volume-07-Issue 2 (2015)
Latest Articles
Exploring Weak Signals and Wild Cards in the Water Services
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 105 - 112
Published: 28 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.009
by Annina Takala, Ossi Heino from Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, Finland
Abstract: This paper describes a study that was conducted to assess weak signals and wild cards in the case of water services. It is argued that the potential of this approach lies in the practical application, not in scientific strict methodology and rigid interpretations of what weak signals and wild cards are. Thinking about weak signals and wild cards can be an essential part in strategic long-term thinking, help think differently, and in this way contribute to the future sustainability of water services. read more... read less...
Keywords: Water Services, Weak Signals, Wild Cards, Strategic Planning.
Sewage Quality Assessment of Various Places in Bilaspur City
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 97 - 104
Published: 28 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.008
by Ashish Kumar Parashar from Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract: The quantity, strength and type of sewage depends upon the population, Life style of people and the existence of different types of industries respectively and the amount of treatment required to be given to sewage depends very much upon the source of disposal. In Bilaspur the source of disposal of municipal as well as industrial waste water is Arpa River (Non perennial) which is known as life line of Bilaspur city. The climatic change has already turned the perennial Arpa River into non Perennial River and at this time the Urbanization, Industrial growth and improved standard of living of people of Bilaspur have increased the strength and quantity of sewage in recent years to a point where dilution alone can no longer be relied upon to prevent the undesirable effect of pollution. Hence it is absolutely necessary to study the characteristics and behavior of sewage, to ensure its safe disposal. This study will help us in determining the degree and type of treatment required to a given sewage according to its characteristics and thus to avoid the pollution of the source of its disposal i.e. Arpa river so that the adverse effect of pollution on human health, aquatic life, animals and plants can be eliminated. For the present study we have selected 4 places in Bilaspur City for collection of sewage hence Sample 1 was collected at Vasant Vihar S.E.C.L. Colony, The sample 2 was collected from M/S Narmada Drinks Pvt. Ltd. Sirgitti, The sample 3 was collected at Pachrighat drain. The sample 4 was collected from Nalla near Bannak Chowk Sirgitti. The Chemical tests namely Suspended Solids, Dissolved Solids, Chloride Content, Chemical Oxygen Demand and Physical tests namely pH value, Temperature, Threshold Odour Number (TON) had been performed and the tests results were compared with Indian standards permissible limits. Priority of this journal is to provide our important and valuable information to all people who show interest. The test results indicated that the Sample-1Vasant Vihar is less polluted, Sample-2 Narmada Drinks only requires neutralization of Chloride Content, Sample-3 Pachrighat was polluted and required treatment in summer season for reducing Solids whereas Sample-4 Bannak Nalla was highly polluted and required throughout treatment of higher degree. Out of the four samples the Sample-4 (Nalla near Bannak Chowk) was found to be most polluted sample in terms of Suspended solids, Chloride content, C.O.D., B.O.D. & T.O.N. and the drain containing this sample is being used by local public and is being discharged untreated into Arpa River. This Wastewater must be treated to prevent the Environment and the water bodies. read more... read less...
Keywords: Water Quality, Water Purification, Wastewater Treatment, C.O.D., B.O.D., Odour Number.
Adaptation of an Early Design Stage Tool forAssessment of Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) in Large UAE Buildings
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 91 - 95
Published: 28 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.007
by K. Shanks from School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS), Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, U.A.E.
Abstract: The paper outlines a new design tool for the assessment of sustainable energy systems (SES) for large buildings that is being adapted for the UAE building stock and climate context. The structure and underlying framework is discussed for SES and building types appropriate to the UAE. The mapping of the various levels of input and output of the tool to a typical design development process are described and initial characterization of some components are presented. read more... read less...
Keywords: mapping, sustainable energy systems
Characterization and UV Treatment of Cooling Water from an Oil Refinery
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 87 - 90
Published: 28 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.006
by Jimoh Oladunni Haolat, Abraham George, Mabrok Issa, Mikael Berthod, Kean Wang from The Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 2533, UAE, Takreer Research Center, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 3593, UAE
Abstract: The cooling water from a local oil refinery was sampled, analyzed and experimentally treated with UV light irradiation at a wavelength of ~254nm. Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and bacteria count (BC) were analyzed for the water samples over years to monitor the water quality. The experimental results showed that: 1) The cooling water quality (e.g. organic matters) varies significantly over the years’ operation, probably due to the change in weather (mainly the temperature); 2) The UV treatment was highly effective for the disinfection of cooling water. Within a 24 hour treatment period, it was observed that the bacteria count decreased from 3890 cfu/ml to practically undetectable, which is consistent with the UV/Vis analysis that the absorbance at 254 nm was decreased significantly over the time. The degradation of chemicals by UV was also observed in the experiment. read more... read less...
Keywords: UV, refinery water, water analysis, UV/Vis, cooling water, water treatment
Bioremediation- A Beneficial Use of Biotechnology and Allied Engineering Technologies in Oil Producing Regions
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 83 - 85
Published: 28 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.005
by Muhammad Mukhtar and Larry D Griffin from Department of Biotechnology, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Department of Languages and Literature, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Abstract: Microbial decomposition has played a major role in the sustenance of societies by decomposing various materials thus enhancing physical space on the earth. However, a continuous increase in world population now threatens the carrying capacity of our planet. Within a defined space on Earth, the ever increasing number of living organisms creates challenges for the management of waste materials generated. Identification and isolation of microbes capable of decomposing wastes and hazardous materials and discovery of processes to produce genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMS) through biotechnological processes give hope to making this world a better place to live by managing global wastes using tamed microorganisms. Scientists coin this process of utilizing GEMS with defined characteristics of decontaminating waste and harmful materials as bioremediation. In this study, we evaluate relative scientific data from bioremediation and oil spills in the Middle East. The US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, PubMed and PubMed Health databases were used for retrieving information relevant to application of bioremediation in oil spills and issues associated with oil contamination in peripheries of oil drilling areas. The size of these databases gradually increase, however, based on our access in the last week of October 2015, the word “bioremediation” search on the PubMed databases returned above 36,000 articles, and among these a combined search of “bioremediation AND Oil” returned 2,400 articles which shows that 7% of global research in the area of bioremediation is dedicated towards oil cleaning. A further refining of the search in reference to Middle East (bioremediation AND Oil AND Middle East) returns 41 articles thus revealing 1.7% of the research activities occur in the Middle East. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the Middle East harbors 49% reserves of crude oil, whereas, it shares a significantly weaker output as far as scientific contributions remain. Based on this information, we provide our analyses of the ongoing bioremediation in general with a particular focus on oil and propose strengthening of biotechnology programs in collaboration with the discipline of engineering to foster research in oil bioremediation in the Middle East read more... read less...
Keywords: Bioremediation, Microbial decomposition, waste materials, increasing number of living organisms
Predicting Sea-Level Rise in Al Hamra Development, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 75 - 82
Published: 28 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.004
by Robert M. Arthu, and G. G. Garland from American University of Ras Al Khaimah UAE, Independent Coastal Management Consultant, UAE
Abstract: The Al Hamra development in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is situated along the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Gulf. The development fronts the Gulf along a 5 km. stretch of sandy beach and, as it includes 5 hotels, numerous villas and condos, represents a significant investment. Such an investment requires long-term strategies to minimize risk from sea level rise. As IPCC reports continue to be updated with new information, predictions of sea level rise have been revised upward. In order to plan for the protection of these, and other developments, accurate information needs to be supplied to those involved in planning adaptation strategies. This paper seeks to quantify and map the potential area subject to inundation up to the year 2099. Using the highest inundation scenario, a GIS map of inundation will be created. Other factors, such as high tides, storm surge and extreme wave events will see water levels increased beyond the predicted sea level scenarios indicating greater risk of flooding. This project will use LiDAR data in a GIS environment to provide the most accurate elevation data. Other layers showing buildings assist in visualizing future vulnerability to sea level rise. This coastline is heavily developed with construction underway for more resort developments. As the risk from sea level rise evolves over a long time period, planners require accurate information that can be easily updated in order to react to revised predictions. This paper represents a pilot project as future research is planned to examine the entire 65km coastline of Ras Al Khaimah. read more... read less...
Keywords: Sea Level Rise, GIS, LiDAR, Ras Al Khaimah
Smart Cities & 21st Century Economic Development & Welfare Holistic Approach Towards a Roadmap Strategy Development for RAK Emirate
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 69 - 74
Published: 28 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.003
by Imad Eddine Oubiri from RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Abstract: Modern economic concepts and models are nowadays abounding, thus creating a challenge in keeping pace with the global economic and technological developments, for both institutions and individuals, often failing to grasp the true meanings and purposes of the latter; thus receding chances for economic communities to make use of the sound scientific content therein, fair value, great benefits and implied objectives to achieve economic development and welfare. In recent years, and after the spread of some the concepts such as “sustainability”, “clean and green energy”, "e- government"; the "Smart" concept is nowadays strongly imposing itself in the local scene, after UAE Federal Government and Dubai Emirate have adopted and embarked onto “Smart Progressive” plan implementation. Candid man-of-the-street assumptions would inevitably and systematically link the concept to applications for smart phones and mobile systems and the exploitation of technological resources in everyday life. Whereas, in fact this is only a part of a whole integrated and wide-ranging economic system in which technology plays a pivotal role alongside with several other most prominent and crucial factors. The present paper deals with introduction to the “Smart” economic model implementation in our City of the future, with focus on criteria, requirements, indicators and role and contribution of citizens, government and institutions, aiming at shedding the light onto a hot topic with critical impact on present and future holistic economic action plans. read more... read less...
Keywords: Smart City, Technology Integration, Infrastructure Integration, Strategy Development
GIS Based Surveillance of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) Risk for Rawalpindi City: A Geostatistical Approach
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 63 - 67
Published: 26 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.002
by Amna Butt, Sheikh Saeed Ahmad, Rabia Shabbir and Summra Erum from Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Abstract: Identification of previously existing traffic accident hotspots is the first step to ensure future road safety. The present study focused on providing GIS based geostatistical surveillance for the Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) in Rawalpindi for five years (2009-2013) to determine the high risk areas or hotspots. For this purpose, spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I test), Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) and hotspot (Getis-Ord Gi*) analyses were performed on the data obtained from Punjab Emergency Service Department (Rescue 1122). Spatial clusters and hotspots identified during the research lied mostly in the Northern and Northeastern part of the study area encompassing both commercial and residential areas of the city with majority of accident hotspots being near schools, hospitals, airport and highways. The study proposed that serious steps should be taken to improve the road safety conditions in these areas and focus of Emergency Response Providers (ERPs) should be directed there. Furthermore, the integration of GIS based expertise in the Emergency department should be ensured for regular surveillance of shifts in hotspots. read more... read less...
Keywords: Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), GIS, Geostatistical analysis, Hotspots (Getis-Ord Gi), Spatial Autocorrelation, Moran’s I test, Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE)
Effect of Pro Oxidant Agents on the Ageing of Polypropylene
SWES, volume-07, Issue 2 (2015) , PP 59 - 62
Published: 25 Nov 2015
DOI: 10.5383/swes.7.02.001
by Fatima Bensaad and Naima Belhaneche-Bensemra from , Laboratory of Materials Coating and Environment, University M Hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria b Laboratory of Sciences and Techniques of Environment, National Polytechnic School, Algiers, Algeria
Abstract: The aim of this work is to study the influence of pro oxidant agents on the natural ageing of polypropylene (PP). For that purpose, two formulations containing, respectively, 5 wt % of Ca stearate and Ca/Zn complex as pro oxidant agents were prepared and exposed during 18 months to exterior natural conditions of Mediterranean climate. For comparison, a control formulation based only on PP was prepared. Samples were taken off every three months and characterized. The evolution of mechanical properties was followed by tensile test and Shore D hardness while the chemical modifications were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that all the considered formulations were affected but those containing the pro oxidant agents were the most affected. Moreover, Ca stearate is more effective than Ca/Zn complex as pro oxidant agent. read more... read less...
Keywords: Polypropylene, Natural Ageing, Pro Oxidant Agent, Photodegradation.