Embodied energy as an environmental impact indicator for basement wall construction

Attempts were made to quantify the environmental impacts of the basement walls of two commercial buildings in London. Four different retaining wall options were designed based on steel and concrete systems for each of the sites. It was considered that excavation would take place with the aid of a one or two anchors system. Evaluation of embodied energy (EE) and CO2 emissions for each of the wall designs and anchoring systems were compared. Results show that there are notable differences in EE between different wall designs. Using the averaged set of Embodied Energy Intensity (EEI) values, the use of recycled steel over virgin steel would reduce the EE of the wall significantly. The difference in anchor designs is relatively insignificant, and therefore the practicality of the design for the specific site should be the deciding factor for anchor types. Generally, the scale of environmental impacts due to constructions is large compared to other aspects in life as demonstrated with the comparisons to car emissions and household energy consumption. Copyright ASCE 2008.

Observation on some of the environmental parameters of selected shrimp farms in Khulna, Bangladesh

In recent years, the ecological degradation, loss of technological sustenance and other multidimensional consequences caused by shrimp farming have made the experts and authorities bound to rethink about the development of the industry. The present study describes the water and sediment quality, and culture and management techniques in five selected shrimp farms at Paikgacha, Khulna throughout a production cycle from March to September 1997. The water quality parameters were found to be more or less suitable throughout the cycle. The concentration of the limiting major nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and minor nutrients such as calcium and magnesium were satisfactorily high, concentrations of the organic matter content were also high. Remarkable negative correlation of shrimp production with secchi depth was observed among the farms. Production per cycle ranged between 273 kg/ha and as low as 63 kg/ha.

Observation on some of the environmental parameters and feed quality of selected golda (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) farms in Bangladesh

A study was conducted to ascertain the existing farm water, effluent and feed quality of selected giant freshwater prawn farms from major prawn farming areas (Bagerhat Sadar, Noakhali Sadar and Mymensingh) of Bangladesh during July to November 2005. Water quality parameters such as the mean values of dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, nitrite-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus and ammoniacal nitrogen did not show any significantly differences among the farming areas. Whereas significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the mean values of temperature, secchi disc visibility, pH and chlorophyll a. However, all the water quality parameters in the farming areas were within the suitable range for prawn culture. There was no significant variation in nutrients concentration of discharged effluent among the prawn farming areas. All of the nutrients measured in effluent water were within the acceptable range and did not seem to pose a direct threat to the recipient environment. The analysed crude protein contents of commercial CP, Quality and Saudi-Bangla prawn feeds were 31.84%, 27.21% and 28.97%, respectively, whereas all analysed farm made feeds were less than 25%. The other nutrients of prawn feeds varied largely with the source of feeds and ingredients used to prepare feed. The annual yield of prawn varied from 320.4 to 512.6 kg/ha (mean 412.3 kg/ha) depending on the management system.

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton in relation to environmental factors in the Maheshkhali channel, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

In total 68 phytoplankton species were identified at the mouth of the Maheshkhali channel with the Bay of Bengal, among them 41 belong to Bacillariophyceae, 17 Dinophyceae, 7 Cyanophyceae and 3 to Chlorophyceae. The highest phytoplankton production was observed in November (578.0 x 105 cells/L) and the lowest in June (37.5 x 105 cells/L). Some hydrographic parameters e.g., surface water temperature, salinity and nutrients (N03-N and P04-P) were recorded and their relationship with the occurrence and abundance of phytoplankton population were also studied. Nutrient concentration was higher during the autumn months, when rain water provided the maximum outflow of rivers discharging into the channel. During the nutrient peak period, the total phytoplankton production was maximum. Bacillariophyceae was the dominant group of phytoplankton throughout the study period except in June and September, when Dinophyceae was dominant. Cyanophyceae was abundant in spring months when temperature began to rise.

Benthic diversity of River Gomti in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions in Lucknow

To evaluate the benthic diversity of River Gomti in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions, four stations, viz., Maa Chandrika Devi, Daliganj, Ambedkar Park and Aquaduct, were identified from upstream to downstream along the course of the river in Lucknow. Dissolved oxygen was low on many occasions at all the stations except Maa Chandrika Devi and chemical oxygen demand values were high. There was a gradual increase in mean nitrite and phosphate values from up to downstream. Benthic fauna was dominated by oligochaetes and chironomus larvae. Other groups reported were leeches, nematodes, sponges, crustaceans, pelycypodes, gastropods and fish fry. Population density was exceptionally high at Daliganj (20,135 m sub(-1) ) followed by Ambedkar Park (5,199 m sub(-1)) and Aquaduct (3,287 m sub(-1)), and low at Maa Chandrika Devi (264 m sub(-1)). Oligochaete genera common at all the four stations were Lumbricillus, Limnodrillus, Branchiura, Chaetogaster, Nais and Tubifex. Odonates were reported only from Maa Chandrika Devi while sponges were encountered at Daliganj and Aquaduct. On some occasions, fish fry were also found at Ambedkar Park and Aquaduct. Seasonally, maxima for population density were observed during pre-monsoon and minima during monsoon. The organic pollution indicator benthic species reported were tubificids, chironomids, culicoid larvae, Lamellidens sp., Corbicula sp., Lymnaea sp. and leech. Branchiurans, Tubifex sp. and Chironomus larvae were reported at all the stations. Filthy condition with foul smell throughout the length of the river coupled with poor water quality and appearance of indicator organisms at all the stations indicate that the river is under severe pollution stress due to anthropogenic discharges and it has reached an alarming stage.

Ecology and production in two sandy beaches of Goa. Part (A) Distribution of bacteria in Colva and Siridaon in relation to certain environmental parameters

Qualitative and quantitative studies on the bacterial flora of two beaches viz., Colva and Siridaon at high tide, mid-tide and low tide levels during the pre-monsoon period were made. Estimations of important nutrients, like inorganic phosphates and nitrates and organic carbon have been made and correlation with the bacterial counts is being attempted. Definite correlation between bacterial population and organic carbon is seen however, no correlation is observed between bacterial counts and other physicochemical parameters.

Environmental assessment of shrimp farming in relation to livelihoods in the south-west coastal Bangladesh

The study was designed to assess the environmental impact of shrimp farming and implications on local livelihoods at the south-west coastal area of Bangladesh. All the stakeholders reported that shrimp farming negatively affected on the environment at the coastal area. The soil and water, fish habitation, agricultural cropland, grazing land, indigenous fish, household vegetations, trees and plants, land fertility and mangroves are affected negatively by the shrimp farming in the coastal area. About 44% of stakeholders agreed that mangroves were destroyed by the extension of shrimp farming in the study area. In the case of positive impact of shrimp farming on environment about 16% of stakeholders agreed that the household vegetations increased due to alternate rice and shrimp-prawn farming.

Environmental impact of wild shrimp seed collection with non-selective gears on coastal aquatic biodiversity

Collection of wild tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) seed with non-selective gears and its impact upon the coastal aquatic biodiversity has been investigated. Loss of undesired species as by-catch was estimated to be 1,075 individuals for collection of every desired shrimp seed which amounted to be 132 billion in a study area stretching 3 km long coastline of the Sagar Island under the Sunderban Biosphere, West Bengal, India. Non-penaeid shrimp seed and crab larvae accounted to be maximally destroyed as their overall contribution towards the by-catch were 56.5% and 29.44%, respectively. Though, rate of bycatch loss was found to be inversely correlated with the rate of shrimp seed collected per gear (r=-0.82, p<0.05) during the peak season (May-September), the overall relationship between them exhibited a linear relationship (r=0.73, p<0.05). By-catch loss for every shrimp seed collection tended to increase up to a daily collection of 2,500 numbers of shrimp seeds per gear followed by a decline. Coastal aquatic community was maximally damaged when the heterogeneity and stability as reflected by different diversity indices were higher.

Impact assessment of Farakka barrage on environmental issues at Bheramara Upazila, Bangladesh

Different problems have been created on the downstream territory, especially on Bheramara on the bank of mighty river Padma. The study is preferred to assess the impacts on river flow of Ganges water, and on fisheries, agriculture, irrigation, groundwater, livelihood, and biodiversity because of Farakka Barrage. Information were collected from various respondents among which 42% is farmer, 12% is fisherman, 36% is businessman and 10% is service holder. It is evident from this study that 65% of crops production were directly affected by Farakka Barrage, in which 34% crops were damaged due to scarcity of water, lowering the ground water level, less access to rainwater, etc. and 66% crops were invent for increasing char land, increasing soil fertility for the use of agrochemicals. Irrigation has been adversely affected because of 35% insufficient flow of water and 65% lowering the ground water level.

Transboundary diagnostic analysis. Vol. 2. Background and environmental assessment

The Transboundary Diagnosis Analysis(TDA) quantifies and ranks water-related environmental transboundary issues and their causes according to the severity of environmental and/or socio-economic impacts. The three main issues in BOBLME are; overexploitation of marine living resources; degradation of mangroves, coral reefs and seagrasses; pollution and water quality. Volume 2 contains background material that sets out the bio-physical and socio-economic characteristics of the BOBLME; an analysis of the legal,policy and administrative context; and an assessment of the status of marine living resources and marine environment in coastal areas

Antibacterial activity of a marine bacterium against pathogenic and environmental isolates of vibrio species

The marine environment covers three quarters of the surface of the planet is estimated to be home to more than 80% of life and yet it remains largely unexplored. The rich diversity of marine flora and fauna and its adaptation to the harsh marine environment coupled with new developments in biotechnology, has opened up a new exciting vista for extraction of bioactive products of use in medicine. In this study inhibitory activity of a marine bacterium isolated from gut of ribbonfish was studied against pathogenic and environmental isolates of Vibrio species. This strain was identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri and it was found active against V. harveyi (luminescent bacteria), V. cholerae, V. alginolyticus, V. damseal, V. fluvialis. The antibacterial substance produced by Pseudomonas stutzeri was soluble in organic solvent and closely bound to external surface of bacterial cells. Reduction of the absorbance of the V. cholera cell suspension was observed when log phase cells of V. cholerae were treated with MIC and 4xMIC concentration of crude extract of Pseudomonas stutzeri.

Impacts of environmental conditions on macrobenthic distribution along the Suez Gulf, Egypt

Increases in coastal development and human activities leading to sedimentation degrade the quality of water; disturb the natural structure and functions of aquatic communities. The Suez Gulf is a large semi-closed area (~625 km long coastline).The assemblages of bottom fauna were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in the shallow intertidal waters along the western coast of the Suez Gulf. The quality of seawater and sediment structures were analyzed. The distribution of macro-benthos included a total of 38 species of Gastropoda and 9 Bivalvia; and 25 species from the other invertebrates included 7 groups namely, Rhizostoma, Polychaeta, Cirripedia, Amphipoda, Isopoda, Decapoda and Echinodermata. The most dominant group among invertebrate groups was the Polychaeta which included 4 species: Hydroides elegans, Perinereis cultilifera, Perinereis nuntia and Ophelina acuminata. The Cirripedia were represented by 3 species namely, Balanus amphitrite, Chithamalus challengeri and Tetraclita squamosa. The variations in the numerical abundance and biomass of bottom fauna studied between the observation periods and at sampling sites. There was a marked increase in benthos biomass at St. IV (Ras Gharib) yielding an average of 318.8 g/m² in which the gastropod community represented the dominant species in collected samples reaching 270.28 g/m² (84.4% of the total biomass) and numerically numbered 116 ind./m². Veliger larvae of bivalves and gastropods appeared to be present in the plankton for long periods and their production seems to be continuous throughout the year. In the intertidal zone of the Suez Gulf, the values of pH varied within narrow limits. Water temperature and salinity seemed to be important in the distribution and abundance of the macro-benthos communities in the study areas. The organic content in shallow intertidal waters and sediments indicated high values in the central part of the Gulf of Suez.

Environmental enrichment and chronic restraint stress in ICR mice: Effects on prepulse inhibition of startle and Y-maze spatial recognition memory

In most studies regarding the improving or therapeutical effects induced by enriched environment (EE), EE was performed after the stress treatment or in patients with certain diseases. In the current study, the effects of chronic restraint stress (6 h/day) in mice living in an enriched environment or standard environment (SE) were tested. Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: non-stressed or stressed mice housed in SE or EE conditions (SE, stress + SE, EE, stress + EE). Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle was tested after the 2 weeks or 4 weeks stress and/or EE treatment and 1 or 2 weeks withdrawal from the 4 weeks treatment. After the 4 weeks treatment, spatial recognition memory in Y-maze was also tested. The results showed that EE increased PPI in stressed and non-stressed mice after 2 weeks treatment. No effect of EE on PPI was found after the 4 weeks treatment. 4 weeks chronic restraint stress increased PPI in mice housed in standard but not EE conditions. Stressed mice showed deficits on the 1 h delay version of the Y-maze which could be prevented by living in an enriched environment. Our results indicated that living in an enriched environment reversed the impairing effects of chronic restraint stress on spatial recognition memory. However, EE did not change the effects of stress on PPI. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Survey of plankton blooms and red tides and their interaction with environmental factors through monitoring satellite images

One of the most important marine ecological phenomena is red tide which is created by increasing of phytoplankton population, influenced by different factors such as climate condition changes, utrification hydrological factors and can leave sever and undesired ecological and economical effects behind itself in the case of durability. Coast line of Hormozgan is about 900km from east to west, within the range of geographical coordinates of 56 16 23.8, 26 58 8.8 to 54 34 5.33 and 26 34 32 eastern longitude and northern latitude, seven sampling stations were considered and sampled for a period of one year from October 2008 to October 2009. after the analysis of Satellite images, monthly, during the best time. In several stages, samplings were performed. In each station, three samples were collected for identification and determination of Bloom- creating species abundance. Cochlodinium polykrikoides was the species responsible for the discoloration which occurred at October 2008 in Hormozgan marine water. Environmental parameters such as sea surface temperature, pH, salinity, Dissolved Oxygen concentration, Total Dissolved Solids (T.D.S.), conductivity, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate and also chlorophyll a were measured and calculated. Kruscal Wallis test was used to compare the densities between different months, seasons and the studied stations. Mann-whitney test from Nonparametric Tests was used for couple comparison. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between physical and chemical data set and the abundance of Cochlodinium polykrikoides. Multivariate Regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) also were used to obtain the models and equations of red tide occurrence relationship, environmental parameters and nutrient data. The highest density was 26 million cells per liter in Qeshm station. A meaningful difference was observed between sampling months and seasons but there was no between sampling stations which indicates that in favorable conditions, the occurrence of this phenomenon by the studied species is probable. Regarding to β coefficients of nitrate, temperature, phosphate, Total Dissolvable Solutions (T.D.S) and pH these parameters are effective on the abundance of this species and red tide occurrence. Increase in these factors can represent the effects and outcomes of human activities and increase in marine pollution.

The study of the ergosan and vibromax effects on growth performances, survival rate and increase of the resistance to some of the environmental stresses in post larvae stage of the Indian white shrimp

In this study, which has been done in Hormoz larve Hatchery at Kohestak in Minab at 1385, the efficiency of Ergosen and Vibromax vaccine and the effect of them on growth factors such as total length, Carapase, dry weight and the number of upper mordents of rostrum and survival of the stages of larvae and post larvae of Indian white shrimp was studied. Thus in order to comparison the effects of Vibromax and Ergosen, each of them separately, in one treatment, and in another simultaneously with one control treatment was used. Vaccination against larvae shrimps was done through Artemia. This study used four treatments with three replicates in a completely randomized design and comparison of means was done through Duncan test. Breeding larvae and post larvae of Indian white shrimp from zoa I stage to PL 15 was done in 20 litter plastic buckets. Present results indicated that the highest amount of growth and survival factors in larvae stage (from zoa to PL1), and also in stages of PL5 and PL15, in the treatment of Ergoson effect + vaccine and it was with a little difference from that treatment of Ergoson effect which was in high significance difference in regard to control treatment at α<0.01 level and treatment of vaccine effect and control treatment at α<0.01 level often have no significant difference. This research used environmental stress tests to study the quality of post larvae under experiment. Studying in this field showed that feeding vaccine to larvae of Indian shrimps which was done through Artemia nauplii enrichment ,and ergosen , in treatment of ergosen vaccine lead to more resistance of post larvaes against salinity stress tests and formalin .This case was observed in every three stages ,so that in stress formalin test 100 parts per million and also 10 and 20 salinity parts in thousands the most survival was observed in treatment of Ergosan effect+vaccine and after that in treatment of Ergoson effect and with a little difference in treatment of vaccine effect. Of course this case, in treatment of Ergoson effect + vaccine due to the synergistic properties vaccine with Ergoson was more than to other treatments, while every three treatments, in most stages had significant difference toward control treatment at α<0.01 level and the control treatment because of not having Ergoson and nauplii artemia with vaccine, having the least survival rate in this stages.