Causes Of Environmental Degradation Research Articles

Microorganisms Metabolism during Bioremediation of Oil Contaminated Soils

The development of some industrial processes, such as extraction, refining and oil transportation has been the cause of environmental degradation caused by oil spills and their extraction processes involved. In order to reduce these contaminants, among others, physicochemical technologies have been applied, which haven't solved the contamination problem because in many of these processes, new toxic compounds are generated. Technologies based in the use of microorganisms, plants and other biological species are called bioremediation. This is an alternative to the physical and chemical processes of treatment that, although slower in response, are more sustainable. Therefore, in this review, bioremediation technologies to treat oil contaminated soils are analyzed as a convenient alternative for the restoration of impacted soils, against progressive deterioration of environmental quality. Additionally, the microorganisms as well as the required conditions for which bioremediation is considered a sustainable process to undertake will also be presented.

The impact of ecological architecture trough systems of flat roofs and 'vertical gardens' to improve the quality of environment

The paper deals with architectural method impact on the environment. Il provides an overview of the widely known system of green roofs and puts the emphasis on, so to speak, new system of 'vertical gardens ' that is, with all the positive qualities that entails, still a kind of enigma. The needs of mankind for a healthy environment are generally known but it is also known that the largest cause of environmental degradation is mankind itself. The paper points out the ways of implementing the greenery in urban areas through architectural solutions in the form of greening facades and roofs.

Optimal bus fleet management strategy for emissions reduction

Transportation is a major cause for environmental degradation via exhaust emissions. For many transit-oriented metropolitan areas, bus trips often constitute a sizeable mode share. Managing the bus fleet, in particular updating buses to comply with the newer emissions standards, therefore, can have a substantial impact on transportation-induced air quality. This paper presents the approach of remaining life additional benefit–cost (RLABC) analysis for maximising the total net benefit by either early-retiring or retrofitting the current bus fleet within their lifespans. By referring to the net benefits for different bus types estimated by RLABC analysis, the most beneficial management scheme for the current bus fleet can be identified. Optimal bus fleet management (BFM) models based on the RLABC analysis for the operator and the government are developed. Then a government subsidy plan is produced to achieve win–win solutions, which will offer efficient and flexible management schemes. To illustrate the approach, the largest bus company in Hong Kong, which carries more than 23% of the total trips in Hong Kong, is taken as a case study example. Instead of adopting a fixed retirement plan, such as replacing buses at the age of 17 as is currently practised, the proposed method develops an optimal BFM scheme that progressively phases out buses or retrofits them. This study produces promising results to demonstrate the large benefit of this approach for optimal bus fleet management.

GIS-based integrated evaluation of environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) for land use planning in Langkawi, Malaysia

Extensive economic growth, tourism activities and over-exploitation of resources have become the common causes of environmental degradation in Langkawi. The sudden development leap resulting from UNESCO's recognition of Langkawi Archipelago as a Global Geopark in 2007, leads to continuous conflicts between enhancing environmental protection and meeting tourism and development needs. Environmental sensitivity evaluation is a basis upon which the concept of environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) can be practised in order to protect the environment, regulate development activities and promote sustainable land use planning. This study embarks on evaluating and classifying environmental sensitivity as well as comparing different ESA approaches applicable for land use planning in Langkawi. A GIS-based integrated evaluation model was performed on two assessment sets (Set A and Set B) using a standard grading system and weights determined with analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Of these sets, the former consists of selected indicators from the Malaysian integrated ESA instrument while the latter are derived from previous eco-environmental studies conducted in China. The projected final ESA maps of Langkawi indicate spatial distribution of four environmental sensitivity classes. More highly and moderately sensitive areas are observed in Set A, accounting for 339.15km2 or 72.24% of the total land area compared to Set B with only 259.04km2 or 55.18% respectively. The results also reveal large proportion of low sensitivity areas in Set A, covering areas of 117.42km2 (25.01%). In contrast, more areas with non-sensitivity are widely distributed in Set B, occupying areas of 123.02km2 (26.20%). Taking into consideration the natural and cultural characteristics of the islands, it is suggested that Set A is a better approach to portray current environmental concerns and to coordinate future land use planning as well as fits Langkawi's aspiration in becoming a sustainable, world-class Global Geopark. This study provides beneficial information and opportunity for reasonable rearrangement of zoning and development guidelines and strategies within sensitivity areas. It promotes effective utilization of the natural resources, minimizes negative tourism impacts and adequately highlights ecosystem functions to prosper local socio-economic growth. It also represents an early step for the design of universal ESA instruments to regulate local development activities and promote sustainable land use planning in vulnerable areas at global levels.

Land sharing vs. land sparing in the dry Caribbean lowlands: A dung beetles’ perspective

Extensive cattle ranching is considered to be one of the major causes of environmental degradation particularly in tropical dry forest, one of the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. The transformation of extensive treeless pastures into intensive silvopastoral systems combining pastures, fodder shrubs, and trees has been promoted to rehabilitate degraded lands. This study was conducted to explore the influence of transforming extensive treeless cattle ranches into intensive silvopastoral systems and how this alters dung beetle diversity in a tropical dry forest located at Cesar river valley, Colombia. The study took place in three livestock farms, dung beetles were collected with baited pitfall traps in three land uses: forest, intensive silvopastoral systems and treeless pasture. A total of 5349 beetles belonging to 17 genera and 32 species, were collected. Forests had the highest species richness and abundance values, followed by intensive silvopastoral systems. The latter contained 61% of the native forest species and supported 36% more diversity than treeless pastures. Differences in diversity and composition were related mainly to canopy cover and soil cover. Conserving remaining dry forest fragments is crucial for preserving typical dry forest dung beetle assemblages in this region. Intensive silvopastoral systems complement the role of forests as reservoirs of biodiversity and contribute to the landscape-scale conservation of dung beetles. In this particular landscape and at the spatial scale that is relevant for dung beetles, intensive silvopastoral systems provide the benefits of both land sparing and land sharing.

Integrating Economic Land-Use and Biophysical Models

Land-use change is a leading cause of environmental degradation in terrestrial systems and has important implications for natural resource use. Economists have a long tradition of studying land use and in recent decades have developed empirical land-use models using econometric and optimization approaches. Integration of these land-use and biophysical models allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the consequences of future land-use change and the use of land-use policies to avoid undesirable outcomes. I provide a conceptual framework for the modeling approach, describing the individual components of an analysis as well as how they are linked together. My review describes how the literature has evolved to take advantage of spatial data and greater computing capabilities. Although most researchers have used either an econometric or an optimization approach, there is potential to combine these methods to identify more efficient land-use policies that still meet criteria of tractability and political acceptance.

Cytotoxicity And Genotoxity Of Fresh Water Consumed By Indigenous Populations And Game Living In An Oil Extracting Area

Introduction Oil has been extracted in the northern Peruvian Amazon (Loreto) since 1970 and is one of the most important causes of environmental degradation of the area. In 2014, the Peruvian government declared the area in a state of emergency for health. Health effects of non-occupational exposure to oil extraction related contamination have been poorly studied. We evaluated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of water consumed by indigenous communities living in this area. Methods Nine water samples were collected in April 2014 from 5 indigenous communities randomly selected from the Corrientes basin. These included 4 samples from underground and 4 from superficial waters used for drinking and/or bathing, and one superficial water sample regularly consumed by game species. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through: Real Time Cell Analyzer (RTCA) with HepaRGTM cells; the necrosis test using Propidium Iodide-Jurkat Cells; reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays with Dihydroethidium-Jurkat Cells and DCFH DA-HepG2 Cells. Genotoxicity was examined with the Ames test and micronuclei assays. Results The most contaminated water sample (superficial water consumed by game) showed clear positive signals in the DCFH DA-ROS assay and also detectable signals in the RTCA assay with HepaRGTM cells; detectable signs were also observed for this assay for three drinking water samples including underground water. No samples showed a significant response in the genotoxicity assays. Discussion Cytotoxicity appears as the primary way of action in water samples; cytotoxicity over a certain period of time could lead to genotoxicity. Results suggest that game may be exposed to higher levels of contamination than humans. Local population depends on bush meat as animal protein source. The weak signals for cytotoxicity in some drinking water samples including underground water are surprising since contamination from oil extraction is currently not expected to affect drinking water for the local communities.

Microfinance and Ecosystems Conservation - How Green Microfinance Interacts with Socio-Ecological Systems - Lessons from Proyecto Cambio in Nicaragua and Guatemala

Environmental degradation is the result of complex human-environment dynamics, often sustained by socio-economic inequalities. Recently microfinance has been proposed to be an interesting tool to support environmental protection strategies that aim at once to foster rural development and promote ecosystems conservation or adaptation to climate change. In this paper we provide one of the first analysis of the link between microfinance and ecosystems conservation. We base our analysis on the assessment of the first large-scale microfinance programme for biodiversity conservation: Proyecto CAMBio. Our empirical analysis exploits a unique set of secondary and primary data collected by the authors in Nicaragua and Guatemala. We introduce a theoretical framework and a practical methodology to assess such programme, and we apply it to our case studies. Even if with different peculiarities, the two cases studied show that microfinance for ecosystems conservation has good potentialities to introduce environmental elements in the rural activities of small farmers and in the products provided by microfinance institutions, and it is an interesting path to pursue. However, they also underline that choices and actions of rural households and local financial intermediary institutions are strongly influenced by habits and local dominant development pathways, which are among the main causes of socio-economic inequalities and environmental degradation. Green Microfinance per se does not seem to be able to revert such dangerous dynamics while, interacting with them without a proactive strategy, it risks to have no effect or eventually support the causes of environmental degradation. We then call for a renewed proactive role of green microfinance for ecosystems that, articulating with local actors and territorial dynamics, should aim not only at providing a green product to individual farmers, but instead support new alliances and collective, socially informed, actions to redirect the habits that support environmental degradation towards environmentally friendly and socioeconomic inclusive rural development.

Towards a Philosophy of Sustainability: The Gandhian Way

“The sheer proliferation of definitions of sustainable development is evidence of its contestability; for example, in Blueprint for a Green Economy, David Pearce, Anil Markandya and Edward Barbier (1989, pp.173-85) provide a 'gallery' of over 40 definitions.” 1 For the scope of this article ,I will begin with the most widely used definition, taken from the Brundtland Report, that ‘sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' (WCED, 1987). 2 While the concept of needs demands that 'overriding priority' should be given to the essential needs of the world's poor, both North and South, poverty and the unequal distribution of resources are identified as major causes of environmental degradation: 'Sustainable development requires meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life' (WCED, 1987, p. 44). “ 3

Understanding Population, Development & Environment in Darjeeling Landscape: A Situational Analysis

The overall changes in population characteristics effect the development and environment of any region. Environment is the source of life on earth and it not only directs but also determines the existence, growth and development of mankind and all its activities. The relationship between population and environment are diverse and diversifying, as even more complex population-environment situations evolve. The present study is based on one of the least economically developed regions of West Bengal i.e. Darjeeling Himalaya which comprises the three hill subdivisions of Darjeeling District viz. Darjeeling Sadar, Kurseong and Kalimpong. This Himalayan region is unique from environmental and eco-perception with a fragile terrestrial system, which is much too often disturbed by various developmental processes & environmental catastrophes. The current paper is based on the analysis of secondary data from census of India, other Government publications, reports, research journals and field observation. This paper throws light on the different issues of development & environment in Darjeeling Himalayan region and to study the relevant changes in demographic pattern for better understanding of the concept. There was complete coordination and co-existence between man, development and environment but with the rapid growth of population with limited resource this balance has not only been disturbed in this himalayan region of West Bengal but has become a threat to the ecosystem and is now responsible for the environmental crisis in the neighboring region as well. It is essentially man's influence that has upset the natural balance, and it is in the adaptation of his interaction with the environment that we must seek for ways to restore it. The major conclusion that has emerged from the present study is that the causes of environmental degradation can never be totally controlled but can be checked to a great extent. The development process in Darjeeling himalaya should practice without neglecting the present environmental issues and its ecosystem. It is, therefore, necessary to pay attention to the problems of environmental degradation and to strike a balance between conservation of nature and population growth. It is, therefore, more essential to take effective and remedial measures for eco-development and to maintain the health of our hill environment.

IJARCCE - Computer and Communication Engineering

2 Abstract: Forest and rural fires are one of the main causes of environmental degradation in Mediterranean countries. Existing fire detection systems only focus on detection, but not on the verification of the fire. However, almost all of them are just simulations, and very few implementations can be found. Besides, the systems in the literature lack scalability. In this paper we show all the steps followed to perform the design, research and development of a wireless multisensor network which mixes sensors with IP cameras in a wireless network in order to detect and verify fire in rural and forest areas of Spain. We have studied how many cameras, sensors and access points are needed to cover a rural or forest area, and the scalability of the system. We have developed a multisensor and when it detects a fire, it sends a sensor alarm through the wireless network to a central server. The central server selects the closest wireless cameras to the multisensor, based on a software application, which are rotated to the sensor that raised the alarm, and sends them a message in order to receive real-time images from the zone. The camera lets the fire fighters corroborate the existence of a fire and avoid false alarms. In this paper, we show the test performance given by a test bench formed by four wireless IP cameras in several situations and the energy consumed when they are transmitting. Moreover, we study the energy consumed by each device when the system is set up. The wireless sensor network could be connected to Internet through a gateway and the images of the cameras could be seen from any part of the world.

English

Through the indigenisation programme, the government of Zimbabwe embarked on fast track land reform which to some extent had both positive and negative impacts. The aim of the programme was to empower the local Zimbabweans economically and to improve on food security. On the other hand, this initiative had negative implications to the environment. The research explored how the new farming communities endeavoured to protect the environment through their agricultural, social and cultural practises in trying to improve their sustainable livelihoods. The survey research design was adopted with questionnaires and interviews being the main data gathering tools. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 120 respondents for answering the questionnaire and also for interviewing. Data was then analysed, tabulated and inferences made about it. The research found out that the fast track land reform programme has caused environmental degradation as shown by deforestation, gullies and siltation of rivers in Eastdale A1 model farm. Poverty was highlighted as the major cause of environmental degradation in farms.  In addition, bad farming practices and exploitation of natural resources as a way of surviving also impacted negatively on the environment. Although there are laws governing environmental protection, the implementation of such laws is not that effective as there is lack of consultation and participation of the local communities.  The study recommends effective implementation of environmental laws in the areas where new farmers were settled. Local communities need to take active roles in matters concerning environmental protection through the introduction of freehold land tenure system in fast tracked land reform areas.   Key words: Land, farmers, environment, degradation, tenure.

Micro-level analysis of determinants of crop farmers’ adaptation intensity to environmental degradation in Orlu Agricultural Zone, Imo state, Nigeria

The study analysed determinants of intensity of crop farmers’ adaptation measures to environmental degradation in Orlu agricultural zone, Imo State. The study adopted the multistage random sampling and convenient sampling techniques in the selection of respondents. The main tool for data collection is the questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model. Majority (94.00%) of the farmers declared that the major cause of environmental degradation in the area was erosion. Also, another greater proportion of the farmers (84.00%) reported that flood is a major cause of environmental degradation in the area. Mulching was the most commonlyused adaptation method identified by the farmers (78.00%). The result from the regression analysis indicate that the determinants of intensity to environmental degradation adaptation measures by crop farmers were their age, gender, educational level, membership to farmer groups, income, experience, household size, and farm size. Majority of farmers (60.00%)were constrained with inadequate information on appropriate adaptation option and 56.00% were constrained with inadequate capital. These analyses of adaptation and the factors that influence the intensity of adaptation to environmental degradation for crop production in Orlu agricultural zone, Imo State suggest that a number of different policy options must be pursued to achieve farmers’ effective adaptation.Keywords: environmental degradation, causes, adaptation measure, adaptation intensity, determinants, constraints

ANÁLISE DA DEGRADAÇÃO AMBIENTAL NO ALTO CURSO DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO PARAÍBA

The semiarid region of northeastern Brazil has surface water resources scarce and unevenly distributed in space level. This study aimed to assess the environmental degradation in some random points (dams and river bed) in the upper course of the river Paraiba basin. Photographic records were made and collected geographic coordinates in random spots, identifying the areas and causes of environmental degradation in the region. The results showed that the river waters are getting a high organic load, mainly due to domestic effluents, solid waste and agricultural practices contribute to other factors and degrading pollutants to watersheds and watercourses, as well as the clearing of vegetation native and erosion exacerbate environmental damage. In relation to the physico- chemical parameters of the water, it was observed that the total dissolved solids are suitable for various purposes of uses. There was variation in the chemical oxygen demand, noting that in all the sampled points, most of the reviews, the water possesses chemical oxygen demand above the limit allowed by CONAMA Resolution 357/2005, as well as the concentrations of matches. Key words: erosion, solid waste, deforestation, domestic effluents.

Environment Degradation and Right to Livelihood

Environment includes water, air and land, and everything surrounded to us. Therefore, the degradation of environment by various reasons automatically affects the right to livelihood of an individual. Every individual has a right to clean environment which is not only constitutional right but basic human right. The article has following objectives:1. To study the different constitutional provisions on environmental protection in light of right to livelihood 2. To critically analyse the causes of environmental degradation 3. To study the role judiciary in protection of right to livelihood

Anthropogenic fires and local livelihoods at Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Anthropogenic fires are rife in rural Africa as people use fire to modify landscapes for their livelihoods. Although burning occurs as a significant traditional resource management practice and shows ecological advantages, human set fires are viewed by conservation authorities as destructive and a cause for environmental degradation. This study gains local perspective from three Kamba and three Maasai villages around Chyulu Hills on why fires are used and their influence on land resources and local livelihoods. Between June and July 2012, 12 focus group discussions and 6 transect walks were conducted with men and women Kamba and Maasai participants. They reported 22 reasons why they use fires, concurring on its important role in the management of grazing lands and, especially for the Kamba, in relation to resource extraction activities. Their narratives clarify differences between the ethnic groups, by gender, across seasons, and through time. Employing an applied research design that supports adaptive collaborative management (ACM), the study validates local knowledge on fire management and promotes opportunities for shared learning between park managers and local populations that are viewed critical toward better environmental conservation and livelihood security around Chyulu Hills National Park.

Percepción de los habitantes de Bogotá sobre la calidad ambiental, grado de optimismo y atribución de responsabilidad sobre su deterioro.

Este estudio explora la percepción de habitantes de la ciudad de Bogotá (Colombia) sobre el estado actual del medio ambiente a nivel local, nacional y global, y la prospectiva de cómo estará en el futuro, con el propósito de servir de guía para el desarrollo de los componentes educativos de educación ambiental a la ciudadanía. Igualmente, indaga por la atribución de la responsabilidad del manejo del medio ambiente a futuro. Participaron un total de 118 personas, hombres y mujeres mayores de 18 años, con distintos niveles de formación escolar. El estudio utiliza la Escala de Futuro Ambiental de Gifford et al. (2009) a la que se le introducen dos ítems de relevancia para la evaluación del medio ambiente en Colombia, y la Escala de Atribución de Responsabilidad Ambiental de Barros, Pinheiro y Gunther (2010). Los resultados muestran un pesimismo moderado a nivel nacional, y alto para el caso internacional y local. En cuanto a la atribución de responsabilidad, se identifica un locus de control externo en las causas del deterioro ambiental, siendo los principales agentes mencionados, otras personas y el gobierno nacional. Se discuten los hallazgos en términos de su comparación con estudios de las mismas temáticas en otros lugares del mundo, y sus implicaciones para la promoción del comportamiento proambiental y la atribución de responsabilidad de los bogotanos, así como sobre la contextualización de los medios de comunicación en la valoración del estado del ambiente.

Modelling Atmospheric Concentrations of Particulate Matter Model Climate Sensitivity of Ecosystems and Feedbacks for Region South Algeria

Atmospheric dispersion modelling refers to the mathematical description of contaminant transport in the atmosphere. Each climate system component operates on a range of characteristic temporal and spatial scales. The knowledge of these scales is necessary for a correct formulation of climate models; the present work emphasis is given on the modelling of the horizontal transport of pollutant by taking basic assumptions for the wind velocity, mass burning rate of pollutant from the source. The primary cause of environmental degradation is human disturbance. The degree of the environmental impact varies with the cause, the habitat, and the plants and animals that inhabit it. This present study is desired to calculate the concentration in horizontal direction of flow of pollutant. As any mathematical models of natural systems, a climate model is a simplification. The degree of accepted simplification determines the complexity of the model and restricts the applicability of the model to certain questions. Hence, the complexity of a chosen model sets the limitations to its application. The quality of a climate model is not judged by the mere number of processes considered, but rather by the quality of how chosen processes and their couplings are reproduced.

Decontamination of Lead from aquatic environment by exploitation of floating macrophyte Azolla microphylla Kauf

Increasing urbanization, industrialization and over population is one of the leading causes of environmental degradation and pollution. Heavy metals viz. Pb, Zn, Cd, As etc. are the toxic pollutants which show hazardous effects on all living beings. Lead is one such pollutant which disrupts the entire food chain and is lethal even at low concentration. The use of aquatic macrophytes, such as Azolla with hyper-accumulating ability is known to be an environmentally friendly option to restore polluted aquatic resources. The limitation of plant growth in the polluted medium can be used as a factor to determine plant tolerance capacity and the adverse toxic effect of these media. In the present work effect of lead toxicity was conducted on Azolla microphylla. Plants were cultured in Hoagland's medium which was supplemented with 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 mg/l of lead. The toxicity symptoms of Pb on A. microphylla showed chlorosis on leaves followed by significant decrease in the relative growth, biomass productivity and total chlorophyll content with increased concentrations. The presence of the ions resulted about 18.34%, 34.90%, 42.84% inhibition of biomass growth in comparison to control condition. With increase in Pb concentration there is decrease in root length noticed in A. microphylla. Increased concentrations of lead in the growth medium enhanced the bio- concentration factor of A. microphylla up to an optimum value of 1395.6 while the relative growth of plants were significantly decreased. It is concluded that A. microphylla is a potential candidate for the removal of Pb from polluted water bodies.

Influence ofGuadua paraguayanaDöll on the structure and regeneration of a remaining forest at the high lands of Tibagi River, Paraná state

Tão logo detectada a invasão do bambu Guadua paraguayana na planície aluvial do rio Tibagi, Ponta Grossa-PR, buscou-se avaliar, por meio de levantamento fitossociológico e indicadores associados à estrutura e funcionamento de formações florestais, a agressividade e influência da espécie sobre a estrutura e regeneração de um remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Aluvial. O estudo fitossociológico consistiu na instalação de dezesseis parcelas (50 m²) para inventário dos indivíduos arbóreos com CAP ≥ 15 cm e dezesseis parcelas (4 m²) para estudo da regeneração natural. Os resultados atestam que a presença de G. paraguayan a na riqueza de espécies da floresta, mortalidade, número de indivíduos arbóreos, vitalidade dos indivíduos remanescentes, profusão de epífitos vasculares e avasculares, na regeneração natural e incidência de radiação no interior das parcelas, é significativa. Mas, apesar de as alterações provocadas por este bambu comprometerem a dinâmica de regeneração no remanescente, a espécie é apenas um agravante, não a causa da degradação ambiental. Abstract As soon as the bamboo’s invasion was diagnosed in the alluvial floodplain of Tibagi’s river, Ponta Grossa-PR, the study started evaluating, through phytosociological study and indicators associated with the structure and functioning of the forest, the aggression and influence of the bamboo species on the structure and regeneration of a subtropical ombrophilous alluvial forest remnant. The phytosociological study was developed by an installation of sixteen plots (50m²) to inventory all the trees with CBH ≥ 15 cm and sixteen other plots (4m²) for studying the regeneration: individuals with up to 1.30 m high. The results show that the effect of G. paraguayana in species richness, mortality and number of trees, vitality of the remaining trees, abundance of vascular and nonvascular epiphytes, regeneration and in the incidence of radiation inside the plots, is very significant. But even though the changes caused by this bamboo compromise the regeneration dynamics of alluvial formations in the high Tibagi’s areas, the species is only an aggravating and not the cause of environmental degradation.