Environmental Protection Research

Impacts of Power Transmission and Distribution on Trace Metals Loads in Soils, Telfairia Occidentalis and Related Human Health Problems in South-South, Nigeria

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The generation, transmission, and distribution of power have both positive and negative effects. However, this has not been effectively assessed and documented in the study area. Hence, this research was conducted to assess the impact of power transmission and distribution activities on the levels of trace metals in soil, including Telfairia occidentalis (T. occidentalis). In this research, topsoil and T. occidentalis were obtained from the vicinity with high tension copper cables at Ikono, Ibiono Ibom, Itu, Uyo, and Uruan in Akwa Ibom State. Similar samples were obtained 100 m away from areas with high-tension copper cables and used as controls. The mean values (mg kg^-1) of cadmium(Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) obtained in soil were 2.13 ± 1.24, 43.52 ± 9.28, 1,265.84 ± 287.33, and 27.39± 5.66, respectively. Whereas, the mean concentrations (mg kg^-1) of these metals in T. occidentalis were 0.17 ± 0.10, 12.98 ± 2.50, 217.81 ± 62.56, and 1.47 ± 1.40, respectively. The results obtained revealed that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Fe in soil were higher than their recommended safe limits, while the mean concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Pb in T. occidentalis exceeded the limits. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of all metals in the impacted soils were higher than in the control plot for both soil and T. occidentalis. Pollution models employed showed that soils and T. occidentalis from the studied locations were highly impacted by metals originating mainly from power transmission and distribution activities. The estimated daily intake rate of all the metals through soils and T. occidentalis was investigated for the children and adult groups within their recommended oral reference doses except for Cd. The non-cancerous risks for the children and adult groups for both soil and T. occidentalis were less than than 1 mg kg^-1 day^-1. However, the children’s class was more susceptible. Cancer risks for both the children and adult groups via soil and T. occidentalis were within the acceptable limit, but the entire cancer risk for the children via T. occidentalis from the Uyo vicinity was higher than the safe limit. This study revealed the effects of power transmission and distribution activities on the metal loads in soil and T. occidentalis and the related human health problems. Consequently, consistent exposure to soil particles impacted by high-tension cables and the cultivation of edible plants under high-tension cables should be avoided.

Exploring the Relationship Between GDP, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Consumption, Population, and Renewable Energy Production Using Canada as a Model Country

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This study explores the complex relationships between population growth, gross domestic productivity (GDP), carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, primary energy consumption, and renewable energy (RE) production in Canada from 1950 to 2021. Using time-series econometric techniques, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models, and cointegration analysis, the research investigates how these variables interact over time and their implications for environmental sustainability and economic development. The results indicate that population and GDP growth significantly increase primary energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, emphasizing the need for cleaner energy sources. While the positive correlation between population growth and renewable energy production presents opportunities for reducing carbon footprints and fostering economic resilience, there are also risks of overexploitation of renewable resources if energy demand outpaces sustainable supply. The study highlights the importance of sustainable resource management and policy frameworks to ensure that economic growth does not compromise environmental integrity. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, advocating for increased investment in renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient practices. Future research should expand this analysis to other countries and explore the differentiated impact of various renewable energy sources on economic and environmental outcomes.

Cumulative Impact Assessment of Development Projects Around Campo-Ma'an National Park in Cameroon

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This study assesses the extent to which cumulative impacts are considered when evaluating the environmental and social impacts of development projects in proximity to a protected area. The applicability of the Sorensen and Rau method for evaluating these impacts was also investigated. The methodological basis of this study is the content analysis of eight environmental and social impact assessment reports. These reports were assessed using an assessment grid divided into six blocks of questions. This grid was developed on the basis of good practice and implemented through exchanges with key stakeholders. It was also implemented in accordance with the four stages recommended by Sorensen and Rau. The results demonstrate that Block 1, which pertains to the role of the Campo-Ma'an National Park in the study, has a level of consideration of 79%. Block 2, which pertains to the analysis of the impact of the projects on the Park, was considered to a degree of 81%. Block 3, which addresses the consideration of cumulative impacts on the Park, was addressed to a limited extent, at 52%. Block 4, which pertains to public participation, has a compliance rate of 47%. Block 5, which pertains to the integration of the Environmental and Social Management Plan, was considered to the extent of 67%. Block 6 addressed 47% of the cumulative impacts on the park in the Environmental and Social Management Plan. The findings of the Sorensen and Rau method indicate that the component associated with great ape populations remains of significant value, with a criticality score of 19.52. Those components associated with the park's surface area, ecological corridors and habitat remain at an average criticality value of 11.4, 11.1 and 10.22, respectively. This suggests that the park's valued components could suffer from the cumulative effects of the various projects, particularly those associated with great apes. The study revealed that projects do not systematically integrate cumulative impacts due to a dearth of data, and that this shortcoming could be addressed through a combined matrix and network approach. It would be more prudent to consider the digitization of systems in relation to impact analysis at a time when digital technology is optimizing systems.

Role and Perspective of Metal-Oxide Based Nanocomposites for Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Sehrish Fatima, Naeem Abbas, Javed Iqbal, Misbah Irshad, Muhammad Ahazz Khan — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

One among the Global challenges of 21^st century is inaccessibility of clean water. In this concern, nanotechnology is rising as one of the most advanced processes for wastewater treatment having/great potential to improve water purification and decontamination efficiency. Among various types of nanomaterials, metal oxides are widely employed in wastewater remediation due to their extremely reduced particle sizes and high specific surface area. However, their limitations, such as a wide band gap and aggregation, which reduce the life time of active species responsible for pollutant degradation, as well as the health risks associated with their release into the environment, require the use of their nanocomposite form in wastewater remediation. This review will summarize efficiencies of metal oxide based nanocomposites (Graphene oxide, ZnO, AgO, TiO₂, CuO) as adsorbent, disinfectant, photocatalyst and membrane filter. It will also give a brief overview of how the wastewater treatment efficiencies of metal oxide based nanoparticles are enhanced in their nanocomposite form.