nan Faridullah

Environment and air pollution: health services bequeath to grotesque menace

The objective of the study is to establish the link between air pollution, fossil fuel energy consumption, industrialization, alternative and nuclear energy, combustible renewable and wastes, urbanization, and resulting impact on health services in Malaysia. The study employed two-stage least square regression technique on the time series data from 1975 to 2012 to possibly minimize the problem of endogeniety in the health services model. The results in general show that air pollution and environmental indicators act as a strong contributor to influence Malaysian health services. Urbanization and nuclear energy consumption both significantly increases the life expectancy in Malaysia, while fertility rate decreases along with the increasing urbanization in a country. Fossil fuel energy consumption and industrialization both have an indirect relationship with the infant mortality rate, whereas, carbon dioxide emissions have a direct relationship with the sanitation facility in a country. The results conclude that balancing the air pollution, environment, and health services needs strong policy vistas on the end of the government officials.

Environmental quality indicators and financial development in Malaysia: unity in diversity

Environmental quality indicators are crucial for responsive and cost-effective policies. The objective of the study is to examine the relationship between environmental quality indicators and financial development in Malaysia. For this purpose, the number of environmental quality indicators has been used, i.e., air pollution measured by carbon dioxide emissions, population density per square kilometer of land area, agricultural production measured by cereal production and livestock production, and energy resources considered by energy use and fossil fuel energy consumption, which placed an impact on the financial development of the country. The study used four main financial indicators, i.e., broad money supply (M2), domestic credit provided by the financial sector (DCFS), domestic credit to the private sector (DCPC), and inflation (CPI), which each financial indicator separately estimated with the environmental quality indicators, over a period of 1975–2013. The study used the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique to minimize the simultaneity from the model. The results show that carbon dioxide emissions exert the positive correlation with the M2, DCFC, and DCPC, while there is a negative correlation with the CPI. However, these results have been evaporated from the GMM estimates, where carbon emissions have no significant relationship with any of the four financial indicators in Malaysia. The GMM results show that population density has a negative relationship with the all four financial indicators; however, in case of M2, this relationship is insignificant to explain their result. Cereal production has a positive relationship with the DCPC, while there is a negative relationship with the CPI. Livestock production exerts the positive relationship with the all four financial indicators; however, this relationship with the CPI has a more elastic relationship, while the remaining relationship is less elastic with the three financial indicators in a country. Energy resources comprise energy use and fossil fuel energy consumption, both have distinct results with the financial indicators, as energy demand have a positive and significant relationship with the DCFC, DCPC, and CPI, while fossil fuel energy consumption have a negative relationship with these three financial indicators. The results of the study are of value to both environmentalists and policy makers.

Characterization of trace elements in chicken and duck litter ash

For safe and sustainable management of poultry litter, it is important to evaluate and understand the chemical forms and concentrations of their constituent trace elements during treatment for disposal. This experiment was carried out to compare changes in metal (Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb and Ni) fractions in chicken and duck litter after incineration at temperatures ranging from 200 to 900 degrees C. The metals were stepwise fractionated into exchangeable, adsorbed, organically bound, carbonate precipitated and residual forms by extracting with 0.5M KNO3, de-ionized water, 0.5M NaOH, 0.05M Na2 EDTA and 4M HNO3, respectively. The content of total metal and other elements (i.e., Ca, Mg and K) were was also determined. Results showed an increasing trend in the total concentrations of metals with increasing temperature with higher amounts in chicken litter ash (CLA) than duck litter ash (DLA). Higher temperatures significantly reduced the levels of H2O-soluble Mn, Zn and Ni and enhanced those of Cu and Pb. The metal fractions extracted by EDTA and HNO3 increased directly with increasing temperature while the fraction extracted with KNO3 and NaOH decreased with ashing. For Cu, Mn, Pb and Ni, the amount extracted varied in the order EDTA>HNO3>NaOH>KNO3>H2O, but the absolute amounts differed between CLA and DLA. Peak concentrations of the total metals were achieved at the highest burning temperature. The amount of H2O soluble Ca and Mg decreased and K increased in both CLA and DLA with temperature. Total and exchangeable forms of cations increased with increasing temperature. Total Ca was highest in DLA, whereas total Mg and K were higher in CLA. This study indicated that incinerating poultry litter before soil application may have mixed effects on the vulnerable metal fractions by increasing or decreasing some fractions, depending on poultry type.

Recycling of Chicken and Duck Litter Ash as a Nutrient Source for Japanese Mustard Spinach

ABSTRACT Recycling combusted poultry litter ash as a soil amendment would potentially ameliorate problems normally associated with poultry waste management. We evaluated the effect of chicken litter ash (CLA) and duck litter ash (DLA) as nutrient sources for Japanese mustard spinach (Brassica rapa L. var. perviridis) grown on a sand dune soil. Chicken and duck litter were ashed at five temperatures: 200, 400, 600, 800, and 900°C and the resulting ash samples were applied at the rate of 100 kg phosphorus (P) ha−1. Laboratory analysis showed the highest P extraction with citric acid from CLA and DLA obtained at 600°C. Chicken litter ash was richer in P and potassium (K) than DLA but the later contained more calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). The amount of ammonium acetate soluble calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and K recovered increased with increasing temperature except for Ca and Mg at the highest temperatures, 800 and 900°C. Plants grown in pots with the CLA and DLA obtained at 400°C had the highest P concentration, yielding significantly more biomass with dense green leaf color but on average, the DLA amended soil had greater biomass. However, the P level was higher in CLA treated plants than DLA due to the higher available P level (citric acid soluble). Increases in electrical conductivity and pH of the soil were noted after harvest due to litter ash application. Our experiment demonstrated that poultry litter is potential source of P and other nutrients for horticutural crops.

Investigation of Heavy Metals using Various Extraction Methods in Livestock Manures

The use of animal waste for a soil amendment is a viable option for waste management. For safe and sustainable management of waste, it is important to assess the concentrations of heavy metals (HM). An experiment was conducted to compare metals [copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn)] in cow manure (CM), duck litter (DL), poultry litter (PL), and poultry litter ash (PLA) using eight extraction solutions. Extractability of HM was highly dependent upon the type of waste as well as extracting agent. Manures differed for the release of HM in the order of PL > DL > CM. Marked decreases in extractable trace elements were observed after ashing of PL irrespective of extraction method. Except for water, extractions released HM in the order of Mn > Cu > Zn. For Zn and Mn, the amount extracted varied in the order 1 M nitric acid (HNO3) > 0.1 M HNO3 > 0.01 M HNO3 ≈ ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) > ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) > calcium chloride (CaCl2) > ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) > H2O in PL and PLA. Peak concentration of Cu was achieved in 1 M HNO3 solution and the lowest Cu was found in NH4OAc solution. On the basis of these results, the low extractability of HM in ash could suggest that the use of burned PL would be less of a water-pollution problem in the fields.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) response to combined organic and inorganic phosphorus fertilizers application under saline conditions

Abstract Phytoavailability of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) reduces within a few hours of application while continuous application of organic phosphorus (Po) has gained the attention of environmentalists. Therefore, continuous application of either Pi or Po would not be a desirable approach. In addition, the ameliorative effect of phosphorus (P) on plant growth under a saline environment has broadened the scope of this hazard. However, our knowledge about P release from amended soils and plant uptake under Cl or SO4 salt saturated soils is very limited. Therefore, the current study was designed with two objectives: 1) to evaluate the effect of Cl and SO4 salts on inorganic P release/uptake; 2) to evaluate wheat response to a new combined application of Po + Pi sources under a saline environment. In a greenhouse study, soil was salinized by adding NaCl and Na2SO4 salts and P was amended at the rate of 100 kg ha−1 in the form of composted livestock manure (Po), KH2PO4 (Pi) and Po (50 kg ha−1) + Pi (50 kg ha−1) (Pc) along with a control. Irrespective of salt types, application of P sources enhanced plant growth and P uptake compared to the control. Combined P sources (Pc) gave higher shoot and root dry matter than P source applied alone. Chloride salt suppressed shoot and root dry matter more severely than SO4 salt. Phosphorus uptake and recovery (%) increased in pots amended with Pc. Chloride salt was also more toxic for plant P uptake and recovery than SO4 salt. In the laboratory experiment, soils were amended with the same P sources. After first extraction with NaCl and Na2SO4, biologically available P (extracted with NaHCO3), Fe- and Al- bound P (extracted with NaOH) and stable Ca-bound P (extracted with HCl) fractions were measured. It was observed that SO4 salt released higher amounts of labile P fractions (salt and NaHCO3 extracted P) than Cl. This study clearly showed that Cl is more toxic for plant growth and P uptake, while SO4 has higher P desorption capacity. It is suggested that Pc would not only best meet wheat P requirements under saline conditions, but will also help to reduce the load of waste application on agricultural soils.

A comparative study of synthetic and natural coagulants for silver nanoparticles removal from wastewater

AbstractUse of silver nanoparticles is increasing in different packaging material as disinfectant to protect food and pharmaceutical products. Its use has raised the contamination risk of fresh water and human exposure can cause serious problems. The coagulation/flocculation process can be an attractive option for silver nanoparticles removal at small-scale treatment just after its use. Four coagulants, aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, Ocimum basilicum, and Hibiscus esculentus (synthetic and natural) were applied. For coagulation/flocculation activity, a series of jar test experiments were conducted to treat silver nanoparticles at concentration of 1xa0mgxa0L−1 from wastewater. H. esculentus efficiently removed silver nanoparticles (98.7%) from aqueous solution at a dose of 150xa0mgxa0L−1, whereas at same coagulant dose, ferric chloride, O. basilicum, and aluminum sulfate successfully removed silver nanoparticles at 96, 69, and 50%, respectively. No broad change in pH was observed and it remained between 6.5 an...

Effect of Chloride and Sulfate Salinity on Micronutrients Release and Uptake from Different Composts Applied on Total Phosphorus Basis

Generation of different biowastes is increasing day by day, and ultimate load on agricultural lands has increased. Concerns over increased phosphorus (P) application with nitrogen (N)–based compost application shifted the trend to P‐based applications. But focus on only one or two nutritional elements will not serve the goals of sustainable agriculture. Full insight into nutrient availability from different composts is necessary. The need to understand the nutrient release and uptake from different composts has increased because of the use of saline irrigation water in the recent scenario of fresh water shortage. Therefore, current greenhouse studies were designed to evaluate the bioavailability and leachability of some micronutrients [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn)] from different biocomposts under chloride (Cl−) and sulfate (SO4 −2) saline environment. In the first pot experiment, soil was amended with livestock compost (AC), poultry compost (PC), and composted sludge (SC) at the rate of 200 kg P ha−1 equivalent bases. Pots were irrigated with artificial saline water of sodium chloride (NaCl) or sodium sulfate (Na2SO4; 60 mmolc L−1), and leachates were collected for Ca and Mg analysis. As composts were applied on total P bases, which left varying amounts of nutrients in each treatment, it was observed that nutrient uptake and release differed greatly regardless of the total amount applied with each compost type. Amount of Ca applied with PC (3.9 g pot−1) was greater, but Ca concentration in leachate was greater under AC‐amended treatments. Magnesium concentration also varied greatly under compost types. Among the saline irrigation, Ca and Mg concentration in leachate increased under both saline irrigations compared to nonsaline treatment, and SO4 −2 had relatively greater ionic strength to replace cations than Cl−. Calcium, Mg, and Zn uptake by maize stem and leaves were greater from SC‐amended pots followed by PC, SC, and control. Irrespective of the salt types, Ca and Mg uptake reduced under both saline irrigations, whereas Zn uptake increased as compared to nonsaline treatment. Among the salt types, it was observed that plant growth and nutrient uptake was more influenced by Cl− than SO4 −2 saline irrigation. In the second experiment, soil was saturated with NaCl and NaSO4 (75 mmolc L−1) and amended with AC. The trend of nutrient uptake under both salt types was similar to first experiment, and the results of AC amendments have been discussed. It can be inferred from the results that regardless of the total amount applied, nutrient uptake greatly varies under different composts and their availability depends upon the source rather than total amount applied. Analogously, sulfate‐dominated irrigation water can increase the leaching of Ca and Mg from root zone more than chloride.

Chemical properties of soil and runoff water under different land uses in Abbottabad, Pakistan

This study examined properties of soil and runoff water under different land uses: forestry, pasture, cropping and fallow. The moisture level was found higher in the forest soil, while fallow and pasture soils showed a similar level of moisture. In top soil, the water holding capacity of pasture and forest soils was higher than other soils, especially that under cropping; the sub-soil held more water (12.1xa0%) than the top soil (10.3xa0%). The lower moisture level in cultivated or fallow lands could be attributed to the lower soil organic matter. Carbon concentration in the soils varied in the order forestxa0>xa0pasturexa0>xa0fallowxa0>xa0crop land. Across land uses, the concentrations of cations differed in the order: Caxa0>xa0Mgxa0>xa0Naxa0>xa0K. Relatively higher concentrations of nutrients and lower pH were obtained in the top soil and sub-soil of the forest land. Forest and pasture catchments showed lower Na in soil. Regression analysis showed higher correlation between soil carbon and soil moisture, water holding capacity and nutrients. The nutrients concentrations were higher in forest soil and lowest in the soils of fallow and agricultural lands. The cations in the runoff water varied in the order Caxa0>xa0Mgxa0>xa0Naxa0>xa0K, being highly consistent with that in the soil in each land use. Calcium concentrations in the runoff varied in the order forestxa0>xa0pasturexa0>xa0cropxa0>xa0fallow. Magnesium concentration was higher in forest runoff than other land uses, whereas higher K concentration was in pasture runoff. Higher total solids in the runoff of fallow land indicate soil erosion. The study highlights the value of plantation as a measure for land management.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) response to different planting methods and row geometries. I. Effect on plant growth and yield

Abstract The 50-year-old ridge planting method of sugar beet was compared with new bed and flat planting methods under different row geometries. Sugar beet varieties Kawe Terma and KWS 1451 were tested on three planting methods, namely, ridge, bed and flat plantings in nine row geometries. Planting methods significantly affected the days to emergence, petiole length, leaf weight, number of beets harvested, specific leaf area, top to root ratio, top yield and root yield of crop. Emergence was better in almost all planting methods except on flat and three rows on bed. Petiole length and specific leaf area (SLA) of beets increased on ridges 60 cm apart. It was observed that SLA increased in planting methods where plant-to-plant distance decreased. Maximum leaf weight and number of beets at harvest was recorded on ridges 50 cm and two rows on bed. The top to root ratio was higher in beets planted on flat row geometries. Better growth and maximum number of beets at harvest resulted into maximum top yield and root yield in ridges 50 cm apart and two rows on bed. Growth of Kawe Terma performed better than KWS 1451 variety and produced higher beet yield.