B. S. Choudri

Bioenergy from Biofuel Residues and Wastes.

This review includes works published in the general scientific literature during 2014 on the production of bioenergy and biofuel from waste residues generated during bioethanol and biodiesel production with a brief overview of current and emerging feedstocks. Anothersection of this review summarizes literature on culturing algae for biofuels including bioreactors and open pond cultivation systems with the utilization of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients. New methods applicable to the mass culture of algae are highlighted. Algal cell harvesting and oil extraction techniques tested and developed for algae are also discussed.

Recent Progress in Desalination, Environmental and Marine Outfall Systems

The huge quantities of water produced along with oil make production of water one of the main challenges in the oil and gas industry. In the past, water produced in oil production was considered a tiresome by-product which represented a significant liability and cost to oil and gas production. Recently this attitude has changed and this water is now seenmore as a resource than a by-product. By 2025, 2.8 billion people (from 48 countries) will be living in water-scarce and water-stressed countries. The Sultanate of Oman is considered a semi-arid country where the average annual rainfall is about 100 mm. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) produces around 700,000 m/day of water associated with hydrocarbon production. Currently under half of this amount is injected back into reservoirs as water for reservoir management. The production of excessive quantities of water is the reason behind abandoning oil and gas wells, leaving huge quantities of hydrocarbons behind. Upgrading of low quality water (i.e. oil production water) for greening the desert or growing biofuels is becoming a strategic enabler for the sustainable development of remote oil fields. Although opportunities exist for the beneficial use of oil production water, there may be situations where treatment may not be economically feasible. In addition to volume, water quality is the other key determinant of suitablemanagement options. Due to the poor quality of oil production water which contains a complex M. Al-Haddabi (*) School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman e-mail: mans99@squ.edu.om H. Vuthaluru • H. Znad School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia e-mail: H.Vuthaluru@exchange.curtin.edu.au; H.Znad@curtin.edu.au M. Ahmed College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman e-mail: ahmedm@squ.edu.om

Relative vulnerability of coastal Wilayats to development: a study of Al-Batinah North, Oman

This paper presents an analysis of anthropogenic pressures in terms of indicators which would contribute to the relative vulnerability of coastal Wilayats (Administrative Zones) to development and related activities in the Al-Batinah North region of Oman. The main objective of this work is to rank each Wilayat based on the pressure indicators to provide inputs for local stakeholders involved in coastal management by developing a sense of understanding on the relative vulnerability of coastal Wilayats. The study of using pressure indicators would help to identify, key development pressures with the potential to affect coastal ecosystems. This would also enable to identify a Wilayat having strong driving forces for development and to determine which Wilayat’s coastal ecosystems are most affected and relatively experiencing anthropogenic pressures. Results of ranking exercise indicated that Suwaiq and Sohar Wilayats are more vulnerable, having pressures of studied drivers such as agriculture and urbanization. The identified pressure indicators presented in this study could be used to design coastal monitoring systems that can help further development of holistic environmental and socio-economic indicators for the coast.

Wastewater and sludge management and research in Oman: An overview

ABSTRACT It is well recognized that management of wastewater and sludge is a critical environmental issue in many countries. Wastewater treatment and sludge production take place under different technical, economic, and social contexts, thus requiring different approaches and involving different solutions. In most cases, a regular and environmentally safe wastewater treatment and associated sludge management requires the development of realistic and enforceable regulations, as well as treatment systems appropriate to local circumstances. The main objective of this paper is to provide useful information about the current wastewater and sludge treatment, management, regulations, and research in Oman. Based on the review and discussion, the wastewater treatment and sludge management in Oman has been evolving over the years. Further, the land application of sewage sludge should encourage revision of existing standards, regulations, and policies for the management and beneficial use of sewage sludge in Oman. Implications: Wastewater treatment and sludge management in Oman have been evolving over the years. Sludge utilization has been a challenge due to its association with human waste. Therefore, composting of sewage sludge is the best option in agriculture activities. Sludge and wastewater utilization can add up positively in the economic aspects of the country in terms of creating jobs and improving annual income rate. The number of research projects done on wastewater reuse and other ongoing ones related to the land application of sewage sludge should encourage revision of existing standards, regulations, and policies for the management and beneficial use of sewage sludge in Oman.

Climate change in Oman: Current knowledge and way forward

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give professionals, researchers and policy makers in Oman and the region understanding of the climate change implications for better planning. The likely impacts will cause serious damage to the economy of Oman which already suffers from aridity, soil salinity, recurrent drought and water scarcity. This paper highlights the work being carried out and current knowledge and efforts being made in view of climate change challenges in Oman.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review of texts and references sourced from scientific reports, research papers and other published documents by various national and international agencies.Findings – Sultanate of Oman is vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change, the most significant of which are increased average temperatures, less and more erratic precipitation, sea level rise (SLR) and desertification. Integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation in development strategies and po...

Citizen perception on environmental responsibility of the corporate sector in rural areas

A study was undertaken in order to understand people perceptions on environmental responsibility of the corporate sector in the Al-Wusta region of Oman. Since the year 2011, this region has become very important area for corporate sector because of the establishment of Special Economic Zone in Duqm, currently housed with activities related to port, ship repair and dry dock, fisheries, petrochemicals, hotels and resorts. The survey was conducted in the year 2014 covering four Wilayats of the governorate. The information was collected through questionnaire survey with a sample size of 1150 households in the region and their concerns about local conservation and management practices related environment by the corporate sector. Survey results indicated that citizens are aware about the possible impacts of projects implemented by various companies and that companies need to have greater concern toward management and monitoring of local resources such as biodiversity, fisheries, livestock, quality of air and noise including organizational setup, regular monitoring and comply with national environmental regulations within companies to address environmental problems. This study suggest that corporate sector in the region needs to be more organized, responsible toward developing healthy relationships among community through awareness and capacity-building activities for achieving the goals of environmental sustainability.

Perception, knowledge and attitude towards environmental issues and management among residents of Al-Suwaiq Wilayat, Sultanate of Oman

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine residents’ perception, knowledge and attitude towards environmental issues and management in the Al-Suwaiq Wilayat (administrative zone) of Al-Batinah North, Sultanate of Oman. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used with questions on issues related to environment and surveyed across 109 households in the Wilayat following a random sampling method in early 2015. The results show that education, health-related infrastructure and unemployment are ranked as most important issues for government attention today and in coming 10 years besides their concern for the environment. Resident’s perceptions on most important environmental issues were concerned about solid-waste pollution, degradation of coastal areas, saltwater intrusion and land degradation. The sources for environmental information, government agencies, local media and schools were regarded as most reliable. Top environmental priorities were suggested to deal with enforcement of regulations, provide effective environmental awareness and education programs. Further, it is suggested that additional studies should be conducted such as ‘State of Environment Reporting’, thereby such reporting, for instance would provide some form of verification of reported behaviour and improved knowledge.

Effects of Pollution on Freshwater Organisms.

This review includes works published in the general scientific literature during 2014 on the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on freshwater organisms. It begins with two broad sections: research reviews and broad field studies and surveys. This is followed by reviews of research categorized in sections to reflect the pollutant class. These sections include wastewater, stormwater and non-point source pollution, nutrients, sediment cap materials and suspended clays, botanical extracts, surfactants, metals, persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ionic liquids, and nanomaterials. The final section includes works describing innovations in the field of freshwater pollution research.

An Overview: Desalination, Environmental and Marine Outfall Systems

Desalination is the method of removing salts from brackish or sea water in order to produce fresh water. Desalting is a natural and continual process which is an essential part of the water cycle. After rainfall, rain water carries dissolved minerals and other materials along the way to the sea, which makes the water increasingly salty. Through the sun’s energy, the evaporation of water leaves the salts behind and the resulting water vapor forms clouds that produce rain thus continuing the water cycle.

Assessment of land degradation through people's perception and knowledge toward management in Oman

ABSTRACT The focus of this study was to determine peoples perception and knowledge toward land degradation and management in the Al-Suwaiq Wilayat of Al-Batinah North, Sultanate of Oman. This area has been under pressure and competed for by several uses. Structured questionnaire survey with questions related to land degradation and management were used for the assessment in the beginning of the year 2016. In total, 238 households were surveyed in the Wilayat following a random sampling method. The results indicate that residents were aware of the on-going land degradation due to salinization, construction, and public work activities in the area. Residents perceive land degradation mainly by reduced yields and the most important perceived indicator is loss of soil nutrients that reduced crop yield, reduction in family income followed by increased cost for management. The study findings highlight that sustainable use and management of land resources is required in creating awareness programs to educate residents and successful policies toward improving land degradation in the area. In addition, this study shows that appropriate enabling policies and institutional arrangements are also required. Such measures should combine proven indigenous practices as well as knowledge into technical approaches toward ensuring local participation in decision-making.