Digital Commons Network^™

Enzyme Activity And Biodegradation Potentials Of Serratia Marcescens Cell-Free Extract On Polyethylene Terephthalate Sheet, Ogunjemite Oluwadamilola E, Folasade M. Olajuyigbe

Applied Environmental Research

Microbial strains with potential hydrolytic enzymes are excellent hosts for the biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, knowledge of the best working conditions for enzymatic actions is essential to suggest the most suitable condition for the bio-transformation process. In this research, PETase and lipase produced by Serratia marcescens under PET exposure were screened and their physicochemical properties were evaluated. Furthermore, the biodegradation efficiency of the cell-free extract produced from S. marcescens on a PET sheet was studied via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). The result showed maximum production of PETase activity (8.80 U mL-1) and …

Effective Microorganisms (Em) As Bioremediation Agent Of Profenofos Pesticide Residue In Vegetable Farm Soil From Benguet Province, Philippines, Maylowen P. Lumayna, Paulina A. Bawingan

Applied Environmental Research

Effective microorganisms (EM) have shown remarkable adaptability and have been used in agriculture and environmental management. This study intended to provide insights into the effectiveness of EM technology in rehabilitating soils contaminated with pesticides. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the efficiency of EM in breaking down the profenofos component of Selecron® 500 EC pesticide in a controlled condition. Results show that the initial profenofos (17.2 mg kg-1) degraded in the control and experimental groups by 94.19% and 96.45%, respectively, over a 21-day laboratory experiment. EM-treated soil samples showed a significant difference from untreated samples, as revealed in the Kruskal-Wallis …

Microplastic Contamination In Table Salt: A Study Of Consumer Behavior In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Sk Abid Md Saad, Faijunnesa Rashid, Maisha Miskat, Mukul Chandra Sarker, Arman Khan, Mustafizur Rahman

Applied Environmental Research

Plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of bigger plastics may be introduced directly as micro- and nano-sized particles polluting the marine ecosystem, including ocean-extracted table salt. This study investigated the presence of microplastic (MP)-like particles in table salt from Bangladesh, focusing on both locally refined and commercially branded varieties. Local salt samples from Sadar and Moheshkhali Sub-district of Cox’s Bazar contained an average of 23.4 and 12 particles kg-1, respectively. In contrast, no particles were detected in commercial brands, likely due to their complex refining processes. The study also explored factors influencing local salt consumption, finding it influenced by the …

Global Perspectives On Healthcare Waste Management And Bibliographic Mapping During The Crises Of Covid-19, Vasudeo Zambare, Bhushan Bhusare, Lew Christopher, Mohanadoss Ponraj, Nabin Narayan Munankarmi, Mohd Fadhil Md. Din

Applied Environmental Research

The lack of proper waste management of health care facilities can have a significant negative health impact on the global population. This study provides a critical view on the current state of the existing healthcare waste management practices used in healthcare facilities around the world during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak. The increasing amount of COVID-related healthcare waste was analyzed and classified to provide justification for the urgent need to develop waste management standards that ensure safe containment and diversion of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes through recycling, reuse and repurposing. The waste handling, treatment, and disposal management of …

Assessment Of Total Petroleum Carbon And Heavy Metals Of Some Selected Plants Grown In Crude Oil Polluted Soils Using Gc-Fid, Pius O. Adah, Ndem E. Edu, Reagan B. Agbor, Henry B. Kogbara

Applied Environmental Research

This study was focused on assessing the phytoremediation potentials of some selected plant species on crude oil contaminated soils. Five plant species were cultivated in soils polluted with crude oil at 10, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg-1. The results revealed that there were significant reduction in THC contents of soil ameliorated with the various plants species compared to the control group increases with increasing concentration of crude oil pollutant in soil. THC was 62.24 mg kg-1, 1,120 mg kg-1, 208.67 mg kg-1, 257.87 mg kg-1 and 2,762.79 mg kg-1 for R. simplex, P. balfouriana, K. pinnata …

Food Waste From Catering Services In Thai Hotels: A Composition Analysis And Practical Guidelines For Effective Utilization, Patranit Srijuntrapun, Patinya Sukwong

Applied Environmental Research

Food waste from the hotel sector is a significant contributor to the overall volume of food waste, particularly in restaurants and food services through various processes. However, precise data on food waste generated by the hotel industry is lacking. This study aims to quantify and characterize the food waste generated during the preparation and serving processes in hotel catering, with the goal of finding efficient solutions to reduce food waste that are appropriate for the hotel and catering sectors. The study presents novel findings that among the different types of catering, dinner-style buffets (DB) generate the highest amount of food …

Determinants Of Physicochemical Composition Of Palm Oil Mill Effluent - Implications On Environment And Bio-Digester Treatment Design, E.B. Tambe, A.U. Okonkwo, I.E. Mbuka-Nwosu, C.O. Cookey, E. Agbe, S.C. Onwusa, I.N. Ekpe, U.F. Evuen, J. Okpoghono

Applied Environmental Research

Growing need for renewable energy and addressing challenges associated with indiscriminate wastes disposal has necessitated harnessing wastes to wealth. The study investigated parameters determining the physicochemical composition of palm oil mill effluent (POME) generated at Agricultural Development Authority Palm (ADAPALM) and palm oil mills in its catchment communities, located at Ohaji/ Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria and their implications on environmental health and treatment approaches required. Survey research design was used. From a randomly sampled small-scaled mill in each community, and for the lone medium and large-scaled mills, four homogenous samples of POME were collected from sampled …

Typhoon Damage Assessment Of Natural And Planted Mangroves In Bais Bay, Negros Oriental, Philippines, Myron Gavriel F. Baring, Pablina L. Cadiz

Applied Environmental Research

Category 5 Typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai, devastated the Central Philippines in December 2021, causing immense damage to the country’s infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems. Coastal vegetative ecosystems, which include mangroves, are exposed to strong wind and wave energy during extreme weather events. Considering their importance in providing a myriad of ecosystem services to coastal communities, the post-typhoon assessment of mangroves will serve as a guide to future rehabilitation efforts.  On August 13 and 14, 2024, 8 months after Typhoon Odette, the community structure characteristics (species composition, stem density, basal area, and regeneration potential) and damage severity of planted and …

Addressing The Consumer Food Waste Crisis: A Decade Of Psychological Interventions, Pei ๋Jun Woo, Yohanna Veshanya, Lai Ti Gew

Applied Environmental Research

Food waste has become an increasing global crisis, especially in the last few years. Researchers and policymakers have attempted to work towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations. While much research has been conducted, we are still far from achieving the SDG by 2030. Many interventions have been studied, but each outcome varies. Thus, this review summarizes 30 psychological-based interventions between 2010 to 2022, retrieved via the Scopus database. It is found that each method of intervention works differently based on each type of food waste. Institutional food waste appears to be the most common …

Removal Of Chromium From Aqueous System Using Nanocellulose Prepared From Defoliated Terminalia Catappa Leaves, Lopamudra Digal, Jayashree Mohanty

Applied Environmental Research

Nanocellulose is considered as a sustainable and renewable nanomaterial due to its abundant availability, biodegradability and biocompatibility characteristics. The study demonstrates the synthesis of nanocellulose from defoliated leaves of the Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa) plant, abundantly available residual plant biomass and its subsequent use in eliminating Cr(VI) from the water system. The study demonstrates the preparation of nanocellulose by chemical means, employing NaOH and H2SO4 as chemical agents. Characterization techniques like FTIR, SEM, and XRD were used to study the chemical composition and morphology of the resulting nanocellulose. The characterization studies confirm the formation of nanocellulose from the plant biomass. …

Fenton And Photo-Fenton For Treatment Of Red Water Containing Trinitrotoluene: A Comparative Study, Nguyen Trung Dung, Le Thanh Dat, Hoang Thi Tue Minh, Nguyen Phuong Thao, Nguyen Thi Thuy, Nguyen Thi Cam Tien, Nguyen Nhat Huy

Applied Environmental Research

Wastewater originating from the production of TNT explosives (red water) contains special hazardous substances that must be treated before discharging into the water environment. In this study, we applied both conventional Fenton and photo-Fenton (UV-Fenton) processes to treat COD and color in red water. In the Fenton process, the COD and color removal efficiencies were 75.5 and 92.4%, respectively, under optimal operating conditions of pH = 3, [Fe2+] = 0.3 g L-1, H2O2/Fe(Ⅱ) ratio = 10:1, reaction time = 120 min. In the UV-Fenton process, the efficiencies were 76.1 and 94.2%, respectively, under optimal operating conditions of pH = 3, …

Theoretical Approaches To Food Waste Behaviours: An Overview, Dane Chia, Chin Choo Yap, Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua, Lai Ti Gew

Applied Environmental Research

Food waste around the world has emerged as a pressing issue that calls for attention and intervention. Analysing the food waste problem without understanding wasteful behaviour antecedents may oversimplify this multi-faceted issue, which will then compromise the development of interventions. This paper provides an overview of the theoretical approaches to food waste behaviour antecedents, followed by evidence-based interventions, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the Norm Activation Model (NAM), and the Social Practice Theory (SPT). These theories encompass the psychological, behavioural, societal, material, and structural factors that influence food waste practices. Our aim is to provide a holistic understanding …

Unraveling The Effects Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Plant Growth, Nutrient Content, And Heavy Metal Accumulation In The Contaminated Soil: A Meta-Analysis, Bela Putra, Anuraga Jayanegara, Irwan Susanto

Applied Environmental Research

This study evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and heavy metal accumulation on polluted land using a meta-analysis approach. Data from 33 relevant studies were selected based on inclusion criteria, specifically articles in English, observational research, and investigating the role of AMF in plant growth and productivity on polluted land. The results showed that plants inoculated with AMF experienced significant accumulation of heavy metals in roots, such as Pb (p<0.01), Ni (p<0.01), Cr (p<0.01), Mn (p<0.05), Fe (p<0.05), and As (p<0.05). The AMF significantly reduced the accumulation of heavy metals such as Cr, Ni, Fe, and Cu on the upper part of fodder forage (p<0.01). Forage growth was also enhanced due to AMF. The AMF greatly increased the fresh weight, length, and phosphorus (P) content of fodder forage roots (p<0.01). It also increased the plant's biomass, fresh weight, dry weight, height, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents (p<0.01). In conclusion, AMF is important in increasing plant growth, nutrient uptake and reducing heavy metal accumulation in forage on polluted land.

Analyzing Climate Change Status Through Evaluating Trend Of Temperature And Rainfall And Predicting Future Climate Change Status At Lake Tana Basin, Tesfaye Bayu Zeleke, Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, Solomon Adissu, Meseret Abatechanie

Applied Environmental Research

The trends of temperature and rainfall are critical indicators of climate change within a certain area. However, the existence of climate change is not locally understood in most parts of the world. This research aims to analyze the trend of temperature and rainfall in the Lake Tana Sub-basin as a means to understand the current and future status of climate change. The trends of temperature and rainfall were analyzed using the modified Mann-Kendall trend test, while the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) was used to predict future temperature and rainfall. The findings reveal that monthly temperatures show a significant …

Ball-Milled Biochar From Waste Bamboo Chopsticks: A Potential Adsorbent For Methylene Blue Removal, Nguyen Trung Hiep, Hoang Thi Thuy Hoa, Thai Phuong Vu

Applied Environmental Research

Waste bamboo chopsticks encounter limited recycling. Several treatment procedures necessitate sophisticated technologies and intricate processes that need more practicality for local-scale production, leading to substantial challenges in effectively repurposing waste from disposable bamboo chopsticks. In this research, waste bamboo chopsticks were used as raw materials for the production of ball-milled biochar (BM-WBCB). FTIR, SEM, and BET were among the numerous analytical methods used to describe the BM-WBCB. The outcomes showed that the surface was made up of hollow, porous structures. In addition, the pHpzc value of the biochar was 8.7, and it had a BET-specific surface area (273.11 m2 g-1). …

Groundwater Recharge And Surface Runoff Modeling Response To Land Use And Land Cover Dynamics In A Mae Wong Watershed Of Thailand, Banchongsak Faksomboon, Pranee Lertkaeo, Bunchongsri Phunlao

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to develop efficient management strategies and assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) on surface runoff modeling response dynamics for the long-term sustainability of watersheds. The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was used to evaluate the LULC dynamics on GRSR in the Mae Wong Watershed (MWW) of Thailand. Using Landsat images, three different LULC maps (2011, 2021, and 2031) were created using the cellular automata markov chain (CA-Markov) model, and TerrSet 2020 geospatial monitoring and modeling software. In the overall MWW, the forestland has undergone deforestation and decreased by 2.10% of …

Geochemistry Of Rare Earth Elements In Simulated Natural Waters: Experiments And Modelling Of Precipitation, Complexation, And Bioavailability., Samantha Zulian

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Rare earth elements (REEs) are an important part of modern technology and used for many applications. Mining, agriculture, improper recycling and medical applications can increase the concentration of these elements in surface waters. Metals in the environment including REEs can be found naturally but understanding the implications increase concentrations from anthropogenic inputs is important. REE mobility, persistence and toxicity is imperative to risk assessment as Canada begins to mine REE. Ultimately, as with other metals, the impacts of REEs in the environment should be dependent on the specific physical and chemical forms of the elements. Fractionation provides a practical method …

Examining Seasonality Of Zooplankton Communities And Water Quality In Yellowknife Area Lakes, Northwest Territories, Nicole Andreola

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Frame Lake, located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is one of the city's main attractions. Unfortunately, urbanization and eutrophication have led to a decline in water quality in the lake. Eutrophication has caused a buildup of organic matter in sediments on the bottom of the lake, which can cause a high oxygen demand when processed by aerobic bacteria. Dissolved oxygen levels are high during the summer, but ice shields the lake from gas exchange with the atmosphere, leading to winter anoxia. This oxygen depletion makes it impossible for sensitive aquatic life, such as fish, to survive in the lake over the …

Incorporating Effects-Based Approaches Into Environmental Impact Assessment To Improve Post-Development Monitoring, Carolyn J M Brown

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Over the last 50 years, improvements in design of industrial facilities have significantly reduced environmental impacts. But impacts still occur and monitoring programs are the main mechanism to inform when modification/implementation of mitigation is needed. Informed decisions require adequate baseline (pre-development) data to predict impacts based on the development’s design and to understand when the post-development environment has changed. An adaptive monitoring plan provides an effective way to evaluate monitoring results and allow for proactive responses to environmental change before impacts become difficult or challenging to reverse. Unfortunately, baseline data gathered during an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is often inadequate …

Mapping With The Land: Co-Developing A Cumulative Impact Monitoring And Land Stewardship Framework With Sambaa K’E First Nation, Northwest Territories, Canada, Michael S. Mcphee

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Across the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, Indigenous populations are striving to achieve effective environmental protection, whilst navigating complex methods, policies, and research relationships within co-management contexts. This thesis seeks to identify how differing cultural systems, environmental change, and fractured partnerships may be unified to align with the needs of the Sambaa K’e First Nation (SKFN), a remote Dehcho Dene community. Indigenous methodologies guided co-development of research questions with SKFN leadership which yielded objectives a) develop a GIS-based method to manage, organize and mobilize cultural and environmental data; b) develop a new stewardship monitoring procedure so that users can apply the …

Can A Phycosphere Associated Bacterium Be Used As A Biological Control For Floating Algal Mats?, Aubrey C. Patterson Holsworth

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a global water quality issue. Algae, especially cyanobacteria, are integrally associated with complex microbial assemblages, which cycle nutrients, provide microenvironments, breakdown potentially harmful molecules, etc. However, these same microbial consortia are competitors or even inhibitors to algae in these systems. One potential biological control is Rhodospirillum rubrum, a Gram- proteobacterium. To evaluate its capacity for HAB mitigation, experimental mesocosms were inoculated with a native assortment of algae and R. rubrum and grown for 2-months. Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU), Ash Free Dry Mass, and eukaryotic (23S rDNA) metabarcoding were conducted to estimate algal …

An Optimal Culture Medium For Laccase Production And Sugar Cane Vinasse Biotreatment With Trametes Villosa Using Plackett-Burman And Central Composite Designs, Rosa Elena Caballero, Víctor Jiménez, Mónica Miranda, Dalys Rovira, Guillermo Branda, Juana Ramos Chue De Pérez

Applied Environmental Research

The optimal conditions for laccase production and vinasse biotreatment with a native strain of Trametes villosa were determined by a screening-optimization approach. Eleven factors including nutrient concentration, vinasse dilution (%v/v), inoculum volume, carbon to nitrogen ratio and initial pH, were investigated for their effects on laccase activity applying the Plackett-Burman screening design. The selected factors were optimized using a central composite design, and then evaluated on a vinasse biotreatment experiment. The factors that contributed the most to the enzymatic activity were the concentrations of MgSO4∙7H2O (A), FeSO4∙7H2O (B) and CuSO4∙5H2O (C), alongside initial pH.  After 10 days, laccase activity was …

Photosynthesis-Related Parameters In Leucobryum Aduncum Moss Bags As Bioindicators Of Environmental Stress Caused By Road Traffic, Chaiwat Boonpeng, Pawanrat Butrid, Marisa Pischom, Sutatip Noikrad, Kansri Boonpragob

Applied Environmental Research

The physiological response in moss samples is often used as an early warning signal of environmental stress caused by air pollution. This study aimed to test the efficiency of photosynthesis-related parameters in Leucobryum aduncum moss bags as bioindicators of environmental stress related to road traffic. The moss samples were collected and prepared in a relatively unpolluted area and then transplanted at 7 sites in forested, rural, and urban areas. The moss samples were picked up after being exposed for 1 and 3 months for physiological measurements. The results showed that the average values of all physiological parameters were highest in …

Exploring Microplastics In Seawater And Zooplankton On The Eastern Coast Of Thailand: A Case Study In Phuket Province, Pensiri Akkajit, Sirima Yuankerd, Arsanchai Sukkuea

Applied Environmental Research

Microplastics can accumulate in the environment and be transferred to different trophic levels, making them a concern for the aquatic food chain. As far as the researcher is aware, this study is the first to analyze microplastics in seawater and zooplankton along the eastern coastline of Phuket, Thailand, emphasizing their ecological significance. Analysis of the seawater samples identified 256 microplastic particles, with an average concentration of 52.6±21.4 and 32.6±30.3 particles L-1 for 20–300 µm and >300 µm classes, respectively. Four zooplankton species—copepod, fish larvae, bivalvia larvae, and shrimp larvae—were chosen for examination. The findings indicated that microplastics can move to …

Luminescence Inhibition Of Water-Soluble Fractions Of Crude Oil, Diesel And Spent Engine Oil On Freshly Isolated Vibrio Campbellii, Beatrice Omolola Bello, Olayide Samuel Lawal, Gbenga Emmanuel Olumayede, Ogochukwu Angela Agwu, Stanley Ozoemena Agbo

Applied Environmental Research

Inhibitory effects of water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil, diesel, spent engine oil, and their composite mixture on luminescent Vibrio species isolated from a tropical marine fish were assessed to determine the acute toxicity and suitability of the bacteria. This was evaluated with a slight modification of the procedure for freshly prepared luminescent marine bacteria according to the International Organization for Standardization. Toxicity was assessed following bacterial exposure to different concentrations of the WSFs. Water quality parameters and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined using standard methods. Chemical analysis revealed cumulative loads of PAHs in the WSFs of crude …

Meteorological Conditions And Pm2.5 Impact On Covid-19 Case Fatality Ratios (Cfr) In Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Viranphat Singrakphon, Chidsanuphong Chart-Asa, Pasicha Chaikaew

Applied Environmental Research

The emergence of a novel coronavirus strain triggered a global health crisis, impacting both health and economies worldwide, including Thailand since 2019. While prior research hinted at connections between environmental factors and rising COVID-19 cases, these links remained inconclusive. This study investigated indoor and outdoor (I/O) ratios and explored potential correlations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5), meteorological conditions, and the case fatality rate (CFR%) of COVID-19 in Bangkok and its metropolitan area from January to December 2021. In Spearman’s Rank correlation analysis, the results found that CFR% exhibited a positive correlation with relative humidity (RH) (r=0.187) and a negative correlation …

Use Of Modified Blast Furnace Slag For Cadmium Removal In An Aqueous Medium, Toufik Chouchane, Mohamed Tayeb Abedghars, Sabiha Chouchane, Hazem Meradi, Atmane Boukari

Applied Environmental Research

In this work, blast furnace slag was converted to hydroxyapatite-zeolite (MS) through alkaline fusion and hydrothermal treatment, and then it was used to remove cadmium in solution by adsorption in batch mode. The process was accomplished under the influence of determining parameters, namely the contact time, mass of the adsorbent, stirring speed, pH of the medium, temperature of the solution, particle size of the slag, and initial concentration. MS consists mainly of sodium oxide, silica, alumina, lime, and phosphorus pentoxide. The Ca/P, Na/Al, and Si/Al ratios revealed that the converted slag is a hydroxyapatite-zeolite. Following the modification of the treated …

Simulated Microgravity, Indole-3-Acetyl Acid, And Cow Dung Influence On Zea Mays Plant Growth In Contaminated Soil, A. Ovenseri, A.O. Ogunkeyede, A.A. Adebayo, P. Tawari-Fufeyin, A.O. Orukpe, C. Udeochu Uche

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigated the effects of simulated microgravity, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cow dung on Zea mays L. plants growing in soil contaminated with crude oil. Crude oil contamination affects plants negatively in morphology and physiology. For simulated microgravity exposure, IAA introduced and non-IAA introduced seeds of Zea mays L. were grown in a clinostat for 4days before taken to the nursery for planting. IAA was introduced to the seed by soaking in IAA solution for 90 minutes after which it was introduced to the microgravity stimulator (clinostat). After 14 days in the nursery, the seedlings were taken to the …

Alstonia Scholaris Fruit Biomass, A Novel Adsorbent For The Removal Of Lead From Aqueous Solution, Aasif Abdullah Baba, Ajit Kumar Das, Abhik Gupta

Applied Environmental Research

The biosorption of lead (Pb) ions on Alstonia scholaris fruit biomass was investigated in batch and column experiments in an aqueous solution, emphasising the possible binding mechanism of Pb ions on the fruit biomass. The adsorption process was found to be dependent on parameters like adsorbent dose, initial Pb ion concentration, contact time, and pH. No impact was found on Pb adsorption during competitive adsorption. The results suggested that the fruit biomass could remove more than 97% of Pb ions from the aqueous solution. The Freundlich isotherm model best explained the obtained results. The monolayer adsorption capacity of the A. …

A Review On Water Security In Dhaka City, Bangladesh: Calling For Ensuring Sustainability, Wasim Akram, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat, Athit Phetrak, Suthirat Kittipongvises

Applied Environmental Research

Dhaka is currently facing a number of significant challenges, and one of them is the protection of water resources. The city is experiencing rapid depletion of groundwater as well as substantial pollution of its surface water. This article aims to highlight a review of the literature on the challenges of water security in Dhaka. The sustainability issues of water resources were elaborated in terms of management, quantity, and quality aspects. Having reviewed, it has been found that groundwater is depleting drastically over the years, which may have environmental, economic, and social consequences in the near future. Due to the rapid …