Environmental Factors, Constraints and Risks of Rainwater Runoff in Commune II of Maradi (Republic of Niger)

The Urban Commune of Maradi in Niger experienced increasingly frequent flooding following rainy episodes generating volumes and water flows that are difficult to control in recent years. This study aims to determine the impacts of runoff water in Commune II of Maradi City and to assess the role of urban planning in runoff management, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of urban sanitation in Maradi. The methodological approach used consisted of: 1) an interpretation of documentary data, 2) gathering information on runoff at several sites in the study area, and 3) interviews and questionnaires with local communities. This approach made it possible to understand the degree of vulnerability of the populations to flooding and then to propose sustainable solutions to reduce the vulnerability of the affected populations, through the implementation of effective urban rainwater management practices (USWMP). The results show that the impacts of runoff are mainly related to the lack of adequate storm water drainage networks in the area, but also to the nature of the habitats. Geomorphological factors such as the nature of the soil, the slope of the terrain and the altitude increase the degree of risk. In addition, the inadequacy and dilapidation of the drainage systems of the canals and above all the anarchic occupation of the land linked to accelerated urbanization are the cause of flooding by stagnation of rainwater. A phenomenon now linked to numerous deteriorations of urban equipment, the runoff of rainwater in the city of Maradi carries so many pollutants that municipalities, businesses and individuals should put in place pollution prevention measures.

Influence of Land Degradation on the Local Rate of Dust Fallout in Kuwait

The rate of dust fallout was monitored during a period from August 2009 to July 2011 in protected (closed) and non-protected/open (unenclosed) areas in the northern desert of Kuwait. The dust fallout rates on degraded and protected sites were on average 18.8 and 44.1 g·m-2·month-1, respectively. Higher rate of dust fallout in protected area may be attributed to biologic factors that are responsible for relative abundance of fine-grained sediment accumulations (Mostly silty sand). Wind deflation of fine grained sediment fractions and development of coarse-grained surface lag deposits in degraded area may be accountable for the reduction of its potentiality for suspended dust. The study indicates the importance of the vegetation cover in regulating sediment availability for atmospheric dust emission.

The Effect of a Single Shrub on Wind Speed and Nabkhas Dune Development: A Case Study in Kuwait

Thirty coastal nabkhas were selected for morphometrical measurements. The studied nabkhas were mostly elongated, with an average total length of about 12.9 m, an average width of 3.4 m, and an average height of 1.2 m. Optical porosity of nabkha shrub crown was measured and no apparent relationship with the horizontal size of trapped wind laden sand was found. A simple wind tunnel experiment was carried out to investigate the horizontal wind-flow distribution across a pro-typed shrub. The results of the experiment revealed that the degree of wind sheltering might extend up to a downwind distance approximately equal to 4.5 times the height of the shrub, where an effective velocity recovery started.

Mineral and Sea-Salt Aerosol Fluxes over the Last 340 kyr Reconstructed from the Total Concentration of Al and Na in the Dome Fuji Ice Core

A quantitative analysis of the total concentrations of Al and Na in the Antarctic ice sheet during the past 340 kyr was performed by applying the acid digestion method to the Dome Fuji ice core. Atmospheric fluxes of mineral and sea-salt aerosol to Dome Fuji were calculated from the total concentration. The average fluxes of mineral aerosol to Dome Fuji in the periods of glacial maximum, 18.6 ± 10.1 mg·m–2·yr–1, were larger than the value in the interglacial periods, 3.77 ± 2.20 mg·m–2·yr–1. Conversely, the fluxes of sea-salt have no significant difference between the average value of glacial maximum, 130 ± 55 mg·m–2·yr–1, and that of interglacial, 111 ± 54 mg·m–2·yr–1. The results obtained in this study suggest that the variation of mineral aerosol flux in Dome Fuji, together with climate change, was much larger than that of sea-salt aerosol flux. This result may have occurred because the variety in the intensity of the source and transport during the glacial-interglacial cycle is more significant for mineral aerosol than that for sea-salt aerosol.

Geochemistry and Tectonic Settings of Felsic Dykes in the Neoproterozoic Nagar Parkar Igneous Complex, SE Sindh, Pakistan

The Nagar Parkar complex consists of Neoproterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks dissected by episodic mafic and felsic dykes.The latter can be classified broadly into porphyritic felsic dykes and aplitic felsic dykes(minor)

Mineralogy and the Texture of the Basalt in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

The study is carried out to list mineralogy and texture of the basalt in Hail region. The basalt flows belong to the Arabian Harrat volcanism. Cenozoic volcanism has produced 13, vast, basaltic fields in western Saudi Arabia, covering a total area of about 100,000 sq. km. The volcanism starts in the late Cretaceous time and continues periodically into the Holocene. The basaltic field presently investigated is known as Harrat Al-Hamad (or Harrat As-Shamah) which lies in northwestern Saudi Arabia, and continues northwards into Jordan. Mineralogical analysis of 20 rock samples indicates that the rocks are products of continental intra-plate magmatism;mostly as coarse-grained silica—under saturated olivine-rich alkali basalt. Mineralogical study shows that rocks are olivine, plagioclase, pyroxene, Nepheline and Opaque minerals. They correspond to alkali olivine basalts. Moreover, the main well-defined texture is intergranular, vesicular and amygdaloidal texture.

Contamination of Groundwater Sources with Common Waterborne Pathogens and Heficobacter pylori in the West Bank： Case Study of Wadi AI Arroub, Tulkarem and Jericho

Detection of waterborne pathogens in drinking water via rapid DNA amplification assays is an important and crucial public health method. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of waterborne pathogens in groundwater resources in Al Arroub, Tulkarem and Jericho areas using direct PCR （polymerase chain reaction） analysis. Forty-six groundwater samples were collected. The total DNA was extracted from each sample and subjected to PCR analysis directed to specific genes of enteric bacteria, β-lactamases producing bacteria, L. pneumophila （Legionella pneumophila） and H. pylori （Helicobacter pylori）. Enteric bacteria were detected with high frequency in Palestinian water sources followed by 13% occurrence of β-lactamases producing bacteria, 9% of H. pylori and 4% of L. pneumophila. The study shows that shallow groundwater wells and water taped from karstic aquifer is potential for contamination and could not be reliable sources of potable water.

Potential Impacts of Various Land Use Forms on Land Degradation in Arid Regions （Case Study： Kuwait）

During the last 20 years, land use in Kuwait was remarkably changed in various forms. Such changes resulted in positively constructive, as well as, adversely destructive impacts on the local environment and ecology. In 1993-1994, a buffer zone of 15 km wide and more than 200 km long was established between Iraq and Kuwait. This allowed the restoration of biodiversity, enhancement of ecological conditions and stabilization of fragile soils. In 1991, long bund walls were constructed along the Saudi-Kuwaiti borders by Saudi Arabia and in 1993-1994, a ground trench was dug along the Iraqi-Kuwaiti borders by Kuwait. Bund walls are piles of excavated soils, 2-3 m high, 3-5 m wide and several tens of kilometers length. Constructing 1 km length of a bund wall required 2,500-3,000 m3 （1,000 m length x 5 m average width x 0.5 m depth） amount of soil, which disturbed a groundcover strip of an average area of 10,000 m2 （1,000 m length x 10 m average width）. Border trenches are ground hollows 2-3 m deep, 3-5 m wide and 220 km long. The amount of excavated soil from digging 1 km long trench ranged from 6,000-8,000 m3. Field work indicated that 1 km long of trench had disturbed a groundcover of an average area of 12,000 m2 （1,000 m length ~ 12 m average width）. Such man-induced land features are closely related to land degradation processes, as they were of adverse environmental impacts on soil, surface hydrologic conditions and natural vegetation. The main objective of this study is to assess the immediate and long term impacts of the introduced land use forms in selected areas in Kuwait, such as Wadi AI Batin （Western part of Kuwait）. To achieve such an objective, intensive field program was designed and implemented and the collected data and available information were analyzed and interpreted.

Development of controlled release formulations of thiabendazole

This study aimed to develop controlled release formulation of Thiabendazole for reduced contaminations to soil water and agricultural produces. The idea behind this work was based on changing the ionization status of Thiabendazole molecule throughout pH changes to become a cation then adsorbing it to bentonite clay surfaces. Equilibrium concentrations of Thiabendazole in the adsorption solutions were determined by HPLC. Results showed that Thiabendazole was better adsorbed in clay at the lowest pH value (pH 3). Furthermore, raising the temperature of the adsorption reaction increased the adsorbed amount of Thiabendazole. Release experiments showed that Thiabendazole is extremely slower at pH 3 than at pH 5.5 or pH 9. These promising results suggest that application of Thiabendazole clay based formulation may reduce the applied rate and that the released fraction consequently may reduce the environmental contamination. It is also advantageous to use these formulations in the acidic soil for plant disease control.

The Impact of Urbanization Expansion on the Geomorphology of the Southern Coastal Sabkhas from Ras Al-Jailiaha to Al-Khiran, South Kuwait

Kuwait is considered one of the desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula, that subjected to geomorphological processes forming the earth’s surface features. The anthropogenic activities through urbanization affected the earth geomorphology in the southern coastal sabkhas of Kuwait such as (Al-Jailiaha, Az-Zor and Al-Khiran). This study aims to monitor the geomorphological changes on the southern coastal sabkhas due to the urbanization expansion. Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) techniques were used to study these changes, determine the areas of the coastal sabkhas in the southern part of Kuwait, following the developments, and identifying land cover in the area and its coastal strip including tourist resorts, sand dunes, and smooth sand sheets. The satellite images used in this study based on the data of Landsat-5 (TM) 1985, and Landsat-5 (TM) 1990, Landsat-7 (ETM+) 2001, visuals Landsat-8 (OLI) 2016 covering the years of (1985, 1990, 2001, 2016), in order to detect changes in the sabkhas and the extension of urbanization in the region. Digital Maps were made to show how extent the study area was affected by urbanization. Urbanization mostly expanded to the south in the study area on the account of the coastal sabkhas, where the area of the coastal sabkhas in 1985 was about 103.1 km2 and in 1990 it was about 84.1 km2. This led to the shrinking of the sabkhas area and extension of the resort area within the areas of sabkhas and sand dunes, particularly in Al-Khiran coastal area exposing it to the problem of sand drift and sand encroachment, which resulted in changes of the characteristics of the sabkhas, shrinkage of their area, and adverse impacts on their geomorphology.

Development of Analytical Method for the Detection of Nemacur Residues in Cucumber Fruits

Application of Nemacur (Fenamiphos) for pest control may contaminate soil, water and plant with harmful residues and pose threats to human life. This study developed an easy method for the determination of Nemacur residues in cucumber fruits collected from the central markets and from the farm. The method is based on extracting the active ingredients of Nemacur from the commercial formulation and used as a standard material to calibrate the HPLC to determine Nemacur residues in cucumber fruits collected from the central market. Results showed that more than 70% of the active ingredient was extracted from the commercial formulations. Standardization of HPLC with extracted materials showed strong positive association between concentration and peak area relationship. Bioassay investigation showed high mortality of tested organism (fish). Statistical analysis of mortality % between the commercial formulation and those of the extracted ingredient showed no significant differences. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of extracted Nemacur to calibrate HPLC and in bioassay test. Nemacur residues in Cucumber fruits collected from the market were below the detection limit of HPLC, recovery % of Nemacur from control group of cucumber was above 80%. It can be concluded that the method is easily developed and validated by bioassay and chemo-assay.

Measurement of Air Pollution in Kuwait City Using Passive Samplers

Measurements of gaseous SO2, NO, NO2, H2S, O3, NH3 and VOCs, in Kuwait city using IVL passive sampler technology, were obtained on monthly basis during the period from March 2011 to February 2012 at 10 locations. The results of this study reveal that those compounds had low concentrations compared to Kuwait Environment Public Authority standards for residential areas. It is found that nitrogen oxides, benzene and xylene were mostly emitted from motor vehicles;in contrast, industrial sources including oil industries were a major contributor to sulfur dioxide and toluene pollution. Higher concentrations of NOx and SO2?were recorded during winter season where the inversion layer is quite pronounced thus trapping more pollutants in ambient air, while higher O3 values were recorded in summer period;the hot season in Kuwait. The spatial distributions of the measured gaseous air pollutants were extremely consistent with the influence of the prevailing wind direction NW. In general and except for PM10, the yearly average air quality indices (AQI) of SO2, NO2, CO and O3?concentrations are coming under the category of “good” and “moderate”.

Temporal and spatial variations of air pollution across China from 2015 to 2018

This study investigated concentrations of PM_(2.5),PM_(10),SO_(2),NO_(2),CO and O_(3),and air quality index(AQI)values across 368 cities in China's Mainland during 2015–2018.The study further examined relationships of air pollution status with local industrial capacities and vehicle possessions.Strong correlations were found between industrial capacities(coal,pig iron,crude steel and rolled steel)and air pollution levels.Although statistical and significant reductions of PM_(2.5),PM_(10),SO_(2),NO_(2),CO and AQI values were observed in response to various laws and regulations in industrial sectors,both particle and gaseous pollutants still had annual average concentrations above recommended limits.In order to further reduce air pollution,more efforts can be done to control traffic emissions caused by minicars and heavy trucks,which was revealed after investigating 16 vehicle types.This was also consistent with the apparent air quality improvement during the COVID-19 lockdown period in China in 2020,despite industrial operations being still active at full capacities.

Cardiotoxicity among Children Accidentally Exposed to Organophosphate Insecticides Coupled with Scorpion Bites in Gaza

Insecticides are toxic chemicals used at homes for controlling insects of public health importance and controlling agricultural pests at home gardens. Their application may result in accidental poisoning. Four accidental insecticide-poisoning children coupled with a scorpion bitten child were brought to the main hospital in southern Gaza for medical treatment. Primary investigation showed severe breath shortness, low heartbeat, and low blood pressure (hypotension). These symptoms are indications of potential cardiotoxicity among children. Electrocardiograms were measured and indicated various heart complications between cases. Complete blood count (CBC) determination showed the highest white blood cells (WBC) in the scorpion-bitted child suggesting the development of immune defense system. Blood electrolyte (Na+, K+, Ca2+) concentrations indicated disturbances due to poisoning. An interesting outcome of the study is the dramatic alteration in blood glucose concentration. Additionally, activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) indicated normal activity in poisoning case 1, moderate inhibition in poisoning case 2 and case 3, normal activity in poisoning case 4 and severe inhibition in poisoning case 5. The levels of Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) were within the acceptable range whereas the level of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) was above the acceptable reference range suggesting potential Hepato-toxicity. Scorpion bitten child did not receive atropine whereas two poisoned cases were successfully cured by atropine injection. Additionally, alternative safe medical management may be used for cardiotoxicity using vitamin C, vitamin E, quercetin, and curcumin. These vitamins may be recommended as alternative medical treatments for cardiotoxicity.

Gravity Survey along the Mizuho Traverse Routes, East Antarctica: SEAL Seismic Exploration in 1999-2000

A gravity survey was conducted along the Mizuho traverse routes in austral summer of 1999-2000 by the 41st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-41). The main purpose of the survey was to obtain detail gravity anomaly along the traverse routes, where deep seismic exploration was simultaneously conducted in order to obtain a fine crustal structure of the Mizuho Plateau. By using SCINTREX (CG-3M) gravity meter, the survey was carried out at 160 sites with about 1 km interval in a distance of 190 km from S16 to Z20 on the traverse routes. Free-air and Bouguer anomalies were calculated using precise locations by GPS measurements, by taking into account an effect of the thick icesheet. The furrowed negative Free-air anomalies are identified around H192, where middle points of the whole traverse routes. Two bedrock elevation models derived both by seismic refraction analyses and radio-echo sounding might correspond to the bottom and the top of a mixture layer composed from ice-moraine rocks over the bedrock surface. Thickness of the crust estimated by Bouguer anomalies is 0.5 - 1 km larger toward inland at the terminal point of Z20 along the profile.

Gravity Survey on the Mizuho Plateau, East Antarctica: SEAL Seismic Exploration in 2001-2002

A gravity survey on Mizuho Plateau was carried out in austral summer of 2001-2002 by the 43rd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-43), as one of the geophysical measurements of deep seismic exploration. Gravity measurements were conducted at 151 points in approximately 1 km interval along the 150 km profile. Considering the gravity effect from the ice-sheet, Free-air and Bouguer anomalies were calculated by using precise GPS locations. Furrowed and basin-like negative Free-air anomalies were observed in middle and northern parts of the profile. Bouguer anomalies were calculated by two bedrock elevation data obtained from seismic refraction and radio-echo sounding. High resolution model for bedrock elevation by radio-echo sounding was applied in determining the crustal thickness.