Solid waste recycling in Rajshahi city of Bangladesh

Efficient recycling of solid wastes is now a global concern for a sustainable and environmentally sound management. In this study, traditional recycling pattern of solid waste was investigated in Rajshahi municipality which is the fourth largest city of Bangladesh. A questionnaire survey had been carried out in various recycle shops during April 2010 to January 2011. There were 140 recycle shops and most of them were located in the vicinity of Stadium market in Rajshahi. About 1906 people were found to be involved in recycling activities of the city. The major fraction of recycled wastes were sent to capital city Dhaka for further manufacture of different new products. Only a small amount of wastes, specially plastics, were processed in local recycle factories to produce small washing pots and bottle caps. Everyday, an estimated 28.13 tons of recycled solid wastes were handled in Rajshahi city area. This recycled portion accounted for 8.25% of the daily total generated wastes (341 ton d^?1), 54.6% of total recyclable wastes (51.49 ton d^?1) and 68.29% of readily recyclable wastes (41.19 ton d^?1). Major recycled materials were found to be iron, glass, plastic, and papers. Only five factories were involved in preliminary processing of recyclable wastes. Collecting and processing secondary materials, manufacturing recycled-content products, and then buying recycled products created a circle or loop that ensured the overall success of recycling and generated a host of financial, environmental, and social returns.     

Concentrations of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient PM2.5 and PM10 particulates in Doha,Qatar

Organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and 90 organic compounds (36 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], 25 n-alkane homologues, 17 hopanes, and 12 steranes) were concurrently quantified in atmospheric particulate matter of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. The 24-hr PM samples were collected using Harvard Impactors at a suburban site in Doha, Qatar, from May to December 2015. The mass concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 40 ± 15 and 145 ± 70 µg m^?3, respectively, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. Coarse particles comprised 70% of PM₁₀. Total carbonaceous contents accounted for 14% of PM_2.5 and 10% of PM₁₀ particulate mass. The major fraction (90%) of EC was associated with the PM_2.5. In contrast, 70% of OC content was found in the PM_2.5–10 fraction. The secondary OC accounted for 60–68% of the total OC in both PM fractions, indicating photochemical conversions of organics are much active in the area due to higher air temperatures and solar radiations. Among the studied compounds, n-alkanes were the most abundant group, followed by PAHs, hopanes, and steranes. n-Alkanes from C₂₅ to C₃₅ prevailed with a predominance of odd carbon numbered congeners (C₂₇–C₃₁). High-molecular-weight PAHs (5–6 rings) also prevailed, within their class, with benzo[b + j]fluoranthene (Bb + jF) being the dominant member. PAHs were mainly (80%) associated with the PM_2.5 fraction. Local vehicular and fugitive emissions were predominant during low-speed southeasterly winds from urban areas, while remote petrogenic/biogenic emissions were particularly significant under prevailing northwesterly wind conditions.

Implications: An unprecedented study in Qatar established concentration profiles of EC, OC, and 90 organic compounds in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Multiple tracer organic compounds for each source can be used for convincing source apportionment. Particle concentrations exceeded WHO air quality guidelines for 82–96% of the time, revealing a severe problem of atmospheric PM in Doha. Dominance of EC and PAHs in fine particles signifies contributions from combustion sources. Dependence of pollutants concentrations on wind speed and direction suggests their significant temporal and spatial variability, indicating opportunities for improving the air quality by identifying sources of airborne contaminants.     

Participatory assessment of the sustainability of livelihoods in the agroecosystem of Abesard,Iran

In order to improve the livelihoods of communities and make them more sustainable, study of the vulnerability of livelihoods seems necessary. In this paper, participatory vulnerability analysis was used within a sustainable rural livelihoods framework to assess the sustainability of livelihoods in the agroecosystem of Abesard, Iran. In addition, this paper explored vulnerability contexts that affect livelihood assets. Findings revealed that land use change, climate variability, market fluctuations and higher mechanisation were the main reasons of vulnerability. To overcome these problems and to adapt to changes, households have followed livelihood strategies such as agricultural intensification, livelihood diversification, and agricultural biodiversity. The government has also provided some services such as extension programmes, fertilizers, and subsidies to compensate for asset limitations. Overall, implementation of the following development policies are recommended: (1) support of agricultural production by government institutions; (2) moving towards the development of sustainable agricultural practises that integrate a variety of methods in a sustainable manner; (3) development of agricultural intensification in a sustainable way that compensates for any inadequacy of assets; and (4) providing adult vocational training programmes for both men and women related to on-farm and off-farm activities. In the end, results highlighted the need for more emphasis on overcoming the challenges of sustainable agriculture using a participatory approach in assessment of the vulnerability of community livelihoods.     

Identification of rainfall homogenous regions in Saudi Arabia for experimenting and improving trend detection techniques

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In Saudi Arabia, identifying homogenous zones based on rainfall patterns is critical for ensuring a predictable and stable water resource and...     

Reducing ammonia emission by aluminum sulfate addition in litter and its influence on productive,reproductive, and physiological parameters of dual-purpose breeding hens

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This research investigated the impact of aluminum sulfate (AS) as amendment to different types of litter (new, reused, and mixed litters) for reducing...     

Effect of using limestone fines on the chemical shrinkage of pastes and mortars

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The main aim of this study is to examine the effect of incorporating limestone fine (LF) on chemical shrinkage of pastes and mortars. For this...     

Appraisal of stormwater-induced runoff quality influenced by site-specific land use patterns in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Urban stormwater runoff is considered as one of the major contributors to nonpoint source that contributes to the pollution of all water resources in...     

Effects of Cd and Zn on physiological and anatomical properties of hydroponically grown Brassica napus plants

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Clarifying the connection between metal exposure and anatomical changes represents an important challenge for a better understanding of plant...