Volume 9, Issue 4, (2021)
A Review on the Effects of Environmental Factors on Plants Tolerance to Air Pollution
Navneet Kour, Prasenjit Adak
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 839-848 | PDF
Abstract: Due to unsustainable, unplanned, and rapid development, air pollution has become a universal problem. Physical and chemical methods have come up with a tremendous solution but they have been proven insufficient to address this problem on a large scale. The better and natural way to overcome this problem is by plantation. Plants can adsorb, absorb and impinge pollutants on their leaf surfaces but all plants do not show the same response to a particular type of pollutants under the same geographical conditions. There are certain biochemical parameters (such as chlorophyll content, pH, ascorbic acid content, and relative water content) on which plants are selected for plantation so far in polluted areas. These parameters are not only sufficient to evaluate the tolerance of plants towards pollutants. Biochemical parameters depend upon environmental conditions and the concentration of air pollutants. The present review was an effort to investigate the various environmental factors which play a pivotal role in modifying the biochemical parameters and how it eventually affects the plants' tolerance to air pollutants.
Keywords: Environmental parameters, APTI, Air pollution, Light intensity, Humidity, Precipitation
Application of an Artificial Neural Network Model for Estimating Water Quality Parameters in the Karun River, Iran
Marjan Salari, Ehsan Teymouri, Zeinab Nassaj
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 720-727 | PDF
Abstract: Population growth and increasing agricultural and industrial activities result in reducing water quality, climate change, and changed the rainfall pattern as well as the hydrological cycle. In the present study, artificial neural networks (ANN) applied deduced and expand models to predict the monthly values of dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity (EC) in the Karun River at stations positioned at Ahwaz and Gotvand sites in Iran. To analyze the water quality, the monthly data of four main parameters and discharge between 1998 and 2010 were selected. The correlation coefficient, root mean square error, and mean absolute error as statistical criteria were utilized for evaluating the model performance. Finally, the potential of ANN on simulating relevancy between water quality parameters is examined. Results indicated the neural networks can discern the pattern of water quality parameters to offer an appropriate prediction of changes in water quality data of the Karun River.
Keywords: Artificial Neural Networks, Predicting, Water Quality Index, Khuzestan province
Assessment of Groundwater Quality Index, Suitability for Irrigation and Domestic Purposes in Krishna-Godavari Delta Region, Southern India
R. Kannan, K. Appala Naidu, Palika Lavanya, Abhrankash Kanungo, M.V. Ramana Murty, Kirti Avishek
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 741-750 | PDF
Abstract: The water quality index (WQI) is a significant indicator for evaluating the quality of drinking water for end-users. The present work is aimed to assess the groundwater quality of the Krishna Godavari delta region in Andhra Pradesh State, for knowing its suitability for domestic, irrigation, and drinking purposes by calculating the WQI parameters and comparing it with WHO and Indian Standards. A total of 105 groundwater samples each for both Pre-monsoon and Post-monsoon periods have been collected during June 2017 and January 2018. The following 11 parameters were taken into account when calculating the WQI: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Hardness (TH), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (mg2+), Bicarbonate, Chloride(Cl-), Nitrate (Na+), Sulphate, Potassium (K+), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Based on the WQI result, the samples were divided into five categories: Excellent, Good, Poor, Very Poor, and unfit for drinking purposes. In Pre-monsoon and Post monsoon season, the water quality index is 9%, 25%, 30%, 22%, 15% respectively 16%, 41%, 31%, 7%, and 5%. It can be concluded that during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season 67% and 43% of water is not suitable for drinking purposes respectively and hence they require treatment before usage.
Keywords: Groundwater, Hydrochemical Characteristics, Water Quality Index (WQI), Krishna Godavari Delta, Correlation analysis
Assessment of the Integrated Water Resources Management in Egypt
Ayman Ayad, AbdelKawy Khalifa, and Mohamed ElFawy
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 751-768 | PDF
Abstract: Egypt's water requirements are increasing due to the growing population, improved living standards, and agricultural land expansion to ensure food security. The proper planning and integrated water resources management in Egypt is a complex process that requires considering many different aspects: Available water resources, the water requirements from the various sectors, and water quality. As for water resources, the current deficit reaches up to 20 billion cubic meters per year, mainly covered by reusing agricultural drainage water in irrigation through mixing stations, with a significant negative impact on health and environmental standards. As for urban water and sanitation, the rapid population increase puts immense pressure on the existing network and the government to expedite its infrastructure assets to cope with such an increasing pace. The development of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) was particularly recommended in the ministers' final statement at the International Conference on Water and the Environment in 1992 (so-called the Dublin principles). This concept aims to promote changes in practices that are considered fundamental to improved water resource management. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of IWRM concept implantation in Egypt and pays particular attention to the concept implementation results against its objectives, key lessons, and recommendations to improve current and future sector financing options for modern water. At present, the IWRM concept, given the network's complexity and limited staff availability, is limited to integrating irrigation and drainage service delivery. The proposed GWSI proved to be a suitable, efficient, and effective tool for such dynamic allocation.
Keywords: Multi-Criteria Analysis, IWRM, GIS, Water Accounting, Water Resources Management
Biological Monitoring of Body Natural Metal Elements in Radiologists
Ali Jangjou, Mahsan Ramezani, Mohammad Reza Aryaee Far, Farin Tatari, Milad Derakhshanjazari
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 746-748 | PDF
Abstract: Radiologists are exposed to occupational radiation. Exposure to radiation increases the likelihood of changes in the body's essential metal elements and the occurrence of radical chain reactions and lipid peroxidation in the membrane, decreased enzymatic activity, ionic currents, and activation of ion channels. Biological monitoring of these elements is essential to prevent more serious side effects on the body. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the amount of copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium in the blood serum of radiologists. This case-control study was conducted in 2020 on 50 radiologists and 50 controls in Shiraz hospitals. Serum 5 cc of blood was extracted using a centrifuge. Then, the concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium in serum were measured with an AA-7050 atomic absorption spectrometer. Finally, the data were analyzed by analysis of variance. The mean serum concentrations of iron and zinc in radiologists and the control group were significant (Pv<0.05). While the mean concentrations of iron and zinc in the radiologist's blood serum increase and decrease, respectively. But the mean concentrations of copper and magnesium in the blood serum of radiologists and the control group were not significant (Pv>0.05). The mean of iron concentration was higher in male radiologists than in female radiologists (Pv<0.05). The results of this study showed that radiation in radiologists can have positive or negative changes on the concentration of iron and zinc in the body. It is suggested that biological monitoring of these elements in the blood serum of radiologists be used as an indicator of exposure to this adverse physical agent to prevent more serious symptoms.
Keywords: Biological monitoring, Metal elements, Radiologists
Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminium in HCl Solution by Ethanol Extract of Ruellia Tuberosa L
Samiappan Kathiravan, Sankarankutty Jyothi, Ganesan Ayyannan, Jeganathan Ravichandran, and Gunasekaran Raja
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 831-838 | PDF
Abstract: The ethanol extract of Ruellia tuberosa L leaves (ERT) was used for Corrosion inhibition of aluminum in 0.5 M HCl using the weight loss method at various temperatures and immersion time. Further, the potentiodynamic polarization studies, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic, and scanning electron microscope analyses were carried out. The experimental result implies that the addition of inhibitor increases corrosion inhibition efficiency at various temperatures and it diminishes with increasing acid concentration. The ERT molecule’s adsorption on active sites of the aluminum surface was endothermic and is in physicochemical nature and it followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The obtained impedance results displayed a high convergence and the potentiodynamic polarization study exhibits mixed-type inhibition. The FT-IR, EDX spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope studies have made it firmer than the inhibitor species are adsorbed on the Al surface.
Keywords: Ruellia tuberosa; Corrosion inhibition; Aluminium corrosion; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Potentiodynamic polarization
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil and Water Around Automobile Repair Workshops within Eket Metropolis in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using GC-MS
Akanimo N. Ekanem, Godwin J. Udo and Bassey S. Okori
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 819-830 | PDF
Abstract: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread in air, water, terrestrial, and biological systems and can be transferred between these resources. Sixteen United States-Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) priority PAHs in soils and underground water from some automobile repair workshops within Eket metropolis in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess the extent of pollution caused by automobile repair activities. Soil samples were collected at various depths within five automobile repair workshops using stainless steel hand-held auger. Water samples were also collected from boreholes around the vicinity of the automobile repair workshops using an amber glass bottle with a screw cap. The results obtained showed that all the sixteen US-EPA priority PAHs were detected in varying concentrations in the soil samples while dibenzo(a,h)anthracene was not detected in any of the water samples. The Ʃ16 EPA PAHs detected in the soil samples in the five automobile repair workshops ranged from 0.82-12.98 mg/kg. The Ʃ15 EPA PAHs detected in the water samples ranged from 1.71-16.07 mg/l. According to the European Commission classification system of soil contamination, the soil was classified to be moderate to heavily contaminated. The carcinogenic potency BaP equivalent concentration (BaPeq) for the soil samples ranged from 0.4610-1.5058 mg/kg. The BaPeq for the water samples around the sampling sites ranged from 0.1644-0.4238 mg/l. Diagnostic ratios showed that the possible sources of PAHs in this study area were derived from mixed sources (Pyrogenic, Petrogenic, and phytogenic sources). Hence the soils and water around the workshop are moderately contaminated.
Keywords: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Automobiles repair workshops, Contamination, Soil and underground water, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Development of Regression-based Hydrologic Model for Estimating Inflows to Tarbela Reservoir
Noor Yaseen, Habib-Ur-Rehman, Salik Haroon Abbasi
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 796-803 | PDF
Abstract: The assessment of daily discharges at the Tarbela Dam is one of the major concerns for the reservoir operational team. As per record, the existing model used by Tarbela Dam Project (TDP) Engineers has not been reliably estimating the inflows to the reservoir as compared to those obtained from the reservoir operational data. This paper explores the development of a new hydrologic model using regression techniques. For this, four years of representative data for the period from 2013 to 2016 were obtained for daily inflows at four gauging stations namely, Indus river at Tarbela, Indus river at Besham Qila, Siran river near Phulra, and Brandu iver near Daggar. Both multiple linear regression (MLR) and multiple nonlinear regression (MNLR) were performed to develop models taking inflows at Tarbela as the response variable and inflows at the remaining three upstream-gauging stations as the explanatory variables. Based on several statistical measures and the visual inspection of the testing models, the MNLR provided a better representation of the relationship between the Tarbela inflows and the upstream-gauging stations' inflows. The best-fit nonlinear model declared the inflows at Besham as the most influential explanatory variable followed by the inflows at Phulra, while eliminating those at Daggar, suggesting that the inflows to Tarbela can effectively be estimated without the inclusion of Daggar inflows. The outcomes of the newly developed nonlinear model are considerably better in comparison to those of the existing model used by TDP Engineers. This study is helpful for the reservoir operational team to estimate the daily flows based on upstream-gauging stations data; it is recommended to update the model to estimate inflows to the reservoir for every three to four years.
Keywords: Hydrologic Model; Tarbela Reservoir; Upstream-gauging Stations; Multiple Linear Regression; Multiple Nonlinear Regression
Efficient Cd (II) Ions Removal from Aqueous Solution Using Peganum Harmala and Prosopis Farcta Seed as Adsorbents
Ali Ebrahimi, Majid Ehteshami, Behnaz Dahrazma, Marjan Salari, Pegah Fatehbasharzad
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 728-736 | PDF
Abstract: Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal and a dangerous pollutant to the environment. Anthropogenic activities are the main reasons for diffusing cadmium into water resources, soil, and air. In this study, the adsorption of cadmium from the aqueous phase has been investigated by the usage of biological adsorbents including Prosopis farcta and Peganum harmala seeds powder. The adsorption procedure was optimized in four steps: initial pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of cadmium. The cadmium concentration in solution was measured by the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method. The results of optimization tests showed 91% and 73% Cd (II) removal for pH = 6.5 and initial metal concentration of 20 mg/L for 20 g/L of Prosopis farcta at 45 min and 40 g/L of Peganum harmala at 30 min, respectively. In addition, the efficiency of the adsorption process improved when the cadmium concentration decreased in the initial solution. Finally, the adsorption process for both adsorbents complied with Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic.
Keywords: Adsorption, Cadmium contamination, Prosopis farcta, Peganum harmala, Isotherm, Kinetic models
Enhanced Adsorption of Methylene Blue by Chemically Modified Materials Derived from Phragmites australis Stems
Bui Thi Minh Nguyet, Nguyen Van Hung, Nguyen Huu Nghi, Nguyen Anh Tien, Dinh Quang Khieu and Hŕ Danh Đức
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 769-780 | PDF
Abstract: Methylene blue (MB) is extensively used in various industries, resulting in severe environmental pollution. In this study, raw Phragmites australis biomass (RPB) chemically modified with sodium hydroxide (S-RPB) followed with citric acid (SA-RPB) for adsorbing MB from aqueous solutions was developed. The obtained adsorbents were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and pHpzc analysis. The batch adsorption tests showed that the MB removal efficiency of the SA-RPB absorbent was higher than that of RPB and S-RPB. The XRD results showed that the adsorbents existed mainly as cellulose crystals. The BET analysis indicated that the chemically modified materials formed micropores, with the capillary diameter of SA-RPB was 15.97 nm on average. The FTIR results confirmed a significant enhancement of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on SA-RPB surface after denaturation by citric acid. The adsorption kinetics showed that the pseudo-second-order model precisely simulated the adsorption process. The adsorption isotherm process satisfactorily fitted with the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of SA-RPB was 191.49 mg/g at 303 K. The adsorption mechanism of MB onto the SA-RPB was mainly influenced by electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and capillary filling of micropores. The adsorptive capacity exceeded 90% after four successive regeneration cycles and reuse of SA-RPB. These findings show that the adsorbent developed from raw biomass of Phragmites australis modified with NaOH and citric acid can be applied to remove MB from aqueous solutions.
Keywords: Methylene blue, Phragmites australis, Removal efficiency, Kinetics, Adsorption mechanism
Holistic Assessment of the Egyptian National Land Reclamation Project from the view of IWRM
Ayman Ayad, AbdelKawy Khalifa, and Mohamed ElFawy
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 776-787 | PDF
Abstract: Agriculture is the primary sector and central component of the Egyptian economy. The Agriculture economy's early estimates are about 17% of overall GDP and 20% total exports, as well as, accommodating around 30% - 40% of the labor force. Under the 1st Priority Land Reclamation Projects of the New Land development in Egypt, it is planned to reclaim 1.5 million feddans of agricultural land in nine reclamation areas in the Western Desert, mainly irrigated on groundwater. In this paper, the project is assessed in terms of groundwater occurrence, environmental screening, and economic sustainability with the rules of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is applied. The review highlights that the literature on groundwater withdrawal and use from all aquifers as a whole is significantly outdated, and might not represent the actual conditions of the groundwater occurrence and regime currently prevailing. Concurrently, updated information on monitoring groundwater levels and quality are not easily accessible, making it difficult for assessing long-term trends on groundwater dynamics, reserves, and quality. Finally, the paper presents an excel based model for optimal crop pattern selection in response to water different water quantities and qualities. The used model is named the "Water Allocation Model for computing optimal crop patterns on water or "AFWAM". In general, implementing the project is financially feasible, the project is expected to have a direct, positive social impact. Toshka site is the optimal choice for intervention early due to low initial investment costs. Still, the project is feasible in all proposed areas.
Keywords: Land Reclamation, IWRM, Groundwater Management, Crop productivity
Investigation of Paraxon-induced PC12 Cells Viability, Cytotoxicity, and Apoptosis in the Presence of Recombinant Butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE)
Morteza Mirzaei, Hamid Tebyanian, Saeed Izadpanah, Rezvan Seid Moradi, Mona Rastegar Shariat Panahi, Mehrdad Moosazadeh Moghaddam, Ali Mohammad Latifi
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 714-719 | PDF
Abstract: Today, the use of pesticides is an essential issue for health control. Organophosphorus insecticides are considered the most widely used pesticides in the world and as they have the potential to eliminate pests, they can endanger human health by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase family enzymes. In this research, we aimed to study the effects of paraxon, the most important metabolite of organophosphorus insecticide partition, on the viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis occurrence in the presence of butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE). In this study, the effects of the viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis of paraxon-induced PC12 cells were investigated in the presence of butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE). The cell viability was assessed using the MTT test. The cell cytotoxicity was calculated through Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test. The caspase activity was used to measurement of caspase-3 activity. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was studied by rhodamine123 and also, TUNEL staining was performed to quantification of apoptosis index. Paraxon induced cell cytotoxicity and decrease cell viability of PC12 cells and BCHE inhibited the paraxon function in a dose-dependent manner. Paraxon disrupted the MMP and increased the function of caspase but BCHE suppressed paraxon-induced apoptosis through inhibition of paraxon function. Treatment of PC12 cells by paraxon increased cell death index. BCHE can use in the treatment of poisoning with organophosphorus insecticides because of its potential to suppress paraxon-induced cell death. BCHE inhibits the paraxon function in a dose-dependent manner.
Keywords: PC12 cells, Viability, Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis, Butyrylcholinesterase
Photocatalytic Activity Studies of Iron Titanate (FeTiO3) Nanoparticles towards the Removal of Various Chloro Phenols under Visible Light Irradiation
Rambabu Thokachitchu, Paul Douglas Sanasi
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 849-859 | PDF
Abstract: The photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants has been recognized as an important research area, in the field of wastewater treatment techniques. In this regard, a novel iron titanate, FeTiO3 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a facile sol-gel method. Three different combinations of NPs have been synthesized, having a constant atom % of iron, and variable atom % of titanium. The calcinated samples were characterized using XRD, FESEM-EDAX, UV-Vis DRS, and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The physicochemical characteristics such as crystal structure, morphology, atom efficiency, absorption wavelength, bandgap (electron volts, eV), and specific surface area (SBET, m2.g-1) were clearly analyzed and confirmed. Majorly, the bandgap has decreased with an increase in the Ti % from FeTi-0.5 to FeTi-2.0 NPs, and hence the visible light absorption capacity of the NPs has increased. Furthermore, the specific surface area of the NPs, has also increased, with an increase in the Ti %. It clearly shows the increase in the adsorption capacity of the NPs. The effectiveness of these NPs, to act as visible light-sensitive photocatalysts was investigated towards the removal of certain hazardous organic pollutants like 2-chlorophenol, 2, 4-dichlorophenol, and 2, 4, 6-trichlorophenol. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of initial pollutant concentration, the effect of photolysis, catalysis, and photocatalysis, the composition of the NPs, and the effect of pH, towards the removal of the pollutants. In these studies, the FeTi-2.0 NPs have shown superior photocatalytic activity, owing to their narrow bandgap and high specific surface area. Using this photocatalyst, the scavengers experiment and COD studies were conducted. It was observed that the hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and the superoxide radical ions (O2-•), were the active species involved in the removal of the pollutants. The % COD loss was observed to be almost 90 % for all the organic pollutants.
Keywords: Iron titanates, Photocatalysis, Bandgap, Specific surface area, Chlorophenols
Physicochemical, Heavy Metals and Microbiological Assessment of Wastewater in Selected Abattoirs in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Temidayo Michael Ogunlade, Babafemi Raphael Babaniyi, Femi Johnson Afolabi, Gbenga Gabriel Babaniyi
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 788-795 | PDF
Abstract: This study was on the assessment of wastewater in three selected abattoir environments in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The selected abattoirs are Atikankan Abattoir, Ikere – Ekiti Abattoir and Iworoko Road Abattoir. Wastewater samples were collected in the three locations. The physicochemical, heavy metal analysis, and microbial analysis of the samples were carried out using standard methods. The six heavy metals analyzed were (Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Iron, Lead, and Manganese) using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS, VGP210). The result showed that the physicochemical parameters: Turbidity (96.83 – 182.26 NTU); Electrical Conductivity (948.67 – 1262.00 μScm-1); BOD (527.42 - 640.66 mg/L); COD (850.67 - 1033.33 mg/L); Phosphate (14.70 - 18.20 mg/L) and Nitrate (50.73 - 77.85mg/L) samples collected were above the WHO maximum permissible limits. Heavy metal analysis of the samples revealed that the concentrations of (Cd, Fe, and Pd) were higher than the FAO/WHO permissible limits while those of Cr, Ni, and Mn were within the safe limits. The microbial analysis revealed a high population of bacteria and fungi from all the samples collected from the three locations. In general, if the wastewater from these abattoirs is not treated before being discharged into water bodies, it could pose a great health risk to the environment.
Keywords: Abattoir; Wastewater; Heavy metals; Microbial analysis
Reducing Whole-Body Vibration Transmitted to Taxi Drivers and Occupants of Peugeot 405 by Providing Optimal Tire Inflation Pressure
Ali Jangjou, Zahra Zamanian, Soheil Hassanipour, Milad Derakhshajazari
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 741-745 | PDF
Abstract: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is one of the physical factors affecting taxi drivers which should be controlled and reduced. The most common adverse effects of WBV are low-back pain and gastrointestinal disorders. Hence, this study aimed to reduce WBV transmitted to taxi drivers and occupants of Peugeot 405 by providing optimal tire inflation pressure. This experimental study was carried out on Peugeot 405 taxi manufactured by Iran Khodro Co. in Iran. Vibration characteristics were measured three times, in combined statuses of tire inflation pressure, type of gas used to inflate tires, presence or absence of tubes in tires, and car speed, according to ISO 2631-1 using SVAN 958A as a vibration analyzer with a calibration certificate. Tire temperature was also measured using an IR BE550 thermometer in each combined status. Then, the data were analyzed. The results showed an A (8) value of 0.99 (m / s2) at a tire inflation pressure of 30 PSI for Peugeot 405. The A (8) value decreased with reducing tire inflation pressure (P value<0.001). The A (8) value at an inflation pressure of 28 psi was reported to be 21% lower than that at an inflation pressure of 30 psi. There was an inverse correlation between tire temperature and tire inflation pressure (P value<0.001). The average tire temperature increased with reducing tire inflation pressure. However, no significant difference was found between the mean tire temperatures at tire inflation pressures of 28 psi and 30 psi (P value<0.05). In general, there were significant differences between tire temperatures at tire pressures below 28 psi compared with those at pressures above 28 psi, and higher tire temperatures were reported at pressures below 28 psi. The study results showed that the exposure of Peugeot 405 taxi drivers to WBV exceeds the permissible limits and it can be reduced below the permissible limits by providing a tire inflation pressure of 28 psi. A tire inflation pressure of 28 psi is recommended to replace the pressure recommended by car makers (30 psi).
Keywords: Whole Body Vibration, Taxi, Peugeot 405, Tire Inflation Pressure
Relationship between COVID-19 Anxiety and Hypochondriasis in Retirees Aged 60 to 70 Years in Shiraz
Ali Keshtkar, Bahram Bahrami
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 737-740 | PDF
Abstract: With the outbreak of Covid 19 and a worldwide epidemic, countless new challenges have arisen within various facets of human life including, lifestyle, health, and social behavior. One of these new challenges belongs to the dimension of psychological health and it is that of anxiety. Different individuals experience different types of mental reactions to anxiety which could manifest itself in the form of worrying in regards to one's health and sometimes in the form of hypochondriasis. The goal of the present study is to investigate the relation between Corona virus-induced anxiety and hypochondriasis. The current study was conducted on a population of 125 among the retired aged 60 to 70 of the department of education workforce in the city of Shiraz, Iran, which were picked using the cluster random method. The study group answered the demographic questions in addition to the Covid anxiety questionnaire 18 and the hypochondriasis questionnaire 36 of Evans. The gathered data were then analyzed using the SPSS 26 software. A total of 66.4% of the study group experienced average levels of anxiety while 32% experienced a mild case of hypochondriasis. A significant relation was discovered between hypochondriasis, Corona-induced anxiety, marital status, and sex but no significant relation was discovered between hypochondriasis, sex, and marital status. The role of anxiety on the individuals diminishing social and personal capacities are well known and the outbreak of Covid-19 has so far exacerbated the problem. In regards to the relationships discovered in this study between anxiety disorder and hypochondriasis, we recommend that the mental health services in the society expand to cover a larger portion of the demographic, at least for the duration of the outbreak.
Keywords: Covid-19 anxiety, Hypochondriasis, Retired
Sustainable Management of Treated Wastewater, the New El-Mahsama Wastewater Treatment Plant in Sinai
Wael M. Khairy, Mohamed Bakr Abdel Ghany
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 804-814 | PDF
Abstract: As part of the national water resources strategy 2030 of Egypt, safe usage of treated wastewater should be expanded in newly reclaimed lands. In 2020, the first mega-waste water treatment plant (El-Mahsama WWTP) was constructed in the east of the Suez Canal in the Sinai Peninsula to treat 1.0 million m3 per day of El-Mahsama agricultural drain and other small drains, mainly for agricultural purposes in Sinai. However, treated wastewater utilization unwisely may incur several risks to human health, crop yields, livelihood, social and economic conditions, and environmental sustainability. This can be attributed to the possible existence of chemical, biological, or salts in poorly or partially treated wastewater. This research paper aimed at analyzing the best sustainable uses of that treated wastewater of El-Mahsama WWTP in agriculture without causing risks to human and environmental health. Using a qualitative evaluation approach, it was proved that the “favorable sustainable management scenario” includes cropping pattern for the 1st scheme (70,000 feddans) as wheat, barley, beans, and maize, then cropping pattern for the 2nd scheme (about 52,000 feddans) as cotton, flax, kenaf, oil crops as jojoba, jatropha, canola, and sunflower. The socio-economic benefits associated with that favorable management scenario is high. The disposal of agricultural drainage water from the agricultural schemes should be diverted to irrigate forest trees “mahogany”. The compost produced should be safely used after appropriate processing and special treatment of the effluent sludge as animals’ fodder. Furthermore, the sludge should be used after anaerobic digestive processes to produce biofuel energy for the nearby communities’ daily life activities. Wastewater treatment could reduce carbon emissions and accordingly mitigate the climate change risks. Expansion in non-conventional water use could give wastewater a second life with the target to reduce water scarcity, reduce environmental deterioration, increase resilience to climate change and improve people’s livelihoods.
Keywords: Treated wastewater reclamation and use, Water management, Human health, Environmental quality, Qualitative evaluation approach, Carbon emission, Sinai development, El-Mahsama wastewater treatment plant
The Effect of Vitamin C-Fortified Artemia on Growth and Survival of Sepia pharaonis Larvae
Mohammad Forouhar Vajargah, Seyyed Ghasem Hashemi, Mehdi Bibak, Ahmad Mohamadi Yalsuyi
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 815-818 | PDF
Abstract: Vitamin C is a water-soluble compound that can involve in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. The aims of the present study were the evaluation of the effects of vitamin C on the growth performance and survival rate of Pharaoh Cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) for 25 days. Sepia pharaonis were randomly allocated in 20 aquaria (21 fish per tank) and triplicate groups of Sepia pharaonis (initial weight 4.5±0.11g) were fed with supplemented Biomar feed. The larvae in the control treatment were fed without Biomar. The larvae in the experimental treatment were fed with Biomar in addition to vitamin C. The results clearly showed that in fish fed vitamin C, body weight had significantly increased in comparison to control treatment (P>0.05). Also, vitamin C had a positive effect on fish survival rate there was no significant difference between treatments. The best results on survival rate were obtained by feeding vitamin C which had a great effect on the survival of this species in captivity.
Keywords: Sepia pharaonis, Vitamin C, Survival, Bodyweight
The Potential of Tofu Liquid Waste and Rice Washing Wastewater as Cheap Growth Media for Trichoderma sp.
Angga Puja Asiandu, Hary Widjajanti, Ritha Rosalina
Volume 9 | Issue 2 | Pages: 769-775 | PDF
Abstract: The tofu processing industry in Indonesia is massively increasing. The increasing activity of tofu production causes the disposal of tofu industrial waste to the environment to be higher as well. This condition is exacerbated by the fact that generally, the tofu industry producers do not have their appropriate tofu waste management system. The liquid waste generated from the tofu processing industry will be discharged directly into the waterways. Additionally, people in Indonesia generally use rice as their staple food. The rice washing process produces washing wastewater which is usually discharged into the environment directly. The disposal of these wastes raises the environmental pollution rate. Also, the tofu liquid waste and rice washing water contain some nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The presence of these nutrients will increase the population of pathogenic microbes in the environment. Thus, in this study, the authors discussed the potential of tofu wastewater and rice washing wastewater as alternative media for the growth of Trichoderma sp. Trichoderma sp. is an antagonistic fungus that can be used as a biocontrol agent for farmers. The use of waste as an alternative medium reduces the mass production and propagation cost of biological agents. In this study, this isolate was cultivated in tofu liquid waste and rice washing wastewater by adding a carbon source. Based on the research conducted, it was known that the average conidial density of Trichoderma sp. cultivated in tofu liquid waste was 2.9 x 106, while the conidial density of Trichoderma sp. cultivated in alternative rice washing wastewater was only 1.6 x 106. The growth of this isolate in tofu liquid waste was higher than rice washing water. It indicated that tofu liquid waste potentially to be used as a cheap alternative growth medium for Trichoderma sp.
Keywords: Cheap Media, Tofu liquid waste, Trichoderma sp., Rice Washing Wastewater
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