Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MSc (Botany))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Plant Science / unrestricted

Sole dependence on fossil fuel and the concomitant environmental concerns could be minimized through the optimization of green energy generation from the growing volume of onfarm organic wastes. In this mesophilic study, green energy, mainly methane, was optimized through the solid-state anerobic co-digestion (SSAD) of two on-farm organic wastes (dairy manure with corn stover). Factors considered to achieve the improved methane yield under a total solids of 16% were particle size of corn stover (0.18 – 0.42 and 0.42 – 0.84 mm), alkaline pretreatment type (thermo-chemical and wet state), alkaline-pretreatment reagent (NaOH, NH4OH, and Ca(OH)2) used for the corn stover, and the magnetite nanoparticles(20, 50, and 75 mg/L) thereafter added to the treatment with highest methane yield. Kinetic models were used to describe some of the high methane yield as well as the environmental impact investigated with life cycle assessment. Results indicated that corn stover with particle size 0.42 - 0.84 mm blended with dairy manure under a C/N of 24 had the highest methane yield (106 L/ kgVS) under 60 days retention time. After pretreatment of the 0.42 - 0.84 mm corn stover with the three different alkaline reagents, methane yield improved under this wet state pretreatment relative to thermochemical. For instance, calcium pretreated corn stover blended with dairy manure (CaW) had the highest methane yield (176 L / kgVS) under a reduced retention time (79 days), overcame potential volatile fatty acids accumulation and digester upset relative to other pretreated treatments. Furthermore, addition of 20 mg of the nanoparticles to the CaW treatment further enhanced methane yield (191 L / kg VS), minimized digester upset, and reduced retention time to 52 days. Suitable process parameters for methanogenic activities were 0.1 - 0.5 for VFA/Ammonia and VFA/Alkalinity ratios. Free ammonia concentration between 258 – 347 mg/L does not affect methanogenic activities. Environmnetal impact aseessment indicated that pretreatment negatively influenced human health factors and eutrophication potentials though reduced ozone depletion, global warming potential, and smog potentials. The solid-state of dairy manure co-digested with corn stover has the potential to improve green energy generation that could complement fossil fuel and address waste management challenges.

Thesis (LLM. (Development and Management Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an environmental tool used to assess possible and expected adverse impact that might occur as a result of a proposed developmental project, in a vulnerable area and environment. All project developments must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. For any such projects to be sustainable, Environmental Impact Assessment must be conducted as a prerequisite for the development of the projects. This must be done in compliance with environmental legislation, to ensure that proposed developments benefit current and future generations, while at the same time protecting the environment. Environmental degradation must be minimized, where possible prevented for environmental protection, and sustainability

Bibliography: pages 123-133. / The hypothesis was advanced that comparative interpretation of multi-temporal aerial photographs can be used as a tool in Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA). To test this hypothesis a site, Silwerstroomstrand, approximately 40 kilometres north of Cape Town on the West coast was chosen. An analysis of the site was carried out using aerial photographs taken in 1938, 1960, 1968, 1971, 1977, 1981 and 1983 at scales ranging from 1:7 000 to 1:50 000. Development of the site for recreation began in 1972 and in 1976 for water extraction. Pre-development photographs, 1938, 1960, 1968 and 1971, were stereoscopically compared and the observations were interpreted using a systems approach. From the analysis of the photographs and information on past landuse, the dynamics of the site were described with particular attention to the response of that environment to perturbations such as fire and removal of vegetation. Development actions were analysed to establish any similarity to past perturbations and on the basis of similarities, predictions of probable future responses of the site (and hence impacts) were made. The predicted impacts were compared with: 1. the interpretation of post-development photographs. 2. Impacts identified by a multi-disciplinary panel after a visit to the site. It was found that the major limitation of multi-temporal aerial photographs was the spatial resolution of the early (pre 1970) photographs. However, the capabilities of the tool for quantitative and semi-quantitative data gathering; promoting an understanding of spatial and temporal relationships; monitoring change; communicating information and the fact that it is economical means that it has a positive contribution to make to Environmental Impact Analysis is suggested that the optimal use of the tool of comparative interpretation of multi-temporal aerial photography is to combine it with other tools such as site visits and multi-disciplinary panels.

No description available.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Although many studies have investigated the impact of tile drainage on nitrate and pesticide export from cropland to streams, little information is known about the primary hydrological controls of tile flow response to precipitation events and its impact on N, P and C transport in artificially drained landscapes of the US Midwest. This study investigated 1) the relationship between precipitation characteristics and tile flow response at a high temporal resolution during storms; 2) the relative importance of macropore and matrix flow in tile flow and in N, P and C transport to tile drains; and 3) the impact of storm characteristics in N, P and C fluxes/export rates. The study was conducted between April and June 2008, in an agricultural tile drained soybean field, representative of agro-ecosystems of the US Midwest near Indianapolis, IN. For the 8 storms analyzed, results showed that bulk precipitation amount was the best predictor of mean and maximum tile flow, time to peak and runoff ratio. The contribution of macropore flow to total flow increased with precipitation amount, representing between 11% and 50% of total drain flow, with peak contributions between 15% and 74% of flow. For large storms (> 6 cm rainfall), cations data indicated a dilution of groundwater with new water as discharge peaked. Although no clear indication of dilution was observed for smaller storms (< 4 cm rainfall), macropore flow still contributed between 11% and 17% of total flow. For large storms, the transport of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total phosphorous (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) was found to be regulated mainly by macropore flow while nitrate transport was regulated mainly by matrix flow. For smaller storms, macropore flow dominated DOC and TP transport while SRP and nitrate transport was dominated by matrix flow. These results significantly increase our understanding of the hydrological functioning of tile drained fields and its interaction with N, P and C transport in spring, which is the time of the year during which most water and N losses from tile drains occur in the Midwest.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Geography)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023 / The process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) aims at identifying the significant environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project before a decision is made of whether a project should commence. The Public Participation Process (PPP) should occur throughout all phases of an EIA process and forms an integral part of successful EIAs. It allows for input from stakeholders and subsequently contributes to sustainable development. This process is however often viewed as a “box-ticking” exercise negatively impacting the intended effectiveness thereof. This study therefore aimed to assess the perceived effectiveness of public participation in EIA processes of the Matseke filling station project in the Capricorn District of Limpopo from the perspective of various key stakeholders. The study was descriptive and exploratory in nature and a qualitative research approach was considered pragmatic. Two key informant interviews were undertaken with the environmental assessment practitioner (EAP) and government official that was involved in the EIA processes. Furthermore, a total of 16 Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) were identified to participate in the study. Different methods of qualitative analyses were used to analyse the objectives of this study. The methods include thematic analysis and descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.0 software was used to analyse the data. The study findings show that the identified I&APs indicated that they were not involved in project planning and design. It further shows that only one I&AP commented during the process. Education, language, gender and methods of communication were identified as key factors in determining level and effectiveness of public participation processes. The study recommends that potential I&APs need to be educated by EAPs and government officials as to the role they play in ensuring effective public participation

Jamaica is faced with a number of serious environmental problems. Perhaps the most promising approach to address these problems is to subject development proposals to a process of environmental review while they are in the central government's planning approval process. Jamaica has never had such an environmental review process. In this thesis an attempt was made to develop the framework for an environmental review process that can be integrated into the Jamaican planning approval process. Guided by case studies of the environmental review processes in three U.S. states and Puerto Rico, as well as an analysis of Jamaica's unique conditions as they affect the implementation of an environmental review process, an attempt was made to synthesize a framework for an environmental review process that can be both implementable and effective in Jamaica. In addition, an attempt was made to suggest some general strategies for achieving the implementation of the environmental review process. A simple yet potentially effective EIA framework was developed. However, the necessary preconditions for effective implementation, i.e., political support, do not exist in Jamaica. Unless the environment becomes a major issue in Jamaica's political economy, it is unrealistic to expect the implementation of an effective process. / Master of Urban and Regional Planning

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

Yuen Siu-man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-180). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.vi / Table of Contents --- p.ix / List of Tablcs --- p.xvi / List of Figures --- p.xix / List of Plates --- p.xx / List of Appendices --- p.xxi / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- lntroduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The Problem --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Towngas pipeline --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Environmental impact assessment (EIA) --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Landscape restoration --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- Conceptual Framework --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Ecosystem disturbance and soil impacts of pipeline construction --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Scope and baseline --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Mitigation and restoration guidelines --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives of the Study --- p.18 / Chapter 1.5 --- Significance of the Study --- p.21 / Chapter 1.6 --- Scope of the Study --- p.22 / Chapter 1.7 --- Terminology in the Thesis --- p.23 / Chapter 1.8 --- Organization of the Thesis --- p.26 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature Review / Chapter 2.1 --- Ecosystem Disturbance and Impacts of Pipeline Construction --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2 --- Soil as an Important Natural Resource --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3 --- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Theory and practice of EIA --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- EIA in Hong Kong --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Soil assessment in EIA --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Ecological impact assessment in EIA --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Mitigation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Significance of impacts --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- Weaknesses of EIA --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.8 --- "Post-project analysis, monitoring and audits" --- p.41 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Study Area and Methodology / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2 --- Climate --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3 --- Geology and Soils --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4 --- Study Plots --- p.48 / Chapter 3.5 --- Methodology --- p.56 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Experimental design --- p.56 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Fieldwork --- p.57 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.58 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Date processing and statistical analysis --- p.61 / Chapter 3.5.5 --- EIA report review --- p.62 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Soil Baseline / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2 --- Results --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Texture --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Bulk density --- p.65 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Soil acidity --- p.65 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Exchangeable acidity and aluminum --- p.66 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Soil organic matter (SOM) --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Total and mineral nitrogen --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Total and available phosphorus --- p.69 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Exchangeable cations --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2.9 --- "Effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), base saturation (BS) and aluminum saturation" --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2.10 --- C/N ratio --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3 --- Discussion --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Acidity problem --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Soil texture and bulk density --- p.75 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Soil organic matter and nitrogen --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Soil phosphorus --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- "Exchangeable cations, ECEC. BS and aluminum saturation" --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Implications on landscape restoration --- p.80 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.82 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Impacts of Pipeline Construction on Soils / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.84 / Chapter 5.2 --- Results --- p.85 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- "Soil acidity, exchangeable hydrogen and aluminum" --- p.86 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Soil texture and bulk density --- p.88 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Soil organic matter --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Soil TKN --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Phosphorus --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Soil exchangeable cations --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- "ECEC, BS and aluminum saturation" --- p.96 / Chapter 5.3 --- Discussion --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Nature of the soil impacts --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Causes of soil impact --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Spatial difference of soil impacts --- p.108 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Significance of the impacts --- p.111 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Mitigation measures --- p.117 / Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusion --- p.120 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Improvement of EIA on Soil Management / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.122 / Chapter 6.2 --- Evaluation of Information Provided by the EIA --- p.124 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Need of more detailed soil baseline --- p.124 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Inadequate soil impact prediction --- p.126 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Need of site-specific soil mitigation --- p.128 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Soil management in EIA --- p.130 / Chapter 6.3 --- Soil Impact Assessment (SIA) --- p.136 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Soil baseline --- p.138 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Impact prediction and significance --- p.140 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Mitigation in SIA --- p.142 / Chapter 6.3.4 --- Monitoring in SIA --- p.143 / Chapter 6.3.5 --- Post-project evaluation in SIA --- p.144 / Chapter 6.3.6 --- Application of SIA --- p.145 / Chapter 6.4 --- Conclusion --- p.146 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Conclusion / Chapter 7.1 --- Summary of Findings --- p.147 / Chapter 7.1.1 --- Undisturbed soil conditions --- p.147 / Chapter 7.1.2 --- Soil impacts and resultant soil properties --- p.149 / Chapter 7.1.3 --- Evaluation of the EIA Report --- p.151 / Chapter 7.2 --- Implications --- p.152 / Chapter 7.2.1 --- Challenge to Aber's disturbance level theory --- p.152 / Chapter 7.2.2 --- Consolidation of impacts assessment in EIA --- p.153 / Chapter 7.2.3 --- Information for soil impact assessment --- p.154 / Chapter 7.3 --- Limitations of study --- p.154 / Chapter 7.4 --- Further Research --- p.156 / References --- p.158 / Appendices --- p.181