Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution - Volume 21, issue 4

Authors: Subramanian, V.

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240040

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. i-iii, 2024

Authors: Pokhrel, Madan | Shakya, Narendra | Lamichhane, Manoj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The study used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to analyse the surface water availability in the Kathmandu Valley. The model was calibrated and validated at Khokana station of basin area 592 km2 for the period from 2000 to 2015. To test the model’s performance for smaller subbasins, it was validated at Sundarijal station of basin area 16 km2 . The daily runoff simulation statistics indicated that the model’s performance was satisfactory and the model effectively captured the runoff trend for the entire basin and subbasin catchment areas. This study demonstrates that the model can be adopted …for assessing stream flow within the basin by selecting appropriate parameter values. The calibrated and validated model was subsequently applied to determine the surface water availability in surrounding mountainous, forested regions less affected by urbanisation, by setting up the model at 66 watersheds. The results indicate that the upper reaches of the Bagmati River basin and its tributary, the Nakkhu River, possess substantial surface water resources that can be utilised to alleviate water stress in the valley. Show more

Keywords: Water scarcity, surface water availability, SWAT, hydrological modelling

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240041

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 1-14, 2024

Authors: Kulkarni, S.C. | Varekar, Vikas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study aims to make a quantitative prediction of the water supply and demand gap for the Indian city of Kalyan-Dombivili up to the year 2051. The study uses a decision-support tool called the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) Model to consider the existing reservoir and different alterations to the current water supply system. Outcomes from this modeling study of the water resources system of the Kalyan Dombivili city indicate that with an increase in the reliability of water supply with the recycling of rainwater, the future demand-supply gap has a reliability of 47%. Secondly, with the increased reservoir capacity, …water availability will be increased by 51.2%. However, with the existing reservoir alone, water availability will be increased by 49.4%, and effluent use will be up to 99% with the proposed new reservoir and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Show more

Keywords: Kalyan-Dombivili, WEAP, roof top runoff, recycle and reuse, water resilience

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240042

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 15-29, 2024

Authors: Al-Rikabi, Raya J. | Alqaralosy, Hanan N.W. | Sultan, Maitham A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Air pollutant field study and laboratory sample analyses revealed that most of the air pollutants in Fallujah City come from various human activities. These activities: Factories, Bakeries, Private electric generators, etc represent the major sources of gaseous and particulate pollutants. Those emissions have affected the air quality of the air in study areas. This research aimed to identify air pollutant concentrations, and their effects, and develop immediate solutions to reduce their health and environmental impacts. Air pollutant measurements were taken for four sites, with each site having generators and bakeries, another five sites representing industrial activities, and another site …representing the residential areas. These measurements which included total suspended particles (TSP), PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), sulphate dioxide (SO2 ), methane (CH4 ) and (CO) were conducted in the winter and summer seasons. The plaster and asphalt factories and industrial district locations recorded the highest concentrations of particle pollutants (TSP, PM10, and PM2.5) and gases (NO2 , SO2 , CH4 , and CO). It was also observed that there was an increase in the concentrations of total suspended particles, in addition to some gases measured at the sites of bread ovens and private electric generators, especially in the summer. Most of the sites recorded values higher than the local environmental allowable limits. The high concentrations of air pollutants measured at the study sites are due to the increased demand for electrical energy and the use of private electrical generators to compensate for the lack of electrical energy emitted by high air pollutants. In addition to the emissions of cement, plaster, and asphalt factories and the large quantities of suspended particles they release into the atmosphere resulting from crushing operations and loading operations for raw materials, in addition to the polluting gases they release resulting from the use of black oil, as well as the use of black oil as fuel in the bakeries, which leads to an increase in pollutant concentrations will, therefore, negatively affect air quality. Show more

Keywords: Human activities, air pollution, bakeries, plaster and asphalt factories, private electrical generators, Fallujah City

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240043

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 31-38, 2024

Authors: Chukkali, Surekha | Rastogi, Kritika | Agrawal, Ayushi | Nayar, Sonakshi | Raj, Paul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The environment directly influences the behaviour, experiences, and also the well-being of people. It is not only the outside environment but the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) that also affects the well-being of its residents (Arif et al., 2016). The objective of the present study is to study the relationship between Air Quality Index (AQI), Personality traits, Residential Satisfaction, and quality of life among participants living in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi NCR. A total of 685 residents aged 18-65, living in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi NCR for over 2 years, who responded to the call for participation were selected for the …study. Data was collected through online Google forms. Correlation and regression analysis were carried out to understand the strength and direction of the relationship between study variables. SPSS AMOS was used to estimate the measurement model and capture mediation paths. The results present an exploratory model which identifies air quality index and personality traits and their contribution towards the perceptions of residential satisfaction. The study also establishes a link between residential satisfaction and quality of life, the new ecological paradigm, and the dominant social paradigm. The present study highlights the necessity to adopt a pro-environmental approach to improve the quality of life. Show more

Keywords: Air quality index, personality traits, residential satisfaction, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240044

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 39-46, 2024

Authors: Radia, Nadher D. | Essa, Shaimaa M. | Aljeboree, Aseel M. | Abed Jawad, Mohammed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A new type of hybrid biopolymer nanocomposite hydrogel was created using sodium alginate and carrageenan combined with N-isopropyl acrylamide and bentonite nanoclay. The hydrogel was synthesised through free radical polymerisation. The purpose was to test its ability to remove the dye crystal violet (CV) from an aqueous solution. The structure and morphology of the synthesised nanocomposite hydrogel were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Key parameters affecting the efficiency of crystal violet removal were explored, including pH, initial dye concentration, contact time, and amount of adsorbent. Optimal values for each parameter were identified. The …removal mechanism was highly pH-dependent, with the dye removal rate increasing when more nanoclay was added in an acidic environment. Using an initial dye concentration of 30 mg/L and 0.05 g of the nanocomposite hydrogel, the equilibrium adsorption time was 3 hours. The adsorption matched the Langmuir isotherm model and followed pseudo-second order kinetics. Overall, the nanocomposite hydrogel was an effective adsorbent for eliminating crystal violet dye from water. Show more

Keywords: Nanocomposite hydrogel, carrageenin, crystal violet, adsorption

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240045

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 47-54, 2024

Authors: Pasrija, Raghav | Banerjee, Sandeep | Tharani, Kusum | Wadhera, Tanmay | Joshi, Saumyae | Sharma, Sandeep

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This research delves into the intricate control mechanisms governing renewable energy sources through the application of three distinct DC-DC converter technologies: the buck, boost, and buck-boost converters. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar can be pivotal in the future and become the primary source of energy for global energy requirements. Renewable sources are pollution-free and have minimal impact on the environment. This research illuminates the efficacy of these converters in orchestrating the optimal utilization of renewable energy sources, offering valuable contributions to the advancement of sustainable power systems. Open and closed loop control of a buck converter is studied …along with its operation for the voltage regulation of an emulated PV panel. For the boost converter, a comprehensive exploration ensues through two closed-loop control methods: Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm and the incremental conductance method. Simulations are meticulously executed in MATLAB Simulink, interfacing with PV arrays and directing power toward battery charging. Meanwhile, the buck-boost converter undergoes simulation and evaluation, fed by a DC source and delivering power to a resistive load. Experimental validation is conducted for the buck converter, providing tangible insights into real-world performance. Conventional sources, primarily coal, which is the most used source of energy in Asian countries, including India, have adverse effects on the environment. Coal contributes to a huge proportion of pollutants in the environment and also the release of large quantities of greenhouse gases. Renewable energy resources can play a huge role in addressing the energy demands of Asian countries. They hold the ability to alleviate the environmental burden caused by conventional energy sources. Renewable energy sources also mitigate pollution and eliminate various hazardous effects of conventional energy sources. This study emphasises the adoption of such sources and underscores the pivotal role of DC-DC converter technologies in this adoption. Show more

Keywords: Asian, DC-DC converters, environment, optimisation, pollution, renewable energy, sustainable

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240046

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 55-62, 2024

Authors: Mavhungu, T.C. | Mankga, L.T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Cosmo City, situated in Johannesburg, Gauteng, has been experiencing sewage water overflows (SWO) for several years, and this raises concerns about the water quality of Zandspruit River. The study aimed to investigate the impacts of SWO on the Zandspruit River, and the perceptions of the community towards SWO. Water samples were collected from three sampling sites of Zandspruit River. Some water quality parameters were measured in the field using a multi-parameter water quality meter while other parameters were analyzed at a SANAS accredited laboratory. Results were compared with South African water quality guidelines and most water quality parameters were within …permissible set standards. However, COD, E. coli and turbidity were above permissible set standards which indicates a highly polluted river. Furthermore, we assessed perceptions of the Cosmo City community towards SWO through questionnaires. The community ascribed the main causes of SWOs to population growth, blocked, and broken sewers. This study revealed that SWO around Cosmo City has a negative impact on the quality of river water and poses health risks. The combined evidence from both the experimental analysis and the community perception survey underscores the urgent need for effective management strategies to address the negative environmental and human health implications of SWO in the Zandspruit River. By integrating these findings and considering the broader implications of pollution on both the ecosystem and community well-being, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards implementing sustainable solutions to mitigate the risks associated with sewage water overflows. Show more

Keywords: Cosmo city, sewage water overflow, E coli, water pollution, Zandspruit River

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240047

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 63-71, 2024

Authors: Gupta, Bashabi | Aggarwal, Seema | Jose, Milu Maria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: District Giridih is primarily rain dependent on its 95 per cent net cultivable land under summer-monsoon crops. It is classified as a mono-cropping area as it lacks irrigation facilities, essential for winter crops. In the last few years, the district experienced water stress due to the shortage of monsoon rainfall. We study long term seasonal and annual rainfall trend analyses for the Giridih district of Jharkhand in India using linear regression modelling. The last 100 years of data were taken for the study and were divided into two-time phases of 50 years each to analyse the changing pattern of rainfall …trends. We found a decreasing trend in monsoon rainfall from 1 mm y-1 to 3 mm y-1 between the initial (1921-1971) and final (1972-2021) phase of the study period. Similarly, the return period of droughts (rainfall deficit years) has also reduced from 11 years to 5 years. The study has shown that the rainfall pattern has changed, with the winter months showing a decrease and the pre-monsoon months an increase in their relative contributions to the annual rainfalls. The study may help in the formulation of water resource conservation-oriented decision-making to cope-up with the rainfall uncertainties and meet the future water demand. Show more

Keywords: Giridih, climate change, trend analysis, Linear Regression Modelling

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240048

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 73-81, 2024

Authors: Nuryanty, Cut-Dian | Riani, Etty | Abidin, Zaenal | Sutjahjo, Surjono-Hadi | Riyadi, Agung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Mercury is still used in the amalgamation process in small-scale gold processing. This study aims to evaluate the mercury contamination of various environmental media in the artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) area in the Simpenan District, Sukabumi Regency. The ecological media examined in this study included groundwater, river water, soil, sediment, biota, and plants. The threshold number was determined using APHA 3125 and Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 7387:2009. Meanwhile, the mercury concentration in the ambient air was measured directly using a mercury analyser. Mercury concentrations in the water, soil, sediment, biota, and plant matrices were calculated using a calibration curve. …The study found that the levels of mercury in groundwater, river water, and sediment were all below the applicable quality standards of <0.0001, <0.0001 and 0.001 mg/L, respectively. However, the levels of mercury in soil and plants were 27.28 and 0.52 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, the levels of mercury in four types of fish found in a river adjacent to the ASGM location, namely beunteur (0.33 mg/kg), snakehead (0.05 mg/kg), catfish (0.26 mg/kg) and eel (0.20 mg/kg), exceeded the specified quality standards. In conclusion, mercury contamination is present in the soil, plants, and aquatic biota (fish) in the ASGM area in the Simpenan District, Sukabumi Regency. Show more

Keywords: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining mercury, bioaccumulation, bioconcentration factor, soil contamination

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240049

Citation: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 83-89, 2024