Heavy metal exposure from co-processing of hazardous wastes for cement production and associated human risk assessment

This study was carried out to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Ni and Zn) in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) produced from the co-processing with hazardous waste in comparison with OPC produced using natural raw materials. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in cement produced from natural raw material was in the order of Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Cd. Zn and Cd were the highest and the lowest concentrations, respectively, in cements produced from the co-processing activity. The difference between heavy metals concentrations in OPC produced with and without co-processing was found to be statistically significant. The concentration of heavy metals in the cement produced is generally factory dependent. The human risk assessment associated with the heavy metals for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks has been evaluated. The calculated hazard index (HI) and total lifetime cancer risks (LCR) were lower than the acceptable threshold reference values, HI < 1 and LCR < 1 × 10^?4, respectively. Thus, it is anticipated that there is no potential of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for both adult and children. However, the findings indicated that there is a need for regulatory monitoring. The exposure pathway for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks are both in the order of ingestion > dermal > inhalation.     

A geomagnetic secular variation study (31000–19 500 bp) in Western Canada

Summary. Palaeomagnetic results from 212 horizons spread evenly through an 18 m sedimentary sequence in southern British Columbia are reported. Radiocarbon ages suggest that the sequence spans the interval from 31 200 to 19 500 yr bp. No evidence for any large geomagnetic excursions (such as the so-called Mono Lake Excursion) is found, but a distinctive pattern of 'normal' secular variation is observed with declination and inclination swings of 45° and 25° peak to peak amplitude respectively. For the most part the secular variation consists of low amplitude oscillations about the field vector of a geocentric axial dipole expected at the site latitude, but three relatively large perturbations occur at approximately 4000 yr intervals. These perturbations systematically bias the overall mean to shallow inclinations and easterly declinations in a manner reminiscent of the spatially non-isotropic secular variation model proposed by Cox. The bias involved is about 6° in declination and 3° in inclination (overall mean D = 5.8°E, I = 64.2°, α95 = 0.9°, N = 212 horizons), which leads to a pole which is both 'far-sided' and 'right-handed'. If the horizons involved in the three major perturbations are eliminated the mean direction ( D = 1.2°E, I = 67.2°, α95 = 0.8°, N = 125 horizons) does not differ from that of a geocentric axial dipole despite the small cone of confidence.     

Markov CA,Multi Regression,and Multiple Decision Making for Modeling Historical Changes in Kirkuk City,Iraq

The cellular automata (CA) model is an important tool in land use change studies. Swift increases in population and long-term expectations of rapid urbanization have led to extensive land use change, and normal living conditions have affected the natural resources of the land. This paper highlights and analyzes the historical urban changes in Kirkuk City, Iraq, considering repeated changes undergone by the state such change as government infrastructures, wars, and economic blockade. In this paper, an integrated model, built-in multi regression model, and multi-criteria evaluation were considered to improve the representation of CA transition rules. Environmental and socioeconomic factors were used to produce Suitable Maps (SMs). These SMs were practicalities to create factor layers and weight usage, rating method process for variance expert decision-making groups, and geographic information systems for the periods 1984, 1990, 2000, and 2010. The roots of the equation (R²) values are compared and these values are chosen to produce a good model of suitable maps. The approach used in this study provides a mechanism for monitoring suitability maps in Kirkuk. Furthermore, the model Markov CA is implemented and evaluated. The results indicate that the model, its related concepts performs sufficiency     

Agrobiodiversity of Muda Rice Agroecosystem:A case Study in Largest Granary Area of Malaysia

A survey was carried out at the largest rice cultivation area in Peninsular Malaysia,the Muda rice agroecosystem.The main objective of this study was to document the overall biodiversity associated with this unique agroecosystem by using a combination of sampling techniques in order to record different groups of fauna and flora.The total number of biota recorded and identified from the rice field ecosystem during the study period consisted of 46 species of zooplankton,81 species of aquatic insects,5 species of rodents,7 species of bats,87 species of birds,11 species of fishes and 58 species of weeds.A long-term study should be carried out as more species are expected to be recorded when more of the Muda rice agroecosystem area has been sampled to obtain sufficient information on the Muda rice agrobiodiversity.     

Compositional appraisal and quality implication of Emiworo metacarbonate deposit in Central Nigeria

Metacarbonate deposit occurring in Emiworo area, northcentral Nigeria are low grade marble associated with Proterozoic basement complex rocks. Integrated inorganic geochemical, physical and thermal characteristics of the samples were investigated with the aim of revealing their economic viability. The phase characteristics of the metacarbonate show that dolomite is the dominant phase with calcite and phlogopite as minor phases, while silicates, graphites and pyrites constitute the accessories. Reactivity of the quicklime measured after calcination at different temperatures revealed that only the quicklime produced in 1 hour at 950°C and 1000°C was found to be reactive. Physical properties and comparative data show that the Emiworo marble displays lower water absorption and higher compressive strength, loss on ignition and bulk specific gravity, compared to other metacarbonate rocks occurring in other parts of Nigeria and elsewhere. These attributes makes the deposit suitable for many conventional industrial applications.     

Observed Trends in Extreme Temperature over the Klang Valley,Malaysia

This study investigates the recent extreme temperature trends across 19 stations in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, over the period 2006-16. Fourteen extreme index trends were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test, with Sen’s slope as a magnitude estimator. Generally, the annual daily mean temperature, daily mean maximum temperature, and daily mean minimum temperature in the Klang Valley increased significantly, by 0.07°C yr~(-1), 0.07°C yr~(-1)and 0.08°C yr~(-1),respectively. For the warm temperature indices, the results indicated a significant upward trend for the annual maximum of maximum temperature, by 0.09°C yr~(-1), and the annual maximum of minimum temperature, by 0.11°C yr~(-1). The results for the total number of warm days and warm nights showed significant increasing trends of 5.02 d yr~(-1)and 6.92 d yr~(-1),respectively. For the cold temperature indices, there were upward trends for the annual minimum of maximum temperature,by 0.09°C yr~(-1), and the annual minimum of minimum temperature, by 0.03°C yr~(-1), concurrent with the decreases in the total number cold days (TX10P), with-3.80 d yr~(-1), and cold nights (TN10P), with-4.33 d yr~(-1). The 34°C and 37°C summer days results showed significant upward trends of 4.10 d yr~(-1) and 0.25 d yr~(-1), respectively. Overall, these findings showed upward warming trends in the Klang Valley, with the minimum temperature rate increasing more than that of the maximum temperature, especially in urban areas.     

The Recovery of Two Long-logged Headwaters in Temengor Reservoir,Perak,Malaysia

A study on water quality of the two long-logged and abandoned headwaters in Temengor Reservoir was conducted to determine their natural recovery.In this study,we used National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia prepared by Malaysian Department of Environment as an indicator for water quality recovery.The parameters measured were dissolved oxygen（mg/L）,water temperature（℃）,pH,conductivity（mS/cm）,total dissolved solids（mg/ L）,water velocity（m/s）,ortho-phosphate（PO₄-P）,nitrite-nitrogen（NO₂-N）,nitrate-nitrogen（NO₃,-N）and alkalinity. In general,water quality in Sungai Enam and Sungai Telang were in ClassⅠ,indicating water quality in both streams have recovered.Based on the t-test,Sungai Enam and Sungai Telang differed significantly in all parameters except for dissolved oxygen,NO₂-N and NO₃-N.In spatial analyses（upper,middle and lower reaches comparisons）, the two-way ANOVA analysis shows that there were significant differences in all studied parameters between the two rivers except for dissolved oxygen,total dissolved solids,NO₂-N and NO₃-N.Stream flow,hydrologic pathways,geomorphology,physical and environmental characteristics are essential elements in understanding the dynamics of water systems in Sungai Enam and Sungai Telang.Due to the recovery,these two headwaters are thus suitable for fish conservation and restoration sites.     

Spatial analysis of a historical phenomenon: using GIS to demonstrate the strategic placement of Umayyad desert palaces

The Umayyad qusour (desert palaces) are monumental structures built during the reign of the first caliphate of Islam. Usually dismissed as “pleasure palaces” or “hunting lodges,” some scholars are beginning to argue that these prominent structures were strategic interventions in the landscape. Until now, historians have relied mainly on textual, architectural and art-historical analyses of the qusour in order to understand Umayyad state architecture. This research proposes the use of spatial analysis through GIS to lend a new dimension to the discussion. The results of the analysis show that Umayyad qusour are carefully situated at routes of transhumance and water sources. The distribution pattern of the Umayyad qusour is clustered at the outlet of Wadi Sarhan, and there is actually line-of-sight communication between Azraq, Amra, Haranah, Muwaqqar, Umm al Walid, Mushatta, and Qastal. There is also a positive association between Umayyad qusour and their water sources. These results support the argument that the Umayyad qusour were built strategically at perennial water sources in order to monitor routes of transhumance amongst the socio-political centers of the period.     

Origin of Quartz Cement in the Paleogene Sandstone Reservoir of Shahejie Formation, Bohai Bay Basin, China

The precipitation of authigenic quartz plays a significant role to reduce the reservoir characteristics and enhance the stiffness of the rock.The Es₁ sandstone of Shahejie Formation is acting as a significant hydrocarbon producing rock in the Nanpu Sag.Various methods like thin section petrography,cathodoluminescence(CL),scanning electron microscope(SEM,with EDS),and electron microprobe analysis has been used to reveal the origin of quartz cement as well as to evaluate the effect of quartz cement on reservoir quality.The studied sandstone is classified as immature to mature feldspathic litharenite and lithic arkose and consists of quartz,feldspar,rock fragments and micas.Petrographic studies and SEM analysis shows that the authigenic quartz is acting a significant cement that reduces the reservoir quality.Whereas clay minerals(kaolinite and mixed layer illite to smectite)are dominant in the Es₁ sandstone,that can reduce the reservoir quality.SEM,CL and thin section analysis reveal that there are two stages of quartz cement in the studied samples;that are pore filling authigenic cement and quartz overgrowth cement.Fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures shows that stages of quartz cement were developed with continuous process from 70℃ to 130℃.Quartz cements were generally originated from I/S reaction,feldspar dissolution,conversion of rock fragments and pressure solution.Feldspar dissolution(K-feldspar)and kaolinite to illite reaction is an insignificant silica source for the silica cement which is internally precipitated in a close system with diffusion transporting mechanism.Overall,quartz cement significantly enhance the rock strengthen and brittleness effectively as well as it reduce the overall reservoir quality.