Estimation of Biogas Generation from a Uasb Reactor via Multiple Regression Model

In this study, regression analysis based an estimation model for biogas generated from an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating landfill leachate is developed using several leachate parameters, such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, chloride, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, total phosphorus. These landfill leachate parameters are monitorized over a period of 1000 days at 35 ± 1°C in the UASB reactor. In order to develop the best model giving highest estimation performance, eight model equations including different input parameter combinations are analyzed. Based on the results of regression analysis, the best coefficients of the model equation are determined. As a conclusion, the developed model in this study can give accurate biogas amount prediction for the USAB reactor-based leachate treatment system.     

Prenatal diagnosis of distal arthrogryposis type I by ultrasonography

Two consecutive pregnancies in a woman with initially undiagnosed type I distal arthrogryposis (DA) are reported. A prenatal diagnosis of the condition was made by ultrasound in the 17th week of gestation in one of the pregnancies, whereas in the subsequent pregnancy the disorder was excluded as early as 13 weeks' gestation. The diagnoses were verified at birth. The feasibility of prenatal diagnosis of DA type I in the second trimester is thus confirmed and its possibility in the late first trimester is suggested.     

Evaluating sustainable land use for the Değirmendere valley: A case study from northeastern Turkey

Regional land-use development projects are undertaken to protect water resources necessary for agriculture, energy and sustaining human life. The De?irmendere valley, in the province of Trabzon in the Black Sea region of Turkey, provides clean water to the city of Trabzon. The valley is part of the Silk Road from Asia to the Black Sea and contains historical monasteries such as Sumela, Kustul and Vazelon. However, over the years, misuse of the valley has caused freshwater, sea and environmental pollution. In an attempt to overcome these problems, a multilateral project, De?irmendere Vadisi Çevre Düzenlemesi (DEVAÇED), was launched in the region. This paper aims to provide information necessary for engineering projects within the region. Six villages, on both sides of the valley, were selected for this research and evaluated in terms of river basin utilization, topography, cadastral survey of property and ownership, and land readjustment improvements. The study found illegal and improper urbanization, including industrial facilities within the valley causing water pollution. Current cadastral base maps are not sufficiently accurate for engineering projects, and in some places buildings have been constructed on unstable soils that are susceptible to landslides. The research results have helped to generate important recommendations for rehabilitation of the river basin.     

Research on solid waste management system: to improve existing situation in Corlu Town of Turkey

Over the past decades, uncontrolled population growth and rapid urbanization and industrialization have resulted in environmental problems in Corlu Town, Turkey. One of the most important problems is solid waste due to inadequate management practices. Nowadays, increasing public awareness of the environment compels local authorities to define and to adopt new solutions for waste management. This paper presents a general overview of current solid waste management practices in Corlu Town and principles of the recommended municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. In Corlu, 170 tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated each day, or 1.150 kg per capita per day. Approximately one-half of the municipal solid waste generated is organic material and 30% of the MSW consists of recyclable materials. The recommended system deals with maximizing recycling and minimizing landfilling of municipal solid waste, and consists of separation at source, collection, sorting, recycling, composting and sanitary landfilling. This study also analyzed the recommended system with respect to feasibility and economics. To evaluate whether the suggested system is cost effective or not, the operating cost of the recommended system and market prices of recyclable materials were compared, and the results show that the recommended system will reduce required landfill volume up to 27% of compared to the present situation. The profit of the recommended system is estimated to be about 80 million US dollars.     

In vivo genotoxicity assessment of titanium,zirconium and aluminium nanoparticles,and their microparticulated forms,in Drosophila

As in vivo system, we propose Drosophila melanogaster as a useful model for study the genotoxic risks associated with nanoparticle exposure. In this study we have carried out a genotoxic evaluation of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles and their microparticulated forms in D. melanogaster by using the wing somatic mutation and recombination assay. This assay is based on the principle that loss of heterozygosis and the corresponding expression of the suitable recessive markers, multiple wing hairs and flare-3, can lead to the formation of mutant clones in treated larvae, which are expressed as mutant spots on the wings of adult flies. Third instar larvae were feed with TiO₂, ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, and their microparticulated forms, at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mM. Although a certain level of aggregation/agglomeration was observed in solution, it must be noted than the constant digging activity of larvae ensures that treated medium pass constantly through the digestive tract ensuring exposure. The results showed that no significant increases in the frequency of all spots (e.g. small single, large single, twin, total mwh and total spots) were observed, indicating that these nanoparticles were not able to induce genotoxic activity in the wing spot assay of D. melanogaster. Negative data were also obtained with the microparticulated forms. This indicates that the nanoparticulated form of the selected nanomaterials does not modify the potential genotoxicity of their microparticulated versions. These in vivo results contribute to increase the genotoxicity database on the TiO₂, ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles.     

Cost analysis of alternative methods for wastewater handling in small communities

Wastewater collection and treatment is quite important for sustainable management. It would be uneconomical and impractical to provide sewer systems and separate wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) for small communities. The decision process in wastewater planning is rather important in terms of comparing the alternatives considered. The two important points in the management of wastewater at rural areas not connected to a sewer system are to develop an optimized operation strategy and to make sure that the complete system is environmentally and economically sustainable. In some regions, package treatment could be an alternative solution. However, in cases where there is an existing large WWTP, a cluster system, where sewage generated by small communities could be transported via conveyors to a centralized WWTP, could be employed. In this study, the wastewater treatment and disposal problems in small communities were addressed and an alternative wastewater handling scenario was proposed. Additionally, three wastewater handling scenarios were compared. As a case study, Gebze villages were selected.     

Spatial variability of depth and salinity of groundwater under irrigated ustifluvents in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey

Information on the potential risk for soil salinity buildup can be very helpful for soil salinity management in irrigated areas. We evaluated the spatial and temporal variability of groundwater salinity (GWS) and groundwater depth (GWD), which are two of the most important indicators of soil salinity, by indicator kriging technique in a large irrigated area in northern Turkey. GWS and GWD were measured on a monthly basis from irrigation season (August 2003) to rainy season (April 2004) at 60 observation wells in the 8,187-ha irrigated area. Five indicator thresholds were used for GWS and GWD. The semivariogram for each of the thresholds for both variables was analyzed then used together with experimental data to interpolate and map the corresponding conditional cumulative distribution functions (CCDF). Risk for soil salinity buildup was greater in the irrigation season compared to that in the rainy season. The greatest risk for soil salinity buildup occurred in the eastern part of the study area, suffering from poor drainage problem due to malfunctioning drainage infrastructure, as indicated by the CCDF of GWS and GWD obtained in both seasons. It was concluded that a combination of mechanical and cultural measures should be taken in high-risk locations to avoid further salinity problems.     

Estimation and uncertainty analysis of groundwater quality parameters in a coastal aquifer under seawater intrusion: a comparative study of deep learning and classic machine learning methods

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Excessive withdrawal of groundwater for agricultural irrigation can cause seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers. Such a case will in turn results...     

Quantitative SWOT analysis for prioritizing ecotourism-planning decisions in protected areas: Igneada case

As environmental problems and pressures on natural resources escalate, awareness building and efforts to protect natural areas have also became a major goal to ensure sustainability. Ecotourism is one of the major activities to protect natural and cultural resources, while also providing economic benefits to both local people and government. Successful ecotourism planning is a function of establishing sound goals and criteria. In this paper, we have presented the example of Igneada, Turkey, as a case to elaborate this point. Igneada a coastal town, located on the north-west Black Sea region of Turkey, was declared a national park in 2007. The park is well known for its longos forests (flooded), lagoons, endemic and endangered species, and wildlife. However, currently, unsustainable economic activities, overgrazing, and urbanization cause threats to its sensitive ecosystems. Promoting ecotourism is a sustainable approach to balance economic, social, and environmental aspects in the development of Igneada.

The aim of this study is to define a set of ecotourism criteria and propose an ecotourism vision for Igneada. The methodology in this research involves field observations and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis with an Analytical Hierarchy Process. A survey study is conducted with both local people and experts to define a framework to generate a priority ranking for ecotourism-planning decision. The research generated 5 main criteria and 14 subcriteria, among which ‘Proposal of Igneada in Turkey’s 2023 Tourism Strategy Plan’ was the highest ranked opportunity for ecotourism planning and development in the town.