light and heavy MPs and the wood and sand mixture were separated without misjudgment and loss. Overall, this study confirms the feasibility and efficiency of multi-stage flotation sorting for MP analysis in beach sand and highlights the need to carefully consider heat treatment effects in future environmental studies on MPs.
Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and pose an increasing concern for the world’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to their persistence and potential toxicity. Density sorting of MPs in beach sand, combined with heat treatment to remove impurities such as wood fragments, enhances the analysis of MP contamination. While densi...
Show More
-
Research Article
Corn Cob-Derived Activated Carbons for Gold Mine Wastewater Treatment in East Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
50-67
Received:
24 February 2025
Accepted:
13 March 2025
Published:
17 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251402.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: In East Cameroon, the discharge of untreated effluents, from gold recovery and concentration, into nature poses serious environmental problems. The main aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of three corn cob-derived activated carbons for gold mine wastewater treatment of East Cameroon. Wastewater samples were collected in three mining sites (Kambele 1, Kambele 2 and Dem) for laboratory analysis. The three activated carbons were produced by chemical and thermal activation with three different chemical reagents (ZnCl2, NaOH, and KH2PO4, respectively) meanwhile Al2(SO4)3 served as the control. The main results revealed that wastewater from Kambele 2 area was the most contaminated with highest proportion of Fe (3.52 mg/l), Hg (62.7 mg/l), Cd (533.95 mg/l), NO3- (103.33 mg/l), SO42- (640 mg/l), HCO3- (152.5 mg/l), Ca2+(447.12 mg/l), Na+ (26.8 mg/l), Mg2+ (32 mg/l), K+ (51.05 mg/l). And with low proportion of Ni (0.21 mg/l), Pb (0.41 mg/l), PO4 (0 mg/l), and Mn (5.66 mg/l), as compared to wastewater from the other sites. Wastewater samples from this site were used to test the efficient of ACs. The wastewater was greatly improved with ACZnCl2 and ACNaOH, but ACNaOH performed better than the control and other activated carbons for cationic extraction, and was the only AC to adsorb almost 100 % of Hg in wastewater. The ACZnCl2 (0.5 mm particle size) was the most efficient in the extraction of major anions: NO3- (96.60 %), SO42- (81.25 %), HCO3- (76 %), compared to the Ca(OH)2 and Al2(SO4)3 (control) and ACNaOH. Generally, the ACZnCl2 (0.5 mm particle size) was more efficient compared to ACKH2PO4 and ACNaOH in adsorption of Fe (94.05 %), Mn (88.51 %), and Ni (99.99 %). The Al2(SO4)3 was the only one that reduced the concentration of Pb (24.39 %) and was good for extraction of NO3- (96.6 %), Fe (92.6 %), Mn (88.51 %), and Ni (99.99 %). From ACZnCl2, the smaller the particle size of cob-derived AC, the better the extraction of heavy metals and anions and the poorer the extraction of cations (Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+). The economic analysis of the different methods enabled to note an additional profit rate of 60 to 160% with the use of the ACs compared to Al2(SO4)3. Thus, ACZnCl2 and ACNaOH can either be used alone or combined with Al2(SO4)3 for best performance to reduce cost and optimize contaminant removal.
Abstract: In East Cameroon, the discharge of untreated effluents, from gold recovery and concentration, into nature poses serious environmental problems. The main aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of three corn cob-derived activated carbons for gold mine wastewater treatment of East Cameroon. Wastewater samples were collected in three minin...
Show More
-
Research Article
LCA Study: Carbon and Energy Footprint Assessment of Non-Metallic Materials Against Traditional Metallic Materials in Building and Construction Sector
Hussain Fathi Alhabib*,
Abdullah Abdulaziz Duaiji,
Salman Faleh Dossari
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
68-77
Received:
12 March 2025
Accepted:
28 March 2025
Published:
22 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251402.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The study assesses the carbon and energy footprints of the non-metallic (NM) and traditional metallic materials in building and construction applications through a Life Cycle Assessment in accordance of ISO 14067 and 14040/44. The goal of this assessment is to address the misconceptions surrounding non-metallic materials and provide a fact-based understanding of their environmental impact, specifically their carbon footprint. Moreover, this scientific assessment is performed to evaluate the feasibility of switching from conventional metallic products to non-metallics (polymers). The assessed products in this sector include rebars, sand movement controls, claddings, manholes, window frames, and walkways, which are found in the assessment for each product system’s metallic and non-metallic materials. The life cycle assessment of carbon and energy in this study includes the manufacturing, transportation, and end of life of each product in the listed products, while the use phase is assumed to be identical whether the product is metallic or non-metallic, except for sand movement control and walkways. The structure of this assessment starts with an introduction, followed by materials and methods which define all data and products assessed, and lastly a conclusion of the analysis. All in all, the study results show that non-metallic products are favorable with less carbon and energy footprint potential when compared to the corresponding metallic products in the building and construction sector.
Abstract: The study assesses the carbon and energy footprints of the non-metallic (NM) and traditional metallic materials in building and construction applications through a Life Cycle Assessment in accordance of ISO 14067 and 14040/44. The goal of this assessment is to address the misconceptions surrounding non-metallic materials and provide a fact-based un...
Show More
-
Research Article
Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics and Impact on Forest Resource at Dhumuga Watershed, West Shewa, Ethiopia
Diriba Megersa Soboka*,
Mekin Mohammed
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
78-85
Received:
22 March 2025
Accepted:
7 April 2025
Published:
28 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251402.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Land use conversion from various systems to agricultural land is progressing rapidly in Ethiopia. This research was carried out from 2021 to 2023 in the Dhumuga watershed located in West Shoa, Ethiopia, with the aim of identifying the trends in land use and land cover (LULC) changes, as well as examining their impact on forest resources, for intervention of restoration activities initiated by the Integrated Watershed Management Program at the Ambo Agricultural Research Center. An integrated geospatial strategy that utilizes remote sensing technologies, GIS analysis, and field validation was implemented to analyze the landscape alterations over the past four decades. Furthermore, Landsat imagery from 1980 (Landsat MSS), 2000 (Landsat TM), and 2021 (Landsat OLI/TIRS) were utilized for LULC classification, supplemented by ground-truth data collected during field surveys to ensure the accuracy of the classifications and to pinpoint significant land use categories. A supervised classification method employing maximum likelihood classification (MLC) was applied to the images to classify them into four LULC categories: cultivated land, grazing land, forest land, and settlements for the periods 1980–2000, 2000–2021, and 1980–2021. Descriptive statistics were utilized to evaluate both the field data and remotely sensed data. The dynamics of LULC changes in the Dhumuga watershed reveal significant agricultural expansion that is occurring at the expense of both grazing and forest lands. Cultivated land saw an increase of 138.97 ha (24.64%), while grazing and forest lands experienced declines of 100.79 ha (-17.87%) and 38.22 ha (-6.78%), respectively. This research assessed the patterns of LULC change and examined its effects on forest resources, aiming to inform future restoration programs in the watershed. The decrease in forest and grazing land uses indicates a heightened risk of soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and alterations in microclimatic conditions, which necessitate urgent multi-faceted restoration efforts and prudent management of watershed resources, particularly forests. In response to the findings and the accompanying recommendations, the Ambo Agricultural Research Center has initiated various restorations and livelihood.
Abstract: Land use conversion from various systems to agricultural land is progressing rapidly in Ethiopia. This research was carried out from 2021 to 2023 in the Dhumuga watershed located in West Shoa, Ethiopia, with the aim of identifying the trends in land use and land cover (LULC) changes, as well as examining their impact on forest resources, for interv...
Show More
-
Research Article
Anthropogenicity, Potential Contamination Index (Cp) and Geo-Accumulation Index (I-geo) Analysis of Sediments of Kaani River, Ogoni Axis, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Anate Sumaila Ganiyu*,
Abule Esther Chinyere
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
86-95
Received:
24 March 2025
Accepted:
31 March 2025
Published:
28 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251402.16
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Modifications in the natural state of the environment brought about by human activity have resulted in pollution or contamination at various degrees. Because of their toxicity and tendency to accumulate, heavy metals are extremely important to the environment. It is critical that their quantities in the marine ecosystem of our surroundings be monitored. Anthropogenicity, possible contamination, and geo-accumulation index were assessed using sediment samples taken from four (4) distinct geographic locations along the Kaani River in the Ogoni axis of Rivers State, Nigeria, in accordance with international standards. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique (AAS) was used to determine the heavy metal content of the sediments. The sequence of the heavy metal concentrations, according to the analysis's findings, was Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cd > Pb > As. According to the recorded data, Zn > Ni > Cu > Cd > Pb > Cr > As > Mn > Fe was the order of anthropogenic influence or addition of the heavy metals under investigation to the sediments. According to the percentage values, Zn had the largest anthropogenic input in the Kaani River sediments, followed by Ni and Cu. Fe > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cd > Pb > Cr > As > Mn is the order in which the potential contamination index analysis is presented. Sediment heavy metals from Maa di binnise Igbara waterside (station 1), Mann Stream (station 2), Woman Stream (station 3), and Nwii ke ma kor stream (station 4) were found to be extremely contaminated with Zn, slightly contaminated with Cu and Cd (at some stations), and uncontaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, and As according to Geo-accumulation index values. Even at low concentrations, these observations unequivocally point to an imbalanced state in the ecosystem. In order to restore the aquatic ecosystem's integrity and sufficiently safeguard the quality of its sediment, a controlled effort must be made to limit the detrimental effects of these trace elements.
Abstract: Modifications in the natural state of the environment brought about by human activity have resulted in pollution or contamination at various degrees. Because of their toxicity and tendency to accumulate, heavy metals are extremely important to the environment. It is critical that their quantities in the marine ecosystem of our surroundings be monit...
Show More
