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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Natural Radioactivity In Groundwater In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Paradee Kodcharin, Udorn Youngchuay, Sopa Chinwetkitvanich Sep 2018

Natural Radioactivity In Groundwater In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Paradee Kodcharin, Udorn Youngchuay, Sopa Chinwetkitvanich

Applied Environmental Research

This research aims to study the specific activity of natural radioactivity in groundwater samples taken in the area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. Totally, sixty groundwater samples collected from wells in eight districts were monitored and determined for radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K and gross alpha and beta were determined using high resolution gamma spectrometer and Canberra Tennelec Series 5 gas flow proportional counter, respectively. Most of the sixty wells serve for water consumption and some other wells for agricultural. The results showed that the average activity concentrations of the gross alpha and beta were 0.01±0.007 and 0.15±0.02 …


Contribution Of Root Respiration To Soil Respiration During Rainy Season In Dry Dipterocarp Forest, Northern Thailand, Punlop Intanil, Anusorn Boonpoke, Montri Sanwangsri, Phongthep Hanpattanakit Sep 2018

Contribution Of Root Respiration To Soil Respiration During Rainy Season In Dry Dipterocarp Forest, Northern Thailand, Punlop Intanil, Anusorn Boonpoke, Montri Sanwangsri, Phongthep Hanpattanakit

Applied Environmental Research

Soil respiration (Rs) plays a key role in regulating the terrestrial carbon cycle. The nature of this role is determined by the different responses of root respiration (Rr) and microbial respiration (Rm) to environmental factors such as precipitation, soil moisture and temperature. Understanding these responses is fundamental to improving our predictions of climate change impacts on carbon cycling processes. In this study, the ratio of root respiration to soil respiration (Rr/Rs) was studied to improve our understanding of soil CO2emissions. The study aimed to improve our knowledge of Rr in relation to rainy season soil environmental factors in a dry …


Stakeholder Involvement In Developing Environmental Indicators For The Lam Nam Yang Part 1 Watershed In The Northeastern Thailand, Warintorn Khunanake, Art-Ong Pradatsudara, Sura Pattanakiat Sep 2018

Stakeholder Involvement In Developing Environmental Indicators For The Lam Nam Yang Part 1 Watershed In The Northeastern Thailand, Warintorn Khunanake, Art-Ong Pradatsudara, Sura Pattanakiat

Applied Environmental Research

Stakeholder involvement is recognized as critical to successful long-term watershed management.Approaches to developing sustainable watershed management plans are based upon selection and weighting of a set of relevant indicators on which the watershed's sustainability and health can be measured. This study aimed to identify key environmental issues affecting the Lam Nam Yang Part 1 watershed in Thailand, and to work with stakeholders to develop a set of environmental indicators to support sustainable watershed management. The study used a community survey and key informant interviews to obtain stakeholder inputs into the process. Applying the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, key environmental issues were …


Development Of Work-Rest Model For Reducing Fatigue In A Long Distance Among Chemical Truck Drivers: Case Study In An Industrial Gas, Sujee Phatrabuddha, Thitima Wonginta, Nantaporn Phatrabuddha Sep 2018

Development Of Work-Rest Model For Reducing Fatigue In A Long Distance Among Chemical Truck Drivers: Case Study In An Industrial Gas, Sujee Phatrabuddha, Thitima Wonginta, Nantaporn Phatrabuddha

Applied Environmental Research

This study examined the impact of rest breaks on driver fatigue. The study developed and tested a work-rest model to reduce fatigue for chemical truck drivers, following International Labor Organization (ILO) guidelines. The model was tested on a small sample of workers driving from a gas filling plant in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province to Muang District, Samut Sakorn Province. To test the model, data on driver fatigue was assessed using an interview questionnaire and a flicker fusion instrument, and the Z-test was used to compare fatigue among three work-rest patterns. The results showed 24% of working time (173 min) for …


Seasonal And Annual Trends Of Rainfall And Streamflow In The Mae Klong Basin, Thailand, Alamgir Khalil, Areeya Rittima, Yutthana Phankamolsil Sep 2018

Seasonal And Annual Trends Of Rainfall And Streamflow In The Mae Klong Basin, Thailand, Alamgir Khalil, Areeya Rittima, Yutthana Phankamolsil

Applied Environmental Research

This study examined seasonal and annual trends of rainfall and streamflow data in the Mae Klong Basin, Thailand. Monthly data of eight key rainfall stations and ten streamflow stations were analyzed to detect trends using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test, whilst the magni-tude of the trends was determined by Sen's slope method for the period 2000-2015. For 75% ofthe analyzed stations,rainfall was found to increase in the wet season and decrease in the dry season. Station 130013 situated in the lower region showed a statistically significant increasing trend with a trend slope of 16.02 mma-1in the wet season, while station 130042-also …


Pm10 And Pm2.5 From Haze Smog And Visibility Effect In Chiang Mai Province Thailand, Thitaporn Jeensorn, Pornphan Apichartwiwat, Wanida Jinsart Sep 2018

Pm10 And Pm2.5 From Haze Smog And Visibility Effect In Chiang Mai Province Thailand, Thitaporn Jeensorn, Pornphan Apichartwiwat, Wanida Jinsart

Applied Environmental Research

Air pollution from haze smog in Chiang Mai Thailand has become a serious problem, with fine particulate matter (FPM), PM10and PM2.5, as the main culprits. These pollutants haveserious effects on health and affect visibility in transportation and tourism. In this study, reduction in visibility was monitored using a digital camera, video records and aerial photography. Visibility in Chiang Mai was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Visibility was directly measured by GPS and Google Earth mapping. Visibility reduction from haze events was also compared by image analysis in Deciview units. Fine particulate matter concentrations and frequency of fires in Chiang …


Stakeholders' Perspectives Of Design Options For A Rooftop Solar Pv Self-Consumption Scheme In Thailand, Kespanerai Kokchang, Sopitsuda Tongsopit, Siripha Junlakarn, Wichsinee Wibulpolprasert, Morrakot Tossabanyad Sep 2018

Stakeholders' Perspectives Of Design Options For A Rooftop Solar Pv Self-Consumption Scheme In Thailand, Kespanerai Kokchang, Sopitsuda Tongsopit, Siripha Junlakarn, Wichsinee Wibulpolprasert, Morrakot Tossabanyad

Applied Environmental Research

Adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems has been accelerating around the world, contributing to the debate about the future of policy and regulation in a high distributed energy resources future. As one of the leaders in solar investment in Southeast Asia, Thailand has recently shifted its policy framework for the support of small scale, distributed solar PV systems from subsidizing power export through feed-in tariff toward a policy that is focused on self-consumption. This paper investigates stakeholder perspectives of the detailed design options for self-consumption schemes for supporting rooftop solar PV installations. The research methodology employed questionnaires and …


Swot Analysis For Preliminary Study Of Municipal Waste Management Toward A Zero Waste Highland Community In Northern Thailand, Nittaya Pasukphun, Anuttara Hongtong, Vivat Keawdunglek, Yanasinee Suma, Pussadee Laor, Tawatchai Apidechkul Sep 2018

Swot Analysis For Preliminary Study Of Municipal Waste Management Toward A Zero Waste Highland Community In Northern Thailand, Nittaya Pasukphun, Anuttara Hongtong, Vivat Keawdunglek, Yanasinee Suma, Pussadee Laor, Tawatchai Apidechkul

Applied Environmental Research

This research aims to investigate the situation of municipal waste management in the highlands of Chiang Rai, Thailand in order to formulate a preliminary strategic action plan for efficient management of municipal solid waste. In-depth interviews, questionnaires and discussions between government officers and community residents were conducted, in addition to analysis of the composition of solid waste in the municipality. SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of current municipal waste management was performed and considered together with the assessment indicators of zero waste management: geo-administrative, socio-cultural, management, environment, economic, organization and governance and policy, in order to identify key …


Understanding The Weathering Process Of Antimony Minerals: Case Study Sb-Mine Sulzburg, Black Forest, Germany, Sakonvan Chawchai, Raphael Bissen May 2018

Understanding The Weathering Process Of Antimony Minerals: Case Study Sb-Mine Sulzburg, Black Forest, Germany, Sakonvan Chawchai, Raphael Bissen

Applied Environmental Research

Concerns about heavy metal and metalloid contamination from mine dumps is one of the most intensively discussed issues in society, politics, and academia, because of the levels of pollution, and its toxic properties. During the Middle Ages the Black Forest was one of the most successful mining areas in Southwestern Germany. Historical records show that Sulzburg was a mining town in the Black Forest since the 10th century, but was abandoned in the 19th century. Nowadays this town is considered as an important recreation area in the country. Therefore, soil and water quality and any contamination are of great concern. …


Nutrient Removal Performance On Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plants (Full Scale System) Between Tropical Humid And Cold Climates, Pongsak Noophan, Rawiwan Rodpho, Pimook Sonmee, Martha Hahn, Suthep Sirivitayaphakorn May 2018

Nutrient Removal Performance On Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plants (Full Scale System) Between Tropical Humid And Cold Climates, Pongsak Noophan, Rawiwan Rodpho, Pimook Sonmee, Martha Hahn, Suthep Sirivitayaphakorn

Applied Environmental Research

Two full scale systems of oxidation ditches for domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were used as study sites: Phuket Province, southern Thailand (representative of tropical humid climates) and Plum Creek, Castle Rock, Colorado, USA (representative of cold climates). The treatment systems at both sites were designed for biological nutrient removal (BNR) fromextended activated sludge. Nitrogen is removed by nitrification-denitrification processes. The solid retention time (SRT) for both treatment plants was = 10 das recommended by theory for complete nitrification in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants. Influents and effluents from these sites were compared in respect to flow rate, biochemical oxygen …


Estimation Of Leachate Generated From Zimbabwe's Municipal Solid Wastes (Msw) Landfills Using A Simple Stochastic Water Balance Model, Andile B. Maqhuzu, Kunio Yoshikawa, Fumitake Takahashi May 2018

Estimation Of Leachate Generated From Zimbabwe's Municipal Solid Wastes (Msw) Landfills Using A Simple Stochastic Water Balance Model, Andile B. Maqhuzu, Kunio Yoshikawa, Fumitake Takahashi

Applied Environmental Research

Landfilling remains the predominant component in the waste management hierarchy of most developing nations. The adoption of emerging waste management technologies and the use of recycling or composting is still in its infancy. Among several inadequacies of current waste management practices in Zimbabwe is the absence of sanitary disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills. As a result, the leachate generation rate and leachate characteristics are not routinely monitored. Such information is essential when assessing the impact of leachate on ground and surface water or a facility to which the leachate can be conveyed. Indiscriminate disposal of MSW at …


Effect Of Acid-Alkaline And Thermal Pre-Treatment To Cassava Pulp Feed For Batch Reactors In Optimization Of Bio-Methane Yield, Htay A. Pyae, Nittaya Boontian, Usa Yingchon, Chatlada Piasai May 2018

Effect Of Acid-Alkaline And Thermal Pre-Treatment To Cassava Pulp Feed For Batch Reactors In Optimization Of Bio-Methane Yield, Htay A. Pyae, Nittaya Boontian, Usa Yingchon, Chatlada Piasai

Applied Environmental Research

Cassava starch mills in Nakhon Ratchasimaprovince operate biogas plants to generate renewable energy from surplus cassava pulp using anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies. However, the biogas yields fluctuate and digestion failure occurs due to suboptimal digester configuration and lack of understanding of the specific properties of cassava pulp substrate. This study used acid-alkaline and thermal pre-treatment to modify the cassava pulp substrate to enhance biogas yields. Concentrated 36N sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and 20M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was chosen as an acid-alkaline pre-treatment to adjust to the required pH for the substrates, and 45 minat 200 °C for the thermal pre-treatment. Extreme …


Risk Management Of Lead And Arsenic Poisoning In Children Through Public Participation In Communities Near Abandoned Tin Mine, Southern Thailand, Anchalee Pongkaset, Banchong Witthayawirasak May 2018

Risk Management Of Lead And Arsenic Poisoning In Children Through Public Participation In Communities Near Abandoned Tin Mine, Southern Thailand, Anchalee Pongkaset, Banchong Witthayawirasak

Applied Environmental Research

Tamtalu Subdistrict, Bannangsta District in Yala Province, southern Thailand was the site of an abandoned tin mine, and was contaminated by lead and arsenic from the mine tailings. As children are a high risk group from these highly toxic contaminants, this study aimed to identify approaches to reduce children's exposure in the area. The study was conducted through participatory action research (PAR) to empower the community strengthen sustainable risk management. The participants were local public health officials, public health volunteers, parents of local children and local community leaders. The participants were engaged in activities relating to risk communication, training on …


Quantification Of Environmental Flow Requirement Of The Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam Using Hydrological-Hydraulic-Habitat Simulation Methods, Penpicha Nakvachara, Areeya Rittima, Yutthana Talaluxmana May 2018

Quantification Of Environmental Flow Requirement Of The Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam Using Hydrological-Hydraulic-Habitat Simulation Methods, Penpicha Nakvachara, Areeya Rittima, Yutthana Talaluxmana

Applied Environmental Research

With increased water demand, reservoir operation has become more complex with the need to quantify the exact amount of water needed for each demand sector. The environmental flow requirement, also known as instream flow is regarded as the first-prioritized objective of the multipurpose water resources projects in Thailand. The capability of reservoirs in Thailand to allocate water for environmental needs depends on available supply, strategies and operating policy. Therefore, this study aims to assess the environmental flow requirements of Khun Dan PrakanChon Dam using three methods; 1) the hydrological method (Tennant, Tessmann, 7Q10, FDC, and VMF), 2) hydraulic method (R2CROSS …


Cladophora Sp. Biosorption Of Metal-Contaminated Water, Rosamond R.M.S. Tshumah-Mutingwende, Fumitake Takahashi, Ewa Cukrowska, Julien Lusilao-Makiese May 2018

Cladophora Sp. Biosorption Of Metal-Contaminated Water, Rosamond R.M.S. Tshumah-Mutingwende, Fumitake Takahashi, Ewa Cukrowska, Julien Lusilao-Makiese

Applied Environmental Research

Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities employing the mercury amal-gamationtechnique have resulted in a significant drop in the quality of water from Ngwabalozi River, Zimbabwe. Mercury levels as high as 0.31 mg L-1have been reported in its waters and the low river pH (pH 3) favors proliferation of microorganisms responsible for methylmercury (a potent neurotoxin) formation. Thus, removal of mercury from contaminated systems is a priority. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a low-cost batch reactor for the removal of mercury from mercury contaminated acidic waters tomeet the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 0.006 mg …


The Effect Of Steam And Glycerol Pretreatment On Chemical Contents Of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (Efb), Ornjira Choopakar, Chongchin Polprasert, Panagiotis Elefsiniotis, Supawadee Polprasert May 2018

The Effect Of Steam And Glycerol Pretreatment On Chemical Contents Of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (Efb), Ornjira Choopakar, Chongchin Polprasert, Panagiotis Elefsiniotis, Supawadee Polprasert

Applied Environmental Research

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of the type of solvent, pH, substrate loading, and reaction time on the chemical components of palm empty fruit bunches (EFB). Steam pretreatment was set up at a temperature of 121 °C and pressure of 1.18 bar, using an autoclave with substrate loading of 5, 10, 15 and 20 % w/v at reaction times of 15 and 60 min. Distilled water, waste glycerol, alkaline glycerol and acidic glycerol were compared as solvents during steam pretreatment. The results showed that with distilled water, better pretreatment was achieved at 5 % and 10 % loading …


The Use Of Dredged Sediment From The Watsongpeenong Canal With Paper Mill Residue To Produce Facing Bricks, Jiraporn Namchan, Nuta Supakata Jan 2018

The Use Of Dredged Sediment From The Watsongpeenong Canal With Paper Mill Residue To Produce Facing Bricks, Jiraporn Namchan, Nuta Supakata

Applied Environmental Research

The potential to use dredged sediment from the Watsongpeenong Canal and paper mill residue as the primary raw materials for producing facing bricks was studied in the laboratory. Dredged sediment and paper mill residue were chemically, mineralogically, and thermally characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). To evaluate the effects of the contents of the paper mill residue on pore-forming, large amounts of paper mill residue, ranging from 5 to 7 % by mass, were blended with dredged sediments and fired at 700oC. The physical-mechanical properties, including dimensions and tolerances, wryness, deviation of the right angle, water absorption, …


Assessment Of The Sustainability Of Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana, Moses K. Aryee, Nathsuda Pumijumnong, Paramita Punwong, Raywadee Roachanakanan Jan 2018

Assessment Of The Sustainability Of Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana, Moses K. Aryee, Nathsuda Pumijumnong, Paramita Punwong, Raywadee Roachanakanan

Applied Environmental Research

Cities have become integral in the quest to achieving universal sustainable development. For example, the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals called for cities and human settlements to be inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (Goal 11). This was in line with the 2012 National Urban Policy of Ghana which seeks to promote a sustainable, spatially integrated and orderly development of urban settlements with adequate housing, infra-structure and services, efficient institutions, and a sound living and working environment for all people to support the rapid socioeconomic development of Ghana. Six years into the imple-mentation of …


Flash Flood Risk Estimation Of Wadi Qena Watershed, Egypt Using Gis Based Morphometric Analysis, Wael M. Elsadek, Mona G. Ibrahim, Wael E. Mahmod Jan 2018

Flash Flood Risk Estimation Of Wadi Qena Watershed, Egypt Using Gis Based Morphometric Analysis, Wael M. Elsadek, Mona G. Ibrahim, Wael E. Mahmod

Applied Environmental Research

Flash flooding is one of the periodic geohazards in the eastern desert of Egypt where many parts of Upper Egypt, Sinai, and Red Sea areas were hit by severe flash floods, for example in 1976, 1982, 1996 and January 2010. The hazard degree for each sub-basin was determined using the approach developed by El-Shamy for assessing susceptibility of sub-basins to flash flooding risk. To identify at-risk sub-basins, two different methods were applied. The first method is based on the relationship between the drainage density and bifurcation ratio, and the second one uses the relationship between drainage frequency and bifurcation ratio. …


Investigating Reef Contact Rates Of Snorkel Visitors At Koh Sak, Pattaya On Guided And Non-Guided Coral Reef Tours, Wayne Phillips Jan 2018

Investigating Reef Contact Rates Of Snorkel Visitors At Koh Sak, Pattaya On Guided And Non-Guided Coral Reef Tours, Wayne Phillips

Applied Environmental Research

Recreational snorkelling is a popular activity at Koh Sak, Pattaya Bay and although most snorkel visitors to the island arrive by speedboat on guided tours, many visitors arrive on tours that do not provide a guide. Because there is widespread agreement that reef-based tourism negatively impacts coral reefs it is important to understand the potential role guides play in reducing visitor impacts. In this study 421 snorkelers (35 % of whom came on non-guided tours) were observed on the reef for a period of 10 minutes. The following information was recorded so that a per person reef-contact rate could be …


Morphometric Temporal Change Analysis For The River Nile Forced Bends Using Rs/Gis Techniques: Case Study Of Damietta Branch Of The Nile River, Egypt, Reham A.B. Aborahma, Wael E. Mahmod, Hassan E.B. Fath Jan 2018

Morphometric Temporal Change Analysis For The River Nile Forced Bends Using Rs/Gis Techniques: Case Study Of Damietta Branch Of The Nile River, Egypt, Reham A.B. Aborahma, Wael E. Mahmod, Hassan E.B. Fath

Applied Environmental Research

The River Nile is one of the world's longest rivers. The Damietta branch in Egypt is important as a major source of irrigation and navigation path from Cairo to the Mediterranean Sea. Morphological changes in this branch of the Nile occurred following construction of the Aswan High Dam, which affected sedimentation and erosive flow, especially at bends in the river. In this study, morphometric temporal changes were investigated for the forced bends using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques for a study period between 1987 and 2015. In addition, a comparative study was performed among three image …


An Assessment Of Climate Variability On Farmers' Livelihoods Vulnerability In Ayeyarwady Delta Of Myanmar, Naw M. Lar, Nathsuda Pumijumnong, Raywadee Roachanakanan, Noppol Arunrat, Soe Tint Jan 2018

An Assessment Of Climate Variability On Farmers' Livelihoods Vulnerability In Ayeyarwady Delta Of Myanmar, Naw M. Lar, Nathsuda Pumijumnong, Raywadee Roachanakanan, Noppol Arunrat, Soe Tint

Applied Environmental Research

This study assesses the vulnerability of farm households in the Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. Fifty-nine farm households were purposively sampled to conduct a questionnaire survey, and secondary data were collected in 2016. In order to assess variability in household vulnerability, the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), based on five types of 'capital' as identified in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, was adopted and modified according to the local context. Vulnerability scores ranged from 0 (low vulnerability) to 1 (highly vulnerable), with an average LVI of 0.442, indicating moderate overall vulnerability across the study area. Regarding the five types of 'capital', households were most …


Evaluation Of Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Municipal Solid Waste (Msw) Management: Case Study Of Lampang Municipality, Thailand, Pantitcha Outapa, Veerapas Na Roi-Et Jan 2018

Evaluation Of Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Municipal Solid Waste (Msw) Management: Case Study Of Lampang Municipality, Thailand, Pantitcha Outapa, Veerapas Na Roi-Et

Applied Environmental Research

The issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) is important in the context of climate change. Reduction of GHGs from waste disposal systems is one of the management strategies forming part of Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Plan. This project evaluated emissions from a municipal solid waste system covering transportation and disposal in Lampang Municipality, northern Thailand. GHG emissions from transportation were estimated by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) based on the travel distance of the vehicles, using a vehicle emission model and vehicle fuel consumption. GHG emissions during the disposal process were …


Seasonal And Land Use Effects On Amphibian Abundance And Species Richness In The Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand, Matthew Crane, Colin Strine, Pongthep Suwanwaree Jan 2018

Seasonal And Land Use Effects On Amphibian Abundance And Species Richness In The Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand, Matthew Crane, Colin Strine, Pongthep Suwanwaree

Applied Environmental Research

Habitat destruction and degradation in the tropics have led to a dramatic increase in altered habitats. Understanding the impacts of these disturbed areas on biodiversity will be critical to future conservation efforts. Despite heavy deforestation, Southeast Asia is underrepresented in studies investigating faunal communities in human-modified landscapes. This project assessed the herpetofaunal community in dry dipterocarp forest, secondary disturbed forest, and Eucalyptus plantations in the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve. In May, June, and September of 2015, we surveyed using 10 passive trapping arrays. Both the Eucalyptus plantations and secondary disturbed forest habitats (224 and 141 individuals, respectively) had higher amphibian abundance …