Traffic-generated noise pollution: exposure of road users and populations in Metropolitan Kuwait

This study was carried out in metropolitan Kuwait with a sound level meter to assess peak hour and off-peak hour noise level. In local/collector streets, noise ranged between 56.0 to 79.2 dBA and 55.3 to 76.4 dBA; in arterial streets, 62.3 to 89.2 dBA and 59.6 to 78.9 dBA; and in freeways, 66.7 to 94.8 dBA and 64.9 to 89.1 dBA during peak and off-peak hour respectively. Values were higher than their prescribed standards which may pose a significant impact on quality of life. Findings of this research have shown that the level of traffic-generated noise pollution in Kuwait urban area is high enough to adversely affect the human health and well-being of its residents. Over 1,400 subjects responded to a randomly administered survey that assessed the physical health, personal well-being, and mental health. People residing in neighborhoods exposed to higher noise levels have significantly higher stress and noise annoyance levels and also adversely affected their sense of well-being. In the responder analysis, those people living in quiet neighborhoods had significantly higher mean scores in general health (35 points higher, p < 0.05), sense of vitality (30 points higher, p < 0.05), and mental health (20 points higher, p < 0.05) when compared to the other group. In addition, the component scores of stress and noise sensitivity for the participants living in quiet neighborhoods had significantly lower values (30 points lower and 59 points lower, respectively) than that of the participants living in noisy neighborhood. With the rapid expansion of the infrastructures in metropolitan Kuwait, it is virtually definite that traffic noise will shortly assume a dangerous dimension, and will be a ground of escalating fear for both the public and liable policy-makers. The quality of life in metropolitan Kuwait will certainly be negatively affected.     

Preliminary assessment of indoor industrial noise pollution in Kuwait

Sound is considered as a pollutant when it exceeds undesirable limits for the recipient. One of the significant environmental problems associated with industries is noise pollution generated by machinery. The main objectives of this study were to measure noise levels generated by machinery that the workers were exposed to at five industrial facilities in the State of Kuwait. Also, to assess if these levels were within acceptable standards, for Kuwait lacks environmental standards for such a pollutant. To achieve the objectives of the study two food manufacturing companies, a cement-brick making plant, a furniture factory and a car washing facility were selected for the purpose of the research.The study showed that workers operating machinery at the five facilities were exposed to high noise levels without any kind of ear protection. Noise levels recorded during the study were very high and exceeded the British Noise at Work Regulations of 1989. In Kuwait there are no regulations to abate noise in the working environment and workers are not required to wear ear protective muffs. The results of the study indicate that, the concerned environmental and health organisations in Kuwait should be compelled to establish noise level standards and controls to safeguard the health of workers and the public at large.     

A fast and accurate method for specific detection and quantification of the bloom-forming microalgae Karlodinium veneficum in the marine environment

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Karlodinium veneficum is a toxic benthic globally distributed dinoflagellate which has direct impacts on human health and the environment. Early and...     

Inactivation of biohazards in healthcare wastewater by E-Beam and Gamma irradiation: a comparative study

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of irradiation by Gamma rays and Electron Beam (E-Beam) on naturally occurring...     

Cell surface-expression of the phosphate-binding protein PstS: System development, characterization, and evaluation for phosphorus removal and recovery

Simultaneous overabundance and scarcity of inorganic phosphate(P_i) is a critical issue driving the development of innovative water/wastewater treatment technologies that not only facilitate Pi removal to prevent eutrophication,but also recover P_i for agricultural reuse.Here,a cell-surface expressed high-affinity phosphate binding protein(PstS) system was developed,and its P_i capture and release potential was evaluated.E.coli was genetically modified to express PstS on its outer membrane using the ice nucleation protein(INP)as an anchoring motif.Verification of protein expression and localization were performed utilizing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE),western blot,and outer membrane separation analyses.Cell surface characterization was investigated through acid-base titration,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).These tests provided information on the macromolecular structure and composition of the bacteria surface as well as the proton-exchange properties of the surface functional groups(i.e.,pKa values).Phosphate desorption and adsorption batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature,pH,and ionic strength on phosphate capture and release.The PstS surface-displayed cells demonstrated greater potential to release and capture phosphate compared to non-modified cells.Higher temperatures up to 40℃,basic pH conditions(pH=10.5),and higher ionic strength up to 1.0 mol/L KCl promoted 20%-50% higher phosphate release.     

Topiramate potential neurotoxicity and mitigating role of ginger oil in mice brain

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Topiramate has multiple pharmacological mechanisms that are efficient in treating epilepsy and migraine. Ginger has been established to have gingerols...