The environmental analysis and site selection of mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas based on high resolution remote sensing

Mussel aquaculture and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas and their environmental characteristics in Zhoushan were analyzed using satellite data and in-situ surveys.A new two-step remote sensing method was proposed and applied to determine the basic environmental characteristics of the best mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas.This methodology includes the first step of extraction of the location distribution and the second step of the extraction of internal environmental factors.The fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)was established to extract the mussel and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan,using Gaofen-1(GF-1)and Gaofen-6(GF-6)satellite data with a special resolution of 2 m.In the second step,the environmental factors such as sea surface temperature(SST),chlorophyll a(Chl-a)concentration,current and tide,suspended sediment concentration(SSC)in mussel aquaculture area and large yellow croaker aquaculture area were extracted and analyzed in detail.The results show the following three points.(1)For the extraction of the mussel aquaculture area,FRI1 and FRI2 are complementary,and the combination of FRI1 and FRI2 is suitable to extract the mussel aquaculture area.As for the large yellow croaker aquaculture area extraction,FRI2 is suitable.(2)Mussel aquaculture and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan are mainly located on the side near the islands that are away from the eastern open waters.The water environment factor template suitable for mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture was determined.(3)This two-step remote sensing method can be used for the preliminary screening of potential site selection for the mussels and large yellow croaker aquaculture area in the future.the fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)in this paper can be applied to extract the mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas in coastal waters around the world.

The suitability assessment on site selection for bottom seeding scallop culture based on analytic hierarchy process

Scallop culture is an important way of bottom-seeding marine ranching,which is of great significance to improve the current situation of fishery resources.However,there are some problems in site-selection evaluation of marine ranching,such as imperfect criteria system,complex structure,untargeted criteria quantification,etc.In addition,no site-selection evaluation method of bottom-seeding culture areas for scallops is available.Therefore,we established a hierarchy structure model according to the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)theory,in which social,physical,chemical,and biological environments are used as main criteria,and marine functional zonation,water depth,current,water temperature,salinity,substrate type,water quality,sediment quality,red tide,phytoplankton,and zooplankton are used as sub-criteria,on which a multi-parameter evaluation system is set up.Meanwhile,the dualism method,assignment method,and membership function method were used to quantify sub-criteria,and a quantitative evaluation for the entire criteria was added,including the evaluation and analysis of two types of unsuitable environmental situations.By overall consideration in scallop yield,quality,and marine ranching construction objectives,the weight of the main criteria could be determined.Five grades in the suitability corresponding to the evaluation result were divided,and the Python language was used to create an evaluation system for efficient calculation and intuitive presentation of the evaluation outcome.Eight marine cases were simulated based on existing survey data,and the results prove that the method is feasible for evaluating and analyzing the site selection of bottom-seeding culture areas for scallops under various environmental situations.The proposed evaluation method can be promoted for the site selection of bottom-seeding marine ranching.This study provided theoretical and methodological references for the site selection evaluation of other types of marine ranching.

Understanding the roles of Brønsted/Lewis acid sites on manganese oxide-zeolite hybrid catalysts for low-temperature NH_(3)-SCR

Although metal oxide-zeolite hybrid materials have long been known to achieve enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity in NO_(x)removal reactions through the inter-particle diffusion of intermediate species,their subsequent reaction mechanism on acid sites is still unclear and requires investigation.In this study,the distribution of Brønsted/Lewis acid sites in the hybrid materials was precisely adjusted by introducing potassium ions,which not only selectively bind to Brønsted acid sites but also potentially affect the formation and diffusion of activated NO species.Systematic in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analyses coupled with selective catalytic reduction of NO_(x)with NH_(3)(NH_(3)-SCR)reaction demonstrate that the Lewis acid sites over MnO_(x)are more active for NO reduction but have lower selectivity to N_(2)than Brønsted acids sites.Brønsted acid sites primarily produce N_(2),whereas Lewis acid sites primarily produce N_(2)O,contributing to unfavorable N_(2)selectivity.The Brønsted acid sites present in Y zeolite,which are stronger than those on MnO_(x),accelerate the NH_(3)-SCR reaction in which the nitrite/nitrate species diffused from the MnO_(x)particles rapidly convert into the N_(2).Therefore,it is important to design the catalyst so that the activated NO species formed in MnO_(x)diffuse to and are selectively decomposed on the Brønsted acid sites of H-Y zeolite rather than that of MnO_(x)particle.For the physically mixed H-MnO_(x)+H-Y sample,the abundant Brønsted/Lewis acid sites in H-MnO_(x)give rise to significant consumption of activated NO species before their inter-particle diffusion,thereby hindering the enhancement of the synergistic effects.Furthermore,we found that the intercalated K+in K-MnO_(x)has an unexpected favorable role in the NO reduction rate,probably owing to faster diffusion of the activated NO species on K-MnO_(x)than H-MnO_(x).This study will help to design promising metal oxide-zeolite hybrid catalysts by identifying the role of the acid sites in two different constituents.

Application of Grey Situation Decision-Making Theory in Site Selection of a Waste Sanitary Landfill

An application of an unequal-weighted multi-objective decision making method in site selection of a waste sanitary landfill is discussed. The eight factors, which affected possible options, were: size and capacity of the landfill, permeability of the stratum, the average difference in elevation between the groundwater level and the bottom of the landfill pit, quality and source of clay, the quality grade of the landfill site, the effect of landfill engineering on nearby residents, distance to the water supply and the water source as well as the cost of construction and waste transport. These are determined, given the conditions of the geological environment, the need for environmental protection and landfill site construction and transportation related to the design and operation of a sanitary landfill. The weights of the eight factors were further investigated based on the difference in their relevance. Combined with practical experience from Xuzhou city (Jiangsu province, China), the objectives, effects and weights of grey decision-making were deter- mined and the process and outcome of the landfill site selection are stated in detail. The decision-making results have been proven to be acceptable and correct. As we show, unequal-weighted multi-objective grey situation decision-mak- ing is characterized by easy calculations and good maneuverability when used in landfill site selection. The number of factors (objectives) affecting the outcome and the quantitative method of qualitative indices can be adjusted on the basis of concrete conditions in landfill site selection. Therefore, unequal-weighted multi-objective grey situation decision making is a feasible method in selecting landfill sites which offers a reference method for landfill site selection else- where. It is a useful, rational and scientific exploration in the choice of`a landfill site.

Flexible nest site selection of the endangered Oriental Storks(Ciconia boyciana):Trade-off from adaptive strategies

Nest site selection is a vital component of bird reproduction success,and an adaptive behavior conducted to decrease nest predation risk with avoiding external disturbances.Understanding patterns of nest site selection can provide insights into how species adapt to changes in their habitat and has important conservation implications.In this study,we used microhabitat variables and multi-scale data with a field survey of nest occurrence to determine nest site selection patterns and adaptive strategies of the breeding Oriental Storks(Ciconia boyciana)in different nest areas.Results demonstrate that the nest site microhabitat characteristics of the breeding Oriental Storks significantly differed among the three nesting areas,and nest height was higher in the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain than in the Northeast China and Bohai Bay nest areas.The food resources and intensity of human disturbance had the greatest effects on the nest site selection of the breeding Oriental Storks.The intensity of human disturbance was positively correlated with the nest height of the breeding Oriental Storks in Bohai Bay and the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain;however,nest height decreased with the abundance of food resources in the Northeast China nest area.Our findings indicate that the nest site selection patterns of Oriental Storks showed flexible adaptive strategies.In safer environments,nests were lower and closer to food resources,which allows parent storks to invest more in the nestlings.However,in areas where human activity was intense,nests were higher to ensure the safety of their offspring.Some measures that could be taken to improve the breeding habitat of Oriental Storks include increasing the percentage of wetland areas in nesting areas to enhance food resources availability and setting artificial nests at suitable heights in potential nesting grounds to encourage nesting.Finally,the establishment of soft barriers around the nesting areas could increase the safety of nests.

Nest-site selection pattern of Grus japonensis in Zhalong Nature Reserve of northeast China

Nest-site selection patterns of Red-crowned cranes（Grus japonensis） and the effects of environmental variables were studied during the years of 2002-2008 in Zhalong Nature Reserve,Qiqihar city,northeast China.The nest-site selection pattern of Red-crowned cranes included two orders and three choices：the choice of nest-site habitat type within the macro-habitat order,nest zone selection and nest-site micro-habitat selection within the micro-habitat order.Various habitats（such as Carex swamps and reed fire districts） can be selected as the nest sites for Red-crowned cranes,of which reed swamps（93.15%） are given a preference.Factor Analysis reveals that the micro-habitat selection are affected by four main factors：fire,security（concealment /disturbance）,incubation（conditions,nest-material）,and food.Further analysis reveals that Red-crowned cranes have certain adaptability to the changes of nesting habitat quality in the Zhalong wetlands.In conclusion,fire,reeds,and water were the most important variables for nest-site habitat selection of Red-crowned Cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve.

Nest predators, nest-site selection and nest success of the Emei Shan Liocichla(Liocichla omeiensis), a vulnerable babbler endemic to southwestern China

Background: The Emei Shan Liocichla(Liocichla omeiensis) is a globally vulnerable babbler, endemic to southwestern China. We investigated its nest predators, nest-site selection and nest success at the Laojunshan National Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China in order to identify the precise nesting-habitat requirements of the species, and to test whether the nest-site-selection cues, preferred by the Emei Shan Liocichla, are positively associated with nest success.Methods: We used infrared cameras to determine nest predators. We compared the microhabitat attributes between nest and random sites, as well as successful and failed nests. We used Binary Logistic Regression to determine the most important variables affecting nest-site selection of the Emei Shan Liocichla. We used the nest survival analysis in Program MARK to estimate daily nest survival rates(DSR). Nest success was calculated using the Mayfield method.Results: In total 56 nests were found. The DSR for all nests that contained at least one egg was 0.9564 ± 0.0091(95 % CI 0.9346–0.9711)(n = 40), while the total nest success was 27.5 %. We identified four categories of predators in 10 nest predation events, i.e. squirrels(n = 5), snakes(n = 3), raptors(n = 1) and wasps(n = 1). We found that:(1) nest predation was the primary reason for nest failure of the Emei Shan Liocichla,(2) tree cover, bamboo cover, liana abundance and distance to forest edge or gap were the most important variables affecting nest-site selection of this species, and(3) the nest-site-selection variables we measured appeared not to be positively associated with nest success.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the Emei Shan Liocichla tended to select nest sites near forest edges or gaps with good concealment and that nest-site selection by this species was nonrandom but not necessarily adaptive. Reducing forest-edge development and protecting bamboo stands should be effective for conservation of this species.

GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Evaluation Models for Selection of Suitable Sites for Pacific Oyster(Crassostrea gigas)Aquaculture in the Central Region of Vietnam

Oysters are nutritious food organisms,rich in protein,minerals and vitamins.Production from Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas)aquaculture is increasing and supports the livelihoods of coastal communities.To ensure both success and long-term sustainability of oyster production,the determination of suitable sites is an important step in any aquaculture operation.This study applied GIS(Geographic Information System)based MCE(Multi-Criteria Evaluation)for locating suitable sites for Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas)farms in coastal regions in Central Vietnam.Remote sensing data were obtained viaMODIS(Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)and high resolution imagery from the Google Earth Engine,while oceanic data were obtained from HYCOM-NCODA(Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model-Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation)coupled with local hydrodynamic FEM(Finite Element Model)Hydrographic charts and GPS(Global Positioning System)data were used to extract required information layers for GIS based MCE for the suitable site selection of oyster farms.Six thematic layers of biophysical parameters were used to analysis MCE non-constraints including the depth,temperature,salinity,Chl-a(Chlorophyll-a)content,suspended matter concentration and velocity of sea current.Then,an MCE analysis with constraint was used to exclude the areas from suitability maps where oyster aquaculture could not be developed.They were conducted in two subgroups,biophysical subgroup(including un-suitable depth,un-suitable substratum and shore line types,potential regions prone to strong impact of natural disasters and environmental risks,sensitive habitats in MPAs(Marine Protection Areas),and social-infrastructural subgroups(including human settlement in urban area,wastewater system,industrial zones,piers,harbors etc.).A series of GIS models was developed to identify the most suitable areas for oyster culture using MCE with the estimating of factor score(Xi)based on expert knowledge as well as calculating of Weighting(Wi)based on Saaty’s matrix relevant to the importance level of assessed factors in comparison.Suitability scores were ranked on a scale from 1(least suitable)to 8(most suitable).The best suitable sites for oyster aquaculture in coastal areas of the central region of Vietnam have been found.These study results confirmed that a GIS based MCE model is a powerful tool that supports site selection decision-making in aquaculture.

Nest Site Selection of Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtles at the Eastern Coast of Inhaca Island, Mozambique

Nest site selection represents an important reproductive strategy for sea turtles as it can strongly affect the development and survival of the offsprings and the reproductive fitness of the adults. In this study we analyzed the nest site selection of loggerhead and leatherback turtles and the factors correlated with that selection at Inhaca Island. The spatial position of the nests was recorded during sea turtles nests monitoring and six nesting seasons were used. Satellite images of Inhaca were used to characterize some of the beach features that might be correlated with nest site selection. Nest distribution analysis revealed that loggerhead turtles tend to spread their nests along the entire beach, but a higher aggregation of nests was evident at the northern most section of the eastern coast. Leatherback turtles tend to nest in a restricted area, with approximately 40% nests at the central sections of the coast. Beach height was the physical variable significantly correlated to loggerhead＇s nest density （r = 0.309, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） while fin grain particles （specifically 0.125 mm grain size particles） （r = 0.399, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） and organic content （r = 0.218, N = 125, P 〈 0.05） were the variables significantly correlated to leatherback＇s nest density. No other factors investigated affected nest site selection of either species.

AHP with GIS for a Preliminary Site Selection of Wind Turbines in the North West of Jordan

The aim of this study was to identify potential sites for wind turbine in the North West of Jordan. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used in a novel approach to identify the potential sites for the wind turbine in the study area based on five physical criteria (Wind Speed, Rainfall, Slope, Altitude and Land use) that affect the wind turbine sites. The importance of each criterion was based on experts’ opinions. The ratings for each criterion were based on the available literature review. The consistency ratio between the experts’ opinions was evaluated using the pairwise comparison method and a final weight was computed for each criterion. A wind turbine suitability map was generated using the weighted linear combination (WLC) method within GIS environment. It was found that 45% of the study area has high and very high suitability for wind turbine. In conclusion, this research will contribute to the enhancement of the available renewable energy resources in Jordan if the selected sites will be utilized for wind turbine.

Effect of Preparation Method on Cu Active Sites and the Reaction Pathway in NO Reduction by NH3 over Cu–SSZ-13

To study the infl uence of the preparation method on Cu active sites and the reaction pathway in NO reduction by NH 3 over Cu-SSZ-13, three kinds of catalysts (Cu ion-exchanged SSZ-13 1 , one-pot synthesis Cu-SSZ-13 2 , and Ce 0.017 -Fe 0.017 /Cu- SSZ-13 [Ce and Fe ion exchange on the basis of Cu-SSZ-13 2 ]) were prepared. In situ diff use refl ectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and H 2 temperature program reduction were used to study the diff erences in the reaction pathways and Cu active sites over the three kinds of catalysts. Density functional theory was employed to study the eff ect of active sites on the reaction pathway. In situ DRIFTS showed that the reaction pathway on Cu-SSZ-13 1 during NO oxidation was diff erent from that on Cu-SSZ-13 2 and Ce 0.017 -Fe 0.017 /Cu-SSZ-13. The diff erence was that intermediate NO 2 was involved in the selective catalytic reduction reaction on Cu-SSZ-13 1 , whereas NO 2 was not found during the reaction process on Cu-SSZ-13 2 and Ce 0.017 -Fe 0.017 /Cu-SSZ-13. H 2 -TPR studies revealed that the three catalysts had diff erent Cu active sites, which were located in the six-membered ring, eight-membered ring, and CHA cage. On the basis of DFT studies, NO and O 2 were more conducive to form nitrate when the Cu species was on the six- and eight-membered rings;by contrast, NO and O 2 were more conducive to form NO 2 in the cage. These results showed that diff erent preparation methods led to various Cu active sites, and varying Cu active sites could lead to diff erent NO oxidation processes.

Evaluation of nest site preferences of a nest dismantler,the Hair-crested Drongo(Dicrurus hottentottus) in Dongzhai National Nature Reserve of central China

Background:The Hair-crested Drongo(Dicrurus hottentottus) exhibits a unique nest-dismantling behavior after the fledging of the young.One hypothesis explaining this behavior is dismantling one's own nest may reduce potential competition for nest sites in the following breeding season because suitable breeding habitat might be limited,and sites are often reused.Methods:By comparing the habitat features at nest and random locations,we determined the nest habitat preference of the Hair-crested Drongo within Dongzhai National Nature Reserve,Henan,China.We also compared habitat features with nesting success to determine if any trends could be detected.Results:We found that nest tree height,diameter at breast height,live crown ratio,tree rank,and presence of overstory were significantly higher at nesting locations than random locations;slope,leaf litter cover percentage and depth,presence of understory and midstory,and number of trees per hectare were significantly lower at nest sites than random sites.Drongos preferred to use some tree species,such as Metasequoia glyptostroboides,Castanea mollissima,and Pterocarya stenoptera for nesting.Failed nests were often associated with habitat with higher percentage of leaf litter on the ground.Conclusion:Our data support that selection of nest sites does occur for this species at this site and therefore support the hypothesis that breeding habitat limitation could be one of the driving forces for the development of the nestdismantling behavior in this species.

Site Selectivity of One Hydroxyl Group Bonded on the Surface of Finite (5, 0) Zigzag Carbon Nanotube

We have investigated the stability, geometrical structure, electronic properties and vibrational spectra of different isomers of hydroxylate (5, 0) zigzag carbon nanotube (CNT) with 60 C atoms and 10 hydrogen (C60H10) by using all-electron density-functional-theory (DFT) methods. Stable arrangements of these molecules were found by means of full geometry optimizations using B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. From symmetrical point of view, four isomers of HO-C60H10 are possible when -OH bonds to the surface. We observed that the molecular properties strongly depend on the position of bonded hydroxyl group on the surface of CNT.

An Assessment of the Contribution of Municipal Solid Waste Dump Sites Fire to Atmospheric Pollution

Municipal solid waste open dump site operation is an important element of waste management in Nigeria, both today and in the future. Dump site fires are common occurrences in the study area. The contribution of?municipal solid waste dump site fires to atmospheric pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria has been assessed experimentally. Five (5) municipal solid waste dump sites where fire incidence is a frequent and regular occurrence were chosen for the study. At each of the identified municipal solid waste dump site, eight (8) air quality monitoring parameters, suspended particulate matter (SPM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3) and Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) were determined using a series of hand held air quality monitoring equipment. Results indicate the levels of SPM ranged between 773 and 801 μg/m3 and the levels of CO ranged between 133.7 and 141.6 ppm. The levels of CO2 ranged between 401 ppm and 404.5 ppm while that of NO2 ranged between 21.0 ppm and 27.3 ppm. The levels of SO2 ranged between 27.7 ppm and 37.1 ppm while that of NH3 ranged from 14.7 to 19.5 ppm. The levels of methane in the study area ranged between 2310 ppm and 2771 ppm and within the?vicinity of dump site fires H2S concentration ranges from 3.4 to 7.7 ppm. Levels of SPM, CO, CO2, and CH4 within the vicinity of the dump site fires were above regulatory limits. Dump site fires in the study area could threaten the health of anyone especially the dump site workers that are regularly exposed to the thick smoke and can be implicated in climate change debate. There is a need to develop better practices with regard to municipal solid waste open dump site operation and emission control.

Design concept for the solid waste landfill site:a case study of Chuzhou City,China

This paper introduces landfill site of Chuzhou domestic waste, to which the improved anaerobic hygienic burying technology is applied. Chuzhou City, situated between Yangtze River and Huai River, is a window city in the east of Anhui Province. A landfill site with a capacity of 400 ton per day is to be constructed according to the city development plan and the garbage amount, This paper summarizes the landfill location, landform, groundwater, surface water, landfill stratal configuration, dominant wind, and the major machinery equipment. The projects of anti-percolation, seepage collection, seepage disposal, rainwater discharge, biogas diversion are deeply studied. The advanced design principle of the landfills is summarized, which is environment-friendly, science-oriented and economy-based. Environment-friendly principle is implemented in the selection of landfill location, construction of all projects, sealing up project and perfecting environment monitoring system; science-oriented principle prescribes that the design, construction, and management should be science-oriented; the selection of landfill location, design, plan optimization, resource-saving measures and comprehensive utilization should be economy-based Chuzhou domestic waste landfill site is qualified as a goiden model in this paper.

The Evaluation of Municipal Landfill Sites in North of Iran through Comparing BC Guideline and Iran Legislation

Selection of landfill site is a complex process which demands many diverse criteria. The significance of the present study lies in the fact that it tends to evaluate the suitability of the existing municipal landfill sites in the west area of Mazandaran province, located in north of Iran, and the south coast of Caspian Sea. In order to carry out this evaluation, 3 guidelines are used. After reviewing all the specified criteria in each of the guidelines, the authenticity of each deposit site of the study area and the entire area also was examined;and eventually the appropriate areas were identified. As a result, 62.38 percent of the study area according to the guideline of British Columbia, 25 percent according to the Iran department of environment, and the 48.5 percent according to the management and planning organization of Iran are suitable for landfill siting.

Influence of site selection on natural ventilation in Chinese traditional folk house

The relationship between the site selection of a hilly terrain and the natural ventilation of the Dangdamen building complex,which is a traditional folk house,is revealed by a computational fluid dynamics（CFD）simulation.The wind press and speed distributions around the building in four cases with different weather conditions and topographies are simulated.The simulation results show that a hill can reduce the absolute values of the wind pressure at the windward and leeward sides of the building.The encouraging effect of the patio on the natural ventilation in a terrain with a hill is greater than that without a hill.The same situation occurs when comparing the patio effects between summer and winter.The wind speed around the building can be reduced by the hill as it is an obstacle and the degrees of the influence of the hill in summer and in winter are quite different because of different wind directions.The analysis results show that this kind of site selection,with the hill to the north,is a suitable way to settle the conflict of the natural ventilation requirements in summer and in winter under subtropical climate conditions,especially in houses with patios.

Center for Plant Conservation's Best Practice Guidelines for the reintroduction of rare plants

Recent estimates indicate that one-fifth of botanical species worldwide are considered at risk of becoming extinct in the wild. One available strategy for conserving many rare plant species is reintroduction, which holds much promise especially when carefully planned by following guidelines and when monitored long-term. We review the Center for Plant Conservation Best Reintroduction Practice Guidelines and highlight important components for planning plant reintroductions. Before attempting reintroductions practitioners should justify them, should consider alternative conservation strategies, understand threats, and ensure that these threats are absent from any recipient site. Planning a reintroduction requires considering legal and logistic parameters as well as target species and recipient site attributes.Carefully selecting the genetic composition of founders, founder population size, and recipient site will influence establishment and population growth. Whenever possible practitioners should conduct reintroductions as experiments and publish results. To document whether populations are sustainable will require long-term monitoring for decades, therefore planning an appropriate monitoring technique for the taxon must consider current and future needs. Botanical gardens can play a leading role in developing the science and practice of plant reintroduction.

Selection of Landfill Sites for Solid Waste Treatment in Damaturu Town-Using GIS Techniques

Landfill has been recognized as the cheapest form for the final disposal of municipal solid waste and as such has been the most used method in the world. However, siting landfill is an extremely complex task mainly due to the fact that the identification and selection process involves many factors and strict regulations. For proper identification and selection of appropriate sites for landfills careful and systematic procedures need to be adopted and followed. Wrong siting of landfill many result in environmental degradation and often time public opposition. In this study, attempts have been made to determine sites that are appropriate for landfill siting in Damaturu town Nigeria, by combining geographic information system (GIS) and a multi-criteria decision making method (MCDM) known as the analytic network process (ANP) for the determination of the relative importance weights of factors (criteria). The land suitability output is presented from less suitable to the most suitable areas. The final map produced show areas that are suitable for landfill siting. Based on the analysis fourteen sites were identified to fulfill the required criteria, however, only seven met the land availability criteria of twenty hectares and above. The results showed the efficacy of GIS and multi-criteria decision making method in decision making.

Case study scenarios in site selection of hazardous material facilities based on transportation preferences

A methodology is proposed to evaluate and rank potential sites for facilities dealing with hazardous materials(HAZMAT).The proposed methodology incorporates HAZMAT route planning into facility siting while considering transportation preferences and challenges.The area of interest is divided into smaller zones representing potential sites for a HAZMAT facility.A multimodal transportation network including railways and roads is considered for transportation of HAZMAT.Each zone is evaluated based on its accessibility from a set of selected points of interests(POIs),which are defined as potential origin/destination points for transportation of HAZMAT.The shortest routes between each POI and potential zones are evaluated based on a cost function which can accommodate multiple criteria to determine the associated disutility for each potential zone.Finally,zones are ranked based on their cumulative disutility scores.The proposed analysis method is quantitative,and at the same time it is adequately flexible to allow inclusion of subjective criteria.Application of the proposed methodology is demonstrated for identifying optimal locations for a HAZMAT facility(e.g.,a nuclear facility)using the Canadian province of Saskatchewan as an example.Three scenarios were evaluated including(1)all network segments and POIs were treated equally,(2)network segments were rank ordered based on their functional classification while POIs were treated equally and(3)network segments were rank ordered based on their functional classification with preferences given to specific POI(s).