Appraisal of Variation in Particulate Pollution Loading with a Change Induced by Anthropogenic Cultural Activity Over a South Indian City-Visakhapatnam

The study focusses on the variation of air quality assessed from mass concentrations of air pollutants in the year 2020 (particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3)) amidst COVID–19 restrictions on firework activity during Diwali festive period in Visakhapatnam city. The results are compared with 2018 and 2019. The results indicate that the firework activity affected ambient air quality. The effect is lower in 2020 than in 2018 and even in 2019. In 2019, the effect is lower compared to 2018 due to the washout of pollutants caused by unusual rains on those days.

Water quality index and pollution loading capacity of Setu Babakan, Jakarta-Indonesia

Setu Babakan in the City of Jakarta Selatan contributes economically as a water tourist attraction. With its location in an urban area, growing human activities in its surroundings pose threats of contamination and reduction to its water quality. This research set out to analyze the water quality based on the Class II water quality standard issued in the Governmental Regulation No. 82 of 2001, determine the water quality index, and assess the pollution loading capacity of Setu Babakan. It drew on primary data collected by sampling water at four points in the inlet, middle, and outlet. The parameters observed were temperature, TDS, TSS, pH, nitrate, phosphate, detergent, BOD, and COD, using the CCME method to determine the water quality index and the Regulation of the Minister of Environment No. 28 of 2009 to examine the pollutant loading capacity. The results showed that (1) the pH, TSS, BOD, COD, phosphate, and detergents levels had exceeded the water quality standards, (2) the water quality index of Setu Babakan was categorized as marginal to fair, and (3) this body of water could no longer carry pollutant loads that contributed to TSS, BOD, and COD accumulation.

Spatial and Temporal variation analysis of water quality of Hemavathi River, Karnataka, India

Urban development, agricultural runoff and industrialization have contributed pollution loading on the environment. In this study Hemavathi river water from a stretch from its origin point to its sangama was studied for pollution load by determining parameters of water quality like pH, Alkalinity, Ca, Mg, Nitrate, TDS, BOD, COD , and the results were compared with WHO and BIS standards to draw final conclusion on the quality of water.

Distribution and Analysis of Heavy Metals Contamination in Soil, Perlis, Malaysia

The concentration of six heavy metals such as Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, Zn and Mn were studied in the soils around Perlis. The aim of the study is to assess the heavy metals contamination distribution due to industrialisation and agricultural activities. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0 – 15 cm in five stations around Perlis. The soil samples are subjected to soil extraction and the concentration of heavy metals was determined via ICP - OES. Overall concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd and Mn in the soil samples ranged from 0.003 - 0.235 mg/L, 0.08 - 41.187 mg/L, 0.065 - 45.395 mg/L, 0.031 - 2.198 mg/L, 0.01 - 0.174 mg/L and 0.165 - 63.789 mg/L respectively. The concentration of heavy metals in the soil showed the following decreasing trend, Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd. From the result, the level of heavy metals in the soil near centralised Chuping industrial areas gives maximum value compared to other locations in Perlis. As a conclusion, increasing anthropogenic activities have influenced the environment, especially in increasing the pollution loading.