Editor(s)
Prof. Mustafa Turkmen
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science & Arts, Giresun University, Turkey.

Short Biosketch

ISBN 978-81-19761-36-4 (Print)
ISBN 978-81-19761-22-7 (eBook)
DOI: 10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2

This book covers key areas of environment, geography and earth science. The contributions by the authors include subsurface structure, morpho-structure, strike-slip fault, SBP analysis, Lemukutan Archipelago, sewerage system, sanitation, water pollution, emerging contaminants, breeding behaviors, Greater adjutant stork, breeding colonies, biomimicry principles, biomaterials, radioactive cesium, aquatic life, food chain, radioactive contaminants, industrial clusters, regulations, environment protection, human-wildlife conflicts, crops raiding patterns, food preferences, crop damage, skill metric analysis, electromagnetic waves, hydrologic modelling, moisture budget calculations, climate stabilization, nutritional quality, global biodiversity, floristic diversity, ecotourism, ecological preservation, ecological conservation, tourism development, digital elevation model, terrain classes, ecological hitches, rainfall intensity, colluvial material velocity, soil infiltration, gravitational force, environmental ecosystem, climate change dynamics, horticulture, greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures. This book contains various materials suitable for students, researchers and academicians in the field of environment, geography and earth science.

 

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Chapters


The goal of the current experiment was to examine the breeding behavior of Greater Adjutant Storks throughout three successive mating seasons from 2019 to 2021 in the flooded areas of the Kosi River in the region of Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Greater adjutant stork colonies for breeding reached 12 in 2019, 10 in 2020, and 12 in 2021, respectively. 277 chicks were raised in 123 nests in 2019, 282 in 126 nests in 2020, and 236 in 105 nests in 2021, respectively, at these times. The majority of the nest trees were found in and around the settlements, along the sides of the roads. In order to make their nests, storks mostly choose Kadamb, Peepal, Pakar, Gamhar, and Semel trees, with Kadamb being their preferred tree species. The GAS mostly utilized fresh leaves, sticks, and twigs from trees such the Pigeon Wood, Jalebia, Dhaincha, Jamun, Peepal, Gulmohar, Kadamb, and Semal for nesting purposes. Large, spherical nests were formed of plant twigs and were typically found at the tops of trees and at the tips of long, horizontal branches. Both the sexes alternately shared incubation and protection of the chicks after hatching. The breeding season of Greater adjutant stork was recorded between September to April in Bihar. The incubation period was ranging between 37 to 39 days. Two to three chicks on one nest were common. Their successful reproduction is aided by the locals' tolerance for the birds and the awareness raised for their preservation and conservation by our research team and the local Mandar Nature Club of Bhagalpur. The number of species that are of global conservation concern may increase as a result of farmers' traditional beliefs paired with straightforward awareness campaigns to maintain community pride.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Pixel-level Rainfall Datasets for the Indian Region: Identification of Optimal Rainfall Datasets

Vasala Saicharan , Shwetha Hassan Rangaswamy

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 20-41
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/6312C

The objective of this study is to identify the rainfall datasets for India that deliver the best results at the pixel level. Rain is water droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then fall under gravity. Rainfall is a dynamic process and is constantly changing in form and intensity as it passes over a given area.  The Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) gridded data are utilized in this work to undertake skill metrics analysis on seven commonly used rainfall datasets, including GPM, CRU, CHIRPS, GLDAS, PERSIANN-CDR, SM2RAIN, and TerraClimate. The rule-based decision tree techniques are employed on the obtained skill metrics analysis values to find the good-performing rainfall dataset at each pixel value among all the datasets used. The temporal analysis (in both month- and year-wise scales) suggests that GPM is a good-performing dataset. This analysis identified the good-performing datasets in 3428-pixel locations out of 4641-pixel locations in India. The pixel-wise analysis reveals that GPM correlated well with the IMD dataset in 3105 pixels out of 4641 pixels, whereas TerraClimate correlated well only 1579 pixels. Among the seven chosen datasets, this analysis found the best dataset for each pixel. PERSIANN-CDR, followed by CHIRPS, and finally the GPM dataset, often scores as a good-performing fit. The TerraClimate dataset is the least valuable at the pixel level despite having a better resolution. For hydrologic and agricultural applications that support sustainable development, this research will help in the selection of the best dataset at a pixel of India.

Radioactive Contamination on Land and Water from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident

Malik M. A. Fakron

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 42-55
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/10980F

Nuclear energy provides an alternative solution for water and energy shortages. A focal problem for nuclear energy use is radioactive contamination. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident released large amounts of radioactive substances into the environment and contaminated the soil of Tohoku and Kanto districts in Japan due to the deposition of radioactive cesium 137 from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. The main strategic key to removing any contaminants is to concentrate in a certain spatial spot. A summary of the most important radioactive contaminants due to the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and possible treatments. Tritium and radioactive cesium 137 are the most important contaminants. Radioactive cesium is accumulated primarily in the organic soil layer in forests and in natural water in lakes and streams, thereby making them potent sources for contaminating organisms. Removing radioactive cesium 137 from contaminated soil by removing 5 cm of soil depth as a primary treatment. secondary treatment for contanmanted soil by integrating electrolyte-cell methods to concentrate radioactive cesium in certain spots in the soil and remove only those spots. Tritium is accumulated in the cooling water of damaged Fukushima nuclear reactors. The negative effects of the presence of tritium in natural water are the main reason for this research on the separation of tritium from nuclear power plant water. In previous research studies, there were references to the separation of tritium by a thermal membrane process such as membrane distillation or pervaporation. This pervaporation process is based on experimental research. Main objective of describing thermodynamic analysis on the separation of tritium from ALPS-treated water as scientific evidence and on the separation of radioactive cesium, Cs137, for selecting the best method for the decontamination process.

Regulations on Constructing Industrial Zones and on Environment Protection

Nguyen Trong Diep , Dinh Tran Ngoc Huy , Dinh Tran Ngoc Hien , Le Ngoc Nuong , Khuat Hong Thuan

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 56-66
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/7580A

In Hanoi, there are currently 70 industrial clusters (CCNs) operating, contributing significantly to economic growth and ensuring social security. Hanoi has good infrastructure in terms of traffic, electricity, water, post office, etc. The aim of the research is to present Regulations on Constructing Industrial zones and on Environment Protection.

Scope of paper: Vietnam environment law with Hanoi case study of clusters.

Methodology: Authors have used qualitative and analytical methods, descriptive method for primary model, synthesis and discussion methods.

Main conclusion and results: Therefore, CCN can be considered as the focal point for implementing internal linkages between industries and services and linking industry with rural areas in the region and locality. Therefore, CCN is the nucleus that promotes regional and local socio-economic development. Moreover, the centralized wastewater treatment system must satisfy the following environmental protection requirements.

Originality values: Hanoi has been invested heavily in infrastructure development, this is a good condition. To develop CCNs (industrial clusters). CCN is the geographical concentration of production - business establishments, organizations related to each other in terms of production, use of infrastructure and limiting environmental pollution.

The purpose of this paper is to review the effects of inadequately operating decentralized sewage treatment systems, lack of sewerage systems/networks and their centralized sewage treatment systems, and improper disposal of solid and liquid waste (sewage mixed with other hazardous processed chemicals from septic tanks or toilets) on the aquatic environment (surface water and groundwater) and human life. As a result of the lack of a sewerage system or network in the country, 81.6% of the improved sanitation in Rwanda uses pit latrines with solid slabs, according to the census report of household living conditions EICV 4 that was approved by the Rwanda National Institute of Statistics in March 2016. High-altitude topography has significantly contaminated surface and groundwater in a number of locations, including the capital city of Kigali. The complexity of wastewater management has also been exacerbated by the high level of life in the area and the absence of government financing for the creation of various initiatives for centralized sanitation.  A count of 1.3 million people in Kigali means that the city has neither centralized sewage treatment nor central sewage networks. Except for a few semi-centralized sewage treatment systems, septic tanks with soak-away pits are primarily used, together with pit latrines. Due to untreated sewage being disposed inappropriately into the environment, they have potential negative impacts on surface and groundwater resources or in some cases direct discharge to open watercourse. Current examples of streams and rivers receiving inappropriately disposed sewage include Ruganwa, Rwanzekuma, Yanze, and the Mpazi rivers, as well as all tributaries of Nyabugogo River. The problem of water pollution is getting worse as anthropogenic contaminants enter the water cycle. Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) are of particular concern. For example, pharmaceutical and personal care products are not regulated under current environmental laws. Therefore, they may cause ecological or human health impacts. Since 2016 Kigali city was proposed to have the first centralized sewerage system and construction of wastewater treatment plant through the project named “Rwanda Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program (RSWSSP)”. The final version of the environmental impact assessment (ESIA) received by Rwanda Development Board stated that this problem will be addressed by the RSWSSP program by developing Kigali's first centralized sewerage system, as well as by managing the solid wastes and fecal sludges generated by the 6 satellite cities of Kigali. However, although the project’s ESIA has already been finished it has not been implemented yet. The paper examined the main causes of water pollution in Rwanda's densely populated areas, particularly in the capital city Kigali, the potential effects of a lack of urban centralized sewerage systems, the inadequacy of currently available decentralized technologies to protect human life and the ecosystem, and the public's awareness of the new organic water contaminants that are currently being found in water environments. Also suggested were some of the finest management techniques for safeguarding Rwanda's water resources. 

Plant Diversity of the Yaya Classified Forest in Southeastern Côte d'Ivoire

Jean-Marc Gala Bi Zaouri , Olivier N'guessan Yao , Kafana Soro , Dodiomon Soro

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 94-109
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/19296D

The objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of the woody floristic diversity of the Yaya Classified Forest. The tropics of Cancer and Capricorn roughly define tropical woods, which are wooded landscapes in tropical places that may also be influenced by other variables like prevailing winds. Certain types of tropical forests are challenging to classify. While classification techniques based on tree canopy density are easily applied to temperate forests, they do not function well in tropical forests. The Yaya classified forest is situated between latitudes 5°36 and 5°49 in the north and 03°41 and 03°27 in the west. It occupies a tract of 23,879 hectares in the south-east of Côte d'Ivoire, in the Mé region and in the sub-prefecture of Oghlawapo.  As a result of this investigation, 167 species broken up into 134 distinct genera and 47 families were identified. The Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, and Rubiaceae were the most significant families. In degraded forest compared to thick forest, species density was greater. On the other hand, thick forests had a larger basal area than sites that had been reforested. In the reforestation zone, variety was greater. 21 species, or 12.42% of the total flora inventoried, were red-listed by the IUCN. The thick forest comprises a huge number of individuals for each diameter class. To further understand the vegetation of the Yaya categorized forest, inventories of all the flora in this forest region should be made as this study only considered the variety of woody flora.

It is widely acknowledged that the impact of human activities on the Earth's atmosphere following the first industrial revolution was so significant that it was designated as a new geological epoch with the term "Anthropocene." The search for a new design strategy that integrates the nature of urban landscapes with their architecture is critical in the Anthropocene age. Modern instances of green cities and smart cities are the direct result of the emergence of a value system with a highly aesthetic view of global ecosystems, prompting us to seek a non-anthropocentric method of reasoning and, as a result, planning. In this study, we present innovative city design that controls environmental factors and is based on urban planning of cities approached by the principles of biomimicry. The research question is whether natural materials with modern construction methods and biomimicry principles can lead to the design of cities that face the numerous challenges of climate change. Three examples of cities that have adopted the model of biomimicry design principles will be presented, (the city of Lavasa in India, Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro, and an industrial ecosystem in the Danish city of Kalundborg), in parallel with a literature review of natural materials. Conclusions will be drawn which will be followed by the formulation of proposals for the optimal planning of cities in terms of sustainability. The goal is to develop a design process targeted at the efficient design of cities in response to climate change.

Situational Analysis of Human and Wildlife Conflicts at the Periphery of Forêt des Marais Tanoe-Ehy at the East of Côte d’Ivoire

Kouao Marthe Lydie , Gnagbo Anthelme

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 128-143
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/18158D

The goal of this article is to define HWC at the FMTE's Forêt des Marais Tanoé-Ehy (FMTE) border to improve public awareness of interactions between people and wildlife near forests in Cote d'Ivoire. The long-term survival of some of the world’s most iconic species, including elephants and tigers, is at risk from a significant and escalating threat: human-wildlife conflict. Human-wildlife conflict is when encounters between humans and wildlife lead to negative results, such as loss of property, livelihoods, and even life. Defensive and retaliatory killing may eventually drive these species to extinction. Crops are more often attacked in Côte d'Ivoire in accordance with animal species' preferred diets. As a result, a diverse range of species, including rodents, birds, predators, and bush pigs, are linked to crop assaults. Certain species of these animals, such as cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus), monkeys (Cercopithecus sp.), and bush pigs (Potamochoerus porcus), are more active and can result in large losses for farmers. All of these crimes against animals cause some of the local community to harbor enmity toward them. In order to handle these disputes, which have been shown to have a detrimental impact on both biodiversity and food security, in a sustainable manner, the State of Côte d'Ivoire must make crop protection techniques widely known to the populace.

The Lemukutan Islands, located on the west coast of Singkawang, West Kalimantan. This study aims to reveal various occurrences of subsurface structures around the Lemukutan Islands waters based on morpho-structural and Sub-bottom profiler analyses. The data is then supplemented by observational data on the mainland and surrounding islands. The interpretation of SBP, DEM, and Landsat 457 composite image data reveals clear evidence of a strike-slip fault system at the west of Lemukutan Island. The fault extends to the west Penata Besar Island seabed, with a direction of N130°E. On Penata Kecil and Seluwas islands, the evidence of this structure represents brecciated sandstone. The study reveals that the strike-slip fault is indicating a movement towards NW. Traces of the strike-slip fault structure system are interpreted to have occurred post the Cretaceous period and are no longer active. The results of this research are expected to be used for disaster and environmental mitigation of coastal areas and small islands.

Are the Tanjung Puting National Park as an Alternative to Ecotourism-based Sustainable Development?

Irawan, Andrie Elia

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 157-171
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/6428B

The goal of the study is to identify and quantify the determining elements for Tanjung Putting National Park's sustainable ecotourism development. Survey and observational methods are used to gather data on both exogenous and endogenous factors utilizing a questionnaire. The rapid development of eco-tourism (ecotourism), as one of the tourism industries with the potential to increase the revenue of the country, especially in the last decade. Tanjung Putting Park, in the province of Central Kalimantan, is the site of the research, which was done from May to July 2019. Both local and international tourists that visited Tanjung Putting National Park make up the study's population. Both primary and secondary data were used. The sample size for the convenience sampling methods used in nonprobability sampling [1], was 250 respondents.  Analysis tool that uses statistical analysis of test models Path Analysis. The results showed (1) the development of tourism products such as transportation, home stay and tourist attractions like feeding orangutans as well as the environmental uniqueness of tropical forest and blackwater areas have a significant influence on the amount of tourist visits and the length of stay of tourists in ecotourism areas, (2) the development of tourism products and uniqueness The environment has a significant influence on the development and utilization of sustainable ecotourism. (3) Based on the first two conclusions, it is stated that Tanjung Putting National Park can be an alternative for sustainable ecotourism development.

Analysis of Morphometric Traits and Ecological Threats: A Study at Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Umana S. Umana , Uwem J. Ituen , Imoh E. Ukpong , Unwana S. Koffi

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 172-192
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/6169C

The objective was to analyze the morphometric characteristics of this region using certain pertinent topography characteristics (elevation, slope, and aspect) to identify places at risk for serious ecological issues like flood, erosion, and others. This study was conducted in Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. In order to improve data integration into the GIS interfaces, a digital elevation model (DEM) was acquired as a raster with longitude and latitude; geo-referenced, but re-projected to WGS, UTM zone 32 N. The various layers representing elevation, slope, and aspect were extracted using the surface operation tool of the spatial analyst extension of ArcGIS 9.3. To unify the units of measurement for integration into the same analysis environment, these were submitted to the reclassification function in the same programme. Following categorization, the layers were used to map the environment using algebra to simulate erosion, flood dangers, and the potential for siltation of the area's streams, tributaries, and wetlands. Consequently, slope, elevation and aspect were the surface layers utilized for the single output map algebra.  The result confirmed the elevation of this area to be low-lying altitude above the mean sea level with Open Water, Sea Level Terrain, Beach Ridge Complex, Alluvial Plain with Mangroves and Gently Undulating Coastal Plain Sands as the five significant terrain classes in SCFR. The result further revealed that areas without vegetation cover recorded series of ecological hitches than areas with adequate vegetation cover. Specifically, the identified problems included water pollution, coastal erosion, land degradation, soil contamination, flood, habitat fragmentation, distortion of wetlands and siltation of streams, rills, and tributaries which restriction of anthropogenic activities and adequate restoration measures in SCFR are strongly recommended for its sustainability.

Impact of Climate Change Dynamics on Sustainable Horticultural Practice in India

Harish Kumar H. R. , Pavan, V., Madhu D. M.

Emerging Issues in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 2, 13 October 2023, Page 193-210
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eieges/v2/6788C

Climate change, driven by the rise in global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, is a significant threat to both advanced and emerging economies. India, grappling with a burgeoning population and escalating greenhouse gas emissions, has experienced notable shifts in climatic patterns. In 2018, India emitted 2,299 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, underlining a pressing concern. Horticulture, encompassing various crops like vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants, plays a vital role in sustainable development by offering nutritional security, employment, and economic prosperity. However, changing climatic conditions pose a threat, leading to diseases and reduced crop yields, disrupting sustainable development goals. To combat climate change's adverse effects and ensure sustainable development, climate-resilient pathways are crucial. These pathways involve adaptive strategies that mitigate climate change impacts while fostering effective institutions and strategies for risk management. They aim to reduce vulnerabilities, enhance coping mechanisms, and continuously adapt to evolving circumstances within complex socio-ecological systems. The economic impact of climate change on horticulture is anticipated to affect productivity, prices, demand, supply, and trade. Timely adaptive and mitigative actions are imperative at both the farm level and among policymakers. Small and marginal farmers should be empowered to cope with climate adversities. Ultimately, adaptation and mitigation strategies are paramount in enhancing climate resilience, reducing vulnerability, and promoting sustainable development in the face of climate change.