Environmental Management Scenarios Research Articles

An ensemble machine learning model to uncover potential sites of hazardous waste illegal dumping based on limited supervision experience

With the soaring generation of hazardous waste (HW) during industrialization and urbanization, HW illegal dumping continues to be an intractable global issue. Particularly in developing regions with lax regulations, it has become a major source of soil and groundwater contamination. One dominant challenge for HW illegal dumping supervision is the invisibility of dumping sites, which makes HW illegal dumping difficult to be found, thereby causing a long-term adverse impact on the environment. How to utilize the limited historic supervision records to screen the potential dumping sites in the whole region is a key challenge to be addressed. In this study, a novel machine learning (ML) model based on the positive-unlabeled (PU) learning algorithm was proposed to resolve this problem through the ensemble method which could iteratively mine the features of limited historic cases. Validation of the random forest-based PU model showed that the predicted top 30% of high-risk areas could cover 68.1% of newly reported cases in the studied region, indicating the reliability of the model prediction. This novel framework will also be promising in other environmental management scenarios to deal with numerous unknown samples based on limited prior experience.

Hydrological–Hydrodynamic Nexus for Evaluation of Fish Habitat Suitability in the Bhogdoi River, India

Seasonal drying and wetting highly influence ecosystem diversity in intermittent streams. Hydrological alterations are responsible for the spawning and reproduction of aquatic habitats. The present study attempts to understand the impact of streamflow variations on the adult Bhangun fish (Labeo bata) in in Bhogdoi River, India, using eco-hydraulic modeling. Increased anthropogenic activities are constantly deteriorating the flow conditions and endangering the fish abundance in the reach. The eco-sustainability and habitat suitability of the target species are evaluated from the integrated hydrodynamic-habitat modeling under the various flow regimes. The ecological flow rates are obtained from flow duration curve analysis and flow duration curve shifting methods to indicate the hydrological changes under different environmental management scenarios. Two-dimensional depth-averaged shallow water equations are used to estimate the flow depth and current speed in the domain for different streamflow events. The hydrodynamic model is validated with the field observed data. Results of the study indicated that with the degradation in ecosystem protection, the environmental flow rates decrease. The hydrodynamic-habitat simulations indicate that the maximum flow and the ecological flow rate in the stream deprived the target species of a favorable environment to survive. The model outputs provide useful insight for ecosystem richness and diversity maintenance in the domain and help stakeholders in decision-making.

SKENARIO PENGELOLAAN KEPESISIRAN BERKELANJUTAN KABUPATEN BUTON SELATAN, PROVINSI SULAWESI TENGGARA

The coastal zone of South Buton Regency consists of unique ecosystems and abundant natural resources, but facing problems, mainly in terms of conflict between economic needs and ecological aspects. This study aims to set up scenarios for sustainable coastal zone management (SCZM) in South Buton Regency that are synergistic and benefit all stakeholders, without disregarding the principals of ecological conservation. Data were collected by interviews and field observations and were analyzed using prospective analysis method. Comprehensive analyisis were performed encompassing the effects and interactions of key components of the successfulness of the SCZM in South Buton based on the stakeholders desires. Three environmental management scenarios were assessed, namely: the conservative-pessimistic scenario, in which refinements for the key components are at minimum levels, the moderate-optimistic scenario, in which refinements for the key components are about 50%, and the progressive-optimistic scenario, in which all the key components are addressed for refinements. Results of the prospective analysis show that the moderate-optimistic scenario was the most appropriate scheme to be implemented for the sustainable coastal zone management in South Buton Regency, follows by progressive-optimistic and conservative-pessimistic scenarios, respectively.
 Keywords: Coastal zone; Key components; Prospective analysis; Environmental management

Ecological flow assessment using hydrological and hydrodynamic routing model in Bhogdoi river, India

Rainfed perennial streams have a highly disturbed ecosystem. Seasonal drying and wetting are stressful for the spawning and breeding activities of aquatic faunas in those stretches. In this work, an integrated hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling study is carried out to estimate the ecological flow requirement in Bhogdoi river, India, a southern tributary of Brahmaputra river. Escalating anthropogenic activities continuously deteriorating the flow scenarios and degrading the aquatic health in the study area. The consequence of hydrological alterations is addressed in terms of the environmental flow regimes derived from FDCA (flow duration curve analysis) and FDC (flow duration curve) shifting method. Flow rates under different environmental management scenarios are evaluated and based on the analysis it is found that under the existing basin condition a minimum flow of 13.42–18 cumec is required for the river ecosystem. The flow depth and the current speed corresponding to the observed maximum flow and the ecological flow rates are computed from a two-dimensional hydrodynamic routing model. The model is calibrated and validated with the measured data. This eco-hydrological approach will be helpful to undertake the conservation and restoration strategies in the study site.

Non-destructive collection survey of the historical Classense Library. Part II: Conservation scenarios

The effects of environmental and conservation management scenarios on the permanence of the historical book collections housed at the Classense Library (Ravenna, Italy) were investigated. Non-destructive material surveys delivered paper pH and degree of polymerisation data that, in conjunction with the Collections Demography dose–response function, provide heritage managers with estimations of the predicted collection lifetimes in diverse environmental management scenarios. For the first time, quantitative measurements of paper properties obtained in a historical library collection were used to elaborate isochrone and demographic plots, evaluated against the long-term planning horizon of 500 years. The scenarios include preventive and interventive actions aiming to preserve the fitness-for-use of collection items in terms of their ability to withstand manual handling, and consider cooling, dehumidification and deacidification, as well as combinations thereof. The results inform the conservation decision-makers about the preservation outcomes of environmental management options, to be considered for further action, once environmental, economic and social sustainability of such scenarios is considered.

Valuing a Caribbean coastal lagoon using the choice experiment method: The case of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Saint Martin

Like many Caribbean coastal ecosystems, the Simpson Bay Lagoon in Saint Martin suffers from heavy development, wastewater pollution, and overexploitation. These pressures have severely degraded its ecological integrity, causing significant environmental impact as well as negative socio-economic consequences. Local livelihoods depend on important ecosystem services provided by the Simpson Bay Lagoon, such as storm protection and water purification. A major cause for the continued degradation of the Simpson Bay Lagoon is that decision-makers undervalue these ecosystem services. This study conducts an economic valuation of the Simpson Bay Lagoon to solve this undervaluation, providing the first economic valuation of a Caribbean island coastal lagoon. To estimate the economic value of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, this paper employs a choice experiment, which is embedded in a larger household survey among residents of Saint Martin. The findings of the choice experiment reveal that the Simpson Bay Lagoon in its current environmental state is worth US$12.1 million per year to the residents of Saint Martin. Besides an economic valuation, this paper also scrutinizes the welfare benefits of improved environmental management. Two environmental management scenarios are evaluated: the installation of a sewage treatment plant and mangrove restoration. The installation of a sewage treatment plant would enhance the annual economic value to US$16.5 million, mangrove restoration to US$23.0 million, and the implementation of both measures to US$26.3 million. Hence, ameliorating the ecological integrity of the Simpson Bay Lagoon through improved environmental management proves to be a promising venture for the environment, society, and economy of Saint Martin.

A model to integrate urban river thermal cooling in river restoration

River water quality and habitats are degraded by thermal pollution from urban areas caused by warm surface runoff, lack of riparian forests, and impervious channels that transfer heat and block cool subsurface flows. This study updates the i-Tree Cool River model to simulate restoration of these processes to reverse the urban river syndrome, while using the HEC-RAS model water surface profiles needed for flood hazard analysis in restoration planning. The new model was tested in a mountain river within the New York City drinking water supply area (Sawmill, SM, Creek), and then used for base case and restoration scenarios on the 17.5 km reach of the Los Angeles (LA) River where a multi-million dollar riverine restoration project is planned. The model simulated the LA River average temperature in the base case decreased from 29.5 °C by 0.3 °C when warm surface inflows were converted to cooler groundwater inflows by terrestrial green infrastructure; by 0.7 °C when subsurface hyporheic exchange was increased by removal of armoring and installation of riffle-pool bedforms; by 3.6 °C when riparian forests shaded the river; and by 6.4 °C when floodplain forests were added to riparian forests to cool surface reservoirs and local air temperatures. Applying all four restoration treatments lowered river temperature by 7.2 °C. The simulated decreases in river temperature lead to increased saturated dissolved oxygen levels, reaching 8.7 mg/L, up from the 7.6 mg/L in the base case scenario, providing improved fish habitat and reducing eutrophication and hypoxic zones. This study evaluating the performance of environmental management scenarios could help managers control the thermal pollution in rivers.

Exploring the potential of Google Earth as a communication and engagement tool in collaborative Natural Flood Management planning

This paper considers the development and evaluation of a Google Earth “virtual globe” tour for communicating spatial data and engaging stakeholders in the early stages of a natural flood management (NFM) planning scenario, using a rural UK river catchment that suffered significant flooding in 2007. With a range of diverse stakeholder interests to consider, early engagement and the development of trust before decision‐making are essential for the long‐term success of such catchment‐wide projects. A local catchment group was consulted to identify key information requirements, and from this a “virtual globe” tour was created. The process involved specialist skills and expert leadership, but the end result was accessible to a range of audiences. User evaluation indicated that it was easy to navigate and can be used to stimulate interest and engage stakeholders. Participants trusted the content and valued the interactivity of the tour. It was helpful for communicating and educating participants about the catchment, the issues it faces, and the potential to incorporate NFM, particularly for those with little or no prior knowledge. More abstract information was harder to convey and there were limitations in the availability of suitable data for some variables and the in quality of satellite imagery. This exploratory research found that a Google Earth “virtual globe” tour can be a valuable tool in the initial stages of an NFM project, but there are also opportunities to use this technique in the more advanced stages of the planning process. The approach could be used as part of a wider toolkit for communication and engagement and has potential as a decision support tool in other environmental management scenarios with requirements for public participation, enabling the views of a range of participants to be captured through online distribution and to generate discussion in workshop settings.

Who Benefits from National Estuaries? Applying the FEGS Classification System to Identify Ecosystem Services and their Beneficiaries.

In spite of their perceived value, the widespread implementation of ecosystem services assessments has been limited because of perceptions of being too technical, too expensive, or requiring special expertise. For example, federal estuary management programs have widely used ecosystem services concepts to frame management issues and communicate with stakeholders. Yet, indicators assessed, monitored, and reported in estuarine management still have traditionally focused on ecological conditions, with weak connections, if any, to social or economic outcomes. Approaches are needed which expand the range of ecosystem services that can be considered, link ecosystem services explicitly to different stakeholder groups, facilitate effective communication with economists and other social scientists, and expand the array of available valuation techniques. We applied the concept of final ecosystem goods and services to review the broad suite of ecosystem services and their beneficiaries relevant to the management of two federal programs for estuary management, the National Estuary Program (NEP) and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). The Final Ecosystem Goods and Services Classification System provided a structured framework for connecting ecosystem services to their beneficiaries and the environments providing them. Document analysis of management plans assessed the degree to which these programs consider ecosystem services, their beneficiaries, and habitats within the estuarine watershed. The hierarchical list of final ecosystem goods and services generated from document analysis serves as a tool for defining management goals, identifying stakeholders, developing meaningful indicators, and conducting valuation studies in estuarine management planning efforts. Though developed here for estuarine management, the keyword hierarchy and final ecosystem goods and services approach have broad applicability and transferability to other environmental management scenarios.

Coastal systems in transition: The game of possibilities for sustainability under global climate change

To achieve ecological sustainability and sustainable development represents a crucial challenge for the human kind, which depends on numerous driving forces, frequently opposing each other. Nevertheless, when dealing for instance with estuaries and coastal areas, three major drivers may in any case be identified, which are the search for human well-being in its several aspects, the conservation of environmental equilibrium, essential to ecological sustainability, and systems’ resilience in face of an increasing human pressure, resulting from population size and prosperity demand.To build and test environmental management scenarios involves therefore complex conceptual problems, demanding appropriate conceptual tools as for example the Ecological Sustainability Trigon (EST). Conceptually, the EST allows addressing the referred main drivers by using the human society view as a common currency, and to describe our behavior, energetics (economy), and dynamics based on ecological theory. Besides, the EST behaves promisingly as a gap analysis tool and a mean to address new research questions. Since its proposal, the EST has been further tested, namely in relation to the functioning and management of estuarine ecosystems and coastal areas, taking the Mondego Estuary (western Portugal) as core case study.

Self-diagnosis method as an assessment tool for environmental management of Brazilian ports

This study aimed to provide an alternative approach for the use of a situational diagnosis to evaluate the environmental management systems of the main Brazilian ports. Through this diagnosis, both the enabling factors and barriers to the implementation of an effective environmental management system were identified. The study design was based on Self- Diagnosis Method (SDM) developed by EcoPorts, with the application of a survey on issues involving the various aspects of environmental management scenarios. The responses to the surveys were analyzed using the SWOT matrix in order to identify the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats to the environmental management of the ports under study. Then, gap analysis was performed in order to determine the actions that should be taken for management to evolve from an unsatisfactory status to a desired status. Analysis of the questionnaires revealed a tendency of respondents to minimize the negative aspects of environmental management, and to emphasize the positive aspects. There was also an inconsistency between the responses to the questionnaire and the actions that have actually been taken by the port authorities. This disparity suggests that managers are not willing to confront their problems publicly. The results demonstrated that there is a need for an adoption of the conceptual pillars of Environmental Management in the management of Brazilian ports, as well as for the awareness among all stakeholders involved in the activities, from workers to senior management.

The ecological sustainability trigon – A proposed conceptual framework for creating and testing management scenarios

The ability to achieve ecological sustainability and the sustainable development of marine and estuarine ecosystems constitutes a complex major challenge and depends on many driving forces, often conflicting with each other. In particular, there are three major drivers: (a) the search for human well-being, health and safety, (b) the maintenance of ecological sustainability and environmental equilibrium, and (c) the tolerance of an increasing human population pressure and demand for wealth creation.We propose here the use of a conceptual guidance tool – the ecological sustainability trigon (EST) – as a means of building and testing environmental management scenarios. Although it requires further testing, the EST allows us to (a) address those three major drivers using human society view as a common currency, and (b) describe our behaviour, energetics (economy) and dynamics through ecological theory. Moreover, the EST appears promising for gap analysis and the means to address new research questions.

Gestão ambiental portuária: desafios e possibilidades

Este artigo trata dos desafios trazidos pela implementação de reformas portuárias a partir da Lei de Modernização dos Portos (Lei nº 8.630/93). Entre eles, está o da gestão ambiental, ainda não adequadamente incorporada ao sistema portuário brasileiro. As iniciativas de gestão ambiental não fazem parte do setor de planejamento portuário, levando a ações desarticuladas e reativas, fruto da visão que considera a regulamentação ambiental um fator que ameaça a competitividade das empresas. Para os autores, a adequação às normas ambientais traz oportunidades de melhoria para o negócio portuário. O artigo apresenta panoramas da gestão ambiental portuária nacional e internacional, assim como exemplos de ecoinovações e de práticas de gestão ambiental em portos europeus e norte-americanos, ressaltando que a gestão ambiental deve ir além da microescala (a gestão dos problemas rotineiros), incorporando-se à macroescala (a gestão da zona costeira), para que o novo modelo portuário seja economicamente competitivo com benefícios socioambientais.

Web‐based tools for environmental management

Contemporary urban environmental management calls for dissemination of environmental information among the public. This can be achieved by using a simple, while at the same time efficient, environmental management system platform, that integrates the monitoring and modelling of environmental data. The use of such a platform enables the urban planner and the environment‐related decision maker to have direct access to the relevant monitoring data, while a library of environmental management scenarios is developed and can be enriched. This article discusses the results of the IRENIE Environmental Telematics project in Athens, Greece, including the Web‐based geographical information system and its configuration. This specific project involves the application possibilities mentioned above, while integrating environmental monitoring, modelling and mapping over the Internet. The results discussed here demonstrate a significant increase in the capabilities of relevant authorities to advance their environmental management potential and to better inform the sensitive members of the public on potential health hazards.