The practices of solid waste management (SWM) and solid waste disposal (SWD) in Kano metropolis, Nigeria, were examined. The water quality of groundwater sources in the areas adjacent to the SWD sites was monitored in order to evaluate interactions and assess the possibility of groundwater contamination as a result of percolation of the leachates generated in the SWD sites. An integrated approach to the field investigation was employed in the study. This included an extensive desk study; a field survey of all existing SWD sites in the area; leachate and groundwater sampling; and laboratory-based experimental and instrumental analyses. The locations of the SWD sites relative to inhabited areas were examined, and eight sites and their environs were selected for leachate and groundwater sampling and quality assessments in May 2009 and May 2010. It was observed that SWM activities in Kano metropolis are unsystematic and pose a significant risk to both public health and environmental quality, especially in relation to local groundwater sources. It was also found that the leachates produced in the sampled sites contained significant concentrations of a wide range of contaminants; including nitrates, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, chlorides and sulphates. The leachates were also observed to be in the methanogenic phase of biochemical degradation and were shown to have similar characteristics to other leachates from mature SWD sites in different parts of the world. Similarly, the physico-chemical characteristics of the groundwater samples around the selected SWD sites indicated high concentrations of nitrates, chlorides, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, turbidity, iron and manganese, often above the WHO thresholds for acceptable drinking water quality. It is, therefore, concluded that the shallow groundwater sources analysed have been contaminated, due largely to improper SWM practice. This, in turn, affects not only the health and well-being of the local population, but also impedes developmental efforts and obstructs prosperity. Accordingly, some strategies for pollution prevention and control were developed for Kano metropolis, although they are also applicable to other urban areas with similar characteristics. These strategies, which are largely categorised as resource-focused, source-focused or remedial measures, can be achieved through: (1) identification and mapping of pollution sources; (2) establishment of databases and information management system; (3) vulnerability mapping; (4) establishment of functional monitoring and evaluation system; (5) promotion of public awareness and participation; (6) establishment of protection zones; and (7) the integration of pollution prevention and control strategy into urban planning, development and management of municipal services.

<p>Doktorska disertacija &ldquo;Model procene kvaliteta podzemne vode sa<br />povećanim sadržajem arsena primenom fazi logike&rdquo; urađena je kao rezultat<br />potrebe za istraživanjem mogućnosti primene fazi logike u savremenom<br />pristupu procene kvaliteta podzemnih voda. Imajući u vidu da ova tematika<br />nije dovoljno istražena u na&scaron;em okruženju i da joj nije dat odgovarajući<br />akcenat i težina, osnovni cilj disertacije je da se razrade optimalni modeli za<br />procenu kvaliteta podzemnih voda sa povećanim sadržajem arsena.<br />Disertacija pored teorijske dimenzije prezentuje i primenu evaluiranih fazi<br />modela na primeru eksperimenatlno odabranog lokaliteta grada Zrenjanina.<br />Razvijene modele je moguće transponovati na urbanim i ruralnim područjima<br />uz odgovarajuće iteracije.</p> / <p>PhD Thesis &ldquo;Model assessment for groundwater quality with elevated arsenic<br />content with application of fuzzy logic&rdquo; was elaborated as a result of the need<br />to explore the possibilities of application of fuzzy logic in the modern<br />approach of assessing the groundwater quality. Because this issue has not<br />been sufficiently explored and it was not given proper emphasis and weight,<br />the main aim of the dissertation is to develop optimal models for assessing<br />the groundwater quality with elevated arsenic content. Dissertation, besides<br />theoretical dimensions, presente and evaluate the implementation of the<br />created models to the experimentaly selected locality of the city of Zrenjanin.<br />The developed models can be transposed to the urban and rural areas with<br />appropriate iteration.</p>

A Research Report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, 2018 / The aim of this research was to assess the status of water quality in a selected area of the Waterberg over a twenty-year period and to gain insight into the perceptions of stakeholders about water management. The objectives were met through the comparison of historical water quality variable records for various water uses, by measuring the level of stakeholder commitment in water quality measurement and verifying a relationship between the two approaches. This study focuses on measuring the extent of different stakeholders’ involvement in the management and decision-making processes of water quality in the Waterberg region of Limpopo province, which is encouraged by the formulation of South African policies. The specific area of interest is in the north-western part of the Waterberg. There are three distinct settlements, Lephalale, Marapong and Steenbokpan, located in the Lephalale Local Municipality. Close by are major industrial and mining activities from Eskom’s Matimba and Medupi power stations, and Exxaro’s Grootegeluk Coal Mine. To address the specific research questions and objectives for this study, two approaches were necessary: A quantitative approach that required surface water and groundwater data from 1995 to 2015, to determine the quality of water, and a qualitative approach that comprised of the distribution of 20 questionnaires in the residential areas, and 15/20 successful pre-selected individual interviews, to assess the different levels of stakeholder participation. Each approach presented its own challenges. For example, the water quality data provided were incomplete, which created limitations in the interpretation and during the questionnaire distribution, time constraints and language preferences, though anticipated amongst different social groups, there was difficulty communicating the concept of the study. Also, during the planning phase of selecting interviewees, there was a lack of interest in the study from environmental consultants, who are vital role players in the environmental status of the area. The water quality data indicated that pH levels in the surface water sites have remained steady and are not significantly different from one another. The results from the one groundwater site, reveals that there is a significant difference between the pH levels of surface water and groundwater which is to be expected. The results also suggest that the high concentration of ammonium, phosphate and nitrate midstream in the Mokolo River are related to the waste water being discharged mid-stream into the river via a pipeline. The high concentrations of sodium and potassium in the groundwater site are linked to the interaction time with the surrounding geology and the overall EC levels correspond with the fluxes in sodium in the groundwater site resulting in the significant difference in EC between the surface water and the groundwater sites. No data were available for the midstream site. The questionnaire results indicate that there’s limited stakeholder involvement in water quality management from participants in Steenbokpan and Marapong, which are socio-economically disadvantaged areas, when compared with Lephalale, a more affluent area. In contrast to Lephalale, Marapong and Steenbokpan residents are less educated, have higher unemployment numbers, and have restricted access to water related information, and electricity, water and sanitation services. In the overall area, there is also a 30% unawareness amongst general water users about the topic of water pollution, but again it is mostly from participants in Steenbokpan and Marapong. The interview results signified a higher level of stakeholder involvement in water quality management from individuals in influential positions. This, however, does not mean that water related issues in the area are adequately addressed. Interviewees revealed that there is a lack of funding, skills, infrastructure, manpower and competence. There is also an apparent inequality with regards to water access to informal settlements, farmers and rural villages. Additionally, there is a high level of dependency on Eskom and Exxaro, rather than the local municipality, to provide its water users with proper water services. The dependency on Eskom and Exxaro is largely due to their high level of influential development. Improvements and maintenance on basic service from these structures to the surrounding communities form part of their offset programmes to continue major development in the area. Due to the large difference of the qualitative and quantitative approaches, it was difficult to prove how one supports the other, even though, on its own, both are crucial components in water quality management practices. Even though the water quality data provide more reliable support on the condition of surface- and groundwater in the Waterberg, the social aspect (partially revealed through the subjective view of the general users who completed the questionnaire) is required to determine the community’s relationship with water use and to identify management practices through stakeholders responsible for them. / XL2018

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第24889号 / 工博第5169号 / 新制||工||1987(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市環境工学専攻 / (主査)教授 米田 稔, 教授 西村 文武, 教授 松井 康人 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

A watershed scale water quality evaluation system was developed for assessing spatial variation of subsurface pesticide movement. The system consists of a linked-transport model component for performing simulation and a GIS component for processing spatially-related data. The surface heterogeneity caused by agricultural activities, topographic, hydrologic, and soil type variations in a watershed was handled by partitioning the watershed into homogeneous subfields. The subsurface soil profile and aquifer heterogeneities were considered by dividing the subsurface domain into root zone, intermediate vadose zone, and saturated zone, respectively. On each of the homogeneous subfields, the physically-based models, PRZM and VADOFT, were linked to simulate pesticide transport in the root and intermediated vadose zones. Pesticide movement in groundwater underneath the watershed was simulated by linking the other two models with SUTRA. An irregular shape finite element mesh generator was developed for fitting the irregular shape watershed boundary and reducing the number of nodes of the finite element mesh. Either transient or steady state flow and transport simulation could be performed with the system. The system is able quantitatively to produce detailed spatial variation maps of pesticide concentrations at any desired depth in the unsaturated zone and in groundwater. The system requires spatially-distributed information as inputs. Management of large volumes of spatially-referenced data which represent the heterogeneous properties of the watershed were facilitated by a developed GIS component. The GIS data processing component was composed of spatial data manipulation and display, attribute database management, and model input information extraction subcomponents. The spatial data processing component consists of data format conversion, map registering, map editing, new information generation, and map display subcomponents. / Ph. D.

While research has shown that riparian forests are effective in reducing shallow groundwater nitrogen levels, the relative importance of the mechanisms responsible for this reduction have not been adequately addressed. This project focused on the microbial mediated process denitrification, which has been hypothesized to be a major factor responsible for decreased groundwater nitrate levels observed in forested regions. The study site was located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and incorporated a transect extending from a field under agricultural use through a mesic forest to a distance of 91.4 meters. Groundwater flowed from a well drained agricultural field of Bojac sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludults) and Munden sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, thermic Aquic Hapludults) to a poorly drained forest soil, Nimmo sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, Typic Ochraquults). Previous work along this transect reported mean nitrate (NO₃-N) levels of 1,161 ± 393 μmol·liter⁻¹ for shallow groundwater underlying the agricultural field, whereas shallow groundwater 91.4 meters into the forest had a mean concentration of 2.2 ± 2.6 μmol·liter⁻¹. Groundwater nitrate (NO₃-N) levels below ~3 meters of the water table 91.4 meters into the forest 559.5 ± 101.9 increased to approximately 250 μmol·liter⁻¹. In addition to nitrate levels, other water quality parameters and soil characteristics suggested that vertical variations of soil environments existed and therefore, must be incorporated into experimental design. Denitrification activiy was measured at various depth increments in the agricultural field and forest using an acetylene blockage technique. In addition, denitrification activity was measured after subjecting the soils to carbon and nitrate amendments. Denitrification activity from the forest was limited by nitrate at the water table and were carbon limited as vertical depth increased. Denitrification activity measured with nitrate amendments at the water table in the forest were two orders of magnitude higher than those in the field (7.37 nmol·g⁻¹·hr⁻¹ vs 0.074 nmol·g⁻¹·hr⁻¹). Dentrification activity measured with nitrate ± glucose amendments were higher at the water table in the forest, 6.88 nmol·g⁻¹·hr⁻¹, as compared to the field, 0.15 nmol·g⁻¹·hr⁻¹. Denitrifier microbial densities were measured at various vertical depths in the forest and agricultural field. Results demonstrated that denitrifiers densities at the water table in the forest were greater than those at the water table in the field. The number of denitrifying organisms per cubic centimeter of soil at the water table in the field averaged 2850 ± 1553(SD) as compared to 14,350 ± 13,369(SD) at the water table in the forest. At 0.91 meters below the water table in the field and in the forest the number of denitrifying organisms per cubic centimeter of soil were 1343 ± 1086(SD) and 3922 ± 3919(SD), respectively. The differences in denitrification measurements were due to location of the water table. The water table in the forest was located in the A horizon as compared to the water table in the field which was located in the C horizon. Results demonstrated that denitrification was an active mechanism that affected nitrate reduction in shallow groundwater in this system. Thus, riparian vegetation can be quite beneficial in reducing shallow groundwater nitrogen levels through microbially mediated processes such as denitrification. As a result nonpoint source nitrogen loadings from groundwater discharge can be reduced. / Master of Science

This study evaluated alternatives to continuously regenerated greensand for iron and manganese removal. Specific objectives were (1) to investigate the applicability for removing soluble manganese by adsorption and oxidation onto the surface of manganese oxide-coated media, and (2) to develop mathematical models to predict the removal of soluble manganese both in the presence and absence of free chlorine. Results from a pilot-scale experiment in Columbus, Indiana, showed that when the filters were operated in a conventional oxidant addition mode (i.e., with the addition of HOCI and KMnO₄) the anthracite-sand and anthracite-sand-garnet configurations both provided efficient treatment because of the reduced rate of head loss. Further experiments, without the use of KMnO₄ or greensand, equally removed manganese by adsorption and oxidation onto oxide-coated media; however, the treatment process resulted in reduced head loss and oxidant costs. Results from this study and other previous research demonstrated that manganese removal by oxide coatings is an efficient and functional treatment mechanism. However, little quantitative information was available to predict these processes. Therefore, mathematical models were developed to help predict design and operational conditions needed to implement oxide-coated media as a treatment process. Two separate models were developed to predict (1) the continuous removal of soluble manganese in the presence of free chlorine (continuous regeneration model), and (2) the eventual breakthrough of soluble manganese without oxidant addition (intermittent regeneration model). Each model was derived from chemical reaction, mass balance, or isotherm equations and was further developed by a sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation. The two models were then verified by predicting manganese removal from independent research. The continuous regeneration model can help predict the removal of soluble manganese by adsorption and oxidation on the surface of oxide-coated media and is useful in the design of filters for continuous Mn(Il) removal. The intermittent regeneration model effectively predicts the performance of filters without the addition of an oxidant and is useful for treatment plants which cannot apply chlorine continuously to their filter applied water. / Master of Science

The main aim of this research was to gain a better understanding of the surface and groundwater systems in order to sustainably manage the resource for both current and future generations. Three aquifers are present within the Hinds Rangitata Plain. Aquifer one extends from near surface to approximately 40 - 50 m, aquifer two occurs from approximately 40 - 90 m, and aquifer three occurs from approximately 90 - 150 m. Aquifer one is shown to occur as a series of permeable, iron stained, poorly connected and laterally discontinuous lenses, within and often separated by less permeable sandy or tight claybound gravels. Lenses range from a few centimeters to 20 m wide and from a few centimeters to 1 m thick. These permeable layers are known to be the dominant sources of groundwater from aquifer one. In all three aquifers depth to groundwater and water seasonal water level fluctuations increase with increasing distance inland from the coast. Aquifer one gains and loses groundwater along different sections of the Hinds and Rangitata Rivers. The Hinds Rangitata Plain can be broken into seven distinct zones based on differences in the dominant source (s) of groundwater recharge within each zone. The boundaries for each zone were determined by comparing the short-term seasonal water level fluctuations observed over the course of this study and the long-term water level records, with rainfall, river flows and Mayfield-Hinds Scheme recharge. The majority of the zones also have distinctly different groundwater chemistry and oxygen-18 (d18O) values. Flows in drains and the Hinds River were highly influenced by groundwater levels. Drains and springs within the Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation Scheme were highly influenced by irrigation recharge where as those closer to the coast were more influenced by rainfall. A regional water balance of the Hinds Rangitata Plain was carried out for a one period, between September 2005 and August 2006. During this period, total recharge was 375 m3 x 106, total discharge was 227 m3 x 106, and the outflow was 148 m3 x 106. Data collected during the course of this study showed that rainfall recharge was dominant, accounting for 67 % of the total recharge. The Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation Scheme accounted for 30 % of the total recharge, with a relatively small contribution each from the Rangitata Diversion Race and Hinds River. In terms of discharge, the combined discharge from the drains and Rangitata River terrace springs, accounted for 62 % of the total discharge, with the remaining discharge from coming from groundwater abstraction. There are no overall losses to groundwater from either the Rangitata River or from stockwater race.

Em boa parte da sociedade ocidental a morte é vista como um evento perturbador e marcante, apesar disto o tema tem inspirado uma série de publicações. Por outro lado, a atividade cemiterial, tópico também marcante e perturbador, e que pode vir a causar possíveis danos ao meio ambiente e à saúde pública, tem muito pouco material publicado. No que concerne ao meio ambiente e à saúde pública, os cemitérios podem apresentar a potencialidade de comprometer a qualidade do solo e das águas subterrâneas, face ao processo de decomposição dos corpos dispostos no subsolo. Os cemitérios implantados podem vir a constituir-se numa fonte com risco de contaminação, e causar alterações físicas, químicas e biológicas nos locais que não estiverem protegidos ou em condições geológicas vulneráveis. Para minimizar o risco de infiltrações e a contaminação das águas subterrâneas é recomendável manter estanque a base das sepulturas e a utilização de locais com aqüíferos a grandes profundidades. Em condições favoráveis, a carga patogênica associada poderá ser eliminada pelo processo de autodepuração biológica e físico-química do solo. É importante a conscientização da população, com vistas à proteção, limpeza e desinfecção da água de poços, além de cuidados por parte dos cemitérios, no sentido de conhecer a qualidade do lençol freático e sua potabilidade, que devem conduzir monitoramento hidrogeológico periódico. Deve-se manter licenciamento, fiscalização, monitoramento e acompanhamento rigorosos. A implantação e a operação de cemitérios devem ser conduzidas com as melhores técnicas de proteção e preservação do meio ambiente, com amplos estudos ambientais prévios e um alto padrão de operação, respeitando as condições sanitárias estabelecidas e fixando faixas de proteção como forma de garantir a qualidade das águas e seu uso para abastecimento público. O risco potencial de poluição pelos cemitérios pode existir, porém se a implantação e o gerenciamento forem adequados, este poderá ser mínimo, se comparado ao potencial poluidor de outras atividades antrópicas. / In the western society death is seen as a disturbing and marked event, even so this issue has inspired several papers about. In the other hand, cemetery activity that are also a marked and disturbing issue and beside that can cause possible damages to the environment and public health, have inspired few papers about. Concerning the environment and public health, the cemeteries present a potential on damaging soil and groundwater quality due to the decomposition process of the bodies buried in the subsoil. The existing cemeteries can be a high risk source of contamination, and can cause also physical, chemical and biological alterations in the soil and groundwater without protection or with vulnerable conditions. In order to minimize the infiltration risk and the groundwater contamination it is recommendable to keep sealed the bottom of the grave and make use of site with a very deep of water table level. In favorable conditions, the pathogenic associated load can be eliminated by the biological and physical-chemical self-purification process of the soil. It is important the population conscientiousness, viewing water wells cleanness, protection and the prevention of any infection, and beside that, the cemeteries owners in order to know the groundwater quality, they must perform periodical hydrogeological monitoring. It must be kept rigorous processes of permitting, inspection, compliance and monitoring. The construction and operation of cemeteries must be conducted using the best techniques for the environmental protection and conservation, and after an extensive previous environmental studies and an high standard operation, in compliance with all sanitary requirements and setting protection zones as one of the way to protect the water quality and its use as a public water supply. The potential risk of pollution from the cemeteries exists, but if the implementation and the management are adequate, the risk could be minimized, even comparing to the polluter potential of other anthropic activities.

Em boa parte da sociedade ocidental a morte é vista como um evento perturbador e marcante, apesar disto o tema tem inspirado uma série de publicações. Por outro lado, a atividade cemiterial, tópico também marcante e perturbador, e que pode vir a causar possíveis danos ao meio ambiente e à saúde pública, tem muito pouco material publicado. No que concerne ao meio ambiente e à saúde pública, os cemitérios podem apresentar a potencialidade de comprometer a qualidade do solo e das águas subterrâneas, face ao processo de decomposição dos corpos dispostos no subsolo. Os cemitérios implantados podem vir a constituir-se numa fonte com risco de contaminação, e causar alterações físicas, químicas e biológicas nos locais que não estiverem protegidos ou em condições geológicas vulneráveis. Para minimizar o risco de infiltrações e a contaminação das águas subterrâneas é recomendável manter estanque a base das sepulturas e a utilização de locais com aqüíferos a grandes profundidades. Em condições favoráveis, a carga patogênica associada poderá ser eliminada pelo processo de autodepuração biológica e físico-química do solo. É importante a conscientização da população, com vistas à proteção, limpeza e desinfecção da água de poços, além de cuidados por parte dos cemitérios, no sentido de conhecer a qualidade do lençol freático e sua potabilidade, que devem conduzir monitoramento hidrogeológico periódico. Deve-se manter licenciamento, fiscalização, monitoramento e acompanhamento rigorosos. A implantação e a operação de cemitérios devem ser conduzidas com as melhores técnicas de proteção e preservação do meio ambiente, com amplos estudos ambientais prévios e um alto padrão de operação, respeitando as condições sanitárias estabelecidas e fixando faixas de proteção como forma de garantir a qualidade das águas e seu uso para abastecimento público. O risco potencial de poluição pelos cemitérios pode existir, porém se a implantação e o gerenciamento forem adequados, este poderá ser mínimo, se comparado ao potencial poluidor de outras atividades antrópicas. / In the western society death is seen as a disturbing and marked event, even so this issue has inspired several papers about. In the other hand, cemetery activity that are also a marked and disturbing issue and beside that can cause possible damages to the environment and public health, have inspired few papers about. Concerning the environment and public health, the cemeteries present a potential on damaging soil and groundwater quality due to the decomposition process of the bodies buried in the subsoil. The existing cemeteries can be a high risk source of contamination, and can cause also physical, chemical and biological alterations in the soil and groundwater without protection or with vulnerable conditions. In order to minimize the infiltration risk and the groundwater contamination it is recommendable to keep sealed the bottom of the grave and make use of site with a very deep of water table level. In favorable conditions, the pathogenic associated load can be eliminated by the biological and physical-chemical self-purification process of the soil. It is important the population conscientiousness, viewing water wells cleanness, protection and the prevention of any infection, and beside that, the cemeteries owners in order to know the groundwater quality, they must perform periodical hydrogeological monitoring. It must be kept rigorous processes of permitting, inspection, compliance and monitoring. The construction and operation of cemeteries must be conducted using the best techniques for the environmental protection and conservation, and after an extensive previous environmental studies and an high standard operation, in compliance with all sanitary requirements and setting protection zones as one of the way to protect the water quality and its use as a public water supply. The potential risk of pollution from the cemeteries exists, but if the implementation and the management are adequate, the risk could be minimized, even comparing to the polluter potential of other anthropic activities.