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Resources and Environment
Number of Followers: 2  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 2163-2618 - ISSN (Online) 2163-2634 Published by SAP  [105 journals]
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- The Economic Value of the Sebangau National Park Area in Supporting
Sustainable Livelihoods in the Buffer Area
Abstract: Publication year: 2023Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 13, Number 1Wiwin Zakiah, Sri Yuni, Diana Beatris, Dedi Takari, Sabirin, Ahmad RizaniThis study aims to: calculate the economic value of the Sebangau National Park area in Central Kalimantan Province. The method used in this study is calculating the economic value of the Sebangau National Park area using an economic valuation approach. The study results show that the area's economic value in the Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan Province, is as follows: The value of the benefits derived from the flora in the Sebangau National Park is Rp 35,247,655,099,086.40 or around 35 trillion rupiahs, with the types of flora that are taken into account, including medicinal plants, ornamental plants, rattan plants and carbon storage (trees). The value of the benefits obtained from the fauna in Sebangau that are taken into account are orangutans, other large mammals, and birds; The total value of the benefits of flora and fauna in Sebangau National Park is Rp 35,984,764,454,951.40 or the equivalent of 36 trillion rupiahs; Based on the results of calculating the value of hill and lake tourism benefits in Sebangau National Park, it can be seen that the total tourism valuation or the total value of tourism benefits in Sebangau National Park. The following is the total tourism valuation of the Sebangau National Park Rp. 107,195,000.00.
- Aerosols Characteristics in Two Cities Characterized by Different Levels
of Air Pollution: Cairo and Qena/ Egypt
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 3Khalafallah Omar Kassem, Eman Fouad El-NobiThis paper introduces the aerosol characteristics in two cities, Cairo and Qena, Egypt. The two cities are characterized by different levels of air pollution. Aerosol characteristics are studied by comparing the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and angstrom exponent,
as well as its second derivative, 
The used data are collected from the AERONET network constructed in the two cities. The results indicated that the two cities, Cairo and Qena, are characterized by different levels of air pollution and aerosol characteristics. Comparison of the AOD values at three wavelengths (340,500 and 870 nm) in Cairo and Qena, and comparison of the monthly mean distribution of Ångström wavelength exponent (α) at three wavelength bands (440–870, 440–675, and 675–870 nm), indicated the presence of a bimodal AOD distribution with primary and secondary maxima in April in both Cairo and Qena and in Nov in Cairo and in Oct in Qena. Results of the correlation between Angstrom wavelength exponent α computed at shorter (380-440 nm) and longer (675-870 nm) wavelengths in Cairo and Qena have shown that the curvature in Cairo is negative in 33% of total cases indicating the presence of fine mode aerosols, while in Qena, the curvature is rarely negative; 5% of total cases, indicating the presence of coarse-mode aerosols. Finally, values of the second derivative 
at Cairo and Qena are discussed as a function of 
nm. In Cairo, Positive 
values indicate predominately fine mode bimodal size distributions with the value of 
increases as the fine mode increasingly dominates over the coarse and as the fine mode particles increase in size. While in Qena, the coarse mode dominated desert dust cases typically show 
values near zero or slightly negative.
- Wastewater Irrigation and Associated Health and Environmental Factors in
Pakistan: A Scoping Review
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 3Walvala Almas Kasi, Sanaullah Panezai, Shahab E. SaqibBackground: Wastewater is used increasingly in the agricultural sector to cope with the depletion of freshwater resources as well as water stress linked to change to the climate conditions. Research focusing on the human and environmental health risks is critical because exposure to a range of contaminants needs to be weighed with the benefits to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. Purpose: The aim of this scoping review is to examine the studies on human and environmental risks and factors associated with wastewater irrigation in the agricultural fields of Pakistan and to identify research trends and gaps. Methods: The literature for this scoping review article was identified from Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, PubMed health, full pdf (web of scientific publications), JSTOR, Research Gate, Google, and the free browser Kopernio. The studies focusing on Pakistan were discovered spanning from 1996-2020 and a total of 138 published studies were summarized and reviewed accordingly. Findings: The findings of the review showed that among the total 138 studies, the geographical distribution was as follows: Punjab (85), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (24), Balochistan (7), Sindh (4), Islamabad (2), Gilgit Baltistan (1) and Azad Jammu Kashmir (1). Most studies had used experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional survey designs. The samples of crops, vegetables, and fruits, raw milk, and soil were collected and tested in laboratories for assessing health and environmental risks. Major themes included heavy metals contamination, human, animal, and environmental health risks, ecological risk assessment, wastewater treatment, soil salinity, and groundwater contamination, wastewater characteristics, impacts on crops production, wastewater management and regulations, effects on aquaculture, and socio-economic impacts were identified in the scoping review. Conclusion: The screening of the reviewed articles indicated that future research should consider wastewater treatment strategies, disease profiling caused by wastewater, socio-economic impacts, and effects on aquaculture and animal health. Policymakers are suggested to utilize the results of this research for revamping policies and strategies for wastewater management.
- Adverse Global Health Impacts Due to the Proliferation of Man-Made
Technological Heatwaves
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 3Md Rahimullah Miah, Md Mehedi Hasan, Jorin Tasnim Parisha, Chowdhury Shadman Shahriar, Alexander Kiew Sayok, Shahriar Hussain ChowdhuryThis is a higher scientific study. There is no doubt that after its release, there will be many changes in global climate adaptation with new concepts of mitigation and wellness through satellite sensor technology. Through this research, advanced climate mitigation alternative technologies will make unprecedented progress in opening a new horizon in the world. The study was conducted among specific room, land surface, tree, cat, dog and individuals with dimensional categories through wireless sensor tracking due to active open eyes, self-voice and a specific GPS location. Studies have illustrated the misuse of advanced satellite technology with surface sensor, specific GPS location, and existing objects affect suddenly heatstroke at the fluctuated atmospheric satellite coordinates. The study shows the unexpected heatwaves are due to misuse of advanced satellite sensor to affect on global health. These results reflect the importance of protecting global health that the State provides. For climate adaptation and sustainable life for all, everyone's satellite sensor technical knowledge is essential, but such knowledge was insufficient. The study is a very timely scientific research- it will benefit those around the world who are climatologists. There is no doubt about this innovation, which is unique in the globe. Moreover, cyber criminals can create suspicion among others through artificial intelligence on false natural heatwaves. So, everyone should be aware of this research positively.
- Assessment of Seasonal Variations in Water Quality of River Tordzie, Ghana
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 2Victus Bobonkey Samlafo, Kwasi Gameli Tordzro, Bright Ankudze, Alhassan MahamaRiver Tordzie is one of the least studied rivers for its water quality and, hence was analysed for seasonal variations in water quality using nineteen physicochemical metal ions parameters. Water samples were collected from seven stations in triplicates along the banks of the river during the wet and the dry seasons. The water quality index (WQI) was used to estimate water quality, while the student's t-test (two-tailed) assuming equal variance was used to establish any statistically significant difference between the water quality for the dry and wet seasons. Among the physicochemical and metal ions parameters analysed, except for three parameters (SO42-, NO3- and COD) representing 15.79% which did not show statistically significant differences between the wet and dry seasons, statistically significant differences were observed among the rest of the 16 parameters representing 84.21%. Eight parameters (Alkalinity, Total hardness (TH), pH, PO43-, TDS, EC, BOD, and DO) showed the highest peak during the dry season representing 42%, while, the other parameters (colour, turbidity, SO42-, nitrate, COD, TSS, Cl-, and NH4-H) and all the metal ions showed the highest peak during the wet season representing 68%. The evaluated water quality indices for the two seasons were 718.37 and 612.06 for the dry and wet seasons respectively, putting the water quality in the two seasons into the unfit for drinking water category. As such, proper chemical treatment should be given to the water from River Tordzie before those living along the banks of the river use it for their domestic activities.
- Proposal of a Systematic Approach for the Identification of Favorable
Sites and the Evaluation of the Average Hydroelectric Potential in
Ungauged Watersheds with HEC-HMS - Case of the Ramena River (Madagascar)
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 2Justin RatsaramodyThe identification of favorable sites for hydroelectric development is always a costly and time-consuming operation when it is done starting with field measurements, especially in ungauged watersheds where no measurements (either of discharges or of headwater) are available. Thus, in this work, we propose a systematic approach in 5 steps applicable to any ungauged watershed. It is an approach within the reach of all since both the data (DEM, LULC, soil map, meteorological data) and the tools used are free: QGIS, SAGA for the GIS, R for the calculations and HEC-HMS for the hydrological modeling. To illustrate the method, the case of the Ramena River (Madagascar) is presented with the results obtained at each step. Because of its simplicity of access, the SCS-CN method is proposed in the illustration but it can be replaced by any other equivalent method. An important feature of the study is also the use of a fictitious average year in order to be placed in average conditions and thus reach the objective of evaluating the average hydroelectric potential of a selected site. With the final results being the guaranteed discharges and powers, the proposed approach allows a decision to be made on the development of a site, in isolated or hybrid configuration, and to foresee whether or not additional investigations in the field should be carried out.
- Analyzing Water Resources Management Issues Along the US Midwest Region
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 2E. C. Merem, Y. Twumasi, J. Wesley, D. Olagbegi, M. Crisler, C. Romorno, M. Alsarari, P. Isokpehi, A. Hines, G. Hirse, G. S. Ochai, E. Nwagboso, S. Fageir, S. Leggett, J. Offiah, S. EmeakporThe US Midwest region known for its vast network of arable farmland ranks high as the food basket of the nation and a global agricultural hub. The area stretches through a multiplicity of states and sub regions. With the intense level of farming and good soil therein, water access and security are overly crucial considering the region’s water dependent sectors from agriculture, industry, residential, energy, commercial establishments, and others with notable benefits to the communities. Notwithstanding all that, there exists a wide range of challenges to hydrological security deeply rooted in water management in the US Midwest region. The emergent worries center around declining water quality triggered by decaying infrastructure, pollution, the risks of flooding emanating from changing climate and access deprivation with spillovers to minority communities. Despite its vast network of lakes and reservoirs together with global and regional capacity as key water source, the zone faces vast concentration of usage in a few sectors. This comes in the wake of policies centered on continual access to key water assets germane to the communities and states in the region, mostly to agriculture, as well as industrial and manufacturing sectors. At the same time, very little in the literature exists on the analysis of water resource use issues in the zone via a mix scale approach anchored in Geographic Information System (GIS) and descriptive statistics. Accordingly, this enquiry will fill that void in research using mix scale methods to assess the trends. With emphasis on the issues, trends, factors, impacts, and the efforts of institutions. The results point to abundance of water assets in the zone and visible changes in usage over time in the form of gains and declines. In terms of the impacts, the region saw degradation, declines, and stress from climate change. In the process, a GIS mapping of the trends pinpointed a gradual dispersion of water use patterns of varying dimensions clustered in the region. Given that the forces of change reflect socio-economic, ecological, physical, and political factors located within the larger hydrological structure. The paper proffered solutions ranging from education, monitoring, sustainability, the design of a regional water information system and the enactment of sound policy.
- Public Perception of Sebangau National Park Buffer Zone
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 1Wiwin ZakiahSebangau National Park is one of the Nature Conservation Areas (KPA) in Central Kalimantan defined as Sebangau National Park by letter of the decision of the Minister of Forestry No.SK. 423/Forestry/II/2004 on October 19, 2004. Similarly the problem of other national parks, Sebangau area already contained settlement of fishermen who lived in the buffer zone. they are very dependent on the existence of river and swamp forest in the Sebangau National Park. The purpose of this research is to determine the perception of the public about the influence of National Parks presence to various aspects, both for environmental sustainability and social welfare of TNS buffer zone. The approach used in this study is a rationalistic approach that considers something as real, if there is coherence between the empirical to the rational scheme. Type of research are combination between quantitative and qualitative desrkiptif using skorring, SWOT and IFAS-EFAS analysis. Skorring analysis was used to assess the public's perception about the influence the management of the buffer zone TNS to the environmental sustainability of TNS and life of fishing communities. SWOT and IFAS-EFAS analysis are used to determine the development policies of TNS that related with the perception that has been analyzed. These results indicate that the public has the perception that the TNS environment is still very awake by the TNS management efforts. However, people also have the perception if TNS Management does not significantly affect people's lives in the buffer zone. Proper development strategy implemented in Sebangau National Park is a strategy that is in the first quadrant of the space A, namely Rapid Growth Strategy.
- Socio-Economic Activities and Forest Degradation in Ikom Education Zone of
Cross River State, Nigeria
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 1Egbonyi Etuki Eborty, Idongesit E. Ephraim, Omoogun Modupe Remi, Egbonyi D. EgbeThis study is on the Socio-Economic Activities And Forest Degradation In Ikom Education Zone Of Cross River State, Nigeria. Deforestation in the Ikom Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria is in the increase. The area is witnessing severe erosion and loss of soil fertility such that crop growth is affected. There is also an observed extinction of some species of animals, the Elephant, Leopard, Buffalos, and the Bush Cows that were commonly seen in the Forest area of the Ikom Education Zone of Cross River State Nigeria has all disappeared. This situation is worrisome and one wonders what the Environmental situation will be in the near future because the economy of the inhabitans of the area mostly depend on Forest Resources. The study therefore examined socio-economic activities and forest degradation in Ikom education zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design, and the two thousand, eight hundred and eighty six (2,886) registered farmers in Ikom Education Zone constitute the study population out of which two hundred and eighty nine (289) was sampled for the study using the proportionate sampling technique. A twenty two item questionnaire was structured in four clusters, cropping, hunting, logging activities and forest degradation respectively using the four point Likert scale. To guide the study three research questions were formulated and answered using mean rating with a cutoff point of 2.50. The study found out that, forest degradation was as high as 3.13 while cropping, hunting and logging activities in the study area contributed 3.10, 2.41 and 2.70 respectively for forest degradation. It was therefore concluded that cropping and logging activities contributed greatly to forest degradation while hunting activity contributed less. The researcher therefore recommended among others that, cropping activity should be improved by adopting modern cropping methods such as crop rotation and organic farming that does not require the destruction of large area of vegetation, to help reduce the extent of forest degradation in the study area.
- Estimation of the Hydrological Potential of the Ungauged Watershed of
Efaho (Madagascar) from the Daily Rainfall of an Average Year
Abstract: Publication year: 2022Source: Resources and Environment, Volume 12, Number 1Justin RatsaramodyThe waters of the Efaho River (Anosy Region, Madagascar) are planned to be diverted to provide water to the populations of this Androy Region who have been suffering from chronic drought for several decades. It was therefore necessary to know the value of the guaranteed flow in order to size the water transport pipes, but there are no recent measurements of flows to guarantee the hydraulic development. Thus, this study concerned the estimation of the hydrological potential of the ungauged Efaho catchment area, i.e. determining the average daily discharges of a year considered as an average year. On the daily rainfall data available from 01/01/1998 to 31/12/2019, two average daily rainfall years were considered as inputs for the hydrological model, namely the real average year 2000 and a fictitious average year, say 2053. The actual dry year 2016 was also considered. From the processing of these rainfall data, the physical processes (infiltration, evapotranspiration, runoff and then routing) had been reconstructed considering the characteristics of the catchment area. The implementation was carried out with the R language for data processing and with the HEC-HMS software for hydrological modelling. After comparison with some historical data, the results showed a fairly good agreement and the flow that could be used for hydraulic engineering was the flow corresponding to the first quartile of the fictitious average year 2053, i.e. 1.60 m3/s (guaranteed 274 days in the year).
