@article { author = {Abdel-Ghani, N.T. and El-Chaghaby, G.A. and Helal, F.S.}, title = {Preparation, characterization and phenol adsorption capacity of activated carbons from African beech wood sawdust}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {209-222}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.001}, abstract = {In the present study, different activated carbons were prepared from carbonized African beech wood sawdust by potassium hydroxide activation. The activated carbons were characterized by brunauer–emmett–teller, scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The phenol adsorption capacity of the prepared carbons was evaluated. The different factors affecting phenol’s removal were studied including: contact time, solution pH and initial phenol concentration. The optimum phenol removal was obtained after a contact time of 300 min. and at an initial phenol solution pH 7. The maximum removal percentages were determined at 5mg/l initial phenol concentration as 79, 93, 94 and 98% for AC0, AC1, AC2 and AC3; respectively. The adsorption of phenol on African beech sawdust activated carbons was found to follow the Lagergren first order kinetics and the intraparticle diffusion mechanism gave a good fit to the experimental data. The isothermal models applied fitted the experimental data in the order: Langmuir> Dubinin–Radushkevich> Freundlich and Temkin.}, keywords = {Activated Carbon,Brunauer–emmett–teller (BET),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),Isothermal modeling,Kinetics surface characteristics,Potassium hydroxide (KOH),Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA)}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_18506.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_18506_b8d5f5ac1d61af8f801a575338470836.pdf} } @article { author = {Azizi, A. and Malakmohamadi, B. and Jafari, H.R.}, title = {Land use and land cover spatiotemporal dynamic pattern and predicting changes using integrated CA-Markov model}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {223-234}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.002}, abstract = {Analyzing the process of land use and cover changes during long periods of time and predicting the future changes is highly important and useful for the land use managers. In this study, the land use maps in the Ardabil plain in north-west part of Iran for four periods (1989, 1998, 2009 and 2013) are extracted and analyzed through remote sensing technique, using the land-sat satellite images. Then, the future land use changes are simulated for 2030 using integrated CA-Markov model according to the scenario of continuing current management process. The results show that in the period between 1989 and 2009, i.e. since two-thirds of the plain was declared restricted till all of it was declared thus, the study area has experienced a total of about 58645.08 ha changes. After the whole plain was restricted (since 2009 till 2014), the changes have been estimated to be 22466.88 ha. The prediction also indicates that the changes will equal 8908.83 ha by 2030. Agricultural lands and human-built environment constitute the majority of changes and are increasing continuously. The obtained Kappa values for the model accuracy assessment (higher than 0.8) indicated the model's capability to predict future Land use/cover changes in the study area. Thus, analyzing Land use and cover changes trends from past to near future using CA-Markov model can play a significant role in land use policy making, planning, and managing of the restricted plains especially in the proposed study area.}, keywords = {Ardabil plain,CA-Markov,Land use change,Remote Sensing,Restricted plain}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19162.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19162_870702fbcda212a227965a2dac26eb70.pdf} } @article { author = {Gandiwa, P. and Finch, J. and Hill, T.}, title = {Vegetation structure and composition in the semi-arid Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {235-248}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.003}, abstract = {Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (MCL) woody vegetation was characterized to establish structural and compositional attributes. Stratified random sampling based on major soil types was used and nine plant variables were measured in 137(20x30) m2 sampling plots; these being genera, species and family names; basal circumference; plant height; depth and diameter of tree canopy; number of stems per plant; plant life status; number of trees and shrubs; and number of saplings. A total of 3114 woody plants were sampled, comprising an assemblage of 28 families, 63 genera and 106 species. The results suggest alluvial floodplain flanking the Limpopo River is a biodiversity hotspot with high plant species diversity (H’=1.8-2.2) 1/ha, taller trees (P<0.05) with median height per plot ranging between 6.1-10 m, high canopy volume at 105783 (443155m3/ha) and basal area (16.9-111m2/ha). The Arenosols-Regosol stratum had significantly shorter trees (P<0.05) with median height per plot between 3-4 m, low species diversity (H’=0.8-2.3) 1/ha, low basal area (3.23-48.2m2/ha) and low canopy volume (6687.08(155965.00) m3/ha. The Cambisol-Luvisol stratum in the western section of MCL had high number of stems/plant at 1.65 (1.40), high woody plant density 483.33 (900.00) 1/ha, F3,137=19.07, P<0.05), high density of dead plants 16.67 (133.30) 1/ha and high sapling density 208.33 (850.00) 1/ha. The present study suggests soil type is a key determinant of woody vegetation structure and composition. The study recommends regular vegetation monitoring, periodic update of plant species inventories in protected areas, control of exotic invasive woody plant species found along the Limpopo river floodplain within the biodiversity management framework of Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area initiative.}, keywords = {Family assemblage,Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (MCL),Soil substrate,Species composition,Vegetation dynamics,World Heritage Site}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19706.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19706_e4eee2b5109ea310a578a3baedcfb1d7.pdf} } @article { author = {Shahriari Moghadam, M. and Safaei, N. and Ebrahimipour, G.H.}, title = {Optimization of phenol biodegradation by efficient bacteria isolated from petrochemical effluents}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {249-256}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.004}, abstract = {Phenol is an environmental pollutant present in industrial wastewaters such as refineries, coal processing and petrochemicals products. In this study three phenol degrading bacteria from Arak Petrochemical Complex effluent were isolated which consume phenol. Molecular analysis was used to identify bacteria and isolated bacteria were identified as Rhodococcus pyridinivorans (NS1), Advenella faeciporci (NS2) and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (NS3). Among the isolated strains, NS1 had the highest ability to degrade phenol. In order to observe the best yield in phenol biodegradation using NS1, optimization was performed using one factor at a time of experimental design to investigate the effect of four factors, including pH, temperature, phosphate and urea concentration. The optimal biodegradation condition through or tho pathway was pH = 8, urea = 1 g/L, temperature = 30°C and K2HPO4 = 0.5 g/L. Under the suggested condition, a biodegradation efficiency of 100% was achieved. Moreover, NS1 has shown growth and phenol degradation in concentrations between 250 to 2000 mg/L. In a nutshell, the results revealed thatphenol efficiently consumed by NS1 as the sole carbon source. Obviously, the isolate strain may be seen as an important tool in the bioremediation of wastewater effluent, petrochemical complex.}, keywords = {Biodegradation,Effluents,Optimiztion,Petrochemical effluent,Phenol,Rhodococcus pyridinovorans}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19480.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19480_57ecc3929ebbca5af4088e581fb79126.pdf} } @article { author = {Nasir, H.M. and Azmi, A. and Aris, A.Z. and Praveena, S.M.}, title = {Adsorption of iron by using hybrid Akar Putra and commercialized chicken eggshells as bio-sorbents from aqueous solution}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {257-264}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.005}, abstract = {Heavy metal contamination in the environment could cause harmful effects both to human health and aquatic life. Numerous remediation methods had been developed to encounter with the contamination problem prior to degrade, decrease and to purify the contaminated water at minimal concentration as low as possible. Therefore, in current study, commercialized chicken eggshells and hybrid Akar Putra chicken eggshells were conducted in batch experiment to testify the capabilities of bio-sorbent materials in iron (II) ion removal from aqueous solution at optimized level of dosage and equilibrium contact time. The optimum condition for iron (II) removal for commercialized chicken eggshells and hybrid Akar Putra chicken eggshells bio-sorbents reached at 0.30 g with optimum contact time of 50 minutes and 91.83% and 91.07% of removal percentage with 0.60 g at 40 minutes. The final concentration from both bio-sorbents is achieved below than drinking water guideline (0.30 mg/L), 0.1635 mg/L and 0.1785 mg/L, respectively. The isotherm adsorption results showed it fitted better in Langmuir Isotherm Model than in Freundlich Isotherm Model, however with weak bonding, which could not held onto the heavy metal ions in long time period. In brief, commercialized chicken eggshells and hybrid Akar Putra chicken eggshells have considerable potential in removing heavy metal in aqueous solution. The selection of the bio-sorbent materials is more favorable as it reduces dependency towards chemical usage in water treatment which could have complied with drinking water guideline that can be obtained easily, abundance in amount, cheap and biodegradable.}, keywords = {Adsorption,Bio-sorbent,Contact time,Dosage,Eggshell,Isotherm,Guideline}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19777.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19777_13e4e1153851040887fed7715e065502.pdf} } @article { author = {Afshar, S. and Saghafian, B. and Vosoughifar, H.R.}, title = {Source apportionment of the sediments entering dam using lithological and mineralogical studies}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {265-274}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.006}, abstract = {The present study was carried out to determine the possible origins of sediments entering Taleghan Dam in northern part of Iran, in order to avoid further sedimentation and helping in extension of the useful life of the proposed dam. This was performed by XRD analysis. To do so, first of all, sediment sampling points were positioned along the Taleghan River. The collected samples, after coding, were transferred to the laboratory for mineralogical testing. Then, the samples were exposed to X-ray diffraction analysis. The experimental results were compared with data from geology, land cover land use and slope maps in order to find the possible primary origins of deposits in the Taleghan Dam. Furthermore, the geological formations and physiographical parameter such as slope were also analyzed to test erodibility of the formations. The results showed that most sediment samples in Taleghan are of sedimentary sandstone, mainly containing the quartz and plagioclase minerals (quartz sandstone and arkose sandstone). The findings also showed that calcite and dolomite were abundant in the collected samples, while aragonite and anthracite were found to a lesser extent in the samples. Accordingly, acidic and alkaline formations, mudstone, and siltstone of Karaj area formations, the gypsum of upper red formation, particularly at places with steep slope with a dominance of rangeland land use type, are main origins of sediments in the Taleghan reservoir. In another hand, the control of sediments at these areas would substantially decrease total sediment yields of the entire basin as in the dam reservoir. }, keywords = {Erodibility,Mineralogy,Sediment,slope,Taleghan Dam,X-ray powder diffraction (XRD)}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19778.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19778_bc713a3a6d1bea790d60b12c48e85543.pdf} } @article { author = {Abhijna, U.G.}, title = {Monitoring and assessment of a eutrophicated coastal lake using multivariate approaches}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {275-288}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.007}, abstract = {Multivariate statistical techniques such as cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling and principal component analysis were applied to evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in water quality data set generated for two years (2008-2010) from six monitoring stations of Veli-Akkulam Lake and compared with a regional reference lake Vellayani of south India. Seasonal variations of 14 different physicochemical parameters analyzed were as follows: pH (6.42-7.48), water temperature (26.0-31.28°C), salinity (0.50-26.81 ppt), electrical conductivity (47-20656.31 µs/cm), dissolved oxygen (0.078-7.65 mg/L), free carbon-dioxide (3.8-51.8 mg/L), total hardness (27.20-2166.6 mg/L), total dissolved solids (84.66-4195 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1.57-25.78 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (5.35-71.14 mg/L), nitrate (0.012-0.321 µg/ml), nitrite (0.24-0.79 µg/ml), phosphate (0.04-5.88 mg/L), and sulfate (0.27-27.8 mg/L). Cluster analysis showed four clusters based on the similarity of water quality characteristics among sampling stations during three different seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). Multidimensional scaling in conjunction with cluster analysis identified four distinct groups of sites with varied water quality conditions such as upstream, transitional and downstream conditions  in Veli-Akkulam Lake and a reference condition at Vellayani Lake. Principal Component Analysis showed that Veli-Akkulam Lake was seriously deteriorated in water quality while acceptable water quality conditions were observed at reference lake Vellayani. Thus the present study could estimate the effectiveness of multivariate statistical approaches for assessing water quality conditions in lakes.}, keywords = {Cluster analysis (CA),Physicochemical parameters,Principal Component Analysis (PCA),Multidimensional scaling (MDS). Veli-Akkulam Lake,Vellayani Lake,Water quality}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19797.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19797_b99427a7a21483024a3f16be1828ebdd.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdoli, M.A. and Rezaei, M. and Hasanian, H.}, title = {Integrated solid waste management in megacities}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {289-298}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.008}, abstract = {Rapid urbanization and industrialization, population growth and economic growth in developing countries make management of municipal solid waste more complex comparing with developed countries. Furthermore, the conventional municipal solid waste management approach often is reductionists, not tailored to handle complexity. Therefore, the need to a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach regarding the municipal solid waste management problems is increasing. The concept of integrated solid waste management is accepted for this aim all over the world. This paper analyzes the current situation as well as opportunities and challenges regarding municipal solid waste management in Isfahan according to the integrated solid waste management framework in six aspects: environmental, political/legal, institutional, socio-cultural, financial/economic, technical and performance aspects. Based on the results obtained in this analysis, the main suggestions for future integrated solid waste management of Isfahan are as i) promoting financial sustainability by taking the solid waste fee and reducing the expenses through the promoting source collection of recyclable materials, ii) improving compost quality and also marketing the compost products simultaneously, iii) promoting the private sector involvements throughout the municipal solid waste management system.}, keywords = {Conceptual model,Compost,Integrated solid waste management,Isfahan,Recycle waste,Sustainability}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_18857.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_18857_8ff02e369f0d786a518d2a5fffdec380.pdf} } @article { author = {Zabihi, A. and Raazaitabari, M.R.}, title = {Decreasing emission factor of pollutants in an oil refinery by renovating the furnace design}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {299-310}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.009}, abstract = {The significant consumption of gas in the World results in the emission of greenhouse gases into atmosphere. Abadan refinery has always been the biggest and oldest oil refinery in the Middle East and has a variety of refined products. After six months of collecting data about pollutant concentration emitted from a stack of old furnaces of units 75 and new unit 200, the emission factor of the pollutant was calculated. The result showed that the emission factor of some hazardous pollutants emitted from old unit 75 was tremendously higher than that of unit 200. This study suggests the installation of a forced fan to provide the excess air and a feed temperature controlling system to control fuel gas consumption. These would make the fuel combustion complete and decrease its consumption. Meanwhile, further results showed that the renovation of unit 75 could lead to a significant annual reduction of some pollutants such as CO, H2S, and CxHx to 66 ton, 3 ton, and 800 kg, respectively; this would increase the emission rate of pollutant SO2 up to 150 ton annually. Finally, the new data of pollution coming from unit 75 were compared to pollution standard at American refineries. Results showed that the emission factor of most pollutants were below the American standard limits. However, the emission factor of sulfur dioxide emitted from upgraded furnace of unit 75 surpassed the American standard values. Fuel gas needs to be free of hydrogen sulfide in order to decrease SO2 emission in unit 75. It is predicted that the renovation of other 11 old furnaces belonging to Abadan refinery will result in significant decrease of pollutants CO, CxHx and H2S up to 320, 94 and 76 ton annually.}, keywords = {Emission factor,pollutant,combustion,furnace,refinery}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19411.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19411_28636dfcf53299f1ee2dd3248b22f50d.pdf} } @article { author = {Yousefpoor, M. and Rostamie Shahraji, T. and Eslam Bonyad, A. and Salahi, M.}, title = {Modeling human population patterns on tree density}, journal = {Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {311-318}, year = {2016}, publisher = {GJESM Publisher (Professor J. Nouri)}, issn = {2383-3572}, eissn = {2383-3866}, doi = {10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.010}, abstract = {In order to evaluate the possible correlation between the tree density and the human population density, the forested area in Nav Asalem district located in Guilan Province was selected. The descriptors of tree number and basal area per hectare as well as the stand density index were used to determine the tree density, which was conducted from a 2014 forest inventory including 62 cluster (558 plots) systematically scattered over 30 % of the forest area. In addition, to determine the density of the human population, circular buffers at intervals of 1 to 7 km from the center of each cluster was considered and population density of each layer was calculated using buffering functions. Statistical results showed that the average basal area, average number of trees and the average stand density index was 23.16 m2/ha, 243 per ha and 178.25 respectively and also different human population density in each buffer. Using Pearson correlation test indicated a significant negative correlation between the stand density index and basal area (DBH≥ 15 cm) with human population density. There was no significant relationship between the number of trees per hectare and the human population density except at 7 km. This findings support studies regarding the disturbance has strong correlative with the number of residents per unit area at up to 7 km from clusters and greater control on anthropogenic interventions should be the main priority of sustainable forestry in Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran. Due to the existence of an effective relationship between the components of the tree density and human population in the forest, policy-makers and planners of natural resources could benefit management patterns appropriate to above components to achieve sustainable management.}, keywords = {Basal area,Diameter at breast height (DBH),Hyrcanian forest,Stand density index (SDI),Tree density}, url = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19745.html}, eprint = {https://www.gjesm.net/article_19745_0f44e04f129cfb94c85aa2f09307bd73.pdf} }