Environmental Quality Standards Research Articles

PENGELOLAAN KUALITAS AIR ASAM TAMBANG SETTLING POND PADA KEGIATAN PERTAMBANGAN BATUBARA DI KABUPATEN TANAH LAUT

Management of acid mine drainage is necessary to ensure that the seetlingpond outlet meets the required environmental quality standards. This research was conducted at the seetlingpond location of PT. Jorong Barutama Greston. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between the seetlingpond inlet discharge and the use of lime using manual and automatic methods with the outlet parameter sizes being pH Fe, Mn and Cd. Data collection was carried out for approximately 1 year. Observations were taken on a monthly average, both discharge, amount of lime and results of chemical analysis of water quality. The results showed that the method of using lime automatically produces a significant linear relationship between the amount of discharge and the use of lime, while the use of lime manually does not occur consistently between the amount of discharge and the amount of lime so that the use, for the results of water quality analysis either manually or using a lime mixing machine, both produce water quality output that meets environmental quality standards based on the standards of South Kalimantan Governor Regulation No. 36 of 2008.

Exploring Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Aquatic Fauna of Lake Trasimeno (Italy): Insights from a Low-Anthropized Area.

This study investigated the concentrations and profiles of 19 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the muscle and liver of four freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno (Italy): Anguilla anguilla (European eel), Carassius auratus (goldfish), Perca fluviatilis (European perch), and Procambarus clarkii (red swamp crayfish). In livers, the amount of PFASs ranged from 3.1 to 10 µg kg-1, significantly higher than that in muscle (0.032-1.7 µg kg-1). The predominant PFASs were perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and long-chain carboxylic acids (C8-C14). Short-chain compounds (C4-C5), as well as the long-chain sulfonic acids (C9-C12), were not quantified. The contamination patterns were similar among species with few differences, suggesting the influence of species-specific accumulation. The PFAS concentrations in livers were comparable among species, while in muscle, the higher values were measured in European eel, followed by goldfish, European perch, and red swamp crayfish. The levels were generally lower than those reported for fish from Northern Italian lakes and rivers. The concentrations of regulated PFASs were lower than the maximum limits set by Regulation EU 2023/915 and did not exceed the Environmental Quality Standards (PFOS in biota). This study provides the first valuable insights on PFASs in freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno.

Uji Cemaran Coliform Menggunakan Uji MPN pada Air Sumur Gali, Sumur Bor dan PDAM

Physical, biological, and chemical parameters form the environmental health quality standards for water media used for sanitary hygiene needs. These parameters must be checked periodically by the laws and regulations contained in the Minister of Health Regulation Number 32 of 2017. One of these requirements is the MPN limit, which is a maximum total Coliform count of 50 colonies per 100 milliliters and requires the absence of Escherichia coli. This study was to ascertain whether PDAM water, borehole, and dug well water in the Cinta Rakyat Village area of Percut Sei Tuan Deli Serdang were contaminated by Escherichia coli and the MPN Coliform index. A 3:3:3 tube series consisting of a prediction test using Lactose Broth (LB) media, a confirmation test using Brilliant Green Lactose Broth (BGLB) media, and a complementary test using Eosin media was used to conduct a microbiological contamination test using the Most Probable Number (MPN) Coliform method. Gram stain with methylene blue agar (EMBA). Six water samples from dug wells, six from boreholes, and one PDAM water sample from the homeowner's residence were used for testing. The samples were randomly selected. The findings showed that two well water samples - ASGD 1 with 75 colonies/100 mL and ASGD 6 with 75 colonies/100 mL - exceeded the total Coliform limit. Six samples taken from dug wells were positive for fecal coliform. The colony count for ASGD 1 was 15/100 mL, ASGD 2 was 7/100 mL, ASGD 3 was 7/100 mL, ASGD 4 was 15/100 mL, ASGD 5 was 4/100 mL, and ASGD 6 was 20/100 mL. Two samples from boreholes were positive for fecal coliform. There were 4 colonies/100 mL for ASBD 2 and 7 colonies/100 mL for ASBD 4. PDAM water samples did not contain non-fecal coliforms and fecal coliforms.

Living benthic foraminifera and organic matter compounds as proxies to characterize the trophic state in an impacted hypersaline environment: Araruama Lagoon - Brazil

Recognizing the tolerance levels of foraminifera species towards organic matter components is a crucial aspect of biomonitoring in diverse coastal environments, including hypersaline ecosystems. Despite the importance of this information, there remains limited knowledge about the biodiversity and ecological relationships of these organisms in hypersaline environments, hindering their application in biomonitoring studies. This study aimed to assess the impact of organic components on the distribution of living benthic foraminifera in the Araruama Lagoon, utilizing a comprehensive approach involving biopolymer concentration, physical-chemical parameters, and sediment grain size analyses. The results revealed a high richness of foraminiferal fauna in the lagoon, comprising 44 living species. These organisms exhibited responses indicative of anthropogenic impact, including reductions in density, diversity, and alterations in assemblage composition. Statistical analyses demonstrated that foraminiferal distribution was influenced by grain size, salinity, and organic matter concentration. Bioindicators of highly impacted areas included Ammonia tepida, Ammonia parkinsoniana, Bolivina translucens, Bolivina striatula, Elphidium excavatum, Cribroelphium gunteri and Fursenkoina pontoni. Quinqueloculina milletti and Quinqueloculina seminulum were associated with sandy areas characterized by high hydrodynamics, while Discorbis bertheloti and Valvulineria rugosa were associated to hypersaline conditions. The foraminifera distribution allowed the identification of four distinct regions within the Araruama Lagoon, each exhibiting different trophic conditions. The Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) proved effective in delineating the most environmentally compromised areas of the system. However, it was not as efficient in the characterization of the most hypersaline areas of Araruama lagoon.

Added Value of Water Column Spatiotemporal Monitoring to Assess Variability of Trace Metal Elements and Organotin Compounds in Mediterranean Harbours

Marinas are semi-enclosed environments characterised by reduced hydrodynamic energy, high sedimentation rates, and reduced oxygen levels. The ongoing development of activities and infrastructure construction are leading to deterioration in the quality of coastal aquatic environments, creating environmental risks. Trace metal elements (TMEs) and organotins are significant contaminants, prompting this study to evaluate the added value of spatiotemporal monitoring compared to one-time sediment assessments. Two Mediterranean harbours, Port Camargue (PC) and Port Carnon (C), differing in morphology and size, were monitored for a year with regular water sampling, focusing on TMEs and organotins. Sediment contamination, notably in the technical zone, revealed concentrations of Cu (309 and 1210 mg kg−1 for C and PC, respectively), Zn (242 and 425 mg kg−1 for C and PC, respectively), and tributyltin (TBT) (198 and 4678 µg (Sn) kg−1 for C and PC, respectively) surpassing the effect range medium (ERM), while other marina stations generally stayed below this threshold. Spatiotemporal water monitoring highlighted concentrations above environmental quality standards (EQS) at all stations of the larger marina. This exceedance was systematic for Cu and Zn in all samples, ranging respectively between 2.54 and 37.56 µg (Sn) L−1 and 0.63 and 33.48 µg (Sn) L−1. A notable temporal dynamic for TBT and Cu was also observed. Conversely, the open marina, connected to the open sea, rarely exhibited concentrations above EQS in water, despite sediment concentrations occasionally exceeding ERM values. This underscores that risk assessment in these ecosystems cannot rely solely on sediment characterisation.

Urban green space area mitigates the accumulation of heavy metals in urban soils

Despite that the heavy metals in urban soils pose a threat to public health, the critical factors that influence their concentrations in urban soils are not well understood. In this study, we conducted a survey of surface soil samples from urban green spaces in Shanghai, to analyze the concentrations of the key heavy metals. The results showed that Zn was the most abundant metal with an average concentration of 122.99 mg kg−1, followed by Pb (32.72 mg kg−1) and Cd (0.23 mg kg−1). All concentrations were found to be below the risk screening values defined by the National Environmental Quality Standards for soils of development land in China (GB36600-2018), indicating no current risk in Shanghai. However, there was a clear accumulation of heavy metals, as the mean concentrations were significantly higher than the background values. Furthermore, we explored the relationships between key heavy metals with population density, GDP and green space area. Both Spearman correlation and Random Forest analysis indicated that per capita green space area (pGSA) and population density were the most crucial factors influencing the status of heavy metals in urban soils, unlike edaphic factors e.g. SOM content in farmland soils. Specifically, there was a significantly positive linear correlation between heavy metal concentrations and population density, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.3 to 0.4. However, the correlation with pGSA was found to be non-linear. The nonlinear regression analysis revealed threshold values between heavy metals concentrations and pGSA (e.g Zn 22.22 m2, Pb 24.92 m2, and Cd 25.92 m2), with a sharp reduction in heavy metal concentrations below the threshold and a slow reduction above the threshold. It suggests that an increase in per capita green space area can mitigate the accumulation of heavy metals caused by growing population density, but the effect is limited after the threshold. Our findings not only provide insights into the distribution patterns of heavy metals in the urban soils at the local scale, but also contribute to the urban greening at the global scale and offer guidance for city planning in the face of increasing population densities over the coming decades.

Exposure to arsenic and other potentially toxic elements: health risk assessment and source analysis in the Wuming Basin, Guangxi Province, China

Guangxi, China, is one of the world's largest karst regions where potential toxic elements tend to accumulate, resulting in high soil background values. This study explores the ecological risk, elemental baseline values, and sources of potential toxic elements in karst regions, expanding the research to include 21 common elements. The significance of this research lies in its implications for the management of potential toxic element pollution, the formulation of environmental quality standards, and soil remediation in karst areas. In this study, 12,547 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) were collected in the study area. Pollution assessment and ecological risk evaluation of eight potential toxic elements (Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and As) were conducted using the geo-accumulation index method and potential ecological risk index method. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to analyze the total content of 21 common elements (Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, P, Cd, Hg, Co, Mn, Cr, V, I, S, As, pH, Se, N, CaO, Corg, Mo, and F). Additionally, the potential sources of 21 soil elements were preliminarily quantitatively analyzed using the principal component analysis-absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression receptor model. The results showed that (1) Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, V, and As were enriched in the research area and Ca, Cd, Mn, Mo, Hg, As, and Cu might have been influenced by human activities; (2) Cr, Pb, As, and Zn were generally lightly polluted, with Hg having a moderate potential ecological risk level; and (3) Ni and Zn have contributions of 37.99% and 35.07% from geological sources, agricultural fertilization, and pesticides. Mo, V, Cr, Se, Hg, and As exhibit contributions ranging from 39.44 to 59.22% originating from geological backgrounds and human activities. Corg, S, N, and P show contributions of 45.39% to 80.33% from surface vegetation. F, Co, Mn, and Pb have contributions ranging from 31.63 to 47.93% from acidic rocks in the soil parent material, mining activities, and transportation. Cd and CaO derive 31.67% and 40.23%, respectively, from soil parent material and industrial sources. I has 31.94% from geological background and human activities, and 31.95% from soil parent material and atmospheric sources. Cu has 30.56% from geological sources. The study results can serve as a scientific basis for element research in karst areas domestically and internationally.

Baku mutu kualitas air muara sungai di kawasan Pura Petitenget dan upaya pengendaliannya

The main objective of this research is to analyze the quality standards for the quality of flowing water and river estuaries in the Petitenget Temple Area and efforts to control pollution or reduce the quality standards for flowing and river estuary water in the Petitenget Temple Area. The research was conducted from December 2018 to April 2019 in the river that flows into Petitenget Beach by taking four sampling points. The quality of water quality standards is measured using the water quality standards of Bali Governor Regulation No. 16 of 2016 concerning Environmental Quality Standards and Standard Criteria for Environmental Damage. The results of the research found that the quality of the water quality standards in the Petitenget Temple area had experienced pollution, namely the parameters of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), phosphate (PO4-P), total ammonia (NH3-N), fecal coliform, and total coliform. Efforts that can be made to overcome pollution in Loloan waters and river estuaries in Petitenget are the creation of Waste Management Regulations through the 4R (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Replace) pattern, limiting the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, creating waste storage and processing (septic tanks), and involving traditional villages (based on traditional villages) as well as environmental law enforcement.

Historic distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PAC) in a Skagerrak fjord, Swedish west coast as reflected in a high-resolution sediment record and compared to the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)

We present the historic distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PAC) in a Skagerrak fjord, a relatively unexploited area, on the Swedish west coast. PACs encompass various compounds, including PAHs, alkyl-PAHs, nitro-PAHs, and oxy-PAHs. These compounds, have environmental implications due to their harmful properties. Using a high-resolution sediment record, PAC variations including standard PAHs, nitro-PAHs and oxy-PAHs were investigated over the last approximately 170 years, comparing them with other European records. The sediment record reveals a significant increase in PAC levels during the 1940s–1950s, followed by peaks in the 1960s and 1970s, and a subsequent decrease in the 1980s. These trends align with industrial growth and evolving stronger environmental regulations in the region. The highest recorded concentration of PACs (1950–1970) reached levels comparable to present-day polluted urban environments. The study also compared PAH levels with EQS values. Results indicated that PAH levels exceeded EQS standards, potentially posing risks to sediment-dwelling organisms.

Twenty years later: PBDEs in fish from U.S. sites with historically extreme contamination

Shortly after their production ban PBDE environmental levels retreated from their peak (circa 2000), but rates of decrease appear to be slowing. Therefore, to update environmental PBDE trends, this study re-examined a U.S. riverine system found in 1999 to have the highest PBDE fish tissue (fillet) burdens in the world. Archived 2018–2020 fish tissues were analyzed for PBDEs and results compared to 1999–2000 and 2007 levels. On a positive note, levels decreased by >75% over 20 years. However, PBDEs were still detectable at each collection site (n = 16) and in 93% of the samples. The highest PBDE level (16,300 ng g−1 lipid weight) was observed in fish from the Dan R., downstream from the Hyco R. (where the world's highest level was previously reported). Levels within Hyco R. fish have declined at an annual rate of 30% through 2007. However, reductions during the subsequent 12 years have diminished to only 1.2%. Fillet levels since 2007 actually increased at an estimated annual rate of 8% immediately downstream from the Hyco R. Congener profiles varied between species, likely due to hepatic enzyme debromination, indicating single congener-based health risk evaluations may not be sufficiently protective. Within North America, PBDE fish levels in this freshwater system were twice those of North America's Great Lakes and exceeded by 10-fold those in carp examined from Illinois, USA., another historical hotspot. Average fish PBDE levels also exceed maxima observed in European and Asian riverine systems and were 1000's of times higher than the environmental quality standard (EQS) set by European Parliament (0.0085 ng g−1 wet weight, aquatic biota). Therefore, to protect human health and the environment, PBDE monitoring should remain a priority for regulatory agencies with the goal to identify and eliminate their source and to consider their potential health impacts in the context of other co-existing (emerging and legacy) contaminants.

Representative coal gangue in China: Physical and chemical properties, heavy metal coupling mechanism and risk assessment

Based on the source and distribution of coal gangue (CG) in China, this study introduces the current situation of CG storage in China and the problems existing in the process of CG utilization. For the benefit of solve the difficulty of CG utilization and the risk control of heavy metals (HMs), representative CG samples were selected, and the chemical composition of CG was analyzed according to the microscopic test results. The main reasons for the difficulty of mineral composition and resource utilization were revealed, and the specific environmental protection utilization regulation model of CG samples was constructed, the carbon emission value of CG products was studied by life cycle method, and the broad prospects of CG products under the background of the times were revealed. The heavy metal leaching amount of CG samples in representative areas was detected. Three kinds of HM soil safety evaluation methods and human health risk assessment (HHRS) methods were used to evaluate soil environmental safety, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks. The results showed that the characteristic HMs in CG were As, Pb and Cr. The valence states of As, Pb and Cr in CG were As3+, As5+, Pb2+, Pb4+, Cr3+ and Cr6+, respectively. The valence states of As, Pb and Cr in CG were mainly carbonate-bound state and metal oxide-bound state, which exist in the layered silicate minerals of a triclinic system dominated by kaolinite. Considering that the HMs in CG are finally ingested into the human body through the soil, while constructing a complete HM environmental safety control system, based on the relevant environmental quality standards and the HHRS of HMs, the risk control system and control limits of characteristic HMs in CG resource utilization were established, in order to provide theoretical guidance for the high-value environmental protection utilization of CG.

Perspectivas de redução do aporte de carga orgânica em bacia hidrográfica com relevante ocupação urbana

ABSTRACT The prospects for reducing organic load in water basins must be evaluated considering the self-purification capacities of the water bodies into which the raw or treated effluent will be discharged. The aim of this work was to evaluate the reduction of the organic load contribution to the Poti River, a watercourse that crosses the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, considering different conditions for the final disposal of domestic sewage. To estimate the levels of reduction of the organic load contribution, the Water Quality Model Qual-UFMG and Nonlinear Programming were used in a combined manner. Three scenarios of final effluent disposal were modeled. For the appropriation of the reductions in organic load contributions, two different optimization models were used, models that incorporated restrictions based on the environmental quality standards indicated by the Brazilian Environment Council (CONAMA) Resolutions No. 357/2005 and 430/2011. The results indicated that the estimated effort for removal of organic load based on the optimization model that does not employ an equity measure among discharges was lower, regardless of the scenario analyzed. Additionally, in the simulation scenarios in which the quality standards for effluent were not considered, the efforts for removing organic load were lower, regardless of the optimization model used.

Medición de impactos socioeconómicos en estudios ambientales: Una aproximación metodológica

The assessment (ex – ante) of the physical and biological impacts in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has a methodology reviewed and supported by the majority of the scientific community, such as Environmental Quality Standards (ECA) or Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL). However, what are the parameters to assessment socioeconomic impacts in an EIA? And what indicator to use to measure these impacts? These questions are intended to be answered in this work through a methodological approach, taking current economic theory as support and constructing a set of intensity indicators and their respective parameters. It is expected that this proposal can be a reference for evaluators, consultants and that it be continually reviewed by the scientific community, and that in this way the EIAs are better prepared and can be suitable for making environmental decisions.

Recent advances in photonic crystal-based chemical sensors.

The increasing attention towards environmental quality, food safety, public security and medical diagnosis demands high requirements and standards for chemical sensors with merits of rapid response, high precision, long-term stability and reusability. In this case, a prominent innovation in sensory materials holds potential to realize new generations of chemical sensor technologies. Specifically, photonic crystals (PCs) as structured dielectric materials with spatially periodic ordered arrangements offer unique advantages in improving the sensing performance of chemical sensors. Consequently, the promising properties of PCs promote research on their implementation as an integral part of chemical sensors. This review highlights the integration of PCs into chemical sensors including a range of building blocks for the construction of PCs with versatile opal or opal inverse structural architectures and a delicate choice of surface functionality with associated sensing interfaces for target recognition and signal transduction. Subsequently, based on their synthesis and functionality, we focus on introducing the sensing principles of recent advances in PC-based chemical sensors, such as reflection spectra-based sensing, visual colorimetric sensing, fluorescence sensing, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based sensing and other integrated sensing. Finally, the future prospects and challenges are discussed for the further improvement of PC-based chemical sensors.

Investigation of tree characteristics for traffic noise abatement

There is a connection between noise reduction and roadside tree plantation. Understanding how prop-erties of trees (density, height, leaf type, crown spread, etc.) impact noise attenuation is crucial. The current study measured and compared the roadside traffic noise at various locations (with/without trees/plantations) in selected Multan areas. Eight locations (Bahawalpur Road, Expressway, Vehari Road, Bosan Road, Eidgah Road, Masoom Shah Road, Piran-Gaib Road, and Khanewal Road) throughout Multan City. A digital sound level meter (MS-6701) was used to measure the noise levels during months of winter and summer seasons. During field visits, the tree type, leaf type, average height, density, canopy crown spread, and presence of any vegetation in each designated area were noted. The sound pressure data was compared with the noise level standards as recommended by Punjab Environment Quality Standards. A clear reduction in sound levels can be observed with trees. The tree plantings reduced the noise only on the Express-way (65 dbA) and Piran Gaib Road (64 dbA) in May 2022. In June 2022, the trees were only beneficial in reducing noise near Piran Gaib Road (64 dbA). Due to tree plantation, the maximum reduction of 11 dbA was reported in June 2022 at Eig Gah Road, followed by a 10.1 dbA reduction in December 2021 at Khanewal Road. Maximum noise reduction was observed at the Expressway and Piran Gaib Roads, where Pongamia pinata and Melia azedarach are planted along with some grass. The comparison clearly showed a reduction in noise due to roadside plantations. Tree plantation helps improve the area’s overall look and enhances aesthetic sense and scenic beauty.

Assessing compliance with environmental regulations: A case study of fines imposed on companies in the Citarum River Basin, Indonesia

The Indonesian Government has established targets for law enforcement concerning pollution loading and environmental damage, as regulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Environment (MoE) of the Republic of Indonesia 7/2014. Several cases of non-compliance with environmental laws have been processed in the Citarum River basin, resulting in varying fines being imposed. This research examines how much fines imposed on non-compliant companies align with the provisions outlined in the MoE Regulation 7/2014. Additionally, the study compares the fines with the capital required for establishing proper wastewater treatment plants and implementing comprehensive hazardous waste management. Based on data obtained from court evidence and decisions, this paper employs descriptive analysis to understand the current sanctioning and calculation of fines in multiple cases of environmental law non-compliance in the Citarum River, focusing on the textile industry. The findings from two civil cases of non-compliance reveal that the determination of sanctions does not consider the costs associated with environmental restoration and ecosystem loss. In those civil lawsuits, 99% of fines imposed only consist of losses caused by exceeding the environmental quality standard. In criminal cases, fines applied only cover approximately 8.37% of the total hypothetical WWTP operational cost and sludge handling (for wastewater discharge debit 100 m3 per day) and 0.84% of the total hypothetical WWTP operating cost and sludge handling (for wastewater discharge debit 1000 m3 per day). Based on the findings, we argue that the fines in civil and criminal cases for textile industries in the Citarum River Basin are still insufficient.

Analisis Struktur Komunitas Hutan Bakau Di Pantai Paradiso Kelurahan Oesapa Barat Kecamatan Kelapa Lima Kota Kupang

Mangroves have high ecological and economic value for local communities, as spawning grounds, nursery grounds, feeding grounds for marine life, and act as protection against abrasion. Protected mangrove forests provide many choices for coastal communities to meet economic needs. However, the activities and exploitation of humans that increase from time to time can threaten, destroy and even reduce the stability of the life, quantity and quality of mangrove forests. This study aims to determine the physical and chemical parameters of the environment, the species composition and structure of the mangrove forest community in Paradiso Beach, Oesapa Barat Village, Kelapa Lima District, Kupang City. This research is quantitative descriptive. This research is located at Paradiso Beach, Oesapa Barat Village, Kelapa Lima District, Kupang City. Methods of data collection by making observations and recording the results of observations and interviews in the field, analysis in the laboratory and documentation. Data analysis begins with data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results showed that station I had parameters of temperature (270C), pH (8.08), salinity (20.5‰), DO (6.42mg/l) and station II had parameters of temperature (280C), pH (7.99), salinity (21.7‰), DO (7.43 mg/l), the parameters of the two points of this station meet the environmental quality standards for mangrove forest communities. The composition of mangrove forest types at the two station points only consisted of 3 families with 3 mangrove species, namely Sonnetaria alba, Rhizophora apiculata, and Avicennia alba. Community structures of the mangrove forest at station I and station II were categorized as damaged with rare criteria at the tree level, sapling level and seedling level. Importance Value Index (INP) of station I (258%) and station II (222.1%), this shows that Sonneratia alba has a higher level of spatial tenure in mangrove forest communities, diversity index (H') at station I (0.64) and station II (0.71), this shows that the mangrove forest community has environmental stability. and the uniformity index (J') of station I (0.68) and station II (0.76), this shows an unbalanced distribution pattern between tree species in mangrove forest communities, and dominance index (D) of station I (0,61) and Station II (0.51), this shows the concentration and distribution of the dominant Sonneratia alba species in the mangrove forest community of Paradiso Beach, West Oesapa Village, Kelapa Lima District, Kupang City.

Productive Management of Garbage: A Case of Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC)

This study quantifies the role and importance of Rawalpindi Waste Management Company, the whole processes that take place in it, and the policies on which they work. Urbanization has led to the increasing use of industrial by-products. Industries influence the environment in two folds one is creating waste during the manufacturing process and the second is products make more waste after they are used. Waste is managed by using (R-3) Reuse, Recycle, and Restore. Waste composition varied from time to time and region to region. RWMC’s target is Clean and Green Rawalpindi. Waste from Households, Hospitals, industries, and others is properly discarded by fulfilling the National Environmental Quality Standards. In this regard, the main concern is to focus on ‘’Sustainable Development’’ to secure our environment for the next generations.

Harmonizing pesticides environmental quality standards: A fate-pathway perspective

Regulatory agencies worldwide set pesticide environmental quality standards, which are proposed independently in each dependent environmental media rather than across the complete fate route. Thus, lacking the fate-pathway perspective in defining pesticide environmental quality standards might cause undesirable pesticide residue from the upper compartment (e.g., soil) to the lower compartment (e.g., water). This study aimed to harmonize the self-consistency of pesticide environmental quality standards across environmental media via the fate-pathway analysis. The introduced qualitative and quantitative rules defined environmental quality standards of pesticides in six major environmental scenarios in the soil and water system based on related regulatory objectives. Fate factors simulated via USEtox were used to create a preliminary quantitative link between theoretical maximum legal masses of pesticides across environmental compartments. Using chlorpyrifos and 2,4-D as examples, their standard values were comparatively assessed in selected environmental media in China and the United States. According to the investigative findings, missing the respective environmental quality standards of pesticides in the agricultural soil could significantly influence the implementation of those in freshwater. Taking a fate-pathway perspective, the self-consistency test highlighted that defining pesticide environmental quality standards for freshwater was the most challenging task, as the freshwater compartment typically comprises multiple lower environmental compartments with diverse regulatory objectives. Overall, this theoretical study has the potential to illuminate the harmonization of pesticide environmental quality standards throughout the entire environmental fate pathway, ultimately leading to improved regulatory efficiency and communication. Future research should focus on risk-based model implementation, regulatory response evaluation, and legal limit interpretation to better integrate environmental pesticide management under a variety of regulatory goals.

Occurrence and environmental risk assessment of 4 estrogenic compounds in surface water in Belgiumin the frame of the EU Watch List.

The presence of natural estrogens estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and synthetic estrogen 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in the aquatic environment has raised concerns because of their high potency as endocrine disrupting chemicals. The European Commission (EC) established a Watch List of contaminants of emerging concerns including E1, E2 and EE2. The proposed environmental quality standards (EQSs) are 3.6, 0.4, 0.035ng/L, for E1, E2, EE2, respectively. A thorough evaluation of analytical procedures developed by several studies aiming to perform sampling campaigns in different European countries highlighted that the required limits of quantification in surface water were not reached, especially for EE2 and to a lesser extent for E2. Moreover, data regarding the occurrence of these contaminants in Belgian surface water are very limited. A sampling campaign was therefore performed on a wide range of rivers in Belgium (accounting for a total of 63 samples). The detection frequencies of E1, E2, E3 and EE2 were 100, 98, 86 and 48%, respectively. E1 showed the highest mean concentration (= 4.433ng/L). In contrast, the mean concentration of EE2 was 0.042ng/L. The risk quotients (RQs) were calculated based on the respective EQS of each analyte. The frequency of exceedance of the EQS was 31.7% for E1, EE2, while it increased to 44.4% for E2. The extent of exceedance of the EQS, represented by the 95th percentile of the RQ dataset, was higher than 1 for E1, E2, EE2. The use of a confusion matrix was investigated to try to predict the risk posed by E2, EE2, based on the concentration of E1.