A study was conducted in two sites: one at an electricity storage facility belonging to the Swaziland Electricity Board (SEB) and the other at a facility that belongs to its treated pole supplier, the Thonkwane wood creosote treatment plant. The drainage system of these sites leads to surface waters in rivers. This is a cause of concern since creosote contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are listed as priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency. They have toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects and as a result they pose a threat to human life and the environment. No previous studies have been done on PAHs in Swaziland. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of the SEB storage facility and the creosote treatment plant by investigating the extent of PAHs in surrounding environments (soil, sediments and surface waters). Preliminary studies were undertaken on the storage facility and the creosote treatment plant. No PAHs were detected from the pole storage facility; therefore the creosote wood treatment facility was selected as the ideal site at which to conduct the research. Soil samples were collected from depths 15 cm and 60 cm at points around the creosote plant, including effluent discharge points. The samples were extracted by solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) and analysed by GC/MS. The GC/MS, incorporating a solid phase micro extraction step, provided detection limits ranging from 0.12 μg/g to 20.08 μg/g. The pollution patterns in the study site were assessed using cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Most of the 16 US EPA-listed priority pollutants were detected from the creosote wood treatment facility. PAHs such as anthracene, fluorene, naphthalene and fluoranthene were dominant in all the sampling sites. The compounds occurred in very high concentrations (0.64, 0.46, 0.27 and 0.26 mg/kg respectively). These compounds are found in pure creosote as determined in the sample taken from the Thonkwane creosote tank site. The highest concentration of PAHs was observed in the soil samples taken next to the road site. The concentrations of the identified PAHs were above the acceptable minimal level allowed in soil by the US EPA and Swaziland Environment Authority (SEA). The levels of the PAHs are also above the recommended US EPA limit in soil, which is 0.1 mg/kg. The results indicated that significant soil pollution was taking place in some of the sampling sites. The top layer (0, 15 cm) contained many PAHs at high levels whilst the 60 cm layer had a lower number of PAHs which were also in low concentrations. This provided an indication that there is no downward movement of PAHs from the surface layer to underground layers. The potential exists for contamination of surface waters when there is runoff from the project area. This is a cause of concern, since both the creosote treatment plant and areas outside the facility are contaminated. Therefore, the site has to be cleaned up, preferably by using a phytoremediation technique. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

Em um contexto atual de busca pelo desenvolvimento sustentável, surge a necessidade de alteração de mentalidades e práticas. A Produção mais Limpa figura como um dos exemplos de iniciativa compatível com essa demanda. Seu objetivo é que sejam considerados previamente os efeitos negativos dos processos produtivos, fazendo com que seja reduzido o desperdício e a geração de poluentes. Mesmo estando de acordo com as aspirações atuais de busca por uma produção industrial mais sustentável, sua disseminação não ocorreu de forma satisfatória. Esta dissertação visa contribuir para a compreensão das barreiras para a aplicação da Produção mais Limpa, bem como identificar quais fatores devem estar presentes para que se atinja o sucesso na sua adoção, possibilitando a geração de uma proposta de framework. Para atingir os objetivos propostos um instrumento de pesquisa foi criado com base na literatura e entrevistas com profissionais. Com esse instrumento foi executada uma survey com profissionais que possuem envolvimento com a temática de Produção mais Limpa, atingindo-se um total de 185 respondentes. A partir dos resultados da análise de componentes principais, ficou evidenciado que os fatores mais cruciais dizem respeito à organização, estando relacionados com a visão, a cultura, o planejamento estratégico e os subsídios para a implantação da Produção mais Limpa, que constituíram na primeira e segunda componentes da análise. No caso das barreiras, destaca-se a existência de uma visão e cultura organizacional inadequadas (primeira componente), seguido da falta de apoio externo (segunda componente). Também foram encontrados indícios de que pode haver uma má compreensão do conceito de Produção mais Limpa, além de uma educação ambiental inadequada. Ao analisarem-se as medidas que podem ser tomadas para que a Produção mais Limpa tenha sua aplicação de forma mais efetiva, percebe-se que o principal é o reposicionamento do ambiente externo como um forte incentivador da aplicação da Produção mais Limpa, abandonando a posição de destaque ao serem observadas as barreiras. / In t In the present context of pursuit for sustainable development, the need to alter mentalities and practices arises. Cleaner Production is an example of initiative compatible with this demand. Cleaner Production aims at considering beforehand negative effects of the productive process, reducing wastes and pollutant generation. This concept is aligned with current aspirations of pursuing for a more sustainable industrial production, but its dissemination did not occur in a satisfactory way. This dissertation seeks to contribute for comprehension of barriers to Cleaner Production application, as well as identify critical success factors that exist to achieve success in its adoption, making possible the conception of a framework proposal. To reach the proposed objectives a research instrument was created based on literature and interviews with professionals. With this instrument a survey was performed with professionals that work with Cleaner Production; a total of 185 responses were obtained. Results of the Principal Component Analysis made evident that critical factors are related with organization aspects, such as vision, culture, strategic planning and subsides for Cleaner Production implementation, that composed the first and second components. Regarding the barriers, it was emphasized the existence of an inadequate organizational vision and culture (first component), followed by lack of external support (second component). It was also found evidences that a mistaken comprehension of the Cleaner Production concept might exist, as well as an inappropriate environmental education. Considering measures that might be taken in order to disseminate Cleaner Production more effectively, it was noticed that is important to repositioning the external environment, making it a strong support in Cleaner Production applications, leaving behind a position of highlight when barriers are observed.

Em um contexto atual de busca pelo desenvolvimento sustentável, surge a necessidade de alteração de mentalidades e práticas. A Produção mais Limpa figura como um dos exemplos de iniciativa compatível com essa demanda. Seu objetivo é que sejam considerados previamente os efeitos negativos dos processos produtivos, fazendo com que seja reduzido o desperdício e a geração de poluentes. Mesmo estando de acordo com as aspirações atuais de busca por uma produção industrial mais sustentável, sua disseminação não ocorreu de forma satisfatória. Esta dissertação visa contribuir para a compreensão das barreiras para a aplicação da Produção mais Limpa, bem como identificar quais fatores devem estar presentes para que se atinja o sucesso na sua adoção, possibilitando a geração de uma proposta de framework. Para atingir os objetivos propostos um instrumento de pesquisa foi criado com base na literatura e entrevistas com profissionais. Com esse instrumento foi executada uma survey com profissionais que possuem envolvimento com a temática de Produção mais Limpa, atingindo-se um total de 185 respondentes. A partir dos resultados da análise de componentes principais, ficou evidenciado que os fatores mais cruciais dizem respeito à organização, estando relacionados com a visão, a cultura, o planejamento estratégico e os subsídios para a implantação da Produção mais Limpa, que constituíram na primeira e segunda componentes da análise. No caso das barreiras, destaca-se a existência de uma visão e cultura organizacional inadequadas (primeira componente), seguido da falta de apoio externo (segunda componente). Também foram encontrados indícios de que pode haver uma má compreensão do conceito de Produção mais Limpa, além de uma educação ambiental inadequada. Ao analisarem-se as medidas que podem ser tomadas para que a Produção mais Limpa tenha sua aplicação de forma mais efetiva, percebe-se que o principal é o reposicionamento do ambiente externo como um forte incentivador da aplicação da Produção mais Limpa, abandonando a posição de destaque ao serem observadas as barreiras. / In t In the present context of pursuit for sustainable development, the need to alter mentalities and practices arises. Cleaner Production is an example of initiative compatible with this demand. Cleaner Production aims at considering beforehand negative effects of the productive process, reducing wastes and pollutant generation. This concept is aligned with current aspirations of pursuing for a more sustainable industrial production, but its dissemination did not occur in a satisfactory way. This dissertation seeks to contribute for comprehension of barriers to Cleaner Production application, as well as identify critical success factors that exist to achieve success in its adoption, making possible the conception of a framework proposal. To reach the proposed objectives a research instrument was created based on literature and interviews with professionals. With this instrument a survey was performed with professionals that work with Cleaner Production; a total of 185 responses were obtained. Results of the Principal Component Analysis made evident that critical factors are related with organization aspects, such as vision, culture, strategic planning and subsides for Cleaner Production implementation, that composed the first and second components. Regarding the barriers, it was emphasized the existence of an inadequate organizational vision and culture (first component), followed by lack of external support (second component). It was also found evidences that a mistaken comprehension of the Cleaner Production concept might exist, as well as an inappropriate environmental education. Considering measures that might be taken in order to disseminate Cleaner Production more effectively, it was noticed that is important to repositioning the external environment, making it a strong support in Cleaner Production applications, leaving behind a position of highlight when barriers are observed.

O conceito de prevenção da poluição, já abordado em estudos sobre efluentes e outros tipos de resíduos, deve se estender também à questão das embalagens utilizadas em indústrias. Isto porque, com o aumento na complexidade dos processos produtivos, as embalagens passaram a ser empregadas também para abrigar componentes durante a fabricação e o transporte, e não mais apenas para conter o produto final; assim, sua utilização pode acarretar a geração de grandes quantidades de resíduos, caso o princípio da prevenção não seja adotado. É neste quadro que o presente trabalho se insere: inicialmente, apresenta considerações relativas às embalagens e à evolução dos conceitos do gerenciamento de resíduos, destacando a presença da prevenção da poluição em norma ISO 14001 e em dispositivos legais do Brasil e de países da Comunidade Econômica Européia.Através de estudo de caso realizado em uma empresa montadora de motores localizada em São Carlos (SP), foram identificados procedimentos adequados à prevenção da poluição por embalagens de uso industrial, como a utilização de embalagens retornáveis; observou-se, no entanto, a geração de resíduos a partir de acessórios que acompanham as embalagens, como filmes e cintas plásticas. Por fim, a partir da escolha de um modelo de motor produzido na empresa, foram analisadas as embalagens cujos componentes estão envolvidos em sua fabricação; com os dados obtidos, foram propostos e determinados índices de desempenho relativos à ocorrência de descartes de acessórios em termos quantitativos e qualitativos, segundo o tipo de material / The increasing complexity of the production processes ended up leading to an increasing need for packages of several shapes and materials. They are nowadays used not only for finished products, but also during fabrication and transportation phases, in order to protect raw materials, components and semi-finished products. Thus, the use of packages may also result in the generation of waste during production processes. The historically-new trend of priorizing pollution-prevention activities must, of course include all the packaging used in the industry. However, studies of the possibilities of pollution prevention have been concentrated on the waste originated directly from the production processes (effluents, metal scrap). At same time, studies on the pollution prevention applied to packaging have been focused on the packaging of consumer goods. There's a need for researches on packaging-related waste generated indirectly by production processes. More specifically, one must evaluate the possibilities and results of the application of pollution prevention concepts to this kind of waste, so that it can be dealt with in a proper way, and the industrial sector be informed about the new waste management paradigm. Starting with basic packaging-related definitions, and a description of the evolution of solid waste management concepts, from disposal to pollution prevention, this work, through a case study, identifies procedures directed towards waste prevention e proposes some performance indicators, related to the amount of waste generated in the fabrication of one unit of product. It also presents and establishes a comparison between brazilian and european environmental laws

Florida citrus represents approximately 70 percent of the industry production in the United States; therefore, any associated agricultural and industrial contamination is of concern and a focus of attention. The use of synthetic organic chemicals has become a farmer's necessity in order to supply consumers with high quality products, free of pest damage. However, industrial citrus wastes and chemical residual levels worry not only government agencies but also consumers since they indicate a serious habitat risk. This study assesses citrus industrial processes and the paths that chemical substances follow from the time the citrus seed is planted until consumers get a final product as either fresh fruit or processed product. The study is built on information from United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) manuals, Dade County Environmental Resources Management (DERM) inspection records, United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) regulations, Florida standards, journal publications, and research reports. Pollution prevention (P2 or prevention-of-pollution) alternatives are identified; alternatives are proposed, evaluated, and included. Strategies are described and pollution prevention opportunities proposed to minimize citrus wastes generation, chemical residuals in products, their environmental impact and health risk aspects while maximizing product quality.

The focus of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) is on the sustainable utilization of our water resources. This is to be achieved through the implementation of an integrated resource protection approach, which is aimed at ensuring that a balance is maintained between the protection and utilization of our countries water resources. This approach sets Resource Quality Objectives (RQOs) that define acceptable levels of water resource protection. The acceptable risk of damage to the ecological integrity of a water resource will play an important role in the setting of these objectives, e.g. for a water resource of lower importance a higher risk would be acceptable with the subsequent setting of RQOs at less stringent levels. A desktop Resource Directed Measures (RDM) determination has already been performed for the Luvuvhu River in the Northern Province. There was decided to evaluate a facet of this desktop study, namely the Present Ecological Status (PES), by utilising the South African Scoring System version 4 (SASS4) and the Integrated Habitat Assessment Method (IHAS) biomonitoring techniques. It was then possible to compare the desktop determined PES to the PES determined from the information provided by the biomonitoring techniques. Ultimately, SASS4 verified the reliability of the RDM methodology Further, to facilitate the introduction of Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) into South Africa there was looked at how and where SASS4 and IHAS would fit into the various phases of the ERA process. SASS4 serves as an indication of the extent of an impact, and in conjunction with an ERA, would provide the means with which to determine causality. A retrospective ERA based on data obtained from SASS4 and a concomitant habitat assessment method will thus provide a valuable tool for the protection of our water resources. / Prof. G.J. Steyn

Best management practices are methods that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means of preventing or reducing pollution. Best Management Practices (BMPs) relating to surface water pollution abatement for North Dakota beef cow operations are of particular importance due to the importance of the agriculture industry in North Dakota. North Dakota has yet to address the use of voluntary BMPs to address potential surface water pollution regulations. Probit models were used to estimate the likelihood of North Dakota beef cow operators adopting specific production practices to reduce potential surface water pollution through the use of BMPs. The six BMPs discussed in this research include nutrient management, rotational grazing, filterstrjps, riparian buffers, streambank fencing, and streambank bridging/crossing. Number of beef cows on operation, education, awareness of cost share programs, contact with extension service, ownership structure, debt level, record keeping method, and pasture season usage were found to be significant in the likelihood of adopting a BMP.

As stormwater flows over roads, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces, it picks up pollutants that are deposited on these surfaces. One common pollutant transported by stormwater is road salt. While the application of road salt is crucial for wintertime public safety, road salt has a host of negative environmental impacts. Road salt has been linked to increasing levels of dissolved solids in groundwater, vegetation damage, and behavioral changes in aquatic organisms. Studies have shown that these impacts are concentrated around salt storage facilities. As a result, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued many state departments of transportation municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits. In Utah, road salt is stored at Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) maintenance stations, which are regulated by a Phase I MS4 permit. To comply with their MS4 permit, UDOT constructed retention ponds to capture salt-laden stormwater and truck wash water. However, without information and established maintenance and management plans informing pond design, these retention ponds suffer from design issues such as overflow throughout the winter season. Through pollution prevention assessments, pond and tap water analysis, pond sediment analysis, and surface water quality modeling at 11 UDOT maintenance stations, this project provides UDOT with site design guidelines and best management practices to ultimately reduce the impact of UDOT road salt facilities on the environment.

Benthic animals have been widely used as health indicators of the marine benthic ecosystems in temperate regions. My PhD thesis mainly aimed to understand the responses of benthic ecosystem in tropical Hong Kong waters to the two management measures - pollution control and trawling ban. My study was based on sediment grab samples collected from 28 stations in three territory-wide surveys conducted in 2001, 2012 and 2015 in Hong Kong waters. I compared the spatial and temporal changes in macrobenthic community structure as well as physical and chemical characteristics of benthic habitats between surveys conducted before and after the pollution control measures in 2001 and 2012, as well as surveys before and after the fishery management measure in 2012 and 2015. The impacts of sewage pollution to benthic ecosystems had been noted in many studies, which included deteriorated water quality and bottom sediment, and disturbed, less diverse macrobenthic community dominated by opportunistic small-sized species. Therefore, sewage treatment and cessation of sewage effluent discharge were expected to lead to notable improvement in benthic habitats, biodiversity and macrobenthic communities; besides, responses of benthic ecosystems to pollution control may be hydrologically varied. In Hong Kong, a series of sewage treatment schemes, e.g. Stage 1 of Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS), Tolo Harbour Action Plan (THAP), Tolo Harbour Effluent Export Scheme (THEES) and a number of sewage treatment works had been conducted in different areas of Hong Kong. Changes in the community structure were noted in the three focal areas with pollution control measures, i.e. Victoria Harbour, Deep Bay and Tolo Harbour; while apparent recoveries were noted inside the Victoria Harbour, the changes in benthic communities inside the Tolo Harbour and Deep Bay could not be attributed to the pollution control measures. Specifically, a decline in nutrient input to the eastern part of Victoria Harbour due to the implementation of HATS might have led to declined sedimentary total organic matter and the disappearance of the opportunistic species, and hence a recovery of benthic ecosystem therein. But in the sheltered Tolo Harbour and Deep Bay, neither improvement in sediment quality nor biodiversity were noted, thus indicating a longer duration is needed for the recovery of benthic ecosystems to take place in these land-locked bays. Degraded marine fishery resources and destruction in marine ecosystems had been noted since the introduction of modern trawling vessels had into Hong Kong since the 1950s and 1960s. Currently, most reports of benthic ecosystem responses to cessation of trawling originate from temperate regions, while it is not well understood for the situation in tropical areas. The territory-wide trawling ban in tropical Hong Kong waters was implemented by the Hong Kong government since December 31, 2012. Although improvement in benthic ecosystems was anticipated after the ban, it was unknown when this would happen and how different parts of the Hong Kong waters would respond to the trawling ban. My study showed that, around 3 years after the trawling ban, sedimentary organic matter content had increased significantly, and bottom water suspended solid loads had decreased in most of the survey stations, indicating territory-wide improvement in the benthic environment. Moreover, significant increases in richness, abundance and functional diversity of macrobenthos, as well as a more aggregated, fewer but larger station groups of macrobenthic communities were also detected after the trawling ban, indicating rapid recovery of the benthic communities. In conclusion, my study indicates that benthic communities in tropical Hong Kong can be used as bioindicators of environmental changes. Due to their restricted mobility, benthic organisms should be an integral part of the ecosystem monitoring aiming to detect the consequences of management measures to the marine environment. Environmental data including habitat complexity and hydrology are also required to fully understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of benthic ecosystems. Besides, my study has provided two territory-wide baseline data on the biodiversity and macrobenthic community structure in the tropical Hong Kong waters, which will be valuable for detecting future changes in the benthic ecosystems. My benthic ecology studies have resulted in a published paper and a manuscript ready for submission for publication. Besides focusing on benthic ecology, I have conducted taxonomic studies on benthic polychaetes, resulting in two published papers. As good taxonomy is the basis of high-quality data in benthic ecology, the training I received from studying these benthic polychaetes has enhanced my understanding of the biology of benthos, which is also important for my career development. However, since these papers do not fall into the main theme of my thesis, they are included in the thesis as appendixes only.

No description available.