Swamp reclamation in tropical monsoon regions by appropriate refuse landfilling

Summary This paper is based on a research study to evaluate the feasibility of reclaiming low-lying swamplands by filling them with refuse, rather than with dirt, sand or other inert materials. A supplementary study was also initiated to prepare a preliminary evaluation of disposing of solid waste from the Bangkok Metropolis region. This included a preliminary assessment of available filling areas and of costs for filling them, together with projected values of reclaimed land. The latter study was included to determine if a feasibility study for utilising refuse landfilling for Bangkok solid-waste disposal is warranted, and to prepare the feasibility study terms of reference if so justified. Results of the literature review, practices of refuse landfilling in swamps, and methods and materials employed in conduct of the study are described. This is followed by evaluations of the feasibility of disposing solid wastes utilising swamplands, an environmental analysis of the same, and the conclusions of the study.The authors are Consulting Engineers at Seatec International, Bangkok. The views in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect World Bank policies.     

Ökologische Situation der Region Leipzig-Halle

Air pollution in the region Leipzig-Halle was investigated using two-year-old pine needles (Pinus sylvestris L.) at 39 sites of a biomonitoring net covering an area of ca. 7 500 km². The concentration values of Al, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Pb and V characterize the immission patterns of the period 1990/91. The method is less suited for Cu, Ni and Zn due to the transfer route soil-pine, and for Cd due to the small total content. There are significant spatial and element-specific variations which require distinct evaluation of the pollution situation. The city of Leipzig itself is a significant source for Pb, Cr, Fe and V emission. Mainly as far as the centre of the region is concerned, the Pb concentration values are beyond those of heavily contaminated reference sites. The bioindication system is also applicable for comparable regions in Eastern Europe where the pine is the dominating conifer type. Immission trends can be monitored over ecologically relevant periods of time.