Poor Environmental Practices Research Articles

The Causes and Policy Responses to Forced Migration and Environmental Degradation in Africa

Forced migration has a complex relationship with the environment. The type of policy responses required to alleviate distress migration and improve the livelihoods of involuntary migrants while preserving the environment for broader society will vary by context. We highlight the need to better identify the related mechanisms underlying forced migration and their practices in receiving areas in an attempt to self-integrate. Implementation of safety net programs has risen. Such programs have the potential to promote migration as a risk management strategy and disincentivize the adoption of poor environmental practices in receiving areas. We discuss how available satellite data combined with machine learning approaches open new opportunities to discover solutions to the migration-related environmental issues of Africa.

Beneficiation of Iron Oxides from Cupola Furnace Slags for Arsenic Removal from Mine Tailings Decant Water

Large volumes of ferrous metallurgical slags (FMS) are generated annually as waste materials from metal extraction, purification, casting and alloying processes worldwide. Some attempts have been made to use bulk FMS in metal precipitation and concrete works but little success has been achieved because of unstable precipitates and volume expansion of concrete structures. As a result, significant quantities of FMS are still disposed in landfills. This disposal leads to land conflicts and poor environmental practices. The present study focuses on the characterization and separation of iron oxide from selected bulk FMS (Cupola Furnace Slag - CFS) obtained from Ghana into constituent components for use as engineering materials. Quantitative X-ray diffractometry was used to determine the mineralogy of CFS. Iron oxide morphology and spot composition in the CFS were determined using scanning electron microscopy, combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used to ascertain the chemical composition of CFS after acid digestion. Wet low intensity magnetic separation technique was employed for beneficiating iron oxides from the CFS. It is shown that the CFS is amorphous and consist of ferrous and non-ferrous material. Results of the investigation confirmed that ferrous materials in the slags can be separated using magnetic separation technique. The study further confirmed that fine grinding (- 75 µm) liberates the magnetic portions of the slag efficiently, and as such, they can be recovered using a low magnetic field. The recovery was 99.04 % and the concentrates obtained from the beneficiation process consist primarily of pigeonite, quartz, magnetite and jacobsite. The beneficiated concentrates have the capacity to adsorb arsenic from mine effluent. This study has demonstrated that, slags can be utilized as secondary resources rather than a waste.

Waterborne Disease Risk Factors and Intervention Practices: A Review

Waterborne diseases remain a major global public health issue and a great environmental concern and the outbreak is common in African countries. Illness due to waterborne diseases causes morbidity and mortality in less developed countries among children aged below 5 years. This study was aimed at reviewing literature on past and present studies on waterborne diseases, the risk factors as well as the intervention practices. The unavailability of piped water and dependence of rural dwellers on surface waters which are often contaminated with fecal materials are the major causes of the rising prevalence of waterborne diseases. Poor hygienic practices have also been found to play significant role in the spread of waterborne diseases. Besides, poor environmental practices such as lack of sanitation facilities encourages spread of liquid and solid wastes within residential areas contributing to the increasing waterborne illness. Improvements in drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in less developed countries have been suggested by many studies as key interventions to reduce waterborne diseases.

Cognitive Factors Influencing the Environmental Practices of Students: Implication for Environmental Education

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of cognitive factors (knowledge and attitudes) on the practice of students towards the environment. In the study four research questions were raised and one was hypothesized. A quantitative research with descriptive approach was utilized in the study. The population of the study comprised of 15,116 students in senior secondary schools two in Benin metropolis, Nigeria (private, state and Federal Government owned secondary schools). The sample size for the study was 255 students selected using multi-stage sampling technique. The techniques used were clusters, convenience and systematic random sampling techniques. The instrument for the study was a modified questionnaire with standard items that has been used for previous student environmental related studies. It was discovered in the study that majority of the respondents had low knowledge of waste disposal, wildlife conservation and green energy but they had high knowledge toward pollution control. It was also seen that most of the respondents had positive attitude towards the environment but indicated that they engage in unfriendly environmental practices. However, a hierarchical multiple regression revealed that the respondents knowledge and attitude did not significantly predict their environmental practices. Based on the low knowledge and poor environmental practices of the respondents, it was recommended that environmental education should be given priority in Nigeria educational system because without an environmentally smarter next generation policy makers, entrepreneurs and consumers, environmentally sustainable practices will be obsolete or given little priority.

Changing community relations in southeast China: the role of Guanxi in rural environmental governance

Rapid urbanization in China has been accompanied by increasingly serious environmental problems in rural areas, and government initiatives to control pollutions have not been successful, particularly with livestock farming pollution. One of the main causes is misunderstanding the changing influence of local Guanxi networks. Based on a case study in Southeast China, it is argued that the traditional Guanxi between villagers have fractured; the old, relatively unitary community has been replaced by different interest groups mainly formed around pig farming, with the pig farming household having stronger and more diverse Guanxi than others. The traditional mutual-help networks no longer have the ability to regulate disreputable behaviors, but exist in a way that tends to support and legitimates newer self-interested and financially-oriented networks, meaning that the ordinary villagers are increasingly caught up in condoning the poor environmental practices of the wealthy pig farmers. The paper concludes by arguing that, like their gifting and social capital counterparts in other countries, successful Guanxi are based on levels of mutuality that are increasingly rare, even in remote rural communities. This means that rather than providing a regulatory check on poor behaviors and practices, traditional Guanxi relationships have the potential to underpin and exacerbate them.

Toward sustainable ecotourism development: an assessment of the benefits and environmental threats of Lake Bosomtwe ecotourism facility

ABSTRACTStrategies for redesigning ecotourism facilities for the sustenance of their benefits are limited in the conventional literature.To address this gap, this study assesses the benefits and challenges of the Lake Bosomtwe ecotourism facility in Ghana. Data were obtained from 136 respondents who were carefully selected from the facility’s catchment. The results indicate the facility makes profound contribution to local economic development. However, poor environmental practices (poor waste management and agricultural practices) within the catchment area hamper the sustenance of the facility and its benefits.This study outlines strategies for redesigning the Lake Bosomtwe ecotourism facility to sustain its benefits.

Environmental sanitation and pollution control measures in the Odaw-Korle River catchment, Ghana

ABSTRACTThis article reports on a study that sought to understand the major factors to consider in changing poor environmental sanitation practices in urban communities in Accra, Ghana. The study focused on three main issues: the drivers of sanitation and pollution control measures in the communities; community members’ perceptions on the influence of poor planning on environmental sanitation and pollution; and how existing local governance arrangements influence environmental sanitation and pollution control. It found that efforts are made at the city, community, and individual levels to control poor environmental practices. In order to control environmental pollution, policy initiatives on sanctions should be coupled with the provision of efficient sanitation facilities and services.

Lassa fever: A recurring decimal in Plateau state, Nigeria

Background: Since the first reported case of Lassa fever (LF) in Jos, Plateau state Nigeria in the early 70’s, the state has been plagued with increasing number of cases. This could be due to poor environmental practices, food and personal hygiene. By the end of August 2017 there were 42 reported cases with 15 confirmed cases. Sadly, over the years there have been challenges with reporting and investigation of cases. This could be due to weak health systems commonly seen in developing countries.Methods and Materials: We reviewed 2012-2016 surveillance data from the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the reported LF cases in the state.Results: Between the years 2012 – 2016 there were 109 reported LF cases, with 57 (52.3%) males and 52 (47.7%) females. The mean age of the reported cases was 27.9± 13.6 years. Out of these, 23 (21.1%) were confirmed cases: 1 (4.5%) in 2012, none in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and 21 (91.3%) in 2016.The male: female ratio was10 (43.5%): 13 (56.5%). Six (26.1%) of the confirmed cases were health workers. The case fatality rate of the confirmed cases was 52.2%. Even though there is significant association between LF and death (P-value = 0.003) the odds ratio, 0.215 (95% CI) is low. The reporting years show consistent increasing trend from 2012 to 2016, except for 2015 where there was a decline in the number of reported cases. In 2016 there were 74 (67.9%) cases, 5 (4.6%) in 2015, 15 (13.7%) in 2014, 12 (11.0%) in 2013 and 3 (2.6%) in 2012.Conclusion: Even though reported cases are increasing, there are still gaps observed in the surveillance system of the SMoH. The annual recurrence of LF outbreak in the state without reciprocal preventive efforts on ground to combating it has exposed the populace and health workers to ill-health and death.

Oil extraction in the Amazon basin and exposure to metals in indigenous populations

Most oil extraction areas in the Peruvian Amazon are within indigenous territories. Poor environmental practices have exposed the indigenous population to metals. We conducted a survey in two indigenous Kukama communities to assess body burdens of metals after the occurrence of two major oil spills in 2014. Urine levels above those recommended by the Peruvian Ministry of Health were observed in 50% and 17% of the study population for mercury and cadmium, respectively.

IMPACTS OF WETLAND DEGRADATION IN NIGER DELTA NIGERIA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN FLOOD CONTROL

Wetlands perform a wide variety of functions that include flood control, ground water recharge, shore line stabilization, storm protection and climate moderation. However, despite these huge wetland functions, it has witnessed poor appreciation and dreadful conditions. Niger Delta has witnessed constant coastal erosion and rising sea level, this has led to large portions of the landmass being eroded. This paper aims to review some environmental effects of flooding in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to provide the desired knowledge of role that wetlands play in reducing flood impacts. However, having witnessed the flood, the experience opened my eyes to the environmental challenges facing Niger Delta with respect to Wetlands degradation, poor perception of wetland values and functions, poor environmental practices and non-implementation of environmental regulations. This memorable experience rekindled the desire and motivation to seek a solution to wetland degradation with the aim of recognizing significance of wetlands at the centre of achieving both livelihood and biodiversity improvements to address coastal flooding problem.The study therefore concludes that wetlands are very significant in flood control and thus the conservation and restoration of wetlands, should put in place measures to reduce wetland destruction.International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-4, Issue-3, June-August 2015Page: 177-184

Opinions on the Sustainable Development of Aquaculture

It is widely acknowledged that aquaculture represents the fastest growing food sector with an annual growth of approximately 10% [1]. Given the high growth rate of this sector, we must look to achieve a sustainable long-term production for the sake of the coming generations. Here we provide our opinion whereby we emphasize the need to rely and build on existing knowledge and studies, both social and environmental, as well as increasing state-of-the-art technologies on aquaculture practices. This will help to mitigate the potential impacts not only on the environment, but also on society at large, and will therefore ensure long-term sustainability. The aquaculture sector is a key industry providing a valuable food source to our increasing global population. Aquaculture, however, may also be a sector of activity which has significantly negative impacts on the environment, if not carried out in a sustainable way. One issue, for example, is the mass production of formulated feed which often contains natural fish products (fish meals and fish oils). The increasing demand for aquaculture feed (and other pet-feed) generates a high demand for fish, resulting sometimes in over-fishing of important fish stocks, thus indirectly affecting the overall sustainability of other marine resources [2].The industry is also regularly attributed to affect the natural environment drastically because of poor environmental practices. The excessive use of antibiotics, chemicals, and the intentional or unintentional destruction of important aquatic habitats such as mangroves, estuaries, and fjords; all important nursery grounds for wild fish stocks may also be generated if the industry develops without controls and regulations. Nevertheless, poor aquaculture practices may also affect nature besides the aquaculture industry itself by negatively altering aquatic resources through pollution of water bodies and sediments, inherently reducing the ecosystem carrying capacity. A number of notable negative events have occurred over the last decades that are associated with the aquaculture sector, most markedly the cases of widespread disease outbreaks. This has challenged the aquaculture sector everywhere across a range of farmed and wild organisms. Examples include infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome (AHPNS, also known as Early Mortality Syndrome or EMS) and regular Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) occurring worldwide, generating fish and shellfish mass mortality or aquaculture products unfit for consumption [3,4]. Not only are such cases difficult for the farmers from an economical perspective (bankruptcy), but they also affect local communities which rely on the production and marketing of aquaculture products. This particular societal effect is even more important in areas where aquaculture is run as a “mom and pop business” and where cash flow is a crucial parameter that is not supported by international investments such as in large aquaculture farms. The disease control within the aquaculture industry, the social and environmental effects that are generated by aquaculture productions can be mitigated and managed by changing the industry’s habits from the initial planning stages through to the commercialization of aquaculture products. The solutions differ from one location to another, and are tied to the developmental stages of the sector in the various regions. The solution lies in the use of adapted legal framework which should be in line with social structures and environmental conditions, and the application of Best Aquaculture Technologies (BAT) such as state-of-the-art water treatment systems, water management tools, and means by which to firstly identify, then secondly to minimize and eliminate or mitigate disease occurrence and spread. Stakeholders such as government authorities, environmental companies, nature protection agencies, farmers and aquaculture associations, research institutes, not-for-profit companies, technology providers, and NGOs should ideally work together to ensure that such poor practices are an exception to the norm, and do not become the standard.

Corporate Environmental Management and Credit Risk

This study analyzes environmental management and its implications for bond investors. Poor environmental practices influence the credit standing of borrowing firms through the legal, reputational, and regulatory risks associated with environmental incidents. We devise environmental performance measures based on information from an independent rating agency, and provide evidence that these measures explain the cross-sectional variation in credit risk for a sample of 582 U.S. public corporations between 1995 and 2006. Our findings suggest that firms with environmental concerns pay a premium on their cost of debt financing and are assigned lower credit ratings. In contrast, firms with proactive environmental engagement benefit from a lower cost of debt financing. The results are robust to numerous controls for company and bond specific characteristics, alternative model specifications, and industry membership.