Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Environmental Management / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Geography / Master / Master of Philosophy

Thesis (MTech (Environmental Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / The integrity of natural air has been compromised due to the deposition of chemical, biological and particulate substances from natural and anthropogenic sources. Adverse health consequences arising from the exposure of plants, animals and human to elevated atmospheric concentrations have been reported severally. The ambient baseline levels of many air contaminants in urban and industrial layouts of many Africa cities, especially Zimbabwe have not been fully characterized. Information on levels of these contaminants and their real time variability is therefore scarce and scanty. In this study, the ambient air concentration levels of selected gaseous pollutants in the vicinity of a fertilizer production facility in Zimbabwe were investigated. Nine sampling stations were systematically and randomly identified for the measurement of selected air pollutants (SO2, NO2, and NH3) the fertilizer production factory to capture air quality data on all wind directions. The electrochemical Drager Sensors which rely on electrochemical measuring transducer for measuring concentration of gases under atmospheric conditions was used for the measurement of NH3, SO2, and NO2. The ambient air monitored was allowed to diffuse through a membrane into the sensor liquid electrolytes, containing a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, a reference electrode, and an electronic potentiostat-circuit which ensures constant electrical voltage between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode. The flow of electrons, generated by the reaction is proportional to the concentration of the measured gas. The observed concentrations of NH3, SO2, and NO2 measured within and around the study site were very variable. Levels of NH3 ranged between 0.36 - 7.36 ppm; corresponding values for SO2 and NO2 were 0.02 - 84.61 ppm and 0.61 - 34.78 ppm respectively. These concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than measured (NH3; 0.01 - 0.05 ppm: SO2; 0.03 - 0.18 ppm: NO2; 0.17 - 1.30 ppm) at the control sampling station about 5 km from the industry. Isokinetic and dissipation of the measured gases, governed by the processes of molecular diffusion and convection, confirmed a common pattern of distance dissipation. Thus, the cloud concentrations of NH3, SO2, and NO2 within the facility were higher than observed distances away from the fertilizer factory. / Zimbabwe Presidential Scholarship

One of the factors recognized as affecting the dispersion of landfill odors off-site are complex meteorological conditions. A major issue is lack of consistent means to identify the odors and their intensity. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation accumulation and weather conditions) on the frequency of odor complaints from nearby neighborhoods. Methods involved collection of ten years of data on odor complaints and weather conditions to determine if there were commonalities. Sophisticated statistical analyses employed did not reveal any relationships between odor complaints and weather alone. Need for substantial improvement of detailed information is recognized. To help identify the factors that influence odor complaints- a revised odor complaint form, along with operational adjustments, were recommended. An “Odor Threat Assessment Level” is proposed to assist landfill site personnel in managing daily operations, based on weather conditions. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Every year millions of construction workers are exposed to dust in levels that create a hazard to them (Fundukian, 2011). Their environment is contaminated by activities such as cutting, chipping, grinding and sanding building materials. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to this general collection of building materials debris and fine particulates as nuisance dust. Some of the particles in nuisance dust possess properties that make them especially hazardous, such as their shape or specific gravity. It has been found by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that inhalation of quantities of silica dust above the permissible exposure limit (15.0 mg/m3) causes a deterioration of the outside lining of the lung.This research seeks to limit this exposure by a pretreatment process using acid application and then absorbed moisture content that reduces airborne particulate during the removal of cement stucco surfacing materials. Successful pretreatment would allow removal of CSSM from substrates such that the release of airborne particulates does not exceed the permissible exposure limits (PEL) found in the 29 CFR-Table Z-3 for mining applications (15-mg/m3). / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015 / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection