Key Issues/Challenges for Inland Water Transportation Network in India

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 2 (2017), PP 75 - 81

Published: 13 Nov 2017

by S. Praveen, J. Jegan from M.E (Construction Engineering & Management), Department of Civil Engineering, James College of Engineering & Technology, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India, Professor & Head, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: The authors explore transport and trade as two broad service sectors of inland water resources. An attempt is made to find out the key issues and challenges from this sector with the evolving understanding of Indian inland water transportation system. The paper explains the background of inland water transport sector in India along with the discussion of issues and challenges faced by the same. The authors state that co-operation and co-ordination between inter-state governments is a strategic element to expand the network of inland water transport system in India beyond state boundaries. Conclusively, the prospect of inland navigation looks promising, wherein issues on infrastructural gaps and institutional support are addressed suitably. read more... read less...

Keywords: Inland Water, Navigation, Transportation, National Waterways

Wastewater Treatment Analysis, Technology and Challenges in Sweden

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 2 (2017), PP 67 - 74

Published: 18 Oct 2017

by Otu, Ubong Etop from Department Of Marine Biology, Akwa Ibom State University P.M.B 1167, Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract: Wastewater treatment is an efficient technique that increases the reclamation and reuse of wastewater for other productive uses, thereby, reducing the demand for freshwater resources, conservation of aquatic habitat, and sustainable utilization of water resources. Concerns for wastewater in Sweden began in the 1930s with only mechanical treatment but efficiently implemented in the 1960s as a result of significant eutrophication observed in open waters such as the Baltic Sea. Although prevailing wastewater treatment is fairly efficient, there is need to upgrade and improve existing treatment facilities (constructed in the 1970s) to mitigate potentially degradation of hygienic conditions due to the estimated increase in Swedish population. Thus, this paper will critically analyse prevailing treatment of wastewater in Sweden, the technology used and possible challenges encountered in the process. Small scale treatment of wastewater particularly practiced for dwellings not connected to municipal treatment plant will be discussed including sludge management in Sweden. The report further presented the significant issues including regulations, challenges, health hazards and constraints associated with wastewater treatment and reclamation. In addition, background information relating to potential technology to meet future wastewater treatment in Sweden were highlighted because current wastewater treatment facilities were constructed in the 1970s to provide services to Swedish population at that time. read more... read less...

Keywords: Water, Wastewater treatment, Grey wastewater, Sludge Management

Soil and Water Conservation in Thika-Chania catchment, Kenya

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 2 (2017), PP 59 - 65

Published: 04 Sep 2017

by Gathagu John Ng’ang’a, Mainya Johnstone Isiah, Oduor Brian Omondi, Khaldoon A. Mourad from Pan African University Institute for water and Energy Sciences, Tlemcen, Algeria, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University, Lund, 22100

Abstract: Soil and water conservation measures are widely practiced in Kenya to tackle the degradation of the ecosystems and to improve land productivity. Local government and NGOs have developed programs and campaigns about soil and water conservation measures. The aim of this study is to assess the need for soil and water conservation measures in Thika- Chania catchment by conducting a household survey using QuickTap Survey software. A total of 200 respondents were successfully interviewed and results analyzed in SPSS program. GIS tools were also used to do a classification of slopes in the study area. Results indicate that more than 90% of the people in the catchment area are farmers. In the recent years, 50% of the respondents have noted a decline in the vegetation. During the rain seasons, the intensity of color in the local rivers due to sediments have been observed to increase by 75% of the respondent while 9% said there was no change. More than 70% of the respondents indicated that the water levels have been on the declining trend especially during the low flows. Terraces and grass strips were the common soil and water conservation measures although some of them were severely degraded. We concluded that there is an immediate need to implement soil and water conservation measures in the catchment to enhance and restore the optimum functioning of the ecosystems. Capacity building and frequent extension services are needed to increase awareness on the impacts of the respective conservation methods. Incentives programs need to be established to encourage more farmers to participate in conserving and protecting their lands from degradation. read more... read less...

Keywords: Baseline survey, soil and water conservation, capacity building, degradation.

Modelling Water Demand and Efficient Use in Mbagathi Sub-Catchment Using Weap

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 1 (2017), PP 49 - 57

Published: 03 Apr 2017

by J. Nyika, G.N. Karuku, and R. N. Onwonga from Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Water systems have complex component interactions necessitating development and evaluation of management amidst uncertainties of climate and constrained natural resources. Conceptual models such as WEAP when used are effective planning and management tools as they forecast future effects of resource use efficiency at sub-catchment level using existent hydrological and climate data thereby acting as corrective measure to poor resources management. This study aimed at using WEAP model to forecast demand and analyze scenarios on efficient water use in Mbagathi subcatchment. WEAP model schematic was set to develop current and reference scenarios. Parameters used to run WEAP model were a GIS map of the sub-catchment, climate data from Kenya Meteorological Department at Dagorretti Corner Station, hydrological and water demand data from WRMA databases. High population growth and prolonged drought were predicted to increase water demand while reuse though not practised, was found by the model to be the most effective approach to manage unmet demands as compared to reduced conveyance losses and increased reservoir capacity. The study concluded that water reuse through exploitation of wastewater could be a viable solution to Mbagathi sub-catchment's water problems. read more... read less...

Keywords: water problems, necessitating development, evaluation of management, climate and constrained natural resources

Modelling and Prediction of Gully Initiation in the University of Benin Using the Gultem Dynamic Model

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 1 (2017), PP 41 - 47

Published: 06 Mar 2017

by N. Kayode-Ojo, J. O. Ehiorobo, and N.M. Uzoukwu from Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract: For a very long period of time there was environmental equilibrium between rainfall and soil erosion in the University of Benin until man's intervention caused a disruption in the equilibrium by the improper termination of the external drainage structures in the University of Benin, Benin City Nigeria. This led to the initiation of gully erosion which has caused the University a lot of environmental damages and if left unchecked, the effect will escalate and become very devastating and disastrous. The study was to evaluate and analyze the gully erosion problem that is developing in the western end of the University of Benin with a view to providing useful information for future planning, land conservation and control. Topographical Survey of the gully site were carried out using Differential Global Positioning System (GPS) Survey for controls and Total Station instrument for mapping of gully bed, gully walls and bank. This was to acquire morphological data of the gully site and generate geospatial data needed for monitoring the progressive growth of the gully. Using the generated 3D co-ordinates, spot heights, contour and Triangular Irregular Network models were generated in ARC-GIS environment. Soil samples were collected from the gully site for laboratory analysis and tests carried out included Specific gravity test, Particle size analysis, Compaction test and Shear Strength test in order to ascertain the overall contribution of the soils to the erosion problem. The data obtained from the surveys and investigations were inputed into the GULTEM Dynamic Erosion Model, for the evaluation of the rate of gully channel initiation. From the results the area affected by the gully erosion in this site is 11,100 m2. The geotechnical investigation carried out, revealed that the clay content of the soil in the area is only about 18%. This makes the soil highly susceptible to erosion as soils with less than 30% clay content are easily erodible. It also showed that the soil is finely graded, fairly cohesive and does not compact well. Information from the geospatial data of the gully site, revealed that the University of Benin Gully became steeper between the years 2005 to 2012 and thereafter the slope began to flatten out. The result of the model showed that the computed rate of gully channel initiation increases initially and then began to decrease steadily with the longitudinal distance of the gully for the period under study and also correlates well with the physical observation of the gully at various time interval monitored.. These models were validated using the data on gully morphology and dynamics from University of Benin Gully Erosion site. read more... read less...

Keywords: Environmental equilibrium, Gully erosion, Network models, GULTEM Dynamic Model.

The Performance Analysis of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) of Different Industries in Chittagong City

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 1 (2017), PP 29 - 40

Published: 20 Feb 2017

by Ohidul Alam, Sarkar Imran Wahid, Mohammed Kamal Hossain, Milan Kumar Chakraborty from Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences (IFES), University of Chittagong, Chittagong – 4331, Bangladesh, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Shanghai 200237, P.R. China, Chemical Department, Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Chittagong, Banglades

Abstract: The study was executed at Kalurghat industrial area to determine the efficiency of ETPs by testing different physicochemical parameters. Results revealed that only 3 out of 9 industries treated their effluents efficiently and discharged following the standards of DoE. The remaining industries viz. Alfa Textile treated their effluent but the values of pH (10.2), DO (3.6 mg/L), BOD (89 mg/L), COD (282 mg/L), TSS (221 mg/L), and EC (4003 μS/cm) exceeded the standards, and released untreated effluents directly into the environment. Smart Jeans didn’t maintain the standard of EC (1927 μS/cm), DO (3.2 mg/L), BOD (96 mg/L) and COD (216 mg/L). Asian Apparels EC (1973 μS/cm), DO (4 mg/L), BOD (79 mg/L), and COD (221 mg/L) weren’t up to the standards. Similarly, Mans Fashion EC (1243 μS/cm), DO (3.7 mg/L), TSS (180 mg/L), BOD (78 mg/L), and COD (255 mg/L) also exceeded the standards. In addition, Well Group TSS (160 mg/L), EC (3201 μS/cm), DO (4.2 mg/L), and COD (235 mg/L) while Golden Height only EC (1762 μS/cm) crossed the prescribed limits. Inversely, all the sampled industries volleyed effluents containing metals within the standards level except Alfa Textile (Cu, Zn, & Cr), Well Group (Cr) and Asian Apparels (Ni). read more... read less...

Keywords: Effluents, ETP, Efficiency, Environment, Industry, and Pollution.

Calibration and Validation Of Swat For Sub-Hourly Time Steps Using Swat-Cup

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 1 (2017), PP 21 - 27

Published: 20 Feb 2017

by Sa’d Shannak from Postdoctoral Researcher, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M AgriLife, Dallas, Texas

Abstract: SWAT is a semi-distributed, lumped parameter, continuous time model that simulates hydrology and water quality in watersheds. Traditionally, the model operated at a daily time step and it estimated the influence of landuse and management practices on water and agricultural chemical yields in a watershed. The daily time step format may not be sufficient to capture the impact of flashy storms where peak flows last for minutes only and are not reflected in daily average flows. A sub-hourly SWAT model for urban applications was developed but is not widely used. The main goal of this study was to present a basic methodology to calibrate sub-hourly SWAT models using SWAT-CUP. SWAT was tested using data from the Blunn Creek Watershed in Austin, Texas. The model was calibrated and evaluated using two separate representative 2-year periods bracketing hydrologic conditions experienced in the watershed. Results show that the sub-hourly SWAT provides reasonable estimates of stream flow for multiple storm events. read more... read less...

Keywords: Sub-hourly, SWAT, SWAT-CUP, SUFI-2, Uncertainty, Hydrological Modelling

The Effects of Cloud Model Initialization on Sulfate Chemistry Transport and Wet Deposition over Macedonia

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 1 (2017), PP 09 - 20

Published: 06 Feb 2017

by Vlado Spiridonov, and Mladjen Curic from Institute of Physics, St Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia, Institute of Meteorology, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract: We examine sulfate production and wet deposition over a rural location in Macedonia using a cloud chemistry model and ground-based measurements. The results indicate that using high- resolution meteorological input data from the WRF atmospheric model produces a better simulation and more realistic representation of the cloud-chemistry processes. The method shows a better skill in representation of convective scale processes, the spatial distribution of chemical fields in the cloud environment and thus a more accurate quantitative assessment of sulfate concentration and pH values. Analysis also indicated that scavenging and oxidation are the principal processes affecting sulfate production, participating with 33% and 46%, respectively. Turning off the ice-phase processes leads to overprediction of sulfate aerosol production for about 8 % relative to the base run. This novel method of initialization based on WRF conditions provides a scientific contribution by evaluating simulations of convective clouds in Macedonia against ground-based meteorological and chemical data, as well as by using the model to understand the driving processes affecting sulfate production and wet deposition. read more... read less...

Keywords: Cloud-chemistry model, WRF initialization, sulfate aerosol, wet deposition, acid precipitation

Remote Sensing Based Water Surface Extraction and Change Detection in the Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia

SWES, volume-09 , Issue 1 (2017), PP 01 - 07

Published: 16 Jan 2017

by Amare Sisay from School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia

Abstract: Recent advancements in water indices techniques and the availability of multi-temporal and multi-spectral imageries, has made the task of extracting and detecting surface water changes a lot effective and simpler. By taking advantage of this advancement, this study has therefore implemented NDWI and AWEI, among other indices, to extract and analyze the surface area changes of Lakes Shala, Abjata and Langano in the Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia. In doing so, Landsat images of 1973 (MSS data), 1986 (TM), 2000 (ETM+), 2005 (ETM+), 2011 (TM) and 2014 (OLI_TRIS) has been used. The results show that Lake Shala and Lake Langano has shown very small changes (-3.68 sqkm & -10.2 sqkms respectively) as compared to the surface area change of Lake Abjata (-68 sqkm) between 1973 and 2014, hence making Lake Abjata the most abruptly changing lake in four decades. read more... read less...

Keywords: Change Detection, Remote Sensing, surface water extraction, Water indices, Lake Abjata, Lake Shala, Lake Langano.

Seawater Biorefinery of Avicennia Marina –Biomethane Potential at Seawater Conditions

SWES, volume-08 , Issue 1 (2016), PP 33 - 34

Published: 28 Nov 2015

DOI: 10.5383/swes.8.01.007

by S. Almardeai, U. Javid, J.R.BBastidas-Oyanedel, and J.E. Schmidt from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Institute Center for Energy-iEnergy, PO Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract: Lignocellulose is considered as an abundant source of carbohydrates that can be used to produce renewable fuels and chemicals such as biomethane, which have economic and environmental advantages over fossil resources. However, conventional bioprocesses are based on the use of fresh water. Finding a new way to minimize the need for fresh water is economically important. This study focuses on the feasibility of bioenergy production from local mangroves plant using sea water biorefinery concept. Samples of Avicennia marina were collected from the coastal areas in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Based on anaerobic fermentation, inoculum was added to batch system that had sea water and the sampled biomass of 1.09g. Gas chromatography analysis had showed an increment in the biomethane production over an incubation period of initially of forty eight days at 37 ̊C and the last and highest reading reached 52.8 mlCH4/gVS by day 48. read more... read less...

Keywords: Seawater, Biorefinery, Anaerobic Digestion, Biomethane Potential

Smart Home System for Energy Saving using Genetic- Fuzzy-Neural Networks Approach

SWES, volume-08 , Issue 1 (2016), PP 27 - 31

Published: 28 Nov 2015

DOI: 10.5383/swes.8.01.006

by Anwar Jarndal from Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE

Abstract: Home energy saving is very important to realize sustainable improvement. This can be achieved by designing a smart home system that provides a productive and cost-effective environment through optimization of different factors that will be explained in this paper. In this paper, an adaptive smart home system for optimal utilization of power will be designed. The system is based on genetic-fuzzy-neural networks technique, which can capture a human behavior patterns and use it to predict the user's mood. This technique will improve the intelligence of the smart home control to minimize the power losses. read more... read less...

Keywords: Smart Home, Neural Networks; Genetic Optimization, Fuzzy Logic, Power Saving

A Novel Low-Energy VentilativeCooling System for Sustainable Built Environment

SWES, volume-08 , Issue 1 (2016), PP 21 - 26

Published: 27 Nov 2015

DOI: 10.5383/swes.8.01.005

by Hassam Nasarullah Chaudhry from School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, P O Box: 294 345, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: A numerical investigation into determining the thermal and ventilation capability of wind towers integrated with the heat pipe technology was carried out in this work. The water-charged copper heat pipes were systematically arranged in a horizontal orientation and integrated inside a modern roof-mounted wind tower. Water was used as the working fluid instead of synthetic refrigerants in order to make the system carbon-neutral alongside maintaining the indoor air quality of the built environment. The three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations along with the momentum, continuity and energy equations were solved using the commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) ANSYS code for velocity and pressure field simulations. Using the inlet wind speeds ranging from 1m/s to 5m/s, the results of the study showed that the proposed cooling system was capable of meeting the regulatory fresh air intake requirements per occupant of 10L/s. In addition, the findings determined that a passive cooling capacity of up to 11K was achievable when the system was subjected to inlet temperatures of 310K or 37°C. The work characterised the sustainable operation of wind tower in delivering energy-free ventilative cooling in regions encompassing hot and dry climatic conditions. The technology presented in this work is currently under an Intellectual Property (IP) protection (GB1321709.6). read more... read less...

Keywords: Airflow, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Heat Pipe, Ventilation, Wind Tower