ALBERT

Description: Publication date: July 2015 Source: Global Ecology and Conservation, Volume 4 Author(s): David M.P. Jacoby, John M. Casselman, Vicki Crook, Mari-Beth DeLucia, Hyojin Ahn, Kenzo Kaifu, Tagried Kurwie, Pierre Sasal, Anders M.C. Silfvergrip, Kevin G. Smith, Kazuo Uchida, Alan M. Walker, Matthew J. Gollock With broad distributions, diadromous fishes can be exposed to multiple threats at different stages of development. For the primarily catadromous eels of the family Anguillidae, there is growing international concern for the population abundance and escapement trends of some of these species and yet incomplete knowledge of their remarkable life-histories hampers management and conservation. Anguillids experience a suite of pressures that include habitat loss/modification, migration barriers, pollution, parasitism, exploitation, and fluctuating oceanic conditions that likely have synergistic and regionally variable impacts, even within species. In beginning to redress this rather fragmented picture, we evaluated the extinction risk of these species using the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Categories and Criteria to infer population-wide trends from catch and monitoring data. Here we consolidate and build upon these species assessments by presenting an overview of the current state of global eel data and conservation, categorising the knowledge gaps and geographic regions where resources are needed and discussing future recommendations to improve our understanding of anguillids. We find stark disparity between the quality and length of data available to assess population trends and conservation priorities in temperate and tropical anguillids. Of the 13 species assessed, four were listed as ‘Threatened’ (Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered); four were Near Threatened, three were Data Deficient and two were deemed Least Concern. Comparing with other diadromous species, we examine the multiple threats that impact eels during their different life-history stages, highlighting the challenges of applying the Red List Categories and Criteria to geographically-expansive, catadromous and panmictic groups of species.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): David Granot, Nitsan Lugassi, Jayaram Kottapalli, Gilor Kelly Water is the major factor limiting the growth and development of many land plants, and stomata, composed of two guard cells, are the chief gates controlling plants’ water loss. Many environmental and physiological stimuli control stomatal opening, but they all do so through the regulation of guard-cell osmolarity. Increased guard-cell osmolarity leads to the opening of the stomata and decreased osmolarity causes the stomata to close. The prevailing paradigm is that sugars act as osmoticum in the guard cells, thereby contributing to the opening of the stomata. In contrast, we discovered that sugars close stomata via a non-osmotic mechanism. Furthermore, our results show that the guard cells’ response to sugars is dependent on the sugar-sensing enzyme hexokinase (HXK), which triggers the abscisic acid-signaling pathway within the guard cells, leading to stomatal closure. These findings reveal a feedback-inhibition mechanism that is mediated by a product of photosynthesis, sugar via HXK. HXK in the guard cells senses the sugar level and stimulates stomatal closure, thereby coordinating the sugar level with the rate of transpiration. Increased expression of HXK in guard cells decreases the transpiration rate and improves whole-plant water-use efficiency, with no negative effects on photosynthesis, growth or yield.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): T.S. Mammadov, Sh. Balapour Hydrological regime of large bodies of water, especially in land, is an integral feature of the climatic variability of most territories of their pool and adjacent regions. These waters include the Caspian Sea. 130 rivers flow to the Caspian Sea, which and none emerges, with catchments basin exceeds approximately 10 times the area of the sea itself and equal 3.5 million quadrat.km, can play the role of climate and environmental indicator not only regional but also global change. Currently, the Caspian region is undergoing major changes in the environment that affect the living conditions of the population of the Caspian States. Ecological problems of the Caspian Sea and coastal zones are the result of extensive economic development in the countries of the region. The coastline of the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea is 825 km. The coastal zone is densely populated and intensively developed. About 40% of the population and the country's industrial facilities are concentrated in the coastal zone. The coast and the bottom are rich with oil and gas. In the region has developed agricultural activities. The coastal area has its own resort and recreational resources. The largess trade port and ferry terminal are in the Caspian Sea in Baku. Socio-economic and ecological problems of the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea have arisen as a result of the exploitation of natural resources of the sea and coastal areas. These problems are further exacerbated by abrupt changes in sea level, play an important role in global climate change. Therefore, it is imperative to examine the causes of sea level change, predicting its long-term fluctuations. Vulnerability assessment of the socio-economic conditions, natural resources of the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea for the forthcoming climate change is an urgent task for the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Robert J. Henry, Parimalan Rangan, Agnelo Furtado Cereals are key foods providing a significant part of the energy (calories) and protein in human diets globally. Cereals are consumed as intact grain products, such as rice, or as ground ingredients, such as wheat in breads, noodles or pasta. The dominance of cereals in human foods makes nutritional attributes of cereals important to the health of human populations. Functional traits influencing the processing or end use quality attributes of cereal based foods are key to human preferences and consumption. Adaptation of cereal crops to variable or changing climates requires that essential quality attributes are retained. Advances in cereal genomics are delivering insights into the molecular basis of nutritional and functional quality traits in cereals that will be critical to retaining essential quality traits. New genetic resources are emerging within the gene pools of the domesticated species. New species 1 adapted to new or different environments may also be options for accelerated domestication to satisfy food demand. Genomic analysis of the diversity of rice genetic resource 2 will provide more options for rice adaptation. New insights into the molecular genetic basis of wheat quality 3 and the influence of the environment on expression of these traits will support the retention of the essential functional properties of wheat during climate adaptation. New cereals for use as whole grain or ground to flour for other food products may be based upon the traditional species such as rice and wheat but may also include new options exploiting genomics tools to allow accelerated domestication of new species.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): William M. Fonta, Safiétou Sanfo, Boubacar Ibrahim, Boubacar Barry Innovative financing arrangements such as index-base crop insurance (IBCI) schemes are increasingly becoming popular in West Africa for managing catastrophic agricultural risks. Recently, an IBCI pilot project was launched in Burkina Faso by PlaNet Guarantee 1 1 A member of the Planet Finance Group and the Global Index Insurance Facility program (GIIF). . However, similar to many existing IBCI schemes in the region, the enrolment rate is still very low. One possible explanation for this is based on the fact that remote sensing data is used as the basis for the design. Although the use of remote sensing data is appealing in many respect, it has several limitations. One major limitation is that it fails to take into account sensitive phases of the crops cycle, which may be more prone to climate and other environmental stresses (Muller, 2014). In this paper, we highlights the importance of using field facts in the design of innovative IBCI schemes in rural Burkina Faso. Farmers’ awareness and perception of climate hazards in relation to crop productivity and their willingness to participate (WTP) in IBCI in South-western Burkina were captured through household surveys and focus group discussions. Empirical findings indicate that farmers are aware of the effects of climate hazard on farm productivity and consider mid-season dry spells, during sowing, flowering and ripening depending on the crop type, as the most significant climate risk affecting local crop productivity. Specifically, 98% of the sampled farmers are willing to insure maize, cotton and sorghum, but only if the most sensitive periods of these crops to dry spell are taken into account in designing the crop insurance contracts. Furthermore, Probit regression analysis indicates that the probability to participate increases with years of farming experience, past experience of climate hazards, educational attainment of household head and insecurity to climate hazard, and decreases with farmer's age and household size.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Samuel I. Haruna, Nsalambi V. Nkongolo Cover crops have been known to reduce soil erosion, among other benefits, and increase water infiltration, organic matter and soil microbial activity. This study was conducted at Lincoln University's Freeman farm during 2011 and 2012 to assess the effects of cover crop management on soil physical and biological properties. The soil of the experimental site was a Waldron silt loam soil (Fine, smectitic, calcareous, mesic Aeric Fluvaquents). The field was 4.05 ha in size and subdivided into 48 plots, each measuring 12.2 m x 21.3 m. The cropping pattern for the plots was a corn ( Zea mays L.)/soybean ( Glycine max ) rotation. The cover crop of choice was cereal rye ( Secale cereale ). Half of the total plots had cover crop management while the other half had no-cover crop. Soil samples were collected at four depths; 0-10, 10-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm. Samples were oven dried at 105 o C for 72 h for soil physical properties analysis. Air dried soil samples were also sent to a commercial laboratory for analysis of soil biological properties. Results showed a significant effect (p〈 0.05) of cover crop on the selected soil physical and biological properties. A 3.5% decrease was also observed in soil bulk density in cover crop plots as compared with no-cover crop plots. The carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio decreased with increasing sampling depth for the first three depths and increased slightly in the fourth depth (p〈0.05). C/N ratio also showed a 5.6% increase in no-cover crop plots as compared with cover crop plots. The cover crop used in this study was capable of significantly improving soil physical and biological properties.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Amélie C.M. Gaudin, Tor Tolhurst, Alan Ker, Ralph Martin, Willima Deen A key strategy for climate change adaptation in the rain-fed northern Corn Belt is to decrease cropping system vulnerability to changes in precipitation patterns by building resilience. Using 50- year of county level yield and environmental data from Iowa and Ontario, we first demonstrate that sensitivity of corn yield to precipitation, particularly in July and August, has increased over the past five decades despite no changes in precipitation patterns. This can be attributed to steady improvement in corn yield potential and so plant water demand since the mid-20th century and removal of non-water constraints to crop production. Such vulnerability of corn-based cropping systems to water limitations is of increasing concern as climate change models predict higher summer temperatures and year-to-year variations in precipitations in this region. As suggested in the ecology literature, increasing agroecosystem temporal and spacial diversity is one of the key management strategies to deal with impending weather variability. Using yield and environmental data from a 30-year long-term rotation and tillage trial in Ontario, we show that diversification of short corn-based rotations using small grains and forage crops increases corn yield stability and resilience to both limiting and excess soil moisture1. We also demonstrate the importance of conservation tillage and measured the impact of rotation and tillage history on plants ability to access water resources, plant available soil water and their combined effects on timing of physiological water stress and grain yield when drought occurs at reproductive stages. Our results emphasize the growing importance of developing strategies for managing soil moisture in rain-fed regions and the significance of agroecological approaches to develop hardy agricultural systems and protect food and feed production against the upcoming extreme weather events.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): A. Singh, L. Billa, M.B. Sokoto, A. Lado, M.I. Abdoul-Aziz, S. Singh Changing climate presents one of the most challenging threats to food crop production throughout the agro-ecologies. Annual food crops on which we rely most on are sensitive to temperature and precipitation change as it not only affects the temperature and moisture of the surroundings but affects the levels in soils as well. While climate change will have global impacts on crop production, regional variation will be play significant role in tackling climate change problem. This study examines 10-30 years data on the regional variation in temperature and precipitation from one location each in Arid and semi-Arid climate, one location in Dry sub-Humid climate and six locations in the Tropical Forest climate. The data collected were critically analysed using 5-10 years moving average plots, linear trend analysis and t-test using SPSS ® software. Depending on the location, results showed significant (P〈0.05) increase in temperature ranging from 0.015-0.045 o C. Increase was mostly in the last 5-10 years compared to 1983-1990. Also, this increment was higher in semi-Arid & Dry-humid climate (0.044-0.087 o C) than in Tropical rainforest where the increase was 0.015 o C. No significant (P>0.05) increase in temperature was observed in the Arid climate in the last 10 years. In tropical rainforest climate, increase in temperature (0.044 o C) was higher in the metropolis area than the countryside. From the locations examined in this study, there was no significant change in the precipitation pattern in the last 10-30 years. Simple plots overlaying temperature changes on crop production data revealed mixed response. Groundnut ( Arachis hypogea ), Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterannea ) and hungry rice ( Digeteria exilis ) showed tolerance to increased temperatures in the Semi-Arid tropics. Rice ( Oryza sativa ) in Tropical Malaysia showed increased in yield with temperature. What may be important to note here is the resilience of the genotypes to temperature changes so that these genotypes could be further studied for adaptation to climate change. No doubt that there is evidence of increase in temperature, regional variations will exist and will play an important role in mitigating climate change.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Abdullah A. Jaradat Eleven genotypes of Carthamus tinctorius, Cicer arietinum, Glycine max, Triticum spp. [ aestivum and durum ], and Zea mays , respectively producing oil, proteins, oil-protein, carbohydrates-protein, and carbohydras as the main biochemical seed components (Products) were subjected to four combinations of abiotic stresses imposed by manipulating planting dates and population densities (Management). Each genotype was planted in three replicates in RCBD on the same land area for three consecutive years as an additional edaphic stress [Phase I], followed by three more years in a crop rotation [Phase II]. Annually, three random plants per genotype and replicate were sampled at vegetative and physiological maturity stages. All samples were assayed for 10 nutrients, using LECO analyzer and ICP instrument. Temporal variation in nutrient density and stability were estimated using several multivariate statistical methods. Validation coefficients of determination [Q2] increased steadily from 25 [Phase I] to 53% [Phase II]. Invariably, Sulfur, Phosphorus, Zinc, and Copper, in decreasing order, were most important in determining the amount of explained variance. Abiotic stress significantly increased nutrient densities in 32, decreased it in 46, and did not affect it in 22% of the 50 nutrient-Product combinations. Temporal variation of nutrient densities decreased in 48, increased in 34, and remained stable in 18% of these nutrient-Product combinations. Carbon:Nitrogen ratio, as covariate, impacted nutrient densities, and stability of all nutrients; increased in carbohydrates, protein, and oil-protein; and decreased in oil. Nutrient densities averaged over Products discriminated between Phase I and Phase II [91.1 vs. 96.0% correct classification]. Discrimination between Products decreased from 73.5% in Phase I to 62.5% in Phase II. Carbohydrates, oil, carbohydrates-protein, and oil-protein, in decreasing order, exhibited the largest misclassification. Largest variation in nutrient densities was explained by Year x Product (Phase) [10-73%], followed by Year x Genotype (Products x Phase) [9-25%], thus illustrating the dynamic nutrient response to abiotic stress.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Rebecca J. Thistlethwaite, Daniel K.Y. Tan, Thomas N. Buckley, Richard M. Trethowan Extreme heat waves continue to occur across Australia, particularly in the Northern regions of New South Wales where temperatures exceed 35 °C throughout summer. Wheat germplasm with superior tolerance to short but extreme heat waves (e.g., 1-3 days exceeding 35 °C) compared to currently available wheat varieties was identified. Combinations of experimental approaches were used to impose heat stress in the greenhouse and the field. Two replicates of 120 genotypes were planted across four consecutive sowing dates with later sowings experiencing progressively higher temperatures. Using in-field heat chambers, high temperature stress was applied to a subset of ten genotypes thought to have a superior tolerance to heat at anthesis. To compensate for random seasonal weather effects, these experiments were concurrently replicated by imposing heat stress in a greenhouse facility. This provided side-by-side comparison of a range of commercial genotypes grown widely in northern NSW. Yield and quality stability were the primary measures of temperature tolerance. Other variables that discriminated for response to high temperature included seed set, seed size and seed yield.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Helder Fraga, Aureliano C. Malheiro, José Moutinho-Pereira, João A. Santos Introduction Viticulture is a climate sensitive crop since optimum growth requirements are generally restricted by atmospheric conditions. Given the projected climate change scenarios, grapevine growth may be further challenged in the future. Owing to the importance of the vitivinicultural sector in Europe, the assessment of future climatic impacts in viticulture is of utmost relevance for the winemaking sector. Methods This study was conducted using a 9-member ensemble of regional climate models under the International Panel on Climate Change 4.5 and 8.5 representative concentration pathways (RCPs) until 2050. To evaluate the current and future optimum condition for quality winemaking, the growing degree day is calculated over Europe at a very high spatial resolution (〈1 km). Changes in ensemble means are analysed and the climate signal is isolated for each future RCP. Results As expected, a significant warming is anticipated over Europe in both future scenarios, strengthened in RCP8.5. Over southern Europe, the projected warming is expected to have detrimental impacts on winegrape development and quality, requiring additional measures to deal with heat stress. Over central Europe, growing conditions are expected to change into warmer growing seasons, which may result in changes in wine typicity. Conversely, over northern Europe, the warmer climate may prove more suitable for winegrape growth, leading to a northward shift of the current optimum growth conditions for grapevines. Discussion Climate change is thus expected to impose new challenges for the European winemaking sector. Adaptation measures need to be adequately and timely planned in order to cope with climate change impacts on viticulture. Over the Mediterranean-like climatic regions, these measures may be required for the future suitability of this crop and adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. Over the Atlantic/Continental regions, despite the general increase in suitability, additional measures are also required to adapt to the new climatic conditions.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): P.V.V. Prasad, S.V.K. Jagadish The increased probability of occurrence of more intense and frequent heat stress episodes and extended warmer nights in the future are major challenges towards sustaining agricultural production. Cereals, millets and oil seed crops respond differently to increasing temperature at different growth and developmental stages but are highly susceptible to heat stress during the gametogenesis and the flowering stages. Interestingly, the duration of stress exposure induces differential responses i.e. season-long exposure to high-temperature and short episodes of heat stress coinciding with reproductive processes. Season-long high-temperature stress decreased biomass production, seed number, individual seed weight and yield of all grain crops. Short duration heat stress coinciding with either gametogenesis or anthesis leads to negative impact of seed-set, while stress exposure at post-anthesis stages decreased seed filling duration leading to decreased seed weight. Based on extensive research we have identified temperature thresholds across field crops and quantified the above changes. Impact of heat stress on pollen production, pollen viability, pollen lipid profiles, alternations in the pollen and stigmatic surface, pollen reactive oxygen species production, their membrane damage etc., differentiating contrasting cultivars across different field crops will be highlighted. In addition, considering the differential rate of increase in minimum night temperature, different physiological routes inducing yield losses under high day and high night temperature will be presented. Genetic variability across field crops in response to heat stress and more interestingly options from wild species of wheat (higher heat tolerance at flowering), rice (heat escape through early morning flowering) and their usefulness in heat stress tolerance breeding will be an interesting addition to our talk. The current progress achieved, opportunities available, unaddressed challenges and future direction of research that could help in crop improvement to sustain global food production under future hotter climates will be discussed.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Hideki Ueyama, Norihiro Hoshi, Hirohisa Nesumi Rural districts located in mountainous or hilly regions are not only important in terms of food production but are also where civilization, culture and spirituality originated and are preserved. The policies supporting the sustainable development of agriculture in such regions are important in many countries. These policies will gain importance in the face of climate change because the complex terrain results in small and widely distributed farm lands with limited productivity, and these will be the first to be negatively affected. Many attempts have been made to use various meteorological conditions to increase the productivity of agriculture in the hilly and mountainous terrains of Japan. However, most of the meteorological data collected has not been fully used. We proposed that to optimize agricultural output from the mountainous and hilly regions, it is necessary to acquire precise meteorological data with three characteristics: precise position estimates, substantial data collection, and the availability of continuous data covering the past, present and future. We have developed a support system for the management of a database of precise meteorological data, including air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, precipitation and reference evapotranspiration. Data in the database have been developed to estimate data, having a few tens of meters resolution, based on a nearby existing observation station and its data: past, present and future. This system, with its precision meteorological data, should make citrus cultivation more profitable because Japanese citrus orchards are located in hilly areas, and the gradient of ∼45% of the orchard area has over a 15 degree slope. We expect that this system will contribute to developing advanced and flexible management systems of cultivation that respond to meteorological fluctuations. We will present the support system under the development of citrus orchards.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Fariba Shafiei Koij, Jalal Saba Beans due to having a high protein are important in food regime in developing countries including Iran. Beans are planted on five continents of the world and its cultivated area is 36148114 hectare all over the world. The cultivated area of this crop in Iran is 98000 hectare and its production is 253000 ton (FAO, 2013). One of the most important methods to increase quality and quantity of agricultural products is plant breeding. Selection is the basic stage of plant breeding and applying it required evaluating available germplasm. The fundamental method to develop variation for selection is crossing genotypes where selecting the parents may be very important and existing genetic differences between the crossing parents be required. Grouping the genotypes can make the opportunity to the breeder so that can select appropriate parents for crossing. The aims of the present research were to group 45 lines of white bean and to determine their important traits in order to explain their differences. To do this the lines evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications on the research farm of University of Zanjan. Protein content and nine agronomic traits were evaluated. Genotypes divided in 4 groups by cluster analysis among which the genotypes of the fourth group were superior in terms of all traits. Based on principal component analysis the first three principal components were selected that were justified 70% of total variations. Grouping of lines in biplots had much more conformity with the results from dendrogram and showed more importance of the first principal component, which justifies much of total variance. As a result, grain yield, biomass, number of seed per pod, and stem diameter can be recommended as the most important traits to select lines of white bean.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): José Filipe T. Ganança, José Gregório F. Freitas, Humberto Gil M. Nóbrega, Vanessa Rodrigues, Gonçalo Antunes, Miguel Rodrigues, Miguel Ângelo A. Pinheiro de Carvalho, Vincent Lebot Taro ( Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is a vegetative propagated tropical root occupying the 9th position among world food crops. Taro is an important staple food for many local populations of Asia and Africa. The crop is dependent of wet and highly irrigated growth conditions. Under the scenario of undergoing climatic changes, is estimated that taro production could decrease in the next 30 years as result of drought constraints. The project EU Aid Taro, DCI-Food/2009/45 “adapting propagated crops to climatic and commercial changes” aims to study ways to adapt this clonally propagated root to these climatic changes. A set of drought stress assays were realized at ISOPlexis Genebank (Madeira University), using local taro cultivars (Macaronesian taro genepool) and elite cultivars and seedlings provided by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). The 1st pilot assay was realized in a small greenhouse, included 3 local cultivars and aimed to modelate the wattering regimes and their influence on crop growth. The 2nd full assay was realized in two greenhouses, during a full plant growth cycle. Thirty four taro cultivars, 15 elite lines provided by SPC, and 19 local cultivars, from Madeira (10), Canary Islands (6), Azores (2), and Cyprus (1) were screened. Plants were individually cultivated in pots under 2 contrasting wattering regimes, high (0,36 liters/day) and low (0,18 liters/day). Data for 14 morpho-agronomic traits, biomass and yield parameters were collected from 5 plants for each cultivar, per treatment. Preliminary results show significant differences in the ability to cope with drought stress among elite and local varieties. A classification of cultivars according to their relative drougth tolerance was made. The most resilient of these varieties will be subject to a new complete assay, in order to better assess their level of tolerance and recommend for breeding programs in Asian countries.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Fereshteh Pourazari, Giulia Vico, Birgitta Båth, Martin Weih One of the most important resources within agriculture is nitrogen (N), and depletion of N resources is an important element in the evaluation of sustainability in agriculture. Therefore, identifying crops with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is important for the sustainability of the system. In an energy crop context, sustainability in crop production could aim at enhanced energy output with maintained or reduced depletion of N resources. Crops with different photosynthetic pathways (C 3 vs. C 4 ) and life histories (perennials vs. annuals) are expected to differ in NUE and also energy harvest per unit N lost from the system. The aim is to characterize the growth, NUE and energy output per unit N lost for three common crops frequently used for energy; maize, winter wheat and perennial grassland (ley). These crops differ in photosynthetic and life history strategies. Above ground biomass of wheat, grassland ley and maize was sampled within a long-term experiment in Central Sweden. The experiment has a split-plot design with four replicates. Four aboveground harvests were conducted during the growth period and plant N contents were determined. Biomass growth, yield (above ground biomass in ley and maize, grain biomass in wheat) and some functional traits were assessed, and the NUE components N uptake efficiency, yield-specific N efficiency and yield N concentration were calculated according to Weih, et al. (2011). Energy output per N lost with the harvested product was calculated assuming crop-specific higher heating values for biofuel use. The N uptake efficiency and yield-specific N efficiency were higher in maize than wheat and ley. The yield N concentration was higher in the perennial ley than the annual crops, and lowest in maize. Energy output per N lost in the harvested product was greater in maize compared to wheat and ley. The results are discussed in a agricultural sustainability perspective.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Maendy Fritz, Anja Hartmann Perennial crops can be used as renewable resource but only rare information concerning their site-specific biomass production are available. Also, their yield stability as well as the quality of the produced biomass, whether for energetic or material utilisation, is relatively unknown. Perennial crops offer several ecological benefits such as protection of soil and waterbodies, long flowering and cover for wild animals during winter. Most of these crops have a high yield potential and are – after planting and establishing is completed – labour efficient to cultivate. Concerning climate change and the presumed higher risk of extreme weather conditions, perennial crops might be a good supplement to common annual crops. The aim of a Bavarian project, started 2014, is to evaluate several perennial crops at six Bavarian sites with varying soils and climatic conditions. Cup plant ( Silphium perfoliatum ), sida ( Sida hermaphrodita ), tall wheatgrass ( Agropyron elongatum ), switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) and miscanthus ( Miscanthus x giganteus ) are cultivated in field trials in 100 m 2 plots and four replications. The annual crops maize and rye are similarly grown as references. Besides plant development and yield measurement, the potential methane yield and/or fuel properties will be determined to assess the quality and suitability of these crops for different usages. Trials concerning cultivation techniques and weed control complement the agricultural investigations. Ecological aspects of perennial cropping will be evaluated by measuring carbon levels in the soil as well as stocking rates of earthworms used as indicator for changes in soil biota as a result of perennial crop cultivation. Yield and quality results from foregoing trials for the various crops and first data of the now started field trials will be presented. The data and experiences will allow detailed consulting of farmers who are interested in increasing the biodiversity in their fields and minimising their climate-caused production risks.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Abdullah A. Jaradat Macro- and micro-nutrients estimated in leaves, stems and seed of eleven genotypes of five physiologically diverse crop species (chickpeas, corn, safflower, soybean, and wheat, respectively producing protein, carbohydrates, oil, protein-oil, and carbohydrates-protein, as main seed storage macromolecules) were used in assessing species and genotypic responses to multiple, long-term abiotic stresses. Crops were subjected to two phases, three years each, of multiple abiotic stresses by manipulating length of the growing season and population density under typical management practices of each crop in the upper Midwest, USA. In Phase II, crops were rotated to release the additional edaphic stress of no-rotation in Phase I. Nutrient densities were estimated using LECO analyzer (Carbon and Nitrogen) or ICP instrument (Calcium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur and Zinc). Comparisons of functional relationships among nutrients were based on statistics (α, β, and R2) derived from 1000-permutations using reduced major axis (RMA) regression analyses. Genotypic differences in nutrients functional relationships were modulated, in decreasing order, by Carbon:Nitrogen ratio, stress treatments, and storage macromolecules. Comparisons between the β statistics for each nutrient in Phases I and II suggested that differences in nutrient functional relationships between crop species were significantly larger than differences between genotypes within species. Nitrogen, rather than Carbon content, followed by plant density, but not short growing season, influenced some (Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, and Zinc) nutrient relationships and their allocations to leaves, stems and seed of crop species. Functional relationships between Copper, Iron, Sulfur and Zinc, at the seed storage macromolecules level in Phase I and II indicated that oil and protein producing crop species are more prone to larger adverse effects of abiotic stresses than those producing carbohydrates alone or in combination with protein. A thorough understanding of these relationships is critical for screening genetic diversity and designing nutritionally-balanced crop genotypes under abiotic stress.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Jana Zinkernagel, Nadine Schmidt, Katrin Kahlen Today, vegetable production is already limited by local climate and water availability. Knowledge has to be generated for crop management adapted to climate change. Evaluating potential consequences for vegetable production in a model growing region is the scope of this investigation. Simulations of climate conditions and in that respect the use of different climate models allow estimating a broad range of scenarios affecting cultivation. Analysis focuses on climatic parameters relevant for future irrigation demand. By estimating the climatic water balance (CWB), seasonal water demand and crop specific vulnerabilities to water deficit can be revealed. These objectives require knowledge of potential changes in time and duration of vegetable cultivation, gained from analysing thermal growing season (TGS). A broad range of scenarios was achieved for the German region “Hessian Reed” by applying A1B scenario and using the regional models WETTREG 2010, C-CLM and REMO, driven by the global models ECHAM5 and HadCM3, respectively. Simulations cover the period from 1971 to 2100; the validation is based on the period 1971 to 2000. For onion, crop specific CWB was calculated by employing crop coefficients of the Geisenheim Irrigation Scheduling, following FAO-56. TGS was derived from simulated onset and duration of plant growth stages based on temperature sum. Precipitation pattern vary between the models, but still follow a similar trend to higher evaporative demand. CWB decreases by 3 mm/d (WETTREG) and 2 mm/d (C-CLM), respectively. Maximum duration of dry periods increases from 33 to 53 d and occur more frequently from 343 to 457 times for REMO, representing maxima compared to C-CLM and WETTREG. TGS shifts from DOY 60 to 21 for sowing date, but extends from DOY 183 to 208 due to lower temperature (C-CLM). In contrast to the expected increasing irrigation demand in case of unchanged TGS, CWB becomes less negative with TGS-shift.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): S.C. Bertolli, G.M. Souza The strategy adopted by plants for exploit environments with low moisture may depend on the neighbor's identity. Roots of the plants have the ability to discriminate self (roots of the same plant) of non-self (roots of other plants), even without physical contact and while other plants are genetically identical. We investigated if there is any change in the plant behavior that self ( Sd ) and non-self ( NSd ) discriminate in situations of water limitation, and whether such behavior can be varied in individuals more or less kin. It was used two Eucalyptus urophylla groups: clones (high kinship- Hk ); and population (low kinship- Lk ). Split-root plants were planted so that each pot contained either two roots of the same plant ( Sd ) or of two different plants ( NSd ). The plants were subjected to full irrigation ( Irr ) or water deficit ( WD ) for thirty days, and biomass parameters of were evaluated. Plants of both groups and both discrimination conditions reduced their total dry mass ( DMt ) under WD . In Hk group, the WD increased the root/shoot ratio (23% compared to irrigated plants) by NSd , indicating that even when plants show a reduction in growth mediated by lack of water, there is an increase in biomass allocation to the roots when the plants interact each plants. In Hk group, the NSd reduced the dry mass ( DMr ) and volume ( Vr ) of roots only in Irr . In Lk group, DMt , DMr , Vr , and leaf area were reduced in NSd under Irr condition, whereas under WD , the NSd reduced just the specific leaf area (21% compared to Sd ), indicating a change in biomass allocation to leaves. The results suggest that the discrimination is more evident in population group and in non-stressful environments, and although not so pronounced in situations of WD , these responses also occur as observed in Lk plants.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): I. McFarlane, J.R. Park Break crops and multi-crop rotations are common in arable farm management, and the soil quality inherited from a previous crop is one of the parameters that determine the gross margin that is achieved with a given crop from a given parcel of land. In previous work we developed a dynamic economic model to calculate the potential yield and gross margin of a set of crops grown in a selection of typical rotation scenarios, and we reported use of the model to calculate coexistence costs for GM maize grown in a crop rotation. The model predicts economic effects of pest and weed pressures in monthly time steps. Validation of the model in respect of specific traits is proceeding as data from trials with novel crop varieties is published. Alongside this aspect of the validation process, we are able to incorporate data representing the economic impact of abiotic stresses on conventional crops, and then use the model to predict the cumulative gross margin achievable from a sequence of conventional crops grown at varying levels of abiotic stress. We report new progress with this aspect of model validation. In this paper, we report the further development of the model to take account of abiotic stress arising from drought, flood, heat or frost; such stresses being introduced in addition to variable pest and weed pressure. The main purpose is to assess the economic incentive for arable farmers to adopt novel crop varieties having multiple ‘stacked’ traits introduced by means of various biotechnological tools available to crop breeders.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Martin Erbs, Remy Manderscheid, Adam Luig, Henning Kage, Hans-Joachim Weigel Among the parameters of global climate change the increases of the atmospheric CO 2 concentration and of temperature, both of which affect plant growth and development, are of prime importance. However, with respect to the importance of these climate changes for global food security little is known on the possible interactions of these prominent changes on crop growth. This is holds also true for anticipated increases in mean temperatures as well as for short-term high temperature events (i.e. heat stress). Form previous studies it is known that wheat is particularly sensitive to temperatures of 30 °C and above during the anthesis and early grain filling. Short-term heat stress may decrease yield by impairing grain set. Higher average temperatures during grain filling may influence yield by reducing grain filling duration. If and to what extend elevated CO 2 may affect crop responses to heat stresses remains a matter of debate, particularly because of a lack of suitable experiments. While there are a few model projections addressing the interactive impacts of these climate change elements on crops, these models nearly exclusively rely on data from non-field experiments. At the Thünen-Institute of Biodiversity (Braunschweig, Germany) for the first time field experiments with winter wheat were conducted, in which elevated canopy temperature treatments (free-air temperature enrichment = FATE) were applied to the plants in 2013 and combined with free-air CO 2 enrichment (FACE, 600 μmol mol -1 ) in 2014 and 2015. The temperature treatments comprised 1.) at anthesis a short-term heat stress treatment (5 or 12 h d -1 for 5 days, maximum increase up to +6 °C) and 2.) during grain filling a long-term increase (24 h d -1 for 28 days, average increase up to +3 °C). Here we present details of the experimental set-up, the system performance and among others results of heat stress effects at anthesis on yield components.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): Renan Le Roux, Etienne Neethling, Cornelis Van Leeuwen, Laure De Resseguier, Malika Madelin, Cyril Bonnefoy, Gerard Barbeau, Hervé Quenol Firstly this study illustrate regional climate projections for several European vineyards areas at mean- and long-term. Secondly, from a network of data loggers, a modeling approach at local scale is presented to reveal climate variability as an important component to reduce local uncertainties and its impacts on plant behaviour. 3 First part of study concerns all of ADVICLIM vineyards sites. Downscaled Regional Euro-Cordex models are used to map average temperatures and growing degree days differences between 1970-2000, 2020-2050 and 2050-2070. Simulated data from two scenarios are used to show the potential impact of climate change on grapevine behavior at regional scale. Second part of study draws on data obtained from two sites: Saint-Emilion and Coteaux du Layon, France. Daily temperature data are used to quantify and model local climate variability in relation with local environmental features .1,2 At regional scale, a large variability of climate appears inter- and intrasites Projected directional climate change demonstrate significant warming and changes in rainfall patterns, however results reveal great uncertainties as a result of natural climate variability, climate models and socio-economic scenarios. Local scale study show important variability of temperature and growing degree days over very short distances which is related to grapevine phenology and productivity. Regional models are not accurate enough to take into account local climate variability. For this reason Working with nested scales (local and regional) allow to better frame adaptations options to future climate change.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 29 Author(s): L.A. Avila, M.G. Marchezan, E.R. Camargo, D. Agostinetto, C.E. Schaedler, B.S. Moraes, A.C. Langaro, C. Oliveira Extreme rainfall events are expected to be more frequent with the climate change, increasing the chances of prolonged flooding in rice producing areas. Therefore, it is important to understand the response of rice plants to flooding events that would result in plant submersion and it is interaction with herbicide applications. To achieve the objectives two studies were conducted in Southern Brazil (Pelotas, RS). Experiment 1 was conducted with ten rice cultivars and six submersion periods (one, five, seven, 15 e 20 days of plant submersion plus a check treatment. In the check treatment plants were keep under a flooding regime (water layer of 10 cm).). Experiment 2 was conducted with two cultivars, two water regimes (flooded and submerged) and six herbicides (clomazone, bispyribac sodium, penoxsulam, imazethapyr + imazapic, imazapyr + imazapic and an untreated check). Shoot dry matter, chlorophyll levels, total carotenoids, total phenolic content, levels of hydrogen peroxide and activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed in plant samples. The results observed in the first experiment showed that cultivars Puitá INTA CL, IRGA 417 and IRGA 422 CL were the most tolerant to submergence. The most susceptible cultivars were IRGA 424, BRS Querência, EPAGRI 108 and BRS Taim. In general, the cultivar Puitá INTA CL has lower oxidative damage than BRS Querência when submerged. In order to cope with excessive free radicals, BRS Querência demonstrated higher activity of SOD, APX and CAT enzymes compared to cultivar Puitá INTA CL. Imidazolinone formulated mixtures of herbicides imazethapyr + imazapic and imazapyr + imazapic caused greater reduction in total chlorophyll content and carotenoids.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Yui Masuki This study clarifies the role of an NGO in transforming the discriminatory social status of the Dalits (Untouchables), and its implications for sustainable community development. Subduing the discriminatory relationship between Dalits and other local people will not only uplift them socioeconomically, but also expand their opportunity for communication, enabling the construction of inter-personal relationships between the discriminating and the discriminated against. The NGO plays an important role in facilitating this communication and implementing national and global level sanitation. This study illustrates the dynamic process of transforming discriminatory social relationships and the complicated mechanism of Dalit discrimination in contemporary India.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Mohammad Razif, Soemarno, Bagyo Yanuwiadi, Arief Rachmansyah, Prawira Fajarindra Belgiawan This study aims to implement the linear regression method to generate a linear regression equation that can be used in the study of EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) to predict the cost of WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) of the data wastewater flowrate with case study of ten malls in Surabaya city.Some previous researchers have produced data on a linear regression WWTP construction costs and wastewater flowrate.In the EIA study in Indonesia, management and monitoring costs include costs of construction, operation and maintenance costs, and monitoring costs.Therefore, these costs will be calculated for WWTP of malls with unit prices prevailing in Surabaya city. The methodology of the study consists of the calculation of the construction cost, the calculation of operation and maintenance cost, the calculation of monitoring cost, and the process of making a linear regression curve. The result showed that from the ten malls, the smallest flowrate was 0.88 l/sec and 6.72 l/sec the largest, while the calculation of the cost was gained at the least as 577x10 6 IDR and the biggest cost was 2163 x10 6 IDR. The linear regression curve between the flow rate WWTP (as independentvariables in the X axis) and the total cost WWTP (as dependent variables in the Y-axis) has produced a regression equation of Y = 358 + 271X. The result of the linear regression equation can be used directly by the EIA committee in Surabaya city and activityinitiator of mall to predict the cost of WWTP quickly and to decide the environmental feasibility of the mall.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Obie Farobie, Yukihiko Matsumura Biodiesel was produced via non-catalytic transesterification in supercritical methanol using a novel spiral reactor. This spiral reactor could serve as a heat exchanger, thus it provided the advantage of being able to recover the heat. Transesterification was carried out at 270-400°C, a pressure of 20 MPa, oil-to-methanol molar ratio of 1:40, and reaction time of 3-30min. Using this technique, a complete conversion of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) (100 wt%) was obtained in a short reaction time of 10 min at 350°C and oil-to-methanol molar ratio of 1:40 under a reactor pressure of 20 MPa. The result revealed that biodiesel yield conducted in spiral reactor is higher than that in batch reactor at the same reaction conditions. The kinetic model of canola oil conversion to biodiesel in supercritical methanol was also determined.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Supriyono, Hedi Surahman, Yuni Krisyuningsih Krisnandi, Jarnuzi Gunlazuardi Relationship between loading level and some physical properties of the SnO 2 -F film has been investigated. SnO 2 -F thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique using modified respiratory therapist nebulizer at substrate temperature in the range of 400-520̊C. A stannous chloride solution was used as precursor and ammonium fluoride (NH 4 F) as dopant with 20% [F]/[Sn] ratio. The sheet resistance was found to decrease withthe increasing loading level, and sheet resistancebecame steady after the loading level was greater than0.45 mg/cm 2 . The transmittance was found to decrease with the increase of loading level but the decrease was not significant. The transparent conductive oxide of SnO 2 -F thin films were obtained, with transmittance was greater than 82.5% and sheet resistance of 21.4 Ω/sq. This results are comparable with the reported values (81.9% and 21.8 Ω/sq) [1] and this film can be used for efficient support of dye-sensitized solar cells electrode.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Aziza Hamed Al-Farsi, Hameed Sulaiman, Hassan Ali Al-Reasi Protection of the ecosystems ultimately contributes towards their sustainability. Presence of high levels of toxic metals in seafood is considered as an environmental warning for possible influences on the ecosystem components and public health. This research quantified the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) in sediments and edible soft tissue of shellfish Strombus ( Conomurex ) persicus from the Sea of Oman. In both matrices, metals exhibited no general trend in the distribution of metals between the sampling sites. In shellfish, metal levels were below the international maximum permissible guidelines, illustrating safe consumption of this seafood item. The calculated risk factor ( E r i ) for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn revealed no ecological damage should be anticipated at the reported metal concentrations in the sediment samples. However, Cd had higher E r i range, suggesting moderate to considerable ecological risk. For transfer of metals from sediment to S . persicus , bioaccumulation factors (BAF) estimated for Cd, Cu, and Zn were above 1.0, indicating tendency of these metals to accumulate in S . persicus . While the BAF and E r i values for Zn were insignificantly correlated, BAF values for Cd and Cu were inversely related to their corresponding E r i values. Nevertheless, correlation was not statistically significant for Cu. For Cd, it seems that sediments having higher E r i may not be necessarily resulting in higher tissue Cd burdens of S . persicus . In conclusion, it appears that the use of correlation between BAF and E r i to examine transfer of metals from abiotic component to organisms in natural waters is limited.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Tito Sumandono, Henderson Saragih, Migirin, Takashi Watanabe, Rudianto Amirta In this research, decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) was investigated using a new isolated white rot fungus, strain KRUS-G, collected from Mulwarman University Botanical Garden,Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The results showed that strain KRUS-G decolorized RBBR efectively compared to Phanerochaetecrysosporium and Ceriporiopsissubvermispora . The highest decolorization was obtained at pH 4 with 89% loss of RBBR used. The effective decolorization was also observed in the high concentration of RBBR (1500 ppm).Concentration of RBBR at 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm caused slightly decreasing pattern on mycelia growth. Rapid decolorization was occurred within 4 days of incubation. We suggest that laccase played an important role on the decolorizationeven high activity ofMnP was also detected.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Arry Y. Nurhayati, Yuda C. Hariadi, P. Lestari Demands on an early detection method for lead (Pb), found as a pollutant in soil, are urgently needed to improve awareness on the continuing usage of waste water and industrial effluent for the agricultural practices especially in East Java, Indonesia. Marsilea crenata plant grown in a glasshouse under various concentration of Pb to indicate its tolerance to Pb stress is measured by its weekly biolectrical responses. The result shows that increasing Pb concentration tends to inhibit the plant's growth. It is concluded that the method is viable as an early detection remediation process to protect agricultural economy and human security.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Santosa S. Putra, Mick v.d. Wegen, J. Reyns, Arthur v. Dam, D.P. Solomatine, J.A. Roelvink A model calibration based on the distributed multi stations approach is necessary towards model implementation in the operational phase. In this study, a tree dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic and salinity dynamic model of an estuary was simulated using DFlow Flexible Mesh program, which is developed by Deltares. Specifically, this research was focused on the Columbia Estuary case study, which is situated in Oregon, United States. The preconfigured model was calibrated based on 15 measurement stations that are spread along the estuary. Furthermore, a detail portion data with an average interval of 1 minute were used during the calibration process. The model performances were improved by considering the data denial concept. The data denial concept was introduced by neglecting inconsistence data across its temporal and spatial variability. In this particular case, it was revealed that the downstream data, which have high salinity value, tends to produce high contribution to the root mean square error of the model result. In conclusion, the upstream data have immense variable fluctuation rate and therefore it is more sensitive to give lower coefficient of determination. Therefore, there must be a trade of between good estuary model performance and upstream station data reliability.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Hoang Trung Thanh, Helmut Yabar, Yoshiro Higano Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is home to approximately 7 million people. In 2011, the city generated about 2,372,500 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) (accounting for 11% of national generation) and the collection rate reached 85%, of which 84% was sent directly to landfills (without landfill gas capture systems). This conventional practice has caused not only adverse environmental impacts but also increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and loss of recyclable resources. Since most of the waste generated in the city is organic waste (it accounts for 71% of municipal solid waste), there is high potential for organic waste recovery of MSW in Hanoi. This paper analyzes the potential for environmental benefits of introducing composting of municipal organic waste by proposing five alternative scenarios that range from current situation to composting of both commercial and household organic waste. In order to evaluate the environmental performance of the scenarios, we used three indicators: organic fertilizer production, landfill life extension, and GHG emission reduction. The results show that composting could produce a huge amount of organic fertilizer (i.e. from 6,424to 218,650 tons/year) depending on the scenarios. Diversion of organic waste to composting could reduce the amount of waste disposed in landfills resulting in extending landfill life significantly. Therefore, landfill lifecould be extended from 0.5 to 8.7 years compared to the current situation. Current MSW management practices contributed the highest amount of GHG emission accounting for 1,322,928 tonsCO 2 -eq/year, whereas the proposed scenarios decrease emissions in accordance with increasing the amount of organic waste used for composting. The estimated emission reduction from the proposed scenarios ranges from 15% to 98% compared to the current situation. The results suggest that composting could bring significant environmental benefits and is a key solution toward sustainable solid waste management for Hanoi city. In addition, composting highlights the potential of climate protection in the waste management sector.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Yusuf Wibisono, Slamet Widodo The use of crude vegetable oils without degumming, during biodiesel production, might decrease the conversion rate and be difficult to separate glycerol from biodiesel. Ultrafiltration is promising technology for gum removal from crude vegetable oils. However, since the oil constituents have very close molecular weight, degumming process by membrane is relatively difficult. In order to understand the membrane degumming process of corn-oil, a prediction of concentration boundary layer thickness was calculated using a CFD model. An artificial neural network is developed to learn the relationship between Reynolds and Schmidt numbers of feed solution which affects the boundary layer thickness along the membrane tube.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): Jed A. Long New tracking technologies are allowing researchers to study wildlife movements at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Researchers now routinely deploy tracking sensors on multiple individual animals simultaneously, offering new opportunities to study the spatial-temporal interactions (often termed dynamic interaction) in the movements of these animals. The objective of this paper is to examine the statistical properties of a suite of currently available methods aimed at measuring spatial-temporal interactions and the ability of each method to characterize and capture different patterns of spatial-temporal interaction encountered in practice. Specifically, this paper examines issues relating to the spatial arrangement of interactions across a study area, temporal patterns in interactions over a tracking period, and the effectiveness of different statistical testing procedures used to identify significant spatial-temporal interaction. Simulations using biased correlated random walks are used to emulate different patterns of spatial-temporal interaction encountered in empirical data. The results demonstrate the challenges of statistical testing of interaction patterns with several methods having high rates of type I and/or type II error. More problematic is that, in practice, spatial-temporal interactions exhibit underlying spatial and/or temporal patterns, for example with key watering holes revisited daily, which can cause problems for statistics that use permutation tests from the original data to test for significance. The need to consider statistical significance in the context of biological significance, which relates to quantifying the spatial locations and temporal patterns of interaction events and types of interactions, is emphasized. Methods that can be adapted to facilitate spatial and temporally ‘local’ analysis are advantageous with high resolution tracking data currently being collected. An R package–wildlifeDI–provides the computational tools for performing the analysis described herein and is made openly available to other researchers.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): Y. Li , K.S. Kim , J. Deschamps , R. Briandet , A. Trubuil The biofilm ubiquitously exists on most wet surfaces. It is a protective shield of the bacteria and causes the difficulty in the disinfection. The irrigation of the biofilm by the specific swimmer bacteria can exacerbate killing of biofilm bacteria. Therefore, we precisely investigate the tunneling of swimmers bacteria within biofilms. These bacterial stealth swimmers create transient opened spaces in the biofilm. We found that these opened spaced in the biofilm is the obvious indication of the motion of the swimmers. We exploit both detected swimmer in one swimmer channel and the opened space in the other biofilm channel of confocal microscope video, in order to interactively improve the tracking of the swimmer's motion in the biofilm, which is implemented by improving a successful algorithm of single particle tracking. Moreover, we quantitatively study the swimmer trajectory, the opened space and their relation in the large-scale microscope video when the biofilm is separately irrigated by many different species of bacteria. We try to discover the influence of the irrigated bacteria on the biofilm.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): Sylvain Coly , Myriam Charras-Garrido , David Abrial , Anne-Françoise Yao-Lafourcade Disease mapping aims to determine the underlying disease risk scattered from health data. This methodology enables to represent this disease risk by a gradation of colours on a map. Our aim is to apply disease mapping to infectious diseases, when a primary case can result in secondary cases, by direct or vector transmission. Contagion can lead to overdispersion and strengthen spatial and temporal structures. This study highlighted the relevance of using the negative binomial distribution to model such data. It also showed the need to take into account both spatial and temporal dimensions in this type of epidemiological study.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): Manuel Castro Ribeiro , António Jorge Sousa , Maria João Pereira Geographical distribution of health outcomes are influenced by socio-economic and environmental factors operating at different spatial scales. Geographical variations in relationships between them can be revealed with a semi-parametric geographically weighted poisson regression (sGWPR), which is a mixed model than can combine geographically varying and geographically constant parameters. To decide if a parameter associated with a variable should vary geographically or not, two models can be compared: a model where all parameters are allowed to vary geographically and a mixed model, where all but one (the parameter under evaluation) parameters are allowed to vary geographically. If the difference between Aikaike's Information Criteria (AICc) is larger than 2, the model with lower AICc is selected. However, delivering model selection exclusively to AICc measure might hide important details in spatial variations of ecological associations, especially in situations where the difference between models is marginal. We propose to assist the decision by using a linear model of coregionalization (LMC), a geostatistical tool originally developed for geosciences. Here we show how the LMC can refine sGWPR analysis on ecological associations between socio-economic and environmental variables and low birth weight outcomes in the west north central region of Portugal.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): Sara Fontanella , Lara Fontanella , Luigi Ippoliti , Pasquale Valentini Nowadays, one of the most changeling points in statistics is the analysis of high dimensional data. In such cases, it is commonly assumed that the dimensionality of the data is only artificially high: although each data point is described by thousands of features, it is assumed that it can be modeled as a function of only a few underlying parameters. Formally, it is assumed that the data points are samples from a low-dimensional manifold embedded in a high-dimensional space. In this paper, we discuss a recently proposed method, known as Maximum Entropy Unfolding (MEU), for learning non-linear structures that characterize high dimensional data. This method represents a new perspective on spectral dimensionality reduction and, joined with the theory of Gaussian Markov random fields, provides a unifying probabilistic approach to spectral dimensionality reduction techniques. Parameter estimation as well as approaches to learning the structure of the GMRF are discussed

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): A.D. Maldonado , R.F. Ropero , P.A. Aguilera , A. Fernández , R. Rumí , A. Salmerón Several algorithms have been developed in the literature to solve regression problems. We propose a novel methodology based on Bayesian networks (BNs) to deal with regression problems in environmental research. To demonstrate its capabilities and strength, we compare a BN model with 3 other methods commonly used to solve regression tasks, in terms of their root mean squared error (RMSE). The errors were depicted on error maps, providing information about the reliability of the predictions in each observation. The results show that BNs are competitive with other popular methods.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): XiWei Chen , ZhiYuan Pei , Ai Lian Chen , Fei Wang , KeJian Shen , QiaoFu Zhou , Li Sun Poverty is one of the worldwide and key issues concerned by governments and international organizations. Chinese rural poverty was massive poverty caused by universal factors such as underdeveloped national economy and lack of related institution and policy in the past, instead, now has shown “point-scatted” distribution due to special regional environment, backward production conditions and low population quality with the long-term efforts. In addition to the impact of economic and social factors, natural condition is also one of the main factors restricting the incidence of poverty in rural areas. In this paper, spatial statistical analysis and GIS are combined to analyze the patterns and factors of spatial poverty distribution of Xianfeng County, a key country from national contiguous special poverty-stricken areas in China. Two indexes representing extend and depth of poverty, poverty headcount ratio and the per capita net income of poverty population, were used to analyze spatial poverty distribution based on the spatial autocorrelation method.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 26 Author(s): Kejian Shen , Weifang Li , Zhiyuan Pei , Wang Fei , Guannan Sun , Xiaoqian Zhang , Xiwei Chen , Shangjie Ma Using remote sensing data to estimate crop area is efficient to a wide range of end-users, including government agencies, farmers and researchers. Moderate spatial resolution (MSR) image data are widely used to estimate crop area. But its accuracy can’t meet the demands of precision. Spatial sampling techniques integrated the strengths of remote sensing and sampling survey are being widely used. This method need large sample size which is cannot be guaranteed by remote sensing due to weather. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can be used as an effective way to guarantee enough sample size. This paper proposed a spatial sampling method using MSR image classification results and UAV transects, a stratified random sampling method was proposed, area-scale (from MSR image classification) was used as auxiliary variable to guide the distribution of UAV transects, which had proved that 2% sampling ratio can make the crop area estimation accuracy more than 95% with a 95% confidence interval.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Himawan Bayu Patriadi, Mohd. Zaini Abu Bakar, Zahri Hamat As a new concept, the definition of human security has been widely contested. It relates to the issues of human security ‘for whom’, ‘from what’ and by ‘what means’. Dealing with the first issue, scholars generally agree that the focus of it is protecting the individual rather than the state's security. But, dealing with two other central issues, scholars seem to hardly agree upon. This paper deals more with the third question focusing on pesantren (a traditional Islamic boarding school) that largely exists in Indonesia. One of the reasons is, as having religious-based local wisdoms, the pesantren has long time concerned with human security without necessarily trapped by either ‘for whom’ and ‘from what’ debates. The second reason refers to its social mission of securing people which seems to be valuable in balancing the continuing hegemonic discourse of putting the state as the ultimate reference of security. The last is related to the contemporary challenge for human security. As Acharya indicates, currently, securitization of religion is politically sensitive due to the fact that it closely related to or even being the basis of the new global politics identity. In this sense, I argue that the role of religious-based institution, particularly the pesantren , should not necessarily be seen as something incompatible with human security. Having its good practices, it may even suggest a new perspective of understanding human security by making use of religious-based local wisdom concept. This research used qualitative methodology supported by ethnography approach. Though some data from secondary sources were present, most supporting data were collected through various interviews to digging up first-hand perspectives.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): A. Trihartono, N. Viartasiwi This research investigates how civil society has contributed to human security, especially in the context of maintaining peace in the post-conflict society of Indonesia. Unlike former studies that have paid the most attention to the fundamental role of the state actors, this study emphasizes the importance of civil society as a non-state actor. This research pays attention, mainly but not exclusively, to the case of society in the post-conflict of Muslims and Christians in Poso, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The finding suggests that the role of civil society is evolving and essential in creating favorable conditions for maintaining peace, particularly in breaking the so-called cycle of violence. This study demonstrates that the emerging role of non-states actor, quietly but significantly, is supportive and cannot be overlooked in post-conflict society. Hence, providing space for further discussion of the role of non-states actors in backing up sustainable peace is indispensable. As a result, civil society has also been on the frontline in developing human security.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Tahra Talib Al-Rashdi, Hameed Sulaiman Water for irrigation and cultivable soil is very precious and more crucial for sustainable farming in arid environments. Sohar Industrial Area in Oman is the major industrial zone operating in a confined area closer to agriculture farms. This study aims to assess the physiochemical parameters in soils and the water used for irrigation in these farms. Samples were collected from 8 farms, 4 each from 2 sites (2 and 4 km from the industrial zone). Results show that the salinity of irrigation water varies from one farm to the other, where the closest farms are more affected. Most of the farm soils are saline in nature with Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of less than seven. The soil salinity is higher than water salinity with magnesium and chloride as predominant cation and anion respectively. In general, the vital water and soil parameters are within the prescribed limits for the existing crop cultivation.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Sanz Grifrio Limin, Hiroki Oue, Yoshinobu Sato, I Wayan Budiasa, Budi Indra setiawan Partitioning of gross rainfall into throughfall, stemflow, and rainfall interception were assessed in clove plantation during rainy season in Saba River Basin, Bali, Indonesia. Canopy openness did not appear to be the main factor that affected the amount of throughfall and stemflow. Rainfall partitioning showed that the throughfalltookmajor contribution in gross rainfall, while stemflow only took small portion in gross rainfall. Managed clove plantation gave slightly larger interception rate than natural forest in Saba River Basin. Cultivation method improvement is required to improve the hydrologic services of clove plantation.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Reny Nadlifatin, Mohammad Razif, Shu-Chiang Lin, Satria Fadil Persada, Prawira Fajarindra Belgiawan This paper explores citizens’ participation intention on environmental impact assessment (EIA) process through behavioral analysis perceptions. Perceived government support, subjective norms, and perceived environmental concern factors are used as the predictor model of behavior intention. The result shows that 40 percent of citizens intend to participate in the EIA process. Another finding reveals the subjective norms as a dominant factor to the participation intention. This situation can be used as a consideration to emphasize the role of social aspect to encourage the citizens on the EIA participation.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Kassahun Y. Kebede, Toshio Mitsufuji, Mohammad T. Islam The diffusion of renewable energy technologies (RETs) has been progressing very slowly in global scope, particularly in developing countries where the diffusion challenges for renewable are greater. Among potential actors in the promotion and diffusion of rural-based renewable energy innovations, NGOs and NPOs have been mentioned as promising actors. However, empirical studies that show the role of the actors and the way they can be system builders by diffusing existing technologies have been very rare. This paper discusses the practices of an NGO in Ethiopia (Solar Energy Foundation) and an NPO in Bangladesh (Grameen Shakti) and shows how local technological innovation systems can be built bykey actors in the context of developing countries. The studysheds light on the process of system building for accelerated diffusion of RETs in the context of developing countries. Using a theoretical framework, we compared the approach, technology adoption trend (solar home systems diffusion), and common challenges facing both actors in their respective countries. The two empirical cases which are in different geographical contexts provided lessons on thesimilarities and differences of system building practices and emerging innovation systems for diffusion of RETs in developing countries.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Jeffrey Kucharski, Hironobu Unesaki Modern energy systems are increasingly complex and face ever-changing demands. As energy markets become increasingly global and interdependent, the issues affecting energy systems have also increased in number and complexity. Geopolitical events, natural disasters, severe weather, public acceptance of energy activities, increasingly automated and integrated energy systems, and the impact of climate change are just some of the factors impacting on energy systems. Consequently, the assessment of risks, threats and vulnerabilities in energy systems has become more urgent and more challenging. Studies of energy security have been criticized on various grounds, including that they employ a narrow conception of energy security and rarely use a systematic approach. Various conceptual models have been proposed to evaluate energy security but are usually limited to the effect of supply disruptions. There are few examples of models that clearly define the broad range of risks faced by contemporary, complex energy systems. This paper seeks to address these issues by taking a broader, policy-oriented approach to the factors affecting modern energy systems. We employ a complex systems perspective in conceptualizing the energy system and a more comprehensive approach to identifying risks, threats and vulnerabilities for energy security assessment purposes.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Erni Johan, Toshio Yamada, Moses Wazingwa Munthali, Ponyadira Kabwadza-Corner, Hiromichi Aono, Naoto Matsue Adsorption experiments of Cs + were carried out by using two natural zeolites, namely mordenite and clinoptilolite. The same experiments were also conducted by using synthetic zeolite A, synthetic zeolite X, and artificial zeolite Na-P1 as references. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of natural zeolites on the adsorption of radioactiveCs + . The results indicated that although cation exchange capacity of the natural zeolites was much lower compared to the synthetic and artificial zeolites, the adsorption capacity of Cs + was much greater than the synthetic and artificial zeolites. The order of the adsorption capacity of Cs + was mordenite>clinoptilolite> Na-P1 >> zeolite A > zeolite X. It indicates that natural zeolites are promising materials in the removal of radioactive Cs + .

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Obie Farobie, Nur Hasanah, Yukihiko Matsumura Non-catalytic biodiesel production in supercritical methanol (SCM) and supercritical ethanol (SCE) was conducted using spiral reactor. The experimental data were used to create artificial neural network (ANN) model in order to predict biodiesel yield. The results showed that ANN was the powerful tool to estimate biodiesel yield that was proven by a high value (0.9980 and 0.9987 in SCM and SCE, respectively) of R and a low value (2.72×10 -5 , 1.68×10 -3 , and 2.30×10 -3 in SCM and 2.24×10 -4 , 4.49×10 -4 , and 5.03×10 -4 in SCE for training, validation, and testing, respectively) of mean squared error (MSE). For biodiesel production in SCM, the highest yield of biodiesel was determined of 1.01 mol/mol corresponding to the actual biodiesel yield of 1.00 mol/mol achieved at 350 °C, 20 MPa within 10 min; whereas, for SCE, the highest yield of biodiesel was observed of 0.97 mol/mol corresponding to the actual biodiesel yield of 0.96 mol/mol achieved at 400 °C, 20 MPa within 25 min.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Dewa Ayu Putu Eva Wishanti Energy security is positioned during the 21 st century as one of the worldwide development policy focal points, mainly The Millennium Development Goals, which timeline ends in 2015. Despite its rich energy resources, Indonesia has failed to provide equal access to energy as a mean to eradicate poverty. This implicates on the widening national developmental gaps among provinces, namely the agriculture and industrial sectors, the two of major sectors to provide the largest employment percentage in the country. Otherwise, the government still struggles to enforce the renewable energy policies into practices, and the policies of exporting oil and coal are still dominant as the major income of the country. It results in energy poverty when many poor Indonesian people have very limited access to energy.This article seeks to measure the Indonesian government concern upon energy crisis and its impact on poverty eradication, by focusing on the gaps of energy access as the main indicator to measure energy poverty in Indonesia. By utilizing the national gap analysis, this article urges the needs of investment in small-scale energy development. The investment may collaborate the role of government energy policies with the international private sectors to perform technology proliferation and access. This article also proposes the small-scale energy development as a focus of post-2015 development agenda.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Andi Dirpan, Yoshio Hikida This study investigated the effect of various sizes of citrus on their resistance ( R ) to gas diffusion. The purpose of the investigation was to compare the value of R in 3 different sizes of citrus. To measure the R to gas diffusion in citrus, the study applied ethane efflux method. This is the method which the evolution phenomenon of ethane was measured by applying Fick's Law. The results showed that R of ethane (C 2 H 6 ) gas was dependent on citrus size. It can be seen that the larger the size of the fruit, the greater the R value, i.e. M size had R =4.33x10 5 s.m -1 , L size had R =4.99 x10 5 s.m -1 and 3L size had R =6.84 x10 5 s.m -1 .This finding indicated that the fruit sizes can be considered as an important factor in designing storage control atmosphere (CA) condition for citrus.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Yuda Cahyoargo Hariadi, Arry Y. Nurhayati, Sigit Soeparjono, Idam Arif Salinity is a constraint to the sustainable agricultural production. Increasing salinity is found to inhibit growth, height, and total of leaf area ofrice from vegetative to generative stages. Electrophysiologically, increasing salinity and exposure duration reduce the PD of the plant leaves. The screening focuses on the response of six varieties of rice ( Oryza sativa ) grown in a glasshouse subjected to five different salinity levels [0 mM; 50 mM; 100 mM; 150 mM and 200 mM of NaCl]. Death occurred at 200 mM of NaCl though all six varieties were tolerant to 100mMofNaClduring 4 weeks of application, and four varieties of rice were found to be sensitive to salinity around 150 mM of NaCl during 3 weeks of application.In turn, this study will help increase the security of the major food demand consumed by around 90% of Indonesian and protect the livelihood sustainability of around 67% Indonesian farmers, and help reduce starvation risk of a community due to salinity effects.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): I. Nengah Suwastika, Muslimin, Rifka, Nurul Aisyah, Rahmansyah, Mutmainah, Yoko Ishizaki, Zainuddin Basri, Takashi Shiina Theobroma cacao L. is a commercial tree derivate chocolate, which is originally from tropical regions of Central and South America. Currently, cacao is distributed throughout warmer climates in South and Central America, Africa, and South East Asia including Indonesia. Sulawesi Island of Indonesia has contributed significantly on cacao bean production over more than a decade. Intensive and extensive developments of this plant have been progressively done. One of these steps is the introduction of various new superior cultivars/clones. In current status, due to introduction of numerous cultivars and clones, it raises the variability of cacao trees on the field and derivate products from it. However, screening based on genotype and phenotype properties is urgently elucidated. In this paper, we report the variation of distinguishable pot morphology and genetic variation based on SSR marker from several clones, collected from Central Sulawesi farms. Among the samples could be characterized based on pot performance including; shape, size, bean properties, etc. Genotyping was done by using SSR marker. The outcome clearly shows that the polymorphism among the samples indicates high evolution rate on cacao trees over Sulawesi Island.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Eky Yenita Ristanti, Wanglin Yan This study is aimed at synthesizing the social value-based model of Shimokawa, Hokkaido with economic value-based model of Hita, Oita to implement woody biomass renewable energy business in Japan. These two areas were chosen to highlight their contradictory economic and social situations in utilizing their abundant forest resources. The research uses an in-depth interview of stakeholders involved in the woody biomass project in both regions. The role of woody biomass in Hita and neighboring areas deals with renewable energy business, while in Shimokawa it handles an aging society issue and sustainability. By 2013, Hita has two woody biomass power plants operated, which utilized a total of 160,000 tons/year wood chips. Shimokawa promotes sustainable life by implementing Forest Future City model in which resources, society, and industry are integrated to achieve quality life.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Puji Harsanto Mt.Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Some of the rivers that the origin is located at Mt.Merapi have a large amount of sediment resources after eruption in October-November 2010. The total volume of sediment is estimated at 130 million m 3 .The deposited sediment flows to the downstream area as a debris or bed load transport in high density. Few studies considered downstream change along volcanic rivers due to a high density of bed load transport. Using numerical simulation, the impact of high concentration of bed-load transport is applied in Progo River, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The results show that the high bed-load transport rate increases the mid-channel bar grow rate and the bed degradation near the bank toe. The increase of bed degradation is an important parameter of bank erosion process. Furthermore, the bed morphology on the downstream after 2010 eruption of Mt. Merapi should be considered intensively.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Dwi Astiani, Mujiman, Muhammad Hatta, Hanisah, Firda Fifian Kalimantan peatland spans ∼5.9million ha (∼11% of Kalimantan's total terrestrial land area) as a part ofIndonesian peatlands, covers∼21 million ha, contains∼57.8 Gtof terrestrial carbon. Land cover change of peatland forest results in significant sources CO 2 emissions. Thus, we identified to estimate carbon emissions generated by crop land and ex burnt activities in Kalimantan's peatlands degraded forest.Soil CO 2 respiration was measured under four of the most prominent land cover and annual agricultural crops on 4-5 year post fire (fern, corn, pineapple) and newly burnt areas in West Kalimantan peatlands. Measurements were obtained from Licor 8100 and gatheredby monthly assessments. Among the land cover types showed different meanmonthly CO 2 fluxes.Soil CO 2 respiration on newly burnt peatland, pineapple plantation and fern covered showed the highest and not significantly different among them. Cornsmall-scale plantation soil respired the lowest and significantly different from the other three land covers. Dry vs. rainy month comparisons show huge different (>50%) monthly CO 2 fluxes rate. Each land cover type has distinctive peat environmental factors that significantly affect CO 2 respiration. Theresult indicates that each crop/cover types generate different level site factors, which affect different level of peat CO 2 rates. The regression models of site factors measured for each specific land cover can be applied to obtain better estimate CO 2 respiration rates of degraded peatland and agricultural crop cover types. Moreover, it is able to be applied as a baseline for degraded peatland management and CO 2 emission mitigation.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Dina Oktavia, Yadi Setiadi, Iwan Hilwan Heath forest is a restricted forest ecosystem in the world. In Indonesia, heath forest degradation caused by tin mining activity on Belitung Island emerges biodiversity lost and soil properties lost. In fact, they play important role as main aspect for rehabilitiation. This study aims to describe soil properties and vegetation in heath forest and two different ages of tin mined land. The result shows thatin 3 year tailing contains very high amount of sand, low organic matter, low CEC which effect to desertification that hindered plant to grow. Indeed, low organic matter affects low water absorbtion. Meanwhile, 130 year tailing results lower amount of sand than 3 year tailing. Adequate organic matter closes to organic matter in the forest and appropriate CEC. Soil development in tin tailing soil takeshundreds years to slightly improve naturally. Several soil amendments could be implemented to improve sandy soil, such by adding organic matterial, following with polymer fertilizer. Heath forest restorationby natural succession approach should select local species which well adapted as pioneer and apply seedbank from forest floor as seed source of native species.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Wiwik Ekyastuti, Tri Rima Setyawati Bioaccumulation of mercury is one of the reclamation methods in ex-gold mining areas. Mercury-resistant bacteria canbe used as a mercury bioaccumulation agent. The previous study in Mandor District West Kalimantan has collected four mercury-resistant bacteria from 62 samples with isolates code: HgTA1, HgTL2, HgRL and HgRA. The purpose of this study is to identify and verify the in vitro effectiveness ofthese four mercury-resistant bacteria. Identification of the bacteria is performed using16SrRNAsequencinganalysis, while the in vitro effectiveness test of the bacteriais done by using Canstein's selective media.The results show that the identification of bacterial isolates finds that HgTA1 and HgTL2 are Bacillus subtilis , HgRL is Burkholderia cepacia , and HgRA is Burkholderia cenosepacia . These three species of bacteria belong to the class of bacteria that are resistant to extreme conditions. Thus, these bacteria have anability toaccumulatemercury. Meanwhile, based on the test results of colony growth, detoxification abilities, mercury accumulation and bioaccumulation levels,three out of the four bacterial isolates are proven to be effective and superior to accumulate mercury i.e. HgRA, HgTA1 and HgTL2 isolates. Furthermore, these three isolates can be used as bioacculation agents of mercury-contaminated soil.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Aisyah Abu Bakar, Mariana Mohamed Osman, Syahriah Bachok, Mansor Ibrahim, Mohd Zin Mohamed The purpose of this paper is to explore relation between wellbeing and sustainability in an attempt to establish theoretical concept for sustainable wellbeing. Over the years, growing number of researches seek to understand and reason with factors that influence and constitute wellbeing and its potential synergy with sustainability. Recent studies have highlighted that factors constituting wellbeing do not necessarily indicate sustainability. Despite sustainability, studies share the same aim that is to improve wellbeing. The distinction between sustainability and wellbeing is clear. Sustainability is more of a future-oriented concept, while wellbeing accounts for present condition. Consequently, wellbeing indicators fail to capture issues, such as inequalities, climate change, scarcity of natural resources and many others. Malaysia Wellbeing Report 2014 established 14 components of wellbeing that constituted under economic and social wellbeing. In Malaysia Wellbeing Report 2014, environment and family institutions indexes correlated negatively with national economic growth. Social participation, public safety and health indexes also had weak positive correlation with the national economic growth. Two important components in sustainability are awareness and participation. Ethical and moral knowledge, as well as environmental responsibilities, are among obligations owed to as far as distant strangers at a distant time and space. Thus, sustainable wellbeing encompasses interconnectedness with people and interconnectedness with nature. Therefore, the discovery of synergy between wellbeing and sustainability involve not only measuring human capital but also the contribution of their conscious decisions to the wellbeing of the future. The paper summarized how reconciling wellbeing and sustainability unlocks opportunities for better and all-inclusive indicators for sustainable wellbeing.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Vevin S. Ardiwijaya, Tresna P. Sumardi, Emirhadi Suganda, Yuswanda A. Temenggung In the urban sustainability context, there is a growing concern about social, economic, and environmental costs of sprawling urban development patterns.Idle landis one indicator of that sprawl. This paper aims to investigate the relation of urban physical growth to the expansion of idle land and its effects to the urban environment sustainability. This paper also examines the land rejuvenation as the method to manage the growth of idle lands in urban areas. This paper takes Bandung Metropolitan Area (BMA), one of the metropolitan areas in Indonesia that has basin shape restricted to the urban physical expansion, as a case study. This paper uses system dynamic approach in simulating the behaviour of urban physical growth, the idle land expansions, and their effects to the urban carrying capacity. This research finds that the urban achieved more sustainable from the potential management of physically vacant lands, abandoned buildings, critical land management, increasing revenue, and reduced conflict. The simulation result also finds that BMA will not be sustainedwhen the population grows and continuously occupies the preservation and conservation lands (PCL) in outskirt as urban carrying capacity. It is especially in 2051 when PCLwill be reduced and continuously degrade under 30% of green area as spatial planning requirement, unless the rejuvenation of the idle lands is implemented as the interventions to manage this sprawl urban areas.By using idle land rejuvenation, urban will be more sustainable andpeople could live in high quality of urban environment.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Lina Tri M. Astuti, Prijono Tjiptoherijanto, Herman Haeruman, Raldi Koestoer The core goal of the SDGs is to achieve public welfare through holistic approaches and processes (UN, 2012). One of the objectives of SDGs is cities and human settlements inclusive safe, resilient and sustainable. The ability of individuals and government in providing a decent housing could be considered as an important factor for sustainable housing environment. On the other hand, economic growth in urban areas could lead to the urbanization in urban area and migration in the hinterland area to find a shelter location. It maytrigger the improper land utilizations.Urbanization puts a pressure on limited land resources, and, in turn, may have a negative impact on well-being sustainability. House quality could form the housing profile. The adequate housing profile reflects a quality of life, and quality of life itself reflects the well-being as well. This study proposes an estimated model of sustainability to find the housing sustainable indices to the built environment which can be used as one of measurements for a household welfare. This study was conducted in Bekasi City of Indonesia as an emerging urban development in the hinterland area of Jakarta Metropolitan. This research methods combined sampling techniques of stratified and cluster treatments. From the research methods and spatial analysis, the model to measure the well-being referring to the built environment was obtained. The result shows that the sustainable housing environment quality is the core aspect of well-being. However, it is triggered by human quality.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Haula Rosdiana, Inayati, Machfud Sidik In 2010, Indonesia implemented regulation consisting of a new concept on cost recovery replacing assume and discharge. Under cost recovery, all contractors are requested to meet obligation on property tax in the first pace, meanwhile assume and discharge stipulate that government will bear LBT expense. LBT expense is also treated as operating cost that willrecover after the work area has reached commercial production. This new policy invited pros and cons particularly since the release of Notice of LBT Payable from Directorate General of Tax for 16 Production Sharing Contractors with a huge amount of IDR 2,6 trillion. This amount was higher than three years firm commitment and the base of LBT imposed was offshore work area in a whole as stated in a signed contract document.The imposition of LBT in the upstream oil and gas business activity has become a determinant variable for investors either existing or candidate in business forecasting and decision making on oil and gas investment. It can be seen from the decrease of candidate of investors’ participation in the tender of exploration work area in the first pace of 2013. This tender was only followed by 37,5% applicants,compared to the preceding ones that participations reached 90%. In addition, there was a propensity of investors to resign from the existing exploration projects due to the high burden of fiscal expenses. We analysed the impact of new policy concerning the upstream oil and gas business tax property on the Indonesia program of national energy security.Based on comprehensive analysis, we recommend government to amend related policy and law in order to connect with current development as well as to protect Indonesia economy and state budget. Besides, it is necessary to protect oil and gas investors and to mend the investment climate as well.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Bounhieng Vilaysane, Kaoru Takara, Pingping Luo, Inthavy Akkharath, Weili Duan The hydrological stream flow modeling is applied by the Soil for Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in the Xedone River basin, covering an area of 7,224.61 km 2 , in the southern part of Laos. The main objective of this research is to test the performance and feasibility of the SWAT model for predicting stream flow in the river basin. The model is calibrated and validated for two periods: 1993-2000 and 2001-2008, respectively, by using the SUFI-2 technique in this analysis. The SUFI-2 gives good results with the high value of R 2 and NSE larger than 0.70 respectively, for daily simulation. Monthly simulation results during calibration and validation are also good with R 2 > 0.80 and NSE > 0.80. The sensitivity analysis results of the model to each sub-basin delineation and hydrological response unit (HRU) in this basin are 230 HRUs in the whole basin. For uncertainty results, the 95% prediction uncertainty (95PPU) brackets very well with the observed discharge. All of sources uncertainty results are captured by bracketing value, higher than 65% of the observed river discharge. All of the results in this study are important to water discharge. The calibrated model can be used for further analysis of the effects of the climate and land use change, water quality analysis and sediment yield analysis; furthermore, the modelling can be applied for planning dam construction in the future and flood disaster risk management and thereby is useful for the sustainable development of the country.

Description: Publication date: July 2015 Source: Global Ecology and Conservation, Volume 4 Author(s): K.L. Parkins, J.A. Clark Understanding bat use of human-altered habitat is critical for developing effective conservation plans for this ecologically important taxon. Green roofs, building rooftops covered in growing medium and vegetation, are increasingly important conservation tools that make use of underutilized space to provide breeding and foraging grounds for urban wildlife. Green roofs are especially important in highly urbanized areas such as New York City (NYC), which has more rooftops (34%) than green space (13%). To date, no studies have examined the extent to which North American bats utilize urban green roofs. To investigate the role of green roofs in supporting urban bats, we monitored bat activity using ultrasonic recorders on four green and four conventional roofs located in highly developed areas of NYC, which were paired to control for location, height, and local variability in surrounding habitat and species diversity. We then identified bat vocalizations on these recordings to the species level. We documented the presence of five of nine possible bat species over both roof types: Lasiurus borealis, L. cinereus, L. noctivagans, P. subflavus, and E. fuscus. Of the bat calls that could be identified to the species level, 66% were from L. borealis . Overall levels of bat activity were higher over green roofs than over conventional roofs. This study provides evidence that, in addition to well documented ecosystem benefits, urban green roofs contribute to urban habitat availability for several North American bat species.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Hatma Suryatmojo Vegetation cover change has a profound influence on the hydrological cycle. A reduction in vegetative cover from forest harvesting generally increases the average surface runoff volume and total water yield for a given area of land. The differences of structure and land cover type are the main baseline in this research to understand the hydrological response of catchment. This research is using two catchment experiments, pine forest and mix-plant forest catchments. Plantation forest with clear cutting system in the mountain area is very sensitive with the changes of runoff and soil erosion. This study investigated the impact of vegetation changes on rainfall-runoff response in different type and periods of Pine forest plantation from their respective forestry treatments. The result shown that in the 7-year old mix-plant forest, direct runoff, peak discharge and runoff coefficient are dramatically increased than that in the 37-year old pine forest. 15 years after planting, direct runoff, peak discharge and runoff coefficient are decreased and reaching to the 37-year old pine forest responses. Implementation of a mix-plant forest method is effective in controlling the hydrological responses of direct runoff, peak discharge and runoff coefficient. The results showed that the magnitude of runoff during different forest treatments depend on interactions among rainfall, forest cover changes and surface disturbance. Forest management practices should consider and attempt to minimize disturbance during each plantation stage to control runoff response.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Ridwan Sutriadi, Astri Aulia Safrianty, Afrizal Ramadhan This paper discusses how important to describe cities and regencies (kotadankabupaten) by using official statistical data in such a way to understand their position in the context of regional rating system within regional autonomy policy in Indonesia. Regional rating system can be seen as a creative method towards sustainable growth by accelerating or decelerating down the growth in the regional context. The global competitiveness index is adapted as a method to formulate regional rating system. Furthermore, the simplification is made to facilitate probable planning prescription with the category to accelerate, continue, or decelerate by modifying particular variables which are presented by related statistical data. In terms of performing planning prescription, it is important to understand the existing and future role of cities and regencies especially in performing development equity, reducing the dominant role of large size cities, facilitating medium sized cities, and envisioning small sized cities. Note that rating system method in terms of planning prescriptions formulation can be seen as a progress of communicative city concept, by sharing information, promoting communication, providing option, and promotingparticipation.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Edy Hartulistiyoso, Febri A.P.A.G. Sigiro, Muhamad Yulianto This paper aims to investigate the temperature distribution in the reactor of a plastics pyrolysis process from waste bottles of beverage to produce fuel. This process is considered an alternative technology to replace fossil fuel. This experiment was conducted using a cylindrical reactor, which has dimension of 0.31 m in diameter and 1 m high. In order to understand the temperature distribution in the reactor, five thermocouples were placed to measure temperature at the bottom and the top of the reactor as well as in the middle, with the different position of each thermocouple of 0.19 m respectively. The temperature outside the reactor and outside the condenser was also measured. Data Acquisition recorded all temperature data. The reactor was used to process 1,500 g plastics. The Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) was also used to know the contour of temperature inside the reactor. The result showed that to increase temperature from the ambient temperature to 450 o C, 72 minutes of time were needed. The lowest temperature of 310 °C was measured at the top of the reactor, whereas different temperature in the middle of the reactor was found to be 46 °C respectively. The pyrolysis process of 1,500 g plastics was completed in 110 minutes to produce 21 g of fuel. This fact shows that the pyrolysis process of plastics can produce fuel at 450 o C in the reactor and 75 o C outside the reactor.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Wawan Rusiawan, Prijono Tjiptoherijanto, Emirhadi Suganda, Linda Darmajanti In 2008, the economic growth of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, reached 6,44% with the GDP amount of IDR 501,771,735 million (Central Statistic Bureau, 2008). The high growth of economic contributes to the rapid growth of the number of motorcycle vehicles around 8% or up to 5.798.000 units(Central Statistic Bureau, 2011). This model is expected to reduce CO 2 emissions without affecting the growth of GDP or economic growth. High economic growth is still needed by Jakarta to improve the welfare of the population. First, a BAU scenario (business as usual scenario) has been defined, in which the variables of the model were parameterized according to the observed tendency during the period 2008-2012, assuming a geometric growth rate during the period 2009–2029. The second scenario, called EGCO 2 -1 is characterized by reducing CO 2 emission intervention by the developed green open space during the period 2009-2014.In the third scenario, called EGCO 2 -2 scenario, besides assuming the renewable energy share increased, we imposed the decreasing of the fossil energy share up to 15%. The result of this study is the estimation of economic growth and CO 2 emissions in 2029 in each scenario. In the BAU scenario, CO 2 emission is 11.492 million tons. In the second scenario, CO 2 emission is 0.529 million tons, and in the third scenario, CO 2 emission is 7.250 million tons. GDRP is relatively stable at IDR 1,544,570,856 million and economic growth is 5.49%. Finally, main outcome of this work can be role model to Jakarta sustainable urban development policy. These are most important to environmentally aspect and enhancing economic growth for a better future.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): NiLuh Widyaningsih, Prijono Tjiptoherijanto, Sulistyoweni Widanarko, Francisia SSE Seda The growth of population increases not only the basic needs of human but also the use of natural resources. Household consumption pattern gives impact to economic growth, social condition, and environmental quality. Jakarta as the capital of Indonesia (the 4 th biggest most populous country in the world) still has waste management problems. East Jakarta area has the biggest issue of unmanaged waste (2,430 m 3 /day) and Duren Sawit District has the biggest number of households or families (94,862 KK). This paper analyzed how the household consumption pattern links to the household waste management. The Spearman's Rho Correlation analysis showed that there are correlations between household consumption (for food and non-food) with the application of the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). To build the linkage model between sustainable consumption and household waste management, this research used the system dynamics analysis. The result shows that the waste management system now in Jakarta is not sustainable, and it increases the unmanaged waste. To reduce the unmanaged waste, the model of inside (functional intervention through green motivation and green lifestyle) and outside (3R-structural intervention) could be applied.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Ambar Kusumandari, Prasetyo Nugroho The growing population in Indonesia impacts on increasing of human needs which influences on the larger area of land degradation. To reduce area of land degradation, land rehabilitation is a key to achieve sustainable development.In identifying area to be rehabilitated, land capability analysis is required. The objectives of this research are: a) to examine soil characteristics as a data base for rehabilitating critical area, b) to study water balance, and c) to analyze land capability. Moreover, this study applies data collection, both primary and secondary for its method. Primary data includes soil characteristics were collected by taking several soil samples at several types of land uses to be analyzed in laboratory includes: soil pH or acidity, organic matter, NPK contents and soil permeability. Secondary data such as, rainfall and temperature data were collected for evapotranspiration and total available water for runoff analysis. This research results that soil pH mostly is very low (〈 4.5) and 3 areas have the low soil pH of 4.5 – 5.5. Major soil organic matters are classified as high (3.1 – 5%) to very high (> 5.5%). Nitrogen content varies from low to very low, whereas the Phosphor content is very low at all location. Furthermore, K contents of soil ranges from low to moderate, whereas the CEC is classified as moderate. The soil permeability varies from very slow, slow, moderate to very fast. The water balance analysis shows that along the year there is surplus of the water, except during July to September.The study area has 4 land capability types. Based on the research result, it can be concluded that the critical land that capable to be rehabilitated includes: open area, shrubs and grassland, with an area of 612.03 ha; 117.75 ha and 27.57 ha, respectively. The soil fertility level is low; the deficit period is July to September. It was recommended that to rehabilitate the area, the lime and fertilizer should be applied. Regarding the climatologically analysis, the best time to plant the trees for rehabilitation is in the period of September to June.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Andi Kurniawan, Guntur, Ayami Hiraki, Yasuaki Fukuda, Tatsuya Yamamoto Microbial biofilms plays important roles in aquatic environments such as nutrient cycling and purification of pollutants. Such important function will be greatly influenced by the forming process of the biofilm. In this study, the nutrient ions inside the biofilms in relation to biofilm properties during biofilm formation were investigated. The result showed that the formation of biofilm was fast process taking just a week to reach the biomass (measured as wet weight) found for the mature biofilm. The nutrient-rich environment in the biofilm was established from a very early stage. These particular environmental conditions might promote the growth of microbial cells in the biofilm, resulting in a microbial community different from that of the lake water. The electrostatic interaction between ions in the lake water and the charged sites of polymers in the biofilm seemed to be the driving force for the accumulation of ions inside the biofilm. The result of this study suggested that microbial biofilm might play important function in the ecosystems because of the early stage of biofilm forming process.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Sartika Laban, Hiroki Oue, Agnes Rampisela Irrigation in Renggang Water Users’ Association region in the first dry season, 2012 and 2013 was characterized by the reused water irrigation of drainage and the groundwater irrigation from wells. The shortage of the canal irrigation in 2012 was improved mainly by the renovation of the secondary canal by farmers’ “ gotongroyong ”. The fluctuation of groundwater level was highly correspondedbythe timely change of stored water in the ground (ΔS).The positive ΔScaused by the gross water supply in the first half period of the rice cultivation, was evaluated to keep the groundwater at some level.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Joji Sato, Mamoru Wakayama, Kazuyoshi Takagi Acetobacterpasteurianus which is widely used for commercial brewing of vinegar can grow well with lactate as an energy source. In the utilization processes of lactate in A. pasteurianus , it is first converted to pyruvate, and then converted to final product; acetate via acetaldehyde. In the other pathway, pyruvate, formed from lactate is metabolized through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The enzymes catalyzing reaction from pyruvate to acetaldehyde had been identified, however, the enzyme responsible for the oxidation of lactate to pyruvate in A. pasteurianus have not been identified. In this study, we focused on the enzymes involved in the process and aimed at their characterization. This study will contribute to quality improvement of vinegar which provides human health with a good effect. A. pasteurianus assimilated D-lactate as well as L-lactate, indicating that the enzymes catalyzing the oxidation of D- and L-lactate to pyruvate could be produced in the cell. The presence of the enzyme which catalyzes the oxidation of lactate to pyruvate in A. pasteurianus was confirmed by enzymatic assays using dichloropenol-indophenol as redox dye, phenazinemethosulfate as electron acceptor, and lactate as substrate.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Takeshi Kuwabara, Asep A. Prihanto, Mamoru Wakayama, Kazuyoshi Takagi The prevalence of bacterial infection has been gradually increased for the last decades. This phenomenon is predicted as one of serious problems to human security in the next decades. Helicobactorpylori has been clarified to be related to gastric inflammation and a variety of diseases including gastric cancer. Recently, it has been known that H. pylori asparaginase is necessary for the growth in host infection and might be involved in inhibition of lymphocyte function at gastric niche. On the other hand, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to cause a fence-sitting infectious disease. However, no studies on a physiological role of asparaginase in relation to pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa have been found. Also, there are no studies on its physiological role in relation to pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa have been found. Therefore, we focused on purification and characterization of P. aeruginosa PAO1 asparaginase in order to clarify its physiological roles in this study. Intracellular asparaginase was highly purified and characterized from P. aeruginosa PAO1. The profile of DEAE-cellufine A 500 column chromatography suggested that two types of asparaginases were produced in P. aeruginosa PAO1. The optimum pH and temperature of the one enzyme was 9.5 and 40 °C, respectively while those of the another was 9.5 and 65 °C, respectively. Those results indicated that P. aeruginosa PAO1 had two different types of asparaginases.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Wahyu Sujatmiko, Hermawan K. Dipojono, F.X. Nugroho Soelami, Soegijanto The effect of increasing RUSUNAMI high-rise and low cost building flats construction has brought about some problems. One of them is the use of air conditioning in many building flats. It shows that the objective of the RUSUNAMI is not fulfilled because it needs additional operational cost for air conditioning. Two RUSUNAMIs in Bandung and three RUSUNAMIs in Jakarta were selected and measured related to ventilation and indoor air temperature. This paper examines the performance of natural ventilation and indoor air temperature and their ability in thermal comfort with the adaptive approach. In general, all RUSUNAMI is not effective in utilizing the wind because it is designed for air conditioning. On this occasion, it is discussed the opportunities of natural ventilation associated with utilization approach of adaptive thermal comfort.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Eko Agus Suyono, Aminin, Listia Pradani, Umi Mu’avatun, Ratri Nisfi Habiba, Ramdaniyah, Eva Fatihatur Rohma Microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is reported as a large producer of carotenoid. One of the carotenoids produced by the microalgae is astaxanthin that can be used as antioxidant. The astaxanthin is known as “the king of antioxidant”, reportedly 800 times stronger than Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), 75 times stronger than Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and 6000 times stronger than Vitamin C. Research has discovered that astaxanthin absorbs more free radicals than any other antioxidants. It is also indicated for sun protection, exercising recovery and eye health. However, under normal condition, carotenoid and biomass of the microalgae are very low. Light stress treatment is reportedly able to enhance carotenoids in plants and presumably in microalgae. Therefore, this research aims to increase carotenoid and biomass of the microalga by using the combination of blue, red, and white with ultraviolet lights. The microalga H.pluvialis was cultured in Bold Basal medium for 14 days under irradiation of blue, red and white lamp (1500 lux) for 21 hours and irradiation of ultraviolet light (500 lux) for 3 hours. As a control, the microalga wascultured in Bold Basal medium under irradiation of white lamp (1500 lux) for 12:12 hours (dark and light cycle). Each treatment and control was repeated for three times. Its parameters were cell number, chlorophyll and carotenoid content. The number of cells was counted by Haemacytometer Neubauer 1 mm and chlorophyll, and carotenoids content were analyzed by spectrophotometry at absorbance of 700, 663, 645, and 478 nm. The combination of ultraviolet and blue light was the best treatment for increasing the total carotenoid and chlorophyll content since the total carotenoid content increased about 8 times of the control and the total chlorophyll content increased about 2 times of the control, they accounted for 5,1 mg / L and 6,55 mg / L, respectively. Meanwhile, the combination of ultraviolet and red light increased its biomass up to 1.4 x 10 4 cell /ml which was about 2 times of the control.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Haza Hanurhaza Md Jani, Nor Zalina Harun, Mazlina Mansor, Ismawi Zen Malaysia is a Muslim country which comprises of a heterogeneous society. Through the efforts of the current and previous government, Malaysia has beenattempting to include the Islamic principles into its governance. Firstly, it starts with the concept of the Asian values, moving on to Islam Hadhari , and the recent one is the idea of One Malaysia. These gestures speculate that Malaysia is in the process of bringing and applying back the Islamic way of governance system with reference to the first Islamic law, the Medina charter. Based on the Islamic history, the Medina charter was the first constitution drafted and documented in Islam providing the basis of the city-state between Muslim and non-Muslim in the medieval Muslim city of Medina. The content of the charter manages to unite a multi-religious and multi-ethnicity (heterogeneous) in the city. Therefore, this study is conducted to enlighten people's understanding on the success of the Medina charter, in relation to the heterogeneous society in Malaysia. The charter is applicable to be adapted into the Malaysian government in which the citizens are heterogeneous society. Hence, the aim of this study is to learn the reasons behind the success of the Medina charter in response to the heterogeneous society in Malaysia. In order to achieve the aim of this study, several objectives are highlighted to identify the purpose and function of the charter as well as to analyze the success of the charter to heterogeneous society in Malaysia. This study is based on the qualitative research methodology; thus, the document analysis is adopted to define and understand the Medina charter. The findings of this study emphasize three main aspects, namely, i) the condition of the Medina city before and after the establishment of the charter, and ii) the relationship of the charter with heterogeneous society, and iii) the importance of the charter to the Islamic city-state, especially in Malaysia. The outcomes of this study will assist to strengthen the understanding towards the importance of Medina charter and the significance of upholding the Islamic principles and values in heterogeneous.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Diananta Pramitasari, Ahmad Sarwadi This study aims to identify the going out activities conducted by senior residents during their daily lives and how the built environment especially in the high densely settlement of the city center support these activities. The observations were conducted in one high-densely populated neighborhood in Yogyakarta City Center and personal interviews were carried out to 48 elderly who lives in the neighborhood. This study finally clarified that the going out activity of the elderly is basically divided into four types based on the motivation: economy, health, recreation and social. Economic motivation-based activity was learned as the most frequent going out and it employed the shortest distance of travelling range. The spots within a walkable distance inside the neighborhood were relied on by the elderly therefore the sufficient facilities inside the neighborhood should be provided appropriately. As the elderly stayed for long time in the commune as well involved personally in the community, the development or growth of the living environment constitutes the social and physical challenges among themselves.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 28 Author(s): Suharman Hamzah, Sakti Adji Adisasmita The purpose in this study is to analyze the optimization of aircraft parking stands, and proposed model for apron development in near future at Sultan HasanuddinInternational Airport (SHIA) to achieve safety on airport operation activities.The study was conducted by collecting and analyzing data. The data were based on field survey, interviews, discussion with airport authority, official government, etc. and also from various agencies. Analytical tools applied were: regression analysis, to forecasts passenger and aircraft movements; and JICA formulas, to analyze the aircraft movement at peak hours, and number of aircraft parking stands for short, medium, and long terms period.The conclusion are: (a) the optimizing level on the apron area, especially at peak hours at SHIA depends on the aircraft service time, (b) the ability to serve the aircrafts on the apron area at peak hours as many as 17 to 22 aircraft parking stands, and need additional space as much as 24,431m 2 , 39,216 m 2 , and 52,354 m 2 in 2015, 2020 and 2025 respectively, (c) requirement to develop/introduceother aircraft parking stands model, (d) proposed the new apron or aircraft parking stands model as known as pier or satellite models to anticipate the increasing number of passenger and aircraft movements in the near future; while the recommendation can be included that the use of service time as effectively and efficiently at the apron area could provide better service for passengers, aircrafts.

Description: Publication date: Available online 13 August 2015 Source: Water Science Author(s): C.M. Pilgrim, E.A. Mikhailova, C.J. Post, J.J. Hains, S.K. Cox Spatial and temporal land cover changes can reduce or accelerate lake sedimentation. This study was conducted to examine morphometry and bathymetry, and the long-term changes (over 75 years) in sedimentation in the Lake Issaqueena reservoir, South Carolina. The watershed and catchment areas were delineated using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) based data. Trends in lake surface area and riparian buffer condition (vegetated or unvegetated) were determined from historical aerial photography. From 1938 to 2009, the lake experienced a decrease in surface area of approximately 11.33 ha while catchment area increased by 6.99 ha, and lake volume decreased by 320,800.00 m 3 . Lake surface area decreased in years corresponding to equal coverage or largely unvegetated riparian buffers. Surface area and average annual precipitation were not correlated; therefore other factors such as soil type, riparian buffer condition and changes in land use likely contributed to sedimentation. Shift from agricultural land to forestland in this watershed resulted in a decrease in sedimentation rates by 88.28%.

Description: Publication date: July 2015 Source: Global Ecology and Conservation, Volume 4 Author(s): Jonathan Y.S. Leung Mangroves have been dwindling rapidly in the last few decades due to human activities, and thus restoration is commonly conducted to recover the ecological functions of degraded mangroves. However, afforestation (i.e. mangrove plantation in mudflats) can lead to habitat conversion and hence modify the ecosystem functions by increasing habitat heterogeneity. Mudflats are scarce in mangroves, but provide vital ecological functions by the macrobenthos. As such, the present study investigated how habitat heterogeneity affects the ecological functions of macrobenthic communities in a mangrove by analysing functional diversity, functional redundancy and biological trait patterns. Samples were collected from different habitats with increasing order of habitat heterogeneity (mudflat 〈seedling 〈 Kandelia 〈 Kandelia with algal mats 〈pneumatophore). Results showed that functional redundancy was generally high in the mangrove, indicating that most of the species performed similar functions. Functional diversity, however, generally decreased with increasing habitat heterogeneity primarily due to the dense root structure. Different habitats had different trait patterns where smaller body size, fewer carnivores and more direct developers were observed when habitat heterogeneity increased. Overall, moderate increase in habitat heterogeneity enhanced the functional diversity of macrobenthic communities, but negative effect was incurred when the habitat heterogeneity was too high. For the sake of conservation and management of mangroves, restoration should consider plant density and plant species to minimize the impact of dense root structures on macrobenthos. Given the lower functional redundancy and distinct trait pattern in the mudflat, afforestation is not recommended so that the integrity of the ecological functions of mangroves can be maintained.

Description: Publication date: November 2015 Source: Energy Reports, Volume 1 Author(s): Anjali Sandip, Val H. Smith, Terry N. Faddis The objective of this study was to investigate the microalgal dewatering efficiency of a belt filter system for feed concentrations below 10 g dry wt./L. A prototype belt filtration system designed for 50 g dry wt./L microalgal feed concentration was used for this investigation. The highest concentration of microalgal suspension available for testing on the prototype belt filtration system was 6 g dry wt./L obtained from biomass settling tanks at the Lawrence, Kansas domestic wastewater treatment plant. For preparation of feed suspension with concentrations below 10 g dry wt./L, microalgal cultivation was followed by flocculation. A mixed laboratory culture of freshwater species dominated by three eukaryotic green microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus sp., and Kirchneriella sp.) was cultivated in wastewater effluent. This was followed by flocculation which resulted in a microalgal feed suspension concentration of 4 g dry wt./L. Belt dewatering tests were conducted on microalgal suspensions with feed concentrations of 4 g dry wt./L and 6 g dry wt./L. The maximum microalgal recovery with the belt dewatering system was 46% from the 4 g dry wt./L, and 84% from the 6 g dry wt./L suspensions respectively. The results of this study indicate that microalgal suspension concentrations as low as 6 g dry wt./L can be recovered with a belt filter system improving the overall dewatering efficiency of the system.

Description: Publication date: July 2015 Source: Global Ecology and Conservation, Volume 4 Author(s): Kamaljit K. Sangha, Andrew Le Brocque, Robert Costanza, Yvonne Cadet-James The well-being of Indigenous people in Australia and throughout the world is linked to the use and value of natural resources. This research analyses the current well-being approach applied to measure well-being of Indigenous Australians. It reports findings from three case studies in Queensland on Indigenous people’s values and concerns and their capabilities in relation to natural systems. It applies a holistic approach based upon the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and Sen’s capability approaches and proposes an integrated well-being model by incorporating intangible values such as cultural and identity values, that are linked to people’s capabilities involving natural systems. It provides a novel way of understanding the role of natural resources in Indigenous well-being by associating natural resources with people’s capabilities. The study suggests transforming the present concept of well-being and its measures for incorporating people’s capabilities that can effectively inform future policy decision making.

Description: Publication date: November 2015 Source: Energy Reports, Volume 1 Author(s): Doo Won Kang, John H. Holbrook The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions in the United States. This study identifies scenarios for dramatically reducing future GHG emissions from the US transportation sector, specifically from light-duty vehicles (LDVs), by phasing in ammonia (NH 3 )-fueled vehicles in place of vehicles using petroleum-based fuels. Projected US LDV carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from the Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) 2013 reference case projections prepared by the United States Department of Energy serve as the reference case for this study. Two scenarios, in addition to the AEO reference case, have been developed in this study to illustrate the GHG emissions mitigation potential of implementing NH 3 -fueled vehicles in the US LDV transportation sector through 2040. This study uses the software tool LEAP (the Long range Energy Alternatives Planning System), with which alternative scenarios can be created and evaluated by comparing their energy requirements and environmental impacts. Aggressive implementation of NH 3 -fueled vehicles replacing gasoline vehicles to account for 100% in 2040 achieves reduction of about 30% of the cumulative LDV CO 2 emissions from 2010 through 2040 produced in the reference case. It eliminates most of the annual LDV CO 2 emissions projected in the reference case in the year 2040, with a 96% reduction from reference case levels, equivalent to a reduction of approximately 718 million metric tons CO 2 equivalent in that year’s emissions. The current study demonstrates that NH 3 -fueled vehicles could be a promising near-term alternative for LDV because of its significant contribution in reducing CO 2 emissions compared with vehicles of carbon based fuels.

Description: Publication date: Available online 15 May 2015 Source: Water Science Author(s): Yasser Raslan , Radwa Salama This paper investigates the development of Nile River islands in the first reach which extends between Aswan and new Esna barrages. A wide range of data compiled and used in this investigation which include produced maps in 1939, 1982 and 2003, and hydrological data. Compiled data drew a complete picture for up-to-date information on morphological changes since 1939. The analysis indicated that islands length; thus, area has reduced since 1939. Also, islands tend to reshape by elongating. The reduction in area is attributed in part to the merging of islands in either bank and adjustment of the river to the new flow conditions after the operation of High Aswan Dam. El-Mansouria Island which is the largest island in area was focused on. Recent human interferences accelerated the merging of island in the west bank. Consequently, river morphology has changed around the islands.

Description: Publication date: Available online 4 May 2015 Source: Climate Risk Management Author(s): Ryan Meyer , Skyli McAfee , Elizabeth Whiteman Boundary organizations play an important role in stabilizing interactions between science and nonscience. In this paper we focus on how boundary organizations not only serve a variety of actors across a complex science-policy landscape, but also actively shape that landscape over time through process, institution building, and partnership building. Some of these partnerships are with other boundary organizations, thus forming “boundary chains”. We draw on our experiences in convening the West Coast Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Science Panel, an interdisciplinary group of scientists working to inform regional, state and federal responses to complex ecological, social and economic issues with rapidly evolving scientific understanding. From within a landscape already populated with a diverse set of institutions and actors focused on this issue, we illustrate how the Panel itself functions simultaneously at different positions within multiple boundary chains, mobilizing a variety of boundary organization partners to deliver on its mandate. In describing these arrangements, we show how political context and a shifting balance among credibility, legitimacy, and salience as near-term priorities have shaped both the posture and focus of the panel at different stages in its evolution. This case study suggests that boundary chains are necessary in order to advance the integration of science and decision making related to a complex emerging issue, especially at the scale of the North American West Coast. We also examine the nature of links among boundary organizations, and the kinds of benefits they confer upon individual actors, and upon the network as a whole. In some cases the benefit is through increased efficiency or reduced individual transaction costs. In others, the existence of linked chains may increase the power and value of individual interactions. In considering the issues of efficiency and transaction costs, we argue that it is important to remember that boundary organizations and boundary chains tend to increase the overall number transactions in the system. Indeed, this is part of their value in linking science and decision making: they multiply and strengthen relationships in a space where interactions were previously both few and ineffective.

Description: Publication date: Available online 22 April 2015 Source: Climate Risk Management Author(s): John Jacobs , Stephanie K. Moore , Kenneth E. Kunkel , Liqiang Sun Climate change is expected to alter coastal ecosystems in ways which may have predictable consequences for the seasonality and geographical distribution of human pathogens and harmful algae. Here we demonstrate relatively simple approaches for evaluating the risk of occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in the genus Vibrio and outbreaks of toxin-producing harmful algae in the genus Alexandrium , with estimates of uncertainty, in U.S. coastal waters under future climate change scenarios through the end of the 21st century. One approach forces empirical models of growth, abundance and the probability of occurrence of the pathogens and algae at specific locations in the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound with ensembles of statistically downscaled climate model projections to produce first order assessments of changes in seasonality. In all of the case studies examined, the seasonal window of occurrence for Vibrio and Alexandrium broadened, indicating longer annual periods of time when there is increased risk for outbreaks. A second approach uses climate model projections coupled with GIS to identify the potential for geographic range shifts for Vibrio spp. in the coastal waters of Alaska. These two approaches could be applied to other coastal pathogens that have climate sensitive drivers to investigate potential changes to the risk of outbreaks in both time (seasonality) and space (geographical distribution) under future climate change scenarios.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): M. Al-Senafy , K. Hadi , A. Fadlelmawla , K. Al-Fahad , A. Al-Khalid , H. Bhandary Residential areas of Kuwait have been affected by rising groundwater levels for many years. The main reason for this problem is the increased recharge derived from the excessive irrigation of gardens and parks, and leaks from sewage networks, where the hydraulic characteristics of the lithology play an important role in intensifying the impacts of this phenomenon at local scale. The objective of this paper is to assess the hydrological conditions of Al-Qurain residential area to identify the extent and the causes of the water rise problem. A total of 25 wells of various depths were drilled, constructed and sampled at the study area. Water level loggers installed in the drilled wells indicated that water levels are fluctuating on daily bases and increasing up to 50 cm during winter months due to the reduction of evapotranspiration and recharge from rainfall. Combining the water level records and the results of the isotopic, chemical and biological analysis, it was concluded that the top 20 m of the aquifer water is made up of mostly irrigation, waste and rain water in addition to the aquifer groundwater. It was also observed that the intruding water from lower Dammam aquifer is dominating the aquifer beneath 40 m depth. This conclusion along with the steep topography of the area explained why this area is naturally prone to water rise. The study recommended the utilization of integrated system of dewatering wells along with desalination units to lower the water level and re-utilize the groundwater. On the prevention side, it is recommended to conduct an awareness campaign that educate the residents of the impacts of over use of water on their own properties.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): Hesham M. Bekhit Sinai Peninsula represents Egypt's strategic extension and historical link to its Arab neighbors. Owing to its important and critical location, the Egyptian Government budget for the coming year gives priority to a broad national development project in Sinai. However, the scarcity of freshwater in coastal arid regions of Sinai, coupled with the desired development and the ongoing population growth, makes optimal sustainable water management crucial. This paper is aiming at achieving the optimum groundwater management strategy in a pilot area at Sinai to support the sustainability of the development project. The evolutionary computational algorithms were used to achieve the abovementioned sustainable management strategy. The objective function of the developed management strategy aims to maximize the net benefit from groundwater withdrawal, while minimizing the invasion of saltwater front inside the aquifer. Also, to ensure sustainable development the objective function considers minimizing well interference effects. The results show that the developed framework can be effectively and efficiently used to achieve global solutions of the examined groundwater management problem.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): S.S. Askarimarnani , G. Willgoose Coal seam gas or coal bed methane production is becoming a significant industry in Australia. The area around the Broke township (located in the north-west of the Sydney Basin) has had coal seam gas exploration activities over the last decade. One methodology of well stimulation, hydraulic fracturing, has the potential to cause some environmental problems. The Broke region includes 4 aquifers (3 confined and semi-confined), more than 3 major coal seams (3 gas bearing) and has been covered by variety of different sedimentary rocks of Permian age. The groundwater system, with the gas bearing deposits is the function of conductivity and storativity (K and S) of the coal seam and geometry of properties of the fractures. The required data to investigate the hydraulic properties in the fractured zone includes; corehole data to assessment the geology and underground system, micro-seismic data to infer the fracture properties, pumping tests results, and monitoring wells data to evaluate the hydraulic properties of the coal seams. This paper investigates the shape of drawdown curves, resulting from the hydraulic pumping tests at Broke performed to determine the hydraulic and fracture properties, such as length, width, conductivity of fractures, and the proportion of the water and gas contained in the targeted coal seam. In order to reduce data uncertainty and increase the reliability of the hydraulic property estimation the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) will be applied. Finally, with investigation of the shape (length and width) and conductivity of the fractures, the best monitoring method to ensure public safety of provide assurances that if problems occur the monitoring system will provide early warning for this study area will be determined.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): A. Caserta , R. Kanivetsky , E. Salusti In this paper we analyze the presence of “Burgers solitons” in geologic porous rocks. These are quick, strong transients of combined fluid pressure and solute density that are generated from an adjacent matrix, characterized by an intense pressure and contaminant density. The effect that produces such transients is a nonlinear advection process that is not often taken into account in hydrologic science. A brief analysis of solitons in Pierre Shale is also shown in the paper.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): C. Miracapillo , H. Morel-Seytoux Preliminary field tests were carried out in the protected area of Langen Erlen in Basel in order to find a correlation between variations of soil resistivity and variations of the soil water content. The experimental set up is described and the accuracy of the data is evaluated. Data are interpreted using a conceptual physical model in order to determine the infiltration patterns. An inverse relationship between the variations of soil resistivity and the variations of soil water content is used.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): C. Miracapillo , H. Morel-Seytoux A model based on analytical solutions derived from the 2-phase flow theory for infiltration and drainage processes under transient supply conditions is presented here. The mathematical derivations are based on the knowledge of unsaturated flow in porous media, on the continuity equation and Darcy equation. The main assumption concerns the rectangular shape of the water content profile with depth which leads to an abrupt change of the water contents as the front goes by. A sequence of infiltration and drainage fronts are analysed and the results are presented. New is the approach of combining the saturated and the unsaturated zones in one efficient methodology using analytical solutions.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): L. Moghadasi , A. Guadagnini , F. Inzoli , D. Colapietro , M. Bartosek , D. Renna We present experimental investigations of two-phase (oil and water) relative permeability of laboratory scale rock cores through a joint use of direct X-ray measurement and flow-through investigations. Experimental data embed key information relating relative permeability to observables. In this context, direct measurement of in-situ fluid saturation through X-Ray techniques has the unprecedented ability to characterize key processes occurring during the displacement of immiscible fluids through natural permeable materials. We illustrate the benefit of employing direct X-Ray measurements of fluid saturation through a set of laboratory experiments targeted to the estimate of two-phase relative permeabilities of homogeneous samples (sand pack and Berea sandston core). Data are obtained for a range of diverse fractional flow rates and provide information at saturations ranging from irreducible water content to residual oil saturation. Our X-Ray saturation data are consistent with an interpretation of measured relative permeabilities as associated with water-wet rock conditions. The comparison of different preamble samples result high displacement efficiency and recovery factor corresponds to the high permeable and well-connected pores.

Description: Publication date: 2015 Source: Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 25 Author(s): D. Musmarra , M. Di Natale , I. Bortone , A. Erto , M. Ciarmiello The deterioration of groundwater quality is a widespread concern mainly originating by accidental discharges and soil/landfills leaching. Permeable Adsorptive Barriers (PAB) represents a challenging in situ remediation technology, which consist of a continuous trench penetrating the aquifer at a full depth. A PAB is filled with an adsorptive material; groundwater flow moves under natural gradient and the remediation naturally occurs. This paper deals with the application of a PAB for the remediation of thallium Tl(I) contaminated groundwater in Falciano del Massico, Italy. The polluted site is a solid waste landfill, where many wastes were dumped over the past decades, particularly during the crisis of waste and landfill management in large areas of the region of Campania (Italy). Sawdust is chosen as reactive material for PAB, as it showed good Tl(I) removal capacity. Based on the hydrogeological and geotechnical characterization of the polluted aquifer, a 3D numerical model is developed to describe pollutant transport and adsorption mechanisms onto the barrier. Numerical simulations are accurately performed over a long time span, by means of Computational Fluid Dynamic approach developed in COMSOL ® Multiphysics. PAB configuration and design parameters are determined, in terms of location, shape and main dimensions, using a procedure previously developed. Results shows that the designed PAB is effective for the remediation of the contaminated aquifer, being Tl(I) concentration flowing out the barrier always lower than Italian regulatory limit. Furthermore PAB has been demonstrated to be an efficient long term method for groundwater protection.