Over recent decades, Gampaha district, Sri Lanka, has experienced significant urbanisation and industrial growth, increasing groundwater demand due to limited and polluted surface water resources. In 2013, a community...Over recent decades, Gampaha district, Sri Lanka, has experienced significant urbanisation and industrial growth, increasing groundwater demand due to limited and polluted surface water resources. In 2013, a community uprising in Rathupaswala, a village in Gampaha district, accused a latex glove manufacturing factory of causing groundwater acidity (pH < 4). This study evaluates the spatial and temporal changes in geochemical parameters across three transects in the southern part of Gampaha district to 1) assess the impact of geological formations on groundwater;2) compare temporal variations in groundwater;and 3) explain acidification via a geochemical model. Seventy-two sample locations were tested for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and anion concentrations (sulphate, nitrate, chloride and fluoride). Depth to the water table and distance from the sea were measured to study variations across sandy, peaty, lateritic, and crystalline aquifers. Results showed pH readings around 7 for sandy and crystalline aquifers, below 7 for peaty aquifers, and below 5 for lateritic aquifers, with significant water table fluctuations near Rathupaswala area. Principal component analysis revealed three principal components (PCs) explaining 86.0% of the variance. PC1 (40.6%) correlated with pH, EC, and sulphate (saltwater intrusion), while PC2 (32.0%) correlated with nitrates and depth to the water table (anthropogenic nutrient pollution). A geochemical transport model indicated a cone of depression recharged by acidic groundwater from peat-soil aquifers, leading to acidic groundwater in Rathupaswala area. Previous attributions of acidic pH to the over-exploitation of groundwater by the latex factory have been reevaluated;the results suggest natural acidification from prolonged water-rock interactions with iron-rich lateritic aquifers. Groundwater pH is influenced by local climate, geology, topography, and drainage systems. It is recommended that similar water-rock interaction conditions may be present throughout the wet zone of Sri Lanka, warranting detailed studies to confirm this hypothesis.展开更多
The East African (EA) region highly experiences intra-seasonal and inter-annual variation in rainfall amounts. This study investigates the driving factors for anomalous rainfall events observed during the season of Oc...The East African (EA) region highly experiences intra-seasonal and inter-annual variation in rainfall amounts. This study investigates the driving factors for anomalous rainfall events observed during the season of October-November-December (OND) 2019 over the region. The study utilized daily rainfall data from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station Data Version 2 (CHIRPSv2) and the driving systems data. Statistical spatiotemporal analysis, correlation, and composite techniques were performed to investigate the teleconnection between OND 2019 seasonal rainfall and global synoptic climate systems. The findings showed that the OND 2019 experienced seasonal rainfall that was twice or greater than its seasonal climatology and varied with location. Further, the OND 2019 rainfall showed a positive correlation with the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) (0.81), Nino 3 (0.51), Nino 3.4 (0.47), Nino 4 (0.40), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) (0.22), and North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) (0.02), while El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) showed a negative correlation (−0.30). The region was dominated by southeasterly warming and humid winds that originated from the Indian Ocean, while the geopotential height, vertical velocity, and vorticity anomalies were closely related to the anomalous rainfall characteristics. The study deduced that the IOD was the major synoptic system that influenced maximum rainfall during the peak season of OND 2019. This study therefore provided insights on the diagnosis study of OND 2019 anomalous rainfall and its attribution over the EA. The findings of the study will contribute to improvements in forecasting seasonal rainfall by regional climate centers and national meteorological centers within the region.展开更多
Objective:To compare Wuchereria bancrofti(W.bancrofti)infection rates of Culex quinquefasciatus,using dissection and PCR-EUSA in two consecutive time periods(from 2007to 2008 and from 2008 to 2009).Methods:Mosquitoes ...Objective:To compare Wuchereria bancrofti(W.bancrofti)infection rates of Culex quinquefasciatus,using dissection and PCR-EUSA in two consecutive time periods(from 2007to 2008 and from 2008 to 2009).Methods:Mosquitoes were collected in 30 sentinel and 15 nonsentinel sites in 15 Medical Officer of Health areas of Gampaha District known for the presence of W.bancrofti transmission in two consecutive time period of 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009.Captured mosquitoes were dissected to determine the W.bancrofti larvae(L_1 L_2,L_3,).PCR was carried out using DNA extracted from mosquito pools(15 body parts/pool)utilizing the primers specific for Wb-Sspl repeat.PCR products were analyzed by hybridization ELISA using fluorescein-labeled wild type specific probes.The prevalence of infected/infective mosquiloes in PCR pools(3 pools/site)was estimated using the PoolSereen^(TM)algorithm and a novel probability—based method.Results:Of 45 batches of mosquitoes dissected,W.bancrofti infected mosquitoes were found in19 and 13 batches,with an infection rate of 13.29%and 3.10%with mean larval density of 8.7 and1.0 larvae per mosquito for two study periods in the Gampaha District.Total of 405 pools of head,thorax and abdomen were processed by PCR-EUSA for each year.Of these,51 and 31 pools were positive for W.bancrofti in the two study periods respectively.The association of dissection based prevalence rates with PCR based rates as determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient were0.176 and 0.890 respectively for the two periods.Conclusions:Data indicate that PCR-EUSA is more sensitive than the traditional dissection techniques for monitoring transmission intensity.展开更多
Environment and health have been more and more jointly addressed in recent years,thanks to the efforts of several public and private institutions.In this scenario,a leading role has been played by the World Heath Orga...Environment and health have been more and more jointly addressed in recent years,thanks to the efforts of several public and private institutions.In this scenario,a leading role has been played by the World Heath Organisation(WHO).A specific attention was devoted to the issue by the European Union(EU)EU institutions and the WHO Office for Europe,which lists 52 countries(including Europe,Eastern European Countries and Turkey, former Yugoslavia and part of the former Soviet Union).The objectives of the present paper are to give an overview of the main developments in this area,and to underline the progress made towards a common understanding of health and environment issues,the advantages and limits of these developments and the challenges for the future,to be tackled at a global level.展开更多
Helsinki Environmental Services Authority HSY ,Ammaissuo waste management centre consists of two landfill sites. The old land filling area was established in 1987 and closed in 2007. The landfilling at the new landfil...Helsinki Environmental Services Authority HSY ,Ammaissuo waste management centre consists of two landfill sites. The old land filling area was established in 1987 and closed in 2007. The landfilling at the new landfill section started in November 2007. Until spring 2014 the main treatment method for source separated MSW （municipal solid＇waste） collected from Helsinki Metropolitan area households was landfilling. Approximately 250,000 tonnes of MSW was landfilled annually. From April 2014 on all of the MWS has been utilized in heat and electricity production at new Waste to Energy plant owned and operated by energy company Vantaa Energy Ltd. The landscaping of the landfills is currently ongoing. The construction of the landfill gas collection system was started in 1994 and from 1996 on landfill gas from old landfill area was recovered and burned in torches to reduce the greenhouse gas effect caused by methane in landfill gas. In the end of year （2004） new landfill gas utilisation system was taken in use Gas was used as a fuel in HOB （heat only boiler） to generate district heating for nearby community as well as commercial and industrial sites. The capacity of the system was 7,000 Nm3/h that corresponded to app. 30 MW of heat. Since district heat was mainly needed only during the cold season of the year only about half of the landfill gas produced by the landfill was able to utilize and rest of the gas was still flared leading to relatively low utilization rate of the gas. The construction work of the new 15 MW ＋ 1.2 MW electricity power plant started in spring 2009. The power plant consists of four gas engines and generators and organic rankine cycle process utilizing thermal oil for heat transfer from exhaust gas and steam turbine with hexamethyldisiloxane （silicone oil） as a medium agent. The ORC （Organic Rankine Cycle）-process was commissioned in August 2011 and the operational experiences have been very good. Based on current knowledge the HSY power plant is the biggest landfill gas fired power plant in Europe and probably even in the whole world. Also the combined engine and ORC-process is unique for landfill gas power plants. The third phase of the biogas utilization took place in summer 2015 when the anaerobic digestion biowaste treatment plant was introduced. At the moment the product gas from digestion plant is utilized at landfill gas power plant. In the future gas will be used as a fuel for new power plant process consisting two gas engines and ORC process. Commissioning of the new power plant will take place in October 2016. This paper presents detailed description of the landfill gas utilization system of HSY waste treatment centre and information on operational experiences of landfill gas fired power plant process.展开更多
A field survey was carried out to determine the vegetation structure of the Lukanga Swamp Ramsar site in central Zambia. The aim of the study was to identify the different vegetation communities, species composition a...A field survey was carried out to determine the vegetation structure of the Lukanga Swamp Ramsar site in central Zambia. The aim of the study was to identify the different vegetation communities, species composition and distribution patterns for improved habitat management. Sampling was conducted in all recognizable vegetation communities. The results of the survey showed that the swamp was a littoral palustrine wetland predominantly characterized by the dominance of Leersia hexandria Swartz (42.02%), Typha capensis Rohrb (62.43%), Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud (33.61%), Aeschynomeme fluitans Peter (31.58%) and Polygonum senegalense Meisn (48.8%). The occurrence of Vossia cuspidata Griff and Cyperus papyrusL was restricted to small and isolated locations. Short Termitaria was generally covered by Acrocerus macrum Stapf (35.25%) while tall Termitaria was dominated by Panicum maximum Jacq. (26.00%). The most important woody plant species included Combretum ghasalense Engl. et Diels (I. V = 62.88), Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia Pax ((I. V = 90.48), Albizia adianthifolia (Schmacher) W.F. Wight (I. V = 135.63) Isoberlinia angolensis Hyle and Brenan (I. V = 87.25). The current structure of the hydrophytes composition observed in this study was an indication of a generally silting wetland, while the dominant occurrence of understorey woody plants in the surrounding vegetation signified degraded miombo vegetation. It was concluded that the ecological status of wetland habitat was potentially threatened by mainly anthropogenic activities such as;wildfires, and unsustainable exploitation of surrounding vegetation. Further research is required to examine water flows, eutrophication and the long-term effects of deforestation on the ecological functioning of the wetland.展开更多
The widespread mobile station’s antennas and the continued increase in the number of mobile phones users throughout the Gaza strip causing great panic in the population relating the debate overexposure to electromagn...The widespread mobile station’s antennas and the continued increase in the number of mobile phones users throughout the Gaza strip causing great panic in the population relating the debate overexposure to electromagnetic radiation EMR emitted from the antennas of mobile base stations. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure the levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the antennas of cellular base stations in Gaza governorate as well as to evaluate the citizen’s awareness and practices regarding potential health risks and mitigation methods of exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations, respectively. Fifty cellular base stations out of 197 stations were selected depending on the criteria of selecting one site per kilometer using Global Positioning System (GPS). Electromagnetic power density, electric field strength, and the magnetic field strength emitted from cellular base stations were measured using Narda-550. Assessment tool for observation was used to collect operational information of each station. A structured questionnaire with four-level Likert rating scale was used to survey 384 mobile phone users from the areas surrounding the selected cellular base stations. The results showed that the electromagnetic radiation levels of all stations were low and less than the national and international acceptable limits. Furthermore, the awareness of participant about health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones was low. Nevertheless, the participant’s practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones on their health were good.展开更多
Water is important for life and its elements are very useful for human body to some extent. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a very effective method in minimizing the concentrations of some elements in drinking water treatment...Water is important for life and its elements are very useful for human body to some extent. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a very effective method in minimizing the concentrations of some elements in drinking water treatment. Therefore, the goal of this study is to measure the concentrations of some important parameters for human body and the role of Reverse Osmosis (RO) method in the local drinking water treatment stations in minimizing these constituents. This goal was achieved by comparing the effluent of five local drinking water treatment stations that depends on Reverse Osmosis as a primary treatment for the water produced from the Al-Diwaniyah water treatment plant. These parameters are PH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg, and TH. Therefore, samples were collected and tested in Al-Qadisiyah Environmental Authority for these local drinking water treatment stations for seven weeks, in order to compare the effluent with the minimum concentrations required for human body according to the health studies and guide lines. The results show that all the drinking waters produced by these stations were below the WHO and Iraq standards. The concentrations of Calcium were in the range from 5.3 to 25 mg/l, while the concentrations of magnesium were in the range from 9.5 to 18.2 mg/l. Therefore, drinking water produced from RO stations should be remineralised to increase the concentrations of necessary constituents in order to minimize the risk of the potential influence of low level concentrations containing calcium carbonate or by adding calcium compounds to the water.展开更多
Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health co...Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health concern worldwide.Risk behaviours such as not using condoms,having multiple sexual partners,and engaging in early sexual activity increase the risk of HIV infection.Therefore,it is important to assess these risk behaviours and understand the relationship between different factors and HIV,specifically among couples,in order to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic.The main objective of this study was to assess risk behaviours for HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko sector,Gicumbi District,and suggest appropriate interventions for this group.Methods:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess associated HIV and AIDS risk behaviours among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District,in order to determine the dynamics of the epidemic in this group and suggest appropriate interventions.Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a multistage cluster random sampling technique.The collected data was then computed,analyzed,and presented in the form of tables and figures.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals(CI)to investigate the relationship between the assessed factors,such as independent and dependent variables.The association between the studied factors was described using odds ratios with 95%CIs.Results:The majority of respondents were in the age group of 30-39 years.All respondents were married,and approximately 45%had completed primary education.The majority of respondents were unemployed.Respondents reported receiving HIV information from multiple sources,including radio,TV,films,school,church,health workers,parents,and friends.The findings of this study showed that some participants had knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention,while others did not.The proportion of respondents with a high level of HIV and AIDS knowledge was 30.61%(n=60),while moderate knowledge accounted for 53.57%(n=105).Furthermore,the proportion of respondents with a low level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS was 15.81%(n=31).The attitude towards HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.16%(n=114)of respondents,while 41.83%(n=82)had a negative attitude.None of the respondents reported using injection drugs.Significant associations were found between age(P-value=0.002,odds ratio(OR)=3.4,95%CI=1.59-7.67),gender(p=0.001,OR=2.6,95%CI=1.44-4.68),and alcohol consumption.There was also an association between age(P=0.001,OR=5.13,95%CI=2.04-12.91)and having multiple sexual partners.Conclusion:The majority of couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District have a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS.However,the proportions of respondents with a low level of knowledge and a negative attitude should not be overlooked.The results of this study suggest the need to improve communication messages related to HIV,its transmission risks,and safer sexual behavior,particularly among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District.展开更多
Intensive aeolian processes occur due to the scarcity of rainfall and lack of vegetation cover in arid regions. The study of recent surface sediments in arid areas is important for environmental assessments, evaluatio...Intensive aeolian processes occur due to the scarcity of rainfall and lack of vegetation cover in arid regions. The study of recent surface sediments in arid areas is important for environmental assessments, evaluation of natural resources, and land use planning. In this study, two areas were chosen as they show changes in lithology, environment and landforms. The two study areas are Al-Rawdatain in the northern part, and Al-Managish in the southern part of Kuwait. The current study aims to define the sedimentomorphic zones in these areas, with an emphasis on Quaternary geomorphological evolution by providing an integrated approach based on satellite images, topographic maps, field measurements, and laboratory analysis. Remote sensing data were spatially analyzed to classify and detect the temporal changes in the surface sediments and geomorphology based on the field measurements (n = 42) as ground truthing points for supervising the classification. Samples from both areas were collected and subjected to grain size (dry mechanical sieving) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The resulting data were statistically analyzed for grain size distributions and mineralogy based on the US standard set of sieves. The study found that the Aeolian sand sheet deposits are the most frequent recent surface deposits in Kuwait and cover most of the other sediments. The direction of movement of the sand sheets is from NW towards SE. The mineralogical composition of the aeolian recent surface sediments revealed that they are mostly derived from the Dibdibba Formation and Tigris-Euphrates fluvial terrace deposits. Quartz is the most frequent component of the studied surface sediments in the study areas (66%). The calcite mineral is also found in subordinate amounts in the study areas (10%).展开更多
The use of compost as a fertilizer has been widely used in many countries. However, compost that contains heavy metals can transfer these <b>metals</b> to soils and plants (<b>vegetables</b>). ...The use of compost as a fertilizer has been widely used in many countries. However, compost that contains heavy metals can transfer these <b>metals</b> to soils and plants (<b>vegetables</b>). This study investigates the concentrations of metals in soil and edible vegetables that were fertilized by polluted unknown compost in Al-Jiftlik region (<b>Palestine</b>). The source of the compost is the <b>autocratic</b> dumping sites of the Israeli settlements. The compost is distributed free of charge to the Palestinian farmers. The concentrations of Ba, Cu, Pb, Th, Se, Mn, Co and As in the contaminated farms were measured. Vegetables include: Eggplant, Corn, Bell Pepper, Cucumber and Marrow. Metals availability as well as the pH, was also examined in the soil samples. Normal farms that did not use this unknown compost were used as a reference. The concentrations of Ba, Cu, Pb, Th, Se, Mn, Co and As in soil and vegetables in the polluted farms were above the WHO limits. Barium concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 1.00 mg/kg to 0.453 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Copper concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 63.84 mg/kg to 50.53 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 40 mg/kg. Lead concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 1.00 mg/kg to 0.453 mg/kg. Lead concentration is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Thallium concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 2.99 mg/kg to 1.22 mg/kg. Thallium concentration is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Selenium concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 0.550 mg/kg to 0.348 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Manganese concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 825.3 mg/kg to 446.2 mg/kg. It is almost high when compared to WHO limit of 500 mg/kg. Cobalt concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 1.119 mg/kg to 0.522 mg/kg. Cobalt concentration is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.1 mg/kg. Arsenic concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 4.306 mg/kg to 0.662 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.2 mg/kg. On the other hand, all metals concentrations in the clean farms were below the WHO limits. The study had recommended preventing farmers from using this unknown compost.展开更多
Nitrite in drinking water is a potential health hazard and monitoring its concentrations in distributed water is of paramount importance. When monochloramine is used in secondary disinfection in drinking water distrib...Nitrite in drinking water is a potential health hazard and monitoring its concentrations in distributed water is of paramount importance. When monochloramine is used in secondary disinfection in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs), nitrite is often formed by nitrification in the biofilm on the inner surface of distribution pipes. This article attempts to identify areas with a risk of increased nitrite concentrations as well as the main reasons leading to nitrite occurrence in a large urban DWDS in Finland using spatial inspection of obligatory monitoring data. Nitrification was found to occur throughout the study area, though nitrite was not increased everywhere. Instead, nitrite was increased close to the water treatment plants (WTPs) and was connected to fresh drinking water than stagnant drinking water. Temperature effects on nitrite concentrations were surprisingly insignificant, even though it is well known that nitrification reactions are affected by temperature. The temperature dependence of ammonium and total residual chlorine was more significant than the dependence of nitrite. The findings of this study emphasize the need to monitor nitrite concentrations close to WTPs.展开更多
Climate change and human activities are increasingly linked with the extinction of species globally. In semi-arid regions, these pressures threaten the natural distribution and ecology of species. The threat that the ...Climate change and human activities are increasingly linked with the extinction of species globally. In semi-arid regions, these pressures threaten the natural distribution and ecology of species. The threat that the shea butter tree (<em>Vitellaria paradoxa</em> subsp. <em>nilotica</em>) faces from human activity is well researched yet the sensitivity of its distribution to climate change remains barely known. We set out to assess the potential distribution of <em>Vitellaria</em> under different climate change scenarios using a MaxEnt. A current distribution model was first developed using only biophysical variables of soil type, temperature, precipitation, land use type, and elevation. This model was then projected onto two global warming scenarios (RCP 4.5 & RCP 8.5) for 2050 and 2070 using multi-model averages (BCC-CSM, CSM4, and MIROC5) derived from three general circulation models. Reductions are seen in distribution area across the landscape with soil type being the most important variable. These results draw useful implications for conservation of <em>Vitellaria</em> in that they show how it is vulnerable is to a changing climate as its natural range is mostly reduced. Since climate change is important in the distribution of the shea butter tree, the areas with highest suitability in this study can be used in establishing the Shea butter tree sustainable use zones/area within the Kidepo Critical Landscape (KCL), Uganda.展开更多
The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and...The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals. Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.展开更多
The Mediterranean Sea is home to an interesting biodiversity. The current cumulative and descriptive study aims to enumerate some relatively large marine mammals, reptiles, and fishes that have been spotted, caught, b...The Mediterranean Sea is home to an interesting biodiversity. The current cumulative and descriptive study aims to enumerate some relatively large marine mammals, reptiles, and fishes that have been spotted, caught, by-caught, or stranded on the coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, which extends about 42 km along the Mediterranean Sea. This 20-year study from 2003 to 2022 relied much on frequent field visits, meetings, and discussions with stakeholders, following local media sites and social media pages, and photography. The study recorded at least 26 giants or relatively large marine organisms on the Mediterranean coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Certainly, the coming years may bring other marine organisms of relatively large sizes. Marine mammals included three species of cetaceans with the Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) being the largest mammal and even the largest animal ever recorded in this study. Marine reptiles included three species of sea turtles, the largest of which is the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which is in fact the world’s largest sea turtle. The bony fishes were represented by ten species, the largest of which was the Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), which is the largest bony fish in the world. The cartilaginous fishes included ten species with the largest specimens encountered were the Shortfin Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus), Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini), and Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular). Seabirds were not included in the study. The Alexandria Pompano (Alectis alexandrinus) and the Silver-Cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), which are bony fishes, appear to be the relatively smallest marine organisms recorded here. In conclusion, the role of the various parties must be coordinated to ensure the sustainability of human activities and their compatibility with the task of conserving local marine biota, including the gigantic or relatively large ones.展开更多
Bird fauna checklists are important tools in ecology, biology, and conservation planning for scientists, stakeholders, and decision-makers. Despite its small area, the Gaza Strip (365 km<sup>2</sup>) has a...Bird fauna checklists are important tools in ecology, biology, and conservation planning for scientists, stakeholders, and decision-makers. Despite its small area, the Gaza Strip (365 km<sup>2</sup>) has a relatively large variety of resident and migratory bird fauna. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide an updated checklist of all bird fauna living in or inhabiting the Gaza Strip. Direct field observations using binoculars, continuous visits to zoos, pet stores and biology museums, discussion with bird hunters, follow-up of news and social networking sites, review of scientific publications and photography were the main tools to satisfy the purpose of the study. At least 250 bird species collected from different sources occur in the Gaza Strip and are included in the checklist. This list will not be static, but is inevitably subject to additions and changes in the face of times. The current 250 bird species of the Gaza Strip represent 45.4% of the 551 species of birds living in Palestine. The bird species were found to belong to 21 orders and 61 families. The Passeriformes (passerines) represented the largest order with 96 species of birds (38.4%), followed by the Charadriiformes 54 (21.6%), the Accipitriformes 18 (7.2%), Anseriformes 17 (6.8%) and Pelecaniformes 14 (5.6%), while the other orders represented the remaining percentage (20.4%). With regard to families, the Scolopacidae represented the largest family with 22 species of birds (8.8%), followed by the Anatidae and Accipitridae 17 for each (6.8%), the Muscicapidae 16 (6.4%) and Chariidridae and Fringillidae 11 for each (4.4%), while the other families represented the remaining percentage (62.4%). According to the IUCN regional threat categories, 226 species (90.4%) were Least Concern (LC), 12 (4.8%) were Near Threatened (NT), 6 (2.4%) were Vulnerable (VU), 4 (1.6%) were Endangered (EN) and 2 (0.8%) were Critically Endangered (CR). In conclusion, the study recommends a sustainable control of bird hunting and trafficking in addition to building prestigious centers and museums for studying and documenting birds in the Gaza Strip.展开更多
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)is an increasing health concern across the globe and is often prevalent at long-term care facilities,such as nursing homes.However,we know little of whether nursing hom...Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)is an increasing health concern across the globe and is often prevalent at long-term care facilities,such as nursing homes.However,we know little of whether nursing home staff is exposed to MRSA via air and surfaces.We investigated whether staff members at nursing homes are colonised with and exposed to culturable MRSA,and assessed staff members'self-reported knowledge of MRSA and compliance with infection hygiene guidelines.Five nursing homes with MRSA positive residents were visited in Copenhagen,Denmark.Personal bioaerosol exposure samples and environmental samples from surfaces,sedimented dust and bioaerosols were examined for MRSA and methicillin-suscqjtible S.aureus(MSSA)to determine occupational exposure.Swabs were taken from staffs*nose,throat,and hands to determine whether they were colonised with MRSA.An online questionnaire about MRSA and infection control was distributed.No staff members were colonised with MRSA,but MRSA was detected in the rooms of the colonised residents in two out of the five nursing homes.MRSA was observed in air(n=4 out of 42,ranging from 2.9-1.9 CFU/m^(3)),sedimented dust(n=1 out of 58,1.1 ×10^(3) CFU/m^(2)/d),and on surfaces(n=9 out of 113,0.04-70.8 CFU/m^(2)).The questionnaire revealed that half of the staff members worry about spreading MRSA to others.Identified aspects for improvement were improved availability and use of protective equipment,not transferring cleaning supplies(e.g.,vacuum cleaners)between residents'rooms and to reduce worry of MRSA,e.g.,through education.展开更多
Recent advancements in person-portable instrumentation have resulted in the potential to provide contemporaneous results through rapid in-field analyses.These technologies can be utilised in emergency response scenari...Recent advancements in person-portable instrumentation have resulted in the potential to provide contemporaneous results through rapid in-field analyses.These technologies can be utilised in emergency response scenarios to aid first responders in appropriate site risk assessment and management.Large metropolitan fires can pose great risk to human and environmental health due to the rapid release of hazardous compounds into the atmosphere.Understanding the release of these hazardous organics is critical in understanding their associated risks.Person-portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was evaluated for its potential to provide rapid on-site analysis for real-time monitoring of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes.Air sampling and analysis methods were developed for scenes of this nature.Controlled field testing demonstrated that the portable GC-MS was able to provide preliminary analytical results on the volatile organic compounds present in air samples collected from both active and extinguished fires.In-field results were confirmed using conventional laboratory-based air sampling and analysis procedures.The deployment of portable instrumentation could provide first responders with a rapid on-site assessment tool for the appropriate management of scenes,thereby ensuring environmental and human health is proactively protected and scientifically informed decisions are made for the provision of timely advice to stakeholders.展开更多
Building and factory fires pose a great risk to human and environmental health,due to the release of hazardous by-products of combustion.These hazardous compounds can dissipate into the environment through fire water ...Building and factory fires pose a great risk to human and environmental health,due to the release of hazardous by-products of combustion.These hazardous compounds can dissipate into the environment through fire water run-off,and the impact can be immediate or chronic.Current laboratory-based methods do not report hazardous compounds released from a fire scene at the time and location of the event.Reporting of results is often delayed due to the complexities and logistics of laboratory-based sampling and analysis.These delays pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of the environment and exposed community.Recent developments in person-portable instrumentation have the potential to provide rapid analysis of samples in the field.A portable gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer(GC-MS)was evaluated for the on-site analysis of water samples for the identification of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes.The portable GC-MS was capable of detecting and identifying a range of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in fire water run-off,and can be used in conjunction with conventional laboratory analysis methods for a comprehensive understanding of hazardous organics released at fire scenes.Deployment of this portable instrumentation provides first responders with a rapid,on-site screening tool to appropriately manage the run-off water from firefighting activities.This ensures that environmental and human health is proactively protected.展开更多
文摘Over recent decades, Gampaha district, Sri Lanka, has experienced significant urbanisation and industrial growth, increasing groundwater demand due to limited and polluted surface water resources. In 2013, a community uprising in Rathupaswala, a village in Gampaha district, accused a latex glove manufacturing factory of causing groundwater acidity (pH < 4). This study evaluates the spatial and temporal changes in geochemical parameters across three transects in the southern part of Gampaha district to 1) assess the impact of geological formations on groundwater;2) compare temporal variations in groundwater;and 3) explain acidification via a geochemical model. Seventy-two sample locations were tested for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and anion concentrations (sulphate, nitrate, chloride and fluoride). Depth to the water table and distance from the sea were measured to study variations across sandy, peaty, lateritic, and crystalline aquifers. Results showed pH readings around 7 for sandy and crystalline aquifers, below 7 for peaty aquifers, and below 5 for lateritic aquifers, with significant water table fluctuations near Rathupaswala area. Principal component analysis revealed three principal components (PCs) explaining 86.0% of the variance. PC1 (40.6%) correlated with pH, EC, and sulphate (saltwater intrusion), while PC2 (32.0%) correlated with nitrates and depth to the water table (anthropogenic nutrient pollution). A geochemical transport model indicated a cone of depression recharged by acidic groundwater from peat-soil aquifers, leading to acidic groundwater in Rathupaswala area. Previous attributions of acidic pH to the over-exploitation of groundwater by the latex factory have been reevaluated;the results suggest natural acidification from prolonged water-rock interactions with iron-rich lateritic aquifers. Groundwater pH is influenced by local climate, geology, topography, and drainage systems. It is recommended that similar water-rock interaction conditions may be present throughout the wet zone of Sri Lanka, warranting detailed studies to confirm this hypothesis.
文摘The East African (EA) region highly experiences intra-seasonal and inter-annual variation in rainfall amounts. This study investigates the driving factors for anomalous rainfall events observed during the season of October-November-December (OND) 2019 over the region. The study utilized daily rainfall data from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station Data Version 2 (CHIRPSv2) and the driving systems data. Statistical spatiotemporal analysis, correlation, and composite techniques were performed to investigate the teleconnection between OND 2019 seasonal rainfall and global synoptic climate systems. The findings showed that the OND 2019 experienced seasonal rainfall that was twice or greater than its seasonal climatology and varied with location. Further, the OND 2019 rainfall showed a positive correlation with the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) (0.81), Nino 3 (0.51), Nino 3.4 (0.47), Nino 4 (0.40), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) (0.22), and North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) (0.02), while El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) showed a negative correlation (−0.30). The region was dominated by southeasterly warming and humid winds that originated from the Indian Ocean, while the geopotential height, vertical velocity, and vorticity anomalies were closely related to the anomalous rainfall characteristics. The study deduced that the IOD was the major synoptic system that influenced maximum rainfall during the peak season of OND 2019. This study therefore provided insights on the diagnosis study of OND 2019 anomalous rainfall and its attribution over the EA. The findings of the study will contribute to improvements in forecasting seasonal rainfall by regional climate centers and national meteorological centers within the region.
基金Supported by the WHO/SEARO/TDR(Grant No.SN 1152)University of Kelaniya(Research Grant No.RP/03/04/06/01/2006)
文摘Objective:To compare Wuchereria bancrofti(W.bancrofti)infection rates of Culex quinquefasciatus,using dissection and PCR-EUSA in two consecutive time periods(from 2007to 2008 and from 2008 to 2009).Methods:Mosquitoes were collected in 30 sentinel and 15 nonsentinel sites in 15 Medical Officer of Health areas of Gampaha District known for the presence of W.bancrofti transmission in two consecutive time period of 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009.Captured mosquitoes were dissected to determine the W.bancrofti larvae(L_1 L_2,L_3,).PCR was carried out using DNA extracted from mosquito pools(15 body parts/pool)utilizing the primers specific for Wb-Sspl repeat.PCR products were analyzed by hybridization ELISA using fluorescein-labeled wild type specific probes.The prevalence of infected/infective mosquiloes in PCR pools(3 pools/site)was estimated using the PoolSereen^(TM)algorithm and a novel probability—based method.Results:Of 45 batches of mosquitoes dissected,W.bancrofti infected mosquitoes were found in19 and 13 batches,with an infection rate of 13.29%and 3.10%with mean larval density of 8.7 and1.0 larvae per mosquito for two study periods in the Gampaha District.Total of 405 pools of head,thorax and abdomen were processed by PCR-EUSA for each year.Of these,51 and 31 pools were positive for W.bancrofti in the two study periods respectively.The association of dissection based prevalence rates with PCR based rates as determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient were0.176 and 0.890 respectively for the two periods.Conclusions:Data indicate that PCR-EUSA is more sensitive than the traditional dissection techniques for monitoring transmission intensity.
文摘Environment and health have been more and more jointly addressed in recent years,thanks to the efforts of several public and private institutions.In this scenario,a leading role has been played by the World Heath Organisation(WHO).A specific attention was devoted to the issue by the European Union(EU)EU institutions and the WHO Office for Europe,which lists 52 countries(including Europe,Eastern European Countries and Turkey, former Yugoslavia and part of the former Soviet Union).The objectives of the present paper are to give an overview of the main developments in this area,and to underline the progress made towards a common understanding of health and environment issues,the advantages and limits of these developments and the challenges for the future,to be tackled at a global level.
文摘Helsinki Environmental Services Authority HSY ,Ammaissuo waste management centre consists of two landfill sites. The old land filling area was established in 1987 and closed in 2007. The landfilling at the new landfill section started in November 2007. Until spring 2014 the main treatment method for source separated MSW （municipal solid＇waste） collected from Helsinki Metropolitan area households was landfilling. Approximately 250,000 tonnes of MSW was landfilled annually. From April 2014 on all of the MWS has been utilized in heat and electricity production at new Waste to Energy plant owned and operated by energy company Vantaa Energy Ltd. The landscaping of the landfills is currently ongoing. The construction of the landfill gas collection system was started in 1994 and from 1996 on landfill gas from old landfill area was recovered and burned in torches to reduce the greenhouse gas effect caused by methane in landfill gas. In the end of year （2004） new landfill gas utilisation system was taken in use Gas was used as a fuel in HOB （heat only boiler） to generate district heating for nearby community as well as commercial and industrial sites. The capacity of the system was 7,000 Nm3/h that corresponded to app. 30 MW of heat. Since district heat was mainly needed only during the cold season of the year only about half of the landfill gas produced by the landfill was able to utilize and rest of the gas was still flared leading to relatively low utilization rate of the gas. The construction work of the new 15 MW ＋ 1.2 MW electricity power plant started in spring 2009. The power plant consists of four gas engines and generators and organic rankine cycle process utilizing thermal oil for heat transfer from exhaust gas and steam turbine with hexamethyldisiloxane （silicone oil） as a medium agent. The ORC （Organic Rankine Cycle）-process was commissioned in August 2011 and the operational experiences have been very good. Based on current knowledge the HSY power plant is the biggest landfill gas fired power plant in Europe and probably even in the whole world. Also the combined engine and ORC-process is unique for landfill gas power plants. The third phase of the biogas utilization took place in summer 2015 when the anaerobic digestion biowaste treatment plant was introduced. At the moment the product gas from digestion plant is utilized at landfill gas power plant. In the future gas will be used as a fuel for new power plant process consisting two gas engines and ORC process. Commissioning of the new power plant will take place in October 2016. This paper presents detailed description of the landfill gas utilization system of HSY waste treatment centre and information on operational experiences of landfill gas fired power plant process.
文摘A field survey was carried out to determine the vegetation structure of the Lukanga Swamp Ramsar site in central Zambia. The aim of the study was to identify the different vegetation communities, species composition and distribution patterns for improved habitat management. Sampling was conducted in all recognizable vegetation communities. The results of the survey showed that the swamp was a littoral palustrine wetland predominantly characterized by the dominance of Leersia hexandria Swartz (42.02%), Typha capensis Rohrb (62.43%), Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud (33.61%), Aeschynomeme fluitans Peter (31.58%) and Polygonum senegalense Meisn (48.8%). The occurrence of Vossia cuspidata Griff and Cyperus papyrusL was restricted to small and isolated locations. Short Termitaria was generally covered by Acrocerus macrum Stapf (35.25%) while tall Termitaria was dominated by Panicum maximum Jacq. (26.00%). The most important woody plant species included Combretum ghasalense Engl. et Diels (I. V = 62.88), Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia Pax ((I. V = 90.48), Albizia adianthifolia (Schmacher) W.F. Wight (I. V = 135.63) Isoberlinia angolensis Hyle and Brenan (I. V = 87.25). The current structure of the hydrophytes composition observed in this study was an indication of a generally silting wetland, while the dominant occurrence of understorey woody plants in the surrounding vegetation signified degraded miombo vegetation. It was concluded that the ecological status of wetland habitat was potentially threatened by mainly anthropogenic activities such as;wildfires, and unsustainable exploitation of surrounding vegetation. Further research is required to examine water flows, eutrophication and the long-term effects of deforestation on the ecological functioning of the wetland.
文摘The widespread mobile station’s antennas and the continued increase in the number of mobile phones users throughout the Gaza strip causing great panic in the population relating the debate overexposure to electromagnetic radiation EMR emitted from the antennas of mobile base stations. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure the levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the antennas of cellular base stations in Gaza governorate as well as to evaluate the citizen’s awareness and practices regarding potential health risks and mitigation methods of exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations, respectively. Fifty cellular base stations out of 197 stations were selected depending on the criteria of selecting one site per kilometer using Global Positioning System (GPS). Electromagnetic power density, electric field strength, and the magnetic field strength emitted from cellular base stations were measured using Narda-550. Assessment tool for observation was used to collect operational information of each station. A structured questionnaire with four-level Likert rating scale was used to survey 384 mobile phone users from the areas surrounding the selected cellular base stations. The results showed that the electromagnetic radiation levels of all stations were low and less than the national and international acceptable limits. Furthermore, the awareness of participant about health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones was low. Nevertheless, the participant’s practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones on their health were good.
文摘Water is important for life and its elements are very useful for human body to some extent. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a very effective method in minimizing the concentrations of some elements in drinking water treatment. Therefore, the goal of this study is to measure the concentrations of some important parameters for human body and the role of Reverse Osmosis (RO) method in the local drinking water treatment stations in minimizing these constituents. This goal was achieved by comparing the effluent of five local drinking water treatment stations that depends on Reverse Osmosis as a primary treatment for the water produced from the Al-Diwaniyah water treatment plant. These parameters are PH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg, and TH. Therefore, samples were collected and tested in Al-Qadisiyah Environmental Authority for these local drinking water treatment stations for seven weeks, in order to compare the effluent with the minimum concentrations required for human body according to the health studies and guide lines. The results show that all the drinking waters produced by these stations were below the WHO and Iraq standards. The concentrations of Calcium were in the range from 5.3 to 25 mg/l, while the concentrations of magnesium were in the range from 9.5 to 18.2 mg/l. Therefore, drinking water produced from RO stations should be remineralised to increase the concentrations of necessary constituents in order to minimize the risk of the potential influence of low level concentrations containing calcium carbonate or by adding calcium compounds to the water.
文摘Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health concern worldwide.Risk behaviours such as not using condoms,having multiple sexual partners,and engaging in early sexual activity increase the risk of HIV infection.Therefore,it is important to assess these risk behaviours and understand the relationship between different factors and HIV,specifically among couples,in order to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic.The main objective of this study was to assess risk behaviours for HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko sector,Gicumbi District,and suggest appropriate interventions for this group.Methods:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess associated HIV and AIDS risk behaviours among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District,in order to determine the dynamics of the epidemic in this group and suggest appropriate interventions.Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a multistage cluster random sampling technique.The collected data was then computed,analyzed,and presented in the form of tables and figures.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals(CI)to investigate the relationship between the assessed factors,such as independent and dependent variables.The association between the studied factors was described using odds ratios with 95%CIs.Results:The majority of respondents were in the age group of 30-39 years.All respondents were married,and approximately 45%had completed primary education.The majority of respondents were unemployed.Respondents reported receiving HIV information from multiple sources,including radio,TV,films,school,church,health workers,parents,and friends.The findings of this study showed that some participants had knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention,while others did not.The proportion of respondents with a high level of HIV and AIDS knowledge was 30.61%(n=60),while moderate knowledge accounted for 53.57%(n=105).Furthermore,the proportion of respondents with a low level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS was 15.81%(n=31).The attitude towards HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.16%(n=114)of respondents,while 41.83%(n=82)had a negative attitude.None of the respondents reported using injection drugs.Significant associations were found between age(P-value=0.002,odds ratio(OR)=3.4,95%CI=1.59-7.67),gender(p=0.001,OR=2.6,95%CI=1.44-4.68),and alcohol consumption.There was also an association between age(P=0.001,OR=5.13,95%CI=2.04-12.91)and having multiple sexual partners.Conclusion:The majority of couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District have a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS.However,the proportions of respondents with a low level of knowledge and a negative attitude should not be overlooked.The results of this study suggest the need to improve communication messages related to HIV,its transmission risks,and safer sexual behavior,particularly among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District.
文摘Intensive aeolian processes occur due to the scarcity of rainfall and lack of vegetation cover in arid regions. The study of recent surface sediments in arid areas is important for environmental assessments, evaluation of natural resources, and land use planning. In this study, two areas were chosen as they show changes in lithology, environment and landforms. The two study areas are Al-Rawdatain in the northern part, and Al-Managish in the southern part of Kuwait. The current study aims to define the sedimentomorphic zones in these areas, with an emphasis on Quaternary geomorphological evolution by providing an integrated approach based on satellite images, topographic maps, field measurements, and laboratory analysis. Remote sensing data were spatially analyzed to classify and detect the temporal changes in the surface sediments and geomorphology based on the field measurements (n = 42) as ground truthing points for supervising the classification. Samples from both areas were collected and subjected to grain size (dry mechanical sieving) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The resulting data were statistically analyzed for grain size distributions and mineralogy based on the US standard set of sieves. The study found that the Aeolian sand sheet deposits are the most frequent recent surface deposits in Kuwait and cover most of the other sediments. The direction of movement of the sand sheets is from NW towards SE. The mineralogical composition of the aeolian recent surface sediments revealed that they are mostly derived from the Dibdibba Formation and Tigris-Euphrates fluvial terrace deposits. Quartz is the most frequent component of the studied surface sediments in the study areas (66%). The calcite mineral is also found in subordinate amounts in the study areas (10%).
文摘The use of compost as a fertilizer has been widely used in many countries. However, compost that contains heavy metals can transfer these <b>metals</b> to soils and plants (<b>vegetables</b>). This study investigates the concentrations of metals in soil and edible vegetables that were fertilized by polluted unknown compost in Al-Jiftlik region (<b>Palestine</b>). The source of the compost is the <b>autocratic</b> dumping sites of the Israeli settlements. The compost is distributed free of charge to the Palestinian farmers. The concentrations of Ba, Cu, Pb, Th, Se, Mn, Co and As in the contaminated farms were measured. Vegetables include: Eggplant, Corn, Bell Pepper, Cucumber and Marrow. Metals availability as well as the pH, was also examined in the soil samples. Normal farms that did not use this unknown compost were used as a reference. The concentrations of Ba, Cu, Pb, Th, Se, Mn, Co and As in soil and vegetables in the polluted farms were above the WHO limits. Barium concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 1.00 mg/kg to 0.453 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Copper concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 63.84 mg/kg to 50.53 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 40 mg/kg. Lead concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 1.00 mg/kg to 0.453 mg/kg. Lead concentration is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Thallium concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 2.99 mg/kg to 1.22 mg/kg. Thallium concentration is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Selenium concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 0.550 mg/kg to 0.348 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Manganese concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 825.3 mg/kg to 446.2 mg/kg. It is almost high when compared to WHO limit of 500 mg/kg. Cobalt concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 1.119 mg/kg to 0.522 mg/kg. Cobalt concentration is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.1 mg/kg. Arsenic concentrations in the vegetables were ranged from 4.306 mg/kg to 0.662 mg/kg. It is high when compared to WHO limit of 0.2 mg/kg. On the other hand, all metals concentrations in the clean farms were below the WHO limits. The study had recommended preventing farmers from using this unknown compost.
基金foundation of Maa-ja vesitekniikan tuki ry.,for financing the research.
文摘Nitrite in drinking water is a potential health hazard and monitoring its concentrations in distributed water is of paramount importance. When monochloramine is used in secondary disinfection in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs), nitrite is often formed by nitrification in the biofilm on the inner surface of distribution pipes. This article attempts to identify areas with a risk of increased nitrite concentrations as well as the main reasons leading to nitrite occurrence in a large urban DWDS in Finland using spatial inspection of obligatory monitoring data. Nitrification was found to occur throughout the study area, though nitrite was not increased everywhere. Instead, nitrite was increased close to the water treatment plants (WTPs) and was connected to fresh drinking water than stagnant drinking water. Temperature effects on nitrite concentrations were surprisingly insignificant, even though it is well known that nitrification reactions are affected by temperature. The temperature dependence of ammonium and total residual chlorine was more significant than the dependence of nitrite. The findings of this study emphasize the need to monitor nitrite concentrations close to WTPs.
文摘Climate change and human activities are increasingly linked with the extinction of species globally. In semi-arid regions, these pressures threaten the natural distribution and ecology of species. The threat that the shea butter tree (<em>Vitellaria paradoxa</em> subsp. <em>nilotica</em>) faces from human activity is well researched yet the sensitivity of its distribution to climate change remains barely known. We set out to assess the potential distribution of <em>Vitellaria</em> under different climate change scenarios using a MaxEnt. A current distribution model was first developed using only biophysical variables of soil type, temperature, precipitation, land use type, and elevation. This model was then projected onto two global warming scenarios (RCP 4.5 & RCP 8.5) for 2050 and 2070 using multi-model averages (BCC-CSM, CSM4, and MIROC5) derived from three general circulation models. Reductions are seen in distribution area across the landscape with soil type being the most important variable. These results draw useful implications for conservation of <em>Vitellaria</em> in that they show how it is vulnerable is to a changing climate as its natural range is mostly reduced. Since climate change is important in the distribution of the shea butter tree, the areas with highest suitability in this study can be used in establishing the Shea butter tree sustainable use zones/area within the Kidepo Critical Landscape (KCL), Uganda.
文摘The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals. Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.
文摘The Mediterranean Sea is home to an interesting biodiversity. The current cumulative and descriptive study aims to enumerate some relatively large marine mammals, reptiles, and fishes that have been spotted, caught, by-caught, or stranded on the coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, which extends about 42 km along the Mediterranean Sea. This 20-year study from 2003 to 2022 relied much on frequent field visits, meetings, and discussions with stakeholders, following local media sites and social media pages, and photography. The study recorded at least 26 giants or relatively large marine organisms on the Mediterranean coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Certainly, the coming years may bring other marine organisms of relatively large sizes. Marine mammals included three species of cetaceans with the Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) being the largest mammal and even the largest animal ever recorded in this study. Marine reptiles included three species of sea turtles, the largest of which is the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which is in fact the world’s largest sea turtle. The bony fishes were represented by ten species, the largest of which was the Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), which is the largest bony fish in the world. The cartilaginous fishes included ten species with the largest specimens encountered were the Shortfin Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus), Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini), and Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular). Seabirds were not included in the study. The Alexandria Pompano (Alectis alexandrinus) and the Silver-Cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), which are bony fishes, appear to be the relatively smallest marine organisms recorded here. In conclusion, the role of the various parties must be coordinated to ensure the sustainability of human activities and their compatibility with the task of conserving local marine biota, including the gigantic or relatively large ones.
文摘Bird fauna checklists are important tools in ecology, biology, and conservation planning for scientists, stakeholders, and decision-makers. Despite its small area, the Gaza Strip (365 km<sup>2</sup>) has a relatively large variety of resident and migratory bird fauna. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide an updated checklist of all bird fauna living in or inhabiting the Gaza Strip. Direct field observations using binoculars, continuous visits to zoos, pet stores and biology museums, discussion with bird hunters, follow-up of news and social networking sites, review of scientific publications and photography were the main tools to satisfy the purpose of the study. At least 250 bird species collected from different sources occur in the Gaza Strip and are included in the checklist. This list will not be static, but is inevitably subject to additions and changes in the face of times. The current 250 bird species of the Gaza Strip represent 45.4% of the 551 species of birds living in Palestine. The bird species were found to belong to 21 orders and 61 families. The Passeriformes (passerines) represented the largest order with 96 species of birds (38.4%), followed by the Charadriiformes 54 (21.6%), the Accipitriformes 18 (7.2%), Anseriformes 17 (6.8%) and Pelecaniformes 14 (5.6%), while the other orders represented the remaining percentage (20.4%). With regard to families, the Scolopacidae represented the largest family with 22 species of birds (8.8%), followed by the Anatidae and Accipitridae 17 for each (6.8%), the Muscicapidae 16 (6.4%) and Chariidridae and Fringillidae 11 for each (4.4%), while the other families represented the remaining percentage (62.4%). According to the IUCN regional threat categories, 226 species (90.4%) were Least Concern (LC), 12 (4.8%) were Near Threatened (NT), 6 (2.4%) were Vulnerable (VU), 4 (1.6%) were Endangered (EN) and 2 (0.8%) were Critically Endangered (CR). In conclusion, the study recommends a sustainable control of bird hunting and trafficking in addition to building prestigious centers and museums for studying and documenting birds in the Gaza Strip.
文摘Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)is an increasing health concern across the globe and is often prevalent at long-term care facilities,such as nursing homes.However,we know little of whether nursing home staff is exposed to MRSA via air and surfaces.We investigated whether staff members at nursing homes are colonised with and exposed to culturable MRSA,and assessed staff members'self-reported knowledge of MRSA and compliance with infection hygiene guidelines.Five nursing homes with MRSA positive residents were visited in Copenhagen,Denmark.Personal bioaerosol exposure samples and environmental samples from surfaces,sedimented dust and bioaerosols were examined for MRSA and methicillin-suscqjtible S.aureus(MSSA)to determine occupational exposure.Swabs were taken from staffs*nose,throat,and hands to determine whether they were colonised with MRSA.An online questionnaire about MRSA and infection control was distributed.No staff members were colonised with MRSA,but MRSA was detected in the rooms of the colonised residents in two out of the five nursing homes.MRSA was observed in air(n=4 out of 42,ranging from 2.9-1.9 CFU/m^(3)),sedimented dust(n=1 out of 58,1.1 ×10^(3) CFU/m^(2)/d),and on surfaces(n=9 out of 113,0.04-70.8 CFU/m^(2)).The questionnaire revealed that half of the staff members worry about spreading MRSA to others.Identified aspects for improvement were improved availability and use of protective equipment,not transferring cleaning supplies(e.g.,vacuum cleaners)between residents'rooms and to reduce worry of MRSA,e.g.,through education.
基金This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust[grant number 2015/RD/0156].
文摘Recent advancements in person-portable instrumentation have resulted in the potential to provide contemporaneous results through rapid in-field analyses.These technologies can be utilised in emergency response scenarios to aid first responders in appropriate site risk assessment and management.Large metropolitan fires can pose great risk to human and environmental health due to the rapid release of hazardous compounds into the atmosphere.Understanding the release of these hazardous organics is critical in understanding their associated risks.Person-portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was evaluated for its potential to provide rapid on-site analysis for real-time monitoring of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes.Air sampling and analysis methods were developed for scenes of this nature.Controlled field testing demonstrated that the portable GC-MS was able to provide preliminary analytical results on the volatile organic compounds present in air samples collected from both active and extinguished fires.In-field results were confirmed using conventional laboratory-based air sampling and analysis procedures.The deployment of portable instrumentation could provide first responders with a rapid on-site assessment tool for the appropriate management of scenes,thereby ensuring environmental and human health is proactively protected and scientifically informed decisions are made for the provision of timely advice to stakeholders.
基金This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust[grant number 2015/RD/0156].
文摘Building and factory fires pose a great risk to human and environmental health,due to the release of hazardous by-products of combustion.These hazardous compounds can dissipate into the environment through fire water run-off,and the impact can be immediate or chronic.Current laboratory-based methods do not report hazardous compounds released from a fire scene at the time and location of the event.Reporting of results is often delayed due to the complexities and logistics of laboratory-based sampling and analysis.These delays pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of the environment and exposed community.Recent developments in person-portable instrumentation have the potential to provide rapid analysis of samples in the field.A portable gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer(GC-MS)was evaluated for the on-site analysis of water samples for the identification of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes.The portable GC-MS was capable of detecting and identifying a range of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in fire water run-off,and can be used in conjunction with conventional laboratory analysis methods for a comprehensive understanding of hazardous organics released at fire scenes.Deployment of this portable instrumentation provides first responders with a rapid,on-site screening tool to appropriately manage the run-off water from firefighting activities.This ensures that environmental and human health is proactively protected.
