scholarly journals Radionuclides Contamination in Soil: Effects, Sources and Spatial Distribution

2021 ◽  
Vol 253 ◽  
pp. 09006
Author(s):  
Peter Oluwadamilare Olagbaju ◽  
Olanrewaju Bola Wojuola ◽  
Victor Tshivhase

Radionuclide concentrations in the soil depend on the geological and anthropogenic activities of an area. They influence level of gamma radiation in the environment, which can cause significant health risk in humans. Due to the non-uniform distribution of radionuclides in the soil, various measurement methods have been adopted to monitor our environment. The challenges involved in collecting environmental samples, duration, technicality and cost of measurement have led to various models for predicting unmeasured locations. This article presents geostatistical method using kriging techniques, which adopt the theory of regionalized variables, to characterize the spatial distribution of radionuclide in un-sampled locations using data obtained from sampled locations. Among other things, this paper presents results of application of this method to a study area. Spatial distribution of radionuclides reveal the non-uniform distribution in the study area. Though the radionuclides level in the study area are below global average set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), the spatial distribution map can be used to provide adequate information needed by regulatory authorities in identifying the contaminated area in need of remediation.

2021 ◽  
Vol 693 (1) ◽  
pp. 284-300
Author(s):  
Ryan Finnigan

Tent encampments have become an especially common form of homelessness in West Coast cities like Oakland, California, where the number of people living in tent encampments increased by 130 percent between 2017 and 2019. Living in tent encampments provides residents both benefits and risks, depending on the encampments’ location, size, and stability. Using data from Google Street Views, I document the growth and spatial dynamics of tent encampments in west and central Oakland over the last decade. The number and size of tent encampments rapidly increased between 2014 and 2019, varying widely in their stability. City interventions like the city’s outdoor transitional housing sites displaced several large tent encampments. Combined with overall tent encampment growth, these displacements dispersed the encampments throughout nearby neighborhoods and other parts of the city.


2018 ◽  
Vol 374 (1764) ◽  
pp. 20180019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew S. Schuler ◽  
Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles ◽  
William D. Hintz ◽  
Brenda Dyack ◽  
Sebastian Birk ◽  
...  

Anthropogenic activities such as mining, agriculture and industrial wastes have increased the rate of salinization of freshwater ecosystems around the world. Despite the known and probable consequences of freshwater salinization, few consequential regulatory standards and management procedures exist. Current regulations are generally inadequate because they are regionally inconsistent, lack legal consequences and have few ion-specific standards. The lack of ion-specific standards is problematic, because each anthropogenic source of freshwater salinization is associated with a distinct set of ions that can present unique social and economic costs. Additionally, the environmental and toxicological consequences of freshwater salinization are often dependent on the occurrence, concentration and ratios of specific ions. Therefore, to protect fresh waters from continued salinization, discrete, ion-specific management and regulatory strategies should be considered for each source of freshwater salinization, using data from standardized, ion-specific monitoring practices. To develop comprehensive monitoring, regulatory, and management guidelines, we recommend the use of co-adaptive, multi-stakeholder approaches that balance environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits associated with freshwater salinization. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects’.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Indah Susanti ◽  
Lilik Slamet S ◽  
Waluyo Eko Cahyono

<p class="JudulABSInd"><strong>ABSTRAK</strong></p><p class="abstrakindo">Keberadaan konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub> di atmosfer berasal dari sumber emisi CH<sub>4</sub> di permukaan bumi baik asal antropogenik maupun alami. Bobot molekul CH<sub>4</sub> yang ringan mengakibatkan CH<sub>4</sub> dapat bergerak vertikal sampai ke stratosfer. Konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub> yang tak terkendali berakibat pada pemanasan global dan perubahan iklim, sehingga perlu dipahami karakteristik CH<sub>4</sub> terutama di beberapa kota besar (Jakarta, Medan, Makassar) dan kota kecil (Ambon, Biak Numfor, Pangkal Pinang) di Indonesia. Dengan menggunakan data <em>Atmospheric Infra Red Soundings</em><em> </em>(AIRS) level 3 yang memiliki resolusi spasial satu derajat dan resolusi temporal bulanan, untuk periode waktu 2003-2015, dikaji kecenderungan konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub> di enam kota  dan anomalinya pada beberapa ketinggian atmosfer serta analisis pengaruh kategori kota (kota besar dan kota kecil berdasarkan jumlah penduduk) terhadap konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub>. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah analisis spasial horizontal dan vertical dengan bantuan <em>Software Grads</em> untuk mengetahui daerah mana dan pada level ketinggian mana terjadi perubahan konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub>, serta ditunjang oleh analisis statistik regresi dan uji Friedman serta uji Tukey untuk mengetahui apakah ada pengaruh kategori kota terhadap konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub> di atmosfer. Hasilnya menunjukkan adanya penurunan konsentrasi CH<sub>4 </sub>terhadap ketinggian atmosfer dengan pola logaritmik (eksponensial) yang sebagian besar berasal dari kegiatan di permukaan bumi. Fluktuasi konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub> di atmosfer disebabkan salah satunya oleh <em>El Nino Southern Oscilation</em> (ENSO). Kondisi ini tampak dari kesamaan pola nilai indeks ENSO dan konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub>. Berdasarkan penelitian dengan menggunakan uji Friedman dan uji Tukey dihasilkan bahwa klasifikasi kota menjadi kota besar dan kota kecil tidak berpengaruh pada konsentrasi CH<sub>4</sub>.</p><p><strong>Kata kunci</strong>: profil, metana, AIRS, statistik, klasifikasi, kota</p><p class="judulABS"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p><em>C</em><em>oncentration of CH<sub>4</sub> in the atmosphere comes from the source of CH<sub>4</sub> emissions on the earth's surface either natural or anthropogenic activities. </em><em>The light m</em><em>olecular weight resulting CH<sub>4</sub>  can move vertically up into the stratosphere. Unbridled CH<sub>4</sub> concentration resulted in global warming and climate change</em><em>. So, it’s</em><em> important to understand CH4 characteristics, especially in large cities (Jakarta, Medan, Makassar) and small towns (Ambon, Biak Noemfoor, Pangkal Pinang) in Indonesia. Using data Atmospheric Infra Red Soundings (</em><em>AIRS</em><em>) level 3 which has a spatial resolution of one degree and monthly temporal resolution, for time period from 2003 to 2015, we analyzed the tendency of concentration of CH<sub>4</sub> in 6 cities  and its anomalies in some altitude atmosphere as well as analysis of the influence of the city category (cities and towns based on population) </em><em>towards</em><em> the CH<sub>4 </sub>concentration. The method used in this research is the analysis of spatial horizontal and vertical </em><em>using</em><em> Grads to know </em><em>region</em><em> and altitude levels which </em><em>have </em><em>change the concentration of CH<sub>4</sub>. In additon, supported by statistical regression analysis and Friedman test and Tukey test to determine whether there is any relation between  city category against concentration of CH<sub>4</sub> in the atmosphere. The results indicate a decrease in the height of atmospheric CH<sub>4</sub> concentrations with  the pattern of logarithmic (exponential) is mostly derived from activities in the Earth's surface. Fluctuations in the concentration of CH<sub>4</sub> in the atmosphere caused among other is by </em><em>El Nino Southern Oscilation</em> (<em>ENSO</em><em>)</em><em>. This condition appears on the similarities of the ENSO index values and CH<sub>4</sub> concentrations. Based on research by using the Friedman test and Tukey's test result that classification of  cities and towns has no effect on the concentration of CH<sub>4</sub>.</em></p><p><strong><em>Keywords:</em></strong><em> profile, </em><em>CH<sub>4</sub>, AIRS, statistic, classification, city </em></p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 202 ◽  
pp. 06028
Author(s):  
Ratna Mustika Anindita ◽  
Indah Susilowati ◽  
Fuad Muhammad

The North coast of Java is increasingly exposed to flood risks due to land subsidence and climate change, resulting in sea-level rise. This paper developed a flood risk spatial index model in the coastal Pekalongan. The model was systematically arranged from various flood risk indicators related to the social, economic, and environment of coastal Pekalongan based on surveys and interviews with the communities and regional governments. These indicators are then integrated into hazard and vulnerability as components of risk. Using the index system method and ArcGIS, the risk index is classified into five levels (very high, high, medium, low, very low) and generated into a flood risk spatial distribution map. We found that the risk in the study area varies between a medium to a very high level of risk. The very high level of risk was located in Tratebang, Pecakaran, and Tegaldowo Village. A risk spatial distribution map can be used to evaluate potential risks and flood mitigation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 117862211987277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Nyika ◽  
Ednah Onyari

Groundwater is the most reliable resource for consumptive uses worldwide, but it is vulnerable to anthropogenic pollution in this post-industrialization era. Pollution of the resource may result from anthropogenic activities; hence, analysing the effects of leachate on groundwater is imperative. This study assessed the spatial distribution of physicochemical parameters of groundwater in Roundhill landfill vicinity of South Africa and conducted their hydrogeochemical analysis. Water samples were collected from 3 boreholes in the landfill surroundings and analysed for selected physicochemical characteristics. Spatial distribution of these parameters showed dominant pollution by Mn2+, Fe2+, and [Formula: see text], which surpassed prescribed allowable limits of the country in most of the study area. Possibilities of simple dissolution and ion mixing were deduced from the Durov diagram. Magnesium carbonate, sodium chloride, and mixed faces of groundwater were dominant in boreholes 1 to 3, respectively. The dominance of Ca2+, Cl−, Mg2+, and [Formula: see text] ions in some boreholes suggested anthropogenic pollution. Landfill leachate was associated with groundwater pollution in the study area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 6708
Author(s):  
Patrícia Concórdio-Reis ◽  
Maria A. M. Reis ◽  
Filomena Freitas

Despite the efforts for minimizing the usage of heavy metals, anthropogenic activities still generate high amounts of wastewater containing these contaminants that cause significant health and environmental problems. Given the drawbacks of the conventional physical and chemical methods currently used, natural biosorbents (microbial cells or their products) arise as promising environmentally friendly alternatives. In this study, the binding efficiency of the polysaccharide secreted by Enterobacter A47, FucoPol, towards lead (Pb2+), cobalt (Co2+), copper (Cu2+) and zinc (Zn2+) cations was demonstrated. FucoPol revealed a higher performance for the biosorption of Pb2+, with a maximum overall metal removal of 93.9 ± 5.3% and a specific metal uptake of 41.1 ± 2.3 mg/gEPS, from a Pb2+ solution with an initial concentration of 10 mg/L, by a 5 g/L FucoPol solution. The overall metal removal decreased considerably (≤31.3 ± 1.6%) for higher Pb2+ concentrations (48 and 100 mg/L) probably due to the saturation of FucoPol’s binding sites. Pb2+ removal was also less efficient (66.0 ± 8.2%) when a higher FucoPol concentration (10 g/L) was tested. Pb2+ removal efficiency of FucoPol was maximized at pH 4.3, however, it was affected by lower pH values (2.5–3.3). Moreover, the FucoPol’s sorption performance was unaffected (overall metal removal: 91.6–93.9%) in the temperature range of 5–40 °C. These findings demonstrate FucoPol’s great potential for utilization as a biodegradable and safe biosorbent for treating waters and wastewaters contaminated with Pb2+.


Author(s):  
Matthew E Kahn ◽  
Ryan K. Vaughn

Abstract This paper uses zip code level data to investigate the spatial distribution of two major "green" products. Using data from California, we document where hybrid vehicles cluster within the state. Using data for the entire nation, we study where LEED registered buildings cluster. By creating a novel measure of community environmentalism based on revealed preference political data, we document that green products cluster in environmentalist communities.


2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Howarth

AbstractAn important property of loess is a tendency to collapse on loading and wetting (hydroconsolidation) which can have serious consequences worldwide for civil engineering projects. Randomly generated particles are classified according to Zingg shape categories: disc, sphere, blade and rod. This paper differs from the previous by the same author [8] in that a uniform distribution is no longer assumed for the underlying spatial distribution. Randomly placed faults in the quartz mother-rock lead naturally to an exponential distribution for the linear dimension of the basic particle. Monte Carlo processes and analytical formulae are used to calculate the average dimensions for particles in the blade category, into which most loess has been shown to fall.


Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnstone K. Kimanzi ◽  
Roy A. Sanderson ◽  
Stephen P. Rushton ◽  
Mware J. Mugo

AbstractPoaching with snares has been identified as the main cause of decline of the endemic roan antelope Hippotragus equinuslangheldi in Ruma National Park, Kenya, from > 200 in 1979 to 37 in 2009. However, the spatial snaring patterns in the Park are not clearly understood. The focus of our study was to map the spatial distribution of snares in the Park and to identify the factors influencing this distribution, to develop effective methods of wildlife protection. Using data collected from 56 sample plots during 2006–2008, coupled with geographical information system techniques, we investigated the association between the occurrence of snares and the distribution of geographical features (slope, elevation), infrastructure (roads, fences), essential resources for wildlife (water, salt licks, forage), roan locations and wildlife density. Ripley's L function for assessing complete spatial randomness indicated that snares occurred in clumps (hotspots) up to 4 km apart. Negative binomial regression indicated that these hotspots occurred (1) near water resources, salt licks and the Park boundary, (2) far from roan locations and Park roads, (3) in areas with low gradients and low wildlife density, and (4) in areas with burned vegetation. We recommend concentrating routine security patrol efforts and resources on snare hotspots to reduce snaring and to protect the roan antelope and other threatened wildlife.


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