International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

Impact of termite activity on soil environment: A perspective from their soluble chemical components

1*K. Semhi; 2S. Chaudhuri; 1N. Clauer; 3J. L. Boeglin

An investigation on varied types of termite mounds relative to the nearby soils that are not inhabited by the termites in different places of Cameroon show that the activity of the termites is increasing the contents of most major and some trace elements in the termite mounds, except for Si and sometimes Fe, Mn, Na and K. These released elements are relocated into newly formed mineral phases that are dissolved by either H2O or dilute HCl leachings. The Ca and Mn released by the termite activity testify for crystallization of Ca-Mg carbonates and phosphates as well as of Fe oxy-hydroxides and/or Mn hydroxides. Termite activity also induces an increase in the lanthanide contents, the mound materials being especially enriched in light lanthanides relative to the corresponding soils without termite activity. The shapes of the patterns support precipitation of Mn-Fe oxy-hydroxides and Ca carbonates-phosphates. The increased amounts of Eu and Ce linked to termite activity seem to relate to the occurrence of reducing agents that are released by the termites, modifying Eu+3 into Eu+2 and Ce+4 into Ce+3, favoring in turn selective incorporation of Eu+2 and Ce3+ in the new phases of the termite mounds. Another consequence of the termite activity is the precipitation of H2O and HCl extractable phases having low Sr/Ca ratios. Even if the K/Rb values of the termite mounds are typical for common soil-forming silicate minerals, their relocation by an inorganic process alone does not explain an abnormally high ratio in the H2O leachable mineral phases. It was also shown that the main source for K and Rb of the dissolved phases is not only the interlayer site of clay particles, but also nutrients immobilized in and by the termites.

Water repellency in oil contaminated sandy and clayey soils

1*R. H. Adams; 1F. J. Guzmán Osorio; 2J. Zavala Cruz

Two sites from a humid tropical environment were studied with respect to soil water repellency caused by hydrocarbon contamination. Samples were analyzed for water repellency (molarity ethanol droplet method), total petroleum hydrocarbons, acute toxicity (Microtox) and field capacity. At both sites, water absorption times were logarithmically related to the molarity ethanol drop value (R > 0.95). In a sandy soil collected from an old separation battery which had been bioremediated, field capacity was strongly related to hydrocarbon concentration (R = 0.998); and at 10,000 mg/kg the calculated field capacity was only 75 % of the baseline. Water repellency was related to hydrocarbon concentration asymptotically and plant growth limiting values (severity > 3.0) were observed at low concentrations (2,400 mg/kg), even though toxicity was at, or below background levels. Bioremediated soil at this site had hydrocarbon concentrations only 1,300 ppm above background, but had extreme water repellency (severity = 4.6 - 4.7). Soil water repellency was also measured in a clayey, organic rich floodable soil, in a multiple pipeline right-of-way colonized by water tolerant pasture and cattails. Water repellency was associated with total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration (R = 0.962), but was not related to field capacity or toxicity. In this low-lying site, the water repellency observed in the laboratory is probably not representative of field conditions: samples taken at the end of the ten week dry season (and only four days before the first rains) showed ample moisture (> 80 % field capacity).

Land assessment for flood spreading site selection using geospatial information system

1*A. A. Alesheikh; 2M. J. Soltani; 3N. Nouri; 3M. Khalilzadeh

Irregular patterns of precipitations from temporal as well as spatial perspectives not only cause destructions but also waste surface water resources. Hence, controlling surface water and leading the flood to underground stores improve the efficiency of water usage. Selecting appropriate sites for optimal use of water floods is one of the most important factors in recharging underground water tables in dry lands where the agricultural and rangelands are vulnerable. Traditional methods of site selections are, however, time consuming and error prone. This paper attempts to; analyze existing schemes of site selection; introduces an appropriate method of locating flood-spreading sites using Geospatial Information System; implements the strategy in a case study; and scientifically assesses its results. The study area of this research is Samal sub-basin covering 31571.7 ha of Ahrom basin in Boushehr province. In the present research, factors pertain to earth sciences (quaternary units, slope and landuse) and hydrology (runoff infiltration rate and aquifers' depth) are considered. Information layers are weighted, classified and integrated through several models such as boolean logics, index overlay and fuzzy logics. The results are then checked against the existing sites to estimate their accuracy. The results of this research demonstrated that fuzzy logic operators including gamma=0.1, gamma=0.2 and products of fuzzy logics yield the best when compared to control fields and therefore, the models are introduced as the most suitable site selection strategies for flood spreading.

Nutrient removal from activated sludge mixed liquor by wastewater protozoa in a laboratory scale batch reactor

O. B. Akpor; *M. N. B. Momba; J. O. Okonkwo; M. A. Coetzee

The aim of the study was to investigate the nutrient removal rate of three wastewater protozoan isolates. The study was carried out in a laboratory-scale batch reactor for a period of 120 h. in a four batch study. Aliquot samples were withdrawn from the reactor every 24 h. for the analysis of phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and pH, using standard methods. The results obtained in the different batches among the three isolates showed PO42- removal rate ranging from 0.04 to 0.52 mg-PO42-/L/h. while NO3- nitrate removal rates ranged from 0.08 to 0.16 mg-NO3-/L /h. Also NO2- and NH3 rates were observed to range between 0.022 and 0.087 mg-NO2-/L /h. 0.05 and 0.16 mg-NH3-/L /h, respectively. For the physicochemical parameters, there was no observed COD decrease; rather there was an increase and this was irrespective of isolates and experimental batches. However, dissolved oxygen concentration decreased drastically (below 1 mg/L) at the end of each batch while pH show a decrease after an initial 24 h. period and thereafter increased. This trend was also irrespective of isolates and experimental batches. Overall, the study has been able to show the effect of the test isolates on nutrient removal rates and other physicochemical parameters (COD, DO and pH) in activated sludge mixed liquor.

Levels of cadmium, manganese and lead in water and algae; Spirogyra aequinoctialis

1*C. C. Kaonga; 2S. S. Chiotha; 2M. Monjerezi; 2E. Fabiano; 3E. M. Henry

This study assessed the ability of filamentous green algae; Spirogyra aequinoctialis to accumulate manganese, cadmium and lead from water. Water pH was also determined. Samples of S. aequinoctialis and their respective water environments were taken from designated sampling points in the city of Blantyre and Malawi during the rainy and dry season in order to capture seasonal variations. The concentration of metals in S. aequinoctialis were higher than in the corresponding water environment in both seasons, but lower in the rainy season than the dry season. In the rainy season the concentrations were (in S. aequinoctialis and (water)): Mn 0.432- 5.641 mg/L (ND- 0.530 mg/L), Cd ND- 0.016 mg/L (0.07- 0.111 mg/L) and Pb ND- 0.965 mg/L (0.011- 0.098 mg/L). In the dry season the concentrations were: Mn 0.281- 16.132 mg/L (0.035- 0.626 mg/L), Cd 0.22- 0.912 mg/L (0.014- 0.111 mg/L) and Pb ND- 0.972 mg/L (ND- 0.23 mg/L). This study has shown that S. aequinoctialis has the capability of accumulating manganese, cadmium and lead. Therefore it can be used as a biological indicator for long term heavy metal water pollution monitoring.

The best available technology for small electroplating plants applying analytical hierarchy process

1*M. R. Dabaghian; 2S. H. Hashemi; 1T. Ebadi; 1R. Maknoon

In this study analytical hierarchy process approach which uses expert's knowledge, was applied for selection of the best wastewater treatment alternative for electroplating workshops, located in Tehran province, Iran. This method can be applied for complicated multi-criteria decision making to obtain scientific and reasonable results. Four wastewater treatment alternatives including reverse osmosis, nano filtration, ion exchange, and chemical precipitation were evaluated and ranked based on economical, technical, environmental/ social aspects. Each criterion includes different indices such as land area, capital cost, sludge disposal issues, operating and maintenance, local suppliers and warranty, system flexibility, required skilled and non skilled man power safety, and etc. The results showed that reverse osmosis achieved the maximum general profits and can be the best choice. Sensitivity analysis can shows the effect of inputs parameters change on the results. Sensitivity analysis was applied for each criterion. The results illustrated that for economic and technical criterion, chemical precipitation and for environment criterion, reverse osmosis were qualified.

Particle size distribution and dissolution properties of metals in cyclone fly ash

The particles in the examined cyclone fly ash were all smaller than 0.25 mm. in diameter, and particles smaller than 0.075 mm. in diameter accounted for 88.4 % of the ash weight. This result indicates that cyclone fly ash consists of particles with a small diameter. The metals in the cyclone fly ash were enriched in small particles. The highest concentrations for zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and molybdenum in the cyclone fly ash were found in the smallest particle size fraction (< 0.075 mm.) and for Barium, chromium, nickel, Vanadium and Cobalt in the second to smallest particle size fraction (0.075-0.125 mm.). From an environmental and toxicological standpoint, the smallest particles are of the greatest concern when ash is handed at landfill disposal sites (transport and disposal especially in stormy weather conditions), and some studies have reported risks to workers from prolonged exposure to ash. The results of the comparison of various dissolution methods for metals showed that the digestion procedures with nitric acid alone (USEPA 3051) or with a mixture of nitric acid + hydrogen peroxide (USEPA 3050B) slightly underestimated the metal concentrations in the cyclone fly ash. Although the use of hydrofluoric acid is often necessary for the determination of a number of elements associated with siliceous minerals, its use can result in loss of trace elements during dissolution.

Removal of Congo red from textile wastewater by ozonation

*P. Gharbani; S. M. Tabatabaii; A. Mehrizad

Congo red, which has a complex molecular structure with various diazo aromatic groups, is widely used in textile industry as an anionic dye. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degradation of Congo red in laboratory solution which had the chemical properties of the rinse waters of textile manufacturing dye-houses and the samples with Congo red alone wastewater by ozonation and to optimize the reaction parameters such as pH and time which influence the efficiencies of total organic carbon, total kjeldahl nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand removal. Ozonation of Congo red dye were carried out in a semi-batch reactor with constant ozone flow rate and concentration of 23 mL/sec and 13.6 mg/L, respectively. Decolorization was complete within a few minutes of ozonation possibly due to the cleavage of chromophore groups. It was observed that its structural destruction occurs predominantly at higher pHs. The reduction of chemical oxygen demand and destruction of the dye was more than 60 % and 42 %, respectively. Total kjeldahl nitrogen removal was accompanied by slight changes in nitrogen oxides. It can be deduced from the experimental results that: (a) the mineralization is very weak; (b) the reaction follows the indirect mechanism; i.e., the interaction of hydroxyl radicals with the dye and (c) the nitrification is rather predominant. Biological oxygen demand is declined in simulated alkalic and neutral samples respectively. At 13.6 mg O3/L, the biological oxygen demand levels were significantly enhanced. This might be attributable to the enhancement of its biodegradation at alkaline pHs.

Biosorption of metal dye from aqueous solution onto Agave americana (L.) fibres

*A. M. Ben Hamissa; M. C. Ncibi; B. Mahjoub; M. Seffen

In this research, a new low cost and abundant biosorbent; Agave americna (L.) fibres has been investigated in order to remove metal dye (Alpacide yellow) from aqueous solutions. In order to optimize the biosorption process, the effect of pH, temperature, contact time and initial solution concentration was investigated in batch system. The results indicated that acidic pH=2 was favourable for metal dye removal. The increase of temperature increases the velocity of the biosorption reaction. The biosorption kinetics of alpacide yellow were closer to the pseudo-second order than to the first order model for all concentrations and temperature. The calculated thermodynamic parameters such as rG0, rH0 and rS0 indicated a spontaneous and endothermic biosorption process of metal dye onto Agave americana fibres. The equilibrium data were analysed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and showed a good fit with Langmuir model at lower temperatures and with Freundlich model at 50 'C.

Effects of industrial air pollution on the respiratory health of children

1*E. E. Nkwocha; 2 R. O. Egejuru

There is growing concern regarding to the possible effects of air pollution on respiratory health of children in Eleme industrial area of Port-Harcourt Nigeria. A total of 250 children were sampled from six primary schools with pre-nursery facilities for a period of 18 months. Subjects were divided into two zones (A and B), monitored and examined on weekly basis. The effects of four criteria pollutants (nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide) on the respiratory health of the children were examined with reference to symptoms and diseases such as cough, cold, bronchitis, sinusitis and phlegm. Data were obtained from surveys of socioeconomic status of parents of subjects, three air monitoring stations and on-the-spot measurements of these pollutants and their association with symptoms and diseases analyzed. Results showed that there was a strong association between air pollution and symptoms and diseases among children. The effect was strongest among children below 2 years of age (adjusted OR = 3.5, 95%, CI 1.7-8.3) in the highly polluted zone than in the less polluted area. The higher the age of children, the lesser the susceptibility to these pollutants. These general results constitute a starting point for further research on long-term exposure to industrial air pollution and call for an urgent enforcement of regulatory standards to protect the most vulnerable groups in most of the growing metropolises of the country.

A combined mathematical geophysical model for prediction of pyrite oxidation and pollutant leaching associated with a coal washing waste dump

The waste produced by coal washing process produces many environmental problems. In this study, the pollution problems associated with the waste produced by Alborz Sharghi Coal Washing Plant was investigated by mathematical modeling. The study area is located at 11 km. to Razmjah coal region and 45 km. to Tehran-Mashhad road in the north part od Iran. To achieve the goal, a few samples were taken from different depths at three points on the waste dump in order to investigate pyrite oxidation and pollution generation. The samples were then analysed, using an AA-670 Shimadzu atomic absorption to determine the fraction of pyrite remained within the waste particles. A numerical finite volume model using Phoenics package has been developed to simulate pyrite oxidation and pollution generation from the Alborz Sharghi coal washing waste dump. The pyrite oxidation reaction is described by the shrinking-core model. Gaseous diffusion is the main mechanism for the transport of oxygen through the waste. The results of numerical modelling were compared with the field observations and close agreement was achieved. A simple mathematical model incorporating advection and hydrodynamic dispersion processes was also presented in order to verify the results of geophysical time-laps method showing transportation of the pollutants through the downstream of the waste dump. Both mathematical model and geophysical time-laps method are agreed in the identification of pollutant transport emanated from the waste dump. The results of such investigations can be used for designing an effective environmental management program.

Influence of dissolved oxygen concentration and aeration time on nitrite accumulation in partial nitrification process

2X. Guo; 3J. H. Kim; 1S. K. Behera; 1*H. S. Park

This study investigated the influence of dissolved oxygen concentration and aeration time on nitrification and nitrite accumulation in an attempt to optimize the recently developed biological-partial-nitritation process for the treatment of strong nitrogen wastewaters. Investigation of dissolved oxygen concentration on ammonium and nitrite oxidation was carried out in a batch reactor. The dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.5 mg O2/L inhibited both ammonium as well as nitrite oxidation, while increase of dissolved oxygen concentration to ~1 mg O2/L increased the ammonium oxidation rate and was comparable to that at higher dissolved oxygen concentrations. Experiments were carried out in a sequencing batch reactor for more than 100 days to investigate the influence of aeration time on nitrite accumulation. The dissolved oxygen concentration was controlled at ~1.0 mg O2/L (in the range of 0.8-1.5 mg/L) during the aeration stage, and volatile suspended solid was maintained at 2.0 g/L while temperature and pH were 30±1ºC and 8.3±0.1, respectively. In a typical cycle, complete nitrification occurred at aeration time longer than 6 h. When the aeration time was reduced to 4 h., ~80 % of partial nitritation was achieved. With a further reduction in aeration time to 3 h., nearly 1:1 nitrite/ammonium ratio was yielded. This result revealed that for the reactor design, aeration time determined by feasibility experiments must be considered based on the nitrogen strength in wastewater and biomass concentration in the reactor with dissolved oxygen concentration of ~1.0 mg O2/L for satisfactory partial nitrification with subsequent processes such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation.

Achieving to some outranking relationships between post mining land uses through mined land suitability analysis

H. Soltanmohammadi; *M. Osanloo; B. Rezaei; A. Aghajani Bazzazi

Adoption of most suitable post mining land use is a problem with multi-dimensional nature. There are so many factors in this problem which seriously influence on the decision judgments. Therefore, in this study a fifty-attribute framework for mined land suitability analysis including fifty numbers of economical, social, technical and mine site factors developed to be a foundation for this decision making problem. Analysis by an outranking multi-attribute decision-making technique, called elimination et choix traduisant la realite method, was taken into consideration because of its clear advantages on the field of mined land suitability analysis as compared with multi-attribute decision-making ranking techniques. Analytical hierarchy process method applied to calculate global weights of the attributes through pair wise comparison matrixes. The weights then passed to the elimination et choix traduisant la realit method so that the most efficient post mining land uses could be appointed through comparisons of pair-wise dominance relationships between alternatives. This approach applied to an illustrative example where, final results showed that, there were two non-dominated land-uses for the considered example; industrial and pasture. However by increasing indifference threshold limit, the non-dominated set reduced to a single alternative that was pasture land-use.

Solvent extraction followed by ultraviolet detection for investigation of tetramethylthiuram disulfide at soil-water interface

*N. Priyantha; A. Navaratne; C. B. Ekanayake; A. Ratnayake

Tetramethylthiuram disulfide is a widely used pesticide and a soil treatment agent in the agricultural sector. Consequently, its detection in the environment and investigation of the distribution between the aqueous and soil phases would be of highly importance. In this study, the detection of tetramethylthiuram disulfide in CHCl3 was successfully achieved through absorbance measurements at 280 nm, which resulted in linear calibration curves. This detection method was extended for the determination of the partition coefficient (KD) of tetramethylthiuram disulfide between CHCl3 and H2O phases at ambient temperature. The partition coefficient was subsequently used to determine the apparent partition coefficient (KD) of tetramethylthiuram disulfide between sieved soil of diamater < 2.0 mm used for agricultural practices and water where by the quantification of tetramethylthiuram disulfide in water after adsorption equilibrium with soil was achieved through a solvent extraction step of tetramethylthiuram disulfide-contaminated water into CHCl3. The KD determined for an initial tetramethylthiuram disulfide concentration ranging from 3.00 ppm to 10.00 ppm showed a decreasing trend, which leveled off at high concentrations, indicating the strong irreversible adsorption behavior of tetramethylthiuram disulfide on soil at low concentrations. The proposed detection method would have the potential to determine the extent of adsorption of tetramethylthiuram disulfide in soil or its levels in water when tetramethylthiuram disulfide is introduced to soil systems for agricultural practices.

Economic evaluation for air pollution control technologies selection in power plants processes

1S. Soltanali; 2*Z. Shams Hagani; 3 M. Pazouki Yaftabadi

Air quality legislation is entering a transformation phase, shifting the concept of atmospheric emission control towards pollution prevention and emission minimization through a more integrated approach. This transformation, along with public pressure and increased foreign trade, is providing industries with incentives to consider their effect on the environment and to take action where required. To assist industries in determining what air pollution control technologies are best suited to power plants; an assessment of air pollution control technologies used in other countries was carried out. This assessment concluded that the best available technologies for power plants to control air emissions are electrostatic precipitators, low-NOX burners, selective catalytic reduction systems and wet flue gas desulphurization (limestone) systems. An assessment of the financial effects associated with air pollution control at power plants was conducted by completing a cost analysis. This analysis demonstrated that by increasing capital expenditure on control technologies by US$ 0.25 billion, the external costs associated with producing electricity can be reduced by almost US$ 0.5 billion. Formulation of external cost factors and the development of a software database for the information obtained from the different countries, will promote future technology selections.

Removal of hydrogen sulfide by zinc oxide nanoparticles in drilling fluid

*M. A. Sayyadnejad; H. R. Ghaffarian; M. Saeidi

Hydrogen sulfide is a very dangerous, toxic and corrosive gas. It can diffuse into drilling fluid from formations during drilling of gas and oil wells. Hydrogen sulfide should be removed from this fluid to reduce the environmental pollution, protect the health of drilling workers and prevent corrosion of pipelines and equipments. In this research nano zinc oxide with 14-25 nm particle size and 44-56 m2/g specific surface area was synthesized by spray pyrolysis method. The synthesized nanoparticles were used to remove hydrogen sulfide from water based drilling fluid. The efficiency of these nanoparticles in the removal of hydrogen sulfide from drilling mud were evaluated and compared with that of bulk zinc oxide. The obtained results show that synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles are completely able to remove hydrogen sulfide from water based drilling mud in just 15 min., whereas bulk zinc oxide is able to remove 2.5% of hydrogen sulfide in as long as 90 min. under the same operating conditions.