Challenges and Prospects of Solid Waste Management in Ghana
Thomas Samwine,
Peng Wu,
Lezhong Xu,
Yaoliang Shen,
Emmanuel Appiah,
Wang Yaoqi
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, August 2017
Pages:
96-102
Received:
25 April 2017
Accepted:
16 May 2017
Published:
6 July 2017
Abstract: Urbanization is on the rise in Africa and this trend is expected to continue in the future. Of concern is that the infrastructure and land use planning including for waste management is not coping with the growth of urban areas (around 3.5% annually, highest in the world). This is particularly urgent in the slum areas which constitute a big part of many of the cities and towns in Africa. Environmental sanitation and waste management is aimed at developing and maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant physical and natural environment in all human settlements, to promote the socio-cultural, economic and physical well-being of all sections of the population. Waste management comprises a number of complimentary activities, the provision and maintenance of sanitary facilities, the provision of services, public education, regulation and legislation supported by clearly mandated institutions, adequate funding, research and development. This paper seeks to focus the challenges and prospects of solid waste management and the legal or policy arrangements available to ensure environmental sustainability.
Abstract: Urbanization is on the rise in Africa and this trend is expected to continue in the future. Of concern is that the infrastructure and land use planning including for waste management is not coping with the growth of urban areas (around 3.5% annually, highest in the world). This is particularly urgent in the slum areas which constitute a big part of...
Show More
Chemical Characterization and Source Determination of Trace Elements in PM2.5 and PM10 from an Urban Area, Northern Jordan
Idrees F. Al-Momani,
Wisam M. Shatnawi
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, August 2017
Pages:
103-108
Received:
13 May 2017
Accepted:
24 May 2017
Published:
10 July 2017
Abstract: PM2.5 and PM10 atmospheric particulate material samples were collected from Irbid city, Northern Jordan using a dichotomous air sampler. Collected samples were digested and analyzed for 17 elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, V and Zn) using ICP-OES. Levels of measured elements were compared to concentrations in many other locations worldwide. Concentrations of most elements are in the lower limits of the reported values for urban and sub-urban sites. Elements of natural sources; Al, Ca, Fe, and P have higher concentrations compared to other cities worldwide. Results indicated that, elements of crustal origin are associated with the coarse particles, while elements of anthropogenic origins are more associated with fine particles. Crustal enrichment factor calculations showed that concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, Sb, and Ag are highly enriched and As, Cu, Co, Ca, and Ni are moderately enriched. Factor analysis calculations permitted the identification of three sources affecting the levels of elements in the fine fraction, namely re-suspended road dust, automobile emissions, and industrial emissions.
Abstract: PM2.5 and PM10 atmospheric particulate material samples were collected from Irbid city, Northern Jordan using a dichotomous air sampler. Collected samples were digested and analyzed for 17 elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, V and Zn) using ICP-OES. Levels of measured elements were compared to concentrations in many o...
Show More
Relevance of Seed Bank in the Process of Recovery of the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo – Brazil in the Four Seasons of the Year
Maria Luiza Domingues Villar,
Cleber Ferrão Corrêa,
Heloisa de Oliveira Zanella
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, August 2017
Pages:
109-115
Received:
1 August 2017
Published:
2 August 2017
Abstract: One of the planet’s richest areas in biodiversity can be found in Brazilian territory: the Atlantic Forest, which is also an example of the most severe devastation cases. Spread in an area larger than 30.000 km and 30° degrees latitude, it is categorized as tropical rainforest. Due to the planting of monocultures such as sugarcane and coffee as well as the urban development, there are only 7.5% left of its original area which comprises 2% of all vegetation species and vertebrate animals in the planet. The region is also among the five most important hotspots of biodiversity which justifies the understanding of all natural regeneration processes through the knowledge provided by a soil seed bank. This work describes the contents of the bank by the identification of seedlings through the seasons of the year, thus contributing with information on the natural recovery of this biome.
Abstract: One of the planet’s richest areas in biodiversity can be found in Brazilian territory: the Atlantic Forest, which is also an example of the most severe devastation cases. Spread in an area larger than 30.000 km and 30° degrees latitude, it is categorized as tropical rainforest. Due to the planting of monocultures such as sugarcane and coffee as wel...
Show More
Sustainable Architecture for Communities Affected by Environmental Disasters and the Case of Mariana, the Largest Environmental Accident in Brazil
Maria Fernanda Britto Neves,
Deyse Maimone dos Santos,
José Carlos Loureiro
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, August 2017
Pages:
116-122
Received:
13 August 2017
Published:
14 August 2017
Abstract: This article analyzes the largest environmental accident in Brazil, the rupture of the tailings dam at Samarco, in Fundão, Bento Rodrigues district, in the Mariana region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study contemplates historical and socioenvironmental aspects. For the understanding and analysis, bibliographical and digital surveys were carried out, as well as exploratory research, with site visits and interviews with the affected population. Far from a complete and satisfactory solution, one can understand the size of the accident, its causes, effects and mitigation measures, as well as a perspective of awareness of the accident by the resident population. The study seeks to evaluate possible housing alternatives for those who have lost their homes and, with them, everything they have: their own life stories.
Abstract: This article analyzes the largest environmental accident in Brazil, the rupture of the tailings dam at Samarco, in Fundão, Bento Rodrigues district, in the Mariana region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study contemplates historical and socioenvironmental aspects. For the understanding and analysis, bibliographical and digital surveys wer...
Show More
