Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

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 …

Study Of Solar Collector Potential In Thailand Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach, Phongpapop Kitisomkiat, Varudom Siri, Benjapon Chalermsinsuwan, Kejvalee Pruksathorn

Applied Environmental Research

Due to the proximity of Thailand being near the equator, there is a significant potential for harnessing an excess amount of solar energy using a solar collector. The solar collector harvests solar energy by acting as a passive heat exchanger, receiving solar energy, and transferring it to a fluid medium to be further utilized. This study presents the analysis of temperature outlet and pressure drop of a solar collector in Thailand, utilizing Earth’s geological location, date, and time for solar energy calculations and employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the collector’s efficiency. The CFD approach offers a reduction in …

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. …

Monitoring Of Estrone From Hospital Wastewater And Its Removal By Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor, Nicha Karnjanamit, Chongdee Thammakhet-Buranachai, Panitan Jutaporn, Watsa Khongnakorn

Applied Environmental Research

Steroid hormones, classified as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), pose significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence and potential adverse effects. This study investigates the presence of estrone (E1) in hospital wastewater and the efficiency of E1 removal through a photocatalytic membrane reactor (PMR). Wastewater samples were collected from two hospitals with different wastewater treatment processes. The concentration of E1 was analyzed using a combination of solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The PMR experimental setup involved a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane incorporated with 1 wt% titanium dioxide (PVDF/TiO2). The PMR performance was evaluated with and …

Mapping E-Waste Distribution To Form A Circular Supply Chain – An Investigation On E-Waste Towards Circular Economy In Taiwan, Shu-Hui Hung, Kuan-Wei Tsai

Applied Environmental Research

While there has been a growing number of studies utilizing material flow analysis (MFA) to examine the flow of e-waste, there remains a lack of studies on industrial e-waste circularity in Taiwan. This study employs MFA to examine the annual generation of e-waste by Taiwanese industries, the domestic flow of this waste, the utilization of secondary materials recovered from e-waste, and the spatial distribution of e-waste and its secondary materials. The results reveal that Taiwan generates approximately 50,000 tons of e-waste per year, with waste code E-0221 and the "manufacture of other electronic parts and components" industry being the primary …

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.

Numerical Dose Assessment And Short-Term Radioactivity Impact On Foodstuff For Continuous Release From Of Triga Mark Ii Research Reactor, Ahmed Dahia, Amel Dadda, Amina Lyria Cheridi Deghal, Abdellah Bouam

Applied Environmental Research

This work is a contribution to the assessment of the radiological consequences of radioactivity and radiation dose for TRIGA Mark II research reactor during continuous operation. The potential release to the atmosphere of 131I, 137Cs, and 90Sr are computed in the South direction is calculated using CROM software. We have attempted to evaluate the daily concentration of radioactivity and its impact on foodstuff. The annual average dose received from internal and external irradiation by age group through the different pathways were also considered. The simulation results showed that the highest air concentration was found at 225 m distance from the …

Prevalence Of Microplastics In Coastal Area Of Samae San, Thailand And Its Possible Source, Siwanath Pangpunth, Sujaree Bureekul, Voranop Viyakarn

Applied Environmental Research

This research explored the abundance, morphology, and polymer composition of microplastics (MPs) in various environmental samples within the Samae San subdistrict involving surface soil nearby the dumping site, road dust soil, beach sand and sediment in the area with distinct land- based activities. Dumping site soil exhibited the highest concentration in items per kg of dry weight at 93,734.3, followed by road dust soil (573.0 ± 583.7), beach sand (99.8 ± 75.3), and sediment (83.1 ± 50.4). Morphological traits revealed similarities between transparent fiber-shaped particles in beach sands and sediment, and those in nearby road dust soil, while green sheet-shaped …

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 …

Comparative Study Of Aerosol Optical Properties Along A Megacity, Ariel F. Scagliotti, Marcela V. Reale, David H. Margarit, Nadia S. Gonzalez, Guillermo A. Jorge

Applied Environmental Research

Interest in the study and characterization of aerosols has been growing given its multiple connections with air quality and climate. However, the limited ground-based stations for measurements in many countries are not enough to completely study a big city or a region. Low-cost technology arises as a viable alternative to improve the spatial resolution of measurements. This study aims to demonstrate that the properties of aerosols may change within a megacity and that is advisable to segment measurements according to their characteristics. We measured the optical properties of aerosols in the outskirts of Buenos Aires and compared the data obtained …

Development Of Erosion Functions For Micp-Treated Beach Sand, Saeed Booshi

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the effectiveness of microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) using the recently introduced bioslurry treatment method via surface percolation. To simulate realistic water forcing conditions, a piston-style erosion rate testing apparatus, specifically the Florida Department of Transportation Sediment Erosion Rate Flume, was used. Initial tests conducted at a high shear stress of 42 Pa revealed that a combination of 15% bioslurry and 85% cementation solution exhibited the strongest erosion resistance when compared to other ratios between bioslurry and cementation solution. Subsequent experiments focused on separating the specimen into a "loose" part and a “surface crust,” with shear stresses …

Laboratory Measurements Of Wave Transmission Through Oyster-Based Low Crested Breakwaters, Michael Andrew Roster

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Pervious Oyster Shell Habitats (POSH) are novel living shoreline components that were recently developed and deployed along several shorelines in northeast Florida. POSH units are designed to provide a breakwater using only recycled eastern oyster shell and Portland cement. However, the hydrodynamic performance of these unique structures had never been tested, so it was unclear how they affected wave energy. During this study, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted to compare wave attenuation from POSH units to wave attenuation from geometrically similar and commercially available Reef Balls^TM (specifically, the OysterBreak series of units). Experiments included a range of …

Spatial Equity In Accessing Critical Facilities During Hurricanes, Pooya Komeilian

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Florida encounters multiple natural disasters every year, making evacuation a critical mitigation plan when severe impacts are predicted. Evacuation is a complex procedure that involves everything from household decision-making to large-scale traffic network analysis. It also addresses logistical issues, such as transporting impacted people to shelters or medical centers. Access to shelters, gas stations, and lodgings is of utmost importance, as numerous studies and surveys have shown that some people prefer not to evacuate, even if they perceive the disaster risk to be very high.

Based on this, the present study follows two phases to address gaps in evacuation studies. …

Enhancing Comfort And Sustainability: Analyzing The Impact Of Natural Ventilation And Eco-Friendly Materials On Indoor Temperature Reduction, Hyo Won Lee

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As the world grapples with issues such as increasing energy consumption, climate change, and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable solutions is becoming more and more urgent. In this context, passive cooling has emerged as one of the promising approaches to achieve energy efficiency in various sectors. This research study the basic concept of passive cooling to new buildings to identify synergies in energy savings when reducing temperature inside buildings and applying eco-friendly materials, and to explore potential benefits for promoting sustainable development. By analyzing existing research, case studies, and technological advancements, this study seeks to highlight the feasibility and …

Factors Influencing Household Travel Behavior And Trip Distances In Florida: A Rural Vs. Urban Perspective, Kadeem Lafargue

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates disparities in travel behaviors between rural and urban populations in the United States, with a specific focus on Florida. Leveraging data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), the study examines demographic factors such as age, income, and household size, and their influence on travel patterns. By employing statistical methods including Poisson and negative binomial regression models, the research explores two key variables: the frequency of trips made per day and the average trip distance in miles. These models are particularly effective in handling overdispersion in count data, ensuring a robust analysis of travel behaviors across …

Analysis Of Shoreline Erosion At Cumberland Island Using Advanced Circulation (Adcirc) Modeling, Christopher Harrigan

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates shoreline erosion at Brickhill Bluff along the Brickhill River in Cumberland Island National Seashore using ADCIRC. Two scenarios were modeled during this research: bed stresses during regular tidal cycles and bed stresses during worst-case storm (i.e., hurricane) conditions. Velocities from these models were used to compute bed shear stresses and these stresses were compared to site’s sediment critical shear stress. Results appear to show that a meander in the Brickhill River causes relatively high (i.e., on the order of 0.27 ��/��² ) shear stresses during regular tidal cycles and even higher (i.e., on the order of …

Fundamentals Of Sustainability, Eva Maleviti

Publications

Fundamentals of Sustainable Aviation is the frst textbook to survey the critical feld of sustainability within the aviation industry. Taking a systems thinking approach, it presents the foundational principles of sustainability and methodically applies them to diferent aviation sectors. Opening with the basics of sustainability, emphasising the Sustainable Development Goals, the book then considers the environmental, economic and social dimensions of aviation. The following chapters apply these insights to aviation design, supply chains, operations, maintenance and facilities. The fnal chapter examines the concept of resilience in sustainable aviation. Overall, the textbook shows how future sustainability can be achieved by making …

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 …

Effects Of Covid-19 Policy On Air Quality In Lagos State, Nigeria, Chika Floyd Amaechi, Alex Enuneku, Ugochinyere Stephanie Amadi, Akus Kingsley Okoduwa

Applied Environmental Research

The decrease in air quality has been a major concern in the world for decades, and it has continued to worsen with toxic gases accumulating at exponential rates. The atmosphere has been heavily polluted as a result of anthropogenic activities, and these activities were greatly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic when a lockdown policy was imposed. The study area, Lagos, is the state in Nigeria with the highest population count, making it most susceptible to the spread of the coronavirus and, as such, having the strictest policy regulations. This study seeks to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown policy …

Re–Operating The Bhumibol And Sirikit Dams Using Hybrid Neuro–Fuzzy Technique To Solve The Water Scarcity And Flooding Problems In The Chao Phraya River Basin, Khin Muyar Kyaw, Areeya Rittima, Yutthana Phankamolsil, Allan Sriratana Tabucanon, Wudhichart Sawangphol, Jidapa Kraisangka, Yutthana Talaluxmana, Varawoot Vudhivanich

Applied Environmental Research

The decision support system to reservoir re–operation using Artificial Intelligence has been broadly studied and proven in term of the operational performances for both single and multiple reservoir system, this study applied Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) technique for reservoir re–operation in Chao Phraya River Basin aiming to reduce water scarcity and flooding problems in the central region of Thailand. ANFIS is an integrated approach in which neural networks are utilized to enhance the fuzzy inference system and create fuzzy “IF–Then” reservoir operational guidelines with proper membership functions for reservoir re–operation. In this study, ANFIS operating rules were trained …