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Research Article
Rooftop Rain Water Potential Assessment for Non-domestic Use: A Case of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University
Jatani Bonaya Godana*
,
Getahun Tadesse Gobezu,
Tilahun Woldslassie Wondafrash,
Sisay Demeku
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
55-72
Received:
22 January 2025
Accepted:
17 June 2025
Published:
21 July 2025
Abstract: This study investigates the efficacy of rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) as a sustainable water and energy conservation strategy. The research aims to optimize water resource allocation by prioritizing harvested rainwater for non-domestic applications, thereby reducing pressure on conventional domestic water supplies. Utilizing ground measurements and ArcGIS spatial analysis, the total rooftop catchment area was quantified as 68,195.74 m2. Annual harvestable rainwater potential, derived from Ethiopian Meteorology Agency (EMA) rainfall data (Akaki station), was estimated at 662,273.4 m3. Concurrently, irrigation demand for AASTU’s landscaping—calculated through crop water requirement assessments and standardized crop coefficients was determined to be 184,830.33 m3/year. The results demonstrate a substantial surplus of harvestable rainwater, underscoring RWH’s viability in meeting institutional non-potable demands. These findings advocate for rooftop RWH systems as a critical component of integrated water management strategies, offering a scalable model to mitigate resource scarcity in urban academic environments. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and institutional stakeholders to advance sustainable water stewardship practices.
Abstract: This study investigates the efficacy of rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) as a sustainable water and energy conservation strategy. The research aims to optimize water resource allocation by prioritizing harvested rainwater for non-domestic applications, thereby reducing pressure on conventio...
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Research Article
Inhabitant Perception on the Effects of Artisan Mining on Rangelands in Gedarif State (Eastern Sudan)
Muna Mahjoub Mohamed Ahmed*,
Nahla Shareef Tambel
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
73-82
Received:
9 May 2025
Accepted:
9 June 2025
Published:
21 July 2025
Abstract: The present study was initiated with the objective to learn about people’s (including herders, farmers, miners) perception on the effect of artisan mining on rangelands vegetation cover and soil contamination. The area of study covered AlSada village located at the northern part of Gadarif state. Three sites were selected according to mining activities, and rated as high, medium and low activities. These were one with extensive mining activity (site 1), with medium activity (site 2) and one without activity selected as reference site (site 3) with minimum or low mining activities. Satellite images were taken for the area under study before and after mining activities (2008 – 2013) to confirm vegetation and wetland changes due to artisan mining activities. Animal herders, farmers and miners at AlSada village were addressed with a semi-open questionnaire.. The results showed a decrease in vegetation cover and wetland areas amounted to 397.64907 km and 3.614427 km for the vegetation cover and wetlands respectively. Field visits revealed the deterioration rangelands and loss of animals’ live. Rangeland condition was excellent before mining than after mining as expressed by most (~70%) of the respondents. Rangeland condition was rated as poor after mining by ~49%. This was confirmed by herders, farmers and miners although herders and farmers showed higher percentages in expressing the negative effect of mining on rangelands. Most (~78%) agreed that pasture deteriorated as indicated by the appearance of undesirable plant species. Rangelands were affected by problems of land tenure, expansion of agriculture that affected migratory routs and conflicts as expressed by most of the respondents (~87%). Most complaint about inadequate and contaminated water (77%), conflicts with gold investors (~95%), and non-state sponsors (82%). Most (~64%) feed their animals on natural pasture and crop residue (~70%) but not (77%) on concentrate, or pasture outside the area (~71%). Drilling caused by mining activities could be felt by most of the respondents (~96%) leading to the disappearance of unpalatable range species. Pasture’ contamination with mercury and its poising effect were expressed by most of the respondents (~85%). Most (~73%) disagree that mining as excellent alternative to pastoralists, or add burden to the area (~54%) or improve development to the area (~72%). Herders seek veterinary assistance (~88%), or move to other areas with better pasture (~72%). Many (~98%) would turn to sell part or all their animals.
Abstract: The present study was initiated with the objective to learn about people’s (including herders, farmers, miners) perception on the effect of artisan mining on rangelands vegetation cover and soil contamination. The area of study covered AlSada village located at the northern part of Gadarif state. Three sites were selected according to mining activi...
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Research Article
Assessment of Long-term Solar Radiation for Energy Exploitation in East-Jerusalem, Palestine
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
83-91
Received:
24 June 2025
Accepted:
7 July 2025
Published:
28 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijees.20251004.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Assessment of solar radiation is helpful for engineers concerning the solar energy systems and energy efficiency who can therefore take knowledge of solar radiation levels at a site. This work aims to characterize global solar radiation, meteorological variables and derived solar parameters measured in Jerusalem-Palestine, covering the period 2014-2023. Hourly global solar radiation was investigated into monthly, seasonal, and annually variations of clearness index (Kt). The frequency distribution of hourly Kt show a minimum value of 0.21 to a maximum value 0.8 throughout the entire study period. 75% and 33% of hourly (0.65 < Kt < 0.75) values are in summer and winter months, respectively, indicating partially cloudy to more clear sky conditions in Jerusalem. Moreover, Kt is a strong indicator of solar radiation at the study site. During June, daily global radiation value is 28.68 MJ/m2, while December value found to be 8.56 MJ/m2. The total number of sunshine duration hours ranged between 2755 and 3153, with the lowest recorded in December. Based on the results obtained, Jerusalem is appropriate to harvest solar energy. Further studies could be done to compare ground measurements with satellite observations to improve the spatial distribution of solar radiation in Palestine, particularly in regions where no measurements exist.
Abstract: Assessment of solar radiation is helpful for engineers concerning the solar energy systems and energy efficiency who can therefore take knowledge of solar radiation levels at a site. This work aims to characterize global solar radiation, meteorological variables and derived solar parameters measured in Jerusalem-Palestine, covering the period 2014-...
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